Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises an inner container and a storage rack installed on the inner side of the inner container. The inner side of the storage rack is provided with a wrapping piece and an electric element such as a lamp strip. The lamp strip forms a surrounding lighting layout through the wrapping piece, uniform light coverage is provided, and the problem that traditional top lighting is shielded by objects is solved. The lamp strip is arranged on the outer side of the storage rack, so that lamplight illuminates from front to back, a light source is softer and cannot directly irradiate eyes of a user, stimulation of the light source to the eyes is reduced, the eyes of the user do not feel uncomfortable when the user opens a refrigerator door, and more comfortable use experience is provided. The surface of the metal power supply sheet is provided with the groove which is recessed towards the interior of the inner container, the groove can provide an accurate positioning point for the storage rack, it is ensured that the storage plate is stable in fixing position in the inner container and not prone to moving or inclining, and the stability of the storage plate is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more specifically to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With social development and improved living standards, refrigerators have become indispensable household appliances. While traditional refrigerators can meet basic preservation and storage needs, there is still significant room for improvement in functionality and user experience. The internal lighting of traditional refrigerators is usually installed on the top or side, a design that is easily obstructed by items on the shelves, resulting in uneven light distribution and affecting the convenience of viewing and retrieving food. When it is necessary to install light strips on the shelves, the electrical connection method of traditional refrigerators is relatively simple, and the power supply components lack stability and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] The present invention provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner and a shelf installed inside the inner liner. The shelf includes a shelf panel and a covering component disposed outside the shelf panel. An electrical component is disposed inside the covering component, and the electrical component includes at least a light strip.

[0005] The side of the covering is provided with an elastic conductive structural component, and the electrical component is connected with a conductive connector.

[0006] The refrigerator also includes a power supply unit disposed inside the inner liner. The power supply unit is connected to a power source. After the elastic conductive structural member is compressed and abuts against the conductive member, it forms an electrical contact with the conductive connector and electrically connects the conductive member and the electrical component.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the elastic conductive structure includes a conductive contact portion and an elastic device connected to the conductive contact portion, wherein the elastic device controls the extension and retraction displacement of the conductive contact portion.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the power supply unit includes a metal power supply sheet, the metal power supply sheet is made of a first metal material, and the conductive contact portion is made of a second metal material different from the metal material.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, a groove is formed on the surface of the metal power supply sheet that is recessed into the inner liner, and the elastic conductive structural member extends to the outside of the covering member and abuts against the groove of the metal power supply sheet.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the covering includes a main covering and a side covering. The side covering is spliced ​​to the side of the main covering. The elastic conductive structure is disposed within the side covering. The electrical component is disposed within the main covering and extends into the side covering, and is connected to the elastic conductive structure.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the elastic device includes a main body, a first end of which is provided with the conductive contact portion, and a second end of which is provided with a spring, the spring abutting against the inner wall of the side covering and the main body respectively.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second end of the main body is provided with a guide post extending along the telescoping direction of the elastic conductive structure, and the spring is sleeved on the guide post.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the power component is a long strip light, and within the side covering, the surface of the light strip is vertically provided with an elastic conductive connector, which abuts against the elastic conductive structure.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, side coverings are respectively provided on both sides of the main covering, the light strip is distributed along the main covering and extends into the side coverings respectively, positive and negative elastic conductive structural components are respectively provided in the side coverings on both sides, and corresponding positive and negative power supply parts are respectively provided in the inner liner on both sides.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the side cover has an opening area on its surface, and a shelf assembly / disassembly component is provided in the opening area. The shelf assembly / disassembly component forms an inclined contact with the surface of the main body. When the shelf assembly / disassembly component moves toward the main body, it drives the main body to move inward and compresses the spring.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner and a shelf installed inside the inner liner. The inner side of the shelf is provided with a covering and electrical components such as a light strip. The light strip forms a surrounding lighting layout through the covering, providing uniform light coverage and avoiding the problem of traditional top lighting being blocked by items. Positioning the light strip on the outside of the shelf allows the light to illuminate from front to back, resulting in a softer light source that does not directly shine into the user's eyes, reducing eye strain and providing a more comfortable user experience when opening the refrigerator door.

[0017] The surface of the metal power supply plate has a groove that is recessed into the inner liner. The groove provides an accurate positioning point for the shelf, ensuring that the shelf is fixed in a stable position inside the inner liner and is not easy to move or tilt, thus ensuring the stability of the shelf.

[0018] The cover has elastic conductive components on its sides. These components use their elasticity to press the electrical components firmly against the conductive structure, ensuring stable electrical contact and adapting to different installation environments and usage conditions. When the user removes the shelf, the elastic conductive components will push it outwards, ensuring the shelf remains safe after removal. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator liner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a shelf according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the covering component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a front view of the covering component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged cross-sectional view at point AA.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an elastic conductive structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the main covering component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a side covering component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a magnified cross-sectional view from another angle.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical component according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner 1 and a shelf 2 installed inside the inner liner 1.

[0032] The inner liner 1 constitutes the storage space inside the refrigerator, including the bottom, side walls, and top cover. Together with the refrigerator door, it forms a sealed cavity, ensuring that cold air is evenly distributed throughout the interior space, providing a stable, low-temperature storage environment. The inner liner 1 can be made of materials such as high-density plastic or stainless steel. Insulation material, such as polyurethane foam, is also filled between the inner liner 1 and the refrigerator outer shell, serving a thermal insulation function.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage rack 2 is the main component inside the refrigerator used for storing food, and it includes a shelf 21 made of glass, metal, or high-strength plastic. The storage rack 2 can be fixed to the inner wall of the refrigerator 1 via slots or brackets, providing stable storage space. The storage rack 2 can also be configured as an adjustable structure, moving up and down as needed to flexibly adjust the height of the storage space to accommodate food of different sizes. The storage rack 2 rationally divides and utilizes the internal space of the refrigerator, allowing food to be stored in categories, avoiding accumulation and clutter, and improving the neatness and convenience of storage.

[0034] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the shelf 2 includes a shelf 21 and a cover 22 disposed on the outside of the shelf 21. An electrical component 3 is disposed inside the cover 22. An elastic conductive structural member 4 is disposed on the side of the cover 22, and the electrical component 3 is connected to a conductive connector 31. The refrigerator also includes a power supply unit 5 disposed inside the inner liner 1. The power supply unit 5 is connected to a power source. After the elastic conductive structural member 4 is compressed and abuts against the conductive part, it forms an electrical contact with the conductive connector 31, electrically connecting the conductive part and the electrical component 3.

[0035] It should be noted that the outer side of the shelf 21 mentioned here refers to the edge side of the shelf 21 facing the refrigerator door, while the inner side of the shelf 21 refers to the edge side facing the inner wall of the refrigerator liner 1 relative to its outer side.

[0036] The power supply unit 5 is connected to the refrigerator's main power system via a wire, providing a stable power input to the electrical components 3. The power supply unit 5 is typically installed inside the inner liner 1, through pre-drilled mounting holes. Under compression, the elastic conductive structure 4 utilizes an elastic device 42 to provide a reverse elastic force, ensuring the conductive contact 41 is stably and tightly fitted onto the metal power supply piece 51 of the power supply unit 5, forming a reliable electrical contact. The design of the elastic conductive structure 4 allows it to adapt to different installation environments and usage conditions, ensuring good electrical contact under various circumstances.

[0037] Because the storage space inside the refrigerator needs to be adjusted, the shelf 21 is often disassembled and reassembled. When the user finishes disassembling the shelf 2, the elastic conductive structure 4 will push it outward, so that the elastic conductive structure 4 is away from the conductive connector 31 of the electrical component 3, disconnecting the connection between the two and ensuring the safe state of the shelf 2 after disassembly.

[0038] In this embodiment, the electrical component 3 is a light strip, which can be a flexible LED light strip. It is bendable, adjustable in length, and easy to install. The light strip provides uniform lighting and creates surround lighting, reducing blind spots. The length and shape of the light strip can be adjusted according to the size and shape of the shelf 2. Besides basic lighting, the light strip can also serve as part of ambient lighting, creating different light and shadow effects and enhancing the aesthetics of the refrigerator's interior. For example, when using the refrigerator at night, soft lighting can create a warm atmosphere.

[0039] The light strip is positioned on the outside of shelf 2, illuminating from front to back. Compared to rear lighting, front lighting provides a softer light source that does not directly shine into the user's eyes, reducing eye strain and making it less likely for the user to experience discomfort when opening the refrigerator door, thus providing a more comfortable user experience.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the elastic conductive structure 4 includes a conductive contact portion 41 and an elastic device 42 connected to the conductive contact portion 41. The elastic device 42 controls the extension and retraction displacement of the conductive contact portion 41. The power supply portion 5 includes a metal power supply sheet 51, which is made of a first metal material. The conductive contact portion 41 is made of a second metal material different from the first metal material.

[0041] The metal materials can be copper, aluminum, silver-plated copper, stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, etc. Specifically, in this embodiment, the metal power supply piece 51 is made of stainless steel, and the conductive contact part 41 is made of copper. The stainless steel metal power supply piece 51 provides a stable and durable power transmission path, has good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, and can withstand the complex environment inside the refrigerator (such as humidity and temperature changes), ensuring stable operation over a long period. The copper conductive contact part 41 provides excellent conductivity, ensuring efficient power transmission to the electrical component 3, and has higher conductivity and oxidation resistance, ensuring that poor contact is less likely to occur during use.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the thermoelectric effect, when two different conductive materials form a closed circuit and the two contact points are at different temperatures, an electromotive force (potential difference) is generated in the circuit. The magnitude of this electromotive force is proportional to the temperature difference. In this embodiment, the conductive contact 41 and the metal power supply piece 51 are made of two different metal materials. As the temperature changes in the refrigerator, the two different metals generate a potential difference at the contact point. This potential difference is transmitted to the controller and the digital conversion circuit that processes the sensor signal through the wire circuit. After receiving the potential difference signal, the controller calculates the actual temperature inside the refrigerator using a pre-set temperature-potential difference relationship curve. Thus, the temperature difference between different areas inside the refrigerator can be calculated by measuring the electromotive force, thereby achieving temperature detection. This temperature regulation function is equivalent to the function of a temperature sensor, realizing temperature monitoring and automatic adjustment through the thermoelectric effect, ensuring a suitable temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0043] The surface of the metal power supply sheet 51 has a groove recessed into the inner liner 1, and the elastic conductive structure 4 extends to the outside of the covering 22 and abuts against the groove of the metal power supply sheet 51.

[0044] The groove is a recessed portion formed by the surface of the metal power supply plate 51 inwards into the inner liner 1, presenting a concave groove-like structure. The shape and size of the groove are designed according to the design of the shelf 2 and the elastic conductive structure 4 to ensure effective fixation and conductivity. The groove provides a precise positioning point for the shelf 2. When the shelf 2 is installed in place, the conductive contact part 41 of the elastic conductive structure 4 inserts into the groove, ensuring that the shelf 21 is stably fixed in the inner liner 1 and is not easily moved or tilted. The groove design effectively prevents the shelf 21 from shifting left or right or back and forth during use, ensuring the stability of the shelf 21. The groove can guide the conductive contact part 41 of the elastic conductive structure 4 to be accurately inserted into the predetermined position, simplifying the installation process and improving the convenience and accuracy of installation.

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, the covering 22 includes a main covering 221 and a side covering 222. The side covering 222 is spliced ​​to the side of the main covering 221. The elastic conductive structure 4 is disposed within the side covering 222. The electrical component 3 is disposed within the main covering 221 and extends into the side covering 222, connecting with the elastic conductive structure 4. The side of the side covering 222 has a through hole for the elastic conductive structure 4 to extend and retract.

[0046] The main enclosure 221 can be made of high-strength plastic or metal, possessing good mechanical strength and durability, while ensuring that the internal electrical components 3 are unaffected by the external environment. The side enclosures 222 mate with the sides of the main enclosure 221. The dimensions and shape of the side enclosures 222 are designed according to the structure of the main enclosure 221 to ensure a tight fit between the two.

[0047] The main covering 221 and the side covering 222 are connected by a sealed splicing, which can be achieved by means of snap-fit, embedding or adhesive to ensure a tight fit and sealing between the two.

[0048] In this embodiment, before installation, the plastic side panel 222 and main panel 221 can be partially melted using a melting process, and then the side panel 222 can be installed and fixed to ensure that the two can be tightly bonded through the melting process. Through the melting process, the rear trim strip and decorative cover can be tightly bonded in the molten state to form a seamless integral structure, effectively preventing the penetration of moisture and humidity.

[0049] Sealing strips or sealant can also be used at the joints to prevent dust, moisture and other impurities from entering the interior of the cover 22, protecting the internal electrical components 3 and conductive structural components.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, the elastic device 42 includes a main body 421. The first end of the main body 421 is provided with the conductive contact portion 41, and the second end of the main body 421 opposite to the first end is provided with a spring. The spring abuts against the inner wall of the side covering 222 and the main body 421 respectively.

[0051] The second end of the main body 421 is provided with a guide post 422 extending along the telescopic direction of the elastic conductive structural member 4, and the spring is sleeved on the guide post 422.

[0052] The second end of the main body 421 is provided with a guide post 422 extending along the telescopic direction of the elastic conductive structural member 4. The guide post 422 can be cylindrical or square. The spring is sleeved on the guide post 422, providing a fixed support path for the spring movement and ensuring that the spring does not deviate from the direction during the telescopic process.

[0053] like Figure 10 As shown, the electrical component 3 is a long strip light. Inside the side covering 222, an elastic conductive connector 31 is vertically arranged on the surface of the light strip. The conductive connector 31 abuts against the elastic conductive structure 4. The conductive connector 31 is vertically arranged on the surface of the light strip and is also an elastic structure, capable of appropriate deformation under force to ensure stable electrical contact.

[0054] When the user installs the shelf 2 into the refrigerator liner 1, the conductive contact 41 of the elastic conductive structure 4 on the shelf 2 automatically aligns and inserts into the groove on the metal power supply piece 51. The elastic conductive element is compressed and moves inward, connecting with the conductive connector 31 to form an electrical connection.

[0055] The main covering 221 is provided with side coverings 222 on both sides. The light strip is distributed along the main covering 221 and extends into the side coverings 222 respectively. Positive and negative elastic conductive structures 4 are provided in the side coverings 222 on both sides respectively. Corresponding positive and negative power supply parts 5 are provided in the inner liner on both sides respectively.

[0056] The side cover 222 has an opening area on its surface, and a shelf assembly / disassembly part 6 is provided in the opening area. The shelf assembly / disassembly part 6 forms an inclined contact with the surface of the main body 421. When the shelf assembly / disassembly part 6 moves toward the main body 421, it drives the main body 421 to move inward and compresses the spring.

[0057] The side cover 222 has an opening on its surface, providing an operating channel for the shelf assembly / disassembly component 6. The contact surface between the shelf assembly / disassembly component 6 and the main body 421 is inclined. Under the action of this inclined contact, when the shelf 21 is placed inside the refrigerator, the main body 421 pushes the shelf assembly / disassembly component 6 outward due to the spring force. When the user actively presses the disassembly / disassembly button, the force transmitted through the inclined surface pushes the shelf assembly / disassembly component 6 inward, causing the main body 421 to overcome the spring force and move inward. At this time, the conductive contact 41 gradually disengages from the groove of the metal power supply piece 51, disconnecting the electrical connection, and the shelf 21 can be removed from inside the refrigerator.

[0058] In summary, this embodiment provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner 1 and a shelf 2 installed inside the inner liner 1. The shelf 2 has a covering 22 and an electrical component 3, such as a light strip, on its inner side. The light strip forms a surround lighting layout through the covering 22, providing uniform light coverage and avoiding the problem of traditional top lighting being blocked by items. Positioning the light strip on the outside of the shelf 2 allows the light to illuminate from front to back, resulting in a softer light source that does not directly shine into the user's eyes, reducing eye strain and providing a more comfortable user experience when opening the refrigerator door.

[0059] The surface of the metal power supply plate 51 has a groove that is recessed into the inner liner 1. The groove can provide an accurate positioning point for the shelf 2, ensuring that the shelf 21 is fixed in a stable position in the inner liner 1 and is not easy to move or tilt, thus ensuring the stability of the shelf 21.

[0060] The cover 22 has an elastic conductive structure 4 on its side. The elastic conductive structure 4 presses the electrical component 3 against the conductive structure through its elasticity, ensuring stable electrical contact and adapting to different installation environments and usage conditions. When the user disassembles the shelf 2, the elasticity of the conductive structure 4 will push it outward, ensuring the shelf 2 is in a safe state after disassembly.

[0061] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0062] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementations or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising a liner and a shelf mounted on the inner side of the liner, characterized in that, the shelf comprises a shelf plate and a cladding member arranged on the outer side of the shelf plate, and an electric element is arranged in the cladding member, wherein the electric element at least comprises a light strip; an elastic conductive structure member is arranged on the side of the cladding member, and the electric element is connected with a conductive connecting member; the refrigerator further comprises a power supply part arranged in the liner, wherein the power supply part is connected with a power source, the elastic conductive structure member is in abutment with the conductive part in a compressed state, and the conductive connecting member forms electrical contact with the conductive part, thereby electrically connecting the conductive part and the electric element.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the elastic conductive structure member comprises a conductive contact part and an elastic device connected with the conductive contact part, and the elastic device controls the extension and contraction displacement of the conductive contact part.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, the power supply part comprises a metal power supply sheet, the metal power supply sheet is made of a first metal material, and the conductive contact part is made of a second metal material different from the metal material.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, a groove recessed towards the inside of the liner is formed on the surface of the metal power supply sheet, and the elastic conductive structure member extends to the outside of the cladding member and is in abutment with the groove of the metal power supply sheet.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the cladding member comprises a main cladding member and a side cladding member, the side cladding member is spliced on the side of the main cladding member, the elastic conductive structure member is arranged in the side cladding member, the electric element is arranged in the main cladding member and extends into the side cladding member and is in contact with the elastic conductive structure member.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, the elastic device comprises a main body, the first end of the main body is provided with the conductive contact part, and the second end of the main body opposite to the first end is provided with a spring, and the spring is in abutment with the inner wall of the side cladding member and the main body.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that the second end of the main body is provided with a guide column extending along the extension and contraction direction of the elastic conductive structure member, and the spring is sleeved on the guide column.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, the electric element is a long strip-shaped light strip, and an elastic conductive connecting member is vertically arranged on the surface of the light strip in the side cladding member, and the conductive connecting member is in abutment with the elastic conductive structure member.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, the main cladding member is provided with a side cladding member on each side, the light strip is distributed along the main cladding member and extends into the side cladding member, the positive and negative elastic conductive structure members are arranged in the side cladding members on both sides, and corresponding positive and negative power supply parts are arranged in the liners on both sides.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, an opening area is arranged on the surface of the side cladding member, a shelf dismounting member is arranged in the opening area, the surface of the main body forms an inclined surface in contact with the shelf dismounting member, and when the shelf dismounting member moves towards the main body, the main body is driven to move inwardly and the spring is compressed.

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