Refrigerators and zone modules for refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The present invention discloses a refrigerator and a dedicated zone module for refrigeration equipment, wherein the refrigerator comprises a box body with a plurality of storage compartments, a door body for opening or closing the box body, the door body is provided with a dedicated zone module on the inner side facing the box body, the dedicated zone module has a storage space for storing articles, wherein the dedicated zone module comprises electrical components and a power module for supplying power to the electrical components. The dedicated zone module is provided with a power module for supplying power to the electrical components, so that the overall structure is simpler and the manufacturing process is simpler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerator and a special zone module for refrigeration equipment. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door that can be operated to open / close the cabinet. In order to expand the storage space, a storage area is usually set on the door of the refrigerator. In order to expand more intelligent functions of the storage area, the storage area is provided with electrical components, and the power supply of the electrical components requires the laying of cables. The door is movable relative to the cabinet, so the laying of cables is relatively complicated, making the manufacturing process more complicated and the cost higher. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a dedicated zone module for refrigeration equipment, wherein the dedicated zone module of the refrigerator is provided with a power module for supplying power to electrical components, so that the overall structure is simpler and the manufacturing process is simpler.

[0004] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objects of the invention, one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, which includes a box body with multiple storage compartments, and a door body for opening or closing the box body, wherein the door body is provided with a special area module on the inner side facing the box body, and the special area module has a storage space for storing items, wherein the special area module includes electrical components and a power supply module for supplying power to the electrical components.

[0005] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator also includes a wireless charging unit, which includes a receiving end arranged on the dedicated area module and a transmitting end arranged on the box body, the transmitting end matches the receiving end and is used to transmit and generate energy, and the receiving end is electrically connected to the power module and can controllably charge the power module.

[0006] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the dedicated zone module has a housing space for housing the receiving end and the power module, and the housing space is isolated from the storage space.

[0007] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the special zone module includes a rear side portion opposite to the special zone door, a left side portion, a right side portion, an upper side portion and a lower side portion extending from the rear side portion toward the special zone door, and the accommodating space and the storage space are located on both sides of the upper side portion.

[0008] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the dedicated zone module further includes a cover plate covering the accommodating space.

[0009] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the special zone module includes a rear side portion opposite to the special zone door, a left side portion, a right side portion, an upper side portion and a lower side portion extending from the rear side portion toward the special zone door, and the accommodating space and the storage space are located on both sides of the lower side portion.

[0010] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator further includes a hinge device, the door body is rotatably connected to the box body through the hinge device, and the transmitting end is arranged on the hinge device.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the hinge device includes a hinge assembly and a hinge box covering the hinge assembly, and the transmitting end is arranged at the hinge box.

[0012] To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes of the invention, a technical solution of the present invention further provides a dedicated zone module for refrigeration equipment, wherein the dedicated zone module has a storage space for storing items, wherein the dedicated zone module includes electrical components and a power supply module for supplying power to the electrical components.

[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the power module is configured as a rechargeable power supply.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that the dedicated zone module of the refrigerator is provided with a power module for powering the electrical components, and no additional cables need to be laid, making the overall structure simpler and the manufacturing process simpler. In addition, the power module is set as a rechargeable power source, avoiding the replacement of the power module and further reducing the use cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the door body and cover plate of the special area are removed;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a medium refrigerator without the U shell;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial exploded schematic diagram of a refrigerator in the middle;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A local enlarged schematic diagram of the middle A;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the special zone module in the refrigerator, with the door of the special zone open at this time;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A partial enlarged schematic diagram of point B in the middle;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the hinge box and transmitter in a refrigerator;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional decomposition of the middle zone module, with the zone door removed;

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central zone module. At this time, the zone door is closed and the transmitter is in the lower accommodation space;

[0024] Fig.10 is a partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator in a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.11 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator in a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Fig.12 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a dedicated zone module of a refrigerator in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig.13 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a dedicated zone module of a refrigerator in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig.14 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a dedicated zone module of a refrigerator in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are descriptive terms for the relative positional relationships of components in the vertical, perpendicular or gravity directions. The vertical direction refers to the up and down direction of the paper plane of the diagram; "inside and outside" usually refer to the inside and outside of a chamber relative to the chamber.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 9As shown, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, preferably, the refrigerator is an intelligent / smart household appliance. The refrigerator includes a cabinet 10 and a door 12 for opening or closing the cabinet 10, and a plurality of storage compartments can be arranged in the cabinet 10 according to specific needs. A refrigerator generally includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, and the freezing chamber is not shown here. A special area module 14 is provided on the inner side of the door 12 facing the cabinet 10, and the special area module 14 has a storage space 16 for storing items. When the door 12 is closed, the special area module 14 is located in the storage compartment, and when the door 12 is opened, the special area module 14 is moved out of the storage compartment as the door 12 is opened.

[0032] Preferably, the dedicated zone module 14 forms a sealed storage space 16, and the temperature and humidity in the dedicated zone module 14 can be independently controlled. Of course, the storage space 16 may not be completely sealed.

[0033] Furthermore, the special zone module 14 also includes a special zone door 18 for opening / closing the storage space 16. When the special zone door 18 is in a closed state, the special zone module 14 constitutes a closed storage space 16. The special zone door 18 is configured to be opened or closed manually. Of course, the special zone door 18 can also be configured to be opened or closed automatically. In addition, the special zone module 14 can also be configured to include a drawer, the drawer constitutes the storage space, and the drawer can be partially moved out to take and put items. Specifically, the drawer is configured to be pulled out by sliding, and can also be configured to be rotated out or moved in.

[0034] Specifically in this embodiment, when placing items into or taking items out of the special zone module 14, the special zone door 18 is opened. When the items are taken out and placed, the special zone door 18 is closed. Preferably, the special zone module 14 is provided with a door lock for locking the special zone door 18 in a closed state, and the door lock can adopt a mechanical locking structure or an electronic locking structure. In this preferred embodiment, the special zone door 18 is rotatably connected, and the rotation axis of the special zone door 18 is substantially vertical.

[0035] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a wireless charging unit, which includes a receiving end 20 provided on the dedicated zone module 14 and a transmitting end 22 provided on the box body 10, the transmitting end 22 matches the receiving end 20 and is used to transmit and generate energy, and the dedicated zone module 14 also includes an electrical component electrically connected to the receiving end 20. The transmitting end 22 is connected to the mains electricity, converts the mains electricity into an electromagnetic wave signal and transmits it outward, and the receiving end 20 receives the electromagnetic wave signal and converts it into electrical energy. The electrical components include a touch display module 24, which is used to display various data and control the entire dedicated zone module 14 to perform other operations.

[0036] The electrical components may be set to one or more than two. For example, the electrical components may include any one or any number of functional components such as a control circuit board, a motor, an air compressor, a semiconductor cooler, and a heating wire. The electrical components may be set at the same position or at different positions. Among them, the semiconductor cooler is used to maintain a certain cooling temperature in the dedicated module 14.

[0037] Furthermore, a temperature sensor for detecting temperature is provided in the dedicated zone module 14, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the touch display module 24, the semiconductor refrigerator and the control circuit board. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the control circuit board analyzes and controls the semiconductor refrigerator accordingly, so that the dedicated zone module 14 is always maintained within the predetermined temperature range.

[0038] A humidity sensor for detecting humidity can also be provided in the dedicated zone module 14. The humidity sensor is electrically connected to the touch display module 24, the heating wire and the control circuit board. Based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor, the control circuit board analyzes and controls the heating wire accordingly, so that the humidity in the dedicated zone module 14 is always maintained within the predetermined required range.

[0039] In this preferred embodiment, a receiving terminal 20 is arranged on the dedicated zone module 14, and a transmitting terminal 22 is arranged on the box 10. The transmitting terminal 22 wirelessly matches with the receiving terminal 20 and supplies power to the receiving terminal 20. Then, the receiving terminal 20 supplies power to the electrical components on the dedicated zone module 14. There is no need to lay additional cables, thereby making the overall structure simpler and the manufacturing process simpler.

[0040] The receiving end 20 is located outside the storage space 16. Of course, the receiving end 20 can also be set in the storage space 16. When specifically set, the distance between the transmitting end 22 and the receiving end 20 is smaller than the wireless transmission distance thereof, so as to ensure effective radio transmission between the transmitting end 22 and the receiving end 20.

[0041] The dedicated zone module 14 has a storage space for accommodating the receiving terminal 20, and the storage space is isolated from the storage space 16. The dedicated zone module 14 also includes a cover plate 28 covering the storage space. In this way, the receiving terminal 20 is sealed in the storage space, so that people will not touch the receiving terminal 20, which is safer. Of course, it is also possible not to set the cover plate 28 or the storage space, and directly set the receiving terminal 20 on the outside of the storage space 16. The cover plate 28 can be detachably connected to the dedicated zone module 14 by fasteners such as screws. At this time, when the storage space is to be opened, the cover plate 28 needs to be completely removed, that is, the cover plate 28 is completely separated from the dedicated zone module 14. Of course, the cover plate 28 can also be arranged to be operably rotatably arranged on the dedicated zone module 14. When the storage space needs to be opened, it is only necessary to rotate the cover plate 28. At this time, the cover plate 28 is not separated from the dedicated zone module 14.

[0042] The dedicated zone module 14 includes a rear side portion 30 opposite to the dedicated zone door 18, a left side portion 32 extending from the rear side portion 30 to the dedicated zone door 18, a right side portion 34, an upper side portion 36 and a lower side portion 38, and the accommodating space and the storage space 16 are located on both sides of the upper side portion 36, that is, the accommodating space is an upper accommodating space. In addition, a lower accommodating space may also be provided on the lower side of the lower side portion 38, that is, the accommodating space and the storage space 16 are located on both sides of the lower side portion 38. Further, an accommodating space may also be provided on the rear side of the rear side portion 30. Similarly, the accommodating space on the lower side and the accommodating space on the rear side may also be provided with covers, respectively. The upper, lower, front and rear here are referenced to the refrigerator being in normal use, and the side of the dedicated zone module 14 on which the dedicated zone door 18 is provided is the front side, and the side opposite to the dedicated zone door 18 is the rear side. In other words, the receiving end 20 may be provided in the accommodating space on the upper side (see Figure 1 , 2 , 3 and 8), and can also be arranged in the accommodation space on the lower side (see Fig. 9 ).

[0043] The upper accommodation space is formed by the side of the upper side portion 36 extending upward, and the lower accommodation space is formed by the side of the lower side portion 38 extending upward. This makes the entire structure of the dedicated zone module 14 simple and the entire appearance more regular.

[0044] The refrigerator further includes a control unit (not shown), which is disposed between the receiving end 20 and the electrical components, and the control unit is electrically connected to the receiving end 20 and the electrical components. The control unit is used to process the signal transmitted from the receiving end 20, or to perform voltage conversion on the electric energy transmitted from the receiving end 20. Specifically, the control unit is disposed in the accommodation space. Preferably, the control unit and the receiving end 20 are disposed in the same accommodation space on the same side of the dedicated module 14.

[0045] The refrigerator also includes a detector (not shown) for detecting the position of the door 12. The detector is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit receives and analyzes the position signal of the door 12 detected by the detector. When it is detected that the door 12 is opened, the control unit controls the wireless charging unit to supply power to the electrical components. Specifically, as long as the door opening angle is greater than 0 degrees, the wireless charging unit starts to work and provides power to the electrical components. Furthermore, when the detector detects that the door 12 is completely closed, the control unit controls the wireless charging unit to stop working, thereby stopping supplying power to the electrical components.

[0046] The refrigerator further includes a hinge device, through which the door body 12 is rotatably connected to the box body 10, and the transmitting end 22 is arranged on the hinge device. The hinge device includes a hinge assembly and a hinge box 40 covering the hinge assembly, and the transmitting end 22 is arranged on the hinge box 40. Specifically in this embodiment, the transmitting end 22 is arranged on the inner side of the hinge box 40. Of course, the transmitting end 22 can also be arranged on the outer surface of the hinge box 40. The transmitting end 22 is arranged on the hinge box 40, which makes it easier to lay the cable between the mains power and the transmitting end 22. The mains power is led from the box body 10 to the transmitting end 22.

[0047] The special zone module 14 is detachably arranged on the door body 12, and the special zone module 14 is hung on the door body 12. The special zone module 14 can be removed or installed on the door body 12 by hand without tools. The disassembly direction of the special zone module 14 is the vertical direction. A support protrusion 42 is provided on the door body 12, and a matching groove 44 matching with the support protrusion 42 is provided on the special zone module 14. The opening of the matching groove 44 is downward. When installing the special zone module 14, first move the special zone module 14 close to the inner side of the door body 12, and then move the special zone module 14 downward so that the matching groove 44 matches with the support protrusion 42, and keep moving the special zone module 14 downward until the support protrusion 42 abuts against the bottom of the matching groove 44. The side of the matching groove 44 close to the door body 12 is a stop edge 46, which extends downward for a certain distance and is away from the lower side portion 38, so that the stop edge 46 limits the movement of the dedicated zone module 14 in the direction away from the door body 12. When removing the dedicated zone module 14, first move the dedicated zone module 14 upward until the matching groove 44 is disengaged from the support protrusion 42, that is, the stop edge 46 no longer abuts against the support protrusion 42, thereby no longer limiting the movement of the dedicated zone module 14 in the direction away from the door body 12, and then the dedicated zone module 14 can be moved in the direction away from the door body 12, so as to remove the dedicated zone module 14. Therefore, the disassembly and assembly of the dedicated zone module 14 is very convenient.

[0048] In order to make the dedicated zone module 14 more stably installed on the door body 12, a positioning protrusion 48 is provided on one of the sides of the supporting protrusion 42 and the matching groove 44, and a positioning groove 50 is provided on the other side of the supporting protrusion 42 and the matching groove 44 to match the positioning protrusion 48. Specifically in this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 48 is provided on the stop edge 46 on one side of the matching groove, and the positioning groove 50 is provided on the supporting protrusion 42.

[0049] like Fig.10 As shown, the second embodiment provided by the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that the transmitter is set at a different position. The transmitter can be set at other positions of the box. Specifically, the box has an inner liner 52, a U shell 54 (see Figure 1), and a foaming space between the inner liner 52 and the U shell 54. The transmitting end 56 can be arranged inside the inner liner. Specifically, the transmitting end 56 can be fixed inside the inner liner by gluing. In addition, an embedded box can be provided, and the transmitting end 56 is arranged in the embedded box, and then the embedded box is fixed inside the inner liner 52. Further, a mounting hole 58 is provided on the inner liner 52, and a wiring hole (not shown) is reserved in the mounting hole 58 to facilitate the cable connected to the transmitting end 56 to extend from the inside of the box to be electrically connected to the transmitting end 54. The transmitting end 56 is fixed in the mounting hole 58 after the box is foamed.

[0050] like Fig.11 As shown, the third embodiment provided by the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that the transmitter is set at a different position. In this embodiment, the transmitter 60 can be set on the U shell or on the inner shell 62 and the U shell 54 (see Figure 1 ) in the foaming space between. In order to make the transmitting end 60 closer to the receiving end (not shown) when the door is opened, the transmitting end 60 is arranged on the rotating side close to the door, that is, the side where the hinge device 64 is arranged.

[0051] In addition, in the above embodiments, the transmitting end can be electrically connected to the main electrical phase of the box, and the transmitting end can also receive power from other assembly parts, such as receiving power from one of the fresh-keeping drawer, shelf, egg box and wine rack.

[0052] like Fig.12 As shown, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that, in this embodiment, the dedicated area module 66 is provided with a power module 68 .

[0053] The dedicated zone module 66 includes a power module 68 for supplying power to the electrical components. The power module 68 is configured as a rechargeable power source. The power module 68 can be charged by wireless charging. Specifically, the refrigerator further includes a wireless charging unit, which includes a receiving end 70 provided on the dedicated zone module 66 and a transmitting end provided on the box body, the transmitting end matches the receiving end 70 and is used to transmit and generate energy, and the receiving end 70 is electrically connected to the power module 68 and can controllably charge the power module 68. The configuration of the wireless charging unit is the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0054] For the convenience of connection, the dedicated area module 66 has a storage space, and the receiving end 70 and the power module 68 are both arranged in the storage space, and the storage space is isolated from the storage space. The arrangement form of the storage space is the same as that of the first embodiment, and can be arranged above the dedicated area module 66, or below or behind the dedicated area module 66. Specifically in this embodiment, the receiving end 70 and the power module 68 are both arranged in the upper storage space.

[0055] The location of the transmitting end can be the same as that of the first embodiment, the second embodiment or the third embodiment, and can be arranged on the hinge device or at other locations on the box.

[0056] Further, the refrigerator also includes a door closing sensor, which is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit receives and analyzes the door position signal sensed by the door closing sensor. When it senses that the door is closed, the control unit controls the wireless charging unit to charge the power module 68. When the power module 68 is fully charged, the control unit controls the wireless charging unit to stop charging. When the door closing sensor senses that the door is opened, the control unit controls the wireless charging unit to stop charging the power module 68, and at the same time, the power module 68 supplies power to the electrical components. When the door is closed, the receiving end 70 is closer to the transmitting end, and the distance between the receiving end 70 and the transmitting end remains relatively unchanged. At this time, the wireless charging between the transmitting end and the receiving end 70 is more stable and effective. When the door is opened, the power module 68 can directly supply power to the electrical components. The power module 68 and the receiving end 70 can be both arranged above the special area module 66, or both arranged below the special area module 66, or both arranged behind the special area module 66. Similarly, the power module 68 and the receiving end 70 can also be respectively arranged on different sides of the special area module 66.

[0057] like Fig.13 As shown, the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the fourth embodiment in that, in this embodiment, the receiving end 72 and the power module 74 are both arranged in the lower accommodation space 75. The setting position of the transmitting end can be the same as the fourth embodiment, or different from the fourth embodiment.

[0058] like Fig.14 As shown, the sixth embodiment of the present invention is different from the fifth embodiment in that in this embodiment, no wireless charging unit is provided, and the power module 76 is detachably provided. When the power module 76 is insufficient in power, the power module 76 can be removed and charged in an environment other than the refrigerator. When the power module 76 is fully charged, the power module 76 can be reinstalled on the special zone module 78. Of course, the entire special zone module 78 equipped with the power module 76 can also be removed from the door body of the refrigerator, and the power module 76 can be charged in an environment other than the refrigerator. When the power module 76 is fully charged, the entire special zone module with the power module 76 can be reinstalled on the door body.

[0059] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation mode may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0060] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising a box body having a plurality of storage compartments, a door body for opening or closing the box body, a dedicated area module being provided on the inner side of the door body facing the box body, the dedicated area module having a storage space for storing articles, characterized in that: The dedicated area module includes electrical components and a power module for supplying power to the electrical components. When the door is opened, the dedicated area module is moved out of the storage compartment as the door is opened. The refrigerator also includes a wireless charging unit, which includes a receiving end provided on the dedicated area module and a transmitting end provided on the box body. The transmitting end matches the receiving end and is used for transmitting and generating energy. The receiving end is electrically connected to the power module and can controllably charge the power module. When the door is closed, the wireless charging unit charges the power module, and when the door is opened, the wireless charging unit stops charging the power module.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dedicated area module has a containing space for containing the receiving end and the power module, and the containing space is isolated from the storage space.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dedicated zone module includes a rear side portion opposite to the dedicated zone door, a left side portion, a right side portion, an upper side portion and a lower side portion extending from the rear side portion to the dedicated zone door, and the accommodating space and the storage space are located on both sides of the upper side portion.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dedicated zone module also includes a cover plate covering the accommodating space.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dedicated zone module includes a rear side portion opposite to the dedicated zone door, a left side portion, a right side portion, an upper side portion and a lower side portion extending from the rear side portion to the dedicated zone door, and the accommodating space and the storage space are located on both sides of the lower side portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises a hinge device, the door body is rotatably connected to the box body via the hinge device, and the transmitting end is arranged on the hinge device.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hinge device comprises a hinge assembly and a hinge box covering the hinge assembly, and the transmitting end is arranged on the hinge box.

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