Water supply device and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic water supply device and a refrigerator having the same. The automatic water supply device includes a water kettle, a bracket for placing the water kettle, a detection device, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water kettle. The water kettle includes a water injection port. The detection device includes a switch movably connected to the bracket and a sensing unit cooperating with the switch. The water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe. The outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water injection port of the water kettle. The automatic water supply device further includes a controller. The sensing unit is switched between a connected state and a disconnected state based on the movement of the switch. The water kettle is placed on the bracket to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensing unit to be in the connected state. The sensing unit outputs a detection signal representing the liquid level in the water kettle in the connected state, and the controller controls the opening or closing of the water valve according to the detection signal. The automatic water supply device of the present invention can use one sensing unit to simultaneously detect whether the water kettle is placed on the bracket and the liquid level in the water kettle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water supply devices, and particularly to a water supply device and a refrigerator having the same. Background Art

[0002] Currently, many refrigerators can provide chilled drinking water. Generally, there are two water supply methods. One water supply method is to provide a dispenser on the surface of the refrigerator, and users can use a water cup to receive water at the dispenser. Another water supply method is to provide a water kettle inside the refrigerator. After filling the water kettle with water and placing it in the refrigerating chamber, take it out after a period of time to drink cold water. In the second solution, in order to make it more convenient for users to access a sufficient amount of cold water at any time, some automatic water injection devices have emerged on the market, which can detect whether the water kettle is placed on the bracket and detect whether the liquid level in the water kettle is low, and automatically inject water when the water kettle is placed on the bracket and the liquid level is low.

[0003] However, these automatic water injection devices have complex structures and require multiple sensors to separately detect whether the water kettle is placed on the bracket and whether the liquid level in the water valve is low, resulting in higher costs and more complex structures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water supply device and a refrigerator having the same.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned invention purpose, an embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic water supply device, including a water kettle, a bracket for placing the water kettle, a detection device, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water kettle. The water kettle includes a water injection port. The detection device includes a switch movably connected to the bracket and a sensing unit cooperating with the switch. The water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe. The outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water injection port of the water kettle. The automatic water supply device further includes a controller. The sensing unit switches between a connected state and a disconnected state based on the movement of the switch. The water kettle is placed on the bracket to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensing unit to be in the connected state. The sensing unit sends a detection signal representing the liquid level in the water kettle to the controller in the connected state, and the controller controls the opening or closing of the water valve according to the detection signal.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensing unit includes a capacitance sensor, and the capacitance sensor is provided on the bracket at a position corresponding to the side wall of the water kettle. The capacitance sensor detects the liquid level in the water kettle in the connected state and generates the detection signal according to the liquid level.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensing unit includes a sensor cooperating with the switch and a sensing element disposed in the kettle and rising and falling with the liquid level; the automatic water supply device further includes a controller. The sensor switches between a connected state and a disconnected state based on the movement of the switch. The kettle is placed on the bracket to press the switch, and the switch drives the sensor to be in the connected state. The sensor detects the position of the sensing element in the connected state to output a detection signal representing the liquid level in the kettle. The controller controls the opening or closing of the water valve according to the received detection signal of the sensor.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, a float box is provided in the kettle, the sensing element is fixedly disposed in the float box, and the float box rises and falls with the change of the liquid level.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensor is a Hall switch, and the Hall switch is disposed on the bracket at a position corresponding to the top of the kettle; the sensing element is a magnet.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the switch includes a rotating member rotatably connected to the bracket, an electrical connecting member is provided on the bracket, and the sensing unit is disposed in the rotating member; when the rotating member is pressed, the sensing unit contacts the electrical connecting member.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensing unit includes at least three contacts; when the rotating member is pressed, the at least three contacts all contact the electrical connecting member; the at least three contacts include at least two electrical connection contacts and at least one signal connection contact.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connecting member is an elastic member.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the kettle includes a kettle lid, a kettle body and a water storage space defined by the kettle lid and the kettle body, and the water injection port is provided on the kettle lid; the kettle further includes a water injection cup extending from the water injection port to the bottom of the kettle, and a plurality of water outlet ports communicating with the water storage space are provided on the peripheral wall of the water injection cup.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the water injection cup includes a bottom wall protruding upward, and the water outlet ports extend from top to bottom on the peripheral wall to a position connecting the bottom wall.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the kettle includes a kettle lid, a kettle body and a water storage space defined by the kettle lid and the kettle body, a water outlet nozzle is provided on the kettle body, and a water baffle is provided in the water storage space near the water outlet nozzle, and a water passage communicating with the water outlet nozzle is formed between the water baffle and the inner wall of the kettle.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the water baffle is arc-shaped.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the water baffle extends from the kettle lid towards the bottom of the kettle, and the water passing channels are formed on both sides and the bottom of the water baffle.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention discloses a refrigerator, which includes a box body and a door body for opening and closing the box body, and the inner side of the door body is provided with the automatic water supply device as described in any one of the above.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, for the automatic water supply device and the refrigerator having the same disclosed by the present invention, it is determined whether the kettle is placed on the bracket through the on-off state of the sensing unit, and then the sensing unit in the connected state sends a detection signal representing the liquid level in the kettle to the controller. One sensing unit can be used to simultaneously detect whether the kettle is placed on the bracket and the liquid level in the kettle, so that the water valve can be controlled to open when the kettle is placed on the bracket and the liquid level is low, so as to automatically fill water into the kettle, enabling the user to conveniently access cold water at any time. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the refrigerator door body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic water supply device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic water supply device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in

[0024] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the kettle in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the kettle in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic water supply device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic water supply device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 It is Figure 8 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B in

[0029] Figure 10It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the kettle in the second embodiment of the present invention. Specific Embodiments

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, method, or functional transformation made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments is included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] It should be understood that the spatially relative terms such as "upper", "above", "lower", "below", etc. used herein are for the purpose of facilitating description to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the figures.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, the present invention discloses a refrigerator, which includes a box body and a door body 1 for opening and closing the box body, and an automatic water supply device 2 is provided inside the door body 1.

[0033] As Figures 2 - 6 shown, it is the automatic water supply device disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention. The automatic water supply device 2 includes a kettle 100, a bracket 200 for placing the kettle 100, a detection device 300, and a water supply mechanism 400 for supplying water to the kettle 100. The box body can define a refrigerating chamber, and when the door body 1 closes the box body, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber can cool the water in the kettle 100.

[0034] Of course, the use place of the automatic water supply device is not limited to the refrigerator, and it can also be other refrigeration appliances, or various places such as cafes. In the embodiments of the present invention, water is a general term for liquid beverages, including but not limited to liquid beverages such as purified water, fruit juice, milk, or coffee.

[0035] As Figures 2 - 3As shown, the kettle 100 includes a water filling port 110. The detection device 300 includes a switch movably connected to the bracket 200 and a sensing unit 320 cooperating with the switch. The switch is disposed on the bracket 200 at a position corresponding to the side wall of the kettle 100. The water supply mechanism 400 includes a water supply pipe 410 and a water valve disposed on the water supply pipe 410. The outlet of the water supply pipe 410 corresponds to the water filling port 110 of the kettle 100. The automatic water supply device further includes a controller. The sensing unit 320 switches between a connected state and a disconnected state based on the movement of the switch. The kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200 to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensing unit 320 to be in the connected state. The sensing unit 320 sends a detection signal representing the liquid level in the kettle 100 to the controller in the connected state, and the controller controls the opening or closing of the water valve according to the detection signal.

[0036] In the automatic water supply device disclosed in the present invention, the on / off state of the sensing unit 320 is used to determine whether the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200, and then the sensing unit 320 in the connected state outputs a detection signal representing the liquid level in the kettle. One sensing unit 320 can be used to simultaneously detect whether the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200 and the liquid level in the kettle 100, so that the water valve can be controlled to open when the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200 and the liquid level is low, so as to automatically fill the kettle 100 with water, enabling the user to conveniently access cold water at any time.

[0037] Preferably, the sensing unit can be a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure / weight sensor, a Hall sensor, etc., or it can be another sensor as long as it can detect and determine the presence and / or liquid level of the liquid in the kettle.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present invention, a height near the top of the kettle 100 is set as a preset liquid level. When the liquid level in the kettle reaches the preset liquid level, there is no need to fill the kettle with water, and the controller will control the water valve to close; when the liquid level in the kettle 100 does not reach the preset liquid level, water needs to be filled into the kettle, and the controller will control the water valve to open.

[0039] Specifically, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit 320 includes a capacitance sensor, which is disposed on the bracket 200 at a position corresponding to the side wall of the kettle 100. The capacitance sensor detects the liquid level in the kettle 100 in the connected state and generates the detection signal according to the liquid level. In the embodiment of the present invention, the capacitance sensor is specifically a capacitive liquid level sensor. A capacitive liquid level sensor is a variable dielectric type capacitor that utilizes the change of capacitance caused by the change of the measured medium surface. Specifically, the switch and the capacitance sensor are disposed at the height position corresponding to the preset liquid level of the kettle 100 on the bracket 300. When the capacitance sensor is in the connected state, if the liquid level in the kettle 100 does not reach the preset liquid level, the capacitance sensor only detects air, and the controller receives the first detection signal and controls the water valve to open, and at this time, the kettle 100 will be filled with water; during the water filling process, the liquid level in the kettle 100 gradually rises. When the liquid level is higher than the position where the capacitance sensor is located, the capacitance sensor can detect that the medium changes from air to water, and at this time, the capacitance value changes, and the controller will receive the second detection signal and control the water valve to close, then the automatic water filling is completed. The capacitance sensor has a large detection dynamic range, a fast response speed, and a simple structure and low cost.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present invention, the switch includes a rotating member 311 rotatably connected to the bracket 200. An electrical connector 312 is disposed on the bracket 200, and the capacitance sensor is disposed inside the rotating member 311. When the kettle is placed on the bracket, the side wall of the kettle 100 will touch and press the rotating member 311, causing the rotating member 311 to drive the capacitance sensor to rotate, and the capacitance sensor contacts the electrical connector 312 to energize the capacitance sensor, so that it can be determined whether the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200 through the on-off state of the capacitance sensor. Thus, without setting an additional sensor, only the capacitance sensor for detecting the liquid level can be used to detect whether the kettle is placed on the bracket. In another embodiment, the electrical connector can also be disposed on the rotating member, and the capacitance sensor can be fixedly disposed on the bracket.

[0041] In another embodiment, the capacitance sensor can also be disposed on the kettle, and the electrical connector can be disposed on the bracket. When the kettle is placed on the bracket, the capacitance sensor can contact the electrical connector to be in the connected state.

[0042] Specifically, the water supply pipe 410 can be externally connected to the user water source and extends along the refrigerator cabinet into the door body 1. When the water valve is opened, the external water source can fill the kettle 100 through the water supply pipe 410. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the water supply pipe extends from the compressor compartment at the lower part of the cabinet along the cabinet and enters the inner side of the door body. The water valve can be disposed on the water supply pipe in the compressor compartment. Of course, in another embodiment, the water valve can also be disposed on other parts of the water supply pipe.

[0043] The electrical connector 312 is an elastic member. When the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200, the side wall of the kettle 100 presses the rotating member 311, and the capacitance sensor contacts the electrical connector 312 and makes the elastic electrical connector 312 in a compressed state. When the kettle 100 is removed from the bracket 200, the electrical connector 312 can release the elastic force to make the rotating member 311 rotate in the reverse direction, and the capacitance sensor no longer contacts the electrical connector 312 and is converted to an off state. After the kettle 100 is removed from the bracket 200, the elastic electrical connector 312 can make the rotating member 311 automatically driven by the elastic force to rotate, so that the capacitance sensor is converted to an off state, simplifying the on-off state conversion of the capacitance sensor. The electrical connector 312 can preferably be a compression spring. As Figure 4 shown, three compression springs extend from the bracket 200, corresponding to three contacts on the sensor respectively..

[0044] The capacitance sensor includes at least three contacts. When the rotating member 311 is pressed, the at least three contacts all contact the electrical connector 312. The at least three contacts include at least two electrical connection contacts and at least one signal connection contact. In the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 4 shown, the capacitance sensor includes three contacts, two of which are electrical connection contacts and the other is a signal connection contact. Correspondingly, three electrical connectors 312 are provided on the bracket 200. When the rotating member 311 is pressed, the two electrical connection contacts and one signal connection contact of the capacitance sensor are respectively connected to the corresponding electrical connectors 312, so that the capacitance sensor is in a powered-on state. After the controller detects that the capacitance sensor is in a powered-on state, it can determine that the kettle 100 has been placed on the bracket 200. The signal connection contact is used to send a detection signal representing the liquid level in the kettle 100 to the controller when the capacitance sensor is in a connected state.

[0045] As Figures 5 - 6 shown, the kettle 100 further includes a kettle lid 120, a kettle body 130 and a water storage space defined by the kettle lid 120 and the kettle body 130, and the water injection port 110 is provided on the kettle lid 120. The kettle 100 further includes a water injection cup 140 extending from the water injection port 110 to the bottom of the kettle 100, and a plurality of water outlet ports 141 communicating with the water storage space are provided on the peripheral wall of the water injection cup 140. The provision of the water injection cup 140 can slow down the flow rate of the water during water injection, reduce the noise during water injection, and can also prevent the water from splashing everywhere.

[0046] Preferably, the water filling cup 140 includes a bottom wall 142 that bulges upward, and the water outlet 141 extends downward from top to bottom on the peripheral wall to a position connecting the bottom wall 142. Specifically, a plurality of thin strip-shaped water outlets 141 are spaced on the peripheral wall of the water filling cup 140. The extension of the water outlet 141 on the peripheral wall of the water filling cup 140 enables water to flow into the water storage space more quickly without accumulating in the water filling cup 140. The upward bulge of the bottom wall 142 further prevents the water in the water filling cup 140 from accumulating and all flows out from the water outlet 141.

[0047] An outlet nozzle 131 is provided on the kettle body 130, and a water baffle 150 is provided at a position in the water storage space close to the outlet nozzle 131. A water passage 151 communicating with the outlet nozzle 131 is formed between the water baffle 150 and the inner wall of the kettle 100. When the user takes water, the water can be poured out from the outlet nozzle 131. The setting of the water baffle 150 can prevent the water from flowing too fast and splashing out of the kettle 100 when the user pours water.

[0048] Preferably, the water baffle 150 is preferably arc-shaped. Moreover, the top of the arc of the water baffle 150 protrudes toward the side wall of the kettle 100 opposite to the outlet nozzle 131. The arc-shaped water baffle 150 has a good water blocking effect, and the top of its arc protrudes toward the side wall of the kettle 100 opposite to the outlet nozzle 131, which can form an effective water passage between the water baffle 150 and the side wall of the kettle 100, further enhancing the anti-splash effect.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present invention, the water baffle 150 extends from the kettle lid 120 to the bottom of the kettle 100, and the water passage 151 is formed on both sides and the bottom of the water baffle 150. The water baffle 150 extending to the bottom of the kettle 100 can incorporate water into the water passage from a lower position of the kettle 100, thereby further reducing the flow rate when pouring water.

[0050] As Figure 1 As shown, a bottle seat 3 is provided on the door 1, and a bracket 200 is additionally provided on the bottle seat 3. The bracket 100 is pre-assembled with the bottle seat 3 through a connecting member. The connecting member can specifically be a hook structure to facilitate the loading and unloading of the bracket 100 and the bottle seat 3. When the user does not need to use the kettle, the kettle 100 and the bracket 200 can also be disassembled, and the original position where the bracket was placed can continue to be used as a bottle seat. The outlet of the water supply pipe 410 is fixed to the upper half of the bracket 100 to align with the water injection port 110 on the kettle lid 120 of the kettle 100. The kettle 100 is located below the bottle seat 3 and close to the door handle side. The kettle can be horizontally pulled out along the width direction of the door body, so it occupies less space in the refrigerator and does not affect the storage space of the shelf in the refrigerating chamber.

[0051] As Figures 7 - 10As shown, it is an automatic water supply device disclosed in the second embodiment of the present invention. Different from the first embodiment, the sensing unit 320' includes a sensor 321' cooperating with the rotating member 311' and an induction element 322' disposed in the kettle 100 and rising and falling with the liquid level. The rotating member 311' is disposed at a position corresponding to the top of the kettle 100' on the bracket 200'. The sensor 321' is switched between a connected state and a disconnected state based on the movement of the switch, and the rotating member 311' drives the sensor 321' to be in the connected state. The sensor 321' detects the position of the induction element 322' in the connected state to output a detection signal characterizing the liquid level in the kettle 100'. The controller controls the water valve to open or close according to the detection signal of the sensor 321' received.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sensor 321' is disposed inside the rotating member 311'. A bump 124 is provided at the top of the kettle 100. When the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200, the bump 124 at the top of the kettle 100 presses the switch and causes the rotating member 311 to drive the sensor 321 to rotate, so that the sensor 321 is powered on. Thus, it can be determined whether the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200 through the on-off state of the sensor 321. Inside the kettle 100', an inner box 121' extends downward from the kettle lid 120'. A plurality of water holes communicating with the water storage space are provided on the peripheral wall of the inner box 121', so that the water in the kettle 100' can flow into the inner box 121'. A float box 122' is provided inside the inner box 121', and the induction element 322' is disposed in the float box 122'. Specifically, the inner box 121' is clamped on the kettle lid 120' and does not rise and fall with the liquid level, while the float box 122' moves up and down inside the inner box 121' with the change of the liquid level. By providing the inner box 121' that does not move with the liquid level in the kettle 100', the moving range and direction of the float box 122' can be restricted, ensuring that the magnet moves only within the required height range and only in the height direction of the kettle 100'. The induction element 322' is fixedly disposed in the float box 122' and moves up and down with the float box 122'. The float box 122' seals the induction element 322' inside to ensure that it can float up and down.

[0053] Specifically, the outer diameter of the float box 122' matches the inner diameter of the inner box 121', so that the float box 122' can only move up and down along the height direction of the inner box 121'. A plurality of guiding ribs 1211' extending downward from top to bottom are also provided on the inner wall of the inner box 121' to prevent the float box 122' from getting stuck when moving up and down. A plurality of protrusions 1221' are further provided on the upper surface of the float box 122', and exhaust holes 123' are provided on the kettle lid 120' corresponding to the positions of the protrusions 1221'. Specifically, when the liquid level in the kettle 100' rises and the upper surface of the float box 122' contacts the bottom surface of the kettle lid 120', it is possible that the float box 122' cannot fall when the liquid level drops due to the siphon effect. By providing the protrusions 1221' on the upper surface of the float box 122' and the exhaust holes 123' on the kettle lid 100', a gap can be formed between the upper surface of the float box 122' and the kettle lid 100', avoiding the siphon effect between the two, so that the up and down movement of the float box 122' is smoother.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 321' is a Hall switch, and the Hall switch is provided on the bracket 200' at a position corresponding to the top of the kettle 100'; the sensing element 322' is a magnet. The Hall switch is provided on the kettle lid 120' and can detect the approach of the magnet. Specifically, the Hall switch is an active electromagnetic conversion device made by using the integrated packaging and assembly process based on the Hall effect principle. The Hall switch can sense the magnitude of the magnetic flux. When the magnetic flux reaches a preset value, the trigger inside the Hall switch flips, and the output level state of the Hall switch also flips accordingly, so that the magnetic input signal can be converted into an electrical signal. The magnet in the float box 122' will move up and down with the liquid level, and the magnetic flux detected by the Hall switch will also change accordingly. When the Hall switch is in the connected state, the controller receives the signal and determines that the kettle 100' has been placed on the bracket 200'. If the liquid level in the kettle 100' does not reach the preset liquid level, the distance between the magnet and the Hall switch is relatively far, and the magnetic flux sensed by the Hall switch cannot cause the trigger inside the Hall switch to flip, then the controller will control the water valve to open to fill the kettle 100' with water. During the water injection process, the liquid level will rise and drive the float box 322' to move upward, and the magnet will also approach the Hall switch. Until the liquid level in the kettle 100' reaches the preset liquid level, the magnetic flux sensed by the Hall switch also reaches the preset value, then the trigger inside the Hall switch flips and the output level state of the Hall switch is converted, and the controller will control the water valve to close to stop the water injection. Thus, the Hall switch judges the liquid level in the kettle 100' by detecting the position of the magnet, and the controller can control the opening and closing of the water valve according to the detection signal sent by the Hall switch, so as to automatically fill the kettle 100' with water when needed.

[0055] The other structures such as the refrigerator door body and the water supply structure in the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, an automatic water supply method is also disclosed. The method includes the following steps: S1, receiving a signal indicating that the sensing unit is in a connected state. S2, determining whether a first detection signal indicating that the liquid level in the kettle reaches a preset position is received. S3, if so, proceeding to step S4; if not, proceeding to step S5. S4, controlling the water valve to close. S5, controlling the water valve to open and simultaneously executing step S3.

[0057] When the kettle is placed on the bracket, the side wall of the kettle presses the rotating member to energize the sensing unit to be in a connected state. At this time, the controller will receive a signal indicating that the sensing unit is in a connected state. The sensing unit will detect the liquid level in the kettle. If the liquid level in the kettle reaches the preset position, the sensing unit will send a first detection signal to the controller; otherwise, the sensing unit will not send a signal to the controller or will send a second detection signal to the controller. When the controller does not receive the first signal or receives the second detection signal, it will control the water valve to be in an open state. At this time, the water supply pipe will automatically inject water into the kettle. When the liquid level in the kettle gradually rises to reach the preset position, the controller receives the first signal, and then the controller will control the water valve to close, and the automatic water injection ends. Thus, by using one sensor, the detection of whether the kettle 100 is placed on the bracket 200 and the detection of the liquid level in the kettle 100 are simultaneously realized, so that the kettle 100 can be automatically injected with water, enabling the user to conveniently obtain a sufficient amount of cold water at any time.

[0058] The automatic water supply device and the refrigerator having the same disclosed in the present invention determine whether the kettle is placed on the bracket through the on-off state of the sensing unit, and then detect the liquid level in the kettle through the sensing unit in the connected state. One sensing unit can be used to simultaneously detect whether the kettle is placed on the bracket and the liquid level in the kettle. Thus, when the kettle is placed on the bracket and the liquid level is low, the water valve can be controlled to open to automatically inject water into the kettle, enabling the user to conveniently obtain cold water at any time. The cooperation of the elastic electrical connector and the rotating member can make the placement of the kettle on the bracket correspond to the conversion between the connected state and the disconnected state of the sensing unit. Setting a water injection cup in the kettle can slow down the flow rate of the water during water injection, reduce the noise during water injection, and prevent the water from splashing everywhere. The upward convex bottom wall of the water injection cup can further prevent the water in the water injection cup from accumulating and all flowing out from the water outlet. Setting a water baffle can prevent the water from flowing too fast and splashing out of the kettle when the user pours water.

[0059] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and 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.

[0060] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible implementation manners of the present invention, and they are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation manners or modifications made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic water supply device, characterized in that, it includes a kettle, a bracket for placing the kettle, a detection device, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the kettle. The kettle includes a water injection port; the detection device includes a switch movably connected to the bracket and a sensing unit cooperating with the switch; the water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe. The outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water injection port of the kettle; the automatic water supply device further includes a controller. The sensing unit switches between a connected state and a disconnected state based on the movement of the switch. The kettle is placed on the bracket to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensing unit to be in the connected state; the sensing unit outputs a detection signal representing the liquid level in the kettle in the connected state, and the controller controls the opening or closing of the water valve according to the detection signal; the sensing unit includes a capacitance sensor. The switch includes a rotating member rotatably connected to the bracket. One of the electrical connector and the capacitance sensor is provided on the bracket, and the other of the electrical connector and the capacitance sensor is provided inside the rotating member. When the kettle is placed on the bracket, the rotating member drives the capacitance sensor to rotate, and the capacitance sensor contacts the electrical connector to energize the capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor detects the liquid level in the kettle in the connected state and generates the detection signal according to the liquid level.

2. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the capacitance sensor is provided at a position on the bracket corresponding to the side wall of the kettle.

3. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the electrical connector is provided on the bracket, and the sensing unit is provided inside the rotating member; when the rotating member is pressed, the sensing unit contacts the electrical connector.

4. The automatic water supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the sensing unit includes at least three contacts; when the rotating member is pressed, the at least three contacts all contact the electrical connector; the at least three contacts include at least two electrical connection contacts and at least one signal connection contact.

5. The automatic water supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the electrical connector is an elastic member.

6. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the kettle includes a kettle lid, a kettle body, and a water storage space defined by the kettle lid and the kettle body. The water injection port is provided on the kettle lid; the kettle further includes a water injection cup extending from the water injection port to the bottom of the kettle, and a plurality of water outlet ports communicating with the water storage space are provided on the peripheral wall of the water injection cup.

7. The automatic water supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that, the water injection cup includes a bottom wall protruding upward, and the water outlet ports extend from top to bottom on the peripheral wall to the position connecting the bottom wall.

8. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The kettle includes a kettle lid, a kettle body, and a water storage space defined by the kettle lid and the kettle body. A water outlet is provided on the kettle body. A water baffle is provided near the water outlet in the water storage space. A water passage communicating with the water outlet is formed between the water baffle and the inner wall of the kettle.

9. The automatic water supply device according to claim 8, wherein, the water baffle is arc-shaped.

10. The automatic water supply device according to claim 8, wherein, the water baffle extends from the kettle lid towards the bottom of the kettle, and the water passage is formed on both sides and the bottom of the water baffle.

11. A refrigerator, wherein, it includes a box body and a door body for opening and closing the box body. An automatic water supply device as described in any one of claims 1-10 is provided on the inner side of the door body.

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