Refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator. The packaging structure of the refrigerator comprises a cabinet and a vacuum packaging structure. An installation groove is formed on the outer side of the cabinet, and a sealing plate is arranged at the opening of the installation groove. The sealing plate is used for covering the installation groove, and the sealing plate is provided with an insertion opening for inserting a packaging bag. The vacuum packaging structure is installed in the installation groove. The first support and the second support of the vacuum packaging structure form a vacuumizing cavity, and the packaging bag can enter the vacuumizing cavity from the insertion opening. The vacuumizing assembly comprises a main gas path, a vacuumizing gas path and a pressure relief gas path. The main gas path is communicated with the vacuumizing cavity, the vacuumizing gas path and the pressure relief gas path are both communicated with the main gas path, the vacuumizing gas path is used for vacuumizing the packaging bag in the vacuumizing cavity, and the pressure relief gas path is used for pressure relief of the vacuumizing cavity. The vacuum packaging is realized through the main gas path, the vacuumizing gas path and the pressure relief gas path, so that the vacuum packaging structure has the advantages of simple structure, compact layout and small size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains low temperatures to prevent food or other items from spoiling. As people's living standards improve, their demand for food preservation is also increasing.

[0003] Vacuum preservation technology has been applied to refrigerators to address the issue of food preservation. Currently, refrigerators use vacuum drawers to create a vacuum zone, which preserves the food within that zone. However, due to the space limitations of the vacuum drawer, users typically need to place all the food requiring vacuum preservation into it before vacuuming, creating a relative vacuum. Then, when a specific food item needs to be used, the drawer must be opened, breaking the vacuum. If continued vacuum preservation is required, the process must be repeated, wasting resources. Therefore, traditional refrigerators using vacuum drawers for vacuum preservation have low efficiency, hindering the widespread adoption of this technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a refrigerator that can save energy and has a high vacuum preservation efficiency.

[0005] A refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] The box has an interior that forms a low-temperature storage space. An installation groove is provided on the outside of the box. A sealing plate is provided at the opening of the installation groove. The sealing plate is used to cover the installation groove and has an insertion port for inserting a packaging bag.

[0007] A vacuum-sealed structure is installed within the mounting slot, the vacuum-sealed structure comprising:

[0008] The first support and the second support are movable relative to each other to form a vacuum chamber. The insertion port is connected to the vacuum chamber, and the packaging bag can enter the vacuum chamber through the insertion port.

[0009] A vacuuming assembly, connected to the vacuuming chamber, includes a main air path, a vacuuming air path, and a pressure relief air path. The main air path is connected to the vacuuming chamber, and both the vacuuming air path and the pressure relief air path are connected to the main air path. The vacuuming air path is used to vacuum the packaging bag located within the vacuuming chamber, and the pressure relief air path is used to depressurize the vacuuming chamber.

[0010] A sealing component is located on one side of the vacuum chamber, corresponding to the sealing position of the packaging bag, and is used to seal the opening of the packaging bag after vacuuming is completed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly further includes a vacuum pump, the air inlet of which is connected to the vacuum path.

[0012] In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly further includes a pressure relief device connected to the pressure relief gas path.

[0013] In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly is further provided with a pressure detection gas path and a pressure detection device, wherein the pressure detection gas path is connected to the main gas path and the pressure detection device is connected to the pressure detection gas path.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vacuuming assembly further includes a can-drawing air passage and a can-drawing connector disposed on the can-drawing air passage. The can-drawing connector is used to connect and communicate with the packaging can. The can-drawing air passage is connected to the main air passage and is used to vacuum the packaging can.

[0015] In one embodiment, the can-drawing connector is a one-way valve.

[0016] In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly further includes a five-way valve, which has five ports. The main air path, the vacuum air path, the pressure relief air path, the pressure detection air path, and the tank extraction air path are each connected to one of the ports.

[0017] In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly further includes a one-way valve, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the vacuum air path.

[0018] In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly further includes a silencing gas path and a silencing device, wherein the silencing gas path is connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump, and the silencing device is connected to the silencing gas path.

[0019] In one embodiment, the vacuum sealing structure further includes a connecting valve, and the main gas path, the vacuum pumping path, and the pressure relief gas path are all connected to the connecting valve.

[0020] The refrigerator described above features a vacuum sealing structure. The vacuum assembly, through a main air path, a vacuum extraction air path, and a depressurization air path, enables vacuuming and depressurization of the packaging bags. This refrigerator can individually vacuum-pack various types of food. Therefore, vacuum-sealed food maintains better freshness during refrigerator storage, and multiple vacuuming processes are avoided. Thus, compared to traditional refrigerators, the vacuum preservation space of this refrigerator is not limited to the size of the vacuum drawer, expanding the range of vacuum preservation, saving energy, and improving the efficiency of vacuum preservation.

[0021] Furthermore, the vacuum sealing structure of the aforementioned refrigerator is directly integrated into the refrigerator body. When a user wants to vacuum seal a packaging bag, they can simply insert the bag into the insertion port located on the outside of the refrigerator body for easy operation. The refrigerator achieves vacuum sealing through a main air path, a vacuum pump path, and a pressure relief path, with the vacuum pump path and pressure relief path connected to the vacuum chamber via the main air path. The vacuum assembly of the aforementioned refrigerator has a simple structure and occupies a small volume. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The exploded view of the refrigerator door shown;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The sectional view of the door shown;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the vacuum packaging structure shown;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the vacuum packaging structure shown;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A perspective view of the mounting base shown;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the buffer sleeve shown;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the vacuum packaging structure shown;

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 5 A 3D view of the five-way valve shown;

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the five-way valve shown;

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the gas path of the vacuum pump.

[0033] The labels on the attached diagram are explained as follows: 1. Refrigerator;

[0034] 2. Box body; 22. Door body; 221. Mounting groove; 222. Insertion port;

[0035] 3. Vacuum-sealed structure; 31. First support; 311. First cavity; 314. Stop; 32. Second support; 321. Second cavity;

[0036] 33. Mounting base; 330. Connecting ear; 331. First limiting rib; 3310. First mounting cavity; 3311. Protruding post; 332. Second limiting rib; 3320. Second mounting cavity; 3321. Hook; 333. Third limiting rib; 3330. Third mounting cavity; 3331. Protruding rib; 334. Fourth limiting rib; 3340. Fourth mounting cavity; 335. Fifth limiting rib; 3350. Fifth mounting cavity; 336. Positioning rib; 3360. Positioning cavity; 3361. Slot;

[0037] 34. Drive unit;

[0038] 35. Vacuum assembly; 351. Vacuum pump; 352. Pressure detection device; 353. Pressure relief device; 354. Buffer sleeve; 3541. Cylinder; 3542. Connecting arm; 3543. Elastic protrusion; 3544. Support rib; 355. Outer cover; 356. Main air passage; 3562. Vacuum passage; 3563. Silencing air passage; 3564. Pressure detection air passage; 3565. Pressure relief air passage; 3566. Can extraction air passage; 357. One-way valve; 358. Silencing device; 3581. Interface; 359. Can extraction connector;

[0039] 36. Vacuum chamber;

[0040] 37. Five-way valve; 371. First port; 372. Second port; 373. Third port; 374. Fourth port; 375. Fifth port;

[0041] 38. Encapsulated components;

[0042] 4. Sealing plate; 80. Packaging bag; 9. Screws. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0044] This application provides a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator can be a double-door, multi-door, French door, or French door refrigerator, etc. The type of refrigerator is not limited here.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 The interior of the cabinet 1 forms a low-temperature storage space. The refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 2. The cabinet 2 is generally rectangular. The cabinet 2 includes a door 22 and a storage compartment for storing food. One side of the storage compartment is open. The door 22 has an opening for the storage compartment and can close it. The interior of the storage compartment forms the storage space of the refrigerator 1. The interior of the cabinet 2 can be divided into multiple independent functional spaces according to different uses, including a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a quick-freeze compartment, and a defrost compartment, etc.

[0046] For the arrangement of multiple functional spaces, the refrigerator compartment is typically located at the top of cabinet 2, and the freezer compartment is located at the bottom of cabinet 2. It is understandable that for other types of refrigerators, the distribution of each space on cabinet 2 can be in other ways; this is not limited here.

[0047] Each functional space can be separated by an independent door 22 to seal off that functional space. Alternatively, multiple functional spaces can share a single door 22 to seal off all of them simultaneously. The correspondence between the door 22 and the functional spaces is not limited here.

[0048] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The refrigerator 11 of this embodiment also includes a vacuum sealing structure 3 disposed on the cabinet 2. This vacuum sealing structure 3 can be disposed on the inner or outer side wall of the door 22 of the cabinet 2, or on the inner or outer side wall of the storage compartment. To meet the usage habits of most users, the vacuum sealing structure 3 is disposed on the outer side wall of the door 22 of the cabinet 2. A mounting groove 221 for installing the vacuum sealing structure 3 is provided on the outer side wall of the door 22. The vacuum sealing structure 3 is fixedly installed in the mounting groove 221 by screws 9, expansion screws, etc. Furthermore, since the mounting groove 221 is located in the upper middle part of the door 22, the vacuum sealing structure 3 is located in the middle of the refrigerator 1. Users can directly face the vacuum sealing structure, and the operating height of the vacuum sealing structure 3 also meets ergonomic design requirements.

[0049] Furthermore, a sealing plate 4 is provided at the opening of the mounting groove on the door body 22. The sealing plate 4 is used to cover the mounting groove. The sealing plate has an insertion port 222 for inserting a packaging bag. The insertion port 222 is provided on the door body 22 for user convenience and easy operation.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sealing plate 4 can be a display and control board. The vacuum packaging structure 3 is electrically connected to the display and control board. On one hand, the display and control board 4 can display the working status of the vacuum packaging structure 3. On the other hand, the working process of the vacuum packaging structure 3 can also be controlled by touching or pressing the display and control board 4.

[0051] The vacuum sealing structure 3 includes a first support 31, a second support 32, a mounting base 33, a vacuum pumping component 35, and a sealing component 38.

[0052] The first support 31 and the second support 32 form the main frame structure of the vacuum sealing structure 3. The first support 31 and the second support 32 can move towards or away from each other to clamp and separate the packaging bag 80.

[0053] Please see Figure 3 Specifically, the first support 31 and the second support 32 move toward each other to clamp the packaging bag 80. After the vacuum sealing structure 3 has completed the vacuuming and sealing of the packaging bag 80, the first support 31 and the second support 32 can separate from each other, allowing the packaging bag 80 to be removed from the vacuum sealing structure 3, thus completing the vacuum sealing.

[0054] The motion relationship between the first support 31 and the second support 32 can be as follows: the first support 31 moves toward or away from the second support 32; or the second support 32 moves toward or away from the first support 31; or both the first support 31 and the second support 32 move toward or away from each other. The specific motion of the first support 31 and the second support 32 is not limited here, as long as they can move closer to each other and separate from each other.

[0055] Please also refer to Figure 4 Specifically, in this embodiment, the vacuum sealing structure 3 further includes a driving device 34. The driving device 34 drives the first support 31 and the second support 32 to move towards or away from each other. The driving device 34 can control the automatic lifting and lowering movement of the first support 31 and / or the second support 32 to achieve automatic vacuum sealing and improve the automation performance of the refrigerator 1. In other embodiments, the driving device 34 may be omitted. In this case, the first support 31 or the second support 32 can be manually driven, and the movement mode of the first support 31 or the second support 32 is not limited here.

[0056] The placement of the first support 31 and the second support 32 can be determined based on user habits and the spatial division of the refrigerator 1's door 22. The first support 31 and the second support 32 can be positioned vertically opposite each other on the door 22; alternatively, they can be positioned horizontally opposite each other on the door 22; and even, both can be tilted onto the door 22. Here, "vertical," "left," and "right" refer to the orientation of the refrigerator 1 when it is upright and placed vertically, directly facing the refrigerator.

[0057] Please refer to it again. Figure 3 Specifically, in this embodiment, the first support 31 is positioned above the second support 32. Furthermore, the first support 31 moves downward relative to the second support 32, causing the first support 31 and the second support 32 to engage with each other. This vertical arrangement of the first support 31 and the second support 32 better suits user habits. The first support 31 presses down on the packaging bag 80 on the second support 32, making it easier for the user to hold the left and right ends of the packaging bag 80 and preventing the food inside the packaging bag 80 from tipping over.

[0058] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first support 31 and the second support 32 can move relative to each other to form a vacuum chamber 36. The first support 31 has a first cavity 311, and the second support 32 has a second cavity 322. The shapes of the first support 31 and the second support 32 are adapted to each other. When the first support 31 and the second support 32 move towards each other and dock with each other, the first cavity 311 and the second cavity 322 form a sealed vacuum chamber 36.

[0059] The insertion port 222 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36, allowing the packaging bag 80 to enter the vacuum chamber 36 through the insertion port 222. Alternatively, the packaging bag 80 can directly enter the vacuum chamber 36 from the outside of the door 22. The opening of the packaging bag 80 is located inside the vacuum chamber 36, and the internal space of the packaging bag 80 communicates with the vacuum chamber 36 through the opening, forming a complete sealed chamber. When the user wants to vacuum seal the packaging bag 80, they can simply insert the packaging bag into the insertion port 222 located on the outside of the box 2 for convenient operation.

[0060] A stop 314 is provided within the first cavity 311 or the second cavity 321 to prevent the packaging bag 80 inserted into the vacuum chamber 36 from extending beyond its opening. Specifically, the stop 314 is located within the first cavity 311, and its height is greater than the depth of the first cavity 311. When the user inserts the packaging bag into the vacuum chamber 36, the stop 314 prevents the bag from being inserted further. Furthermore, a gap exists between the stop 314 and the bottom of the second cavity 322 to allow for unobstructed airflow.

[0061] In other embodiments, the vacuum chamber 36 may also be equipped with a positioning detection device. Specifically, a microwave sensor or an infrared sensor may be used to detect whether a packaging bag has been inserted into the vacuum chamber 36, send a signal indicating whether the packaging bag is in position, and control the vacuuming operation.

[0062] The vacuum assembly 35 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36. The vacuum assembly 35 is used to evacuate or depressurize the vacuum chamber.

[0063] Please see Figure 4 The mounting base 33 is used to support the vacuum assembly 35. The vacuum assembly 35 is fixedly installed in the mounting groove 221 of the door body 22 via the mounting base 33. Specifically, in this embodiment, the mounting base 33 is provided with a connecting ear 330 at its edge, through which the mounting base 33 is connected to the door body 22. The connecting ear 330 can be in the form of a snap-fit, a slot, a screw hole, etc.

[0064] Mounting base 33 is installed above the first support 31. In other embodiments, depending on the spatial layout of the door body 22, mounting base 33 can also be installed below the first support. Mounting base 33 is installed on the door body 22, and its shape is adapted to the shape of the door body 22. Mounting base 33 has a plate-like structure, and the installation direction of mounting base 33 is parallel to the direction of the door body 22. Then, the side of mounting base 33 parallel to the door body 22 is used to install the vacuum assembly.

[0065] The mounting base 33 is equipped with multiple limiting ribs. The mounting base 33 can be a one-piece injection-molded plate structure. Therefore, the limiting ribs are also one-piece injection-molded. The mounting base 33 has a simple structure and can complete the assembly of the vacuum assembly without the need for additional fasteners, making it easy to operate.

[0066] The limiting ribs form multiple mounting cavities on the mounting base 33, and the vacuum assembly 35 is fixedly installed within the mounting cavities. The mounting cavities can be designed with appropriate shapes and structures according to the specific device to be assembled, and can meet the installation requirements of various different equipment to be assembled. The mounting cavities can be square, arc-shaped, etc. The specific shape of the mounting cavities is not limited here.

[0067] The vacuum pump assembly 35 includes a vacuum pump 351, a pressure detection device 352, and a pressure relief device 353. The vacuum pump 351 is used to evacuate the vacuum chamber 36. The pressure detection device 352 is used to detect the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 36. The pressure relief device 353 is used to relieve pressure in the vacuum chamber 36.

[0068] Please see Figure 6The mounting base 33 is provided with a first limiting rib 331. The first limiting rib 331 forms a first mounting cavity 3310 for housing a vacuum pump 351. The first mounting cavity 331 is adapted to the vacuum pump 351. The vacuum pump 351 is generally cylindrical, so the bottom of the first mounting cavity 331 is an arc-shaped bottom adapted to the vacuum pump 351. The bottom of the first mounting cavity 331 is provided with a protrusion 3311. The protrusion 3311 has a screw hole for screw thread connection.

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, the vacuum pump 351 may also be covered by a buffer sleeve 354. The buffer sleeve 354 can absorb the vibration potential energy of the vacuum pump 351. The buffer sleeve 354 is made of a soft material. The buffer sleeve 354 can be a rubber sleeve or a silicone rubber sleeve, etc.

[0070] The vacuum pump 351 is also provided with an outer cover 355. The outer cover limits and fixes the vacuum pump 351 from the outside of the buffer sleeve 354. The outer cover 355 is a rigid element. The buffer sleeve 354 vibrates with the vacuum pump 351 and is confined inside the outer cover 355, so the outer cover 355 can play a role in vibration damping.

[0071] The shape of the outer cover 355 is adapted to the shape of the cushioning sleeve 354 to complete the coverage of the outer surface of the cushioning sleeve 354. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Specifically, the buffer sleeve 354 includes a cylindrical body 3541 for housing the vacuum pump 351. Connecting arms 3542 for fixed connection are provided on both sides of the cylindrical body 3541. Mounting holes are provided at corresponding positions of the outer cover 355 and the connecting arms 3542. Screws pass through the mounting holes and screw holes on the protrusions 3311, fixing the outer cover 355, buffer sleeve 354, and vacuum pump 351 within the first mounting cavity 331.

[0072] Furthermore, the connecting arm 3542 is provided with an elastic protrusion 3543. The outer cover 355 and the connecting arm 3542 are in contact through the elastic protrusion. The elastic protrusion 3543 can reduce the contact area between the outer cover 355 and the buffer sleeve 354, which can buffer the vibration of the vacuum pump 351 and reduce vibration transmission.

[0073] The left and right sides of the cylinder 3541 have supporting ribs 3544. The supporting ribs 3544 can support the outer cover 355. Furthermore, the supporting ribs 3544 form a limit on both sides of the cylinder 3541, which plays a limiting role for the vacuum pump 351 located inside the cylinder 3541, ensuring that the vacuum pump 351 can be stably housed inside the cylinder 3541.

[0074] Please refer to it again. Figure 5 and Figure 6The pressure detection device 352 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36 and is used to detect the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 36. The pressure detection device 352 can be a pressure sensor. Before performing a vacuuming operation on the vacuum chamber 36, a threshold value for the pressure sensor can be set for the vacuum level inside the vacuum chamber 36. When the vacuum pump 351 is turned on, the pressure inside the vacuum pump 351 decreases. When the pressure value reaches the threshold value, the vacuum pump 351 stops working to ensure the vacuuming effect.

[0075] The mounting base 33 is provided with a second limiting rib 332. The second limiting rib 332 forms a second mounting cavity 3320 for mounting the pressure detection device 352, and the second mounting cavity 3320 is adapted to the pressure detection device 352.

[0076] Specifically, the second mounting cavity 3320 is provided with hooks 3321 on both sides that engage with the pressure detection device 352. The second mounting cavity 3320 is fixedly connected to the pressure detection device 352 by the hooks 3321, ensuring that the pressure detection device 352 can be stably housed in the second mounting cavity 3320.

[0077] The pressure relief device 353 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36 and is used to relieve pressure in the vacuum chamber 36. The pressure relief device 353 can be an electrically operated pressure relief valve. After the vacuuming and sealing operations are completed, the pressure relief device 353 can relieve pressure in the vacuum chamber 36, making it convenient for the user to remove the packaging bag.

[0078] The mounting base 33 is provided with a third limiting rib 333. The third limiting rib 333 forms a third mounting cavity 3330 for mounting the pressure relief device 353, and the third mounting cavity 3330 is adapted to the pressure relief device 353. Specifically, the third mounting cavity 3330 is provided with a protruding rib 3331, which is used to abut against the outer surface of the pressure relief device 353 to clamp and limit the pressure relief device 353. The position of the protruding rib 3331 is adapted to the recessed structure on the outer surface of the pressure relief device 353, so that the protruding rib 3331 and the recess cooperate to achieve clamping and limiting.

[0079] The vacuum assembly 35 also includes an air path system. This air path system can be formed by interconnected air pipes, air valves, etc. The air path can be implemented through conduits, airflow channels, or pipes integrally formed on the mounting base 33. Specifically, in this embodiment, the air path is described using an air guide pipe as an example; other examples will not be elaborated upon.

[0080] The gas path system includes a main gas path 356. The main gas path 356 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36. The main gas path 356 is led out from the vacuum chamber 36 of the first support 31.

[0081] Please see Figure 6The mounting base 33 is provided with a fourth limiting rib 334. The fourth limiting rib 334 forms a fourth mounting cavity 3340 for accommodating the main air passage 356. The fourth mounting cavity 3340 has an arc-shaped bend 3341, along which the main air passage 356 bends. When installing the main air passage 356, it is only necessary to embed the main air passage 356 into the fourth mounting cavity 3340 to achieve installation, which is convenient. Furthermore, the bend 3341 of the fourth mounting cavity 3340 can guide the extension of the main air passage 356, avoiding excessive bending of the main air passage 356 and the formation of a dead bend, which would affect the conductivity of the main air passage 356.

[0082] Specifically, the fourth limiting rib 334 includes an upper limiting rib 3342 and a lower limiting rib 3343. The upper limiting rib 3342 and the lower limiting rib 3343 form the fourth mounting cavity 3340. The main air passage 356 is located in the fourth mounting cavity 3340, and the fourth mounting cavity 3340 has a certain amount of space relative to the main air passage 356. When the first support 31 moves up and down, it will cause the main air passage 356 to move to a certain extent. When the first support 31 moves downward, the main air passage 356 is limited by the lower limiting rib 3343; when the first support 31 moves upward, the main air passage 356 is limited by the upper limiting rib 3343. Therefore, the above-mentioned fixing method of the main air passage 356 can keep the main air passage 356 moving within a certain range and ensure its conduction effect.

[0083] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 10 Specifically, in this embodiment, the vacuum assembly 35 further includes a five-way valve 37. The five-way valve 37 includes five ports: a first port 371, a second port 372, a third port 373, a fourth port 374, and a fifth port 375. All ports 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375 are interconnected. Furthermore, each port has a guide surface 376 on its outer surface. This guide surface 376 facilitates a sealed connection between the port and the air duct.

[0084] The main air passage 356 is connected to the first interface 371 of the five-way valve 37. Other air passages of the vacuum assembly are then connected to the main air passage 356 via the five-way valve 37. The five-way valve 37 connects multiple air passages, simplifying the air passage system of the vacuum assembly. Assembly between each air passage and the five-way valve 37 is convenient and easy to operate.

[0085] In other embodiments, the five-way valve 37 can also be other three-way, four-way, or other connecting valves, or a combination of multiple connecting valves. The specific form of the connecting valve is not limited here. The vacuum assembly of the refrigerator described above connects multiple air passages through the connecting valves, making the structure of the vacuum assembly 33 simple, compact, and occupying a small volume, which is beneficial to the modular design of the vacuum sealing structure 3.

[0086] Please see Figure 6 Specifically, in this embodiment, the mounting base 33 is provided with multiple positioning ribs 336. The positioning ribs 336 form a positioning cavity 3360 for mounting the five-way valve 37. A retaining groove 3361 is provided on the positioning ribs 336. The five-way valve 37 can be fixed in the positioning cavity 3360 through the retaining groove 3361. Furthermore, the air passage communicating with the interface of the five-way valve 37 can be fixed and held by the retaining groove 3361, which can position the air passage. Therefore, the positioning ribs 336 can both prevent the five-way valve 37 from falling off and position the air passage.

[0087] It is understandable that when an air passage needs to pass through a limiting rib, a slot 3361 can also be provided on the limiting rib. The slot 3361 can fix the air passage in place, ensuring the stability of the entire air passage system.

[0088] Please see Figure 5 The gas path system includes a vacuum path 3562. The vacuum path 3562 is connected to the main gas path 356 via the second port 372 of the five-way valve 37. The inlet of the vacuum pump 351 is connected to the main gas path 356 via the vacuum path 3562. The vacuum path 3562 is used to connect to the vacuum pump 351.

[0089] Please also refer to Figure 11 The vacuum assembly 35 is also equipped with a one-way valve 357. The vacuum pump 351 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36. One end of the one-way valve 357 is connected to the air inlet of the vacuum pump 351, and the other end is connected to the vacuum chamber 36. When the vacuum pump 351 is drawing a vacuum, the one-way valve 357 opens, which can extract the air from the vacuum chamber 36, making the vacuum chamber 36 a negative pressure state.

[0090] When the vacuuming operation is complete, the vacuum pump 351 stops working. The sealing assembly 38 seals the packaging bag 80. During the sealing process, the vacuum chamber 36 needs to maintain a negative pressure state. The one-way valve 357 can prevent leaks from the vacuum pump 351 from entering the vacuum chamber 36 and disrupting the negative pressure state of the vacuum chamber 36. Therefore, the refrigerator described above can reduce the leakage points in the gas circuit system by using the one-way valve 357, keeping the vacuum chamber 36 under negative pressure and ensuring the vacuum sealing effect of the packaging bag 80.

[0091] The vacuum assembly 35 also includes a silencer 358. The gas path system also includes a silencer gas path 3563. The silencer gas path 3581 is connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump 351. The silencer 358 is connected to the silencer gas path 3563. The silencer 358 has a hollow structure. The silencer 358 includes two interfaces 3581. One interface 3581 is connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump 351. The hollow structure 3582 of the silencer 358 allows the cross-sectional size of the entire silencer 358 to change, causing the phase of the sound wave energy to cancel each other out, thereby achieving the effect of noise reduction.

[0092] Please see Figure 5 The gas path system also includes a pressure detection gas path 3564. The pressure detection gas path 3564 is connected to the main gas path 356 via the third port 373 of the five-way valve 37. A pressure detection device 352 is connected to the pressure detection gas path 3564. The pressure detection device 352 monitors the pressure of the gas path system in real time. When the pressure reaches a threshold, the vacuum pump 351 stops evacuating the vacuum chamber 36.

[0093] The gas system also includes a pressure relief gas path 3565. The pressure relief gas path 3565 is connected to the main gas path 356 via the fourth port 374 of the five-way valve 37. A pressure relief device 353 is connected to the pressure relief gas path 3565. The pressure relief device 353 is also connected to the main gas path 356 via the pressure relief gas path 3565. When vacuum sealing is activated, the pressure relief gas path 3565 is used to depressurize the vacuum chamber 36.

[0094] The vacuum assembly 35 also includes a vacuuming air passage 3566 and a vacuuming connector 359 disposed on the vacuuming air passage 3566. The vacuuming connector 359 is used to connect and communicate with a packaging can (not shown). The vacuuming air passage 3566 is connected to the main air passage 356 through the fifth port 375 of the five-way valve 37, and the vacuuming air passage 3566 is used to vacuum the packaging can.

[0095] The can-squeezing connector 359 is normally closed. When a packaging can is connected, the can's connector aligns with the can-squeezing connector 359, thus opening the connector. The can-squeezing connector 359 then connects to the packaging can, enabling vacuum sealing of canned packaging via the can-squeezing air passage 3566. The can-squeezing connector 359 can be a one-way valve. When only a packaging bag is being vacuum-sealed, the can-squeezing connector 359 is not connected to a packaging can and remains closed, not affecting the vacuum sealing of the packaging bag.

[0096] Therefore, the above-mentioned vacuum sealing structure is not limited to vacuum sealing of packaging bags, but can also be used for vacuum sealing of packaging cans.

[0097] Specifically, in this embodiment, the driving device 34 is used to drive the first support 31 to move toward the second support 32. Furthermore, there are two driving devices 34, each located at one end of the first support 31, and the two driving devices 34 are connected to the two ends of the first support 31 respectively. During the movement of the first support 31, the two driving devices 34 can maintain the first support 31 in a balanced state as it moves toward the second support 32. And when the driving device 34 stops moving, it applies uniform pressure to the first support 31, ensuring that the vacuum chamber 36 between the first support 31 and the second support 32 remains tightly sealed.

[0098] The drive unit 34 is also mounted on the mounting base 33. The mounting base 33 has a fifth limiting rib 335. The fifth limiting rib 335 forms a fifth mounting cavity 3350 for mounting the drive unit 34. There are two fifth mounting cavities 3350, located on opposite sides of the mounting base 33. The fifth mounting cavities 3350 are adapted to the drive unit 34. The drive unit 34 includes a motor. The drive unit 34 needs to be fixedly mounted inwards within the fifth mounting cavity 3350 using screws to ensure stable installation.

[0099] The sealing component 38 is used to seal the packaging bag after vacuuming is completed. The sealing component 38 is installed inside the first support 31. The sealing component 38 is located on one side of the vacuum chamber 36. The sealing component 38 corresponds to the sealing position of the packaging bag. When the sealing component 38 completes the sealing operation of the packaging bag 80, the first support 31 and the second support 32 move away from each other and separate, so that the packaging bag 80 can be removed from the vacuum sealing device 3.

[0100] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 uses a vacuum sealing structure 3 to vacuum-seal and seal the packaging bag 80, thereby achieving independent vacuum packaging of various foods. Therefore, multiple foods will not interfere with each other during vacuum preservation, and there will be no cross-contamination. Furthermore, when retrieving food, the packaging bag containing the corresponding food can be removed separately. Breaking the vacuum state of one packaging bag will not affect the vacuum state of other packaging bags. Packaging bags containing other foods can maintain a vacuum state, eliminating the need for multiple vacuuming processes. Therefore, compared to conventional refrigerators, the vacuum preservation space of the refrigerator in this embodiment is not limited to the size of the vacuum drawer, expanding the vacuum preservation range of the refrigerator 1 and improving its efficiency.

[0101] Furthermore, the aforementioned refrigerator achieves vacuum sealing through a main gas path, a vacuum extraction path, and a pressure relief path, with the vacuum extraction path and pressure relief path connected to the vacuum chamber via the main gas path. The vacuum assembly of the aforementioned refrigerator has a simple structure, compact layout, and occupies a small volume, which is beneficial for the modular design of the vacuum sealing structure 3.

[0102] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The box has an interior that forms a low-temperature storage space. An installation groove is provided on the outside of the box. A sealing plate is provided at the opening of the installation groove. The sealing plate is used to cover the installation groove and has an insertion port for inserting a packaging bag. A vacuum-sealed structure is installed within the mounting slot, the vacuum-sealed structure comprising: The first support and the second support are movable relative to each other to form a vacuum chamber. The insertion port is connected to the vacuum chamber, and the packaging bag can enter the vacuum chamber through the insertion port. A vacuum pumping assembly, connected to the vacuum pumping chamber, includes: The main gas path is connected to the vacuum chamber; The vacuum path is connected to the main air path and is used to vacuum the packaging bag located in the vacuum chamber. The pressure relief gas path is connected to the main gas path and is used to relieve pressure in the vacuum chamber. A pressure detection gas path is provided, which is connected to the main gas path. Pressure detection device, wherein the pressure detection device is connected to the pressure detection air circuit; A suction gas path is provided, which is connected to the main gas path. A vacuum pump connector is provided on the vacuum pump air passage. The vacuum pump connector is used to connect and communicate with the packaging can, and the vacuum pump air passage is used to evacuate the packaging can. The five-way valve includes five ports, and the main air passage, the vacuum air passage, the pressure relief air passage, the pressure detection air passage, and the tank extraction air passage are each connected to one of the ports. A sealing component is located on one side of the vacuum chamber, the sealing component corresponds to the sealing position of the packaging bag, and the sealing component is used to seal the opening of the packaging bag after the vacuuming is completed; Mounting base, the mounting base being used to support the vacuum assembly; The mounting base is provided with multiple positioning ribs, which form a positioning cavity for installing the five-way valve. The positioning ribs are provided with slots, and the five-way valve is fixed in the positioning cavity through the slots. The mounting base is provided with a limiting rib, which forms a mounting cavity for accommodating the main air passage. The mounting cavity is provided with an arc-shaped bend. The mounting cavity is located on one side of the positioning cavity, and one end of the bend is connected to the positioning rib. The main air passage bends along the bend and connects to one of the interfaces of the five-way valve.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum assembly also includes a vacuum pump, the air inlet of which is connected to the vacuum path.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum assembly also includes a pressure relief device, which is connected to the pressure relief gas path.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank extraction connector is a one-way valve.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum assembly also includes a one-way valve, the two ends of which are connected to the vacuum air path.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vacuum assembly also includes a silencing gas path and a silencing device. The silencing gas path is connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump, and the silencing device is connected to the silencing gas path.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum sealing structure also includes a connecting valve, and the main gas path, the vacuum gas path, and the pressure relief gas path are all connected to the connecting valve.

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