refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a box body, a vacuum box, a vacuum pumping assembly, and a locking assembly; the vacuum box is arranged in the box body; the vacuum box comprises a box body with an opening on the front side, and a door body that can be opened and closed to cover the box body opening; the locking assembly comprises a locking plate that is slidably arranged on the periphery of the box body, a buckle plate fixed to the door body, and a driving unit for driving and restricting the sliding of the locking plate; when the locking plate is in an unlocked position, the locking plate and the buckle plate can be separated, so that the door body can be opened or closed to take items into and put items in the vacuum box. When the door body is covered on the box body and the locking plate is in the locked position, the locking position and the buckling position cooperate to lock the movement of the door body relative to the box body, so as to ensure the sealing of the door body on the box body, effectively prevent the vacuum box from leaking, and effectively ensure the storage of food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] As living standards continue to improve, people's expectations for food quality are also increasing. They not only demand longer shelf life, but also require that the color, freshness, and flavor of foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and meat) be preserved to the greatest extent possible during storage. Generally speaking, the most common way people extend the shelf life of food is to store it in the refrigerator. However, food stored in the refrigerator cannot guarantee the loss of moisture and nutrients. The most common results are fruits and vegetables shrivelling and meat drying out, which seriously affects the taste and flavor of the food.

[0003] Vacuum preservation technology is currently widely used in food packaging. By extracting air from sealed packaging bags / containers, creating a near-vacuum state, this effectively inhibits microbial spoilage and nutrient loss, thereby extending the shelf life of food. Among existing refrigerator preservation technologies, the use of vacuum drawers is the most effective way to implement this technology. A vacuum drawer operates by attaching a vacuum device to a sealed drawer. This device draws air from within the drawer, creating a low-pressure vacuum. This effectively inhibits microbial spoilage and nutrient loss, thereby extending the shelf life of food.

[0004] In the related art, after the vacuum drawer is closed, it is not sufficiently sealed, which makes the drawer prone to air leakage and affects the storage of food. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator to ensure the sealing of a vacuum box.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator comprising a box body, a vacuum box, a vacuum assembly and a locking assembly; the vacuum box is arranged in the box body; the vacuum box comprises a box body with an opening on the front side, and a door body that can be opened and closed to cover the opening of the box body; the vacuum assembly is connected to the internal space of the vacuum box for vacuuming the vacuum box; the locking assembly comprises a locking plate slidably arranged on the outer periphery of the box body, a buckle plate fixed on the door body, and a driving unit for driving and limiting the sliding of the locking plate; the buckle plate is arranged corresponding to the locking plate and extends toward the box body; a buckle position is formed on the buckle plate; a locking position is formed on the locking plate; the locking plate slides along the sliding direction so that the locking plate switches between a locked position and an unlocked position; wherein, when the door body is covered on the box body, in the locked position, the locking position and the buckle position cooperate to lock the movement of the door body relative to the box body; in the unlocked position, the locking position and the buckle position are separated.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present application, a latch column protrudes from one side of the buckle plate toward or away from the box body to form the buckling position; a latch groove is provided on the locking plate to form the locking position; the latch column can extend into and engage in the latch groove.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, the card slot is open toward one side of the buckle plate; an opening is provided on the front side of the card slot to form a hook structure.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the locking assembly further comprises a shell fixed to the box body; the shell is provided with spaced guide ribs; the locking plate is slidably disposed on the shell and is limited between the guide ribs.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving unit includes a rotating wheel rotatably connected to the box body or the outer shell around its own axis, and an elastic member; an eccentric abutment block is provided on the rotating wheel, and the abutment block abuts against the locking plate to drive the locking plate to move from the unlocking position to the locking position; the elastic member is used to drive the locking plate to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, a protrusion is provided on the locking plate; the extension direction of the protrusion is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the locking plate; a limiting rib is formed on the outer shell; the limiting rib is perpendicular to the guide rib; when the locking plate moves from the unlocking position to the locking position, the protrusion abuts against the limiting rib to limit the locking plate to the unlocking position.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving unit also includes a motor and a screw connected to the motor; the rotating wheel and the push block are arranged at intervals on the axis of the rotating wheel; teeth are provided on the outer periphery of the rotating wheel; and the teeth on the screw and the rotating wheel are meshed.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the elastic member is a compression spring; a protruding boss is provided at one end of the locking plate; a card hole is provided on the outer shell; the boss can be slidably inserted into the card hole; the elastic member is sleeved on the outer periphery of the boss, and its two ends respectively abut the locking plate and the outer shell.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, an air hole is opened on the outer side of the box body and passes through to the inside of the box body; a plunger is provided on the locking plate; when the locking plate is in the locking position, the plunger seals the air hole; when the locking plate is in the unlocking position, the plunger and the air hole are separated.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the air holes are arranged on the left and right sides of the box body.

[0017] It can be seen from the above technical solutions that the present invention has at least the following advantages and positive effects:

[0018] In the present invention, when the locking plate is in the unlocked position, the locking plate and the buckle plate can be separated, thereby enabling the door to be opened or closed to take items into or out of the vacuum box. When the door is covered on the box body and the locking plate is in the locked position, the locked position and the buckled position cooperate to lock the movement of the door relative to the box body, thereby ensuring the sealing of the door on the box body, effectively preventing air leakage in the vacuum box, and effectively ensuring the storage of food. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerator of the present invention, wherein the cabinet is not shown.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a vacuum box of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a box body of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the door body of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking assembly of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A structural diagram of the structure shown from another perspective.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the gusset plate of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 It is a perspective structural diagram of the outer shell of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of the outer shell of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking plate of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the rotating wheel of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13 It is a structural schematic diagram of a detection unit of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 14 It is a structural schematic diagram of a sliding part of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a structural diagram of a monitoring unit of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 16 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0035] The reference numerals are as follows: 100, box body; 200, vacuum box; 210, box body; 211, air hole; 220, door body; 221, sealing gasket; 300, vacuum assembly;

[0036] 500, locking assembly; 510, locking plate; 511, locking slot; 512, protrusion; 513, boss; 520, buckle plate; 521, locking column; 530, housing; 531, guide rib; 532, limiting rib; 533, protruding shaft; 534, locking hole; 535, sliding groove; 536, limiting groove; 537, through hole; 540, plunger; 550, motor; 551, screw; 560, rotating wheel; 561, abutment block; 562, arc rib; 563, groove; 570, elastic member;

[0037] 610, detection unit; 611, first micro switch; 612, sliding member; 6121, sliding rib; 6122, convex shaft; 613, reset member; 620, monitoring unit; 621, second micro switch; 622, push plate; 623, elastic element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention is capable of various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the descriptions and illustrations herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting.

[0039] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0040] For ease of description and understanding, the state of the refrigerator when it is placed upright for use is used as a reference, the direction facing the user is the front, and the direction facing away from the user is the rear.

[0041] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a refrigerator for storing items at low temperatures. The refrigerator includes a housing 100, a door (not shown) rotatably mounted on the housing 100, a vacuum box 200 disposed within the housing 100, and a refrigeration assembly disposed within the housing 100.

[0043] The box 100 is formed with a refrigeration compartment with an opening at the front side, and items are placed in the refrigeration compartment for low-temperature storage. Refrigeration compartments generally include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The specific structure of the box 100 is similar to that of boxes in the related art and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In this embodiment, the door is rotatably covered on the box body 100 to open or close the refrigeration compartment of the box body 100 and to take items into and out of the refrigeration compartment. In some embodiments, the door is a drawer-type door that is slidably covered on the front side of the box body 100.

[0045] The refrigeration assembly releases heat from the refrigerator to the outside environment, providing cooling to the refrigeration compartment and maintaining a low temperature. The refrigeration assembly includes components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and capillary circuit. The specific structure and connection relationships of the refrigeration assembly are similar to those described in related art and will not be further described here.

[0046] Figure 2 It is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerator of the present invention, wherein the cabinet is not shown. Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a vacuum box of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a box body 210 of a refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] See Figures 1 to 4 The vacuum box 200 is disposed within the container 100 and is used to preserve food in a vacuum. In some embodiments, the vacuum box 200 is disposed on the side of the container door facing the container 100. The vacuum box 200 includes a container body 210 with an opening at the front, and a door 220 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening of the container body 210. The door 220 is used to close or open the container body 210, allowing items to be placed in and stored in the vacuum box 200.

[0048] The box body 210 is housed in the refrigeration compartment of the cabinet 100. The box body 210 forms a hollow chamber with an open front side, so as to form an internal space in the box body 210.

[0049] The outer side of the box body 210 is provided with air holes 211 that pass through to the interior of the box body 210. In this embodiment, the air holes 211 are arranged on the left and right sides of the box body 210, and the openings of the air holes 211 are arranged vertically.

[0050] Figure 5 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator door 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] See Figures 2 to 5 The door 220 is a drawer-type structure, the drawer portion of which is used to support items and is placed in the box body 210. The door 220 is slidably disposed on the box body 210. In some embodiments, the door 220 is a plate-like structure, and the door 220 is detachably covered on the box body 210, or the door 220 is rotatably covered on the box body 210.

[0052] A flexible sealing gasket 221 is provided on the side of the door body 220 facing the box body 210. The sealing gasket 221 is an annular structure. When the door body 220 is covered on the box body 210, the sealing gasket 221 is attached to and sealed on the front side of the box body 210.

[0053] In this embodiment, a vacuum assembly 300 is provided on the outer periphery of the box body 210. The vacuum assembly 300 communicates with the interior space of the vacuum box 200 for evacuating the vacuum box 200. Specifically, the vacuum assembly 300 communicates with the interior space of the box body 210 via a pipe. When the door 220 is closed on the box body 210, the vacuum assembly 300 evacuates the vacuum box 200, thereby forming a vacuum environment within the vacuum box 200 for vacuum storage of items.

[0054] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the locking assembly 500 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the structure shown from another perspective.

[0055] See Figures 2 to 7 In this embodiment, a locking assembly 500 is provided on the vacuum box 200. The locking assembly 500 can lock the relative movement between the box body 210 and the door body 220 to lock the door body 220 on the box body 210, thereby effectively ensuring the sealing of the vacuum box 200.

[0056] The locking assembly 500 includes a locking plate 510 slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the box body 210, a pinch plate 520 fixed to the door body 220, a drive unit for driving and restricting the sliding of the locking plate 510, and a housing 530. The drive unit drives the locking plate 510 to slide, so that the locking plate 510 switches between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the door body 220 is covered on the box body 210, in the locked position, the locking plate 510 locks the pinch plate 520 to lock the movement of the door body 220 relative to the box body 210; in the unlocked position, the locking plate 510 and pinch plate 520 separate, allowing the door body 220 to move relative to the box body 210, thereby allowing the door body 220 to be opened.

[0057] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the gusset plate 520 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] See Figures 2 to 8 The pinch plate 520 is disposed corresponding to the locking plate 510 and extends toward the housing 210. In this embodiment, the door 220 is disposed on the front side of the housing 210. The pinch plate 520 extends rearward from the door 220, with a gap between the pinch plate 520 and the outer side of the housing 210. A latching post 521 protrudes from the side of the pinch plate 520 facing the housing 210, forming a snap-fit ​​position on the pinch plate 520. In some embodiments, the latching post 521 protrudes from the side of the pinch plate 520 facing away from the housing 210.

[0059] In this embodiment, the gusset plates 520 are disposed corresponding to the left and right outer sides of the box body 210, and the latches 521 extend in the left-right direction toward the corresponding left and right sides of the box body 210. In some embodiments, the gusset plates 520 are disposed corresponding to the upper and lower outer sides of the box body 210, and the latches 521 extend in the upper and lower directions toward the corresponding upper and lower sides of the box body 210.

[0060] In some embodiments, a buckle plate 520 is formed with a buckle groove, which serves as a buckle position.

[0061] Figure 9 It is a perspective structural diagram of the outer shell 530 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of the outer shell 530 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0062] See again Figures 6 to 10 The outer shell 530 is fixed to the outer surface of the box body 210. The outer shell 530 is arranged corresponding to the pinch plate 520. The outer shell 530 and the pinch plate 520 are arranged on the same side of the box body 210. The outer shell 530 can be a structure fixed to the box body 210 separately. The outer shell 530 can also be a part of the box body 210, and the outer shell 530 is formed on the box body 210. The locking plate 510 and the drive unit are both arranged on the outer shell 530.

[0063] The housing 530 is positioned on the left and right sides of the housing 210. Guide ribs 531 are spaced apart along the front-to-back direction on the side of the housing 530 facing either side of the housing 210. The locking plate 510 is positioned between the two guide ribs 531, allowing it to slide along the extension direction of the guide ribs 531. The guide ribs 531 extend in the vertical direction, and the locking plate 510 is positioned within the guide ribs 531 to slide in the vertical direction. In other embodiments, the guide ribs 531 extend in a vertical plane and form an angle with both the vertical direction and the direction of the water flow.

[0064] In this embodiment, the guide ribs 531 are disposed on the side of the housing 530 facing the housing 210. After the door 220 is closed on the housing 210, the pinch plate 520 is located on the side of the housing 530 facing away from the housing 210. A through hole 537 is formed on the side of the housing 530 facing away from the housing 210. The through hole 537 extends into the space between the two guide ribs 531. The latch 521 of the pinch plate 520 passes through the through hole 537 and engages with the locking plate 510.

[0065] In some embodiments, the outer shell 530 and the pinch plate 520 are disposed corresponding to the upper and lower sides of the box body 210 , and the guide ribs 531 are disposed at intervals along the front-to-back direction, and the guide ribs 531 extend along the left-to-right direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, a limiting rib 532 is formed on the housing 530. In this embodiment, the limiting rib 532 is perpendicular to the guide rib 531, forming a step on the housing 530 at the limiting rib 532. This allows the limiting rib 532 to abut against the locking plate 510, thereby limiting the sliding movement of the locking plate 510. In some embodiments, an angle between the limiting rib 532 and the guide rib 531 is sufficient.

[0067] A protruding shaft 533 is further protruded from the housing 530 , and the protruding shaft 533 and the guide rib 531 are located on the same side of the housing 530 .

[0068] The housing 530 is further provided with a locking hole 534, the axis of which extends along the sliding direction of the locking plate 510. In this embodiment, the locking hole 534 extends in the up-down direction.

[0069] The housing 530 is provided with a sliding groove 535. The sliding groove 535 is provided on a side of the housing 530 facing the rotating wheel 560. In this embodiment, the sliding groove 535 extends vertically. In some embodiments, the sliding groove 535 extends in any direction.

[0070] A limiting groove 536 is provided on one side of the shell 530 facing the buckle plate 520 . The limiting groove 536 extends in the front-to-back direction. The limiting groove 536 is provided corresponding to the buckle plate 520 . A limiting buckle is protruded on the side wall of the limiting groove 536 extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0071] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure of the locking plate 510 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] See Figures 6 to 11 The locking plate 510 is slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the housing 210. The locking plate 510 is positioned between the two guide ribs 531 and is capable of sliding along the sliding direction of the guide ribs 531, so that the locking plate 510 is slidably disposed on the housing 530. In some embodiments, the locking plate 510 is slidably disposed on the housing 210.

[0073] The locking plate 510 and the pinch plate 520 are spaced apart and arranged away from the housing 210. In this embodiment, the pinch plate 520 is located on the side of the locking plate 510 facing away from the housing 210. In other embodiments, the pinch plate 520 is located on the side of the locking plate 510 facing the housing 210. A slot 511 is defined on the locking plate 510, facing the pinch plate 520, forming a locking position; a latch 521 on the pinch plate 520 can extend into and engage with the slot 511.

[0074] In this embodiment, the locking plate 510 slides along the sliding direction to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the door 220 covers the box body 210, in the locked position, the locked position and the snap-fit ​​position cooperate to lock the movement of the door 220 relative to the box body 210, thereby ensuring the seal of the door 220 on the box body 210. When the door 220 covers the box body 210, in the unlocked position, the locked position and the snap-fit ​​position separate, and the locking plate 510 releases the lock on the snap-fit ​​plate 520, thereby allowing the door 220 to move relative to the box body 210 and thus opening the door 220.

[0075] When the locking plate 510 is in the unlocked position, the locking plate 510 and the buckle plate 520 can be separated, thereby allowing the door 220 to be opened or closed to take items into or out of the vacuum box 200. When the door 220 covers the box body 210 and the locking plate 510 is in the locked position, the locked position and the buckled position cooperate to lock the movement of the door 220 relative to the box body 210, thereby ensuring the seal of the door 220 on the box body 210, effectively preventing air leakage in the vacuum box 200 and effectively ensuring the storage of food.

[0076] In this embodiment, the locking position is a slot 511 on the locking plate 510, and the engaging position is a post 521 on the pinch plate 520. The locking plate 510 slides up and down, allowing the locking plate 510 and pinch plate 520 to mate. In some embodiments, the locking position is a corresponding post 521, and the pinch plate 520 is a corresponding slot 511. When the locking plate 510 slides up and down, the post 521 extends up and down into and is retained within the slot 511, thereby limiting the movement of the pinch plate 520.

[0077] In this embodiment, the locking slot 511 on the locking plate 510 is open toward one side of the pinch plate 520; an opening is provided on the front side of the locking slot 511, forming a hook structure. When the locking plate 510 is in the unlocked position, the door 220 is closed, and the latch 521 on the pinch plate 520 extends from the front opening of the locking slot 511 into the locking slot 511 from front to back. The locking plate 510 then slides vertically from the unlocked position to the locked position, causing the latch 521 to slide vertically within the locking slot 511, thereby locking the pinch plate 520 to the locking plate 510.

[0078] A protruding boss 513 is provided at one end of the locking plate 510 , and the extending direction of the boss 513 is parallel to the sliding direction of the locking plate 510 . The boss 513 is slidably inserted into a locking hole 534 on the housing 530 .

[0079] In this embodiment, the drive unit is capable of moving the hand locking plate 510 between an unlocked position and a locked position. A protrusion 512 is provided on the locking plate 510; the protrusion 512 extends perpendicular to the sliding direction of the locking plate 510. When the locking plate 510 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the protrusion 512 abuts against the retaining rib 532, thereby retaining the locking plate 510 in the unlocked position.

[0080] A plunger 540 is provided on the locking plate 510; when the locking plate 510 is in the locked position, the plunger 540 seals the air hole 211; when the locking plate 510 is in the unlocked position, the plunger 540 and the air hole 211 are separated. The plunger 540 is provided at one end of the sliding direction of the locking plate 510. In this embodiment, the plunger 540 is provided at the upper end of the locking plate 510, and the plunger 540 is arranged in the up-down direction. When a vacuum environment is formed in the vacuum box 200, the door body 220 covers and is sealed to the front side of the box body 210. The locking plate 510 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, driving the plunger 540 to seal the air hole 211, thereby forming a sealed space in the vacuum box 200, and the vacuum box 200 is evacuated by the vacuum assembly 300. When the door body 220 needs to be opened, the locking plate 510 moves from the locking position to the unlocking position, thereby driving the plunger 540 and the air hole 211 to separate, so as to deflate the vacuum box 200 and release the negative pressure in the vacuum box 200, thereby facilitating the opening of the door body 220.

[0081] In this embodiment, the air hole 211 is a circular hole, and the upper end of the plunger 540 is a conical structure, so that it can extend into and seal the air hole 211.

[0082] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating wheel 560 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] See Figures 6 to 12 The drive unit includes a motor 550, a rotating wheel 560 rotatably connected to the box body 210 or the housing 530 about its own axis, and an elastic member 570. The motor 550 is in driving connection with the rotating wheel 560 to drive the rotating wheel 560 to rotate. In this embodiment, the rotating wheel 560 is sleeved on the protruding shaft 533 of the housing 530, so that the rotating wheel 560 is rotatably connected to the housing 530 about its own axis. The rotating wheel 560 abuts or is connected to the locking plate 510 to drive the locking plate 510 to slide.

[0084] In this embodiment, the rotating wheel 560 is provided with an eccentric abutment block 561, which abuts the locking plate 510 to move the locking plate 510 from the unlocked position to the locked position. Specifically, the abutment block 561 abuts the lower end of the locking plate 510, and the rotating wheel 560 rotates to drive the locking plate 510 to slide upward.

[0085] In this embodiment, abutment blocks 561 of the rotating wheel 560 are spaced apart along the axis of the rotating wheel 560. A screw 551 is disposed between the rotating wheel 560 and the motor 550, transmitting power to the motor 550. The rotating wheel 560 is provided with teeth on its outer circumference; the screw 551 meshes with the teeth on the rotating wheel 560, thereby driving the rotating wheel 560 to rotate via the motor 550.

[0086] The screw rod 551, the rotating wheel 560, and the motor 550 are all disposed on the same side of the housing 210 in the left-right direction. The screw rod 551 is disposed vertically, and the axis of the motor 550 is disposed in the front-to-back direction, so that the drive unit occupies less space in the left-to-right direction. This allows the housing 210 to be larger in the left-to-right direction, thereby increasing the effective volume of the vacuum chamber 200. In some embodiments, the screw rod 551 is disposed in the front-to-back direction or in the up-to-down direction, and the motor 550 is disposed in the up-to-down direction or in the front-to-back direction.

[0087] In some embodiments, the drive unit does not include the screw 551, and the output shaft of the motor 550 is fixedly connected to the rotating wheel 560. In other embodiments, the rotating wheel 560 only includes a stop block 561, one end of which is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 550 and the other end of which abuts the locking plate 510.

[0088] One side of the rotating wheel 560 is provided with an arcuate rib 562 extending around the rotation center of the rotating wheel 560. A groove 563 is formed on the side of the arcuate rib 562 facing the rotation center of the rotating wheel 560. In this embodiment, the rotating wheel 560 is disposed on the side of the housing 530 facing the housing 210, and the arcuate rib 562 is disposed on the side of the rotating wheel 560 facing the housing 210. In some embodiments, the arcuate rib 562 is disposed on the side of the rotating wheel 560 facing away from the housing 210.

[0089] See again Figures 6 to 12 The elastic member 570 is used to drive the locking plate 510 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In this embodiment, the elastic member 570 is a compression spring, which is sleeved around the outer periphery of the boss 513. The two ends of the elastic member 570 respectively abut the locking plate 510 and the housing 530, so that the elastic force of the elastic member 570 drives the locking plate 510 to move. In other embodiments, the elastic member 570 is a tension spring, and the connecting section of the elastic member 570 is fixedly connected to the housing 530 and the locking plate 510, so that the tension of the tension spring drives the locking plate 510 to move.

[0090] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the structure of the detection unit 610 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] See Figures 2 to 13The refrigerator also includes a sensor assembly for detecting the opening and closing status of the door body 220 and the position of the locking plate 510; the vacuum assembly 300 and the sensor assembly are electrically connected to the drive unit, thereby controlling the locking plate 510 to slide automatically through the drive unit and limiting the locking plate 510.

[0092] The sensor assembly includes a detection unit 610 disposed on the housing 530 for detecting the position of the rotating wheel 560 , and a monitoring unit 620 for monitoring the opening and closing status of the door body 220 .

[0093] The detection unit 610 includes a first micro switch 611 arranged on the housing 530, a sliding member 612 slidably arranged on the housing 530, and a reset member 613 for driving the sliding member 612 to move closer to or away from the first micro switch 611; the sliding member 612 is engaged with the rotating wheel 560, and the rotation of the rotating wheel 560 can drive the sliding member 612 to slide; the rotating wheel 560 and the reset member 613 have opposite driving forces on the sliding member 612, thereby driving the sliding member 612 to abut against and away from the first micro switch 611.

[0094] In this embodiment, the restoring member 613 is a compression spring. The restoring member 613 is accommodated in the sliding groove 535 , and two ends of the restoring member 613 respectively abut against the housing 530 and the sliding member 612 .

[0095] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding member 612 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] See Figures 6 to 14 The sliding member 612 is located on the side of the housing 530 facing the case body 210. A sliding rib 6121 is protruded from the side of the sliding member 612 facing the housing 530. The sliding rib 6121 extends along the sliding direction of the sliding member 612. A plurality of sliding ribs 6121 are spaced apart perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding member 612. The sliding ribs 6121 extend into and are constrained within the sliding groove 535, allowing the sliding member 612 to slide along the extending direction of the sliding groove 535. The sliding member 612 is partially located within the sliding groove 535.

[0097] In this embodiment, the sliding member 612 slides in the vertical direction, the upper end of the sliding rib 6121 is closed, and the reset member 613 is disposed in the sliding groove 535. The upper and lower ends of the reset member 613 respectively abut or connect the upper end of the sliding rib 6121 and the lower wall of the sliding groove 535. The first micro switch 611 is disposed above the sliding member 612.

[0098] The lower end of the slider 612 is provided with a protruding shaft 6122, which is overlapped on the side of the arc rib 562 toward the rotation center of the rotating wheel 560. In this way, the end of the slider 612 facing away from the first micro switch 611 overlaps on the side of the arc rib 562 toward the rotation center of the rotating wheel 560.

[0099] In this embodiment, the detection units 610 are arranged in two groups at intervals, and the two sliding members 612 of the two groups of detection units 610 are arranged at intervals. When the sliding member 612 engages with the arcuate rib 562, the corresponding sliding member 612 is pulled apart from the corresponding first microswitch 611. When the protruding shaft 6122 engages with the arcuate rib 562, the sliding member 612 and the corresponding first microswitch 611 are separated. During the rotation of the rotating wheel 560, the protruding shaft 612 engages with the groove 563 of the arcuate rib 562, causing the sliding member 612 to slide and abut against the first microswitch 611. The abutment of the two sliding members 612 against the two first microswitches 611 determines the locked and unlocked positions of the locking plate 510.

[0100] In some embodiments, the arcuate rib 562 is not provided with a groove 563, and a platform structure is protruded on one side of the arcuate rib 562 toward the rotation center of the rotating wheel 560. When the protruding shaft 6122 of the sliding member 612 engages with the arcuate rib 562, the sliding member 612 abuts against the corresponding first microswitch 611. During the rotation of the rotating wheel 560, when the protruding shaft 6122 engages with the boss, it drives the sliding member 612 to slide away from the corresponding first microswitch 611, causing the sliding member 612 and the first microswitch 611 to separate. The separation of the two first microswitches 611 by the two sliding members 612 can determine the locked position and unlocked position of the locking plate 510. In other embodiments, the detection unit 610 is a corresponding light sensor.

[0101] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the structure of the monitoring unit 620 of the refrigerator embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0102] See Figures 6 to 16 The monitoring unit 620 includes a second micro switch 621 arranged on the housing 530, a push plate 622 slidably arranged on the housing 530, and an elastic element 623 for driving the push plate 622 to move toward the door body 220; the push plate 622 is arranged relative to the buckle plate 520, so that when the door body 220 is closed, the buckle plate 520 can push the push plate 622 to move, so that the push plate 622 abuts or separates from the second micro switch 621.

[0103] In this embodiment, the second micro switch 621 is fixed on the housing 530, the push plate 622 extends in the front-to-back direction, and the push plate 622 is fully or partially accommodated in the limit groove 536. The limit buckle in the limit groove 536 limits the push plate 622 in the limit groove 536, so that the push plate 622 can slide back and forth in the limit groove 536.

[0104] In this embodiment, the elastic element 623 is a spring. When the elastic element 623 abuts against the connection between the outer shell 530 and the push plate 622, it drives the push plate 622 to squeeze on the second micro switch. When the door body 220 is closed on the box body 210, the rear end of the buckle plate 520 abuts against the push plate 622 and pushes the push plate 622 to move backward, so that the push plate 622 and the second micro switch 621 are separated.

[0105] In this embodiment, a controller is provided in the refrigerator; a door opening sensor is also provided on the door body 220 or the control panel of the refrigerator to obtain a signal for opening the door body 220.

[0106] A door sensor for obtaining the action of opening or closing the door 220 is provided on the side wall of the box body 100; when the door sensor obtains the action of the user placing on the door 220 and the locking plate 510 is in a locked state, a door opening signal is sent to the sensor component.

[0107] Based on the above structure, this embodiment further provides a refrigerator control method, including:

[0108] When the sensor assembly receives a signal indicating that the door 220 is closed on the box body 210, the control driving unit drives the locking plate 510 to move, causing the locking plate 510 to lock the catch plate 520. After the sensor assembly receives a signal indicating that the locking plate 510 is in the locked position, the control driving unit stops working to keep the locking plate 510 in the locked position.

[0109] In this embodiment, the door body 220 is pushed to cover the box body 210, and the buckle plate 520 on the door body 220 pushes it to move backward, causing the push plate 622 and the second micro switch 621 to separate. The second micro switch 621 transmits a signal to the controller, which controls the motor 550 to rotate, driving the rotating wheel 560 to rotate. The rotation of the rotating wheel 560 drives the locking plate 510 from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby causing the locking column 521 to engage with the locking slot 511. When the rotating wheel 560 rotates to the locked position, a sliding member 612 slides and separates from the corresponding first micro switch 611. The corresponding first micro switch 611 transmits a signal to the controller, which controls the motor 550 to stop working, maintaining the locking position of the locking plate 510.

[0110] When the sensor assembly receives a door opening signal, the control drive unit operates to move the locking plate 510 from the locking position toward the unlocking position, separating the locking plate 510 and the buckle plate 520 so that the door body 220 can be opened; when the sensor assembly receives a signal that the locking plate 510 moves to the unlocking stop position, the control drive unit stops operating to keep the locking plate 510 in the unlocking position.

[0111] In this embodiment, after the door opening sensor unlocks and receives the signal to open the door body 220, the signal is transmitted to the controller, and the controller controls the motor 550 to rotate. When the motor 550 rotates, under the elastic force of the elastic member 570, the locking plate 510 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, and a sliding member 612 slides and separates from the corresponding first microswitch 611. The corresponding first microswitch 611 transmits the signal to the controller, and the controller controls the motor 550 to stop working to keep the locking plate 510 in the unlocked position.

[0112] While the present invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the terms used are intended to be illustrative and exemplary rather than restrictive. Since the present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: Box; A vacuum box is disposed in the box body; the vacuum box comprises a box body with an opening at the front side, and a door body that can be opened and closed to cover the opening of the box body; a vacuum pumping assembly, connected to the inner space of the vacuum box, for pumping a vacuum into the vacuum box; The locking assembly includes a locking plate slidably arranged on the periphery of the box body, a pinch plate fixed to the door body, and a driving unit for driving and restricting the sliding of the locking plate; the pinch plate is arranged corresponding to the locking plate and extends toward the box body; a buckling position is formed on the pinch plate; a locking position is formed on the locking plate; the locking plate slides along the sliding direction to switch the locking plate between a locked position and an unlocked position; When the door body is covered on the box body, in the locked position, the locking position and the buckling position cooperate to lock the movement of the door body relative to the box body; in the unlocked position, the locking position and the buckling position are separated.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: A locking column protrudes from one side of the buckle plate toward or away from the box body to form the locking position; a locking groove is opened on the locking plate to form the locking position; the locking column can extend into and be locked in the locking groove.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that The card slot is open toward one side of the buckle plate; an opening is provided on the front side of the card slot to form a hook structure.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The locking assembly further comprises a shell fixed on the box body; the shell is provided with spaced guide ribs; the locking plate is slidably provided on the shell and is limited between the guide ribs.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that The driving unit includes a rotating wheel rotatably connected to the box body or the shell around its own axis, and an elastic member; an eccentric abutment block is provided on the rotating wheel, and the abutment block abuts against the locking plate to drive the locking plate to move from the unlocking position to the locking position; the elastic member is used to drive the locking plate to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that A protrusion is provided on the locking plate; the extension direction of the protrusion is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the locking plate; a limiting rib is formed on the shell; the limiting rib is perpendicular to the guide rib; when the locking plate moves from the unlocking position to the locking position, the protrusion abuts against the limiting rib to limit the locking plate to the unlocking position.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that The driving unit also includes a motor and a screw connected to the motor; the rotating wheel and the abutting block are spaced apart on the axis of the rotating wheel; teeth are provided on the outer periphery of the rotating wheel; the screw is engaged with the teeth on the rotating wheel.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The elastic member is a compression spring; a protruding boss is provided at one end of the locking plate; a card hole is provided on the shell; the boss can be slidably inserted into the card hole; the elastic member is sleeved on the outer circumference of the boss, and its two ends respectively abut the locking plate and the shell.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: An air hole is opened on the outer side of the box body and passes through to the inside of the box body; a plunger is provided on the locking plate; when the locking plate is in the locking position, the plunger seals the air hole; when the locking plate is in the unlocking position, the plunger and the air hole are separated.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that The air holes are arranged on the left and right sides of the box body.

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