Display unit and refrigeration device having the same

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a display unit and a refrigeration appliance with the same. The refrigeration appliance comprises: a door (2) comprising a front door panel (211); a dispenser (4) comprising a dispensing chamber (41) located in the door; the mounting part (20) comprises a first receiving part (201) and a second receiving part (202), the first receiving part (201) is arranged along one side of the distribution cavity, the second receiving part (202) is communicated with the first receiving part on one side, deviating from the distribution cavity, of the first receiving part, the first receiving part is opened towards the front of the door, and the second receiving part is positioned behind the front door plate and is covered by the front door plate; and a display unit including a first portion located at the first receiving portion and exposed to a front side of the door, and a second portion located within the second receiving portion and behind the front door panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display unit and a refrigerating appliance having the display unit. Background Art

[0002] In common refrigerating appliances, the display unit is received in a groove and one side of the display unit is integrally exposed at a position accessible to the user or is integrally located behind a glass door panel. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved refrigerating appliance.

[0004] Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved display unit.

[0005] On the one hand, embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerating appliance. The refrigerating appliance includes: a mounting portion and a display unit mounted on the mounting portion. The display unit includes a display portion for displaying information and / or an operation portion for receiving user operations. The mounting portion includes a first receiving portion recessed from a first wall accessible to the user along a first direction and a second receiving portion communicating with the first receiving portion and recessed along a second direction intersecting the first direction and located behind the first wall. The display unit includes a first portion located in the first receiving portion and a second portion located in the second receiving portion and behind the first wall. The display portion and / or the operation portion are located in the first portion.

[0006] In possible embodiments, the second portion includes at least one electronic device or a part of an electronic device; and / or, the display unit includes a processor for controlling an electrical component located outside the mounting portion; and / or, the visible outer surfaces of the display portion and the first wall are flush; and / or, the first portion includes a plurality of light-emitting elements for illuminating the display portion and / or the operation portion.

[0007] In possible embodiments, the processor is at least partially located in the second receiving portion.

[0008] In possible embodiments, the display unit includes a printed circuit board, wherein: the printed circuit board is at least partially located in the second receiving portion; and / or the projected area of the printed circuit board along a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board is larger than the projected area of the first portion along a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board; and / or the printed circuit board includes a first section located in the first receiving portion and a second section located in the second receiving portion; and / or the display unit includes a bracket for supporting the printed circuit board, and a part of the bracket is located in the first receiving portion and another part is located in the second receiving portion.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, there is a step between the first part and the second part, the first wall has an end face exposed to the first receiving portion, and the step and the end face are arranged face to face.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the display unit includes a bracket for supporting a printed circuit board and a display panel arranged on one side of the bracket; wherein:

[0011] The display panel covers the first receiving portion, and a portion of the bracket that extends beyond the display panel in the direction from the first receiving portion to the second receiving portion is located within the second receiving portion; and / or

[0012] The display unit includes a touch film located behind the display panel. The touch film is located between the display panel and the bracket to sense a touch operation applied by a user to the operation portion. The printed circuit board is located behind the bracket. The touch film includes a connecting portion that extends from the first part to the second part and is connected across the bracket and the printed circuit board.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the second part of the display unit is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion along the depth direction of the second receiving portion; and / or the second part of the display unit is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion along a direction parallel to the first wall.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, there is a first guiding mechanism between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving portion; and / or there is a second guiding mechanism between the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving portion for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving portion.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, there is a first limiting structure between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion for restricting the movement of the first part along at least one direction; and / or there is a second limiting structure between the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving portion for restricting the movement of the second part along at least one direction.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the refrigeration appliance includes a dispensing chamber for receiving an external container, and the display unit is arranged along one side of the dispensing chamber.

[0017] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance includes: a door including a front door panel; a dispenser including a dispensing cavity located in the door; a mounting portion including a first receiving portion arranged along one side of the dispensing cavity and a second receiving portion communicating with the first receiving portion on a side away from the dispensing cavity, the first receiving portion opening towards the front of the door, and the second receiving portion being located directly behind the front door panel and covered by the front door panel; and a display unit including a first portion located in the first receiving portion and exposed on the front side of the door and a second portion located in the second receiving portion and behind the front door panel.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the display unit includes:

[0019] a display panel having a display portion and / or an operation portion and arranged only in the first portion of the first portion and the second portion; and / or

[0020] a printed circuit board at least partially located in the second receiving portion; and / or

[0021] a bracket, a part of which is located in the first receiving portion and another part is located in the second receiving portion.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the display unit includes a touch film, the touch film including a sensing portion located in the first portion and a connecting portion extending from the first portion to the second portion to connect with a printed circuit board located behind the bracket; and / or

[0023] the printed circuit board has a plurality of light emitting elements located in the first portion; and / or

[0024] the display unit includes a connection terminal for connecting with a connector located on the door, the connection terminal being located in the second portion; and / or

[0025] the bracket includes a display bracket located in the first receiving portion and a hidden bracket located in the second receiving portion, the thickness of the display bracket being greater than the thickness of the hidden bracket and forming a step on their front surfaces; and / or

[0026] Along a direction perpendicular to the display panel, the projected area of the bracket is greater than the projected area of the display panel. In particular, the ratio of the projected area of the bracket to the projected area of the display panel is between 1.1 and 2; and / or

[0027] the thickness of the first portion is greater than the thickness of the second portion; and / or

[0028] the front surface of the first portion is substantially flush with the front surface of the door while there is a spacing between the second portion and the front surface of the door.

[0029] In a possible embodiment, the first part is adapted to be inserted into the first receiving portion along a direction parallel to the front surface of the display unit; and / or the second part is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion along a direction parallel to the front surface of the display unit.

[0030] In a possible embodiment, there is a first guiding mechanism between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving portion; and / or

[0031] There is a second guiding mechanism between the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving portion for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving portion.

[0032] In a possible embodiment, at least one of the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving portion has at least a pair of ridges, and a guiding groove for guiding the movement of the second part inserted into the second receiving portion is defined between each pair of ridges and / or each pair of ridges is deformable to clamp a cylinder protruding from the other of the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving portion to prevent the second part from falling off the second receiving portion.

[0033] In a possible embodiment, there is a first limiting structure between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion for limiting the movement of the first part along at least one direction; and / or there is a second limiting structure between the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving portion for limiting the movement of the second part along at least one direction.

[0034] In a possible embodiment, the first limiting structure is used to limit the movement of the first part along a direction perpendicular to the front door panel; and / or the first limiting structure includes a slot located on one of the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion and a protrusion located on the other of the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion, and the protrusion is adapted to slide in the slot and the relative movement along the direction perpendicular to the front door panel is blocked.

[0035] In a possible embodiment, the dispenser includes a dispenser housing, and the dispenser housing includes a front face member that defines the front boundary of the second receiving portion and is located behind the front door panel. The rear side of the front face member facing the second receiving portion and the front side of the second part facing the front face member have a guiding structure for guiding the second part to be inserted into the second receiving portion and / or a fixing structure for fixing the second part in the second receiving portion.

[0036] In a possible embodiment, the dispenser includes a partition member that separates the dispensing chamber and the installation chamber, wherein: one end of the first part adjacent to the dispensing chamber is supported on the partition member; and / or there is an insertion structure between the first part and the partition member that is adapted to be inserted along the depth direction of the second receiving portion; and / or the partition member has a limiting structure for limiting the movement of the free end of the first part away from the second part along a direction perpendicular to the front door panel.

[0037] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention relates to a display unit. The display unit includes: a display panel; a printed circuit board including at least one light-emitting element; and a bracket, wherein the printed circuit board is supported on one side of the bracket, the display panel is located on the other side of the bracket, and the light emitted by the light-emitting element is adapted to irradiate the display panel through the bracket; wherein, along a direction perpendicular to the display panel, the projection of the display panel is smaller than the projection of the bracket and / or the projection of the printed circuit board.

[0038] In a possible embodiment, the display unit includes a first portion covered by the display panel along a direction perpendicular to the display panel and a second portion not covered by the display panel.

[0039] In a possible embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a first section located in the first portion and a second section located in the second portion; and / or

[0040] The display unit includes a touch film, the touch film includes a sensing portion located in the first portion and a connecting portion extending from the first portion to the second portion to connect with the printed circuit board; and / or

[0041] The light-emitting element is located in the first portion; and / or

[0042] The display unit includes connection terminals for connecting with an external connector, and the connection terminals are located in the second portion; and / or

[0043] The thickness of the first portion is greater than the thickness of the second portion; and / or

[0044] The bracket includes a display bracket located in the first portion and a hidden bracket located in the second portion, the thickness of the display bracket is greater than the thickness of the hidden bracket and a step is formed on the front surfaces of the two; and / or

[0045] Along a direction perpendicular to the display panel, the ratio of the projected area of the bracket to the projected area of the display panel is between 1.1 and 2.

[0046] The structure of the embodiments of the present invention and its other invention purposes and beneficial effects will become more clearly understandable through the description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Description of the Drawings]

[0047] As a part of the specification and used to provide a further understanding of the present invention, the following drawings illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. Among them,

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2is a schematic partial exploded view of a door of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a door of a refrigeration appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4 is according to along Figure 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view along the B-B direction in

[0052] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a front face member of a dispenser housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a door of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a door of a refrigeration appliance after removing the display unit, wherein some parts unrelated to the installation of the display unit are removed;

[0054] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a display unit of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a display unit of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figures 10a to 10c shows the assembly process of a door of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Detailed Description]

[0057] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial exploded schematic view of a door 11 for a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the refrigeration appliance 1 includes an appliance main body 10 having a storage compartment (not shown) and a door 11 located in front of the appliance main body 10. A user can open or close the corresponding storage compartment by operating different doors in front of the refrigeration appliance 1.

[0058] The refrigeration appliance 1 includes a display unit 12. In this embodiment, the display unit 12 is installed on the door 11. The door 11 has an installation portion 14 for receiving the display unit 12. The installation portion 14 includes a first receiving portion 16 recessed from a first wall 13 accessible to the user along a first direction D and a second receiving portion 15 communicating with the first receiving portion 16 and recessed along a second direction W intersecting the first direction D and located behind the first wall 13.

[0059] The first wall 13 may include the front door panel of the door 11. The first wall 13 may be a single-layer structure or a composite structure. For example, in some embodiments, the first wall may include the front panel of the door 11 and another panel body that is spaced apart from or attached to the front door panel. In some cases, the first wall 13 may include heat-insulating material located between the front door panel and another panel body located behind the front door panel.

[0060] The mounting portion 14 is arranged on one side of the door 11, and the first receiving portion 16 opens towards one side of the door 11. The first receiving portion 16 is recessed backward from the first wall 13 along the thickness direction D (front-back direction) of the door 11, while the second receiving portion 15 is recessed along the direction away from one side of the door 11.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first receiving portion 16 opens towards the front of the door 11 and is recessed backward from the first wall 13.

[0062] When the mounting portion 14 is arranged on the longitudinal side of the door 11, such as the left side or the right side, the second receiving portion 15 may be recessed along the width direction W (left-right direction) of the door 11. It should be understood that if the mounting portion 14 is arranged on the transverse side of the door 11, such as the upper side or the lower side of the door 11, then the second receiving portion 15 may be recessed along the height direction H (vertical direction) of the door 11

[0063] The display unit 12 includes a first portion 121 located in the first receiving portion 16 and a second portion 122 located within the second receiving portion 15 and behind the first wall 13. Thus, the second portion 15 is covered by the first wall 13. The first portion 121 includes a display portion 1231 for displaying information to the user and / or an operation portion 1232 for receiving user input.

[0064] At least one electronic device 124 or a portion of the electronic device 124 ( Figure 2 schematically shown in dashed lines) is arranged in the second portion 122.

[0065] The electronic device 124 may include a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board includes a first section located in the first receiving portion 16 and a second section located in the second receiving portion 15.

[0066] There is a stepped surface 126 between the first portion 121 and the second portion 122. The stepped surface 126 is arranged opposite to the end surface 131 of the first wall 13 exposed in the first receiving portion 16. The visible outer surfaces of both the display portion 123 and the first wall 13 may be flush.

[0067] The second portion 122 of the display unit 12 is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion 15 along the depth direction D1 of the second receiving portion 15. In particular, the second portion 122 of the display unit 12 is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion 15 along a direction parallel to the front surface of the first wall 13.

[0068] The mounting part 14 and the display unit 12 have a guiding mechanism for guiding the insertion of the display unit 12 into the second receiving part 15. The guiding mechanism may include guiding parts 171, 172, 173 located within the inner walls of the display unit 12 and / or the second receiving part 15. The display unit 12 can be inserted into the second receiving part 15 under the guidance of the guiding parts 171, 172, 173.

[0069] Figure 3 Shown is a door 2 for a refrigeration appliance having a display unit 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along Figure 3 the B-B direction of

[0070] The door 2 is used to close a storage chamber (not shown) of the refrigeration appliance. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the door 2 includes a front door panel 211 and a rear door panel 212 arranged at intervals, and a heat insulation material (not shown) located between the front door panel 211 and the rear door panel 212. In some embodiments, the front door panel 211 forms at least a majority of the front surface of the door 2. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the front door panel 211 is a single-layer structure, it should be understood that the front door panel 211 can also be a multi-layer structure, for example, including a metal plate facing the heat insulation material and a decorative plate arranged in front of the metal plate. When the door 2 is in the closed position, the rear door panel 212 faces the storage chamber of the refrigeration appliance.

[0071] The door 2 may include a handle groove 22 arranged along one side of the door 2.

[0072] The door 2 includes a dispenser 4. The dispenser 4 includes a dispensing chamber 41 for accommodating an external container (not shown), and the dispensing chamber 41 is open towards the front side of the door 2 to receive the external container. The dispenser 4 may include a trigger part 42 located within the dispensing chamber 41, and the trigger part 42 is used to be operated by the user to trigger the dispensing of ice and / or water.

[0073] The dispenser 4 includes a dispenser housing 40 located between the front door panel 211 and the rear door panel 212. The inner side of the dispenser housing 40 may face the heat insulation material of the door 2. The dispensing chamber 41 is located within the dispenser housing 40.

[0074] The door 2 includes an ice delivery channel 43 that can communicate with a storage chamber (not shown) to deliver ice to the dispensing chamber 41. The dispenser 4 has a dispensing valve 44 for opening or closing the ice delivery channel 43.

[0075] Above the upper part of the dispenser housing 40 and above the dispensing chamber 41, there is a mounting chamber 45 for accommodating components such as the dispensing valve 44. The mounting chamber 45 is separated from the dispensing chamber 41 by a middle partition 46.

[0076] The partition member 46 has an ice outlet passage 461 that communicates the ice delivery passage 43 and the distribution chamber 41. The edge of the partition member 46 is supported on and fixed to the dispenser housing 40.

[0077] The dispenser 4 may further include a water pipe 47. The water pipe 47 passes through the top of the dispenser housing 40, passes through the installation cavity 45, and passes through the partition member 46 to deliver water into the distribution chamber 41.

[0078] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the dispenser housing 40 includes a front face member 401 disposed above the partition member 46 and along the rear side of the front door panel 211, and a housing main body 402 that defines most of the boundaries of the distribution chamber 41 and the installation cavity 45. The front face member 401 is located in front of the installation cavity 45 and defines a part of the boundary of the installation cavity 45. In this way, the installation cavity 45 defined by the dispenser housing 40 includes a lower cavity portion 451 that opens forward and an upper cavity portion 452 that is covered by the front face member 401 and the front door panel 211.

[0079] The front face member 401 includes a first front face 4011 facing the front door panel 211 and a second front face 4012 located below the first front face 4011. There is a gap between the first front face 4011 and the front door panel 211 so that heat insulating material can enter between the first front face 4011 and the front door panel 211. The second front face 4012 is disposed against the rear surface of the front door panel 211. A storage space for accommodating a heat insulating sheet 4013 made of heat insulating material independent of the door may be formed between the second front face 4012 and the front door panel 211.

[0080] The front face member 401, the front door panel 211, and the heat insulating material therebetween together constitute the first wall 24 of the door 2 located in front of the installation cavity 45.

[0081] The front face member 401 is connected to the housing main body 402 of the dispenser housing 40 at the upper end of the first front face 4011.

[0082] The front face member 401 may include a flange 4014 along the rear surface of the front door panel 211. The lower edge of the front face member 401 is connected to the front door panel 211 of the door 2, and its upper edge and left and right edges are connected to the housing main body 402.

[0083] The front face member 401 and the housing main body 402 may be separately manufactured and then assembled together, so that a more complex structure can be formed on the front face member 401.

[0084] The display unit 5 is disposed along one side of the distribution chamber 41. The display unit 5 is used for the user to input information to the refrigeration appliance and / or display information to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 5 is located above the distribution chamber 41.

[0085] The user can operate the display unit 5 to input instructions to the dispenser 4. In one embodiment, the user can also set the operating parameters of at least one storage compartment of the refrigeration appliance by operating the display unit 5.

[0086] Figure 6 Shows along Figure 3 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another section of the door shown, Figure 7 Is Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the door after removing the display unit 5, where, in order to more clearly present the structure of the display unit 5 relative to the dispenser 4, the structure that has little to do with the installation of the display unit 5 is removed in Figure 6 And Figure 7 Is removed. Figure 8 Shows a perspective view of the display unit 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 Shows an exploded view of the display unit 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Please combine Figure 4 Refer to Figures 6 to 9 , the display unit 5 includes a first part 51 exposed to the front of the door 2 and a second part 52 located behind the front door panel 211 and blocked.

[0088] In this way, the part of the display unit 5 exposed outside the door 2 can be constructed to be more compact, while the display unit 5 can still have a sufficiently large size. When necessary, it is possible for the display unit 5 to integrate other electronic devices in addition to the electronic components related to user interaction. For example, a part of the electronic components of the display unit 5 can be located in the first part 51, while another part of the electronic components can be located in the second part 52.

[0089] The door 2 includes a mounting portion 20 for accommodating the display unit 5. The mounting portion 20 includes a first receiving portion 201 for receiving the first part 51 and a second receiving portion 202 for receiving the second part 52. The first receiving portion 201 opens towards the front of the door 2 and is exposed to the front of the door 2. The second receiving portion 202 communicates with the first receiving portion 201 and is recessed along the direction parallel to the front door panel 21 of the door 2 and is located directly behind the front door panel 211.

[0090] The mounting portion 20 is arranged along one side of the dispensing chamber 41. In one embodiment, the mounting portion 20 and the display unit 5 are located above the dispensing chamber 41 and are arranged along the upper edge of the dispensing chamber 41. In the vertical direction (the height direction of the door), the first receiving portion 51 is located between the middle partition 46 and the front face member 401. The second receiving portion 52 is located directly behind the front face member 401, and the front face member 401 defines the front boundary of the second receiving portion 52.

[0091] The first part 51 has at least one display section 511 and / or operation section 512 to display information to the user and / or receive the user's input, so that the user can operate the display unit 5 and / or obtain information from the display unit 5.

[0092] The display unit 5 includes a printed circuit board 53 carrying a plurality of electronic components. The printed circuit board 53 includes a first section 531 located in the first part 51 and a second section 532 located in the second part 52. Thus, the printed circuit board 53 extends continuously between the first receiving portion 201 and the second receiving portion 202.

[0093] The display unit 5 includes a display panel 54, and the display section 511 and the operation section 512 are located on the display panel 54. The display panel 54 can be arranged only in the first part 51 of both the first part 51 and the second part 52.

[0094] The projection of the display panel 54 along the thickness direction D of the door 2 is at least mostly located within the first receiving portion 201. The front surface of the display panel 54 is exposed to the front of the door 2. Therefore, the display section 511 and the operation section 512 can be touched by the user. The front surface of the display panel 54 and the front surface of the front door panel 211 can be substantially flush.

[0095] In one embodiment, the display panel 54 may include a transparent substrate and an opaque layer attached to the transparent substrate. The light source of the printed circuit board 53 passes through the corresponding area of the display panel 54 to display information to the user. The projection of the display panel 54 along the thickness direction D of the door 2 covers the first section 531 of the printed circuit board 53. The projection of the display panel 54 along the thickness direction D of the door 2 and the second section 532 of the printed circuit board 53 do not overlap.

[0096] As Figure 9 shown, the display unit 5 includes a bracket 56, and the printed circuit board 53 is supported by the bracket 56. The bracket 56 has a larger size than the display panel 5. Therefore, the portion of the bracket 56 corresponding to the second section 532 is located outside the projection of the display panel 5 on the bracket 56.

[0097] The display unit 5 may include a touch film 55 located behind the display panel 54. The touch film 55 is sandwiched between the display panel 54 and the bracket 56. The printed circuit board 53 is arranged behind the bracket 56. The touch film 55 includes a sensing portion 552 located in the first part 51 and a connecting portion 551 extending from the first part 51 to the second part 52 to connect to the printed circuit board 53 located behind the bracket 56.

[0098] The printed circuit board 53 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 533 in the area corresponding to the display panel 54. Accordingly, the bracket 56 has a plurality of through holes 561 so that the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 533 can irradiate the touch film 55 and the display panel 54. Thereby, the display unit 5 can display / indicate information to the user, including but not limited to displaying / indicating the position and / or meaning of the touch area of the display panel 54.

[0099] The printed circuit board 53 may include a first processor (not shown) for processing user interaction information. The first processor is respectively connected to the touch film 55 and the light-emitting elements 533 to receive inputs from the touch film 55 and output instructions to the corresponding light-emitting elements 533.

[0100] The printed circuit board 53 may further include a second processor. The second processor may be used, for example, to control the electrical components located outside the mounting portion 20, such as the electrical components of the ice water system in the refrigerating appliance.

[0101] In one embodiment, the first processor may be located in the first part 51 of the display unit 5, while the second processor may be located in the second part 52. Thus, the interference of the second processor and its related electronic components to the display area and the operation area can be reduced.

[0102] By integrating other processors and / or circuits in the display unit 5 in addition to those for processing the input / output signals related to the user interaction of the refrigerating appliance, it is not necessary to additionally provide such electronic devices in other parts of the refrigerating appliance, which is beneficial to improving the integration of electronic components.

[0103] The front surface of the first part 51 of the display unit 5 protrudes forward from the front surface of the second part 52. In particular, the first part 51 has a greater thickness than the second part 52. Therefore, there is a step between the first part 51 and the second part 52. When the front surface of the first part 51 is substantially flush with the front surface of the door 2, there is a gap between the front surface of the second part 52 and the front surface of the door 2 in the thickness direction of the door 2.

[0104] Along the direction perpendicular to the display panel 54, the projected area of the bracket 56 is larger than the projected area of the display panel 54. The ratio of the projected area of the bracket 56 to the projected area of the display panel 54 may be between 1.1 and 2.

[0105] The bracket 56 includes a display frame 562 corresponding to the display panel 54 and a hidden frame 563 located directly behind the front door panel 211. The display frame 562 protrudes forward more than the hidden frame 563 to form a step surface 564 connecting the first part 51 and the second part 52 on the front side of the bracket 56. The through holes 561 are located in the display frame 562. The hidden frame 563 covers the second section 532 of the printed circuit board 53.

[0106] As Figure 6 shown, at the installation position, the stepped surface 564 and the end surface 4015 of the front face member 401 exposed to the first receiving portion 201 are arranged face to face, and thus also face the end surface of the first wall 24 exposed to the first receiving portion 201. The upper end of the display panel 54 can cover the front face member 401 in the front

[0107] The flexible connecting portion 551 of the touch film 55 extends towards the end of the hidden shelf 563 away from the display shelf 562 and crosses the hidden shelf 563 to reach the rear of the hidden shelf 563 to be connected to the printed circuit board 53.

[0108] The display unit 5 may include a light guide module 57 arranged along the edge of the display unit 5. The light guide module 57 is used to optically guide the corresponding light source element 531 to the edge of the display panel 54.

[0109] The lower edge of the light guide module 57 may be flush with the outer contour line of the display panel 54 as viewed from the front, so that an illuminated area that is gapless from at least a part of the outer contour line of the display panel 54 can be obtained on the display panel 54, Figure 8 Such an illuminated bar-shaped area 546 is schematically shown.

[0110] The display unit 5 may include a rear cover 58 to cover the rear side of the printed circuit board 53. This helps to prevent the liquid of the ice water system from accidentally contacting the electronic devices of the display unit 5.

[0111] The display unit 5 includes connection terminals 534, 535 for connecting to an external connector (not shown), and the connection terminals 534, 535 are located in the second portion 52. The connection terminals 534, 535 may be integrated on the edge of the printed circuit board 53 away from the first portion.

[0112] The second portion 52 of the display unit 5 is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion 202 along the depth direction H1 of the second receiving portion 202. In particular, the second portion 52 of the display unit 5 is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion 202 along a direction parallel to the front surface of the front door panel 211. In this embodiment, the depth direction H1 of the second receiving portion 202 extends from bottom to top along the height direction of the door 2.

[0113] The door 2 may include a guiding mechanism for guiding the display unit 12 to be inserted into the second receiving portion 15. The guiding mechanism may be located on the display unit 5 and / or the inner wall facing the second receiving portion 202, especially between the display unit 5 and the dispenser housing 40.

[0114] In some embodiments, at least one first guiding mechanism is located between the first part 51 of the display unit 5 and the inner wall of the first receiving portion 201. For example, the first guiding mechanism is located on the left and right sides of the first part 51 and at the portion of the dispensing cavity housing 40 corresponding to the first receiving portion 201.

[0115] In some embodiments, at least one second guiding mechanism is located between the second part 52 of the display unit 5 and the inner wall of the second receiving portion 202. For example, the second guiding mechanism is located between the front side of the second part 52 and the inner wall facing the second receiving portion 202.

[0116] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism may include the above-mentioned first guiding mechanism and second guiding mechanism, so that both the first part 51 and the second part 52 can be guided during the process of the display unit 5 being slidably inserted into the second receiving portion 202.

[0117] In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism may include a guiding groove located on one of the display unit 5 and the dispenser housing 40 and a protrusion located on the other of the display unit 5 and the dispenser housing 40 to guide the sliding of the display unit 5.

[0118] The display panel 54 may be wider than the rest of the display unit 5, especially wider than the bracket 56, so that the left and right sides of the display panel 54 extend beyond the bracket 56. The two sides of the display panel 54 cover the left and right side edges of the dispensing cavity 41.

[0119] During assembly, the two sides of the display panel 54 can be placed on the two sides of the dispensing cavity 41, especially at the front edge of the dispenser housing 40 in the dispensing cavity 41. The inner side of the display panel 54 slides upward along the dispenser housing 40 until the second part 52 slides upward into the second receiving portion 202 located in the upper cavity portion 452.

[0120] In some embodiments, a first limiting structure for restricting the movement of the first part 51 along at least one direction is provided between the first part 51 and the inner wall of the first receiving portion 201.

[0121] In some embodiments, a second limiting structure for restricting the movement of the second part 52 along at least one direction is provided between the second part 52 and the inner wall of the second receiving portion 202.

[0122] The movement of the second part 52 of the display unit 5 in the thickness direction D and width direction W along the thickness direction of the door 2 directly behind the front door panel 211 can be restricted to prevent the second part 52 of the display unit 5 from shaking in the thickness direction D and width direction W of the door 2.

[0123] By means of the guiding mechanism between the display unit 6 and the door body, after the display unit 5 is slid into place, the second part 52 of the display unit 5 can be limited in at least one of the thickness direction D, width direction W, and height direction H of the door 2 directly behind the front door panel 211.

[0124] As Figure 5 and Figure 8 shown, the front face member 401 has a guiding groove 4016 on the inner side facing the second receiving portion 202. Correspondingly, the front side of the second part 52 of the display unit 5 has a forward-projecting guide rail 522. The guide rail 522 can be arranged on the front side of the hidden rack 563.

[0125] The lower end of the guiding groove 4016 is open, so that when the display unit 5 slides in the depth direction H1 towards the second receiving portion 202, the guide rail 522 can enter the guiding groove 4016 and slide along the guiding groove 4016.

[0126] The width of the guiding groove 4016 at the entrance is greater than the width of the guide rail 522 to enable the guide rail 522 to smoothly slide into the guiding groove 4016. After being installed in place, the movement of the guide rail 522 in at least the width direction W of the door 2 is restricted by the inner wall of the guiding groove 4016. The guide rail 522 contacts the inner wall of the guiding groove 4016 in the width direction W (left - right direction) of the door 2 to prevent the guide rail 522 from wobbling in the width direction W of the door 2.

[0127] The guiding groove 4016 can be located between a pair of ribs 4017 protruding from the rear surface of the second front face 4012. The guide rail 522 is sandwiched between the ribs 4017 in the width direction W of the door 2, whereby the movement of the guide rail 522 in the width direction W and the thickness direction of the door 2 is restricted.

[0128] The front face member 401 can include a limiting portion 4019 extending into the installation cavity 45 to define the upper boundary of the second receiving portion 202. When the display unit 5 slides to contact the limiting portion 4019, the continuous sliding of the display unit 5 is blocked, and the display unit 5 is installed in place.

[0129] The limiting portion 4019 can be constructed as an L - shaped tongue, so the limiting portion 4019 includes a limiting piece 40191 extending along a direction parallel to the front door panel 211, and the limiting piece 40191 can limit the backward movement of the top end of the display unit 5, especially the backward flipping.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the second part 52 of the display unit 5 is also limited in the height direction H of the door 2 to prevent the display unit 52 from falling off the door 2 downward.

[0131] The front face member 401 has a recess 4018 at a position corresponding to the lower ends of a pair of ridges 4017, which recesses 4018 are recessed in a direction away from the second receiving portion 202. Thus, the ridges 4017 are in a suspended state at positions corresponding to the recesses 4018 and have elasticity. Thereby, a deformable clamping portion can be formed between the ridges 4017 at positions corresponding to the recesses 4018.

[0132] The display unit 5 has a cylinder 523 adapted to be clamped between a pair of ridges 4017. The cylinder 523 has a width greater than that of the guide rail 522 and is located below the guide rail 522. During the insertion of the display unit 5 into the second receiving portion 202, the cylinder 523 enters the guiding groove 4016 later than the guide rail 522.

[0133] In a natural state, the dimension of the cylinder 523 along the width direction W of the front face member 401 is greater than the width between the clamping portions formed by a pair of ridges 4017. After the cylinder 523 enters the guiding groove 4016, the portions of the ridges 4017 corresponding to the recesses 4018 expand away from each other due to the extrusion of the cylinder 523, so that the cylinder 523 can be clamped.

[0134] The ridges 4017 can have a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 523 at positions corresponding to the cylinder 523. In an embodiment, the cylinder 523 is a cylinder, and each ridge 4017 has an arc-shaped recess on the inner side for clamping the cylinder 523 so that the movement of the cylinder 523 in the sliding direction of the second receiving portion 202 is further restricted. Thus, the display unit 5 can be hung on the inner wall of the second receiving portion 202.

[0135] In one embodiment, when the downward pulling force applied to the display unit 5 is not greater than 20 - 40 N (for example, 30 N), the display unit 5 does not fall off the door 2 because the cylinder 523 is clamped by the ridges 4017.

[0136] Thus, during the process of guiding the display unit 5 to slide into the second receiving portion 202, the display unit 5 can be reliably guided, and after the movement is in place, by using the structure located in the second receiving portion 202, the swaying of the second part 52 of the display unit 5 located behind the front door panel 211 in the width direction W, the thickness direction D, and the height direction H of the door 2 can be restricted.

[0137] The door 2 includes a fixing structure for fixing the first part 52 of the display unit 5. In one embodiment, the lower end of the display unit 5 is supported by a partition member 46.

[0138] The front end of the partition member 46 and the first part 51 of the display unit 5 are inserted along the vertical direction, i.e., the height direction H of the door 2. At least one of the partition member 46 and the first part 51 has a slot to receive the insertion part of the other, so as to form the insertion structure of both the partition member 46 and the first part 51. Thus, after the partition member 46 is fixed to the dispenser housing 40, the free end of the first part 51 away from the second part 52 can be further supported, and the partition member 46 and the first part 51 can limit the sway of the free end of the display unit 5 away from the second part 52 in the thickness direction D due to the insertion fit.

[0139] In Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the partition member 46 has a slot 462 to receive the lower end of the first part 51, thereby reducing the possibility of the first part 51 swaying.

[0140] In one embodiment, a second limiting mechanism for preventing the first part 51 from swaying in the thickness direction D of the door 2 can also be provided between the two sides of the first part 51 of the display unit 5 and the inner wall of the first receiving portion 201. For example, as Figure 7 shown, a slot 2011 or a protrusion extending along the height direction H of the door 2 can be provided on the inner wall of the first receiving portion 201, and the first part 51 of the display unit 5 can be provided with a protrusion or a slot (not shown) adapted to slide along the slot 2011. The shapes and sizes of the protrusion and the slot 2011 are designed to limit the sway of the first part 51 in the thickness direction D of the door 2. It should be understood that other structures can also be used between the two sides of the first part 51 and the first receiving portion 201 to limit the sway of the first part 51 in the thickness direction D of the door 2.

[0141] During manufacturing, as Figure 10a shown, first, the two ends of the display panel 54 of the display unit 5 are placed on both sides of the dispensing cavity 41. Since the display panel 54 is wider than the rest of the display unit 5, the bracket 56 located behind the display panel 54 can completely fall into the dispensing cavity 41 or the installation cavity 45 without interference.

[0142] Among them, before moving the display unit 5, the display unit 5 can be first connected to the electrical connector located on the door 2. In this embodiment, the display unit 5 is provided with connection terminals 534, 535 for connecting to the door end connector (not shown) at the second part 52. The connection terminals 534, 535 can be touched from one end of the second part 52 away from the first part 51. The connection terminals 534, 535 can be integrated on the printed circuit board 53.

[0143] Then, as Figure 10bAs shown, the display unit 5 is pushed towards the second receiving portion 202 along a direction parallel to the front door panel 211. Specifically, the second portion 52 of the display unit 5 slides towards the second receiving portion 202 located within the installation cavity 45. The guide rail 522 enters into the guiding slot 4016 with an open lower end and slides upward along the guiding slot 4016 until the stepped surface 564 between the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 abuts against the lower end of the front face member 401. The display unit 5 is positioned by fixing means located on the inner walls of the second portion 52 and the second receiving portion 202. When the display unit 5 is in place, the terminals 534, 535 are located within the second receiving portion 202.

[0144] Then, as Figure 10c shown, the middle partition 46 is assembled. Specifically, the middle partition 46 is pushed from bottom to top towards the installation position of the dispenser housing 40. The front end of the middle partition 46 can be connected to and support the lower end of the display unit 5.

[0145] During the process of installing the middle partition 46 into the dispenser housing 40, the front end of the middle partition 46 and the lower end of the display unit 5 can be plugged and connected. In particular, the lower end of the display unit 5 is inserted into the slot 462 so that the lower end of the display unit 5 can be supported. In this way, the display unit 5 and the middle partition 46 are completed for assembly on the door 2.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the display unit 5 is located above the dispensing cavity. It should be understood that the principle of the present invention is also applicable to the case where the display unit is arranged on the left or right side of the dispensing cavity.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the display units 12, 5 are arranged on the door. It should be understood that the principle of the present invention is also applicable to the case where the display unit is arranged at other positions of the refrigeration appliance, such as the main body of the refrigeration appliance.

[0148] Combined Figures 1 to 10c The various embodiments of the individual components described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the shown embodiments, and generally other means than the shown means can also be used as long as these means can achieve the same effect.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, comprising: a mounting portion (14, 20) and a display unit (12, 5) mounted on the mounting portion, the display unit including a display portion for displaying information and / or an operation portion for receiving user operations, the mounting portion including a first receiving portion (16, 201) recessed from a first wall (13, 24) accessible to the user along a first direction (D) and a second receiving portion (15, 202) communicating with the first receiving portion and recessed along a second direction (W) intersecting the first direction and located behind the first wall, the display unit including a first portion (121, 51) located in the first receiving portion and a second portion (122, 52) located in the second receiving portion and behind the first wall, the display portion and / or the operation portion being located in the first portion.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the second portion includes at least one electronic device or a part of an electronic device; and / or the display unit includes a processor for controlling an electrical component located outside the mounting portion; and / or the visible outer surfaces of both the display portion and the first wall are flush; and / or the first portion includes a plurality of light-emitting elements for illuminating the display portion and / or the operation portion.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is at least partially located within the second receiving portion.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit includes a printed circuit board, wherein: the printed circuit board is at least partially located within the second receiving portion; and / or the projected area of the printed circuit board along a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board is larger than the projected area of the first portion along a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board; and / or the printed circuit board includes a first section located in the first receiving portion and a second section located in the second receiving portion; and / or the display unit includes a bracket for supporting the printed circuit board, a part of the bracket being located in the first receiving portion and another part being located in the second receiving portion.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a step between the first portion and the second portion, and the first wall has an end face exposed to the first receiving portion, and the step and the end face are arranged face to face.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit includes a bracket for supporting the printed circuit board and a display panel arranged on one side of the bracket; wherein, the display panel covers the first receiving portion, and the part of the bracket extending beyond the display panel in the direction from the first receiving portion to the second receiving portion is located within the second receiving portion; and / or The display unit includes a touch film located behind the display panel, the touch film being located between the display panel and the bracket to sense a touch operation applied by the user to the operation portion, the printed circuit board being located behind the bracket, and the touch film includes a connecting portion that extends from the first portion to the second portion and connects across the bracket and the printed circuit board.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the second portion of the display unit is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion along the depth direction of the second receiving portion; and / or the second portion of the display unit is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving portion along a direction parallel to the first wall.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first guiding mechanism for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving portion is provided between the first portion and the inner wall of the first receiving portion; and / or A second guiding mechanism for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving portion is provided between the second portion and the inner wall of the second receiving portion.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first limiting structure for limiting the movement of the first part along at least one direction is provided between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving portion; and / or A second limiting structure is provided between the second portion and the inner wall of the second receiving portion for limiting the movement of the second portion along at least one direction.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance comprises a dispensing cavity for receiving an external container, and the display unit is arranged along one side of the dispensing cavity.

11. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, Refrigeration appliances include: A door (2) comprising a front door panel (211); a dispenser (4), the dispenser comprising a dispensing chamber (41) located in the door; The mounting portion (20) comprises a first receiving portion (201) arranged along one side of the distribution cavity and a second receiving portion (202) connected to the first receiving portion on a side of the first receiving portion away from the distribution cavity, wherein the first receiving portion is open toward the front of the door and the second receiving portion is located behind the front door plate and covered by the front door plate; and The display unit includes a first portion located in the first receiving portion and exposed to the front side of the door, and a second portion located in the second receiving portion and behind the front door panel.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The display unit includes: A display panel having a display portion and / or an operation portion and arranged only in the first portion of the first portion and the second portion; and / or a printed circuit board at least partially located within the second receiving portion; and / or A bracket, wherein a portion of the bracket is located in the first receiving portion, and another portion of the bracket is located in the second receiving portion.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that: The display unit includes a touch film, wherein the touch film includes a sensing portion located at a first portion and a connecting portion extending from the first portion to a second portion to be connected to a printed circuit board located behind the bracket; and / or The printed circuit board has a plurality of light emitting elements located in a first portion; and / or The display unit includes a connection terminal for connecting to the connector located at the door, wherein the connection terminal is located at the second part; and / or The bracket includes a display frame located at the first receiving portion and a hidden frame located at the second receiving portion, the thickness of the display frame is greater than the thickness of the hidden frame and a step is formed on the front surfaces of the display frame and the hidden frame; and / or Along a direction perpendicular to the display panel, a projection area of ​​the bracket is larger than a projection area of ​​the display panel, in particular, a ratio of the projection area of ​​the bracket to the projection area of ​​the display panel is between 1.1 and 2; and / or The thickness of the first portion is greater than the thickness of the second portion; and / or The front surface of the first part is substantially flush with the front surface of the door and a gap is provided between the second part and the front surface of the door.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first part is adapted to be inserted into the first receiving portion along a direction parallel to the front surface of the display unit; and / or The second part is adapted to be inserted into the second receiving part along a direction parallel to the front surface of the display unit.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that a first guiding mechanism for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving part is provided between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving part; and / or a second guiding mechanism for guiding the display unit to be inserted into the second receiving part is provided between the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving part.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one pair of ridges is provided on either the second part or the inner wall of the second receiving part, and a guiding groove for guiding the movement of the second part inserted into the second receiving part is defined between each pair of ridges and / or each pair of ridges is deformable to clamp a cylinder protruding from the other of the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving part to prevent the second part from falling off the second receiving part.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that a first limiting structure for limiting the movement of the first part along at least one direction is provided between the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving part; and / or a second limiting structure for limiting the movement of the second part along at least one direction is provided between the second part and the inner wall of the second receiving part.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that the first limiting structure is adapted to limit the movement of the first part along a direction perpendicular to the front door panel; and / or the first limiting structure includes a slot located on either the first part or the inner wall of the first receiving part and a protrusion located on the other of the first part and the inner wall of the first receiving part, and the protrusion is adapted to slide in the slot and the relative movement along a direction perpendicular to the front door panel is prevented.

19. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the dispenser includes a dispenser housing, and the dispenser housing includes a front face member defining the front boundary of the second receiving part and located behind the front door panel, and a guiding structure for guiding the second part to be inserted into the second receiving part and / or a fixing structure for fixing the second part in the second receiving part are provided on the rear side of the front face member facing the second receiving part and the front side of the second part facing the front face member.

20. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the dispenser includes a partition member for separating the dispensing chamber and the installation chamber, wherein: one end of the first part adjacent to the dispensing chamber is supported on the partition member; and / or a plugging structure adapted to be plugged along the depth direction of the second receiving part is provided between the first part and the partition member; and / or the partition member has a limiting structure for limiting the movement of the free end of the first part away from the second part along a direction perpendicular to the front door panel.

21. A display unit, characterized in that, Comprising: a display panel; a printed circuit board including at least one light-emitting element; and a bracket, the printed circuit board is supported on one side of the printed circuit board, the display panel is located on the other side of the bracket, and the light emitted by the light-emitting element is adapted to irradiate the display panel through the bracket; wherein, along a direction perpendicular to the display panel, the projection of the display panel is smaller than the projection of the bracket and / or the projection of the printed circuit board.

22. The display unit according to claim 21, wherein: the display unit includes a first portion covered by the display panel in a direction perpendicular to the display panel and a second portion not covered by the display panel, wherein: the printed circuit board includes a first section located in the first portion and a second section located in the second portion; and / or the display unit includes a touch film, the touch film includes a sensing portion located in the first portion and a connecting portion extending from the first portion to the second portion to connect with the printed circuit board; and / or the light-emitting element is located in the first portion; and / or the display unit includes connection terminals for connecting with an external connector, the connection terminals are located in the second portion; and / or the thickness of the first portion is greater than the thickness of the second portion; and / or the bracket includes a display bracket located in the first portion and a hidden bracket located in the second portion, the thickness of the display bracket is greater than the thickness of the hidden bracket and forms a step on the front surfaces of the two; and / or along a direction perpendicular to the display panel, the ratio of the projected area of the bracket to the projected area of the display panel is between 1.1 and 2.

Images