Drip-proof assembly, liquid storage device, refrigerator door and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention discloses a drip-proof assembly, a liquid storage device, a refrigerator door and a refrigerator. The leakage-proof assembly comprises a leakage-proof shell and a leakage-proof core. The leakage-proof shell is provided with a cavity, an inlet end and an outlet end, and the inlet end and the outlet end are communicated with the cavity. The leakage-proof core is connected into the cavity in a sliding mode so that the leakage-proof core can have an opening state separated from the inlet end and a closing state abutting against the inlet end. A flow guide channel is formed between the outer wall of the leakage-proof core and the inner wall of the outlet end. When the leakage-proof core is in an open state, external liquid enters the flow guide channel from the inlet end and flows out from the outlet end. And in the closed state of the leakage-proof core, part of the external liquid remains in the flow guide channel to form residual liquid, and the surface tension of the liquid formed by the residual liquid in the flow guide channel is not smaller than the gravity of the residual liquid, so that the residual liquid is prevented from flowing out of the outlet end. The anti-leakage assembly is applied to the liquid storage device, liquid leakage can be reduced, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to anti-drip components, liquid storage devices, cabinet doors, and refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators are common household appliances that primarily store food or other items by maintaining a constant low temperature. With continuous technological advancements, refrigerators are acquiring more and more additional functions. One such technology incorporates a water dispenser function. This type of refrigerator has a kettle, a spout, and a pressure tongue on its door. The kettle has a spout, and the dispensing hole is connected to the spout. The pressure tongue acts on the spout to control the opening and closing of the dispensing hole. Thus, users can press the pressure tongue to dispense water from the kettle inside the refrigerator, allowing them to directly drink the cold water produced by the refrigerator's cooling function.

[0003] However, when users remove the kettle from the refrigerator door, some liquid usually leaks from the spout, which can easily soil the refrigerator and the floor, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an anti-drip component, a liquid storage device, a cabinet door, and a refrigerator, which can reduce liquid leakage after the liquid storage container is removed, thereby improving the user experience.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a leak-proof assembly is provided, comprising a leak-proof housing and a leak-proof core. The leak-proof housing has a cavity, an inlet end, and an outlet end, the inlet end and the outlet end respectively communicating with the cavity. The leak-proof core is slidably connected within the cavity, such that the leak-proof core has an open state separated from the inlet end and a closed state pressed against the inlet end.

[0007] The leak-proof core has an outer wall that forms a flow channel with the inner wall of the outlet end. When the leak-proof core is open, external liquid enters the flow channel from the inlet end and flows out from the outlet end. When the leak-proof core is closed, some of the external liquid remains in the flow channel, forming residual liquid. The surface tension of the residual liquid within the flow channel is not less than the weight of the residual liquid, thus preventing it from flowing out of the outlet end.

[0008] The anti-drip component provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0009] When using the anti-drip assembly, the inlet end of the anti-drip housing can be connected to the outlet of the liquid storage container, and the anti-drip core can be inserted into the liquid storage cavity of the liquid storage container from the inlet end. By sliding the anti-drip core, the anti-drip core can be pressed against or separated from the outlet, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the outlet.

[0010] When the user removes the liquid storage container from the refrigerator door, the leak-proof core moves downward under gravity or other external force, pressing against the liquid outlet. At this time, the leak-proof core is closed, isolating the liquid storage chamber of the container from the flow channel of the anti-drip assembly, preventing liquid from entering the flow channel. Although some residual liquid remains in the flow channel, due to its narrowness, the surface tension of this residual liquid within the channel exceeds the force of gravity. Therefore, the surface tension of the residual liquid within the flow channel prevents it from flowing out of the outlet. Thus, when the user removes the liquid storage container, residual liquid will not flow out of the outlet, avoiding soiling the refrigerator, floor, or tabletop. Users no longer need to repeatedly clean the dripping liquid from the container, improving the user experience.

[0011] When the user places the liquid storage container back into the refrigerator door, the leak-proof core connects to the liquid dispensing mechanism on the door. If the user dispenses water, the leak-proof core moves upward under the force of the dispensing mechanism, separating from the liquid outlet and allowing the liquid in the storage chamber to flow out. If the user stops dispensing water, the leak-proof core moves downward under the force of the dispensing mechanism, pressing against the liquid outlet to prevent the liquid in the storage chamber from flowing out.

[0012] Furthermore, the anti-drip component provided by this invention is not limited to use in refrigerator liquid storage containers. It can also be installed in various liquid storage containers such as water dispensers, kettles, buckets, faucets, or oil drums, where users wish to reduce liquid leakage. This invention does not impose any limitations.

[0013] The technical solution will be further explained below:

[0014] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the guide channel from the inlet end to the outlet end is annular.

[0015] In one embodiment, the leak-proof core includes a first core and a second core. The first core is slidably connected within the cavity, and a flow channel is formed between the outer wall of the first core and the inner wall of the outlet end. The second core is fixed to the side of the first core near the inlet end to separate from or press against the inlet end.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first core includes a flow-expanding section and a flow-guiding section. The flow-expanding section is connected to the second core, and the distance between the outer wall of the flow-expanding section and the inner wall of the cavity forms a flow-expanding channel. The flow-guiding section is fixed to the side of the flow-expanding section facing away from the second core, and the distance between the outer wall of the flow-guiding section and the inner wall of the outlet end forms a flow-guiding channel. In the direction from the inlet end to the outlet end, the projected area of ​​the flow-expanding channel is not less than the projected area of ​​the flow-guiding channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the flow-expanding section is provided with a plurality of flow-expanding grooves, at least a portion of which are located on the side of the flow-expanding section near the second core.

[0018] In one embodiment, the end of the flow-expanding section near the second core is designated as the first flow-expanding end, and the end of the flow-expanding section near the flow-guiding section is designated as the second flow-expanding end. In the direction from the inlet end to the outlet end, the projected area of ​​the first flow-expanding end is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second flow-expanding end.

[0019] In one embodiment, a second core extends from the inlet end into a leak-proof housing. The outer wall of the second core has a sealing surface and a flow guiding surface, the sealing surface being used to press against or separate from the inlet end. In the direction from the outlet end to the inlet end, the flow guiding surface protrudes beyond the sealing surface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the anti-drip assembly further includes an anti-leak seal disposed between the anti-leak core and the inlet end to seal the gap between the anti-leak core and the inlet end when the anti-leak core is closed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the anti-leakage core is provided with a mounting groove on the wall surface of the inlet end, and the anti-leakage seal is fixed in the mounting groove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the anti-drip assembly further includes an elastic element connected between the anti-drip core and the anti-drip housing. In the open state of the anti-drip core, the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation, causing the anti-drip core to slide in the direction from the outlet end to the inlet end, thereby separating from the inlet end. In the closed state of the anti-drip core, the elastic restoring force of the elastic element causes the anti-drip core to press against the inlet end.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the leak-proof outer shell is provided with a first mounting portion, and the outer wall of the leak-proof core is provided with a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion form a mounting cavity isolated from the flow channel, and an elastic member is connected between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to be disposed within the mounting cavity.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a liquid storage device is provided, comprising a liquid storage container and the aforementioned anti-drip assembly. The liquid storage container has a liquid storage chamber and an outlet hole communicating with the liquid storage chamber. The inlet end of the anti-drip housing is connected to the outlet hole. An anti-drip core extends from the inlet end into the liquid storage chamber. In the open state of the anti-drip core, the anti-drip core is separated from the outlet hole, the liquid storage chamber is communicating with the flow channel, and the liquid in the liquid storage chamber flows out through the outlet end. In the closed state of the anti-drip core, the anti-drip core presses against the outlet hole, and the liquid storage chamber is isolated from the flow channel.

[0025] The liquid storage device provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] The liquid storage device provided by the present invention, by setting an anti-drip component in the liquid outlet of the liquid storage device, can prevent liquid from dripping from the liquid outlet of the liquid storage device when the user removes the anti-drip component from the refrigerator, thereby avoiding soiling the refrigerator or the ground and improving the user experience.

[0027] In one embodiment, the leak-proof outer shell and the liquid outlet of the liquid storage container are integrally formed.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a door is provided, comprising a door body, a liquid dispensing mechanism, and the aforementioned liquid storage device. The door body has an inner side, an outer side, and a door hole connecting the inner side and the outer side. The liquid storage device is installed on the inner side of the door, and the liquid outlet of the liquid storage device is disposed within the door hole. The liquid dispensing mechanism is disposed on the outer side of the door, and the liquid dispensing mechanism acts on a leak-proof core through the door hole. By operating the liquid dispensing mechanism to push the leak-proof core to slide, the open state and the closed state of the leak-proof core are switched.

[0029] The cabinet door provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] When using the cabinet door provided by this invention, the user can operate the distribution component on the outside of the cabinet door to push the leak-proof core to slide, switching the open state and the closed state of the leak-proof core, thereby meeting the user's water intake needs.

[0031] Meanwhile, because the liquid outlet of the liquid storage device is equipped with an anti-drip component, it can prevent liquid from dripping after the user removes the liquid storage device from the door, thus avoiding soiling the refrigerator or the floor and improving the user's refrigerator experience.

[0032] In one embodiment, the liquid taking mechanism has a liquid outlet channel communicating with the flow guiding channel. In the direction from the inlet end to the outlet end, the projected area of ​​the flow guiding channel is not less than the projected area of ​​the outlet end of the liquid outlet channel.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet and the aforementioned door. The cabinet includes a refrigerator compartment, and the door is connected to the cabinet for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment. The inner side of the door faces the refrigerator compartment, and the outer side of the door faces away from the refrigerator compartment.

[0034] The refrigerator provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] The refrigerator provided by this invention has an anti-drip component installed at the liquid outlet of the liquid storage device, which can prevent liquid from dripping after the user takes the liquid storage device, thereby avoiding soiling the refrigerator or the floor and improving the user's experience of using the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-drip component of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the leak-proof core of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the leak-proof outer shell of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid storage device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a half-sectional view of the liquid storage device of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a front view of the door of the box of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the cabinet door of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Side sectional view of the box door.

[0045] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of section B in the middle.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the anti-leakage core in the open state after the pipe fitting and anti-drip assembly are assembled.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the anti-leakage core in the closed state after the pipe fitting and anti-drip assembly are assembled.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator structure of the present invention.

[0049] Figure label:

[0050] 1-Refrigerator; 10-Liquid storage device; 11-Anti-drip assembly; 111-Anti-leakage outer shell; 111a-Cavity; 111b-Inlet end; 111c-Outlet end; 112-Anti-leakage core; 1121-First core; 1121a-Flow diffuser; 1121b-Flow guide; 1121c-Flow diffuser groove; 1121d-Contact part; 1122-Second core; 1122a-Sealing surface; 1122b-Flow guide surface; 112 3-Mounting groove; 113-Flow guiding channel; 114-Flow expanding channel; 115-Leak-proof seal; 116-Elastic element; 12-Liquid storage container; 121-Shell; 1211-Liquid storage chamber; 1212-Liquid outlet; 1213-Opening; 1214-Recess; 1215-Supporting surface; 1216-Mounting surface; 122-Cover; 20-Liquid dispensing mechanism; 20a-Liquid outlet channel; 21-Liquid outlet component; 211-Liquid outlet shell ; 212-Dispensing core; 213-Elastic connector; 22-Dispensing component; 22a-Dispensing housing; 22b-Force-bearing part; 30-Connecting device; 31-Pipe fitting; 311-Conduit; 311a-Inlet connection end; 311b-Outlet connection end; 312-Connector seal; 3121-Sealing ring; 3121a-Sealing rib; 3122-Folding part; 313-Pipe sleeve; 314-Bearing component; 3141-Connecting part ; 3142-Plug-in part; 3143-Slot; 3144-Flow guide hole; 32-Base; 321-Connecting hole; 40-Door; 41-Door body; 41a-Door inner side; 41b-Door outer side; 41c-Door hole; 41d-Accommodation space; 42-Leakage sealing element; 421-Sleeve; 422-Press cap; 423-First sealing ring; 424-Second sealing ring; 50-Door body; 51-Refrigerator compartment; 52-Freezer compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solutions of this invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the omission of certain well-known structures and their descriptions in the drawings is understandable to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are merely simplified descriptions based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Correspondingly, the description of this invention uses terms such as "first" and "second," which are only used to distinguish different components and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance, any order, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0052] In related technologies, refrigerators with water dispenser functionality typically include a kettle and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing water from the kettle. The kettle is installed on the inside of the refrigerator door and has a water outlet. The dispensing mechanism is installed on the outside of the refrigerator door. This dispensing mechanism includes a spout and a pressure tongue. The refrigerator door has a door opening; one end of the spout connects to the kettle's water outlet through the door opening, and the other end extends out of the door opening and connects to the pressure tongue. The pressure tongue is rotatably mounted on the door. By pressing the pressure tongue, the user controls the spout to act on the water outlet, opening or closing the outlet to dispense water.

[0053] Typically, kettles have a valve at the spout. The dispensing mechanism controls the opening and closing of the spout by opening and closing this valve. When the valve is closed, no liquid will flow out of the spout. At this time, the user can remove the kettle from the refrigerator and pour ice water directly from it.

[0054] However, even when the kettle's valve is closed, although the liquid inside cannot flow out of the spout, some residual liquid remains in the valve chamber. When the user removes the kettle from the refrigerator, this residual liquid, due to gravity, will drip from the spout, soiling the refrigerator, floor, or tabletop, requiring repeated cleaning and resulting in a poor user experience.

[0055] Therefore, the present invention provides an anti-drip component 11 to improve the above-mentioned liquid dripping phenomenon and enhance the user experience. Furthermore, the anti-drip component 11 provided by the present invention is not limited to use in refrigerator kettles; it can also be installed in water dispensers, faucets, water tanks, oil drums, and other scenarios where users wish to reduce liquid dripping. The present invention makes no limitation on this application.

[0056] The anti-drip component 11 provided by the present invention will now be described.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the anti-drip assembly 11 provided by the present invention includes an anti-drip housing 111 and an anti-drip core 112. The anti-drip housing 111 has a cavity 111a, an inlet end 111b, and an outlet end 111c, with the inlet end 111b and the outlet end 111c respectively communicating with the cavity 111a. The anti-drip core 112 is slidably disposed within the cavity 111a, so that the anti-drip core 112 has an open state separated from the inlet end 111b and a closed state pressed against the inlet end 111b.

[0058] A flow channel 113 is formed between the outer wall of the leak-proof core 112 and the inner wall of the outlet end. When the leak-proof core 112 is open, external liquid enters the flow channel 113 from the inlet end 111b and flows out from the outlet end 111c. When the leak-proof core 112 is closed, some of the external liquid remains in the flow channel 113, forming residual liquid. The surface tension of the residual liquid within the flow channel 113 is not less than the weight of the residual liquid, thus preventing it from flowing out of the outlet end 111c.

[0059] When in use, the anti-drip assembly 11 provided by the present invention can connect the inlet end 111b of the anti-drip housing 111 to the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12. The anti-drip core 112 can extend from the inlet end 111b into the liquid storage chamber 1211 of the liquid storage container 12. By sliding the anti-drip core 112, the anti-drip core 112 can press against or separate from the outlet hole 1212, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the outlet hole 1212.

[0060] When the user removes the liquid storage container 12 from the refrigerator door 40, the leak-proof core 112 can be lowered by gravity or other external forces to press against the liquid outlet 1212. At this time, the leak-proof core 112 is in the closed state, and the liquid storage chamber 1211 of the liquid storage container 12 is isolated from the flow channel 113 of the anti-drip assembly 11, preventing the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 1211 from entering the flow channel 113. At this time, although there is some residual liquid in the flow channel 113, because the flow channel 113 is narrow, the surface tension of the residual liquid in the flow channel 113 is greater than the gravity acting on the residual liquid. Therefore, the surface tension of the residual liquid in the flow channel 113 can be used to prevent the residual liquid from flowing out from the outlet end 111c. Therefore, when the user takes out the liquid storage container 12, the residual liquid will not flow out from the outlet end 111c, so as to avoid soiling the refrigerator 1, the floor or table, etc. The user does not need to repeatedly clean the dripping liquid of the liquid storage container 12, thereby improving the user experience.

[0061] When the user places the liquid storage container 12 back into the refrigerator door 40 for use, the leak-proof core 112 can be connected to the liquid dispensing mechanism of the door 40. If the user operates to dispense water, the leak-proof core 112 can be moved upward by the operating force of the liquid dispensing mechanism to separate from the liquid outlet 1212, allowing the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 1211 to flow out. If the user stops dispensing water, the leak-proof core 112 can be moved downward by the operating force to press against the liquid outlet 1212, preventing the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 1211 from flowing out of the liquid outlet 1212.

[0062] It should be noted that when the leak-proof core 112 is open, the liquid in the storage container 12 flows under the influence of gravity, following the following path: storage chamber 1211 of the storage container 12 - outlet hole 1212 of the storage container 12 - inlet end 111b of the leak-proof outer shell 111 - guide channel 113 - outlet end 111c of the leak-proof outer shell 111. During this process, the liquid continuously flows through the guide channel 113, causing the surface tension of the liquid within the guide channel 113 to be less than the weight of the liquid. Therefore, when the leak-proof core 112 is open, the liquid can smoothly flow out from the outlet end 111c through the guide channel 113 to meet the user's water intake needs.

[0063] With the leak-proof core 112 closed, the liquid storage chamber 1211 of the liquid storage container 12 is isolated from the flow channel 113, and the liquid in the liquid storage container 12 remains in the liquid storage chamber 1211. At this time, the gravity of the residual liquid in the flow channel 113 is the main consideration. Since the amount of this residual liquid is small, when this residual liquid flows through the flow channel 113 under the action of gravity, the surface tension of the residual liquid formed in the flow channel 113 is greater than or equal to the gravity of this residual liquid. Therefore, with the leak-proof core 112 closed, the residual liquid remains in the flow channel 113 and cannot flow out from the outlet end 111c, thus improving the liquid dripping phenomenon of the liquid storage container 12.

[0064] The present invention does not limit the size of the flow channel 113 formed between the leak-proof core 112 and the inner wall of the leak-proof outer shell 111. As long as the surface tension of the residual liquid accumulated in the flow channel 113 can resist the gravity of this portion of the residual liquid and prevent it from dripping, it is acceptable. It is understood that the surface tension of the residual liquid refers to the intermolecular forces on the liquid surface formed in the flow channel 113. This surface tension makes the liquid surface elastic and able to resist external disturbances.

[0065] Compared to the switching valve installed in the liquid storage container 12 in related technologies, the gap between the valve core and the valve shell of the switching valve is larger, forming a valve cavity with an internal volume of 2 ml. Taking the density of water as 1 as an example, the mass of residual liquid that the valve cavity can hold is 2 g. Taking the mass of one drop of water as 0.05 g as an example, this is equivalent to 40 drops of water remaining in the valve cavity, and all 40 drops of water will leak out. However, the anti-drip component 11 provided in the above embodiment of the present invention forms a flow guiding channel 113 between the anti-leakage core 112 and the anti-leakage shell 111. The internal volume of the flow guiding channel 113 is 1.3 ml, which can hold a mass of 1.3 g of residual liquid, equivalent to 26 drops of water remaining in the flow guiding channel 113. Therefore, compared to the switching valve in related technologies, the anti-drip component 11 of the present invention can reduce the amount of residual liquid by 35%, reduce the weight of the residual liquid, and utilize the surface tension of the residual liquid formed in the flow guiding channel 113 to resist the gravity of the residual liquid, thus improving the liquid dripping phenomenon.

[0066] In some embodiments, to further prevent residual liquid from dripping from the outlet end 111c, the orthographic projection of the guide channel 113 along the direction from the inlet end 111b to the outlet end 111c is annular.

[0067] As an example, the outlet end 111c of the leak-proof housing 111 has a circular through hole, and the leak-proof core 112 is a cylinder. The annular gap formed between the outer wall of the cylinder and the inner wall of the circular through hole forms a flow guiding channel 113. This arrangement ensures that the distance between the outer wall of the leak-proof core 112 and the inner wall of the outlet end 111c is equal everywhere, resulting in uniform spacing of the flow guiding channels 113. Therefore, when residual liquid enters the flow guiding channels 113, the surface tension of the residual liquid is also uniform, thus making the surface of the residual liquid within the flow guiding channels 113 stable and effectively preventing residual liquid from dripping from the outlet end 111c.

[0068] As an example, when the orthographic projection of the flow guide channel 113 along the direction from the inlet end 111b to the outlet end 111c is annular, the dimensions of the flow guide channel 113 can be calculated using the following formula:

[0069]

[0070] It should be noted that r represents the required inner diameter of the flow channel. The remaining parameters are known. Where h is the height of the water column when the residual liquid maintains equilibrium within the flow channel. ρ is the liquid density of the residual liquid. g is the acceleration due to gravity. σ is the surface tension of the residual liquid. θ is the angle between the liquid surface formed by the residual liquid within the flow channel and the sidewall of the flow channel.

[0071] When the residual liquid is water, the size r of the flow channel can be calculated using the above formula. Optionally, the size of the flow channel can range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0072] In other embodiments, the flow channel 113 may also be other shapes with uniform gaps (such as wavy or elliptical shapes), and the present invention does not limit this.

[0073] In some embodiments, to facilitate the installation of the leak-proof housing 111 and the leak-proof core 112, the leak-proof core 112 includes a first core portion 1121 and a second core portion 1122. The first core portion 1121 is slidably disposed within the cavity 111a, and a flow channel 113 is formed between the outer wall of the first core portion 1121 and the inner wall of the outlet end 111c. The second core portion 1122 is fixed to the side of the first core portion 1121 near the inlet end 111b, so as to separate from or press against the inlet end 111b.

[0074] It should be noted that the outer diameter of the first core 1121 of the leak-proof core 112 is smaller than the inner diameter of the leak-proof outer shell 111, so as to form the flow channel 113. In addition, the first core 1121 filled in the leak-proof outer shell 111 reduces the amount of residual liquid in the cavity 111a by occupying the volume of the cavity 111a of the leak-proof outer shell 111. This helps to ensure that the surface tension of the residual liquid formed in the flow channel 113 is not less than the weight of this part of the residual liquid, thereby improving the phenomenon of residual liquid dripping.

[0075] The outer diameter of the second core 1122 can be larger than the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111. In this case, the second core 1122 extends out of the inlet end 111b of the leak-proof housing 111 to seal the inlet end 111b of the leak-proof housing 111, thereby controlling the connection or closure of the flow channel 113 and the liquid storage chamber 1211. Of course, the outer diameter of the second core 1122 can also be smaller than the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111. In this case, the second core 1122 seals the inlet end 111b inside the cavity 111a of the leak-proof housing 111.

[0076] As an example, the leak-proof outer shell 111 can be configured as a hollow cylinder, with its opposite ends forming an inlet end 111b and an outlet end 111c, respectively. In this case, the cavity 111a of the leak-proof outer shell 111 is cylindrical, meaning that the inner diameter of the leak-proof outer shell 111 is the same everywhere. The leak-proof core 112 can be configured as a stepped cylinder, meaning that the outer diameter of the first core portion 1121 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second core portion 1122.

[0077] Of course, in other embodiments, if the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111 changes, such as if the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111 gradually increases along the direction from the inlet end 111b to the outlet end 111c, then the projected area of ​​the first core 1121 can be set to be larger than the projected area of ​​the second core 1122, so as to form a flow channel 113 through the first core 1121, while using the second core 1122 to seal the inlet end 111b. Therefore, the outer diameter of the leak-proof core 112 can be adjusted according to the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111 to form different shapes, which is not limited in this invention.

[0078] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, to facilitate water access for the user, the first core 1121 includes a flow-expanding section 1121a and a flow-guiding section 1121b. The flow-expanding section 1121a is connected to the second core 1122, and the distance between the outer wall of the flow-expanding section 1121a and the inner wall of the cavity 111a forms a flow-expanding channel 114. The flow-guiding section 1121b is fixed to the side of the flow-expanding section 1121a facing away from the second core 1122, and the flow-guiding section 1121b is movable into the outlet end 111c, and the distance between the outer wall of the flow-guiding section 1121b and the inner wall of the outlet end 111c forms a flow-guiding channel 113.

[0079] It should be noted that the portion of the first core 1121 filling the outlet end 111c of the leak-proof housing 111 forms a guide portion 1121b, thereby forming a guide channel 113 between the outer wall of the guide portion 1121b and the inner wall of the outlet end 111c to prevent residual liquid from flowing out from the outlet end 111c. The portion of the first core 1121 connecting the second core 1122 and the guide portion 1121b forms a diffuser portion 1121a, thereby forming a diffuser channel 114 between the outer wall of the diffuser portion 1121a and the inner wall of the leak-proof housing 111.

[0080] The flow-expanding channel 114 is used to expand the flow, allowing more liquid to flow through it when the leak-proof core 112 is open. This increases the water output, ensuring smooth flow and improving efficiency when the user draws water.

[0081] The flow-expanding channel 114 can refer to the vertical distance between the outer wall of the flow-expanding section 1121a and the inner wall of the leak-proof housing 111, and the flow-guiding channel 113 can refer to the vertical distance between the outer wall of the flow-guiding section 1121b and the inner wall of the outlet end 111c. See also Figure 1 As an example, let the flow expansion channel 114 be a and the flow guiding channel 113 be b, where a ≥ b.

[0082] As an example, when the leak-proof housing 111 is configured as a hollow cylinder, the flow guiding portion 1121b and the flow expanding portion 1121a can also be configured as cylinders. The outer diameter of the flow guiding portion 1121b is not less than the outer diameter of the flow expanding portion 1121a, so that the flow expanding channel 114 is not less than the flow guiding channel 113. Optionally, the first core portion 1121 can be configured as a stepped cylinder. Alternatively, the first core portion 1121 can also be configured as a cone, that is, the outer diameter of the first core portion 1121 can gradually increase in the direction from the inlet end 111b to the outlet end 111c, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guiding channel 113 gradually decreases. Of course, in other embodiments, the first core portion 1121 can also be configured as other shapes that meet the requirements. Alternatively, when the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111 changes, the first core portion 1121 can also be adaptively adjusted according to the change in the inner diameter of the leak-proof housing 111, which will not be elaborated here.

[0083] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, to improve the flow amplification effect, the outer wall of the flow amplification section 1121a is provided with a plurality of flow amplification grooves 1121c, at least a portion of which are located on the side of the flow amplification section 1121a near the second core section 1122. This arrangement increases the distance between the outer wall of the flow amplification section 1121a and the inner wall of the leak-proof outer shell 111, thereby increasing the water output and achieving flow amplification, making it easier for users to obtain water.

[0084] Optionally, the flow-expanding channels 1121c can be distributed circumferentially along the flow-expanding section 1121a, so that the outflow rate is evenly distributed throughout the flow-guiding channel 113. Optionally, four flow-expanding channels 1121c are provided, and the four flow-expanding channels 1121c are evenly distributed circumferentially along the flow-expanding section 1121a.

[0085] In other embodiments, to improve the flow amplification effect, the end of the flow amplification section 1121a near the second core section 1122 can be designated as the first flow amplification end, and the end of the flow amplification section 1121a near the guide section 1121b can be designated as the second flow amplification end. In the direction from the inlet end 111b to the outlet end 111c, the projected area of ​​the first flow amplification end is smaller than that of the second flow amplification end. This configuration, when the inlet end 111b is open, results in a larger gap between the inlet end 111b and the second flow amplification end, increasing the amount of liquid passing through the inlet end 111b and thus increasing the water output, making it easier for the user to collect water.

[0086] See Figure 2In some embodiments, to facilitate sealing the outlet 1212 of the liquid storage container 12, the second core 1122 extends from the inlet end 111b of the leak-proof outer shell 111. The outer wall of the second core 1122 has a sealing surface 1122a and a flow guiding surface 1122b. The sealing surface 1122a is used to press against or separate from the inlet end 111b. In the direction from the outlet end 111c to the inlet end 111b, the flow guiding surface 1122b protrudes from the sealing surface 1122a.

[0087] It should be noted that when the anti-drip assembly 11 is installed into the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12, the second core 1122 of the anti-drip core 112 can extend from the inlet end 111b to enter the liquid storage chamber 1211 of the liquid storage container 12 through the outlet hole 1212, thereby sealing the outlet hole 1212. The anti-drip core 111 can be configured as an elastic body to facilitate its entry into the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12. The outer diameter of the second core 1122 can be larger than the outlet hole 1212, so that the weight of the liquid inside the liquid storage container 12 can cause the second core 1122 to exert low pressure at the outlet hole 1212, thereby sealing the outlet hole 1212. To improve the sealing effect, the second core 1122 has a sealing surface 1122a. The sealing surface 1122a presses against the liquid outlet 1212, increasing the contact area between the second core 1122 and the liquid outlet 1212, thereby improving the sealing effect. The sealing surface 1122a can be a plane, an arc surface, or an inclined surface, etc., and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0088] When the leak-proof core 112 is pushed by an external force, the second core 1122 can move upward from the liquid outlet 1212 to separate from the liquid outlet 1212, allowing the liquid in the storage container 12 to enter the guide channel 113. At this time, in order to facilitate the flow of liquid in the storage container 12 into the guide channel 113, the outer wall of the second core 1122 is provided with a guide surface 1122b. The guide surface 1122b is a slope or an arc-shaped convex surface, so as to guide the liquid in the storage chamber 1211 to the inlet end 111b by using the guiding effect of the guide surface 1122b, so as to ensure smooth water flow when the user takes water.

[0089] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, to improve the anti-drip effect, the anti-drip assembly 11 further includes an anti-drip seal 114, which is disposed between the anti-drip core 112 and the inlet end 111b to seal the gap between the anti-drip core 112 and the inlet end 111b when the anti-drip core 112 is closed.

[0090] It should be noted that, with the inlet end 111b closed, in addition to using the second core 1122 of the leak-proof core 112 to press against the inlet end 111b, a leak-proof seal 114 can also be installed between the leak-proof core 112 and the inlet end 111b to improve the sealing effect on the inlet end 111b. This ensures that when the user is not drawing water, the liquid in the storage container 12 will not enter the guide channel 113, and the amount of residual liquid remaining in the guide channel 113 will not increase. This allows the surface tension of the residual liquid within the guide channel 113 to resist the gravity of the residual liquid, preventing leakage.

[0091] In some embodiments, to facilitate the installation of the leak-proof seal 114, the leak-proof core 112 is provided with an installation groove 1123 on the wall surface of the inlet end 111b, and the leak-proof seal 114 is fixed in the installation groove 1123.

[0092] It should be noted that the leak-proof seal 114 is arranged circumferentially along the leak-proof core 112 to improve the sealing effect on the inlet end 111b. When the leak-proof seal 114 is embedded in the mounting groove 1123, it can move synchronously with the leak-proof core 112, facilitating the switching between the open and closed states of the leak-proof core 112. Simultaneously, the mounting groove 1123 increases the contact area between the leak-proof seal 114 and the leak-proof core 112, thereby improving the connection strength between them and preventing the leak-proof seal 114 from detaching from the leak-proof core 112.

[0093] In addition, in other embodiments, the leak-proof seal 114 can also be fixed to the inlet end 111b of the leak-proof housing 111. When the leak-proof core 112 is close to the inlet end 111b, the leak-proof seal 114 is squeezed between the leak-proof core 112 and the inlet end 111b to achieve a seal.

[0094] Optionally, the leak-proof seal 114 can be a sealing ring 3121, etc., and the present invention does not limit it.

[0095] See you later Figure 1 In some embodiments, to facilitate the contact between the leak-proof core 112 and the inlet end 111b, the anti-drip assembly 11 further includes an elastic element 116, which is connected between the leak-proof core 112 and the leak-proof housing 111. In the open state of the leak-proof core 112, the elastic element 116 undergoes elastic deformation, and the second core portion 1122 slides along the direction from the outlet end 111c towards the inlet end 111b, thus separating from the inlet end 111b. In the closed state of the leak-proof core 112, the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 116 causes the second core portion 1122 to contact the inlet end 111b.

[0096] It should be noted that the elastic element 116 can be a spring or sheet, or other structure with elastic deformation, and this invention is not limited thereto. The elastic element 116 can elastically deform along the extension direction of the guide channel 113. When the elastic element 116 is in its natural state, i.e., when it has not elastically deformed, the second core 1122 of the leak-proof core 112 presses against the inlet end 111b, and the inlet end 111b is in a closed state. Thus, when the user removes the liquid storage container 12 from the refrigerator 1, the natural elongation of the elastic element 116 supports it between the leak-proof core 112 and the leak-proof outer shell 111, maintaining the pressure between the second core 1122 and the inlet end 111b, keeping the inlet end 111b continuously closed, preventing liquid in the liquid storage chamber 1211 from flowing out of the outlet hole 1212. When the leak-proof core 112 is driven by other external forces (such as the external force of the liquid dispensing mechanism), the elastic element 116 can undergo elastic deformation, causing the second core 1122 to separate from the inlet end 111b, and the inlet end 111b to be in the open state, thus meeting the user's water dispensing needs.

[0097] As an example, when the elastic element 116 is set as a spring, the elastic element can be sleeved on the outer wall of the leak-proof core 112. For example, the spring can be sleeved on the outer wall of the flow-expanding part 1121a of the first core 1121. Since the outer diameter of the flow-guiding part 1121b is larger than the outer diameter of the flow-expanding part 1121a, one end of the spring can be connected to the side of the flow-guiding part 1121b facing the inlet end 111b, and the other end of the spring can be connected to the inlet end 111b of the leak-proof housing 111 or the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12, so that the spring can generate elastic deformation.

[0098] In some embodiments, to protect the elastic member 116, the inner wall of the leak-proof housing 111 is provided with a first mounting portion, and the outer wall of the leak-proof core 112 is provided with a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion form a mounting cavity that is isolated from the flow channel 113, and the elastic member 116 is connected between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to be disposed within the mounting cavity.

[0099] This design isolates the elastic element 116 from the flow channel 113 through the mounting cavity. When a user draws water, external liquid flowing through the flow channel 113 will not pass through the elastic element 116, preventing it from being corroded by the liquid and avoiding rusting or aging. This protects the elastic element 116 and extends its service life. Furthermore, by preventing external liquid from passing through the elastic element 116 when a user draws water, it also prevents the elastic element 116 from contaminating the liquid, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the dispensed water.

[0100] It should be noted that when the leak-proof core 112 slides relative to the leak-proof outer shell 111, the second mounting part can slide relative to the first mounting part, and a connecting seal is provided between the second mounting part and the first mounting part to seal the sliding gap between the first mounting part and the second mounting part, so as to prevent liquid from entering the mounting cavity and corroding the elastic element 116 during the sliding process of the leak-proof core 112.

[0101] The present invention also provides a liquid storage device 10 that uses the above-mentioned anti-drip component 11, which can prevent liquid leakage from the outlet of the liquid storage device 10 when the user takes the liquid storage device 10.

[0102] The liquid storage device 10 will be described below.

[0103] See Figures 4 to 6 The liquid storage device 10 provided by the present invention includes a liquid storage container 12 and the aforementioned anti-drip assembly 11. The liquid storage container 12 has a liquid storage chamber 1211 and an outlet hole 1212 communicating with the liquid storage chamber 1211. The inlet end 111b of the anti-drip outer shell 111 is connected to the outlet hole 1212. The anti-drip core 112 extends from the inlet end 111b into the liquid storage chamber 1211. In the open state of the anti-drip core 112, the anti-drip core 112 is separated from the outlet hole 1212, the liquid storage chamber 1211 is communicating with the flow channel 113, and the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 1211 flows out through the outlet end 111c. In the closed state of the anti-drip core 112, the anti-drip core 112 presses against the outlet hole 1212, and the liquid storage chamber 1211 is isolated from the flow channel 113.

[0104] When the liquid storage device 10 is in use, the anti-drip assembly 11 is installed at the liquid outlet 1212 of the liquid storage container 12. The anti-drip outer shell 111 is fixed to the liquid outlet 1212, so that the inlet end 111b communicates with the liquid outlet 1212. To facilitate control of the opening and closing of the liquid outlet 1212, the second core 1122 of the anti-drip core 112 can extend into the liquid storage chamber 1211 of the liquid storage container 12, pressing against or separating from the liquid outlet 1212.

[0105] If the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12 protrudes beyond the shell 121 of the liquid storage container 12, the side wall of the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12 can be used instead of the leak-proof shell 111. Alternatively, the leak-proof shell 111 can be integrally formed with the liquid storage container 12 to simplify assembly.

[0106] It is understood that the liquid storage container 12 is not limited to devices such as kettles, water tanks, buckets, or oil drums.

[0107] See Figure 5 and Figure 6The liquid storage container 12 provided by the present invention includes a shell 121 and a cover 122. The shell 121 is provided with a liquid storage cavity 1211 and a liquid outlet 1212. The top of the shell 121 can be configured as an open opening 1213, and the cover 122 can be opened and closed and installed in the open opening 1213. Users can fill the liquid storage cavity 1211 with liquid through the open opening 1213 of the shell 121, or, when the user removes the liquid storage container 12 from the refrigerator 1, the user can also pour out the liquid in the liquid storage cavity 1211 through the open opening 1213 of the liquid storage container 12, thus enabling large-scale use of ice water. Of course, when adding liquid to the liquid storage container 12, a liquid inlet hole can also be provided on the cover 122 to connect to other liquid delivery pipes inside the refrigerator 1, so as to facilitate automatic water addition to the liquid storage container 12.

[0108] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the vessel body forms a recess 1214 around the liquid outlet 1212. When the liquid outlet 1212 is closed, the portion of the second core 1122 extending into the liquid storage cavity 1211 presses against the recess 1214 to seal the liquid outlet 1212. Simultaneously, when the leak-proof core 112 is provided with a leak-proof seal 114, the leak-proof seal 114 can press against the recess 1214 to improve sealing.

[0109] In some embodiments, to facilitate the placement of the liquid storage container 12, the bottom of the housing 121 is provided with a support surface 1215 and a mounting surface 1216 inclined relative to the support surface 1215. The support surface 1215 is used to support the housing 121 in conjunction with other placement surfaces (such as the base inside the door), and the mounting surface 1216 is used to provide a liquid outlet hole 1212, such that the liquid outlet hole 1212 is coaxially arranged with the door hole 41c of the door body 41, which not only facilitates the user to install the liquid storage container 12 onto the door 40, but also ensures smooth water discharge from the liquid storage container 12.

[0110] Furthermore, this configuration ensures that when the housing 121 is placed on a table or ground surface via the support surface 1215, there is an angle between the mounting surface 1216 and the support surface 1215, so that the liquid outlet 1212 does not come into contact with the table or ground surface, thus avoiding contamination of the liquid outlet 1212.

[0111] The present invention also provides a door 40 that incorporates the above-described liquid storage device 10. The door 40 will be described below.

[0112] See Figure 7The cabinet door 40 provided by the present invention includes a door body 41, a liquid dispensing mechanism 20, and the aforementioned liquid storage device 10. The door body 41 has an inner side 41a, an outer side 41b, and a door hole 41c connecting the inner side 41a and the outer side 41b. The liquid storage device 10 is installed on the inner side 41a, and its outlet hole 1212 is located within the door hole 41c. The liquid dispensing mechanism 20 is located on the outer side 41b, and acts on the leak-proof core 112 through the door hole 41c. By operating the liquid dispensing mechanism 20, the leak-proof core 112 is pushed to slide, thereby switching the open and closed states of the leak-proof core 112.

[0113] It should be noted that the liquid dispensing mechanism 20 can be a linkage assembly, a button assembly, or an electronic control element, as long as the user can use the liquid dispensing mechanism 20 to drive the leak-proof core 112 to move, thereby opening or closing the liquid outlet 1212. Further details are omitted here.

[0114] See Figures 8 to 10 For ease of understanding, this invention provides a liquid dispensing mechanism 20, which includes a dispensing component 21 and a dispensing component 22. The dispensing component 22 includes a dispensing housing 22a and a force-receiving part 22b. The dispensing housing 22a is mounted on the outer side 41b of the door body 41. The force-receiving part 22b is rotatably connected to the dispensing housing 22a. As an example, the force-receiving part 22b is configured as a pressure tongue, the top end of which is rotatably connected to the dispensing housing 22a, and the bottom end of which is a free end. A torsion spring is provided between the dispensing housing 22a and the pressure tongue. When the user presses the free end of the pressure tongue, the torsion spring deforms, allowing the pressure tongue to rotate around its top end. When the user releases the pressure tongue, the torsion spring returns to its original deformation, resetting the pressure tongue from the pressed position to the free position. The door body 41 includes a door outer shell and a door inner shell. The door outer shell forms the outer side 41b of the door body 41, and the door inner shell forms the inner side 41a of the door body 41. To facilitate the installation of the distributing component 22 on the door body 41, a portion of the outer side 41b of the door body 41 is recessed towards the inner side 41a to form a receiving space 41d. The door opening 41c of the door body 41 communicates with the receiving space 41d. The distributing housing 22a of the distributing component 22 can be installed within the receiving space 41d.

[0115] The liquid dispensing component 21 includes a liquid dispensing housing 211, an elastic connector 213, and a liquid dispensing core 212. The liquid dispensing housing 211 has a liquid dispensing cavity, an inlet end communicating with the liquid dispensing cavity, and an outlet end. The inlet end of the liquid dispensing housing 211 is connected to the liquid outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12 and acts on the leak-proof core 112 within the liquid outlet hole 1212. The outlet end of the liquid dispensing channel 20a extends from the door hole 41c to the outside of the door 41b. The liquid dispensing core 212 is slidably disposed within the liquid dispensing cavity of the liquid dispensing housing 211, and the outer wall of the liquid dispensing core 212 forms the liquid dispensing channel 20a between the inner wall of the liquid dispensing housing 211 and the outer wall of the liquid dispensing housing 212. The elastic connector 213 connects the liquid dispensing core 212 and the liquid dispensing housing 211. In addition, the liquid outlet core 212 is connected to the force-receiving part 22b of the dispensing component 22 so that the liquid outlet core 212 can press against or separate from the outflow end of the liquid outlet housing 211, thereby opening or closing the liquid outlet channel 20a.

[0116] With this configuration, when a user takes water, they press the pressure tongue of the dispensing component 22. The pressure tongue of the dispensing component 22 rotates relative to the door 41, pushing the dispensing core 212 of the dispensing component 21 upward along the axial direction of the door hole 41c, opening the outflow end of the dispensing channel 20a. Simultaneously, the elastic connector 213 between the dispensing core 212 and the dispensing shell 211 drives the dispensing shell 211 to move upward along the axial direction of the door hole 41c, pushing the leak-proof core 112 upward relative to the dispensing hole 1212. This connects the storage chamber 1211 of the storage container 12 with the guide channel 113, allowing the liquid in the storage container 12 to continuously flow out from the dispensing channel 20a, thus enabling the user to take water.

[0117] When the user stops drawing water, the user releases the pressure on the tongue of the dispensing component 22, causing the tongue of the dispensing component 22 to rotate and reset, driving the liquid outlet core 212 to move downward along the axial direction of the door hole 41c, pressing against the outflow end of the liquid outlet channel 20a and closing the liquid outlet channel 20a. At the same time, the elastic connector 213 resets, driving the liquid outlet shell 211 to move downward along the axial direction of the door hole 41c, thereby causing the leak-proof core 112 to move downward relative to the liquid outlet hole 1212, pressing against the liquid outlet hole 1212, thus isolating the liquid storage chamber 1211 of the liquid storage container 12 from the guide channel 113, stopping water from the liquid outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12, and realizing that the user stops drawing water.

[0118] Therefore, users can remove the ice water in the storage container 12 to the outside of the door 40 without opening the door 40, so as to avoid frequently opening the door 40 of the refrigerator 1 and reduce the leakage of cold air from the refrigerator 1.

[0119] To facilitate water dispensing for users, the liquid outlet channel 20a and the flow guide channel 113 extend along the same straight line. This arrangement shortens the liquid flow path and saves water dispensing time. As an example, the liquid outlet channel 20a, the flow guide channel 113, and the door hole 41c are coaxially arranged.

[0120] Meanwhile, to ensure that the liquid in the storage device 10 can flow smoothly out of the outlet channel 20a, the projected area of ​​the guide channel 113 is not less than the projected area of ​​the outlet end of the outlet channel 20a in the direction from the inlet end 111b to the outlet end 111c. With this configuration, when the user draws water, the flow rate through the guide channel 113 is greater than the flow rate at the outlet end of the outlet channel 20a, ensuring a continuous flow of liquid from the storage container 12 out of the outlet channel 20a and guaranteeing smooth water intake.

[0121] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the inlet end 111b of the anti-drip component 11 is not less than the inner diameter of the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12, and the inner diameter of the inflow end of the outlet channel 20a is not less than the inner diameter of the outlet end 111c of the anti-drip component 11. This arrangement allows the anti-drip component 11 to surround the outer wall of the outlet hole 1212, and the outlet component 21 to wrap around the outer wall of the outlet end 111c of the leak-proof outer shell 111. That is, the inner diameter of the flow channel through which the liquid flows out of the liquid storage container 12 expands layer by layer, which can ensure that the liquid does not overflow from the side wall of the flow channel when water is taken out.

[0122] In some embodiments, the dispensing component 21 may not have a dispensing core 212. That is, the user directly drives the dispensing housing 211 to move axially along the door opening 41c via a pressure tongue, thereby pushing the leak-proof core 112 to slide. In this case, when the user takes water from the storage device 10, the liquid in the storage container 12 can flow directly from the outlet end of the dispensing channel 20a without separating the dispensing core 212 from the outlet end of the dispensing channel 20a before discharge. This configuration, by reducing the number of dispensing cores 212, avoids prolonged accumulation of liquid in the dispensing channel 20a when the user takes water, preventing liquid spoilage and ensuring hygienic water dispensing.

[0123] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the liquid outlet component 21 may also be provided with an anti-drip component 11, so that when the user is not taking water, the anti-drip component 11 can be used to prevent the liquid in the liquid outlet channel 20a from flowing out from the outlet end of the liquid outlet component 21, thereby preventing the liquid from dripping onto the ground.

[0124] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the door 40 also includes a cold leakage seal 42, which is disposed in the door hole 41c to seal the installation gap between the door hole 41c and the liquid storage device 10, and between the door hole 41c and the liquid outlet component 21, thereby preventing cold air leakage inside the refrigerator 1.

[0125] The cold leakage seal 42 includes a sleeve 421, a pressing cap 422, and a first sealing ring 423. The sleeve 421 is disposed on the inner wall of the door hole 41c, and the first sealing ring 423 is disposed between the sleeve 421 and the outer shell of the liquid outlet component 21. The top end of the first sealing ring 423 is fixed to the sleeve 421 by the pressing cap 422 to prevent the first sealing ring 423 from falling off during the movement of the liquid outlet component 21.

[0126] See Figures 10 to 12 In some embodiments, to facilitate the user's removal of the liquid storage device 10 and the liquid outlet component 21 from the door 40, the door 40 further includes a connecting device 30. The connecting device 30 includes a base 32 and a pipe connector 31. The base 32 is fixed to the inner side 41a of the door, and the pipe connector 31 is detachably connected to the base 32 and installed in the door hole 41c. The liquid storage device 10 is detachably connected to the base 32, the liquid outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage device 10 is inserted into the inlet connection end 311a of the pipe connector 31, and the liquid outlet component 21 is connected to the outlet connection end 311b of the pipe connector 31.

[0127] It should be noted that the base 32 is installed on the inner side 41a of the door body 41, and can be used for detachable connection with the pipe connector 31, and can also be used to support the liquid storage device 10. The base 32 has a connection hole 321, which corresponds to the door hole 41c of the door body 41. The pipe connector 31 is installed in the door hole 41c. The top end of the pipe connector 31 is used to connect to the liquid outlet 1212 of the liquid storage device 10, and the bottom end of the pipe connector 31 is used to connect to the liquid outlet component 21. When the user removes the liquid storage device 10 from the door 40, the user only needs to lift the liquid storage device 10 to allow the liquid outlet 1212 of the liquid storage device 10 to be pulled out from the inlet connection end 311a of the pipe connector 31, thus separating the liquid storage device 10 from the door 40, making it convenient for the user to directly remove the liquid storage device 10 and pour out a large amount of ice water. Meanwhile, the detachable connection between the pipe connector 31 and the base 32 can be a plug-in connection, a magnetic engagement, or a locking engagement, etc., and this invention is not limited to these methods. When the user removes the liquid outlet component 21 from the door 40, they only need to remove the pipe connector 31 from the base 32, and the liquid outlet component 21 can be taken out along with the pipe connector 31, thus separating the liquid outlet component 21 from the door 40. The outlet connection end 311b of the pipe connector 31 and the outer shell of the liquid outlet component 21 can be connected by a threaded connection or a locking connection, etc., and this invention is not limited to these methods.

[0128] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the connection hole 321 of the base 32 is provided with at least one positioning portion. The outer wall of the pipe connector 31 is provided with at least one positioning mating portion. One of the positioning portion and the positioning mating portion is configured as a groove, and the other is configured as a protrusion. The groove includes a disassembly portion and a fixing portion, which are offset and connected along the axial direction of the connection hole 321. During the installation of the pipe connector 31 into the base 32, the pipe connector 31 is inserted into the connection hole 321, causing the protrusion to move through the disassembly portion to the fixing portion, thereby fixing the pipe connector 31 and the base 32. During the disassembly of the pipe connector 31 from the base 32, the pipe connector 31 is rotated, causing the protrusion to move from the fixing portion to the disassembly portion, thereby releasing the fixed fit between the pipe connector 31 and the base 32.

[0129] In this way, by utilizing the misaligned engagement between the positioning and fitting parts, the position of the protrusion between the fixing and disassembly parts can be changed through the rotational movement between the pipe connector 31 and the base 32, thereby realizing the disassembly and locking of the pipe connector 31 and the base 32. The user only needs to rotate the pipe connector 31 relative to the base 32 to remove the liquid outlet component 21 from the door 40 for replacement or cleaning, which is simple, convenient, time-saving and labor-saving.

[0130] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, to facilitate the sliding of the leak-proof core 112, the pipe connector 31 includes a support member 314, which includes a connecting portion 3141 and a plug portion 3142. The connecting portion 3141 is connected to the inner wall of the pipe connector 31, and the plug portion 3142 is connected to the connecting portion 3141. The plug portion 3142 protrudes from the connecting portion 3141 toward the inlet end 111b, forming a slot 3143 between the plug portion 3142 and the inner wall of the pipe connector 31. The outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12 is inserted into the slot 3143 to connect to the inlet connecting end 311a of the pipe connector 31. During the process of the leak-proof core 112 changing from a closed state to an open state, the liquid outlet component 21 pushes the pipe connector 31 to move axially along the door hole 41c, causing the plug portion 3142 to lift the leak-proof core 112, thereby separating the leak-proof core 112 from the outlet hole 1212.

[0131] It should be noted that the connecting portion 3141 supports the insertion portion 3142 and forms a slot 3143 with the inner wall of the pipe connector 31 in conjunction with the insertion portion 3142. The connecting portion 3141 can extend circumferentially along the pipe connector 31. The connecting portion 3141 can be annular, with a notch at its center forming a guide hole 3144. The insertion portions 3142 are spaced circumferentially along the guide hole 3144, and a notch communicating with the guide hole 3144 is formed between adjacent insertion portions 3142, facilitating the flow of liquid from the liquid storage device 10 to the liquid outlet component 21 through the guide hole 3144.

[0132] The slot 3143 is used to connect with the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage device 10. When the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage device 10 is inserted into the slot 3143, the insertion part 3142 is aligned with the leak-proof core 112 inside the outlet hole 1212, so that the opening and closing of the leak-proof core 112 can be controlled by the insertion part 3142 in conjunction with the liquid dispensing component 21. When the user presses the pressure tongue to dispense water, the liquid dispensing component 21 can push the pipe connector 31 upward along the axial direction of the door hole 41c, so that the insertion part 3142 can lift the leak-proof core 112, so that the leak-proof core 112 is separated from the outlet hole 1212, thereby opening the outlet hole 1212, so that the liquid in the liquid storage container 12 flows to the liquid dispensing component 21 through the pipe connector 31. When the user releases the pressure on the tongue, the liquid outlet component 21 moves the pipe connector 31 downward along the axial direction of the door hole 41c, causing the insertion part 3142 to separate from the leak-proof core 112. The leak-proof core 112 is reset to press against the liquid outlet hole 1212 through the elastic element 116, closing the liquid outlet hole 1212. The liquid in the storage container 12 no longer flows out, and the user stops taking water.

[0133] In some embodiments, to facilitate the engagement of the plug portion 3142 and the leak-proof core 112, the leak-proof core 112 is provided with a contact portion 1121d on the side facing the plug portion 3142. The plug portion 3142 and the contact portion 1121d can be fitted together to connect the plug portion 3142 and the leak-proof core 112, so that the plug portion 3142 can lift the leak-proof core 112 and thus push the leak-proof core 112 to slide relative to the liquid outlet 1212.

[0134] Optionally, the insertion part 3142 is configured as a raised rib, and the contact part 1121d is configured as a groove. When the leak-proof core 112 is configured as a cylinder, the contact part 1121d can be coaxially configured with the leak-proof core 112 so that the insertion part 3142 pushes the leak-proof core 112 to slide, thereby opening or closing the liquid outlet 1212.

[0135] In some embodiments, to improve the sealing between the liquid outlet 1212 of the liquid storage device 10 and the pipe connector 31, the pipe connector 31 includes a conduit 311, a connector seal 312, and a sleeve 313. The base 32 has a connection hole 321, and the conduit 311 is detachably installed within the connection hole 321. The conduit 311 has an inlet connection end 311a and an outlet connection end 311b disposed opposite to each other. The connector seal 312 includes a sealing ring 3121 and a folded portion 3122. The sealing ring 3121 is disposed within a slot 3143, and the folded portion 3122 is connected to the sealing ring 3121 and extends from the inlet connection end 311a. The sleeve 313 is fixed to the outer wall of the conduit 311 to clamp the folded portion 3122 between the conduit 311 and the sleeve 313.

[0136] With this configuration, when the outlet hole 1212 of the liquid storage container 12 is inserted into the slot 3143, the sealing ring 3121 is pressed between the hole wall of the outlet hole 1212 and the inner wall of the conduit 311 to seal the gap between the outlet hole 1212 and the inlet connection end 311a. This prevents liquid flowing out of the liquid storage device 10 from leaking out from the assembly point of the outlet hole 1212 and the conduit 311 after the leak-proof core 112 is opened. At the same time, when the pipe joint 31 moves axially along the door hole 41c with the liquid outlet component 21, the folded portion 3122 of the joint seal 312 is clamped between the conduit 311 and the sleeve 313, making it difficult for the joint seal 312 to fall off. This ensures that the sealing ring 3121 is firmly sealed between the inner wall of the conduit 311 and the outer wall of the outlet hole 1212, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0137] It should be noted that the inner wall of the sealing ring 3121 is provided with several sealing ribs 3121a. Before the insertion part 3142 pushes up the anti-leakage core 112, that is, when the anti-leakage core 112 is still in the closed state, the sealing ribs 3121a of the sealing ring 3121 have already contacted the hole wall of the liquid outlet hole 1212, sealing the gap between the hole wall of the liquid outlet hole 1212 and the sealing ring 3121 to prevent water leakage.

[0138] Optionally, the guide hole 3144 of the carrier 314 can be coaxially arranged with the conduit 311, so that a uniformly spaced slot 3143 is formed between the insertion part 3142 and the inner wall of the conduit 311. In this way, when the outlet hole 1212 is inserted into the slot 3143, the sealing ring 3121 can be uniformly pressed between the outer wall of the outlet hole 1212 and the inner wall of the conduit 311, so that the gap between the outlet hole 1212 and the inner wall of the conduit 311 is uniformly sealed, thereby improving the sealing performance and reducing leakage. In addition, the coaxial arrangement of the guide hole 3144 and the conduit 311 also facilitates the alignment of the insertion part 3142 with the anti-leakage core 112, so as to cooperate with the liquid outlet component 21 to lift the anti-leakage core 112 and switch the open and closed states of the anti-leakage core 112.

[0139] In addition, to improve the sealing between the pipe joint 31 and the door hole 41c, a second sealing ring 424 is provided between the pipe joint 31 and the door hole 41c to seal the gap between the outer wall of the pipe joint 31 and the inner wall of the door hole 41c, so as to prevent the refrigerator 1 from leaking cold.

[0140] See Figure 13The present invention also provides a refrigerator 1, including a cabinet 50 and the aforementioned door 40. The cabinet 50 includes a refrigerator compartment 51, and the door 41 is connected to the cabinet 50 to open and close the refrigerator compartment 51. The inner side 41a of the door faces the refrigerator compartment 51, and the outer side 41b of the door faces away from the refrigerator compartment 51. With this arrangement, a liquid storage device 10 is located on the side of the door 41 facing the refrigerator compartment 51 to cool the liquid inside the liquid storage device 10 using the refrigeration function of the refrigerator 1. A liquid outlet component 21 extends from the side of the door 41 facing away from the refrigerator compartment 51, allowing the user to press the pressure tongue from outside the door 40 to access the ice water inside the liquid storage device 10, thereby reducing the need to open and close the door 40 and reducing cold leakage from the refrigerator 1.

[0141] In addition, since the liquid storage device 10 inside the refrigerator 1 is equipped with an anti-drip component 11, when the user takes the liquid storage device 10 out of the refrigerator 1, the liquid outlet 1212 of the liquid storage device 10 will not drip liquid, thereby avoiding soiling the refrigerator 1 or the ground, etc. The user does not need to clean the dripping liquid repeatedly, which improves the user's experience of using the refrigerator 1.

[0142] In some embodiments, the cabinet 50 may also have at least one of a freezer compartment 52, a variable temperature compartment, and a fresh food compartment, which is not a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, other structures of the refrigerator 1 are not described in detail herein.

Claims

1. A drip-proof component, characterized in that, include: A leak-proof housing (111) has a cavity (111a), an inlet end (111b), and an outlet end (111c), wherein the inlet end (111b) and the outlet end (111c) are respectively connected to the cavity (111a); and The leak-proof core (112) is slidably connected in the cavity (111a) so that the leak-proof core (112) has an open state that is separated from the inlet end (111b) and a closed state that is pressed against the inlet end (111b); A flow channel (113) is formed between the outer wall of the leak-proof core (112) and the inner wall of the outlet end (111c). When the leak-proof core (112) is open, external liquid enters the flow channel (113) from the inlet end (111b) and flows out from the outlet end (111c). When the leak-proof core (112) is closed, part of the external liquid remains in the flow channel (113), forming residual liquid. The surface tension of the residual liquid formed in the flow channel (113) is not less than the weight of the residual liquid, so as to prevent the residual liquid from flowing out of the outlet end (111c).

2. The anti-drip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the flow channel (113) along the direction from the inlet end (111b) to the outlet end (111c) is annular.

3. The anti-drip component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leak-proof core (112) includes a first core (1121) and a second core (1122); The first core (1121) is slidably connected to the cavity (111a), and the flow channel (113) is formed between the outer wall of the first core (1121) and the inner wall of the outlet end (111c); The second core (1122) is fixed to the side of the first core (1121) near the inlet end (111b) so as to separate or press against the inlet end (111b) through the second core (1122).

4. The anti-drip component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first core (1121) includes a flow-expanding section (1121a) and a flow-guiding section (1121b); The flow-expanding section (1121a) is connected to the second core (1122), and the distance between the outer wall of the flow-expanding section (1121a) and the inner wall of the cavity (111a) forms a flow-expanding channel (114); The flow guide (1121b) is fixed on the side of the flow expander (1121a) facing away from the second core (1122), and the distance between the outer wall of the flow guide (1121b) and the inner wall of the outlet end (111c) forms the flow guide channel (113). In the direction from the inlet end (111b) to the outlet end (111c), the projected area of ​​the flow expansion channel (114) is not less than the projected area of ​​the flow guide channel (113).

5. The anti-drip assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the flow-expanding section (1121a) is provided with a plurality of flow-expanding grooves (1121c), and at least a portion of the flow-expanding grooves (1121c) are provided on the side of the flow-expanding section (1121a) near the second core (1122). And / or, the end of the flow-expanding section (1121a) near the second core (1122) is designated as the first flow-expanding end, and the end of the flow-expanding section (1121a) near the flow-guiding section (1121b) is designated as the second flow-expanding end. In the direction from the inlet end (111b) to the outlet end (111c), the projected area of ​​the first flow-expanding end is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second flow-expanding end.

6. The anti-drip component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second core (1122) extends from the inlet end (111b) of the leak-proof outer shell (111); The outer wall of the second core (1122) has a sealing surface (1122a) and a flow guiding surface (1122b), the sealing surface (1122a) being used to press against or separate from the inlet end (111b); the flow guiding surface (1122b) protrudes from the sealing surface (1122a) in the direction from the outlet end (111c) to the inlet end (111b).

7. The anti-drip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-drip assembly further includes an anti-leakage seal (114), which is disposed between the anti-leakage core (112) and the inlet end (111b) to seal the gap between the anti-leakage core (112) and the inlet end (111b) when the anti-leakage core (112) is closed.

8. The anti-drip assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The leak-proof core (112) is provided with an installation groove (1123) for pressing against the wall of the inlet end (111b), and the leak-proof seal (114) is fixed in the installation groove (1123).

9. The anti-drip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-drip assembly also includes an elastic element (116), which is connected between the anti-drip core (112) and the anti-drip outer shell (111); When the leak-proof core (112) is in the open state, the elastic element (116) undergoes elastic deformation, and the leak-proof core (112) slides along the direction from the outlet end (111c) to the inlet end (111b) to separate from the inlet end (111b); In the closed state of the leak-proof core (112), the elastic restoring force of the elastic element (116) causes the leak-proof core (112) to press against the inlet end (111b).

10. The anti-drip assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the leak-proof outer shell (111) is provided with a first mounting part, and the outer wall of the leak-proof core (112) is provided with a second mounting part; The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion form a mounting cavity isolated from the flow channel (113), and the elastic member (116) is connected between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to be disposed within the mounting cavity.

11. A liquid storage device, characterized in that, Includes a liquid storage container (12) and a drip-proof assembly (11) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The liquid storage container (12) has a liquid storage cavity (1211) and a liquid outlet (1212) communicating with the liquid storage cavity (1211); The inlet end (111b) of the leak-proof housing (111) is connected to the outlet hole (1212); The leak-proof core (112) extends from the inlet end (111b) into the liquid storage chamber (1211); When the leak-proof core (112) is in the open state, the leak-proof core (112) is separated from the liquid outlet (1212), the liquid storage chamber (1211) is connected to the flow guide channel (113), and the liquid in the liquid storage chamber (1211) flows out through the outlet end (111c); When the leak-proof core (112) is closed, the leak-proof core (112) presses against the liquid outlet (1212), and the liquid storage chamber (1211) is isolated from the flow channel (113).

12. The liquid storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The leak-proof outer shell (111) and the liquid outlet (1212) of the liquid storage container (12) are integrally formed.

13. A box door, characterized in that, It includes a door (41), a liquid dispensing mechanism (20), and a liquid storage device (10) as described in any one of claims 11 or 12; The door body (41) has an inner side (41a), an outer side (41b), and a door hole (41c) connecting the inner side (41a) and the outer side (41b); The liquid storage device (10) is installed inside the door (41a), and the liquid outlet (1212) of the liquid storage device (10) is located inside the door hole (41c); The liquid dispensing mechanism (20) is located on the outside of the door (41b), and the liquid dispensing mechanism (20) acts on the leak-proof core (112) through the door hole (41c); By operating the liquid dispensing mechanism (20), the leak-proof core (112) is pushed to slide, thereby switching the open state and the closed state of the leak-proof core (112).

14. The cabinet door according to claim 13, characterized in that, The liquid taking mechanism (20) has a liquid outlet channel (20a) that communicates with the flow guiding channel (113); In the direction from the inlet end (111b) to the outlet end (111c), the projected area of ​​the guide channel (113) is not less than the projected area of ​​the outlet end of the liquid outlet channel (20a).

15. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes a housing (50) and a door (40) as described in claim 13 or 14; The cabinet (50) includes a refrigerator compartment (51), and the door (41) is connected to the cabinet (50) to open and close the refrigerator compartment (51); The inner side (41a) of the door faces the refrigerator compartment (51), and the outer side (41b) of the door faces away from the refrigerator compartment (51).

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