Refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator, which comprises a shell, at least one chamber provided in the shell and provided with a first drain port, and a self-sealing mechanism communicated with the first drain port. The self-sealing mechanism comprises a main body and a sealing member, the main body is provided with a flow cavity communicated with the first drain port, and the sealing member is arranged in the flow cavity and comprises a sealing ring and a rotating plate hinged in the sealing ring. The sealing member is movable along the flow cavity and has a first position and a second position close to the first drain port; in the first position, the sealing member closes the flow cavity, and in the second position, an air flow channel is formed between the sealing member and the main body. The sealing member can be moved from the first position to the second position under the action of negative pressure and automatically returns to the first position after the negative pressure is removed. The self-sealing mechanism of the refrigerator simultaneously realizes the functions of drainage, sealing and ventilation, does not need to be provided with an independent air exhaust pipeline, has a simple and compact structure, occupies a small space, is easy to install, is low in cost, and is stable and reliable in performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more specifically, relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As a commonly used refrigeration appliance, refrigerators may accumulate condensate, defrost water, and other liquids in their internal chambers during operation or use. These liquids are typically drained through a drainage system. Some refrigerators have a vent and corresponding valve installed in their drainage system to balance the air pressure inside and outside the refrigerator.

[0003] Currently, the drainage channels and exhaust channels in refrigerator drainage systems are usually relatively independent, resulting in a complex drainage system structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigerator to solve the technical problem of complex drainage system structure in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is: a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0006] case;

[0007] At least one chamber is disposed within the housing, and the chamber has a first drain outlet;

[0008] Self-sealing mechanism; the self-sealing mechanism is connected to the first drain outlet;

[0009] The self-sealing mechanism includes a main body and a sealing element. The main body has a flow cavity that communicates with the first drain outlet, and the sealing element is disposed in the flow cavity.

[0010] The sealing element includes a sealing ring and a rotating plate. The sealing ring has a drain hole, and the rotating plate is hinged inside the sealing ring so that it can rotate relative to the sealing ring to block or open the drain hole.

[0011] The seal is movable along the flow cavity, and the seal has a first position and a second position in the flow cavity, with the second position located on the side of the first position close to the first drain outlet;

[0012] In the first position, the seal closes the flow cavity;

[0013] In the second position, an airflow channel is formed between the seal and the body, allowing gas to pass through.

[0014] The seal is configured to move from a first position to a second position under negative pressure on its side near the first drain outlet, and to return to the first position after the negative pressure is released.

[0015] Optionally, a first gap exists between the seal and the sidewall of the flow cavity;

[0016] The main component includes a sealing part arranged circumferentially along the flow cavity;

[0017] In the first position, the seal fits against the sealing portion to close the flow cavity;

[0018] In the second position, the seal disengages from the sealing portion to form a second gap between the seal and the sealing portion;

[0019] The first and second gaps are connected to form an airflow channel.

[0020] Optionally, the main body also includes a limiting part, which is located in the flow cavity and spaced apart from the sealing part;

[0021] The seal is located between the limiting part and the sealing part, and can move from the sealing part to abut against the limiting part to limit the maximum displacement of the seal.

[0022] Optionally, the limiting portion includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the sealing portion. The protrusion is arranged circumferentially along the flow cavity. The protrusion has a first side toward the sealing portion, a second side toward the sidewall of the flow cavity, and a third side away from the sidewall of the flow cavity.

[0023] There is a third gap between the second side and the sidewall of the flow cavity, and the protrusion has a through hole that passes through the second side and the third side;

[0024] With the seal abutting against the first side, the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the through hole are connected to form an airflow channel.

[0025] Optionally, the main component includes a tube head and a tube body. The tube head has a first through hole, and the tube body has a second through hole. The tube head and the tube body are detachably connected, and the first through hole and the second through hole communicate to form a flow cavity.

[0026] One end of the tube head extends into the second through hole to form a limiting part;

[0027] The sealing part is arranged circumferentially along the second through hole.

[0028] Optionally, the first position is located below the second position so that the seal, under the action of gravity, returns from the second position to the first position after the negative pressure is released.

[0029] Optionally, the rotating plate is divided into a first region and a second region along the hinge axis;

[0030] The first and second regions are configured as follows:

[0031] The weight of the first area is greater than that of the second area, so that the rotating plate rotates toward the first area to close the drain hole;

[0032] The upper surface of the second region is lower than the upper surface of the first region, so that the liquid on the rotating plate gathers in the second region, and when the weight of the second region exceeds that of the first region, the rotating plate rotates towards the second region to open the drain hole.

[0033] Optionally, the upper surface of the first region includes a convex first arcuate surface, and the upper surface of the second region includes a concave second arcuate surface, so that the upper surface of the second region is lower than the upper surface of the first region.

[0034] Optionally, a first limiting groove is provided on the upper side of the sealing ring corresponding to the position of the first area, and a first limiting protrusion is provided in the first area. When the rotating plate closes the drain hole, the first limiting protrusion abuts against the first limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the rotating plate toward the first area.

[0035] Optionally, a second limiting groove is provided on the lower side of the sealing ring corresponding to the position of the second region, and a second limiting protrusion is provided in the second region. When the rotating plate closes the drain hole, the second limiting protrusion abuts against the second limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the rotating plate toward the first region.

[0036] Optionally, the main body is provided with multiple guide ribs along the moving direction of the seal, and the multiple guide ribs are distributed circumferentially along the flow cavity;

[0037] The outer circumference of the sealing ring is provided with multiple guide grooves corresponding to the guide ribs. The multiple guide grooves and the multiple guide ribs are slidably engaged to guide the movement of the sealing element.

[0038] The number of guide grooves on the side where the first region is located is greater than the number of guide grooves on the side where the second region is located, so that the weight of the sealing ring on the side where the first region is located is less than the weight on the side where the second region is located.

[0039] The beneficial effects of the refrigerator provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator in this embodiment integrates drainage, sealing, and ventilation functions into one unit. The sealing component includes a sealing ring and a rotating plate. The rotating plate can block or open the drainage hole of the sealing ring, ensuring that water in the cavity can be discharged smoothly without affecting the basic drainage requirements of the refrigerator. At the same time, by switching the position of the sealing component in the circulation cavity, an airflow channel for gas circulation can be formed, taking into account both gas circulation and air pressure balance requirements. Both functions can be achieved with a single mechanism without the need for additional independent components. The sealing component can automatically move from the first position to the second position by relying on the negative pressure on the cavity side. The structure is simple to operate and can also balance the air pressure inside and outside the cavity in a timely manner, avoiding the problem of the refrigerator door being difficult to open due to excessive negative pressure. After the negative pressure is released, the sealing component can automatically return to the first position, re-sealing the circulation cavity, effectively preventing external gas and odors from flowing back into the cavity, maintaining the sealed environment inside the cavity, and ensuring the basic airtightness of the refrigerator cavity. In addition, the self-sealing mechanism has a simple overall structure with no complex and scattered components, which not only makes it easier to assemble, but also makes it less prone to failure during operation and more convenient to maintain later. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interior front of the refrigerator in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interior rear of the refrigerator in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closed airflow channel of the self-sealing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the opening of the airflow channel of the self-sealing mechanism in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first type of sealing element in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe head in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the tube body in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall self-sealing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the self-sealing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the first type of sealing element in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closed water flow channel of the self-sealing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the opening of the water flow channel of the self-sealing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first type of seal in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the second type of sealing state in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the open state in the embodiment;

[0057] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the third type of open seal state in the embodiments of this application.

[0058] The black arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of water or air flow. The accompanying labeling is as follows:

[0059] 1. Housing; 2. Chamber; 21. First drain outlet; 3. Drain pipe; 4. Self-sealing mechanism; 40. Main body; 401. Flow chamber; 402. First gap; 403. Second gap; 404. Third gap; 41. Seal; 411. Sealing ring; 4110. Drain hole; 4111. First limiting groove; 4112. Second limiting groove; 4113. Guide groove; 412. Rotating plate; 4120. Hinge shaft; 4121. First region; 4122. Second region; 4123. First arcuate surface; 4124. First limiting protrusion 4125; Second limiting protrusion 4126; First sealing flap 4131; Second sealing flap 4132; Spring 4133; Sealing plate 414; Drainage seam 4141; Pipe body 42; Sealing part 421; Second through hole 422; Guide rib 423; Pipe head 43; Limiting part 431; Protrusion 4310; First side 4311; Second side 4312; Third side 4313; First through hole 432; Through hole 433; Pipe tail 44; Second drain outlet 441. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0061] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0062] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0063] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0064] As a commonly used refrigeration appliance, a refrigerator's internal refrigeration system typically consists of four core components: a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. These components are connected by pipes to form a closed refrigerant circulation loop. The compressor, as the power source of this loop, draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas and compresses it, transforming it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas is then sent to the condenser, which is usually located at the back or side of the refrigerator casing. Through heat exchange with the outside air, the condenser releases its own heat and cools, condensing into a high-pressure liquid. The high-pressure liquid then passes through the throttling device to reduce its pressure, forming a low-temperature, low-pressure mist of refrigerant, which is then sent into the evaporator. As the core component for refrigeration and heat exchange, the evaporator absorbs heat as the mist of refrigerant evaporates, carrying away heat from the surrounding area and thus lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator, completing one refrigeration cycle. This cycle continues, maintaining a low-temperature storage environment inside the refrigerator.

[0065] Most refrigerators currently on the market are frost-free refrigerators. The evaporator in a frost-free refrigerator is typically installed at the back or top of the refrigerator body and is equipped with a fan assembly. The fan blows the cool air around the evaporator into all storage areas inside the refrigerator, achieving a uniform temperature distribution. This method differs from the natural convection cooling of direct-cooling refrigerators. Because the surface temperature of the evaporator drops rapidly below 0°C, water vapor in the air inside the refrigerator, from moisture released during food storage and humid outside air entering when the door is opened, condenses on the evaporator surface to form condensate. Simultaneously, to prevent frost buildup on the evaporator surface from affecting cooling efficiency and airflow, the refrigerator periodically initiates a defrosting process. This typically involves heating the evaporator with a defrost heater, melting the frost on the evaporator surface to form defrost water. Both condensate and defrost water are water bodies that need to be drained from the evaporator chamber during operation in frost-free refrigerators. In addition, some refrigerators also have drainage systems connected to other compartments, such as the refrigerator compartment, to drain internal condensate or other liquids that may have spilled into the compartments.

[0066] Drainage systems typically also function as ventilation systems to balance the air pressure inside and outside the refrigerator. When the refrigerator door is opened, a large amount of cold air escapes, creating a significant negative pressure in a short period. At this time, the drain pipe needs to replenish outside air in time to balance the internal and external pressures; otherwise, it will increase the resistance to opening the door, affecting the user experience. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in refrigerators with larger capacities.

[0067] Furthermore, during refrigeration operation, the fan's activation causes cold air to circulate inside the refrigerator, creating localized negative pressure. At this time, humid ambient air enters through the drainage system, flows through the internal pipes, and condenses on the surfaces of low-temperature components such as the water tray, fan, and duct covers, resulting in condensation or ice formation. This problem leads to decreased refrigeration efficiency, increased energy consumption, and in severe cases, may clog the drain outlet, causing drainage failures. This not only affects normal use but may also damage the overall performance and lifespan of the refrigerator.

[0068] To address the issues of external air backflow and door opening pressure balance, some related refrigerator technologies employ a functional zoning approach in their drain pipe designs. This involves adding a separate exhaust pipe to the existing drain pipe. The drain pipe is specifically for discharging defrost water and features a one-way seal at its end to prevent gas from entering. The exhaust pipe, on the other hand, is dedicated to air compensation when the door is opened, remaining closed normally and only opening when pressure balance is needed. While this separation of drainage and ventilation functions theoretically achieves their respective goals, it results in a significantly more complex overall drain pipe structure. Specifically, this design requires the simultaneous installation of two pipes, consuming limited space within the compressor compartment, increasing the risk of interference with other components, and causing installation difficulties. Furthermore, the multi-pipe structure implies more components and connection points, increasing manufacturing costs and the probability of malfunctions.

[0069] To address the above problems, this application provides a refrigerator; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 5 In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator includes:

[0070] Casing 1;

[0071] At least one chamber 2 is disposed within the housing 1, and the chamber 2 has a first drain outlet 21;

[0072] Self-sealing mechanism 4; Self-sealing mechanism 4 is connected to the first drain outlet 21;

[0073] The self-sealing mechanism 4 includes a main body 40 and a sealing element 41. The main body 40 has a flow cavity 401 that communicates with the first drain outlet 21, and the sealing element 41 is disposed in the flow cavity 401.

[0074] Seal 41 has a water flow channel for water to flow through;

[0075] The sealing element 41 includes a sealing ring 411 and a rotating plate 412. The sealing ring 411 has a drain hole 4110. The rotating plate 412 is hinged inside the sealing ring 411 so that it can rotate relative to the sealing ring 411 to block or open the drain hole 4110.

[0076] The seal 41 is movable along the flow cavity 401. The seal 41 has a first position and a second position in the flow cavity 401. The second position is located on the side of the first position close to the first drain outlet 21.

[0077] In the first position, the seal 41 closes the flow cavity 401;

[0078] In the second position, an airflow channel for gas passage is formed between the seal 41 and the main body 40;

[0079] The seal 41 is configured to move from a first position to a second position under negative pressure on the side of it near the first drain outlet 21, and to return to the first position after the negative pressure is released.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outer shell 1, as the external protective structure of the refrigerator, is made of sheet metal or plastic and is used to enclose all internal components, providing protection, insulation, and fixation. It also prevents external heat from entering the refrigerator, ensuring cooling efficiency. The shell 1 may contain multiple chambers 2, such as an evaporator chamber, a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a variable temperature compartment, etc. These chambers 2 may all require drainage, and therefore may each be equipped with a first drain outlet 21.

[0081] Taking chamber 2, where the evaporator is located, as an example, the first drain outlet 21 is usually located below the evaporator and is the first channel for water to drain out of the chamber. Figure 2 As shown, one end of the drain pipe 3 is sealed to the first drain outlet 21 to ensure that water does not leak into the insulation layer between the chamber 2 and the shell 1, thus preventing the insulation layer from becoming damp and failing. The other end extends to the water tray at the bottom of the refrigerator to guide the water collected by the first drain outlet 21 to the water tray. Finally, the water is evaporated by the waste heat generated by the compressor operation, thus achieving harmless treatment.

[0082] The self-sealing mechanism 4 is used to achieve self-sealing for drainage and ventilation of the refrigerator. The self-sealing mechanism 4 can be connected to the first drain outlet 21 via the drain pipe 3 or other connecting channels. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the self-sealing mechanism 4 of this embodiment includes a main body 40 and a sealing member 41. The main body 40 has a flow cavity 401 communicating with the first drain outlet 21, and the sealing member 41 is disposed in the flow cavity 401.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the sealing element 41 in this embodiment mainly consists of two parts: a sealing ring 411 and a rotating plate 412. The sealing ring 411 serves as the outer basic carrier of the sealing element 41 and has a drain hole 4110. This drain hole 4110 is mainly used for the flow of water such as condensate and defrost water generated inside the refrigerator, serving as a drainage channel. The rotating plate 412 is assembled in the internal space of the sealing ring 411, and its main function is to seal the drain hole 4110 of the sealing ring 411, thereby achieving the sealing requirements under normal conditions. The rotating plate 412 and the sealing ring 411 are connected by a hinge. The rotating plate 412 can rotate around the hinge axis 4120, thereby closing or opening the drain hole 4110. When there is water, the drain hole 4110 is opened to drain the water, and when there is no water, the drain hole 4110 is closed to reduce the leakage of cold air.

[0084] The seal 41 is movable along the flow cavity 401, which has a first position and a second position, wherein the second position is closer to the first drain outlet 21. It should be noted that "closer to the first drain outlet 21" here refers to being closer in the fluid flow path. That is, in terms of the drained water flow, the first position is downstream of the second position, and in terms of the airflow direction for replenishing air, the first position is upstream of the second position.

[0085] Please see Figure 3 When the seal 41 is in the first position, it can seal the flow cavity 401; when the seal 41 is in the second position, an airflow channel for gas flow can be formed between the seal 41 and the main body 40. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The seal 41 can move from the first position to the second position under the negative pressure on the side near the first drain outlet 21, and can return to the first position after the negative pressure is released. The return can be achieved by gravity, elastic force or other external force.

[0086] When the refrigerator is running normally and no negative pressure is formed, the condensate, defrost water and other water generated in the chamber 2 can enter the flow chamber 401 through the first drain port 21. At this time, the seal 41 is kept in the first position, and the water can be discharged directly through the drain hole 4110 of the seal 41 to meet the drainage needs of the refrigerator.

[0087] In this embodiment, two situations that generate negative pressure usually occur during the operation of the refrigerator. Both situations may cause the seal 41 to move to achieve air pressure balance.

[0088] In the first scenario, the moment the refrigerator door is opened, the cold air inside chamber 2 escapes quickly, typically creating a momentary negative pressure within chamber 2. This negative pressure acts on the side of the seal 41 closest to the first drain outlet 21, causing the seal 41 to move from the first position to the second position. An airflow channel is formed between the seal 41 and the main body 40, allowing outside air to enter chamber 2 to balance the internal and external air pressure. Once the air pressure reaches equilibrium, the negative pressure dissipates, and the seal 41 quickly returns to its first position. This process usually lasts for a short time.

[0089] The second scenario involves the outside hot air entering chamber 2 when the refrigerator door is opened after a period of time following the door's closure. This air gradually cools and contracts under the refrigerator's cooling environment, causing a decrease in air pressure within chamber 2 and creating a negative pressure. This negative pressure also acts on the seal 41, moving it to a second position to create an airflow channel and balance the air pressure. Once the air pressure returns to normal, the seal 41 returns to its first position. In both scenarios, the action of the seal 41 is mostly instantaneous, primarily used to balance air pressure, and it is not kept open for extended periods. The amount of outside air entering chamber 2 is relatively small and generally does not significantly affect the internal temperature environment of the refrigerator.

[0090] This embodiment integrates drainage and air pressure balancing functions into a single self-sealing mechanism 4. Compared to the dual-pipe design in related technologies, this simplifies the layout of the refrigerator's drainage and ventilation structures to some extent. This arrangement reduces the space occupied inside the compressor compartment, lowers the possibility of installation interference between the pipes and other components, and facilitates component assembly. Simultaneously, the single-pipe structure reduces the number of related parts and connection points, helping to lower the refrigerator's manufacturing cost and also reducing the probability of malfunctions to some extent.

[0091] Under normal conditions, the seal 41 is in the first position and closes the flow cavity 401, which can reduce the possibility of humid air from the outside entering the refrigerator through the drain pipe 3, reduce the possibility of condensation or ice formation on components such as the water tray, fan, and air duct cover, help maintain the refrigerator's cooling efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and also reduce the risk of blockage of the drain outlet due to ice formation.

[0092] In this embodiment, the seal 41 is opened for a short time under both negative pressure conditions to balance the air pressure inside and outside the refrigerator. This can improve the problem of high resistance when opening the refrigerator door. At the same time, it is suitable for the scenario where air cools and contracts to form negative pressure after the door is closed. While maintaining the refrigerator's cooling effect, it can improve the user experience and also help extend the refrigerator's service life.

[0093] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments of this application, a first gap 402 is provided between the sealing member 41 and the sidewall of the flow cavity 401; the main body 40 includes a sealing portion 421 disposed circumferentially along the flow cavity 401; in a first position, the sealing member 41 adheres to the sealing portion 421 to close the flow cavity 401; in a second position, the sealing member 41 disengages from the sealing portion 421 to form a second gap 403 between the sealing member 41 and the sealing portion 421; the first gap 402 and the second gap 403 are connected to form an airflow channel.

[0094] In this embodiment, a first gap 402 exists between the sealing member 41 and the sidewall of the flow cavity 401, and a sealing portion 421 distributed circumferentially along the flow cavity 401 is provided on the main body 40. When the sealing member 41 is in the first position, the sealing member 41 will fit against the sealing portion 421, thereby sealing the flow cavity 401. When the sealing member 41 moves to the second position, the sealing member 41 will disengage from the sealing portion 421. The second position can be any position after the sealing member 41 disengages from the sealing portion 421, and a second gap 403 will be formed between the sealing member 41 and the sealing portion 421. The first gap 402 and the second gap 403 are interconnected and together form an airflow channel for gas to flow.

[0095] This embodiment relies on pre-set structural gaps and mating parts to achieve the switching between the sealing and ventilation states of the flow cavity 401. A first gap 402 is pre-set between the sealing element 41 and the side wall of the flow cavity 401, and the main body 40 is provided with a sealing part 421 along the circumference of the flow cavity 401, providing the basic structural conditions for the realization of the sealing and ventilation functions.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, when the seal 41 is in the first position, the seal 41 and the sealing part 421 are tightly fitted together. The sealing part 421 can block the air passage between the seal 41 and the flow cavity 401, so that the flow cavity 401 is in a closed state. At this time, water can only flow through the water flow channel of the seal 41 itself.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, when the sealing element 41 moves to the second position under negative pressure, the second position can be any position after the sealing element 41 is separated from the sealing part 421. As long as the sealing element 41 and the sealing part 421 are no longer in contact, a second gap 403 will be formed between them. After the second gap 403 and the first gap 402 are connected to each other, a complete airflow channel can be formed. External gas can pass through the flow cavity 401 through the airflow channel, thereby achieving air pressure balance.

[0098] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 421, arranged circumferentially along the flow cavity 401, allows the sealing member 41 to form a relatively uniform sealing effect on the flow cavity 401 when it is in contact with the sealing portion 421 at the first position, significantly reducing the amount of outside air entering the refrigerator through the flow cavity 401 under normal conditions. This structure can switch between sealing and ventilation states simply by moving the position of the sealing member 41, without the need for additional complex components. The overall structure is relatively simple and facilitates the processing and assembly of components. At the same time, the water flow channel of the sealing member 41 and the airflow channel formed by the first interval 402 and the second interval 403 are independent of each other. The drainage process and the ventilation process usually do not interfere with each other, which can improve the stability of the structure to a certain extent.

[0099] In some embodiments of this application, the main body 40 further includes a limiting part 431, which is located in the flow cavity 401 and spaced apart from the sealing part 421; the sealing member 41 is located between the limiting part 431 and the sealing part 421, and can move from the sealing part 421 to abut against the limiting part 431 to limit the maximum displacement of the sealing member 41.

[0100] In this embodiment, the main body 40 is also structurally provided with a limiting part 431. The limiting part 431 is arranged inside the flow cavity 401, and the limiting part 431 and the sealing part 421 are arranged in a mutually spaced manner. The position of the sealing part 41 in the flow cavity 401 is exactly between the limiting part 431 and the sealing part 421. This fixed arrangement lays the foundation for the movement and function of the sealing part 41, and also defines the basic framework for the cooperation logic of the entire self-sealing mechanism 4. The overall structural layout fits the internal space characteristics of the flow cavity 401, without any redundant structural connection design.

[0101] This structural layout directly determines the corresponding dynamic operating logic. The limiting part 431 cooperates with the existing sealing part 421 to jointly constrain the movement stroke of the sealing element 41. The spacing between the two in the flow cavity 401 provides the sealing element 41 with a reasonable range of movement, allowing it to move only within the defined area between the limiting part 431 and the sealing part 421, preventing it from moving randomly. When the sealing element 41 moves from the position of contact with the sealing part 421 towards the limiting part 431 under negative pressure, its movement stroke is not unlimited. Once the sealing element 41 moves to the position where it abuts against the limiting part 431, it cannot continue to move in the same direction. The limiting part 431 precisely limits the maximum displacement of the sealing element 41 within the flow cavity 401 through this abutting cooperation with the sealing element 41.

[0102] Based on this structural design, the limiting part 431 can stably constrain the movement distance of the sealing element 41, which can, to a certain extent, prevent the sealing element 41 from moving excessively due to negative pressure, and always keep the movement range of the sealing element 41 within a reasonable range. The reasonable limitation of the maximum displacement of the sealing element 41 also helps to maintain the stable formation of the second gap 403 between the sealing element 41 and the sealing part 421, thereby ensuring that the airflow channel formed by the first gap 402 and the second gap 403 remains unobstructed, and assisting in the stable realization of the refrigerator's internal and external air pressure balance function. At the same time, limiting the maximum displacement of the sealing element 41 can also effectively reduce the possibility of the sealing element 41 colliding or getting stuck with other structures inside the flow cavity 401 due to excessive movement, reducing the risk of accidental damage to components, and to a certain extent improving the overall stability and reliability of the self-sealing mechanism 4.

[0103] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6In some embodiments of this application, the limiting part 431 includes a protrusion 4310 protruding toward the sealing part 421. The protrusion 4310 is arranged circumferentially along the flow cavity 401. The protrusion 4310 has a first side 4311 facing the sealing part 421, a second side 4312 facing the side wall of the flow cavity 401, and a third side 4313 away from the side wall of the flow cavity 401. A third gap 404 is provided between the second side 4312 and the side wall of the flow cavity 401. The protrusion 4310 has a through hole 433 penetrating the second side 4312 and the third side 4313. When the sealing member 41 abuts against the first side 4311, the first gap 402, the second gap 403, the third gap 404, and the through hole 433 are connected to form an airflow channel.

[0104] In this embodiment, the limiting part 431 includes a protrusion 4310 protruding towards the sealing part 421. The protrusion 4310 is integrally arranged along the circumference of the flow cavity 401, forming an annular protrusion structure surrounding the flow cavity 401. The protrusion 4310 is divided into three distinct functional sides: a first side 4311 facing the sealing part 421, a second side 4312 facing the side wall of the flow cavity 401, and a third side 4313 facing away from the side wall of the flow cavity 401. A third gap 404 is provided between the second side 4312 of the protrusion 4310 and the side wall of the flow cavity 401. The third gap 404 is a reserved fixed ventilation gap, and the protrusion 4310 itself is provided with a through hole 433 penetrating the second side 4312 and the third side 4313. The through hole 433 penetrates the inner and outer sides of the protrusion 4310, becoming an auxiliary channel for airflow.

[0105] When the seal 41 moves to its maximum displacement position under negative pressure and fully abuts against the first side 4311 of the protrusion 4310, the contact between the seal 41 and the first side 4311 of the protrusion 4310 may block the local airflow passage originally formed by the interval. Without the assistance of a matching ventilation structure, it is easy to cause problems such as airflow channel blockage and air pressure balance failure. Therefore, it is necessary to set a through hole 433 on the protrusion 4310 to complete the passage in conjunction with the third interval 404. In this state, the previously formed first interval 402 and second interval 403 will be connected sequentially with the third interval 404 and the through hole 433, and the multiple ventilation spaces will be connected to each other, completely avoiding the risk of passage blockage caused by the seal 41 abutting against the passage. Finally, a complete and unobstructed airflow channel is formed. The airflow can pass smoothly through the flow cavity 401 along this continuous channel to meet the ventilation requirements of air pressure balance inside and outside the refrigerator, so that there will be no local ventilation obstruction. One or more through holes 433 can be provided, and multiple through holes 433 can be evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0106] In this embodiment, the protrusion 4310 arranged circumferentially along the flow cavity 401 can stably limit the sealing element 41, ensuring that the sealing element 41 is subjected to uniform force when it comes into contact, and is less prone to deviation and jamming. The second interval 403, the first interval 402, and the third interval 404 are sequentially connected to the through hole 433, which can ensure the continuity of the airflow channel and prevent the air pressure balance function from failing due to the sealing element 41 and the limiting part 431 sticking together and blocking it, thus helping to improve the smoothness and stability of the airflow channel.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments of this application, the main body 40 includes a tube head 43 and a tube body 42. The tube head 43 has a first through hole 432, and the tube body 42 has a second through hole 422. The tube head 43 and the tube body 42 are detachably connected, and the first through hole 432 and the second through hole 422 communicate to form a flow cavity 401. One end of the tube head 43 extends into the second through hole 422 to form a limiting part 431. The sealing part 421 is arranged circumferentially along the second through hole 422.

[0108] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the main component 40 includes two independent parts: a tube head 43 and a tube body 42. These two parts are not integrally formed but are combined using a detachable connection method. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a first through hole 432 is provided inside the pipe head 43, and a second through hole 422 is provided inside the pipe body 42. After assembly, the first through hole 432 and the second through hole 422 are interconnected, and together they form the flow cavity 401 of the self-sealing mechanism 4, providing a complete internal passage for subsequent water flow and air pressure balance ventilation. Simultaneously, one end of the pipe head 43 extends into the second through hole 422 of the pipe body 42. This portion of the pipe head 43 extending into the second through hole 422 is directly formed as the aforementioned limiting part 431, without the need for an additional separately installed limiting part 431. The sealing part 421 is arranged circumferentially along the second through hole 422 of the pipe body 42, and its fixed layout is achieved by relying on the circumferential inner wall of the second through hole 422. Specifically, the sealing part 421 can be as follows: Figure 7 The stepped structure shown can also be an annular sheet structure connected to the inner wall of the second through hole 422.

[0109] The split design in this embodiment enables rapid assembly of the main component 40 through detachable connections. After the pipe head 43 is connected to the pipe body 42, the forming of the flow cavity 401 and the placement of the limiting part 431 can be completed simultaneously. The overall assembly process is relatively simple, without complex connection procedures. The design of directly forming the limiting part 431 on the extension section of the pipe head 43 allows the limiting part 431 and the pipe head 43 to form an integrated structure, ensuring the positional stability of the limiting part 431 within the second through hole 422. This creates a natural spacing arrangement with the sealing part 421 arranged circumferentially along the second through hole 422, precisely confining the sealing element 41 within the preset space between the sealing part 421 and the limiting part 431, meeting the functional requirements of the reciprocating movement of the sealing element 41 and the switching between sealing and ventilation. The flow cavity 401 is formed by connecting the first through hole 432 and the second through hole 422, with good continuity of the inner wall of the passage, which can, to a certain extent, avoid water stagnation and airflow obstruction, ensuring smooth operation of drainage and ventilation functions.

[0110] The detachable connection between the tube head 43 and the tube body 42 offers strong practicality and convenience. On the one hand, it facilitates the individual processing of individual components, reducing the processing difficulty of integral components and improving production adaptability. On the other hand, it also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement, especially for easily worn components such as the seal 41 within the flow cavity 401 that require regular maintenance. By separating the tube head 43 and the tube body 42, the seal 41 can be quickly replaced without replacing the entire main component 40, which helps reduce the cost of consumables for later maintenance. At the same time, the limiting part 431 is directly formed from the extension of the tube head 43, reducing the use of additional parts and further simplifying the internal structure of the self-sealing mechanism 4. This reduces the number of connection nodes between components and, to a certain extent, reduces the probability of operational failures caused by loose connections or component misalignment.

[0111] In addition to the tube body 42 and the tube head 43, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the main body 40 further includes a pipe tail 44, which is connected to the end of the pipe body 42 away from the pipe head 43. The end of the pipe tail 44 forms a second drain outlet 441 for discharging liquid from the self-sealing mechanism 4. A corrugated pipe can be provided on the pipe tail 44 to adjust the position of the second drain outlet 441, facilitating connection with other drainage structures of the refrigerator, such as a drip tray.

[0112] In some embodiments of this application, the tube head 43, tube body 42, and tube tail 44 can be connected by plug-in or threaded connection. For tube head 43 and tube tail 44 where precision requirements are not high, blow molding or similar processes can be used. Since the tube body 42 mates with the seal 41, it requires a certain level of precision. Injection molding can ensure this precision, thus preventing the seal 41 from being obstructed during the up-and-down movement of the tube body 42. During assembly, the tube body 42 and tube tail 44 are assembled first, using either plug-in or threaded connection. Then, the seal 41 is inserted into the tube body 42. Finally, the tube head 43 is assembled with the tube body 42 to form the integral self-sealing mechanism 4.

[0113] In some embodiments of this application, the first position is located below the second position, so that after the negative pressure is released, the seal 41 returns to the first position from the second position under the action of gravity. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 The middle sealing element 41 is in the first position. Figure 4 The middle sealing element 41 is in the second position.

[0114] Based on the structural configuration of the aforementioned embodiments, it can be seen that the first position is the normal working position of the seal 41, corresponding to the sealed state of the closed flow cavity 401; the second position is the working position after negative pressure triggering, corresponding to the ventilated state of the open airflow channel. The difference between the upper and lower positions of the two positions lays the structural premise for the seal 41 to achieve reset by its own gravity, without the need for additional elastic elements, traction elements, or other auxiliary reset components.

[0115] When negative pressure is generated inside the refrigerator chamber 2, the negative pressure creates an upward suction force. This force overcomes the weight of the seal 41, driving it to move from the lower first position to the upper second position. At this point, the seal 41 detaches from the sealing part 421, forming a second gap 403. This gap, along with the first gap 402, the third gap 404, and the through hole 433, connects to form a complete airflow channel, achieving pressure balance between the inside and outside of the refrigerator. Once the negative pressure inside the chamber 2 is completely released, the upward suction force acting on the seal 41 disappears. The seal 41 is no longer pulled by the negative pressure and, under the vertical action of its own weight, naturally falls back down from the upper second position, eventually settling smoothly back to the lower first position. It then re-fits tightly against the sealing part 421, restoring the closed state of the flow cavity 401. The entire reset process requires no external power and is completed autonomously by gravity.

[0116] The layout with the first position below and the second position above, combined with the gravity reset mechanism, effectively simplifies the overall structure of the self-sealing mechanism 4, reduces the use of additional reset components, lowers the complexity of component processing and assembly, and also reduces the risk of failure due to damage to auxiliary reset components. Simultaneously, the gravity reset response is timely; after the negative pressure is released, the seal 41 can quickly fall back to its original position, restoring the sealing state of the flow cavity 401 as soon as possible. This reduces the possibility of external humid air flowing back into the refrigerator through the flow cavity 401, ensuring the stability of the sealing effect.

[0117] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 In some embodiments of this application, the rotating plate 412 is divided into a first region 4121 and a second region 4122 along the hinge axis 4120;

[0118] The first region 4121 and the second region 4122 are configured such that the weight of the first region 4121 is greater than that of the second region 4122, so that the rotating plate 412 rotates toward the first region 4121 to close the drain hole 4110; the upper surface of the second region 4122 is lower than the upper surface of the first region 4121, so that the liquid on the rotating plate 412 gathers in the second region 4122, and when the weight of the second region 4122 exceeds that of the first region 4121, the rotating plate 412 rotates toward the second region 4122 to open the drain hole 4110.

[0119] The rotating plate 412 is divided into two independent regions, a first region 4121 and a second region 4122, with the hinge shaft 4120 as the boundary. Specific parameters and morphological configurations are applied to both regions 4121 and 4122, working together to achieve automatic opening and closing of the rotating plate 412. One configuration is the weight distribution: the weight of the first region 4121 is greater than that of the second region 4122. Based on this weight difference, under normal conditions without liquid accumulation, the rotating plate 412 can rotate towards the first region 4121 under gravity, thereby fitting against and sealing the drainage hole 4110 of the sealing ring 411, maintaining the closed state of the drainage hole 4110. The other configuration is the surface height difference: the upper surface of the second region 4122 is lower than the upper surface of the first region 4121, forming a locally depressed structure. When liquid is present on the surface of the rotating plate 412, the liquid can naturally converge towards the lower-lying second region 4122 under gravity, gradually increasing the overall load on the second region 4122 and changing the weight balance between the two regions.

[0120] The seal 41 achieves fully automatic opening and closing based on changes in gravity balance, requiring no additional power components or manual intervention throughout the process. Under normal conditions without water accumulation, the weight of the first area 4121 is always greater than that of the second area 4122, and the rotating plate 412 rotates stably toward the first area 4121, keeping the drain hole 4110 closed. This can, to a certain extent, prevent outside air from flowing back through the drain hole 4110, thus helping to maintain the sealing effect of the self-sealing mechanism 4.

[0121] like Figure 11 As shown, when the condensate and defrost water generated inside the refrigerator falls onto the rotating plate 412, the liquid will continuously converge and accumulate in the second area 4122, and the overall weight of the second area 4122 will gradually increase.

[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, when the overall weight of the second region 4122 exceeds that of the first region 4121, the original weight balance is broken, and the rotating plate 412 will rotate around the hinge shaft 4120 to the side of the second region 4122, automatically opening the drain hole 4110 of the sealing ring 411, and the accumulated liquid can be smoothly discharged through the drain hole 4110.

[0123] After the liquid on the rotating plate 412 is completely drained, the load on the second area 4122 drops back down, and the weight of the first area 4121 regains its dominant state. The rotating plate 412 will then rotate back to the first area 4121 to reset, re-seal the drain hole 4110 of the sealing ring 411, and restore the initial sealing state.

[0124] This embodiment employs a purely gravity-driven opening and closing method. The entire system relies on only two basic components—the sealing ring 411 and the rotating plate 412—to achieve both sealing and drainage functions. The number of components used is extremely small, achieving the preset functional goals with a minimal structure. The structural form is simple and direct, without complex transmission or adapter parts, making mechanical failures less likely during operation. The overall structure is simple and reliable. Furthermore, this solution has a significant advantage in cost control. Compared to similar magnetic or thin-film structures on the market, this gravity-driven structure requires no complex processing techniques and does not need additional magnetic elements, elastic films, or other special components. It avoids the high cost problem caused by a large number of components and complex processing in similar solutions, resulting in lower overall processing and assembly costs. Furthermore, the liquid directional collection design achieved by relying on the low-lying shape of the second area 4122, combined with the smooth opening and closing action driven by gravity, ensures that the water accumulated on the rotating plate 412 can be discharged quickly. The drainage process is smooth and stable, and it is not easy to have problems such as water retention, slow drainage or blockage. It can not only avoid the accumulation of water from generating odors and freezing to block the holes, but also maintain the stability of normal sealing for a long time, reducing the possibility of cold air leakage or backflow of external humid air. In the later stage, there is no need for frequent maintenance and debugging, further improving the overall durability and practicality of the self-sealing mechanism 4.

[0125] Please see Figure 13 In some embodiments of this application, the upper surface of the first region 4121 includes an upwardly convex first arcuate surface 4123, and the upper surface of the second region 4122 includes a downwardly concave second arcuate surface 4124, so that the upper surface of the second region 4122 is lower than the upper surface of the first region 4121.

[0126] This embodiment does not employ a conventional planar height difference design, but instead achieves the preset height difference through an arc-shaped surface structure. The upper surface of the first region 4121 includes a convex first arc-shaped surface 4123, presenting an overall outward convex curved surface shape; the upper surface of the second region 4122 includes a concave second arc-shaped surface 4124, presenting an overall inward concave curved surface shape. Relying on the differentiated curved surface design of one convex and one concave, the height of the upper surface of the second region 4122 is directly lower than the height of the upper surface of the first region 4121, achieving the aforementioned regional height difference requirement and laying the structural foundation for the directional convergence of liquid.

[0127] This embodiment leverages the natural guiding properties of curved surfaces to enhance liquid convergence, ensuring that water flow does not accumulate locally. The convex first arc-shaped surface 4123 of the first region 4121 has no low-lying areas to retain liquid, making it difficult for liquid to remain in this region for long periods. Under the influence of gravity, it will naturally slide down to lower ground in the surrounding area. The concave second arc-shaped surface 4124 of the second region 4122 forms a natural low-lying confluence channel, which can actively receive liquid sliding down from the first region 4121, as well as condensate and defrost water falling directly into the second region 4122. This firmly gathers the liquid within the second region 4122, preventing it from scattering across the rotating plate 412 and ensuring that the weight of the liquid is concentrated in the second region 4122, facilitating the rapid switching of gravity balance on the subsequent rotating plate 412.

[0128] Since this embodiment relies on negative pressure to drive the seal 41 to complete the reciprocating movement, the overall weight of the seal 41 is a core key parameter. Its value is directly related to the sealing effect of the mechanism and the opening force of the refrigerator door. In actual use, the opening force of the refrigerator door can be flexibly controlled by adjusting the overall weight of the seal 41 to adapt to different usage needs. Considering the actual adaptation logic of refrigerator products, the larger the capacity of the refrigerator, the stronger the adsorption force after the negative pressure is formed inside. Therefore, using a lighter seal 41 can ensure that the seal 41 can smoothly respond to the negative pressure to complete the displacement, ensure the basic sealing and ventilation functions, and avoid excessive door opening force, thus balancing the reliability of the structural seal and the convenience of daily use.

[0129] This embodiment balances structural simplicity with functional practicality, without increasing the number of additional parts, maintaining the overall structure's simplicity and reliability, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions, and without increasing processing and assembly costs, thus aligning with the design principles of low cost and low failure rate. Compared to a planar structure with sharp angles and elevation differences, the curved surface has no sharp dead corners, making it less likely for liquid to remain or stagnate during flow, further ensuring smooth drainage and reducing problems such as odors, freezing, and clogging caused by long-term liquid accumulation.

[0130] In addition to using a special surface similar to the aforementioned curved surface, the rotating plate 412 can also be arranged at an angle so that the first region 4121 is higher than the second region 4122.

[0131] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 14 In some embodiments of this application, a first limiting groove 4111 is provided on the upper side of the sealing ring 411 at the position corresponding to the first region 4121, and a first limiting protrusion 4125 is provided in the first region 4121. When the rotating plate 412 closes the drain hole 4110, the first limiting protrusion 4125 abuts against the first limiting groove 4111 to limit the rotation angle of the rotating plate 412 toward the first region 4121.

[0132] In this embodiment, a first limiting groove 4111 is specially provided on the upper side of the sealing ring 411 at the position corresponding to the first region 4121 of the rotating plate 412, and a first limiting protrusion 4125 is provided at the corresponding position of the first region 4121 of the rotating plate 412, forming a mutually cooperating structure with corresponding positions.

[0133] Under normal conditions, the rotating plate 412 is affected by the weight of the first region 4121 and rotates to one side of the first region 4121 until the drain hole 4110 is completely closed. At this time, the first limiting protrusion 4125 on the first region 4121 will abut against the inside of the first limiting groove 4111 of the sealing ring 411. Through the mutual abutment and constraint between the first limiting protrusion 4125 and the first limiting groove 4111, the angle at which the rotating plate 412 continues to rotate towards the first region 4121 is limited, so as to avoid the rotating plate 412 from rotating without control and keep the rotating plate 412 in a proper closed posture.

[0134] This limiting structure effectively ensures the sealing fit of the rotating plate 412 when closing the drain hole 4110. By constraining the rotation angle, it prevents the rotating plate 412 from rotating excessively, which could lead to poor fit and gaps with the sealing ring 411. This reduces the possibility of backflow of outside air and leakage of cold air, thus maintaining a stable sealing effect. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting structure achieves its function solely through the interaction of the groove and the protrusion. Its simple structure is easy to manufacture and does not increase the overall assembly difficulty or production cost, while maintaining the overall structural reliability and low failure rate.

[0135] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 14 In some embodiments of this application, a second limiting groove 4112 is provided on the lower side of the sealing ring 411 at the position corresponding to the second region 4122, and a second limiting protrusion 4126 is provided in the second region 4122. When the rotating plate 412 closes the drain hole 4110, the second limiting protrusion 4126 abuts against the second limiting groove 4112 to limit the rotation angle of the rotating plate 412 toward the first region 4121.

[0136] In this embodiment, a second limiting groove 4112 is specially provided on the lower side of the sealing ring 411 at the position corresponding to the second region 4122 of the rotating plate 412, and a second limiting protrusion 4126 is provided at the corresponding position of the second region 4122 of the rotating plate 412, forming a corresponding concave-convex mating structure.

[0137] Under normal conditions, the rotating plate 412 is affected by the weight of the first region 4121 and rotates to one side of the first region 4121 until the drain hole 4110 is completely blocked. At this time, the second limiting protrusion 4126 on the second region 4122 will simultaneously abut against the inside of the second limiting groove 4112 on the lower side of the sealing ring 411. Through the mutual abutment constraint between the second limiting protrusion 4126 and the second limiting groove 4112, the rotation angle of the rotating plate 412 towards the first region 4121 is limited, so as to avoid the rotating plate 412 rotating too much and keep the rotating plate 412 always in a suitable closed posture.

[0138] By using the first limiting protrusion 4125 in conjunction with the first limiting groove 4111 and the second limiting protrusion 4126 in conjunction with the second limiting groove 4112, the rotating plate 412 can maintain a balanced force on both the upper and lower sides when the drain hole 4110 is closed, avoiding the problem of tilting and shaking caused by excessive force on one side, thereby stabilizing the closed posture of the rotating plate 412 and ensuring the stability of the normal sealing effect.

[0139] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 7 In some embodiments of this application, the main body 40 is provided with a plurality of guide ribs 423 along the moving direction of the seal 41, and the plurality of guide ribs 423 are distributed circumferentially along the flow cavity 401; the outer periphery of the sealing ring 411 is provided with a plurality of guide grooves 4113 corresponding to the guide ribs 423, and the plurality of guide grooves 4113 and the plurality of guide ribs 423 are slidably engaged in a one-to-one correspondence to guide the movement of the seal 41; wherein, the number of guide grooves 4113 on the side where the first region 4121 is located is greater than the number of guide grooves 4113 on the side where the second region 4122 is located, so that the weight of the sealing ring 411 on the side where the first region 4121 is located is less than the weight on the side where the second region 4122 is located.

[0140] In this embodiment, the main body 40 is provided with multiple guide ribs 423 along the moving direction of the seal 41. These guide ribs 423 are distributed circumferentially along the flow cavity 401 to form a fixed guide support structure. At the same time, multiple guide grooves 4113 are opened on the outer periphery of the sealing ring 411, corresponding to the arrangement of the guide ribs 423. The multiple sets of guide grooves 4113 and guide ribs 423 are in a one-to-one correspondence, and the two are adapted to each other to form a sliding fit, providing directional guidance for the movement of the seal 41 throughout the process.

[0141] When the seal 41 moves upward under negative pressure or returns to its original position by gravity after the negative pressure is released, the guide grooves 4113 on the sealing ring 411 always slide synchronously with the corresponding guide ribs 423. The movement path is constrained by multiple sets of circumferentially distributed guide structures to prevent the seal 41 from deviating, shaking, or getting stuck with the side wall of the flow cavity 401 during the movement. This ensures that the seal 41 always moves smoothly in the predetermined direction and that the cooperation posture between the seal 41 and the sealing part 421 and the limiting part 431 is always compliant.

[0142] The prerequisite for the rotating plate 412 to achieve normal closure is that the weight of the first region 4121 is greater than that of the second region 4122. This ensures that when there is no water accumulation, the rotating plate 412 can rotate autonomously towards the first region 4121, firmly sealing the drain hole 4110. The guide groove 4113 is a grooved material reduction structure on the sealing ring 411. The more grooves on one side, the greater the amount of material removed in the corresponding area, and the greater the overall weight of that side will be. Therefore, providing more guide grooves 4113 on one side of the first region 4121 can effectively reduce the weight of the sealing ring 411 on that side, thereby correcting the weight deviation on both sides after the overall assembly of the sealing component 41, and avoiding the normal operation of the sealing ring 411 due to the imbalance of the weight on one side of the sealing ring 411. Figure 5 For example, the sealing ring 411 has three guide grooves 4113 arranged in the circumferential direction. Two guide grooves 4113 are arranged on the side of the sealing ring 411 closer to the first region 4121, while one guide groove 4113 is arranged on the side closer to the second region 4122. Thus, the weight of the guide ring 4113 on the side closer to the first region 4121 is lighter than the weight on the side closer to the second region 4122, making the overall weight of the two sides of the seal 41 more balanced.

[0143] By using this numerical difference layout to achieve fine-tuning of the counterweight, it is possible to ensure that the weight of the first area 4121 of the rotating plate 412 is still greater than that of the second area 4122, maintaining the core function of normal closure, while also making the overall center of gravity of the sealing component 41 more balanced, thus optimizing the smoothness of movement from the root.

[0144] This embodiment combines directional guidance and counterweight correction functions. The overall effect is achieved solely through the sliding cooperation of the guide ribs 423 and guide grooves 4113, without adding any complex components. It maintains the characteristics of a simple and reliable structure, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures. The processing and assembly process is simple, without increasing production costs, aligning with the low-cost and simplified design principles of this embodiment. After correcting weight differences through the quantity difference of guide grooves 4113, the overall center of gravity of the seal 41 is stable. When moving upwards under negative pressure or resetting under gravity, it will not experience skewness, jamming, or one-sided wear due to center of gravity shift. Combined with the directional sliding constraint of the guide ribs 423 and guide grooves 4113, this further ensures smooth and stable movement. Simultaneously, the balanced counterweight combined with the stable guiding effect helps improve the overall gravity response sensitivity of the seal 41. This does not interfere with the core function of gravity opening and closing of the rotating plate 412, reduces abnormal wear of components, stabilizes the switching stability between sealing, ventilation, and drainage functions, and extends the service life of the overall structure.

[0145] Besides the aforementioned sealing ring and rotating plate 412, the sealing element 41 in this embodiment can also adopt various other structures. For example... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the rotating plate 412 is also divided into a disengaged first sealing flap 4131 and a second sealing flap 4132, both of which are hinged to an intermediate hinge shaft 4120. A spring 4133 supports the hinge shaft 4120, ensuring that the first sealing flap 4131 and the second sealing flap 4132 remain in an extended state under normal conditions to close the drain hole 4110 of the sealing ring 411. When water flows, the first sealing flap 4131 and the second sealing flap 4132 rotate downwards under the force of the flowing water; when there is no water flow, they automatically return to their original position under the force of the spring 4133. This design can be varied; either the first sealing flap 4131 or the second sealing flap 4132 can move, or only the first sealing flap 4131 or the second sealing flap 4132 can move, with the other half fixed to the sealing ring 411.

[0146] like Figure 17 As shown, the first sealing flap 4131 and the second sealing flap 4132 can also be hinged to both sides of the sealing ring 411 instead of the central hinge axis, allowing them to open in the middle. Of course, springs 4133 are also needed on both sides to allow the first sealing flap 4131 and the second sealing flap 4132 to return to their normal position. Besides using springs 4133 for return, magnetic return can also be used, where the sealing flaps are returned to their normal position by magnetic attraction.

[0147] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: case; At least one chamber disposed within the housing, the chamber having a first drain outlet; A self-sealing mechanism; the self-sealing mechanism is connected to the first drain outlet; The self-sealing mechanism includes a main body and a sealing element. The main body has a flow cavity communicating with the first drain outlet, and the sealing element is disposed in the flow cavity. The sealing element includes a sealing ring and a rotating plate. The sealing ring has a drain hole, and the rotating plate is hinged inside the sealing ring so that it can rotate relative to the sealing ring to block or open the drain hole. The seal is movable along the flow cavity, and the seal has a first position and a second position within the flow cavity, the second position being located on the side of the first position closer to the first drain outlet; At the first position, the seal closes the flow cavity; In the second position, an airflow channel is formed between the seal and the main body, allowing gas to pass through. The seal is configured to move from the first position to the second position under negative pressure on the side of its side closest to the first drain outlet, and to return to the first position after the negative pressure is released.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a first gap between the seal and the sidewall of the flow cavity; The main component includes a sealing portion disposed circumferentially along the flow cavity; At the first position, the seal is fitted against the sealing portion to close the flow cavity; In the second position, the seal is disengaged from the sealing portion to form a second gap between the seal and the sealing portion; The first interval and the second interval are connected to form the airflow channel.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body also includes a limiting part, which is located inside the flow cavity and is spaced apart from the sealing part; The sealing element is located between the limiting portion and the sealing portion, and can move from the sealing portion to abut against the limiting portion to limit the maximum displacement of the sealing element.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting portion includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the sealing portion. The protrusion is arranged circumferentially along the flow cavity. The protrusion has a first side toward the sealing portion, a second side toward the sidewall of the flow cavity, and a third side away from the sidewall of the flow cavity. There is a third gap between the second side and the sidewall of the flow cavity, and the protrusion has a through hole penetrating the second side and the third side; With the seal abutting against the first side, the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the through hole are connected to form the airflow channel.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main component includes a tube head and a tube body. The tube head has a first through hole, and the tube body has a second through hole. The tube head and the tube body are detachably connected, and the first through hole and the second through hole communicate to form the flow cavity. One end of the tube head extends into the second through hole to form the limiting part; The sealing part is arranged circumferentially along the second through hole.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first position is located below the second position so that the seal, under the action of gravity, will return from the second position to the first position after the negative pressure is released.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The rotating plate is divided into a first region and a second region along the hinge axis. The first region and the second region are configured as follows: The weight of the first region is greater than that of the second region, so that the rotating plate rotates toward the first region to close the drain hole; The upper surface of the second region is lower than the upper surface of the first region, so that the liquid on the rotating plate gathers in the second region, and when the weight of the second region exceeds that of the first region, the rotating plate rotates to the second region to open the drain hole.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper surface of the first region includes a convex first arcuate surface, and the upper surface of the second region includes a concave second arcuate surface, so that the upper surface of the second region is lower than the upper surface of the first region.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, A first limiting groove is provided on the upper side of the sealing ring corresponding to the position of the first area, and a first limiting protrusion is provided in the first area. When the rotating plate closes the drain hole, the first limiting protrusion abuts against the first limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the rotating plate toward the first area. And / or, a second limiting groove is provided on the lower side of the sealing ring corresponding to the position of the second region, and a second limiting protrusion is provided in the second region. When the rotating plate closes the drain hole, the second limiting protrusion abuts against the second limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the rotating plate toward the first region.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main body is provided with a plurality of guide ribs along the moving direction of the seal, and the plurality of guide ribs are distributed circumferentially along the flow cavity; The outer periphery of the sealing ring is provided with multiple guide grooves corresponding to the guide ribs. The multiple guide grooves and the multiple guide ribs are slidably engaged in a one-to-one correspondence to guide the movement of the sealing element. The number of guide grooves on the side where the first region is located is greater than the number of guide grooves on the side where the second region is located, so that the weight of the sealing ring on the side where the first region is located is less than the weight on the side where the second region is located.

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