Refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator, which comprises a shell, an inner container, a heat preservation cavity and a water supply system. The inner container has a refrigeration chamber. The heat preservation cavity is located between the shell and the inner container. The water supply system comprises a filter located in the refrigeration chamber, a first water pipe communicated with the filter and a protection pipe located in the heat preservation cavity. The first water pipe is arranged in the protection pipe. The refrigerator further comprises a fixing device connecting the inner container and the filter, and the protection pipe is connected to the fixing device. The protection pipe and the fixing device are connected to each other, so that the assembly precision between the protection pipe and the fixing device is easily ensured, and errors between the filter installed on the fixing device and the protection pipe are not easily caused, and the normal work of the first water pipe is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, refrigerators are becoming more and more functional. For example, refrigerators can be equipped with a water supply system that uses a filter to filter external water sources and supplies the filtered water to a distributor and / or ice maker to meet different usage needs.

[0003] In related technologies, during the installation of a water supply system, a protective pipe is first embedded in an insulation cavity, and then the first water pipe is inserted through the protective pipe. After the first water pipe is connected to the filter, the filter is connected to the inner tank using a fixing device. However, since the protective pipe and the fixing device are connected to the inner tank separately, it is difficult to ensure the assembly accuracy between the protective pipe and the fixing device. This can easily lead to errors between the filter installed on the fixing device and the protective pipe, affecting the normal operation of the first water pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator that ensures the normal operation of the first water pipe.

[0005] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] shell;

[0007] The inner liner has a refrigeration compartment;

[0008] The insulation cavity is located between the outer shell and the inner liner;

[0009] The water supply system includes a filter located in the cooling room, a first water pipe connected to the filter, and a protective pipe located in the insulation cavity, wherein the first water pipe passes through the protective pipe.

[0010] The refrigerator also includes a fixing device that connects the inner liner and the filter, and the protective tube is connected to the fixing device.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device includes a fixing bracket located at least partially within the insulation cavity, and the fixing bracket and the protective tube are integrally formed.

[0012] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device includes a fixing bracket, and the refrigerator further includes a limiting block disposed on one of the fixing bracket and the inner liner, and a limiting port disposed on the other of the fixing bracket and the inner liner. The limiting block and the limiting port cooperate with each other along a first direction to at least limit the fixing bracket from shifting relative to the inner liner along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device includes a mounting base for connecting the filter, a plug block disposed on one of the fixing bracket and the mounting base, and a plug slot disposed on the other of the fixing bracket and the mounting base, wherein the plug block cooperates with the plug slot along a second direction.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device includes a mounting base, the mounting base including a base that cooperates with the filter and a limiting cover that connects to the base, the limiting cover being engaged with the base along a second direction.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the water supply system includes a kettle connected to the filter, and the fixing device includes a mounting base having a first cavity for receiving the filter and a second cavity for receiving the kettle, the first cavity being located above the second cavity.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator further includes an RFID device located in the second cavity and between the filter and the kettle.

[0017] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting base has a water collection tank communicating with the first cavity, and the radio frequency identification element is located below the water collection tank and connected to the mounting base.

[0018] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a compressor compartment and a door pivotally connected to the cabinet, the refrigeration compartment being formed in the cabinet or the door, and the water supply system further includes a kettle located in the refrigeration compartment and a first valve connected to the kettle, the first valve being located in the compressor compartment.

[0019] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the inner liner has an installation port that matches the protective tube, and the installation port and the limiting port are located on different side walls of the inner liner.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiments of the present invention, the protective pipe and the fixing device are interconnected, which makes it easy to ensure the assembly accuracy between the protective pipe and the fixing device, and is less likely to cause errors between the filter installed on the fixing device and the protective pipe, thus ensuring the normal operation of the first water pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator from one perspective;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water supply system;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partial 3D schematic diagram of the refrigerator from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the connection between the fixed support and the inner liner;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the connection between the fixing device and the inner liner;

[0026] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the water supply system;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fixing device;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a 3D schematic diagram of the fixed bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0031] It should be understood that terms such as "upper," "lower," "outer," and "inner," used herein to indicate spatial relative position, are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms "spatial relative position" may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0032] The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly. For ease of description, in the present invention, when the refrigerator is in normal use, the direction facing the ground is downward, and the direction away from the ground is upward; the direction parallel to the ground is horizontal, and the direction perpendicular to the ground is vertical; the side closer to the user is the front side, and the side farther from the user is the rear side.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 As shown, a refrigerator includes an outer shell 101, an inner liner 102, and an insulation cavity 104. The inner liner 102 has a cooling compartment 103, and the insulation cavity 104 is located between the outer shell 101 and the inner liner 102. The insulation cavity 104 is filled with foam material to insulate the cooling compartment 103. The cooling compartment 103 can be a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment, or other functional compartment.

[0035] The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system that provides cooling capacity to the refrigeration compartment 103. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, capillary tube, evaporator, etc., which are connected by pipes to form a refrigeration circuit.

[0036] In some embodiments, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator also includes a water supply system, which includes a filter 301 located in the refrigeration compartment 103, a first water pipe 302 connected to the filter 301, and a protective pipe 303 located in the insulation cavity 104. In this embodiment, the filter 301 is located in the refrigeration compartment 103, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the filter 301, such as replacing the filter element. The first water pipe 302 is connected to the water inlet of the filter 301 to introduce external water into the filter 301 for filtration.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first water pipe 302 passes through the protective pipe 303. In this embodiment, the protective pipe 303 is pre-embedded in the insulation cavity 104, that is, at least a portion of the first water pipe 302 is pre-embedded in the foaming material, thereby protecting the first water pipe 302 passing through the protective pipe 303. Furthermore, the foaming material in the insulation cavity 104 can insulate the first water pipe 302, preventing condensation from forming on the first water pipe 302.

[0038] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a fixing device 40 for connecting the inner liner 102 and the filter 301. In this embodiment, after the filter 301 is connected to the fixing device 40, it is connected to the inner liner 102 using the fixing device 40, thereby enabling the filter 301 to be installed in the refrigeration compartment 103.

[0039] In some embodiments, the protective tube 303 is connected to the fixing device 40. In this embodiment, the protective tube 303 and the fixing device 40 are interconnected, which facilitates the assembly accuracy between the protective tube 303 and the fixing device 40, and reduces the likelihood of errors between the filter 301 installed on the fixing device 40 and the protective tube 303, thus ensuring the normal operation of the first water pipe 302. For example, after eliminating the error between the filter 301 and the protective tube 303, it is possible to prevent the first water pipe 302 from becoming skewed within the protective tube 303, thereby avoiding affecting the flow rate within the first water pipe 302.

[0040] In some embodiments, in conjunction with reference Figure 3 As shown, the fixing device 40 includes a fixing bracket 401 located at least partially within the insulation cavity 104. In this embodiment, the fixing bracket 401 is installed in the insulation cavity 104 by pre-embedding, that is, at least part of the fixing bracket 401 is pre-embedded in the foam material, thereby fixing the fixing bracket 401 within the insulation cavity 104 and / or the refrigeration chamber 103.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fixing bracket 401 and the protective tube 303 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the protective tube 303 and the fixing bracket 401 are connected to each other by an integral forming method, such as injection molding, which can eliminate the assembly process between the protective tube 303 and the fixing bracket 401 and ensure the assembly accuracy between the protective tube 303 and the fixing bracket 401. At this time, it is only necessary to control the assembly error between the filter 301 and the fixing bracket 401 to ensure the installation accuracy between the filter 301 and the protective tube 303, and facilitate the elimination of errors between the filter 301 and the protective tube 303.

[0042] Moreover, the protective tube 303 and the fixed bracket 401 are connected to each other to form a whole, so that they can be connected to the inner liner 102 through common pre-embedding, which saves the assembly process of connecting the protective tube 303 or the fixed bracket 401 to the inner liner 102 separately, and also ensures the accuracy of the connection between the protective tube 303 and the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102.

[0043] In some embodiments, in conjunction with reference Figure 4 As shown, the fixing device 40 includes a fixing bracket 401, and the refrigerator further includes a limiting block 501 disposed on one of the fixing bracket 401 and the inner liner 102, and a limiting opening 502 disposed on the other of the fixing bracket 401 and the inner liner 102. In this embodiment, the limiting block 501 may be disposed on the fixing bracket 401 and the limiting opening 502 may be disposed on the inner liner 102, or the limiting block 501 may be disposed on the inner liner 102 and the limiting opening 502 may be disposed on the fixing bracket 401.

[0044] In some embodiments, the limiting block 501 and the limiting port 502 cooperate with each other along a first direction to at least limit the offset of the fixed bracket 401 from the inner liner 102 along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, after the limiting block 501 and the limiting port 502 are interlocked along the first direction, the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102 are restricted from offsetting each other along the second direction, thereby restricting the filter 301 connected to the fixing device 40 from offsetting each other along the second direction, and preventing the filter 301 from offsetting in the second direction within the refrigeration compartment 103, for example, when the filter element of the filter 301 is replaced.

[0045] Moreover, when the limiting block 501 and the limiting port 502 cooperate with each other along the first direction, they can play a positioning role in the cooperation between the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102, thereby improving the docking accuracy between the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102.

[0046] The first direction can be left or right, and the second direction can be up or down.

[0047] In other embodiments, the first direction can also be the up-down direction or the front-back direction.

[0048] For example, the limiting block 501 protrudes from the end face of the fixed bracket 401, such as protruding from the first wall. The first direction is the left-right direction, that is, after the limiting block 501 and the limiting port 502 cooperate with each other in the left-right direction, in addition to limiting the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102 to shift relative to each other in the up-down direction, it can also limit the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102 to shift relative to each other in the front-back direction.

[0049] In addition, when the fixing bracket 401 is installed in the insulation cavity 104 by pre-embedding, the fixing bracket 401 can be connected to the outer shell 101 and / or the inner liner 102 first, for example, by fixing it to the inner liner 102 with double-sided tape, which can prevent the foaming material from overflowing during the foaming process.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fixing device 40 includes a mounting base 402 for connecting the filter 301. In this embodiment, the filter 301 is connected to the mounting base 402, thereby connecting the mounting base 402 to the fixing bracket 401. The mounting base 402 is located inside the refrigeration compartment 103, and the filter 301 is fixed inside the refrigeration compartment 103 by the mounting base 402, facilitating corresponding operations (such as replacing the filter 301, kettle, etc.) within the refrigeration compartment 103.

[0051] In some embodiments, in conjunction with reference Figure 5 As shown, the fixing device 40 includes a plug block 403 disposed on one of the fixing bracket 401 and the mounting base 402, and a plug slot 404 disposed on the other of the fixing bracket 401 and the mounting base 402. In this embodiment, the plug block 403 may be disposed on the mounting base 402 and the plug slot 404 may be disposed on the fixing bracket 401, or the plug block 403 may be disposed on the fixing bracket 401 and the plug slot 404 may be disposed on the mounting base 402.

[0052] In some embodiments, the plug-in block 403 engages with the plug-in slot 404 along a second direction. In this embodiment, the plug-in block 403 extends into the plug-in slot 404 along the second direction (e.g., vertical direction), thereby at least restricting the mounting base 402 from separating from the fixed bracket 401 along the second direction, for example, at least restricting the mounting base 402 from separating from the fixed bracket 401 from top to bottom. The fixed bracket 401 and the mounting base 402 are detachably connected by the plug-in block 403 and the plug-in slot 404.

[0053] Furthermore, since the limiting block 501 and the limiting port 502 cooperate with each other, they can limit the deviation between the fixed bracket 401 and the inner liner 102 along the second direction. Thus, by using the interlocking block 403 and the interlocking groove 404 to cooperate with each other, the mounting base 402 and the inner liner 102 can be limited to offset from each other along the second direction, and the limiting strength along the second direction can be improved to ensure the installation strength of the filter 301.

[0054] For example, considering that it is easier to manufacture the opening in the inner liner 102, the limiting block 501 is set on the fixed bracket 401 and the limiting port 502 is set on the inner liner 102, which facilitates the manufacture of the refrigerator. Moreover, the insertion groove 404 is set on the limiting block 501 of the fixed bracket 401, that is, the insertion groove 404 and the limiting block 501 are injection molded together, which can improve the strength of the fixed bracket 401 itself, thereby improving the limiting or supporting strength for the mounting base 402. At this time, the insertion block 403 can be set on the mounting base 402.

[0055] Furthermore, after the plug-in block 403 and the plug-in groove 404 cooperate with each other, they can also restrict the mounting base 402 from separating from the fixed bracket 401 in the front-back direction. For example, a limiting groove 405 matching the outer contour of the limiting block 501 is provided in the mounting base 402. After the plug-in block 403 and the plug-in groove 404 cooperate with each other, they can also restrict the mounting base 402 from separating from the fixed bracket 401 in the left-right direction. For example, a limiting rib 406 is provided in the plug-in groove 404 so that the plug-in block 403 fits against the side wall of the inner liner 102 and the limiting rib 406.

[0056] In some embodiments, the fixing device 40 includes a mounting base 402, which includes a base 4021 that mates with the filter 301 and a limiting cover 4022 that connects to the base 4021. In this embodiment, the filter 301 is detachably connected by the interconnected base 4021 and limiting cover 4022, which facilitates the installation and removal of the filter 301.

[0057] In some embodiments, the limiting cover 4022 is snapped into the base 4021 along the second direction. In this embodiment, after the limiting cover 4022 and the base 4021 are snapped into each other, it can prevent the filter 301 from separating from the mounting base 402, thereby fixing the filter 301.

[0058] Moreover, the limiting cover 4022 and the base 4021 cooperate with each other along the second direction, that is, the cooperation direction of the two is the same as the installation direction between the mounting base 402 and the fixed bracket 401. The operation mode in the same direction can reduce the space required for assembly and make it easy to assemble in a smaller space.

[0059] For example, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the base 4021 has a mounting groove 40211 that matches the shape of the filter 301 and a support column 40212 disposed within the mounting groove 40211. After the filter 301 is placed in the mounting groove 40211, the offset of the filter 301 in the left-right direction is at least limited.

[0060] For example, the filter 301 has a mounting portion 3011, a filter element 3012 detachably connected to the mounting portion 3011, and an inlet 3013 and an outlet 3014 connecting the mounting portion 3011. The limiting cover 4022 has a limiting post 40221 corresponding to the support post 40212. After the limiting cover 4022 is engaged with the base 4021 along the second direction, a limiting space 4023 is formed between the support post 40212 and the limiting post 40221. The inlet 3013 and / or the outlet 3014 are located within the corresponding limiting space 4023, thereby limiting the vertical and horizontal displacement between the filter 301 and the mounting base 402.

[0061] For example, the filter 301 has a first axis L1 (e.g., parallel to the left-right direction) that is collinear with the centerline of the inlet 3013 and / or the outlet 3014, and a second axis L2 that is collinear with the centerline of the filter element 3012. The inlet 3013 and / or the outlet 3014 are located within corresponding limiting spaces 4023, which can restrict the rotation of the mounting portion 3011 relative to the mounting base 402 along the second axis L2. Thus, when rotating about the second axis L2 to install and remove the filter element 3012, loosening caused by rotation of the mounting portion 3011 along the second axis L2 is prevented.

[0062] For example, the inlet 3013 and / or outlet 3014 are located within the limiting space 4023, allowing the mounting part 3011 to rotate a certain angle along the first axis L1. This facilitates the user to tilt the filter element 3012 upwards at a certain angle, thereby smoothly rotating it for replacement. Tilting the filter element upwards at a certain angle increases the contact area between the user's palm and the filter 301, making it easier to grip and twist.

[0063] For example, the filter 301 has an inlet pipe 3015 that connects the first water pipe 302 and the inlet 3013. The axis of the inlet pipe 3015 is at a certain angle to the axis of the inlet 3013 (e.g., perpendicular to each other). The axis of the inlet pipe 3015 is parallel to or collinear with the axis of the protective pipe 303, so as to prevent the first water pipe 302 from bending inside the protective pipe 303.

[0064] In some embodiments, the water supply system includes a kettle 304 connected to a filter 301. In this embodiment, the kettle 304 is connected to the outlet 3014 of the filter 301, thereby storing the liquid filtered by the filter 301 for user use. The kettle 304 is placed inside the cooling chamber 103 to exchange heat with the interior of the cooling chamber 103 to obtain cold drinking water. The kettle 304 is configured as a coil kettle to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the kettle 304 and the cooling chamber 103.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fixing device 40 includes a mounting base 402, which has a first cavity 4024 for accommodating a filter 301 and a second cavity 4025 for accommodating a kettle 304. In this embodiment, the mounting base 402 can accommodate the filter 301 and the kettle 304, thereby integrating the kettle 304 and the filter 301 and installing them in the refrigeration chamber 103. The kettle 304 obtains cooling energy by exchanging heat with the refrigeration chamber 103, thereby producing cold drinking water.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first cavity 4024 is located above the second cavity 4025. In this embodiment, the first cavity 4024 and the second cavity 4025 are separated from each other to avoid mutual interference; for example, liquid in the first cavity 4024 cannot flow downward into the second cavity 4025. The mounting base 402 can be disposed on the bottom side wall of the inner liner 102, and the filter 301 is located above the kettle 304. That is, the filter 301 is located at the top, making it easy for the user to replace the filter element 3012. The mounting base 402 or at least part of the second cavity 4025 is located in the cooling chamber 103, and the kettle 304 is located at the bottom, which facilitates heat exchange between the kettle 304 and the descending cold air in the cooling chamber 103.

[0067] For example, the mounting base 402 also includes a cover plate 4026 that connects to the base 4021, a first cavity 4024 is formed between the base 4021 and the cover plate 4026, and a second cavity 4025 is formed between the base 4021 and the bottom side wall of the inner liner 102.

[0068] For example, refer to Figure 7As shown, the cover plate 4026 includes a first cover 40261 covering at least the filter element 3012 and a second cover 40262 covering at least the mounting portion 3011. The first cover 40261 can be opened and closed independently, thereby facilitating the replacement of the filter element 3012. The second cover 40262 can be opened and closed independently, thereby facilitating the installation and removal of the limiting cover 4022. The first cavity 4024 includes a filter element chamber 40241 and a mounting chamber 40242. The filter element chamber 40241 is formed between the first cover 40261 and the base 4021, and the mounting chamber 40242 is formed between the second cover 40262 and the base 4021.

[0069] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an RFID tag 407. In this embodiment, considering that the filter element 3012 needs to be replaced regularly, and leakage is likely to occur at the interface after replacement, the RFID tag 407 is provided to detect water leakage in the filter 301.

[0070] For example, the radio frequency identification device 407 uses radio frequency identification technology, which is a type of automatic identification technology. It uses wireless radio frequency to conduct non-contact two-way data communication and uses wireless radio frequency to read and write recording media (such as electronic tags or RFID cards) to achieve the purpose of identifying targets and exchanging data.

[0071] Therefore, the RFID device 407 can be used to detect whether the filter 301 is leaking, and issue a leak warning. Alternatively, the RFID device 407 can be used to detect whether the filter element 3012 is original, and perform filter element identification, for example, by reading the electronic tag of the filter element 3012 to confirm whether it is original.

[0072] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 407 is located within the second cavity 4025. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 407 is located within the second cavity 4025, which prevents the user from touching the RFID tag 407 when the user replaces the filter element 3012 in the first cavity 4024, and also prevents the liquid from affecting the RFID tag 407 in case of leakage.

[0073] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 407 is located between the filter 301 and the kettle 304. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 407 is located between the filter 301 and the kettle 304, making the RFID tag 407 closer to the filter 301, which is beneficial for leak detection and filter cartridge identification. For example, the filter 301, the RFID tag 407, and the kettle 304 are arranged vertically from top to bottom.

[0074] For example, the refrigerator also includes a connector 60 for connecting the fixing bracket 401, and the connector 60 is electrically connected to the radio frequency identification device 407. The power line and / or signal line of the radio frequency identification device 407 are connected to the connector 60, and the external wiring between the connector 60 and the power supply and / or refrigerator control board is embedded in the insulation cavity 104.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mounting base 402 has a water collection tank 4027 communicating with the first cavity 4024. In this embodiment, the water collection tank 4027 is located below the filter 301 (or at the bottom of the first cavity 4013), so that leakage formed in the first cavity 4024 will accumulate in the water collection tank 4027. The radio frequency identification device 407 detects leakage by detecting the water collection tank 4027 at the bottom of the filter 301.

[0076] For example, by placing a test strip (i.e., a recording medium) in the water collection tank 4027, the test strip absorbs liquid and is sensed by the radio frequency identification device 407, thereby issuing a water leakage warning.

[0077] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 407 is located below the water collection tank 4027. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 407 is located below the water collection tank 4027 (or the filter 301) (e.g., directly below), thus being closer to the water collection tank 4027 at the bottom of the filter 301, which is beneficial for contactless wireless identification.

[0078] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 407 is connected to the mounting base 402. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 407 is integrated into the mounting base 402 for easy installation and subsequent maintenance. For example, the RFID tag 407 can be connected to the mounting base 402 (i.e., the base 4021) via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0079] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a cabinet 10 forming a compressor compartment 105 and a door pivotally connected to the cabinet 10, wherein the refrigeration compartment 103 is formed in the cabinet 10 or the door. In this embodiment, the refrigeration compartment 103 is formed in the cabinet 10 or the door, that is, the inner liner 102 may be disposed on the cabinet 10 or the door.

[0080] For example, the refrigeration chamber 103 is formed inside the housing 10, that is, the outer shell 101 and the inner liner 102 are disposed on the housing 10, and the compressor chamber 105 is formed directly from the outer shell 101 of the housing 10.

[0081] Of course, in other embodiments, the refrigeration chamber 103 can also be formed inside the door, in which case the outer shell 101 and the inner liner 102 are disposed on the door, and the compressor chamber 105 can be formed separately from the box.

[0082] In some embodiments, the water supply system further includes a kettle 304 located in the refrigeration compartment 103 and a first valve 305 connected to the kettle 304. In this embodiment, the first valve 305 is connected to the outlet of the kettle 304, thereby delivering water from the kettle 304 according to the user's water demand. For example, the first valve 305 is configured as a one-in-two-out solenoid valve, thereby delivering water from the kettle 304 to the distributor and the ice maker respectively.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first valve 305 is located inside the compressor chamber 105. In this embodiment, since the kettle 304 is located inside the refrigeration chamber 103 and the first valve 305 is located inside the compressor chamber 105, and both the refrigeration chamber 103 and the compressor chamber 105 are located in the housing 10, the length of the water path (e.g., the second water pipe) between the kettle 304 and the first valve 305 is shortened, reducing the loss of cooling capacity during the cooling water delivery process.

[0084] Furthermore, the first valve 305, located within the compressor compartment 105, saves internal space in the refrigeration compartment 103. It is also more suitable for modular refrigerators, where the refrigerator and freezer compartments are movable, independently operating units, such as built-in refrigerators. In this case, the two outlets of the first valve 305 can be connected to any compartment (e.g., refrigerator or freezer), increasing flexibility.

[0085] For example, the water supply system also includes a second valve 306 connected to the first water pipe 302 and a second water pipe 307 connecting the kettle 304 and the first valve 305. The second valve 306 is located in the compressor compartment 105, which also saves internal space in the refrigeration compartment 103 and is closer to the external water source, making it easier for the second valve 306 to connect to the external water source. The second water pipe 307 passes through the protective pipe 303, and multiple water pipes are protected by one protective pipe 303. Furthermore, the foaming material in the insulation cavity 104 can insulate the second water pipe 307, preventing condensation from forming on the second water pipe 307.

[0086] Similarly, since the filter 301 is located in the refrigeration chamber 103 and the second valve 306 is located in the compressor chamber 105, and both the refrigeration chamber 103 and the compressor chamber 105 are located in the housing 10, the length of the water path (e.g., the first water pipe 302) between the filter 301 and the second valve 306 is shortened.

[0087] In some embodiments, the inner liner 102 has an installation port 1021 that matches the protective tube 303. In this embodiment, the protective tube 303 is connected to the refrigeration chamber 103 via the installation port 1021, and the inner diameter of the protective tube 303 matches the aperture size of the installation port 1021.

[0088] In some embodiments, the mounting port 1021 and the limiting port 502 are located on different side walls of the inner liner 102. In this embodiment, the mounting port 1021 and the limiting port 502 may be located on adjacent side walls of the inner liner 102, thereby shortening the water path length of the first water pipe 302 and shortening the cable length between the RFID device 407 and the connector 60.

[0089] For example, in order to facilitate the docking of the kettle 304 with the first valve inlet 305 in the press chamber 105, the mounting port 1021 can be set on the rear side wall 1023 of the inner liner 102, and the limiting port 502 is located on the left side wall 1022.

[0090] In other embodiments, the mounting port 1021 and the limiting port 502 may also be located on the same side wall of the inner liner 102, for example, both located on the rear side wall 1023.

[0091] For example, refer to Figure 8 As shown, the fixing bracket 401 includes a first wall 4011 opposite to the left side wall 1022 and a second wall 4012 opposite to the rear side wall 1023. The fixing bracket 401 has two walls that match the inner liner 102, so that the fixing bracket 401 fits against the corners of the inner liner 102. Therefore, after the foamed material fills the insulation cavity 104, the foamed material in the insulation cavity 104 can improve the limiting strength of the fixing bracket 401 in the insulation cavity 104, improve the stability of the fixing bracket 401 embedded in the insulation cavity 104, that is, improve the installation strength of the fixing bracket 401.

[0092] For example, the limiting block 501 is connected to the first wall 4011, the protective tube 303 is connected to the second wall 4012, and the first wall 4011 is connected to the second wall 4012. The limiting block 501 and the first wall 4011, the protective tube 303 and the second wall 4012, and the first wall 4011 and the second wall 4012 are all integrally formed to improve the fit accuracy between them.

[0093] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0094] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Outer shell (101); The inner liner (102) has a refrigeration compartment (103); The heat-insulating cavity (104) is located between the outer shell (101) and the inner liner (102); The water supply system includes a filter (301) located in the cooling room (103), a first water pipe (302) connected to the filter (301), and a protective pipe (303) located in the insulation cavity (104), wherein the first water pipe (302) passes through the protective pipe (303); The refrigerator also includes a fixing device (40) that connects the inner liner (102) and the filter (301), and the protective tube (303) is connected to the fixing device (40).

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing device (40) includes a fixing bracket (401) located at least partially within the insulation cavity (104), and the fixing bracket (401) and the protective tube (303) are integrally formed.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing device (40) includes a fixing bracket (401), and the refrigerator also includes a limiting block (501) disposed on one of the fixing bracket (401) and the inner liner (102), and a limiting port (502) disposed on the other of the fixing bracket (401) and the inner liner (102). The limiting block (501) and the limiting port (502) cooperate with each other along a first direction to at least limit the fixing bracket (401) from offset from the inner liner (102) along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing device (40) includes a mounting base (402) for connecting the filter (301), and a plug block (403) disposed on one of the fixing bracket (401) and the mounting base (402), and a plug groove (404) disposed on the other of the fixing bracket (401) and the mounting base (402), wherein the plug block (403) cooperates with the plug groove (404) along a second direction.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing device (40) includes a mounting base (402), which includes a base (4021) that cooperates with the filter (301) and a limiting cover (4022) that connects to the base (4021). The limiting cover (4022) engages with the base (4021) along a second direction.

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply system includes a kettle (304) connected to the filter (301), and the fixing device (40) includes a mounting base (402) having a first chamber (4024) for receiving the filter (301) and a second chamber (4025) for receiving the kettle (304), the first chamber (4024) being located above the second chamber (4025).

7. The refrigerator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes an RFID tag (407) located in the second cavity (4025) and between the filter (301) and the kettle (304).

8. The refrigerator as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting base (402) has a water collection tank (4027) communicating with the first cavity (4024), and the radio frequency identification device (407) is located below the water collection tank (4027) and connected to the mounting base (402).

9. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a cabinet (10) forming a compressor compartment (105) and a door pivotally connected to the cabinet (10). The refrigeration compartment (103) is formed in the cabinet (10) or the door. The water supply system also includes a kettle (304) located in the refrigeration compartment (103) and a first valve (305) connected to the kettle (304). The first valve (305) is located in the compressor compartment (105).

10. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner liner (102) has an installation port (1021) that matches the protective tube (303), and the installation port (1021) and the limiting port (502) are located on different side walls of the inner liner (102).

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