Refrigerator

Abstract

This invention discloses a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door for opening and closing the cabinet, and an information acquisition device disposed on the door and / or the cabinet. The information acquisition device includes a frame; a vision module rotatably connected to the frame about a first axis, at least a portion of the vision module being able to enter and exit the frame by rotation; and a limiting structure rotatably connecting the vision module and the frame, and restricting the vision module from rotating relative to the frame about the first axis, wherein the limiting structure and the first axis are separately disposed. In the refrigerator provided by this invention, the frame and the vision module of the information acquisition device are rotatably connected by a limiting structure separately disposed from the first axis. There is no need for a rotating shaft to connect the frame and the vision module, and no need for a rotating shaft connection structure on the vision module or the frame to cooperate with a rotating shaft. This simplifies the overall structure of the information acquisition device, making it more concise and aesthetically pleasing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the popularization of smart home concepts, the market has placed higher demands on the intelligence level of refrigerators. For example, in terms of food management, users hope that refrigerators can automatically identify, record, and manage the food stored inside through artificial intelligence (AI) recognition technology. To achieve the above-mentioned intelligent recognition function, it is usually necessary to install an information acquisition device with a vision module on the refrigerator to collect visual information about the food.

[0003] Some existing information acquisition devices include a frame and a vision module, with the vision module rotatably connected to the frame via a pivot. Both the vision module and the frame have a pivot connection structure that mates with the pivot. This pivot connection structure typically has certain structural dimensions, which may adversely affect the overall structural layout and aesthetic appearance of the information acquisition device. For example, as the vision module rotates relative to the frame, the pivot connection structure rotates synchronously with the vision module, protruding from the top surface of the frame within a certain angular range, thus affecting the aesthetics of the information acquisition device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a refrigerator, the purpose of which is to solve the problem that in existing information acquisition devices for refrigerators, the vision module is rotatably connected to the frame via a rotating shaft, which may have an adverse effect on the overall structural layout and appearance flatness of the information acquisition device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a compartment formed within the cabinet, and a door for opening and closing the compartment. The refrigerator further includes an information collection device disposed on the door and / or the cabinet, the information collection device comprising:

[0006] frame; A vision module for acquiring visual information about food ingredients is rotatably connected to the frame about a first axis, and at least a portion of the vision module can move in and out of the frame by rotation. A limiting structure is provided, which rotatably connects the vision module and the frame and restricts the vision module from rotating relative to the frame around a first axis. The limiting structure and the first axis are separately arranged.

[0007] As an improvement of the present invention, the limiting structure includes a first limiting part disposed on one of the frame and the vision module, and a second limiting part disposed on the other of the frame and the vision module. The first limiting part extends in a circumferential direction around the first axis, and the second limiting part cooperates with the first limiting part. The first limiting part is used to restrict the movement of the second limiting part in the circumferential direction.

[0008] As an improvement of the present invention, the first limiting part is a limiting groove, and the second limiting part is a limiting block disposed in the limiting groove, the limiting block extending along the circumferential direction.

[0009] As an improvement of the present invention, the limiting block includes a first columnar portion and a second columnar portion spaced apart along the circumferential direction, wherein the diameter of the first columnar portion and the diameter of the second columnar portion are both matched with the width of the limiting groove.

[0010] As an improvement of the present invention, the groove sidewall of the limiting groove has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion and the second end portion being located on both sides of the limiting block in the circumferential direction surrounding the first axis.

[0011] As an improvement of the present invention, two limiting structures are provided, and the two limiting structures are respectively located on both sides of the information acquisition device in the extension direction of the first axis.

[0012] As an improvement of the present invention, the frame has an opening, and the vision module has a first position and a second position relative to the frame. When rotated from the first position to the second position, at least a portion of the vision module extends out of the frame from the opening. The vision module has a cover plate, and when the vision module is in the first position, the cover plate closes the opening.

[0013] As an improvement of the present invention, the information acquisition device further includes a driving mechanism for driving the vision module to rotate relative to the frame about a first axis. The driving mechanism includes a rotation driving member disposed on one of the frame and the vision module, and a transmission structure disposed on the other of the frame and the vision module. The transmission structure is connected to the rotation driving member in a transmission manner. The rotation driving member drives the vision module to rotate about the first axis through the transmission structure. The axis of the rotation driving member is a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are not coaxial, and the transmission structure is separated from the first axis.

[0014] As an improvement of the present invention, the distance from the first axis to the rotation drive member is less than the distance from the first axis to the limiting structure.

[0015] As an improvement of the present invention, the vision module includes a box body rotatably connected to the frame about the first axis and a camera assembly disposed in the box body, wherein a wire hole is provided on the box body; the distance from the first axis to the wire hole is less than the distance from the first axis to the rotation drive member.

[0016] Beneficial effects: In the refrigerator provided by the present invention, the frame and vision module of the information acquisition device are rotatably connected by a limiting structure that is separately set from the first axis. There is no need to set a rotating shaft for rotatable connection between the frame and the vision module, and there is no need to set a rotating shaft connection structure on the vision module and the frame to cooperate with the rotating shaft. Thus, the overall structure of the information acquisition device is simplified, and the information acquisition device is more concise and beautiful. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A side view of a refrigerator provided according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the central gate; Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged diagram of point A in the middle, in which the visual module is in the first position; Figure 4 for Figure 2 An enlarged diagram of point A, where the visual module is located in the second position; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the information acquisition device in China; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional diagram of part of the structure of the information acquisition device in the image; Figure 7 for Figure 5 A side view of a portion of the structure of the information acquisition device in the image; Figure 8 for Figure 5 A stereoscopic view of the visual module in the image; Figure 9 for Figure 5 Side view of the visual module in the image; Figure 10 for Figure 5 An exploded view of part of the structure of the information acquisition device in the diagram; Figure 11 for Figure 5 Another side view of part of the structure of the information acquisition device in the middle; Figure 12 for Figure 5 A breakdown diagram of the visual modules in the image; Figure 13 for Figure 123D view of the middle box cover and camera assembly; Figure 14 for Figure 13 An exploded view of the structure shown.

[0018] In the picture: 100. Refrigerator; 110. Cabinet; 120. Compartment; 130. Door; 140. Information collection device; 10. Frame; 11. Opening; 12. Opening; 20. Vision module; 21. Box body; 211. Box body; 2111. Box opening; 2112. Snap groove; 212. Box cover; 2121. Cover part; 2122. Protrusion; 21221. Snap fastener; 2123. Protruding post; 2124. Positioning post; 2125. Positioning hole; 213. Receiving cavity; 214. Light-transmitting part; 215. Cover plate; 216. Cable hole; 217. Box bottom wall; 218. Connector; 219. Glass plate; 22. Camera assembly; 30. Drive mechanism; 31. Rotary drive component; 311. Rotary motor; 312. Gear; 32. Transmission structure; 321. Rack; 40. Limiting structure; 41. First limiting part; 42. Second limiting part; 43. Limiting groove; 431. First end part; 432. Second end part; 44. Limiting block; 441. First columnar part; 442. Second columnar part; 443. Middle part; 50. Voice module. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any modifications to the mechanism, method, or function made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] The terms used herein, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back," indicating spatial relative position, are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one feature relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that, depending on the product's placement, these terms may be intended to include different orientations besides those shown in the figures, and should not be construed as limiting the claims. Furthermore, the descriptive term "horizontal" used herein is not entirely equivalent to being perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and allows for a certain angle of inclination.

[0021] like Figure 1-4As shown, the present invention provides a refrigerator 100, which includes a cabinet 110, a compartment 120 formed within the cabinet 110, and a door 130 for opening and closing the compartment 120. The compartment 120 is used for storing food. The door 130 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 110 via a hinge, and the door 130 rotates relative to the cabinet 110 to open and close the compartment 120.

[0022] The refrigerator 100 also includes an information acquisition device 140, which is capable of acquiring visual information to enable the refrigerator 100 to perform corresponding tasks. For example, the information acquisition device 140 can acquire visual information about food items, thereby enabling the refrigerator 100 to identify and record the food items stored in the compartment 120.

[0023] In this embodiment, the information acquisition device 140 is disposed on the door 130. In other embodiments of the present invention, the information acquisition device 140 may also be disposed on the box 110. Alternatively, both the door 130 and the box 110 may be provided with the information acquisition device 140. Hereinafter, the information acquisition device 140 will be described as being disposed on the door 130. Specifically, the information acquisition device 140 may be disposed on the top of the door 130. When the food is located below the information acquisition device 140, the information acquisition device 140 can acquire visual information about the food.

[0024] In this article, visual information can be understood as static image information or dynamic video information.

[0025] Continue to combine Figure 5-8 As shown, the information acquisition device 140 includes a frame 10 and a vision module 20. The frame 10 is used to fix to the door 130 of the refrigerator 100. The vision module 20 is used to acquire visual information about the food, and it can take pictures of the food to obtain images or videos of the food. The refrigerator 100 can identify and record the food based on the visual information about the food acquired by the vision module 20.

[0026] The vision module 20 is rotatably connected to the frame 10 about a first axis. After the vision module 20 rotates relative to the frame 10, at least a portion of the vision module 20 can extend outward from the frame 10, at which point the vision module 20 can acquire corresponding visual information. Understandably, after extending out of the frame 10, the vision module 20 can also rotate and retract into the frame 10. In short, at least a portion of the vision module 20 can enter and exit the frame 10 by rotation.

[0027] The information acquisition device 140 also includes a limiting structure 40, which is disposed between the frame 10 and the vision module 20. The limiting structure 40 rotatably connects the vision module 20 and the frame 10 to restrict the vision module 20 from rotating relative to the frame 10 around a first axis. Furthermore, the limiting structure 40 and the first axis are separately disposed. The first axis can be considered a virtual axis; under the limitation of the limiting structure 40, the vision module 20 rotates relative to the frame 10 around the virtual first axis.

[0028] In the information acquisition device 140 provided in this embodiment, the frame 10 and the vision module 20 are rotatably connected by a limiting structure 40 that is separately set from the first axis. There is no need to set a rotating shaft for rotatable connection between the frame 10 and the vision module 20, and there is no need to set a rotating shaft connection structure on the vision module 20 and the frame 10 to cooperate with the rotating shaft. Thus, the overall structure of the information acquisition device 140 is simplified, and the information acquisition device 140 is more concise and beautiful.

[0029] The limiting structure 40 includes a first limiting part 41 and a second limiting part 42. The first limiting part 41 is disposed on the frame 10, and the second limiting part 42 is disposed on the vision module 20. The first limiting part 41 extends in a circumferential direction around the first axis, and the second limiting part 42 cooperates with the first limiting part 41. The first limiting part 41 can restrict the movement of the second limiting part 42 in the circumferential direction. Figure 6 The arrow RR in the diagram indicates the circumferential direction.

[0030] With the above configuration, the first limiting part 41 can restrict the trajectory of the second limiting part 42, allowing the second limiting part 42 to move only in the circumferential direction. The first limiting part 41 is mounted on the frame 10, and the second limiting part 42 is mounted on the vision module 20. By restricting the trajectory of the second limiting part 42, the vision module 20 can rotate relative to the frame 10 in the circumferential direction. This ensures the stability of the rotation of the vision module 20 relative to the frame 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first limiting part 41 is a limiting groove 43, and the second limiting part 42 is a limiting block 44 disposed in the limiting groove 43, with the limiting block 44 extending in the circumferential direction. Under the restriction of the limiting groove 43, the limiting block 44 can only rotate in the circumferential direction, and the movement trajectory of the vision module 20 is limited by the limiting block 44, thereby enabling the vision module 20 to reliably rotate around the first axis.

[0032] The limiting block 44 includes a first columnar portion 441 and a second columnar portion 442 spaced apart along the circumferential direction. The diameter of the first columnar portion 441 and the diameter of the second columnar portion 442 are both matched with the width of the limiting groove 43.

[0033] The first columnar portion 441 and the second columnar portion 442 are in line contact with the sidewall of the limiting groove 43. In this way, while ensuring that the limiting groove 43 can restrict the limiting block 44 from rotating in the circumferential direction, the friction between the limiting block 44 and the sidewall of the limiting groove 43 is small, and the rotation of the limiting block 44 and the vision module 20 is less likely to get stuck.

[0034] The limiting block 44 may also include an intermediate portion 443 connecting the first columnar portion 441 and the second columnar portion 442.

[0035] The sidewall of the limiting groove 43 has a first end portion 431 and a second end portion 432, which are located on both sides of the limiting block 44 in the circumferential direction surrounding the first axis. When the limiting block 44 rotates within the limiting groove 43, it cannot continue to rotate after contacting the first end portion 431 and the second end portion 432. The limiting block 44 is restricted to rotating only within the limiting groove 43. Under the restriction of the limiting groove 43 and the limiting block 44, the vision module 20 can only rotate within a preset range relative to the frame 10.

[0036] Specifically, two limiting structures 40 can be provided, with the two limiting structures 40 located on both sides of the information acquisition device 140 along the extension direction of the first axis. With two limiting structures 40, the rotation trajectory of the vision module 20 relative to the frame 10 is more stable.

[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention, the positions of the limiting groove 43 and the limiting block 44 can be interchanged, that is, the first limiting part 41 is the limiting block 44, and the second limiting part 42 is the limiting groove 43. Alternatively, the limiting structure 40 can also take other forms. For example, the limiting structure 40 can take the form of a linkage structure, or the first limiting part 41 can be a slide rail extending in the circumferential direction, and the second limiting part 42 can be a slider slidably connected to the slide rail, as long as it can limit the rotation of the vision module 20 relative to the frame 10 around the first axis.

[0038] The frame 10 has an opening 11, through which the vision module 20 can enter and exit. The vision module 20 has a first position relative to the frame 10 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (as shown) and the second position (as shown) Figure 4 As shown, the visual module 20 is rotatable relative to the frame 10 between a first position and a second position. During the movement of the visual module 20 from the first position to the second position, at least a portion of the visual module 20 extends out of the frame 10 from the opening 11. Conversely, during the movement of the visual module 20 from the second position to the first position, at least a portion of the visual module 20 retracts into the frame 10.

[0039] The vision module 20 also includes a cover plate 215. When the vision module 20 is in the first position, the cover plate 215 closes the opening 11. The side where the opening 11 is located is the front side of the frame 10. The cover plate 215 closing the opening 11 can cover the internal structure of the frame 10, making the overall appearance of the information acquisition device 140 more aesthetically pleasing. When the information acquisition device 140 is installed on the door 130, it is more coordinated with the appearance of the door 130. The cover plate 215 can be made of metal materials such as aluminum alloy.

[0040] The frame 10 has an opening 12 opposite to the opening 11, that is, the rear side of the frame 10 is open. The opening 12 is obtained by removing part of the material from the frame 10. The opening 12 can reduce the size of the frame 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0041] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figures 9-12, the information acquisition device 140 also includes a drive mechanism 30. The drive mechanism 30 is used to drive the vision module 20 to rotate relative to the frame 10 about a first axis.

[0042] The drive mechanism 30 includes a rotation drive component 31 and a transmission structure 32. The rotation drive component 31 is provided on one of the frame 10 and the vision module 20, and the transmission structure 32 is provided on the other. The transmission structure 32 is connected to the rotation drive component 31, and the rotation drive component 31 can drive the vision module 20 to rotate around the first axis through the transmission structure 32.

[0043] The axis of the rotation drive 31 is the second axis, while the first axis and the second axis are not coaxial. The transmission structure 32 is separated from the first axis. It should be noted that the output torque of the rotation drive 31 revolves around its axis.

[0044] The first axis is the rotation axis of the vision module 20. The fact that the first axis and the second axis are not coaxial indicates that the rotation drive 31 is not located on the rotation axis of the vision module 20, but is offset from the rotation axis of the vision module 20.

[0045] In the information acquisition device 140 provided in this embodiment, the first axis and the second axis are not coaxial, the rotation drive 31 is offset from the rotation axis of the vision module 20, and the transmission structure 32 is separated from the first axis. In this way, while ensuring the rotation accuracy of the vision module 20, the first axis, the rotation drive 31 and the transmission structure 32 can be arranged separately, avoiding concentration together and thus increasing the overall size of the information acquisition module. The information acquisition device 140 can be installed in a relatively limited space.

[0046] For example, when the thickness of the door body 130 is relatively thin, the information collection device 140 can be embedded inside the door body 130.

[0047] The information acquisition device 140 may also include a voice module 50, which is mounted on the frame 10. The voice module 50 can be used to receive user voice commands or to issue voice information as needed.

[0048] The first axis is positioned close to the edge of the frame 10. This allows the vision module 20 to immediately extend beyond the frame 10 after rotation relative to it, enabling it to extend a significant portion of the frame 10 within a relatively small rotation range. With the first axis positioned close to the edge of the frame 10, the rotation drive 31 can be positioned at the center of the frame 10, coinciding with the extension direction of the frame 10 along the first axis, resulting in a more compact structure for the information acquisition device 140. Specifically, the first axis can be positioned at one corner of the frame 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the transmission structure 32 extends in an arc shape, and its axis is coaxial with the first axis, meaning the transmission structure 32 is arranged around the first axis. The first axis is parallel to the second axis. Taking a rotation drive 31 mounted on the frame 10 and the transmission structure 32 mounted on the vision module 20 as an example, the rotation drive 31 can drive the transmission structure 32 to rotate around the first axis through contact transmission, thereby enabling the vision module 20 to rotate around the first axis.

[0050] It is understandable that if the rotation drive 31 is located on the vision module 20 and the transmission structure 32 is located on the frame 10, then when the rotation drive 31 drives the vision module 20 to rotate through the transmission structure 32, the transmission structure 32 remains fixed relative to the frame 10, and the rotation drive 31 follows the rotation of the vision module 20.

[0051] In other embodiments of the invention, the second axis may be angled relative to the first axis, for example, the first axis may be perpendicular to the second axis. In this case, the rotation drive 31 and the transmission structure 32 are in the form of an "interlaced shaft transmission".

[0052] In this embodiment, the rotation drive 31 is disposed on the frame 10, and the transmission structure 32 is disposed on the vision module 20. At least part of the rotation drive 31 is located outside the frame 10. In this way, the rotation drive 31 does not occupy the space inside the frame 10, and the space inside the frame 10 can be fully used to accommodate the vision module 20.

[0053] In other embodiments of the present invention, the positions of the rotation drive 31 and the transmission structure 32 can be interchanged, that is, the transmission structure 32 is located on the frame 10 and the rotation drive 31 is located on the vision module 20.

[0054] The rotation drive component 31 includes a rotation motor 311 and a gear 312 connected to the output shaft of the rotation motor 311. The transmission structure 32 includes a rack 321 meshing with the gear 312. The rack 321 extends in an arc shape. The rotation motor 311 drives the gear 312 to rotate, which in turn drives the rack 321 to rotate around a first axis. The rack 321, in turn, drives the vision module 20 to rotate around the first axis. The transmission connection between the gear 312 and the rack 321 is stable and reliable, and can perform precise transmission, enabling the rotation motor 311 to accurately control the rotation angle of the vision module 20. In this embodiment, the rotation motor 311 is connected to the frame 10, and the rack 321 is connected to the vision module 20.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the vision module 20 is in the first position, the limiting block 44 is close to the first end portion 431; when the vision module 20 is in the second position, the limiting block 44 is close to the second end portion 432. When the vision module 20 is in the first position, there is a gap between the limiting block 44 and the first end portion 431. Specifically, when the rotation motor 311 rotates to drive the vision module 20 to rotate and retract into the frame 10, after the limiting block 44 contacts the first end portion 431, the rotation motor 311 can no longer drive the vision module 20 to rotate. Afterward, the rotation motor 311 can rotate back a certain angle, so that a gap is formed between the limiting block 44 and the first end portion 431.

[0056] The gap between the limiting block 44 and the first end portion 431 can prevent the rotating motor 311 from being in a state of obstruction and can improve the service life of the rotating motor 311.

[0057] The distance from the first axis to the rotation drive 31 is less than the distance from the first axis to the limiting structure 40, meaning the rotation drive 31 is located between the first axis and the limiting structure 40. The limiting structure 40 is further away from the first axis than the rotation drive 31, allowing the limiting structure 40 to precisely define the rotation position of the vision module 20.

[0058] The vision module 20 includes a housing 21 and a camera component 22 disposed within the housing 21. The housing 21 is rotatably connected to the frame 10 about a first axis. When the housing 21 rotates relative to the frame 10, the camera component 22 inside rotates accordingly. The camera component 22 is the core component of the vision module 20 for acquiring visual information. The housing 21 serves to protect the camera component 22.

[0059] To power the camera assembly 22 and enable the visual information acquired by the camera assembly 22 to be transmitted externally, the vision module 20 also includes a cable connected to the camera assembly 22. A cable pass-through hole 216 is provided on the housing 21, through which the cable extends out of the housing 21. The portion of the cable extending out of the cable pass-through hole 216 is used to connect to the power supply, processing module, etc.

[0060] The distance from the first axis to the cable guide hole 216 is less than the distance from the first axis to the rotation drive member 31, meaning the cable guide hole 216 is located between the first axis and the rotation drive member 31. When the housing 21 rotates relative to the frame 10, the cable will move under the pull of the housing 21. In the above arrangement, the cable guide hole 216 is located between the first axis and the rotation drive member 31, and its distance from the first axis is small. This reduces the pulling on the cable when the housing 21 rotates, thus preventing cable damage.

[0061] In addition, the rotation drive 31 is further away from the first axis than the wire hole 216, which allows the rotation drive 31 to drive the box 21 to rotate with less force, thus saving effort. Furthermore, the rotation drive 31 being positioned further away from the first axis also allows for more precise control of the rotation angle of the box 21.

[0062] The box body 21 includes a box body 211 and a box cover 212. The box body 211 is rotatably connected to the frame 10 about a first axis and can rotate relative to the frame 10 about the first axis. The box body 211 and the box cover 212 form a receiving cavity 213, and the camera component 22 is located in the receiving cavity 213. The camera component 22 is mounted on the box cover 212. The box cover 212 is provided with a light-transmitting part 214, and the camera component 22 is configured to acquire visual information about the outside of the box body 21 through the light-transmitting part 214, that is, the camera component 22 located inside the box body 21 can capture images of the outside of the box body 21 through the light-transmitting part 214.

[0063] When the camera component 22 needs to take a picture, the housing 21 rotates relative to the frame 10, allowing the light-transmitting part 214 to extend out of the frame 10. After the camera component 22 finishes taking a picture, the housing 21 can rotate and retract into the frame 10. At this time, the camera component 22 cannot take pictures, thus protecting privacy.

[0064] The housing 21 may also include a glass plate 219 disposed on the side of the housing cover 212 away from the receiving cavity 213, so as to make the visual module 20 more aesthetically pleasing.

[0065] The information acquisition device 140 provided in this embodiment has a receiving cavity 213 formed by the box body 211 and the box cover 212. The camera component 22 is located in the receiving cavity 213. The box body 21 can protect the camera component 22 and prevent external moisture, dust and static electricity from affecting the operation of the camera component 22. Furthermore, the camera component 22 is installed on the box cover 212. When assembling the vision module 20, the camera component 22 can be installed on the box cover 212 first, and then the box cover 212 can be connected to the box body 211, which simplifies the assembly process of the vision module 20.

[0066] There is a seam between the box body 211 and the box cover 212, and external moisture and dust can easily enter the receiving cavity 213 through the seam.

[0067] like Figure 10 , 12 As shown in Figure 14, in this embodiment, there is a gap between the camera component 22 and the box cover 212, that is, the camera component 22 is suspended relative to the box cover 212. In this way, the camera component 22 can be kept away from the seam between the box body 211 and the box cover 212.

[0068] The box body 211 has a box opening 2111, and a box lid 212 closes the box opening 2111 to form a receiving cavity 213 for accommodating the camera assembly 22. The box lid 212 includes a lid portion 2121 and a protrusion 2122. The lid portion 2121 closes the box opening 2111, and the protrusion 2122 is annular and protrudes from the lid portion 2121 toward the box body 211. The box body 211 is disposed around the protrusion 2122.

[0069] When the lid 212 is installed on the body 211, the protrusion 2122 can play a positioning role, making it easy for the lid 212 to be aligned with the body 211. The protrusion 2122 can also act as a sealing rib, preventing external moisture and dust from entering the receiving cavity 213, and further preventing the camera component 22 from being affected by external moisture and dust.

[0070] The camera component 22 is disposed on the side of the protrusion 2122 opposite to the cover portion 2121. The protrusion 2122 supports the camera component 22, so that a predetermined distance can be maintained between the camera component 22 and the cover portion 2121, thereby stabilizing the position of the camera component 22.

[0071] The protrusion 2122 is provided with a buckle 21221, and the box body 211 is provided with a buckle groove 2112 that cooperates with the buckle 21221. The buckle 21221 is snapped into the buckle groove 2112, so that the box cover 212 can be connected to the box body 211.

[0072] In this embodiment, a protruding post 2123 is formed on the side of the cover 212 near the body 211. The vision module 20 also includes a connector 218, which connects the camera component 22 and the protruding post 2123. The protruding post 2123 can support the camera component 22, and the connector 218 connects the camera component 22 and the protruding post 2123, effectively fixing the position of the camera component 22.

[0073] In this embodiment, a positioning post 2124 is protruding from the side of the cover 212 near the body 211, and a positioning hole 2125 is formed on the camera component 22. The positioning post 2124 is inserted into the positioning hole 2125. When installing the camera component 22 onto the cover 212, the positioning hole 2125 on the camera component 22 can be aligned with the positioning post 2124 on the cover 212 first, and then the positioning post 2124 can be inserted into the positioning hole 2125. In this way, the camera component 22 can be fixed in the correct position.

[0074] like Figure 6 , 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the first axis is located on the first side in the height direction of the box body 21, and the second side in the height direction of the box body 21 has a bottom wall 217, that is, the first axis and the bottom wall 217 are located on both sides in the height direction of the box body 21. When the visual module 20 is in the first position, in the direction extending from the opening 11 into the frame 10, the bottom wall 217 extends obliquely toward the first side in the height direction of the box body 21.

[0075] With the above configuration, when the vision module 20 rotates relative to the frame 10, the bottom wall 217 of the box can avoid interfering with the frame 10. The frame 10 does not need to increase its structural size to avoid interfering with the bottom wall 217 of the box, so that the structure of the information acquisition device 140 can be more compact.

[0076] The aforementioned light-transmitting portion 214 is formed on the bottom wall 217 of the box, which is part of the lid 212. The bottom wall 217 is inclined so that after the visual module 20 is flipped out of the frame 10, the angle between the axis of the light-transmitting portion 214 and the height direction of the door 130 can be reduced. This allows the camera assembly 22 to focus its shooting range on the front side of the door 130, which is beneficial for the camera assembly 22 to acquire visual information about the food entering and leaving the compartment 120 of the refrigerator 100.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (100) comprising a cabinet (110), a compartment (120) formed within the cabinet (110), and a door (130) for opening and closing the compartment (120), characterized in that, The refrigerator (100) further includes an information collection device (140) disposed on the door (130) and / or the cabinet (110), the information collection device (140) comprising: Frame (10); A visual module (20) is used to acquire visual information of food ingredients. It is rotatably connected to the frame (10) about a first axis (S1). At least a portion of the visual module (20) can enter and exit the frame (10) by rotation. A limiting structure (40) is provided, which rotatably connects the vision module (20) and the frame (10) and restricts the vision module (20) from rotating relative to the frame (10) around a first axis (S1). The limiting structure (40) and the first axis (S1) are separately arranged.

2. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure (40) includes a first limiting part (41) disposed on one of the frame (10) and the vision module (20), and a second limiting part (42) disposed on the other of the frame (10) and the vision module (20). The first limiting part (41) extends in a circumferential direction around the first axis (S1), and the second limiting part (42) cooperates with the first limiting part (41). The first limiting part (41) is used to restrict the movement of the second limiting part (42) in the circumferential direction.

3. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting part (41) is a limiting groove (43), and the second limiting part (42) is a limiting block (44) disposed in the limiting groove (43), and the limiting block (44) extends along the circumferential direction.

4. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting block (44) includes a first columnar portion (441) and a second columnar portion (442) spaced apart along the circumferential direction. The diameter of the first columnar portion (441) and the diameter of the second columnar portion (442) are both matched with the width of the limiting groove (43).

5. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The groove sidewall of the limiting groove (43) has a first end portion (431) and a second end portion (432), which are located on both sides of the limiting block (44) in the circumferential direction surrounding the first axis (S1).

6. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two limiting structures (40) are provided, and the two limiting structures (40) are located on both sides of the information acquisition device (140) in the extension direction of the first axis (S1).

7. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (10) has an opening (11), and the vision module (20) has a first position and a second position relative to the frame (10). When the vision module (20) is rotated from the first position to the second position, at least a portion of the vision module (20) extends out of the frame (10) from the opening (11). The vision module (20) has a cover plate (215). When the vision module (20) is in the first position, the cover plate (215) closes the opening (11).

8. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information acquisition device (140) further includes a drive mechanism (30) for driving the vision module (20) to rotate relative to the frame (10) about a first axis (S1). The drive mechanism (30) includes a rotation drive member (31) disposed on one of the frame (10) and the vision module (20), and a transmission structure (32) disposed on the other of the frame (10) and the vision module (20). The transmission structure (32) is connected to the rotation drive member (31) in a transmission manner. The rotation drive member (31) drives the vision module (20) to rotate about the first axis (S1) through the transmission structure (32). The axis of the rotation drive member (31) is a second axis (S2). The first axis (S1) and the second axis (S2) are not coaxial, and the transmission structure (32) is separated from the first axis (S1).

9. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distance from the first axis (S1) to the rotation drive (31) is less than the distance from the first axis (S1) to the limiting structure (40).

10. The refrigerator (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vision module (20) includes a box (21) rotatably connected to the frame (10) about the first axis (S1) and a camera component (22) disposed in the box (21). A wire hole (216) is provided on the box (21). The distance from the first axis (S1) to the wire hole (216) is less than the distance from the first axis (S1) to the rotation drive (31).

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