Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body. The door body is connected to the box body in a sliding manner; an automatic switch unit includes: a housing; a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force; the executing mechanism is configured to move close to the box body or move away from the box body under the action of driving force; the transmission gear train comprises at least one first transmission gear, and the driving mechanism and the executing mechanism are connected through the at least one first transmission gear; and the induction mechanism is electrically connected with the automatic switch unit and comprises a first induction piece, a first position sensor and a connecting plate, the connecting plate is installed on the shell, and the projection of the connecting plate in the first direction is located in the rotation track of the first transmission gear. The whole induction process of the induction mechanism is high in accuracy, the cost is low, and the installation space is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] As living standards improve, people have a greater demand for the automation of refrigerator doors. Refrigerators are equipped with automatic door opening and closing devices to improve the intelligence of refrigerators and improve user experience.

[0003] In the process of conceiving and implementing this application, the applicant found that there are at least the following problems: there are automatic opening refrigerator doors on the market, but due to unreasonable structural design, they have large installation volume, high process requirements, high production costs, are not stable enough when opening and closing the refrigerator doors, and make a lot of noise.

[0004] The preceding description is intended to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0005] Application Contents

[0006] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a refrigerator in which the entire sensing process of the sensing mechanism has high accuracy, low cost, and saves installation space.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0008] Box;

[0009] The door body is slidably connected to the box body;

[0010] Automatic switch unit, comprising:

[0011] case;

[0012] a drive mechanism configured to provide a driving force;

[0013] an actuator configured to move closer to the housing or move away from the housing under the action of a driving force;

[0014] A transmission gear train, the transmission gear train includes at least one first transmission gear, and the driving mechanism and the actuator are connected through the at least one first transmission gear;

[0015] A sensing mechanism, which is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit, comprises a first sensing member, a first position sensor and a connecting plate, the connecting plate is mounted on the housing, and a projection of the connecting plate in a first direction is located within a rotation track of the first transmission gear, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to a rotation plane of the first transmission gear;

[0016] One of the first sensing element and the first position sensor is arranged on the first transmission gear, and the other is arranged on the connecting plate. The first position sensor is configured to determine the position state of the actuator according to the position change between the first sensing element and the first position sensor.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: through the setting of the sensing mechanism, the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor can be detected, and the first position sensor will send the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, so that the automatic switch unit can control the position state of the driving actuator, and then determine the position state of the actuator. The entire sensing determination process has high accuracy, and the first position sensor is used with low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell, or reducing the volume of the box occupied by the shell, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the present application can also be improved as follows.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, when the first sensing element faces the first position sensor along the first direction, the actuator is in a first state or a second state; wherein the first state and the second state are states where the actuator is located at different positions of the box.

[0020] It should be noted that such a configuration is used to improve the accuracy of signal sensing between the first position sensor and the first sensing element.

[0021] In some optional embodiments, the first sensing element is disposed on the first transmission gear, and when the first transmission gear rotates, the first sensing element rotates relative to the first position sensor;

[0022] When the first sensing element moves relative to the first position sensor, the actuator is in a third state, wherein the third state is an intermediate state of the actuator between the first state and the second state.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, the first sensing element is a magnetic element, and the first position sensor is a Hall sensor; and / or,

[0024] The first sensing element is a light emitting element, and the first position sensor is a light sensor.

[0025] In some optional embodiments, the connecting plate faces the first transmission gear, and the connecting plate is located on a side of the first transmission gear that is away from the actuator.

[0026] It should be noted that the location setting of the connecting plate can save space and reduce costs on the one hand; on the other hand, it can be kept away from the actuator to avoid obstruction to the actuator during operation. The entire setting makes the structure more reasonable and compact.

[0027] In some optional embodiments, the connecting plate has a connecting surface, the first transmission gear has a first transmission surface, and the connecting surface faces the first transmission surface;

[0028] The first induction member is located on the first transmission surface, and the first position sensor is arranged on the connecting surface and protrudes toward the first induction member.

[0029] It should be noted that the connecting surface and the first transmission surface are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the first sensing element is installed on the first transmission surface, and the first transmission surface carries the first sensing element, and the first position sensor is installed on the connecting surface, and the connecting surface carries the first position sensor, so that the two can be arranged relative to each other to improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0030] In some optional embodiments, the connecting surface and the first transmission surface are parallel to each other;

[0031] The connection direction between the connection surface and the first transmission surface is the first direction.

[0032] It should be noted that the connecting surface and the first transmission surface are parallel planes to each other, which can further improve the accuracy of sensing and reduce space usage and improve compactness.

[0033] In some optional embodiments, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing having a cavity, and the cavity is used to accommodate the driving mechanism, the actuator, the transmission gear train and the sensing mechanism;

[0034] The first shell has an opening, the second shell cover is arranged on the opening, a connecting groove is arranged on the second shell, the connecting groove is connected with the cavity through the opening, and the connecting plate is accommodated in the connecting groove.

[0035] In some optional embodiments, the transmission gear train further includes a second transmission gear, which is an incomplete gear and is coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear, one of the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear is transmission-connected to the driving mechanism, and the other is transmission-connected to the actuator;

[0036] In the first direction, the second transmission gear is located between the first transmission gear and the connecting plate;

[0037] The radial dimension of the second transmission gear is smaller than that of the first transmission gear, so that the first position sensor and the tooth top of the second transmission gear are spaced apart in the second direction, wherein the second direction is the direction of the plane where the connecting surface is located.

[0038] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0039] Box;

[0040] The door body is slidably connected to the box body;

[0041] Automatic switch unit, comprising:

[0042] case;

[0043] a drive mechanism configured to provide a driving force;

[0044] an actuator, which is configured to move away from the housing under the action of a driving force and to move closer to the housing under its own action;

[0045] Transmission gear train;

[0046] The sensing mechanism is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit, part of which is arranged in the transmission gear system, and the other part of which is arranged in the housing. The sensing mechanism is configured to determine the position state of the actuator according to the change in the rotation angle of the transmission gear system relative to the housing.

[0047] The refrigerator provided in the present application includes a box body; a door body, which is slidably connected to the box body; an automatic switch unit, which includes: a shell; a driving mechanism, which is configured to provide a driving force; an actuator, which is configured to move closer to the box body, or move away from the box body under the action of the driving force; a transmission gear system, the transmission gear system includes at least one first transmission gear, and the driving mechanism and the actuator are connected by at least one first transmission gear; a sensing mechanism, which is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit, the sensing mechanism includes a first sensing member, a first position sensor and a connecting plate, the connecting plate is installed on the shell, and the projection of the connecting plate in the first direction is located within the rotation trajectory of the first transmission gear, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface of the first transmission gear; one of the first sensing member and the first position sensor is arranged on the first transmission gear, and the other is arranged on the connecting plate, and the first position sensor is configured to determine the position state of the actuator according to the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor.

[0048] Through the setting of the sensing mechanism, the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor can be detected, and the first position sensor will send the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, so that the automatic switch unit can control the position state of the driving actuator, and then determine the position state of the actuator. The entire sensing determination process has high accuracy and uses the first position sensor, which has low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell, or reducing the volume of the box occupied by the shell, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic switch unit in the refrigerator in the first state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 5 An exploded view of an automatic switch unit in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 6 An exploded view of a local automatic switch unit in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a local automatic switch unit in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application in a second state;

[0058] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic switch unit in the refrigerator in the second state provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Description of reference numerals:

[0060] 100-Refrigerator;

[0061] 110- box body;

[0062] 120-door body; 121-first door body; 1211-hinge; 122-second door body;

[0063] 140-driving mechanism; 141-driving motor; 142-first worm; 143-first worm wheel;

[0064] 150-actuator; 152-push rod; 153-first transmission rack; 154-third elastic member;

[0065] 160-transmission gear train; 161-first transmission gear; 162-second transmission gear;

[0066] 180-housing; 181-first housing; 182-second housing; 1821-connecting groove;

[0067] 190 - sensing mechanism; 191 - first sensing element; 192 - first position sensor; 193 - connecting plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application. All other embodiments obtained are within the scope of protection of the present application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0069] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0070] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being “above”, “above”, and “above” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being “below”, “below”, and “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0071] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0072] At present, in the process of conceiving and realizing this application, the applicant has found that there are at least the following problems: there are automatic opening refrigerator doors on the market, but due to unreasonable structural design, the installation volume is large, the process requirements are high, the production cost is high, and the refrigerator door is not stable enough when opening and closing, and the noise is relatively loud.

[0073] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, the refrigerator provided in the present application, through the setting of the sensing mechanism, can detect the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor, and the first position sensor will send the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, so that the automatic switch unit can control the position state of the driving actuator, and then determine the position state of the actuator. The entire sensing and determination process has high accuracy, and the first position sensor is used with low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell, or reducing the volume of the box occupied by the shell, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit.

[0074] The contents of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can understand the contents of the present application more clearly and in detail.

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application in a first state. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic switch unit in the refrigerator in the first state provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the automatic switch unit in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a local automatic switch unit in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a local automatic switch unit in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator in a second state provided by an embodiment of the present application, Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic switch unit in the refrigerator in the second state provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator 100, including:

[0077] Box 110;

[0078] The door body 120 is slidably connected to the box body 110;

[0079] Automatic switch unit, comprising:

[0080] Housing 180;

[0081] a driving mechanism 140 configured to provide a driving force;

[0082] an actuator 150 , which is configured to move closer to the housing 110 , or move away from the housing 110 under the action of a driving force;

[0083] A transmission gear train 160 , wherein the transmission gear train 160 includes at least one first transmission gear 161 , and the driving mechanism 140 and the actuator 150 are connected via the at least one first transmission gear 161 ;

[0084] The sensing mechanism 190 is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit. The sensing mechanism 190 includes a first sensing member 191, a first position sensor 192, and a connecting plate 193. The connecting plate 193 is mounted on the housing 180. The projection of the connecting plate 193 in a first direction is located within the rotation track of the first transmission gear 161. The first direction is a direction perpendicular to the rotation plane of the first transmission gear 161.

[0085] One of the first sensing element 191 and the first position sensor 192 is disposed on the first transmission gear 161 , and the other is disposed on the connecting plate 193 . The first position sensor 192 is configured to determine the position state of the actuator 150 according to the position change between the first sensing element 191 and the first position sensor 192 .

[0086] Through the setting of the sensing mechanism 190, the position change between the first sensing member 191 and the position sensor 192 can be detected, and the position sensor 192 can send the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, so that the automatic switch unit can control the movement state of the driving actuator 150, and then the movement state of the actuator 150 can be determined. The entire detection and determination process has high accuracy, and the position sensor 192 is used, which has low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate 193 is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell 180, or reducing the volume of the box 110 occupied by the shell 180, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit.

[0087] It should be noted that each structure is described in detail below.

[0088] [Box 110]

[0089] refer to Figure 1 The refrigerator 100 of the embodiment of the present application may include a box body 110 and a door body 120. The box body 110 may be configured with a refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration compartment has an opening for storing food and other items. The number of refrigeration compartments may be one or more. When the number of refrigeration compartments is more than one, the multiple refrigeration compartments may be divided into a refrigeration compartment, a freezing compartment, or a temperature-changing compartment, etc.

[0090] Exemplarily, the box body 110 may include a box shell and a box liner, wherein the box shell is used to define the outer boundary of the refrigerator 100. The box liner may be arranged in the box shell and connected to the box shell. The box liner may be recessed inward to form a refrigeration compartment. An insulation layer may be filled between the box shell and the box liner, and the insulation layer can keep the refrigeration compartment warm, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator 100.

[0091] [Door body 120]

[0092] It should be noted that the door body 120 can be connected to the box body 110 to open or close the refrigeration compartment. One door body 120 can be provided for the same refrigeration compartment. Alternatively, two door bodies 120 can be provided for the same refrigeration compartment.

[0093] In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the door body 120 may be a first door body 121, and the first door body 121 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 110 around the height direction of the cabinet 110. The first door body 121 may be pulled or pushed so that the first door body 121 rotates relative to the cabinet 110 to open or close the refrigeration compartment.

[0094] It should be noted that the height direction of the cabinet 110 refers to the height direction of the cabinet 110 when the refrigerator 100 is in normal use. Figure 1The vertical direction Z shown in FIG. illustratively, the first door body 121 may be rotatably connected to the box body 110 via a hinge 1211 .

[0095] In some other possible implementations of the present application, Figure 1 As shown, the door body 120 may be a second door body 122 , and the second door body 122 may be slidably connected to the box body 110 along the depth direction of the box body 110 .

[0096] This application is described by taking the first door body 121 as an example.

[0097] [Automatic switch unit]

[0098] The refrigerator 100 of the embodiment of the present application may further include an automatic switch unit, which can be used to automatically open or close the door body 120, thereby improving the convenience of opening and closing the door body 120 and enhancing the user experience.

[0099] In some possible implementations of the present application, the number of automatic switch units may be the same as the number of door bodies 120. That is, one automatic switch unit may be provided corresponding to each door body 120. Each automatic switch unit may automatically open or close the door body 120 corresponding thereto.

[0100] Continue to refer Figures 4 to 7 The automatic switch unit may include a driving mechanism 140 and an actuator 150. The driving mechanism 140 is used to provide a driving force. The actuator 150 may connect the driving mechanism 140 and the door body 120, and is configured to open or close the door body 120 under the action of the driving force.

[0101] [Drive mechanism 140]

[0102] The driving mechanism 140 is used to provide a driving force for the automatic opening and closing unit to open or close the door body 120 .

[0103] For example, reference Figures 4 to 9 The driving mechanism 140 may include a driving motor 141, and the driving motor 141 has a rotatable output shaft, and the output shaft may be connected to the actuator 150 to provide driving force to the actuator 150. It is understandable that the driving motor 141 may be replaced by other components that can provide driving force, such as a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor, etc., and this embodiment of the present application will not be described in detail.

[0104] The driving mechanism 140 may further include a first worm 142 and a first worm wheel 143. The first end of the first worm 142 may be connected to the first output shaft of the driving motor 141. The first worm wheel 143 may mesh with the first worm 142 and be transmission-connected to the actuator 150. When the driving mechanism 140 is actuated, the output shaft of the driving motor 141 rotates, the output shaft drives the first worm 142 to rotate, the first worm 142 drives the first worm wheel 143 meshed therewith to rotate, and the first worm wheel 143 drives the actuator 150 to operate to open or close the door body 120. By providing the first worm 142 and the first worm wheel 143, the rotation speed of the driving force provided by the driving motor 141 can be reduced, the torque of the driving force can be increased, and the direction of the driving force can be changed to meet the driving force requirements of the actuator 150.

[0105] [Actuator 150]

[0106] The actuator 150 is used to open the door body 120 under the action of the driving force provided by the driving mechanism 140. In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the actuator 150 may include a push rod 152, such as Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the push rod 152 can slide relative to the box body 110 along the depth direction X and is connected to the driving mechanism 140. The driving mechanism 140 can drive the push rod 152 to slide along the depth direction X to apply a thrust to the door body 120, thereby opening the door body 120 and realizing the function of automatically opening the door body 120.

[0107] The following takes the door body 120 as the first door body 121 as an example to specifically describe the actuator 150. When the door body 120 is the second door body 122, the technical solution can refer to the following description, which will not be repeated in the embodiment of the present application.

[0108] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the housing 180 may be provided with a first sliding through hole facing the first door body 121 , and the push rod 152 may be inserted into the first sliding through hole and slidably connected to the housing 180 along the depth direction x.

[0109] When the driving mechanism 140 applies a driving force to the push rod 152 , the push rod 152 can slide relative to the housing 180 and extend through the first sliding through hole to apply a thrust to the first door body 121 , thereby realizing the function of automatically opening the first door body 121 .

[0110] Exemplarily, the actuator 150 may further include a first transmission rack 153, which may be arranged along the depth direction x and connected to the push rod 152. The first transmission rack 153 may be meshed with the transmission gear train 160. The driving mechanism 140 may drive the first transmission rack 153 to move through the transmission gear train 160, thereby driving the push rod 152 to extend from the housing 180. The transmission gear train 160 and the first transmission rack 153 have high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, which can reduce the requirements for the driving power of the driving mechanism 140, thereby reducing the component cost of the automatic switch unit; and can enhance the stability during transmission, thereby improving the stability of the push rod 152 when sliding relative to the housing 180.

[0111] The actuator 150 may further include a third elastic member 154, which connects the push rod 152 and the housing 180 to apply a first force opposite to the depth direction x to the push rod 152. The first force can make the first transmission rack 153 and the transmission gear train 160 always in single-sided contact, so as to reduce or prevent the backlash error of the transmission gear train 160 from affecting the transmission between the first transmission rack 153 and the transmission gear train 160, thereby improving the transmission accuracy between the transmission rack and the transmission gear train 160, and thus improving the position accuracy of the push rod 152.

[0112] [Transmission gear train 160]

[0113] The automatic switch unit may further include a transmission gear train 160, which may be mounted on the housing 180, and the transmission gear train 160 may include at least one first transmission gear 161, and the at least one first transmission gear 161 connects the drive mechanism 140 and the actuator 150. The drive mechanism 140 may transmit the driving force to the actuator 150 through the transmission gear train 160, so that the actuator 150 operates. By providing the transmission gear train 160, the layout flexibility of the drive mechanism 140 and the actuator 150 can be improved, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit. The transmission gear train 160 can also adjust the parameters such as the speed, torque, and direction of the driving force to meet the requirements of the actuator 150 for the driving force. In addition, the transmission gear train 160 has high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, which can reduce the driving power requirements of the drive mechanism 140, thereby reducing the cost of the drive mechanism 140, thereby reducing the cost of the components of the automatic switch unit, and can enhance the stability during transmission.

[0114] Exemplarily, the transmission gear train 160 further includes a second transmission gear 162 meshing with the first transmission rack 153 . The second transmission gear 162 may mesh with the first transmission rack 153 .

[0115] For example Figures 4 to 7As shown, there may be two first transmission gears 161 , and one of the two first transmission gears 161 may be coaxially disposed with the first worm gear 143 . The other first transmission gear 161 may be coaxially disposed with the second transmission gear 162 and meshed with the first transmission gear 161 .

[0116] For example, when the first worm gear 143 rotates, it can drive the first transmission gear 161 coaxially arranged therewith to rotate, and the first transmission gear 161 drives another first transmission gear 161 to rotate, and drives the second transmission gear 162 to rotate. It can be understood that in different possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the number of the first transmission gears 161 can be set according to specific circumstances, and the embodiment of the present application will not be repeated.

[0117] The second transmission gear 162 may be an incomplete gear. When the second transmission gear 162 is meshed with the first transmission rack 153, the driving mechanism 140 may extend the push rod 152 through the second transmission gear 162 to apply a thrust to the first door body 121, thereby opening the first door body 121. When the push rod 152 extends to a preset length, the second transmission gear 162 is separated from the first transmission rack 153, and the push rod 152 may be automatically reset under the action of the third elastic member 154, without the need to perform a reset operation on the push rod 152, thereby improving the convenience of the automatic switch unit when in use.

[0118] For example, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, when the driving motor 141 is in motion, the driving motor 141 can drive the first worm 142 to rotate, the first worm 142 can drive the first worm wheel 143 to rotate clockwise, the first worm wheel 143 drives the first transmission gear 161 coaxially arranged therewith to rotate clockwise, the first transmission gear 161 drives another first transmission gear 161 to rotate counterclockwise, and another first transmission gear 161 drives the second transmission gear 162 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the second transmission gear 162 is meshed with the first transmission rack 153. The driving motor 141 continues to operate, so that the second transmission gear 162 drives the first transmission rack 153 meshed therewith to move along the depth direction x, thereby driving the push rod 152 to move relative to the box body 110 along the depth direction x, so as to apply thrust to the first door body 121, thereby automatically opening the first door body 121.

[0119] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, when the push rod 152 extends to a preset length, the second transmission gear 162 leaves the first transmission rack 153, so that the push rod 152 is separated from the transmission gear train 160. The third elastic member 154 applies a first force opposite to the depth direction x to the push rod 152, so that the push rod 152 is retracted into the housing 180. There is no need to drive the motor 141 to drive the push rod 152 to reset, which not only makes the control more flexible, smarter, and more humane, but also greatly reduces the noise generated by the operation of the device. Afterwards, the user can continue to manually open the first door body 121 to open the first door body 121 to a larger angle.

[0120] In some optional embodiments, the transmission gear system 160 further includes a second transmission gear 162, which is an incomplete gear. The second transmission gear 162 is coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear 161, and one of the first transmission gear 161 and the second transmission gear 162 is transmission-connected to the driving mechanism 140, and the other is transmission-connected to the actuator 150;

[0121] In the first direction, the second transmission gear 162 is located between the first transmission gear 161 and the connecting plate 193;

[0122] The radial dimension of the second transmission gear 162 is smaller than that of the first transmission gear 161 , so that the first position sensor 192 and the tooth tops of the second transmission gear 162 are spaced apart in the second direction, wherein the second direction is the direction of the plane where the connection surface is located.

[0123] It should be noted that when the first worm gear 143 rotates, it can drive the first transmission gear 161 coaxially arranged therewith to rotate, and the first transmission gear 161 drives another first transmission gear 161 to rotate, and drives the second transmission gear 162 to rotate.

[0124] The second transmission gear 162 may be an incomplete gear. When the second transmission gear 162 is meshed with the first transmission rack 153, the driving mechanism 140 may drive the push rod 152 to extend through the second transmission gear 162 to apply a thrust to the first door body 121, thereby opening the first door body 121. By setting an incomplete gear, when the door of the refrigerator 100 or the drawer of the refrigerator 100 is pushed open, the push rod 152 is cleverly reset through the third elastic member 154, so there is no need to drive the motor 141 to drive the push rod 152 to reset, which not only makes the control more flexible, more intelligent, and more humane, but also greatly reduces the noise generated by the operation of the device.

[0125] It should be noted that the radial dimension of the second transmission gear 162 is smaller than the radial dimension of the first transmission gear 161, which means that the second transmission gear 162 can avoid blocking the first position sensor 192 or the first sensing element 191 while transmitting torque, so that the induction between the first position sensor 192 and the first sensing element 191 is unobstructed and the sensing effect is better.

[0126] [Housing 180]

[0127] The housing 180 includes a first housing 181 and a second housing 182 . The first housing 181 has a cavity, and the cavity is used to accommodate the driving mechanism 140 , the actuator 150 , the transmission gear train 160 and the sensing mechanism 190 .

[0128] The first shell 181 has an opening, and the second shell 182 covers the opening. A connecting groove 1821 is defined in the second shell 182 . The connecting groove 1821 is connected to the cavity through the opening, and the connecting plate 193 is received in the connecting groove 1821 .

[0129] It should be noted that the housing 180 can be connected to the box 110. For example, when the automatic switch unit is used to open or close the first door 121, the housing 180 can be connected to the top of the box 110. When the automatic switch unit is used to open or close the second door 122, the housing 180 can be connected to the end side wall of the refrigeration compartment. It is understandable that the housing 180 can also be installed at other positions of the box 110, and this embodiment of the present application will not be repeated.

[0130] A cavity may be constructed in the housing 180, and at least part of the driving mechanism 140 and at least part of the actuator 150 may be accommodated and installed in the cavity. By providing the housing 180, at least part of the components of the automatic switch unit may be provided in the housing 180, so as to perform a modular design on the automatic switch unit, thereby improving the convenience of assembling, installing and maintaining the automatic switch unit.

[0131] Exemplarily, the housing 180 may be a split structure, so as to facilitate installation of at least part of the driving mechanism 140, at least part of the actuator 150 or other components in the housing 180. For example, the housing 180 may include a first housing 181 and a second housing 182 that are detachably connected.

[0132] It is understandable that in some possible implementations of the present application, the housing 180 may be eliminated, and the components of the automatic switch unit may be connected to the box 110, which will not be described in detail in the present application. The following takes the automatic switch unit as an example to illustrate the technical solution of the present application embodiment.

[0133] Exemplarily, in order to better install the connecting plate 193 , a connecting groove 1821 is opened on the second shell 182 , and the shapes of the connecting groove 1821 and the connecting plate 193 match each other to better accommodate the connecting plate 193 .

[0134] In other embodiments, the second shell 182 may not need to have the connection groove 1821 , and the connection plate 193 and the second shell 182 may be directly connected by threads or snap-on connections, as long as the connection plate 193 can be installed.

[0135] [Sensing mechanism 190]

[0136] It should be noted that since one of the first sensing member 191 and the first position sensor 192 is arranged on the first transmission gear 161 and the other is arranged on the connecting plate 193, and the first transmission gear 161 rotates relative to the connecting plate 193, the position between the first sensing member 191 and the first position sensor 192 changes, and the first position sensor 192 releases a position change signal to the automatic switch unit according to the position change between the two, and the automatic switch unit controls the door body 120 to move away from the box body 110 or move closer to the box body 110 under the action of the driving force.

[0137] Exemplarily, the connection plate 193 is detachably connected to the housing 180. It should be noted that by arranging the connection plate 193 and the housing 180 to be detachably connected, the installation and removal of the connection plate 193 can be achieved, and the use and maintenance of the connection plate 193 are convenient.

[0138] In addition, since the projection of the connecting plate 193 in the first direction is located within the rotation trajectory of the first transmission gear 161, compared with the existing structure, such a setting can further reduce the space occupied by the connecting plate 193, thereby reducing the volume of the shell 180 and reducing the space occupied by the automatic switch unit to achieve miniaturization.

[0139] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, that is, through the arrangement of the sensing mechanism 190, the position change between the first sensing member 191 and the first position sensor 192 can be detected, and the first position sensor 192 can send the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, so that the automatic switch unit can control the position state of the driving actuator 150, and then the position state of the actuator 150 can be determined. The entire sensing determination process has high accuracy, and the first position sensor 192 is used, which has low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate 193 is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell 180, or reducing the volume of the box 110 occupied by the shell 180, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit.

[0140] In some optional embodiments, along the first direction, when the first sensing element 191 faces the first position sensor 192, the actuator 150 is in a first state or a second state; wherein the first state and the second state are states in which the actuator 150 is located at different positions of the box 110, the first state is a contracted state of the actuator 150, and the second state is a fully expanded state of the actuator 150.

[0141] It should be noted that such a configuration is used to improve the accuracy of signal sensing between the first position sensor 192 and the first sensing element 191 .

[0142] Specifically, when the push rod 152 is in a retracted state, it means that the first door body 121 is in a closed state. At this time, the first sensing element 191 and the first position sensor 192 are arranged opposite to each other, that is, the first sensing element 191 is opposite to the first position sensor 192 .

[0143] When the push rod 152 is in a fully extended state, the position between the first position sensor 192 and the first sensing element 191 returns to the initial position again, and the first sensing element 191 and the first position sensor 192 are arranged opposite each other, that is, the first sensing element 191 faces the first position sensor 192.

[0144] In some optional embodiments, the first sensing element 191 is disposed on the first transmission gear 161, and when the first transmission gear 161 rotates, the first sensing element 191 rotates relative to the first position sensor 192;

[0145] When the first sensing member 191 moves relative to the first position sensor 192 , the actuator 150 is in the third state, wherein the third state is an incompletely deployed state of the actuator 150 , and the third state is an intermediate state of the actuator 150 between the first state and the second state.

[0146] Exemplarily, when the first sensing element 191 rotates relative to the first position sensor 192, it means that the distance between the first position sensor 192 and the first sensing element 191 changes. At this time, the first position sensor 192 releases a signal to the automatic switch unit. When the driving mechanism 140 is actuated, the output shaft of the driving motor 141 rotates, and the output shaft drives the first worm 142 to rotate. The first worm 142 drives the first worm wheel 143 meshing with it to rotate, and the first worm wheel 143 drives the push rod 152 to slide relative to the box body 110 in the depth direction X, so that the actuator 150 is in an incompletely expanded state, that is, it pushes the first door body 121 to move in a direction away from the box body 110.

[0147] Specifically, when the first position sensor 192 and the first sensing member 191 are in the initial position, the first sensing member 191 has rotated 360° under the drive of the first transmission gear 161, that is, the first sensing member 191 returns to the initial position to face the first position sensor 192. At this time, the first position sensor 192 releases a signal to the automatic switch unit, and the driving mechanism 140 stops moving, so that the push rod 152 is disengaged from the transmission gear system 160, and the third elastic member 154 applies a first force opposite to the depth direction x to the push rod 152, so that the push rod 152 is retracted into the shell 180.

[0148] In some optional embodiments, the first sensing element 191 is a magnetic element, and the first position sensor 192 is a Hall sensor.

[0149] It should be noted that it is understandable that the embodiment of the present application has no special restrictions on the first sensing element 191, as long as it meets the requirement of being able to cooperate with the first position sensor 192 to generate an electrical signal.

[0150] Optionally, the first induction element 191 may be a magnetizing coil or a permanent magnet. Permanent magnets are widely available and low in cost, which is beneficial to reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the refrigerator 100. Moreover, compared with magnetizing coils, permanent magnets can generate magnetic fields without power supply, saving energy and having a simple structure.

[0151] Preferably, the permanent magnet is a columnar permanent magnet. Specifically, the N pole of the permanent magnet emits magnetic flux lines to the S pole, so that the first position sensor 192 can effectively sense the magnetic flux lines to generate an electrical signal.

[0152] In other embodiments, the first sensing element 191 is a light emitting element, and the first position sensor 192 is a light sensor, and the position state of the actuator 150 is determined by the change of the light signal between the light sensor and the light emitting element.

[0153] In some optional embodiments, the connecting plate 193 faces the first transmission gear 161 , and the connecting plate 193 is located on a side of the first transmission gear 161 that is away from the actuator 150 .

[0154] It should be noted that the position setting of the connecting plate 193 can save space and reduce costs on the one hand; on the other hand, it can be away from the actuator 150, so as to avoid obstruction to the actuator 150 during operation. The whole setting makes the structure more reasonable and compact.

[0155] In some optional embodiments, the connecting plate 193 has a connecting surface, the first transmission gear 161 has a first transmission surface, and the connecting surface faces the first transmission surface;

[0156] The first sensing element 191 is located on the first transmission surface, and the first position sensor 192 is disposed on the connecting surface and protrudes toward the first sensing element 191 .

[0157] It should be noted that the connecting surface and the first transmission surface are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the first sensing element 191 is installed on the first transmission surface, and the first transmission surface carries the first sensing element 191, and the first position sensor 192 is installed on the connecting surface, and the connecting surface carries the first position sensor 192, so that the two can be arranged relative to each other to improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0158] In some optional embodiments, the connecting surface and the first transmission surface are parallel to each other;

[0159] The connection direction between the connection surface and the first transmission surface is the first direction.

[0160] It should be noted that the connecting surface and the first transmission surface are parallel planes to each other, which can further improve the accuracy of sensing and reduce space usage and improve compactness.

[0161] Specifically, the first direction may be a thickness direction of the shell 180 , or may be a connection direction between the connection surface and the first transmission surface, wherein the thickness direction of the shell 180 is the connection direction between the connection surface and the first transmission surface.

[0162] The refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a box body; a door body, which is slidably connected to the box body; an automatic switch unit, which includes: a shell; a driving mechanism, which is configured to provide a driving force; an actuator, which is configured to move away from the box body under the action of the driving force and move closer to the box body under its own action; a transmission gear system, the transmission gear system includes at least one first transmission gear, and the driving mechanism and the actuator are connected through at least one first transmission gear; a sensing mechanism, which is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit, the sensing mechanism includes a first sensing member, a first position sensor and a connecting plate, the connecting plate is installed on the shell, and the projection of the connecting plate in the first direction is located within the rotation trajectory of the first transmission gear; one of the first sensing member and the first position sensor is arranged on the first transmission gear, and the other is arranged on the connecting plate, and the first position sensor is configured to determine the position state of the actuator according to the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor.

[0163] Through the setting of the sensing mechanism, the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor can be detected, and the first position sensor will send the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, so that the automatic switch unit can control the position state of the driving actuator, and then determine the position state of the actuator. The entire sensing determination process has high accuracy and uses the first position sensor, which has low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell, or reducing the volume of the box occupied by the shell, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit.

[0164] In addition, if Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a refrigerator 100, comprising:

[0165] Box 110;

[0166] The door body 120 is slidably connected to the box body 110;

[0167] Automatic switch unit, comprising:

[0168] Housing 180;

[0169] a driving mechanism 140 configured to provide a driving force;

[0170] The actuator 150 is configured to move away from the housing 110 under the action of a driving force, or to move closer to the housing 110 under its own action;

[0171] Transmission gear train 160;

[0172] The sensing mechanism 190 is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit. Part of the sensing mechanism 190 is arranged in the transmission gear system 160, and the other part of the sensing mechanism 190 is arranged in the housing 180. The sensing mechanism 190 is configured to determine the position state of the actuator 150 according to the change in the rotation angle of the transmission gear system 160 relative to the housing 180.

[0173] The refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application can, through the setting of the sensing mechanism, detect the position change between the first sensing member and the first position sensor. The first position sensor sends the released position change signal to the automatic switch unit, and then the automatic switch unit can control the position state of the driving actuator, and then determine the position state of the actuator. The entire sensing and determination process has high accuracy and uses the first position sensor, which has low cost. In addition, the installation position of the connecting plate is more conducive to expanding the internal space of the shell, or reducing the volume of the box occupied by the shell, saving installation space, reducing process requirements and production costs, and improving working reliability and stability, so as to realize the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit.

[0174] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0175] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0176] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: Box; A door body, slidably connected to the box body; Automatic switch unit, comprising: case; a drive mechanism configured to provide a driving force; an actuator configured to move closer to the housing or move away from the housing under the action of the driving force; A transmission gear train, wherein the transmission gear train comprises at least one first transmission gear, and the driving mechanism and the actuator are connected via the at least one first transmission gear; a sensing mechanism, which is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit, the sensing mechanism comprising a first sensing member, a first position sensor and a connecting plate, the connecting plate being mounted on the housing, the projection of the connecting plate in a first direction being located within the rotation track of the first transmission gear, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface of the first transmission gear; One of the first sensing element and the first position sensor is disposed on the first transmission gear, and the other is disposed on the connecting plate. The first position sensor is configured to determine a position state of the actuator according to a position change between the first sensing element and the first position sensor.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first sensing element faces the first position sensor along the first direction, the actuator is in a first state or a second state; wherein the first state and the second state are states in which the actuator is located at different positions of the box, respectively.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sensing element is disposed on the first transmission gear, and when the first transmission gear rotates, the first sensing element moves relative to the first position sensor; When the first induction member moves relative to the first position sensor, the actuator is in a third state, wherein the third state is an intermediate state of the actuator between the first state and the second state.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first induction element is a magnetic element, and the first position sensor is a Hall sensor; and / or, The first sensing element is a light emitting element, and the first position sensor is a light sensor.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connecting plate faces the first transmission gear, and the connecting plate is located on a side of the first transmission gear that is away from the actuator.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting plate has a connecting surface, the first transmission gear has a first transmission surface, and the connecting surface faces the first transmission surface; The first sensing member is located on the first transmission surface, and the first position sensor is arranged on the connecting surface and protrudes toward the first sensing member.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting surface and the first transmission surface are parallel to each other; The connection direction between the connection surface and the first transmission surface is the first direction.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The housing comprises a first housing and a second housing, the first housing having a cavity, the cavity being used to accommodate the driving mechanism, the actuator, the transmission gear train and the sensing mechanism; The first shell has an opening, the second shell cover is arranged on the opening, a connecting groove is provided on the second shell, the connecting groove is connected with the cavity through the opening, and the connecting plate is accommodated in the connecting groove.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission gear train further includes a second transmission gear, which is an incomplete gear and is coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear. One of the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear is transmission-connected to the driving mechanism, and the other is transmission-connected to the actuator. In the first direction, the second transmission gear is located between the first transmission gear and the connecting plate; The radial dimension of the second transmission gear is smaller than the radial dimension of the first transmission gear, so that the tooth tops of the first position sensor and the second transmission gear are spaced apart in a second direction, wherein the second direction is the direction of the plane where the connecting surface is located.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: Box; A door body, slidably connected to the box body; Automatic switch unit, comprising: case; a drive mechanism configured to provide a driving force; an actuator, which is configured to move away from the housing under the action of the driving force, or to move closer to the housing under its own action; Transmission gear train; A sensing mechanism is electrically connected to the automatic switch unit, part of which is arranged in the transmission gear train, and another part of which is arranged in the housing, and the sensing mechanism is configured to determine the position state of the actuator according to the change in the rotation angle of the transmission gear train relative to the housing.

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