Refrigerator

Abstract

The present application relates to a refrigerator comprising a dispenser comprising: a dispensing chamber to receive an external container; and a partition plate located above the distribution cavity, the partition plate including a base defining at least a portion of a top boundary of the distribution cavity; the base further comprises an outlet allowing ice to pass through; the ice channel part extends downwards from the base into the distribution cavity and limits an ice conveying channel below the outlet; and a peripheral member extending downwardly from the base and at least partially surrounding the ice channel portion within the dispensing cavity; the base, the ice channel portion and the peripheral member are integrally formed. According to the distributor, the visual layering sense of the distributor is improved, the use experience of a user is improved, in addition, the structure is simple, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigerators. Background Art

[0002] At present, refrigerators have become one of the indispensable household appliances in our daily life. Refrigerators can store, freeze and preserve food. With the improvement of people's living standards, the functions of refrigerators are becoming more and more diversified. In the market, we can see that there is a dispenser on the door of the refrigerator. The dispenser can be operated from the outside to obtain beverages or filtered water, and can also be connected to the ice maker to obtain ice cubes or ice slag. The dispenser is generally placed in a place where users can easily see and operate it. Therefore, whether the dispenser needs to meet the requirements in terms of function or be easily perceived and identified by users in terms of appearance, it needs to be taken into consideration during the design. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present application is to provide an improved refrigerator in view of at least one of the above technical problems.

[0004] The technical solution of the present application is: a refrigerator, comprising a dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises: a dispensing chamber for receiving an external container; and a partition located above the dispensing chamber, the partition comprising: a base, the base comprising at least a portion of the top boundary defining the dispensing chamber, the base also comprising an outlet allowing ice to pass through; an ice channel portion, the ice channel portion extending downward from the base into the dispensing chamber and defining an ice conveying channel located below the outlet; and a peripheral member extending downward from the base and at least partially surrounding the ice channel portion in the dispensing chamber; a structure in which the base, the ice channel portion and the peripheral member are integrally formed.

[0005] In this way, the peripheral component at least partially surrounds the ice channel portion and is formed integrally with the partition, which not only increases the visual layering of the dispenser and helps to enhance the user experience, but also has a simple structure and helps to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice channel portion is spaced apart from the peripheral component.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present application, the peripheral component includes an arc-shaped curved wall extending downward from the base.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the peripheral member at least partially surrounds the outlet and a central axis of the peripheral member is parallel to a central axis of the outlet.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the distance that the peripheral part extends downward from the base is smaller than the distance that the ice channel part extends downward from the base, thereby increasing the visual layering between the peripheral part and the ice channel part, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, a decorative piece is connected to the partition through a mechanical structure, and the decorative piece surrounds the outer side of the peripheral piece in the dispensing cavity. Thus, different decorative pieces can be configured according to different products, which is conducive to improving the coordination and diversity of the appearance of the dispenser and the refrigerator.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, a clamping structure is provided between the decorative element and the partition.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the decorative element and the peripheral element are arranged without contact with each other, thereby eliminating interference between the decorative element and the peripheral element, which is beneficial to the installation of the decorative element.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the peripheral member is located between the decorative member and the ice channel portion and is closer to the decorative member.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, a gap between the peripheral member and the ice channel portion is at least partially exposed to the dispensing chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the decorative member includes a first covering portion covering a side portion of the peripheral member in a vertical direction.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the decoration member includes a second covering portion extending into a gap between the outer member and the ice channel portion and covering a lower portion of the outer member in a horizontal direction.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, a gap is arranged between the decorative member and the peripheral member, and the gap between the two is covered by the decorative member.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the decorative element includes a first groove open upward, and the lower portion of the peripheral element is located in the first groove.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, at least two clamping structures are included, and the clamping structures are arranged at intervals around the peripheral component.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, the decorative component is rotatably mounted on the partition relative to the peripheral component via the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice channel portion gradually shrinks from top to bottom, and the peripheral member is substantially parallel to the central axis of the outlet; and / or an angle α is formed between the ice channel portion and the peripheral member, and the angle α is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, the dispenser includes an operating rod, which is at least partially exposed in the dispensing chamber; wherein the operating rod includes a substrate and a light-transmitting film located on a surface of the substrate.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the operating rod is integrally formed of a substrate and a light-transmitting film, so that the operating rod has a simple structure and is easy to process and manufacture.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, a support plate is provided on the lower side of the distribution chamber, and the support plate includes a second groove for supporting the external container and a step portion extending continuously along the periphery of the second groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present application installed on a door;

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial schematic diagram of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a support plate of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of installing a tray on a support plate according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an operating lever according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a partition according to an embodiment of the present application viewed from bottom to top;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a partition according to an embodiment of the present application viewed from top to bottom;

[0033] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a decorative member and a partition according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a partition after a decorative piece is installed according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig.10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a decorative element according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] 1-distribution chamber; 2-partition plate; 3-decoration piece; 4-clamping structure; 5-main housing; 6-support plate; 7-operating rod;

[0038] 21-base; 22-ice channel portion; 23-peripheral member; 31-first covering portion; 32-second covering portion; 33-third covering portion; 34-first groove; 41-first hook; 42-second hook; 61-second groove; 62-outer peripheral surface; 63-step portion; 71-base plate; 72-film; 100-refrigerator; 101-dispenser; 102-body; 105-refrigerating chamber; 106-freezing chamber; 107-door; 110-door panel; 210-exit; 211-hook; 212-hole; 213-protrusion; 631-step surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present application, the following detailed description is given in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet 102 defining a storage chamber with a front opening, and a door 107 connected to the cabinet 102 and used to open or close the storage chamber.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, Figure 1 As shown, the storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber 105 arranged left and right and a freezing chamber 106 located at the lower side of the refrigerating chamber 105 and arranged left and right. A door 107 is provided at the front side of the refrigerating chamber 105 and the freezing chamber 106.

[0042] Here, the dispenser 101 may be provided on the door 107 of the refrigerator 100. Specifically, the dispenser 101 is provided on the refrigerating chamber door, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The dispenser 101 may also be provided on the freezing chamber door.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the door 107 includes a door plate 110 constituting the front surface of the door 107, the door plate 110 has an opening corresponding to the dispenser 101, and the dispenser 101 is installed along the opening. The dispenser 101 includes a main shell 5 and a partition 2, the main shell 5 and the partition 2 are connected to the opening and exposed to the front surface of the door 107, the main shell 5 and the partition 2 constitute a distribution chamber 1, and the distribution chamber 1 extends backward from the front surface of the door 107 to a certain depth, so that at least a part of an external container, such as a part of a cup, can be accommodated. In an embodiment of the present application, the main shell 5 is U-shaped, the partition 2 is located above the main shell 5, and further, the partition 2 is located above the distribution chamber 1.

[0044] In order to facilitate the placement of the external container, a support plate 6 is provided below the distribution chamber 1. Figures 4a to 4b As shown, the support plate 6 includes a second groove 61 extending downward. Preferably, the second groove 61 extends downward to a depth of 5 mm. The bottom of the second groove 61 has a flat surface. The second groove can have different shapes, and can be made into a circular shape, a square shape or other shapes suitable for placing an external container. When a user uses an external container such as a cup to receive water, a drink or ice, the user can place the cup directly on the second groove of the support plate, and the second groove can also accommodate liquid or ice lamps leaking from the external container or dispenser, thereby not only preventing the liquid from falling into other places but also saving effort for the user during operation.

[0045] The support plate 6 also includes a step portion 63. In the embodiment of the present application, the second groove 61 is configured as a rectangle, and the step portion 63 is configured to be continuous and closed along the periphery of the second groove. In other embodiments, the step portion 63 may be discontinuous, such as being located on both sides of the second groove 61.

[0046] Furthermore, the step surface 631 of the step portion 63 is higher than the bottom of the second groove 61. In addition, the step surface 631 of the step portion 63 is lower than the outer peripheral surface 62 of the support plate 6. Figure 4b As shown, a tray 9 can be placed on the step surface, and the user can install or remove the tray according to his or her needs, and the operation is convenient and simple.

[0047] An ice maker (not shown) located in the storage chamber 2 or on the door 107 is connected to the dispenser 101. When the dispenser 101 is located on the refrigerator door, the ice maker can be arranged in the refrigerator or the refrigerator door. In this way, an appropriate amount of ice cubes can be obtained by operating the dispenser.

[0048] In addition, a water pipe (not shown) connected to a water tank (not shown) of the housing 101 may be connected to the dispenser 101. Through the water outlet of the dispenser, an appropriate amount of water may be obtained to meet the needs of the user.

[0049] The dispenser 101 is usually placed in a conspicuous and easy-to-operate position. Figure 2 As shown, the dispenser 101 is installed so that it can be observed from the front of the door 107. The dispenser 101 is provided with an operating lever 7. The operating lever 7 is located at the lower rear of the ice outlet or water outlet. The operating lever 7 is rotatably installed on the dispenser 101. At least part of the operating lever 7 is exposed in the dispensing chamber 1. In this way, the user can obtain ice or water by operating the lever.

[0050] Furthermore, the operating rod 7 is integrally formed. Figure 5 As shown, the substrate 71 of the operating lever 7 can be formed of a plastic material. Preferably, it is formed of a transparent or light-transmitting material, such as a transparent ABS material. In addition, a film 72 is provided on the surface of the substrate 71. Preferably, the film 72 can be formed of a light-transmitting material, such as a PT material. The film 72 can be printed or coated, and different colors or textures can be given to the film according to different models of refrigerators. In addition, different light-transmitting effects of the film can also be selected.

[0051] like Figure 6 to Figure 7 As shown, a partition plate 2 is arranged above the dispensing chamber 1. The partition plate 2 comprises a base 21, which defines at least a portion of the top boundary of the dispensing chamber 1.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, the base 21 includes an outer side facing the dispensing chamber 1 and an inner side facing the inside of the dispenser 101. A plurality of hooks 211 are arranged at intervals on the outer edge of the base 21, and the hooks 211 are connected to the main housing 5 of the dispenser 101, thereby jointly defining the boundary of the dispensing chamber.

[0053] The base 21 is provided with an outlet 210, and the outlet 210 can be used to allow ice to pass through. Further, the outlet 210 is approximately located in the center of the base 21. In this embodiment, the outlet 210 is an unclosed circle. In other embodiments, the outlet 210 can be a closed circle.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the partition 2 further includes an ice channel portion 22. The ice channel portion 22 extends downward from the base 21 to the dispensing chamber 1. The ice channel portion 22 extends around the outlet 210 toward the interior of the dispensing chamber 1, so that ice passes through the outlet and is then guided into the external container by the ice channel portion.

[0055] From top to bottom, the ice channel portion 22 gradually shrinks to form a curved wall similar to a cone, and the bottom opening of the ice channel portion 22 is smaller than the opening of the outlet, which not only guides the ice from falling in, but also prevents users from putting their hands into the outlet to cause safety problems.

[0056] The distance from the lowest end of the ice channel portion 22 to the bottom of the support plate is between 230 mm and 245 mm. This arrangement can accommodate a variety of external containers of different heights on the market, making it convenient for users to take water or ice.

[0057] A peripheral member 23 extending downward from the base 21 to the dispensing chamber 1 is provided on the periphery of the ice channel portion 22. The peripheral member 23 is spaced a certain distance from the ice channel portion 22, preferably, the peripheral member 23 does not extend beyond the dispensing chamber 1. The downward extension distance of the peripheral member 23 is less than the downward extension distance of the ice channel portion 22, that is, when viewed from the outside, the peripheral member 23 only covers the upper part of the ice channel portion 22, so that the peripheral member and the ice channel portion have a visual sense of hierarchy, which is conducive to improving the appearance coordination of the dispenser and enhancing the aesthetics.

[0058] The base 21, the ice channel portion 22 and the peripheral member 23 are integrally formed. In the embodiment of the present application, the base 21, the ice channel portion 22 and the peripheral member 23 are integrally formed by injection molding, thereby reducing structural complexity and manufacturing cost.

[0059] The peripheral member 23 is an arc-shaped curved wall. The peripheral member 23 and the ice channel portion 22 together at least partially surround the outlet 210, and the central axis of the peripheral member 23 is parallel to the central axis of the outlet 210. In the embodiment of the present application, the peripheral member 23 extends from the base 21 to the distribution chamber 1 in a substantially vertical direction. Further, since the ice channel portion 22 gradually shrinks along the up and down directions, a certain angle α is formed between the peripheral member 23 and the ice channel portion 22, and the range of the angle α is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees, preferably, the angle α is 25 degrees.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the present application, in order to meet the coordination of the dispenser to different refrigerators, the dispenser 101 further includes a decorative member 3 that can be connected to the partition 2 through a mechanical structure. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the decorative member 3 can be directly installed on the partition 2 from the outside in the distribution chamber 1. The decorative member 3 surrounds the outside of the peripheral member 23. When the decorative member is installed, the peripheral member cannot be directly observed from the appearance.

[0061] In order to realize the installation of the decorative member and the partition, a clamping structure 4 is provided between the decorative member and the partition. Specifically, a first clamping hook 41 is provided at intervals on the front side of the decorative member 3 relative to the outlet 210, and a hole 212 for the first clamping hook 41 to pass through and a protrusion 213 for the first clamping hook 41 to clamp are provided on the corresponding base 21 of the partition 2. A second clamping hook 42 is provided at the end of the decorative member 3, and the second clamping hook 42 passes through the hole 212 at the corresponding position on the base 21 so as to be clamped on the base 21.

[0062] Specific installation steps: first, insert the second hook 42 of the decorative part 3 into the hole 212 of the base 21 near the rear side of the distribution chamber 1, and then rotate it upward to insert the first hook on the front side of the decorative part 3 into the hole 212 on the front side of the base 21, and hook it with the protrusion 213 near the hole 212, so as to realize the installation of the decorative part and the partition.

[0063] During the installation process, in order to prevent interference between the decorative component and the peripheral component, a gap is provided between the decorative component 3 and the peripheral component 23, and the two are arranged without contact.

[0064] After the decoration 3 is installed, the peripheral member 23 is partially wrapped by the decoration 3, and the user can hardly see the peripheral member 23 from the appearance. The decoration 3 has a first covering portion 31 covering the side of the peripheral member 23 in the vertical direction, and a second covering portion 32 extending into the gap between the peripheral member 23 and the ice channel portion 22 and covering the lower part of the peripheral member 23 in the horizontal direction.

[0065] In addition, the decorative member 3 includes a third covering portion 33 extending upward from the second covering portion 32, and the third covering portion 33 extends into the gap between the peripheral member 23 and the ice channel portion 22. The third covering portion can not only cover the peripheral member, but also enhance the structural stability of the decorative member and prevent it from being deformed.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present application, the third covering portion 33 only partially extends into the gap and does not completely cover the inner side of the peripheral member 23, so the gap between the peripheral member 23 and the ice channel portion 22 is at least partially exposed to the dispensing chamber 1. In other embodiments, the third covering portion 33 can extend upward to the base 21 to isolate the peripheral member 23 from the ice channel portion 22.

[0067] Furthermore, a first groove 34 opening upward is formed at the lower portion of the decorative member 3 , and the lower portion of the peripheral member 23 is located in the first groove 34 , so that the lower portion of the peripheral member 23 is surrounded by the decorative member 3 .

[0068] Combination Figures 1 to 10 The various embodiments of the individual components described may be combined with one another in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the present application.

[0069] The present application has been described by the above-mentioned relevant embodiments, but the above-mentioned embodiments are only examples for implementing the present application. It must be pointed out that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. On the contrary, changes and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application are all within the scope of patent protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (100), comprising a dispenser (101), characterized in that: The distributor (101) comprises: a dispensing chamber (1) for receiving an external container; and A partition (2) located above the distribution chamber (1), the partition (2) comprising: a base (21), the base (21) comprising at least a portion of a top boundary defining the dispensing chamber (1); The base (21) also includes an outlet (210) for allowing ice to pass through; an ice channel portion (22) extending downward from the base (21) into the dispensing chamber (1) and defining an ice conveying channel located below the outlet (210); and a peripheral member (23) extending downward from the base (21) and at least partially surrounding the ice channel portion (22) in the dispensing chamber (1); The base (21), the ice channel portion (22) and the peripheral component (23) are integrally formed.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice channel portion (22) and the peripheral component (23) are arranged at a distance.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral member (23) comprises an arc-shaped curved wall extending downward from the base (21); and / or the peripheral member (23) at least partially surrounds the outlet (210) and the central axis of the peripheral member (23) is parallel to the central axis of the outlet (210).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance that the peripheral component (23) extends downward from the base (21) is smaller than the distance that the ice channel portion (22) extends downward from the base (21).

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It comprises a decorative piece (3) connected to the partition (2) through a mechanical structure, and the decorative piece (3) surrounds the outer side of the peripheral piece (23) in the distribution chamber (1).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: A clamping structure (4) is provided between the decorative element (3) and the partition (2); and / or, The decorative element (3) and the peripheral element (23) are arranged without contact therebetween; and / or, The peripheral member (23) is located between the decorative member (3) and the ice channel portion (22) and is closer to the decorative member (3); and / or, The gap between the peripheral member (23) and the ice channel portion (22) is at least partially exposed to the distribution chamber (1).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The decorative member (3) comprises a first covering portion (31) covering a side portion of the peripheral member (23) along a vertical direction; and / or, The decorative member (3) comprises a second covering portion (32) extending into the gap between the outer member (23) and the ice channel portion (22) and covering the lower portion of the outer member (23) in the horizontal direction; and / or, The decorative element (3) and the peripheral element (23) are arranged with a gap between them and the gap between them is covered by the decorative element (3); and / or, The decorative element (3) comprises a first groove (34) which is open upward, and the lower part of the peripheral element (23) is located in the first groove (34).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: comprising at least two of the clamping structures (4), wherein the clamping structures (4) are arranged at intervals around the peripheral component (23); and / or, The decorative component (3) is rotatably mounted on the partition (2) relative to the peripheral component (23) via the snap-fit ​​structure (4).

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice channel portion (22) gradually shrinks from top to bottom, and the peripheral component (23) is substantially parallel to the central axis of the outlet (210); and / or an angle α is formed between the ice channel portion (22) and the peripheral component (23), and the angle α is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The dispenser comprises an operating rod, wherein the operating rod (7) is at least partially exposed in the dispensing chamber (1); wherein the operating rod (7) comprises a substrate (71) and a light-transmitting film (72) located on the surface of the substrate (71); and / or the operating rod (7) is constructed by integrally molding the substrate (71) and the light-transmitting film (72).

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support plate (6) is provided on the lower side of the distribution chamber (1), and the support plate (6) comprises a second groove (61) for supporting an external container and a step portion (63) extending continuously along the periphery of the second groove (61).

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