Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet; the water storage box is transparent and is mounted in one refrigerating chamber in a sliding manner; the photoelectric liquid level sensor is fixedly arranged on a rear side plate in the cabinet close to the rear side wall of the water storage box; a magnetic part is arranged in the prism, and the prism is arranged on the inner surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box; one AD port of the control unit is connected with the signal output end of the photoelectric liquid level sensor; when the water storage box is not in place, the Hall chip does not sense the magnetic field of the magnetic piece and outputs a first voltage signal at the signal output end; after the water storage box is in place, when the signal output end outputs a second voltage signal, the current water storage box is fed back to the control unit in a water shortage state; after the water storage box is in place, when the signal output end outputs a third voltage signal, the current state that the water storage box is in water is fed back to the control unit; wherein the first voltage signal, the second voltage signal and the third voltage signal are different from one another. According to the utility model, the photoelectric liquid level sensor and the prism arranged in the water storage box are adopted, so that the water storage box can be placed in place and the water level can be detected.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As people's demands for quality of life become higher and higher, refrigerators have more and more functions, for example, refrigerators with ice makers or refrigerators with water dispensers. Such refrigerators are generally provided with a water storage box that can store a certain amount of water. Users can fill water into the water storage box in advance and cool it in advance. When users take water or the ice maker needs water, they can directly use the water in the water storage box, which is very convenient.

[0003] However, the capacity of the water storage box is limited. If the water in the water storage box is used up and the user forgets to add water to the water storage box, it will lead to water shortage during use, affecting the user's use or mistaking it for a malfunction of the ice maker or water dispenser.

[0004] Therefore, to solve this problem, the current common method is to install a sensing mechanism for detecting whether the water storage box is in place, and to detect the water level in the water storage box by setting a detection switch. This method has complex and cumbersome wiring.

[0005] The above information disclosed in the background technology is only used to increase the understanding of the background technology of the present application, and therefore, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to ordinary technicians in the field. Utility Model Content

[0006] In response to the problems pointed out in the background technology, the present application provides a refrigerator, which is based on the principles of electromagnetic induction and infrared detection, utilizes a photoelectric liquid level sensor and integrates a prism with an embedded magnet in the water storage box to determine whether the water storage box is in place and detect the water level in the water storage box, avoiding cumbersome wiring.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned utility model purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present application relates to a refrigerator, comprising:

[0009] a cabinet having a storage compartment vertically divided into a freezer compartment at a lower portion and a refrigerator compartment at an upper portion;

[0010] a water storage box which is transparent and slidably mounted in one of the refrigeration chambers;

[0011] A photoelectric liquid level sensor, which integrates an infrared transmitting tube, an infrared receiving tube and a Hall chip, and the photoelectric liquid level sensor is fixedly mounted on the rear side plate inside the cabinet close to the rear side wall of the water storage box;

[0012] A prism with a built-in magnetic part and arranged on the inner surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box, wherein the prism has a receiving surface and a reflecting surface; the receiving surface is aligned with the emitting surface of the infrared emitting tube and is used to receive the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitting tube; the reflecting surface is aligned with the receiving surface of the infrared receiving tube and is used to receive the reflected infrared rays when there is a lack of water in the water storage box;

[0013] A control unit, an AD port of which is connected to the signal output end of the photoelectric liquid level sensor;

[0014] When the water storage box is not in place, the Hall chip does not sense the magnetic field of the magnetic member and outputs a first voltage signal at the signal output end;

[0015] After the water storage box is in place, when the signal output terminal outputs a second voltage signal, feedback is given to the control unit that the water storage box is currently in a water shortage state;

[0016] After the water storage box is in place, when the signal output terminal outputs a third voltage signal, feedback is given to the control unit that the water storage box currently has water;

[0017] The first voltage signal, the second voltage signal and the third voltage signal are different from each other.

[0018] This application is based on the principle that a magnetic field will be generated when a magnetic part exists and no magnetic field will be generated when a magnetic part does not exist. A Hall chip is used to detect whether a magnetic field exists to determine whether a corresponding magnetic part exists. Based on the principle that infrared rays can be absorbed by water and can be reflected and received without water, an infrared transmitting tube and an infrared receiving tube are used to detect the water level.

[0019] The existing photoelectric liquid level sensor adopts the above detection principle. By arranging the photoelectric liquid level sensor and the prism, the water box placement detection and water level detection can be realized at the same time. The water box placement detection and water level detection can be realized by using one electronic device, avoiding cumbersome wiring.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, a mounting frame is provided on the rear side plate inside the cabinet, and the photoelectric liquid level sensor is installed at the mounting frame;

[0021] The photoelectric liquid level sensor also has a mounting shell, wherein the mounting shell has a first mounting lug and a second mounting lug located on opposite sides;

[0022] The first mounting lug and the second mounting lug respectively define a first through portion and a second through portion;

[0023] A first positioning column corresponding to the first through-portion and a second positioning column corresponding to the second through-portion are provided on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box;

[0024] When the photoelectric liquid level sensor is installed in place and the water storage box slides toward the photoelectric liquid level sensor, the first positioning column passes through the first through portion and the second positioning column passes through the second through portion.

[0025] By providing the first and second positioning columns and the first and second through-parts, the water storage box and the photoelectric liquid level sensor are aligned, which facilitates water level detection using infrared rays and in-place detection using a magnetic induction magnetic field.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, a drainage portion is provided in the water storage box for draining water in the water storage box, and the drainage portion includes:

[0027] Drain pipes;

[0028] A connecting portion, which is connected to the drain pipe through and has a plurality of first clamping portions formed on the outer peripheral side wall of the lower portion;

[0029] The bottom shell has a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall. The bottom wall is provided with a plurality of filter holes, and the circumferential side wall is provided with a plurality of second clamping parts which are engaged with the plurality of first clamping parts.

[0030] When water is used in the water dispenser in the refrigerator, the water in the water storage box is discharged through the drainage part, and the water in the water storage box is filtered by the filter holes of the bottom shell and discharged into the drainage path of the water dispenser.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present application, the water storage box has a bottom wall and surrounding side walls, and a handle is formed on the front side wall of the water storage box.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, a first support portion and a second support portion are installed on the bottom wall of the refrigerating chamber where the water storage box is arranged;

[0033] The first supporting portion has a first supporting surface, and the second supporting portion has a second supporting surface;

[0034] The first supporting surface has a first path and a second path in parallel, and the first path of the first supporting surface is located inside the second path;

[0035] The second supporting surface also has a first path and a second path in parallel, and the first path of the second supporting surface is located inside the second path;

[0036] A first wheel is provided at one end of the bottom of the water storage box close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and a second wheel is provided at another end of the bottom of the water storage box close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor;

[0037] A first guide rail and a second guide rail are formed in parallel on the bottom wall of the water storage box, the first guide rail faces the second path of the first support surface and its guiding direction is perpendicular to the axle of the first wheel, and the second guide rail faces the second path of the second support surface and its guiding direction is perpendicular to the axle of the second wheel;

[0038] A first rolling wheel is fixedly disposed on one end of the first supporting surface away from the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and a second rolling wheel is fixedly disposed on one end of the second supporting surface away from the photoelectric liquid level sensor;

[0039] When the water storage box is pulled out, the first wheel slides along the first path of the first support surface, the second wheel slides along the first path of the second support surface, the first rolling wheel guides along the first guide rail, and the second rolling wheel guides along the second guide rail.

[0040] By arranging the structure of the water storage box, the structure of the first supporting part and the structure of the second supporting part, the water storage box can be conveniently pulled out.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present application, a first limit portion is provided at one end of the first guide rail close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and an extension direction of the first limit portion is perpendicular to a guiding direction of the first guide rail;

[0042] A second limiting portion is provided at one end of the second guide rail close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and an extending direction of the second limiting portion is perpendicular to a guiding direction of the second guide rail;

[0043] When the water storage box is pulled out until the first limiting portion abuts against the first rolling wheel and the second limiting portion abuts against the second rolling wheel, the water storage box is restricted from being pulled out.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0045] A reminder unit is connected to the control unit and is used to output a reminder when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is in a water shortage state.

[0046] When the water storage box is not in place or the water storage box is in place and is short of water, a reminder will be output to the user to ensure that the user knows the current status of the water storage box in time to avoid troublesome problems during use.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present application, the reminder unit is an acoustic alarm circuit, an optical alarm circuit, or an acoustic and optical alarm circuit;

[0048] When the reminder unit is a sound alarm circuit, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, a sound alarm reminder is output;

[0049] When the reminder unit is a light alarm circuit, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, a sound alarm reminder is output;

[0050] When the reminder unit is a sound and light alarm circuit, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, a sound and light alarm reminder is output.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present application, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, the control unit controls the display panel of the refrigerator to display a reminder.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present application, the reminder displayed on the display panel is a fault code reminder or an alarm reminder.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present application, a WiFi module is provided on the display panel, which is connected to the cloud for remote transmission of the reminder.

[0054] With remote transmission reminders, users can receive push messages on their mobile phones anytime and anywhere, even if they are not at home, to ensure they are informed of the alarm reminders.

[0055] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0057] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an embodiment of a conventional refrigerator;

[0058] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of an existing box embodiment, wherein the refrigerator door is opened;

[0059] Figure 3 A refrigeration system in a conventional refrigerator embodiment;

[0060] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator embodiment proposed in the present application;

[0061] Figure 5 This is a partial diagram of a refrigerator embodiment according to the present application, in which part of the refrigerator exterior sheet metal and the refrigerator liner are removed;

[0062] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of part A;

[0063] Figure 7 A structural diagram of a refrigeration drawer and a water storage box arranged in a refrigeration chamber according to an embodiment of a refrigerator proposed in the present application;

[0064] Figure 8 An exploded view of a water storage box arranged in a refrigerating chamber and a rear side panel in a cabinet according to an embodiment of a refrigerator proposed in the present application;

[0065] Fig. 9 It is a structural diagram of a first supporting portion for supporting a water storage box in an embodiment of a refrigerator proposed in the present application;

[0066] Fig.10 A three-dimensional diagram of a water storage box in a refrigerator embodiment according to the present application;

[0067] Fig.11 An exploded view of a drainage portion in a refrigerator embodiment according to the present application;

[0068] Fig.12 The circuit of the reminder unit in the refrigerator embodiment proposed in this application Figure 1 ;

[0069] Fig.13 The circuit of the reminder unit in the refrigerator embodiment proposed in this application Figure 2 ;

[0070] Reference numerals:

[0071] 1. Refrigerator; 100. Storage room; 100A. Freezer; 100B. Refrigerator; 110B. First refrigerated drawer; 120B. Second refrigerated drawer; 110. Cabinet inner rear side panel; 200. Door; 200A. Freezer door; 200B. Refrigerator door; 200C. Sheet metal; 300. Refrigeration system; 310. Compressor; 310A. Compressor compartment; 311A. First gas sensor; 320. Condenser; 330. Solenoid valve; 340. Throttling device; 341. First throttling device; 342. Second throttling device; 350. Evaporator; 351. Refrigerator evaporator; 352. Refrigerator evaporator; 353. Second gas sensor; 360 , liquid reservoir; 400, mounting frame; 500, water storage box; 510, space; 520, first wheel; 530, second wheel; 540, first guide rail; 550, second guide rail; 560, first limiting portion; 570, second limiting portion; 600, prism; 700, drainage portion; 710, drainage pipe; 720, connecting portion; 721, connecting pipe; 722, annular portion; 723, arc plate; 724, buckle; 730, bottom shell; 731, circumferential side wall; 7311, slot; 732, bottom wall; 7321, filter hole; 800, first supporting portion; 810, first supporting surface; 811, first path; 812, second path; 820, first rolling wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only 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 this application.

[0073] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are 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 device or element referred to 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.

[0074] 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0075] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" 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 it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0076] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0077] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the utility model. In order to simplify the disclosure of the utility model, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples, and the purpose is not to limit the utility model. In addition, the utility model may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the utility model provides various specific examples of processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0078] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a stereogram of a specific embodiment of a refrigerator; see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerator has an approximately rectangular shape.

[0079] The refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet having a storage chamber 100 defining a storage space. The appearance of the refrigerator 1 is defined by the storage chamber 100 and a plurality of door bodies 200 disposed in the storage chamber 100. Figure 2 The door body 200 includes a door body outer shell (not marked) located outside the storage chamber 100, a door body inner shell (not marked) located inside the storage chamber 100, and an insulation layer (not marked) between the upper end cover and the lower end cover; usually, the insulation layer is filled with foam material.

[0080] The storage chamber 100 has an open box body, and the storage chamber 100 is divided into a freezing chamber 100A and a refrigerating chamber 100B. Generally, the freezing chamber 100A is at the bottom and the refrigerating chamber 100B is at the top. Each of the separated spaces may have an independent storage space.

[0081] In detail, the freezing chamber 100A is defined at the lower side of the storage chamber 100 and may be selectively covered by the drawer type freezing chamber door body 200A. A space defined above the freezing chamber 100A is partitioned into left and right sides to respectively define the refrigerating chambers 100B.

[0082] The refrigerating chamber 100B may be selectively opened or closed by a refrigerating chamber door 200B pivotably mounted on the refrigerating chamber 100B.

[0083] Figure 3 A refrigeration system 300 of the present invention of the present application is shown.

[0084] See also Figure 3 The refrigeration system 300 includes a compressor 310 , a condenser 320 , a throttling device 340 and an evaporator 350 , and a liquid storage tank 360 is arranged between the outlet of the freezer chamber evaporator 352 and the air intake port of the compressor 310 .

[0085] Among them, Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the evaporator 350 includes a refrigerating chamber evaporator 351 and a freezing chamber evaporator 352 .

[0086] The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 310 is cooled by the condenser 320 and becomes a liquid refrigerant at room temperature. It is divided into two paths by the solenoid valve 330. One path of the refrigerant enters the cold storage chamber evaporator 351 after throttling and reducing the pressure by the first throttling device 341 (for example, the first capillary tube), and the other path of the refrigerant enters the freezer chamber evaporator 352 after throttling and reducing the pressure by the second throttling device 342 (for example, the second capillary tube). The refrigerant pipeline flowing out of the cold storage chamber evaporator 351 is connected to the pipeline between the second throttling device 342 and the freezer chamber evaporator 352. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the freezer chamber evaporator 352 flows back to the liquid storage tank 360, and the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the return air port of the compressor 310.

[0087] When there is a demand for cooling in the freezer compartment 100B, the compressor 310 starts, and the solenoid valve 330 is controlled to introduce the refrigerant into the pipeline where the second throttling device 342 is located. The refrigerant passes through the freezer compartment evaporator 352 and then flows into the return air port of the compressor 310 through the liquid storage tank 360. The cooling of the freezer compartment 100B is achieved through the above-mentioned cycle process.

[0088] When there is a demand for cooling in the cold storage room 100B, the solenoid valve 330 is controlled to introduce the refrigerant into the pipeline where the first throttling device 341 is located. The refrigerant passes through the cold storage room evaporator 351 and the freezer room evaporator 352 in turn, and then flows into the return air port of the compressor 310 through the liquid storage tank 360. The cold storage room 100B is cooled through the above-mentioned cycle process.

[0089] See also Figure 4 , which shows the appearance of another refrigerator 1. The structure of the refrigerator 1 and the structure of the refrigeration system are shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 The given parts are the same, the difference is that the refrigerator 1 is a refrigerator with a water dispenser.

[0090] When the refrigerator 1 is equipped with a water dispenser, a water storage box 500 needs to be arranged inside the refrigerator to provide a cold water source for the water dispenser by utilizing the cold energy in the refrigerating chamber 100B of the refrigerator 1.

[0091] The water dispenser is arranged on the refrigerating chamber door 200B.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerator 1 may also be a refrigerator with an ice maker. In this case, a water storage box 500 is also required to be configured inside the refrigerator 1 to meet the water source requirement for ice making.

[0093] The present application involves the detection of the presence of a magnetic part based on the Hall chip sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic part and the principle of absorbing infrared rays without reflecting signals when there is water and reflecting infrared rays when there is no water, so as to realize the detection of the water storage box 500 in place and the water level in the refrigerator 1.

[0094] The existing photoelectric liquid level sensor is used to detect the position and water level of the water storage box 500.

[0095] The existing photoelectric liquid level sensor can choose the photoelectric (including box detection) liquid level sensor HIRA series, which uses infrared photoelectric devices and the reflection of light by a prism to identify the liquid level; the Hall chip's induction of magnets can be used to identify the position of the box where the magnet is embedded.

[0096] With the help of integrated logic circuit, only one ADC signal line is needed to simultaneously meet the dual-function detection of liquid level and box body.

[0097] With the aid of the photoelectric liquid level sensor, the dual detection of the water storage box 500 being in place and the water level can be completed with one electronic component, avoiding cumbersome wiring.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present application, the infrared photoelectric device of the photoelectric liquid level sensor (not shown) includes an infrared transmitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, and has a Hall chip capable of sensing a magnetic field.

[0099] In order to use the photoelectric liquid level sensor, the water storage box 500 is designed to be transparent and cannot absorb infrared light.

[0100] And based on the convenience of detection, in some embodiments of the present application, the water storage box 500 is slidably installed in one of the refrigerating chambers 100B.

[0101] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figures 5 to 7 A first refrigerated drawer 110B and a second refrigerated drawer 120B that can be pulled out may be provided in the refrigerating chamber 100B, and the water storage box 500 is slidably located between the first refrigerated drawer 110B and the second refrigerated drawer 120B, so that after the refrigerating chamber door 200B is opened, the water storage box 500 is located in the middle position of the refrigerating chamber 100B, providing a larger operating space for pulling out or pulling out the water storage box 500.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to enable the photoelectric liquid level sensor to detect the water storage box 500, the photoelectric liquid level sensor is arranged on the rear side panel 110 inside the cabinet located on the rear side wall of the refrigeration chamber 100B where the water storage box 500 is arranged.

[0103] For details, see Figure 6 and Figure 8 A mounting frame 400 may be provided on the rear side plate 110 in the cabinet, and the photoelectric liquid level sensor is installed in the mounting frame 400. The mounting frame 400 plays a role in mounting, bearing and protecting the photoelectric liquid level sensor.

[0104] Correspondingly, see Figure 8 The prism 600 is arranged on the inner surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box 500 relative to the photoelectric liquid level sensor and has a built-in magnetic component.

[0105] The prism 600 has a receiving surface and a reflecting surface; the receiving surface is aligned with the emitting surface of the infrared emitting tube in the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and is used to accurately receive the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitting tube; the reflecting surface is aligned with the receiving surface of the infrared receiving tube in the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and is used to receive the infrared rays reflected by the reflecting surface.

[0106] The arrangement positions of the prism 600 and the photoelectric liquid level sensor need to correspond and meet the sensing distance requirements, otherwise the Hall chip may make false detections due to the weak magnetic field of the magnetic component.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present application, the control unit is connected to the signal output end of the photoelectric liquid level sensor through an AD (analog-to-digital) port.

[0108] When the water storage box 500 is not in place, the Hall chip does not sense the magnetic field of the magnetic part, indicating that the water storage box 500 is not in place. At this time, the photoelectric liquid level sensor outputs a first voltage signal at the signal output end, for example, the control unit (not shown) receives a voltage greater than 4.5V.

[0109] After the water storage box 500 is in place, when the photoelectric liquid level sensor outputs a second voltage signal (for example, 2.5V) at the signal output end and is received by the control unit, it indicates that the water storage box 500 is currently short of water, and the control unit feeds back that the water storage box 500 is currently short of water (i.e., below the monitored critical water level).

[0110] After the water storage box 500 is in place, when the photoelectric liquid level sensor outputs a third voltage signal (for example, less than 0.2V) at the signal output end and is received by the control unit, it indicates that the water storage box 500 is currently in a water-containing state, and the control unit feeds back that the water storage box 500 currently has water (that is, higher than the monitored critical water level), that is, the water storage box 500 is normal.

[0111] Among them, the first voltage signal, the second voltage signal and the third voltage signal are different from each other, so that the control unit can judge the state of the water storage box 500 (including the state of not in place, the state of in place and lack of water, and the state of in place and with water) according to the different voltage signals output by the photoelectric liquid level sensor.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present application, the prism 600 can be arranged at different water level heights according to the water level requirements in the monitored water storage box 500. When the monitoring water level threshold is high, the prism 600 needs to be set at a higher position in the water level direction, and when the monitoring water level threshold is low, the prism 600 needs to be set at a lower position in the water level direction. It is set according to the requirements and is not limited here.

[0113] For example, the prism 600 is arranged at the first water level. When the water level reaches the first water level or above, the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting tube is received by the receiving surface of the prism 600 and then absorbed by the water. Therefore, at this time, the reflecting surface of the prism 600 cannot receive the reflected light, and the infrared receiving tube cannot receive infrared rays.

[0114] When the water level is lower than the first water level, the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting tube passes through the receiving surface of the prism 600 and is reflected onto the reflecting surface, and then is received by the infrared receiving tube after being reflected by the reflecting surface.

[0115] In order to accurately position the water storage box 500 and the photoelectric liquid level sensor, the photoelectric liquid level sensor further has a mounting shell (not shown), and the mounting shell has a first mounting lug and a second mounting lug located on opposite sides.

[0116] A first through portion and a second through portion are respectively formed on the first mounting lug and the second mounting lug.

[0117] A first positioning column (not shown) facing the first through-portion and a second positioning column (not shown) facing the second through-portion are formed on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box 500 .

[0118] After the photoelectric liquid level sensor is installed in place and the water storage box 500 (along Figure 7 When the photoelectric liquid level sensor is slid toward the photoelectric liquid level sensor in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and installed in place, the first positioning column passes through the first through-portion and the second positioning column passes through the second through-portion. In this way, the positional relationship between the water storage box 500 and the photoelectric liquid level sensor is accurately positioned, which makes it easier for the Hall chip to sense the magnetic parts in the prism 600 and enables the infrared light to be accurately emitted toward the receiving surface of the prism 600.

[0119] In order to cushion the impact of the rear side panel 110 in the cabinet when the water storage box 500 is pulled out, a buffer column (not shown) can be provided on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box 500, which can be made of a deformable material such as rubber.

[0120] Correspondingly, a plunger (not shown) aligned with the buffer column is arranged on the rear side plate 110 in the corresponding cabinet, and has a recessed portion. The plunger can be made of rubber.

[0121] In the water storage box 500 Figure 7 When the photoelectric liquid level sensor slides into position in the direction of the arrow shown, the buffer column extends into the recessed portion of the plunger to achieve a buffering effect when sliding into position.

[0122] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to discharge the water source in the water storage box 500 into, for example, a water dispenser, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the water storage box 500, a drainage portion 700 is arranged.

[0123] See also Fig.11 The drainage portion 700 may include a drainage pipe 710 for draining the water flowing therethrough.

[0124] The drain portion 700 may further include a connecting portion 720 , which is connected to the drain pipe 710 , and a plurality of first clamping portions (eg, buckles 723 ) are formed on the lower outer circumferential side wall.

[0125] In some embodiments of the present application, the connection portion 720 includes a connection pipe 721 and an annular portion 722 , wherein the annular portion 722 is formed on the outer circumferential side wall of the bottom edge of the connection pipe 721 , wherein the connection pipe 721 is connected to the drain pipe 710 through the connection pipe 721 .

[0126] A plurality of spaced arc plates 723 are vertically disposed on the lower side of the annular portion 722 facing away from the connecting pipe 721 , and the arc plates 723 are sequentially arranged around to form a whole circle.

[0127] The buckles 723 are formed on the outer sides of at least two arc-shaped plates for assembly with the bottom shell 730 described below.

[0128] The drainage part 700 also includes a bottom shell 730, which has a bottom wall 732 and a circumferential side wall 731. The bottom wall 732 is provided with a plurality of filter holes 7321, and the circumferential side wall 731 is formed with a plurality of second clamping parts (for example, clamping grooves 7311) that cooperate with the plurality of first clamping parts.

[0129] When assembling the drain portion 700 , the bottom shell 730 and the connecting portion 720 are engaged with each other through the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and then the drain pipe 710 is assembled onto the connecting pipe 721 .

[0130] The water discharged from the water storage box 500 is first filtered through the filter holes 7321 on the bottom shell 730, and then discharged into, for example, a water dispenser through the connecting pipe 721 and the drain pipe 710.

[0131] In order to facilitate the extraction of the water storage box 500, a handle is formed on the front side wall of the water storage box 500.

[0132] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to avoid the handle taking up space, see Fig.10 The front side surface of the water storage box 500 is formed in a Z shape, that is, it includes a first front side surface, a connecting surface and a second front side surface, and the connecting surface is arranged between the first front side surface and the second front side surface, wherein the second front side surface is farther from the photoelectric liquid level sensor than the first front side surface.

[0133] In addition, connecting plates are respectively arranged at the three edges of the connecting surface to connect with the corresponding edges, and adjacent connecting plates are also connected. In this way, the three connecting plates, the connecting surface and the second front side surface enclose a downwardly open space 510, which can be formed into a handle.

[0134] When pulling out the water storage box 500, the user extends his hand into the space 510 and applies force to the connecting plate located at the frontmost side to pull out.

[0135] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to realize the pulling and pulling of the water storage box 500, see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A first support portion 800 and a second support portion (not shown) are installed in parallel on the bottom wall 732 of the refrigerating chamber where the water storage box 500 is arranged.

[0136] The first support portion 800 has a first support surface 810 , and the second support portion has a second support surface.

[0137] The first supporting surface 810 has a first path 811 and a second path 812 in parallel (see Fig. 9 As shown by the dashed line in the middle, the first path 811 is located on the inner side of the second path 812.

[0138] The second supporting surface also has a first path and a second path in parallel, and the first path is located inside the second path.

[0139] A first wheel 520 is disposed at one end of the bottom of the water storage box 500 near the photoelectric liquid level sensor 0 (see Fig.10 ), correspondingly, a second wheel 530 is provided at one end of the other side of the bottom of the water storage box 500 close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor.

[0140] A first guide rail 540 and a second guide rail 550 are formed in parallel on the bottom wall of the water storage box 500 . The guiding direction of the first guide rail 540 is perpendicular to the axle of the first wheel 520 , and the guiding direction of the second guide rail 550 is perpendicular to the axle of the second wheel 530 .

[0141] A first rolling wheel 820 is disposed at the end of the second path 812 of the first supporting surface 810 away from the photoelectric liquid level sensor (see Fig. 9 ), a second rolling wheel (not shown) is provided at the end of the second path of the second supporting surface away from the photoelectric liquid level sensor.

[0142] When the water storage box 500 is pulled out, the first wheel 520 slides along the first path 811 of the first support surface 810, the second wheel 530 slides along the first path of the second support surface, the first rolling wheel 820 is guided in the first guide rail 540, and the second rolling wheel is guided in the second guide rail 550, thereby achieving the pulling out of the water storage box 500.

[0143] In order to promptly remind the user when the water storage box 500 is not in place or is in place but lacks water, in some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerator 1 also includes a reminder unit, which is connected to the control unit.

[0144] When the water storage box 500 is not put in place or the water storage box 500 is put in place and is in a water shortage state, the control unit outputs a reminder signal at the output port, and the reminder signal is sent to the reminder unit, and the reminder unit outputs a reminder.

[0145] In some embodiments of the present application, the reminder unit may be an acoustic alarm circuit (see Fig.12 ), when the water storage box 500 is not put in place or the water storage box 500 is put in place and is in a water shortage state, a sound alarm reminder is output.

[0146] See also Fig.12 The reminder unit may include a switch unit and a buzzer BZ1 to remind the user through the sound of the buzzer BZ1.

[0147] The switch unit is controlled by a control unit (eg, a single-chip microcomputer chip), and the switch unit may also be an NPN transistor Q1.

[0148] One end of the base current limiting resistor R3 is connected to the output port of the microcontroller chip, and the other end is connected to the base of the NPN transistor Q1. The emitter is grounded, and the collector is connected to the power supply +5VDC through the pull-up resistor R2. The power supply end of the buzzer BZ1 is connected to the power supply +5VDC, and the ground end of the buzzer BZ1 is connected to the collector of the NPN transistor Q1.

[0149] When the control unit receives a first voltage signal indicating that the water box 500 is not in place or a second voltage signal indicating that the water box 500 is in place and is short of water, the output port outputs a signal BUZ to control the NPN transistor Q1 to conduct, so that the power supply +5VDC supplies power to the buzzer BZ1, which then controls the buzzer BZ1 to emit a buzzing sound.

[0150] In some embodiments of the present application, the reminder unit may be a light alarm circuit, which outputs a light alarm reminder when the water storage box 500 is not in place or the water storage box 500 is in place and is short of water.

[0151] See also Fig.13 The reminder unit may include a current limiting resistor R1 and an indicator light D1 connected in series.

[0152] The anode of the indicator light D1 is connected to the power supply +5VDC, the cathode is connected to one end of the current limiting resistor R1, and the other end of the current limiting resistor R1 is connected to the output port of the single-chip microcomputer chip.

[0153] When the control unit receives a first voltage signal indicating that the water storage box 500 is not in place or a second voltage signal indicating that the water storage box 500 is in place and is short of water, the output port outputs a signal LED to control the indicator light D1 to light up.

[0154] In this way, the user can know the current state of the water storage box 500 by observing the lighting of the indicator light D1.

[0155] In some embodiments of the present application, an alarm reminder may also be given on a display panel (not shown) of the refrigerator 1 .

[0156] When the control unit receives a first voltage signal indicating that the water box 500 is not in place or a second voltage signal indicating that the water box 500 is in place and is short of water, the control unit sends the status of the water box 500 to the display panel for display, such as text display or fault code display.

[0157] A WiFi module may be provided on the display panel, which is connected to the cloud for remote transmission of the above reminders.

[0158] With remote transmission reminders, users can receive push messages on their mobile phones anytime and anywhere, even if they are not at home, to ensure they are informed of the alarm reminders.

[0159] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0160] The above is only a specific implementation of the utility model, but the protection scope of the utility model is not limited to this. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by technicians familiar with the technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the utility model should be included in the protection scope of the utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of the utility model should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: a cabinet having a storage compartment, the storage compartment being divided into a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment; a water storage box which is transparent and slidably mounted in one of the refrigeration chambers; A photoelectric liquid level sensor, which integrates an infrared transmitting tube, an infrared receiving tube and a Hall chip, and the photoelectric liquid level sensor is fixedly mounted on the rear side plate inside the cabinet close to the rear side wall of the water storage box; A prism with a built-in magnetic part and arranged on the inner surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box, wherein the prism has a receiving surface and a reflecting surface; the receiving surface is aligned with the emitting surface of the infrared emitting tube and is used to receive the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitting tube; the reflecting surface is aligned with the receiving surface of the infrared receiving tube and is used to receive the reflected infrared rays when there is a lack of water in the water storage box; A control unit, an AD port of which is connected to the signal output end of the photoelectric liquid level sensor; When the water storage box is not in place, the Hall chip does not sense the magnetic field of the magnetic member and outputs a first voltage signal at the signal output end; After the water storage box is in place, when the signal output terminal outputs a second voltage signal, feedback is given to the control unit that the water storage box is currently in a water shortage state; After the water storage box is in place, when the signal output terminal outputs a third voltage signal, feedback is given to the control unit that the water storage box currently has water; The first voltage signal, the second voltage signal and the third voltage signal are different from each other.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting frame is provided on the rear side plate inside the cabinet, and the photoelectric liquid level sensor is installed on the mounting frame; The photoelectric liquid level sensor also has a mounting shell, wherein the mounting shell has a first mounting lug and a second mounting lug located on opposite sides; The first mounting lug and the second mounting lug respectively define a first through portion and a second through portion; A first positioning column corresponding to the first through-portion and a second positioning column corresponding to the second through-portion are provided on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the water storage box; When the photoelectric liquid level sensor is installed in place and the water storage box slides toward the photoelectric liquid level sensor, the first positioning column passes through the first through portion and the second positioning column passes through the second through portion.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage box is provided with a drainage part for draining the water in the water storage box, and the drainage part comprises: Drain pipes; A connecting portion, which is connected to the drain pipe through and has a plurality of first clamping portions formed on the outer peripheral side wall of the lower portion; The bottom shell has a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall. The bottom wall is provided with a plurality of filter holes, and the circumferential side wall is provided with a plurality of second clamping parts which are engaged with the plurality of first clamping parts.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage box has a bottom wall and surrounding side walls, and a handle is formed on the front side wall of the water storage box.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first supporting portion and a second supporting portion are installed on the bottom wall of the refrigerating chamber where the water storage box is arranged; The first supporting portion has a first supporting surface, and the second supporting portion has a second supporting surface; The first supporting surface has a first path and a second path in parallel, and the first path of the first supporting surface is located inside the second path; The second supporting surface also has a first path and a second path in parallel, and the first path of the second supporting surface is located inside the second path; A first wheel is provided at one end of the bottom of the water storage box close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and a second wheel is provided at another end of the bottom of the water storage box close to the photoelectric liquid level sensor; A first guide rail and a second guide rail are formed in parallel on the bottom wall of the water storage box, the first guide rail faces the second path of the first support surface and its guiding direction is perpendicular to the axle of the first wheel, and the second guide rail faces the second path of the second support surface and its guiding direction is perpendicular to the axle of the second wheel; A first rolling wheel is fixedly disposed on one end of the first supporting surface away from the photoelectric liquid level sensor, and a second rolling wheel is fixedly disposed on one end of the second supporting surface away from the photoelectric liquid level sensor; When the water storage box is pulled out, the first wheel slides along the first path of the first support surface, the second wheel slides along the first path of the second support surface, the first rolling wheel guides along the first guide rail, and the second rolling wheel guides along the second guide rail.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises: A reminder unit is connected to the control unit and is used to output a reminder when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is in a water shortage state.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The reminder unit is a sound alarm circuit, a light alarm circuit or a sound and light alarm circuit; When the reminder unit is a sound alarm circuit, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, a sound alarm reminder is output; When the reminder unit is a light alarm circuit, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, a sound alarm reminder is output; When the reminder unit is a sound and light alarm circuit, when the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, a sound and light alarm reminder is output.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the water storage box is not put in place or the water storage box is put in place and is short of water, the control unit controls the display panel of the refrigerator to display a reminder.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The display panel is provided with a WiFi module which is connected to the cloud for remote transmission of the reminder.

Images