Waterway structure and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a waterway structure and a refrigerator, and relates to the technical field of household appliances. The water pipe is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet which are communicated, the water inlet is used for being connected with a water inlet valve of an external water source, and a water outlet valve is arranged between the water inlet and the water outlet; the water tank assembly is located between the water inlet and the water outlet valve and comprises a water tank and a water pipe branch, and the water pipe branch communicates with the water pipe and the water tank. According to the waterway structure provided by the embodiment of the invention, the water tank assembly is additionally arranged between the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve of the water pipe, and the pressure difference is reasonably applied, so that the water tank plays a role in pressurizing water flow in the water pipe, the flowing of water in the water pipe is accelerated, the waiting time for a user to take water is shortened, and the experience feeling of the user is improved; the waterway structure is simple, the water tank assembly does not need to use electric energy, energy conservation and environmental protection are achieved, and the requirement of users for timely water use can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a water system structure and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, some refrigerators now come with built-in water and ice dispensing functions. These refrigerators combine the water dispensing functions of refrigeration, freezing, and water dispensers with the ice-making functions of ice makers, providing users with greater convenience. In particular, users can obtain drinking water and ice directly from the outside of the refrigerator without opening the door, saving time and reducing the loss of cold air inside the refrigerator, thus maintaining a stable internal environment.

[0003] Refrigerators with drinking water and ice-making functions typically include an external water source, water pipes, a water purification system, and a water outlet. Water pressure is a crucial factor in the connection between the external water source and the refrigerator's water system. Ideally, stable and appropriate water pressure ensures smooth water flow, allowing for rapid response whether for instant drinking water or automatic ice making, reducing user waiting time. However, insufficient external water pressure directly impacts the water flow rate from the refrigerator's outlet, resulting in a slower flow and longer waiting time for consumers, thus reducing user convenience and experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a water system structure and a refrigerator.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a water system structure. The water system structure includes: a water pipe with a connected inlet and outlet; the inlet has an inlet valve for connecting to an external water source; and an outlet valve is provided between the inlet and outlet; and

[0007] The water tank assembly is located between the inlet and outlet valves. The water tank assembly includes a water tank and a water pipe branch, which connects the water pipe and the water tank.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the water tank is located above the water pipe branch, and the water pipe branch is located above the water pipe.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the water pipe branch includes a connecting pipe and a branch pipe, the connecting pipe connecting the water pipe and the branch pipe connecting the water pipe and the water tank.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the water pipe includes a first section of water pipe and a second section of water pipe arranged at intervals, with an inlet on the first section of water pipe and an outlet on the second section of water pipe; the connecting pipe has an inlet end and an outlet end, with the inlet end connected to the end of the first section of water pipe away from the inlet end, and the outlet end connected to the end of the second section of water pipe away from the outlet end.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the connection between the connecting pipe and the water pipe is a detachable connection; and / or, the inner wall of the connecting pipe is provided with a sealing ring, which is located between the inner wall of the connecting pipe and the outer wall of the water pipe.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the angle between the branch pipe and the water pipe on the inlet side is smaller than the angle between the branch pipe and the water pipe on the outlet side.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the inner diameter of the branch pipe is smaller than the inner diameter of the water pipe.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the branch pipe and the water tank are welded.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator, which includes the water channel structure described above.

[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a cabinet and a door, the cabinet having an opening, the door and the cabinet being hinged for opening or closing the opening; a water inlet is provided on the side of the door away from the cabinet, and the water outlet of the water pipe is connected to the water inlet.

[0017] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, this application includes at least the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The water system structure provided in this application embodiment adds a water tank assembly between the inlet and outlet valves of the water pipe. When the outlet valve is closed, water from an external water source enters the water tank under pressure through a branch pipe and is stored there. The water entering the tank compresses the air inside, causing it to accumulate pressure. When a user draws water from the outlet, the outlet valve opens, and due to the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet, the water flows towards the outlet. At this time, because the air inside the tank has a high pressure, it compresses the water inside the tank, causing it to flow out of the branch pipe and towards the outlet, thus pressurizing the water flow in the pipe and accelerating its movement. This reduces the user's waiting time for water and improves the user experience. The water system structure provided in this application embodiment achieves the effect of pressurizing and increasing the water flow rate by adding a water tank assembly. The structure is simple, the water tank assembly does not require electricity, it is energy-saving and environmentally friendly, and it can meet the user's need for timely water use. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a waterway structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water tank assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of section I.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 100 - Refrigerator;

[0026] 10-Water system structure; 11-Water pipe; 111-First section of water pipe; 1111-Inlet; 112-Second section of water pipe; 1121-Outlet; 12-Inlet valve; 13-Outlet valve; 14-Water tank assembly; 141-Water tank; 142-Water pipe branch; 1421-Connecting pipe; 1422-Branch pipe;

[0027] 20-Box;

[0028] 30 - Door body; 31 - Water intake. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and comprehensively described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a unique orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as exemplary in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this application. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, known structures and processes are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles disclosed in this application.

[0032] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the spline curves and arrows used in the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are explained below: spline curves without arrows indicate solid parts, that is, parts with solid structures; spline curves with arrows indicate virtual parts, that is, parts without solid structures.

[0033] Firstly, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a waterway structure.

[0034] Please refer to the following for details. Figure 1 The water system includes a water pipe 11. The water pipe 11 has a connected inlet 1111 and an outlet 1121. The inlet 1111 is used to connect to an inlet valve 12 for an external water source, and an outlet valve 13 is provided between the inlet 1111 and the outlet 1121. It can be understood that the external water source can be tap water or purified water. The water from the external source flows through the inlet 1111 and the water pipe 11, exiting through the outlet 1121 for user use.

[0035] Please refer to the following for details. Figure 2 The water system also includes a water tank assembly 14. The water tank assembly 14 is located between the inlet 1111 and the outlet valve 13. The water tank assembly 14 includes a water tank 141 and a water pipe branch 142, which connects the water pipe 11 and the water tank 141. It should be noted that the water pipe branch 142 serves as both the inlet and outlet channel for the water tank 141; the water tank 141 can utilize the same water pipe branch 142 for both inlet and outlet functions. In other words, some water from an external water source flows into the water tank 141 through the water pipe branch 142, and then flows out of the water tank 141 through the water pipe branch 142 to the outlet 1121 of the water pipe 11.

[0036] It should be noted that the water tank 141 provided in this embodiment is a pressurized water tank 141.

[0037] It should also be noted that in the water circuit structure provided in this application embodiment, the inlet valve 12 of the external water source is normally open.

[0038] The water circuit structure provided in this application embodiment adds a water tank assembly 14 between the inlet valve 12 and the outlet valve 13 of the water pipe 11. When the outlet valve 13 is closed, water from an external water source enters the water tank 141 under pressure through the water pipe branch 142 and is stored there. The water entering the water tank 141 will compress the air inside the water tank 141, causing the air to accumulate a certain pressure. When the user takes water from the outlet 1121, the outlet valve 13 is opened. Due to the pressure difference between the inlet 1111 and the outlet 1121, the water in the water pipe 11 flows towards the outlet 1121. At this time, because the air in the water tank 141 has a large pressure, it compresses the water in the water tank 141 to flow out from the water pipe branch 142 and towards the outlet 1121, which has a pressurizing effect on the water flow in the water pipe 11, accelerates the flow of water inside the water pipe 11, reduces the user's waiting time for taking water, and improves the user's experience. The water circuit structure provided in this application embodiment achieves the effect of pressurizing and increasing water speed by adding a water tank assembly 14. The structure is simple, the water tank assembly 14 does not require electricity, it is energy-saving and environmentally friendly, and can meet the user's need for timely water use.

[0039] It should be noted that when a user draws water from the outlet 1121, the water from the external water source still flows from the inlet 1111 of the water pipe 11 to the outlet 1121 as the main path, while the water in the water tank 141 acts as a branch path to boost the pressure. The water flowing out of the water tank 141 and the water in the water pipe 11 merge and flow together to the outlet 1121.

[0040] Please refer again to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2Water tank 141 is located above water pipe branch 142, which in turn is located above water pipe 11. "Above" refers to the vertical direction of the water system during operation. Since water tank 141 is above water pipe branch 142, and water pipe branch 142 is above water pipe 11, it is clear that water tank 141 is located above water pipe 11. When outlet valve 13 is closed, water from an external source enters water tank 141 through water pipe branch 142, pushing upwards and compressing the air within. The water then settles and accumulates in water tank 141 under gravity. When a user draws water from outlet 1121, outlet valve 13 opens, releasing downward pressure and compressing the water in water tank 141 into water pipe branch 142, which then flows into water pipe 11 until it reaches outlet 1121. This design allows water in the tank 141 to flow into the pipe 11 for pressurization and speed-up using gravity and water pressure, without the need for external components such as a water pump. It is simple and convenient.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the water pipe branch 142 includes a connecting pipe 1421 and a branch pipe 1422. The connecting pipe 1421 connects to the water pipe 11, and the branch pipe 1422 connects the water pipe 11 and the water tank 141. Further, the branch pipe 1422 is located above the water pipe 11. It can be understood that the connecting pipe 1421 and the branch pipe 1422 can be T-shaped. The connecting pipe 1421 has connecting ports at both ends for connecting to the water pipe 11, and one end of the branch pipe 1422 connects to the middle of the connecting pipe 1421, while the other end connects to the water tank 141. It should be noted that the bottom of the water tank 141 has a through hole, and the branch pipe 1422 extends at least partially into the interior of the water tank 141 through the through hole.

[0042] Please refer again to some embodiments of this application. Figure 1 The water pipe 11 includes a first section 111 and a second section 112 spaced apart. An inlet 1111 is located on the first section 111, and an outlet 1121 is located on the second section 112. Furthermore, the connecting pipe 1421 has an inlet end and an outlet end; the inlet end is connected to the end of the first section 111 furthest from the inlet 1111, and the outlet end is connected to the end of the second section 112 furthest from the outlet 1121.

[0043] It should be noted that the connecting pipe 1421 and the water pipe 11 can be connected using conventional methods known in the art, including but not limited to compression fitting, heat fusion fitting, crimp fitting, threaded fitting, flange fitting, welding fitting, clamp fitting, socket fitting, or adhesive fitting. Compression fitting uses a lock nut and an open clamping ring to press the connecting pipe 1421 onto the water pipe 11. Heat fusion fitting uses a heat fusion device to heat and melt the ends of the water pipe 11 and the connecting pipe 1421, then quickly butts them together to form a stable connection. Creep fitting utilizes the deformation of an O-ring under pressure to create a seal. Threaded fitting connects the water pipe 11 and the connecting pipe 1421 using internal and external threads. Flange fitting involves fixing the water pipe 11 and the connecting pipe 1421 to separate flanges, placing a gasket between the two flanges, and finally tightening the two flanges with bolts to ensure a tight connection. Welding includes electric welding and gas welding; welded joints are strong, durable, leak-proof, and have high joint strength and tightness. The clamp connection involves fitting a shaped rubber sealing ring onto the ends of water pipe 11 and connecting pipe 1421, then connecting them with a modular clamp. The inner edge of the clamp is positioned within the groove and secured with fasteners, ensuring the pipe's sealing performance. The socket connection utilizes a flange to connect to the flange on the pipe end, pressing the rubber sealing ring tightly within the socket gap, causing the rubber ring to compress and adhere tightly to the pipe wall to form a seal. The adhesive connection uses an adhesive as a bonding filler to bond water pipe 11 and connecting pipe 1421 together, thus achieving a seal. It is understandable that a suitable connection method can be selected based on sealing, disassembly, and other requirements.

[0044] Furthermore, the connection between the connecting pipe 1421 and the water pipe 11 is a detachable connection. The detachable connection facilitates the maintenance of the connecting pipe 1421, and in case of failure, only the connecting pipe 1421 needs to be replaced without affecting the use of the water pipe 11.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, a sealing ring is provided on the inner wall of the connecting pipe 1421, and the sealing ring is located between the inner wall of the connecting pipe 1421 and the outer wall of the water pipe 11. Further, a groove is provided on the outer wall of the water pipe 11, which serves a positioning function. When the connecting pipe 1421 and the water pipe 11 are connected, the water pipe 11 extends into the connecting pipe 1421 until the sealing ring engages with the groove. It can be understood that both ends of the connecting pipe 1421 are connected to the first section of the water pipe 111 and the second section of the water pipe 112 respectively through two sealing rings. The sealing ring can be made of rubber, which provides good sealing performance, preventing water from overflowing from the water pipe 11. Furthermore, the rubber sealing ring also has functions such as dustproofing, cushioning and shock absorption, and insulation.

[0046] Please refer again to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2The angle between branch pipe 1422 and the water pipe 11 on the inlet side of 1111 is smaller than the angle between branch pipe 1422 and the water pipe 11 on the outlet side of 1121. In other words, the extension direction of branch pipe 1422 and water pipe 11 is inclined, specifically inclined towards the side closer to inlet 1111. Thus, when a user needs to draw water, the water in the water tank 141 flows out through branch pipe 1422 and can continue to flow along the direction of outlet 1121 due to inertia, which serves to increase pressure and speed.

[0047] In some embodiments of this application, the inner diameter of the branch pipe 1422 is smaller than the inner diameter of the water pipe 11. It is understood that when the outlet valve 13 is closed and the inlet valve 12 is open, water from an external water source flows upwards into the water tank 141 through the branch pipe 142, needing to overcome gravity. When water flows from the larger inner diameter water pipe 11 into the smaller inner diameter branch pipe 1422, the flow velocity increases, reducing resistance loss and adaptively adjusting the flow velocity and pressure, thus propelling the water upwards into the water tank 141.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, the branch pipe 1422 and the water tank 141 are welded. Since the branch pipe 1422 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 141 through hole, welding can improve the sealing of the branch pipe 1422 and the water tank 141, prevent water in the water tank 141 from overflowing from the bottom through hole, and also prevent dust, flying insects and other impurities from entering the water source through the bottom through hole and polluting it.

[0049] Secondly, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 This application also provides a refrigerator 100, which includes the water channel structure described above.

[0050] Please refer to the specific embodiments described in this application. Figure 4 The refrigerator 100 also includes a cabinet 20 and a door 30. The cabinet 20 has an opening, and the door 30 is hinged to the cabinet 20 for opening or closing the opening. A water inlet 31 is located on the side of the door 30 away from the cabinet 20, and the water outlet 1121 of the water pipe 11 is connected to the water inlet 31. Using the water circuit structure provided in this embodiment, when the user needs water, the water tank assembly 14 can pressurize and accelerate the flow, meeting the user's need for timely water use, reducing the user's waiting time, and improving the user experience.

[0051] It is understood that the water system starts from the inlet valve 12 of the external water source, passes through the water tank assembly 14 and the outlet valve 13, and finally connects to the water outlet 31 of the refrigerator 100. For user convenience and the aesthetics of the refrigerator 100, the external water source is located on the side of the cabinet 20 away from the door 30, i.e., at the rear of the refrigerator 100 (the door 30 is at the front). The water tank assembly 14 can be located between the refrigerator cabinet 20 and the external water source, or it can be concealed within the compressor cavity of the cabinet 20. When taking water, the user can directly select the water volume through the control interface on the door 30. The system can automatically open and close the outlet valve 13, improving user convenience.

[0052] It should be noted that the water circuit structure provided in this application embodiment can be applied not only to the refrigerator 100, but also to other water-collecting products, such as ice makers or water dispensers.

[0053] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0054] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents referenced in this application, the entire contents of that patent application are incorporated herein by reference, except for historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this application, and documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims of this application (currently or subsequently appended to this application). It should be noted that if there are any inconsistencies or conflicts between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials of this application and the content of this application, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this application shall prevail.

Claims

1. A waterway structure, characterized in that, include: A water pipe is provided with a connected inlet and an outlet. The inlet is used to connect to an inlet valve for an external water source, and an outlet valve is provided between the inlet and the outlet. as well as A water tank assembly is located between the water inlet and the water outlet valve. The water tank assembly includes a water tank and a water pipe branch, and the water pipe branch connects the water pipe and the water tank.

2. The waterway structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank is located above the water pipe branch, and the water pipe branch is located above the water pipe.

3. The waterway structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pipe branch includes a connecting pipe and a branch pipe, the connecting pipe being connected to the water pipe, and the branch pipe being connected to the water pipe and the water tank.

4. The waterway structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water pipe includes a first section and a second section of water pipe spaced apart. The inlet is located on the first section of water pipe, and the outlet is located on the second section of water pipe. The connecting pipe has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is connected to the end of the first section of water pipe away from the inlet, and the outlet end is connected to the end of the second section of water pipe away from the outlet.

5. The waterway structure according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The connection between the connecting pipe and the water pipe is a detachable connection; and / or, the inner wall of the connecting pipe is provided with a sealing ring, which is located between the inner wall of the connecting pipe and the outer wall of the water pipe.

6. The waterway structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle between the branch pipe and the water pipe on the inlet side is smaller than the angle between the branch pipe and the water pipe on the outlet side.

7. The waterway structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the branch pipe is smaller than the inner diameter of the water pipe.

8. The waterway structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The branch pipe is welded to the water tank.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes the water channel structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a cabinet and a door. The cabinet has an opening, and the door is hinged to the cabinet for opening or closing the opening. A water inlet is provided on the side of the door away from the cabinet, and the outlet of the water pipe is connected to the water inlet.

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