Refrigerator
By designing a gradually expanding water outlet connector in the refrigerator's drainage structure, the problem of ice blockage in the drainage structure is solved, enabling smooth drainage of condensate and defrost water, reducing the risk of moisture accumulation and bacterial growth, and improving the refrigerator's cooling effect and operating efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520084922.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-14
AI Technical Summary
In refrigerators with an upper and lower compartment layout, the drainage structure is prone to blockage due to low-temperature freezing, which prevents the condensate and defrost water from draining smoothly, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and affecting the cooling effect and operating efficiency.
Design a drainage structure in which the outer diameter of the water outlet gradually expands from the water inlet to the bottom plate, increasing the distance to the lower chamber, increasing the thickness of the insulation layer, reducing the risk of freezing and blockage, and smoothly draining condensate and defrost water through the gradually expanding drainage path.
It effectively reduces moisture buildup, lowers the risk of bacterial growth, improves the refrigerator's cooling effect and operating efficiency, and enhances overall cleanliness and energy utilization.
Smart Images

Figure CN223869613U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, to adapt to and meet the diverse temperature requirements of different food storage conditions, modern refrigerator designs generally adopt a multi-compartment structure, with each compartment set with a specific cooling temperature. This design not only improves the flexibility of storage space but also optimizes energy efficiency and food preservation. In particular, to more effectively utilize the vertical space inside the refrigerator, many refrigerators employ a dual-evaporator system with upper and lower compartments. This configuration allows the upper and lower compartments to control their temperatures independently without interference, greatly enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of refrigeration and freezing functions.
[0003] In refrigerators with an upper and lower compartment layout, the drip tray is usually located at the bottom to collect and drain condensation or defrost water that may be generated in each compartment. For the upper compartment, the condensation and defrost water needs to be drained downwards through the drainage structure, bypassing or adhering to the outer wall of the lower compartment, and finally directed to the drip tray at the bottom, from where it is discharged to the outside through the refrigerator's drainage system.
[0004] However, because the interior of a refrigerator, especially the lower compartments, maintains a relatively low cooling temperature, the surrounding environment and the drainage system itself are susceptible to cooling. When the drainage system is close to the lower compartments, its surface temperature may drop below freezing, leading to icing. Once the drainage system is blocked by ice, the defrost water from the upper compartments cannot drain smoothly. This can not only cause water to accumulate inside the refrigerator, increasing the risk of bacterial growth, but also affect the overall cooling effect and operating efficiency of the refrigerator. In severe cases, it can even cause safety hazards such as short circuits. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a refrigerator.
[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:
[0007] This application provides a refrigerator, including:
[0008] The room includes a first room and a second room that are spaced apart in a vertical direction, with the first room located above the second room;
[0009] The floor slab, located on the side of the second compartment away from the first compartment; and
[0010] The drainage structure includes a connected inlet and outlet joint. The inlet is connected to the first chamber, and the outlet joint is located between the second chamber and the bottom plate and is connected to the bottom plate. The outer diameter of the outlet joint gradually expands from the inlet to the bottom plate.
[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the water outlet connector is frustum-shaped.
[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second compartment has a notch on the side away from the first compartment, and the floor plate is located at the notch.
[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the water inlet includes a water inlet connector and a drain pipe that are connected together, the water inlet connector being connected to the first chamber and the drain pipe being connected to the water outlet connector.
[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the water inlet connector is funnel-shaped, including a connected water collection hopper and a water collection section. The bottom of the first chamber is provided with a drainage section. The water collection hopper is attached to the shell of the first chamber around the drainage section. The drainage section is located inside the water collection hopper and communicates with the water collection section.
[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the outer diameter of the water collection section gradually decreases from the water collection hopper to the drain pipe.
[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the drain pipe includes a first flow section and a second flow section connected together. The first flow section is connected to a water inlet connector, and the second flow section is connected to a water outlet connector. The outer diameter of the first flow section is larger than the outer diameter of the second flow section.
[0017] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the outer diameter of the first flow section is larger than the outer diameter of a portion of the water inlet connector, and the portion of the water inlet connector is located within the first flow section.
[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the base plate is provided with mounting holes, and the water outlet connector passes through the mounting holes and connects to the base plate; and / or, a water receiving tray is provided on the side of the base plate away from the compartment, and the drainage structure connects the first compartment and the water receiving tray.
[0019] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first compartment is a refrigerator compartment and the second compartment is a freezer compartment.
[0020] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, this application includes at least the following beneficial effects:
[0021] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment increases the distance between the water outlet connector and the second compartment by gradually widening the outer diameter of the water outlet connector from the water inlet to the bottom plate. This increases the thickness of the insulation layer between the water outlet connector and the second compartment, reduces the impact of the low temperature in the second compartment on the water outlet connector, and lowers the risk of the water outlet connector freezing and becoming blocked. The condensate defrosting water in the first compartment can be smoothly discharged through the drainage structure, reducing the accumulation of water in the first compartment. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth and odor caused by water retention, and improves the overall cooling effect and operating efficiency of the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description
[0022] 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:
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the refrigerator in the picture;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a drainage structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water outlet connector provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water inlet provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drainage pipe provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first room provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of section I;
[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second compartment and a floor plate provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of section II.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 100 - Refrigerator;
[0036] 11-First compartment; 111-Drainage section; 12-Second compartment; 121-Gap;
[0037] 20-Drainage structure; 21-Water inlet; 211-Water inlet connector; 2111-Water collection hopper; 2112-Water collection section; 212-Drainage pipe; 2121-First flow section; 2122-Second flow section; 2123-Second limiting part; 22-Water outlet connector; 30-Base plate; 31-Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] In related technologies, the bottom of the upper compartment (refrigerator liner) of a refrigerator is equipped with a drainage structure. This drainage structure passes through the back of the lower compartment (freezer liner). The lower connector of the drainage structure is cylindrical, and its bottom is usually rounded, forming a sealing surface with the bottom plate to prevent the foaming material from overflowing during the refrigerator's foaming process. Because the lower connector of the drainage structure is relatively close to the lower compartment above it, and the insulation layer is thinner at this location, the temperature of the drainage structure is significantly affected by the low temperature of the lower compartment, making it prone to freezing and blockage.
[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This application provides a refrigerator 100, including: a compartment, a bottom plate 30, and a drainage structure 20. The compartment includes a first compartment 11 and a second compartment 12 arranged vertically at intervals, with the first compartment 11 located above the second compartment 12. The bottom plate 30 is located on the side of the second compartment 12 away from the first compartment 11. The drainage structure 20 includes a connected water inlet 21 and a water outlet 22. The water inlet 21 connects to the first compartment 11, and the water outlet 22 is located between the second compartment 12 and the bottom plate 30, and connects to the bottom plate 30. The outer diameter of the water outlet 22 gradually increases from the water inlet 21 to the bottom plate 30.
[0044] It is understood that the refrigerator 100 provided in this application embodiment is a vertically spaced refrigerator 100, with the compartments including a first compartment 11 and a second compartment 12 arranged vertically at intervals. The first compartment 11 is located above the second compartment 12, meaning that when the refrigerator 100 is in operation, the first compartment 11 is vertically positioned above the second compartment 12. The first compartment 11 and the second compartment 12 have different cooling temperatures to meet the storage temperature requirements of different items. For example, the cooling temperature of the first compartment 11 is higher than that of the second compartment 12; in other words, the first compartment 11 can be a refrigerator compartment, and the second compartment 12 can be a freezer compartment.
[0045] It should be noted that, along the same extension path, the horizontal height of the center of the cross section of a structure with a gradually widening outer diameter is lower than that of a structure with the same outer diameter, meaning that it is farther away from the structure above it.
[0046] The refrigerator 100 provided in this application embodiment increases the distance between the water outlet connector 22 and the second compartment 12 by gradually widening the outer diameter of the water outlet connector 22 from the water inlet 21 to the bottom plate 30. This increases the thickness of the insulation layer between the water outlet connector 22 and the second compartment 12, reduces the impact of the low temperature of the second compartment 12 on the water outlet connector 22, and reduces the risk of the water outlet connector 22 freezing and becoming blocked. The defrosting water of the first compartment 11 can be smoothly discharged through the drainage structure 20, reducing the accumulation of water in the first compartment 11, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and odor caused by water retention, and improving the overall cooling effect and operating efficiency of the refrigerator 100.
[0047] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 5 The water outlet connector 22 is truncated cone-shaped.
[0048] Please refer again to some embodiments of this application. Figure 4 The water inlet 21 includes a connected water inlet connector 211 and a drain pipe 212. The water inlet connector 211 connects to the first chamber 11, and the drain pipe 212 connects to the water outlet connector 22. It can be understood that the condensate defrosting water in the first chamber 11 can be discharged sequentially through the water inlet connector 211, the drain pipe 212, and the water outlet connector 22, reducing the adverse effects of water accumulation on the first chamber 11, such as bacterial growth and the generation of foreign objects.
[0049] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The inlet connector 211 is funnel-shaped, including a connected water collection hopper 2111 and a water collection section 2112. A drain section 111 is provided at the bottom of the first chamber 11. The water collection hopper 2111 fits against the shell of the first chamber 11 around the drain section 111. The drain section 111 is located inside the water collection hopper 2111 and communicates with the water collection section 2112. The water collection hopper 2111 increases the water collection range and ensures a tight seal between the first chamber 11 and the drain structure 20, preventing water from escaping from the connection between the drain section 111 and the inlet 21. It should be noted that after the water collection hopper 2111 and the drain section 111 are aligned and installed, they can be fixed with PE tape or foam to prevent leakage of the foam material.
[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the outer diameter of the water collection section 2112 gradually decreases from the water collection hopper 2111 to the drain pipe 212. The gradual decrease in the outer diameter of the water collection section 2112 facilitates the connection between the water collection section 2112 and the drain pipe 212, and the decrease in outer diameter increases the water flow velocity, which helps to accelerate the drainage efficiency of the drainage structure 20.
[0051] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 7 The drain pipe 212 includes a first flow section 2121 and a second flow section 2122 connected together. The first flow section 2121 is connected to the inlet connector 211, and the second flow section 2122 is connected to the outlet connector 22. The outer diameter of the first flow section 2121 is larger than the outer diameter of the second flow section 2122.
[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the outer diameter of the first flow section 2121 is larger than the outer diameter of a portion of the water inlet connector 211, and the portion of the water inlet connector 211 is located within the first flow section 2121. It can be understood that the outer diameter of the water collection section 2112 gradually decreases from the water collection hopper 2111 to the drain pipe 212, so that a portion of the water collection section 2112 is located within the first flow section 2121. Since the direction from the water collection section 2112 to the drain pipe 212 is vertically downward, it facilitates the water flow in the water collection section 2112 to fully flow into the drain pipe 212 under the action of gravity, preventing water overflow from posing a safety risk to other components inside the refrigerator 100, especially the electronic control components.
[0053] Furthermore, please refer again. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The water collection section 2112 is provided with a first limiting part, and the first flow section 2121 is provided with a second limiting part 2123. During installation, the water collection section 2112 is inserted into the first flow section 2121, and the first limiting part and the second limiting part 2123 are used for limiting and guiding before connection, so as to ensure the reliability and sealing of the assembly.
[0054] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 10The second compartment 12 has a notch 121 on the side away from the first compartment 11, and the bottom plate 30 is located at the notch 121. It should be noted that the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 12 can have the same depth. Both the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 12 have openings located on the door side of the refrigerator 100 for easy access to items. The drainage structure 20 extends from the first compartment 11, around the back of the second compartment 12, to the bottom plate 30. The notch 121 of the second compartment 12 is located on the back of the second compartment 12, i.e., the side away from the opening, for placing the bottom plate 30 and other components. This helps to conceal other components and facilitates user access to items from the opening. Furthermore, the coordinated arrangement of the components fully utilizes the internal volume of the refrigerator 100, making the structure of the refrigerator 100 more regular.
[0055] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 11 The base plate 30 is provided with mounting holes 31, and the water outlet connector 22 passes through the mounting holes 31 and connects to the base plate 30. Furthermore, foam can be provided around the mounting holes 31. The water outlet connector 22 is inserted into the mounting holes 31 and squeezed to install, so that the water outlet connector 22 is snapped into a suitable position to ensure reliable assembly.
[0056] In some embodiments of this application, a water collection tray is provided on the side of the base plate 30 away from the compartment, and the drainage structure 20 connects the first compartment 11 and the water collection tray. In the refrigerator 100 provided in this application, the condensate defrosting water generated in the first compartment 11 can flow sequentially through the drain section 111, the water collection trough 2111, the water collection section 2112, the first connecting section, the second connecting section, and the water outlet connector 22 to the water collection tray, and then be discharged outside the refrigerator 100 through the drainage system of the water collection tray. This effectively reduces the accumulation of moisture in the first compartment 11, avoids bacterial growth and odor problems that may be caused by moisture retention, and significantly improves the cleanliness and hygiene level inside the refrigerator 100. At the same time, the optimized setting of the drainage structure 20 also promotes the enhancement of the overall cooling effect of the refrigerator 100. Because the potential interference of moisture to the cooling system is reduced, the refrigerator 100 can maintain the set temperature more efficiently, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency and energy utilization rate.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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 refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The room includes a first room and a second room that are spaced apart in a vertical direction, with the first room located above the second room; A floor plate, the floor plate being located on the side of the second compartment away from the first compartment; as well as A drainage structure includes a water inlet and a water outlet connected together. The water inlet is connected to the first chamber, and the water outlet is located between the second chamber and the bottom plate and is connected to the bottom plate. The outer diameter of the water outlet gradually expands from the water inlet to the bottom plate.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet connector is truncated cone-shaped.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second compartment has a gap on the side away from the first compartment, and the floor plate is located at the gap.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet includes a water inlet connector and a drain pipe that are connected together. The water inlet connector is connected to the first chamber, and the drain pipe is connected to the water outlet connector.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water inlet connector is funnel-shaped and includes a connected water collection hopper and a water collection section. The bottom of the first chamber is provided with a drainage section. The water collection hopper is attached to the shell of the first chamber around the drainage section. The drainage section is located inside the water collection hopper and communicates with the water collection section.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the water collection section gradually decreases from the water collection hopper to the drain pipe.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drain pipe includes a first flow section and a second flow section connected together. The first flow section is connected to the inlet connector, and the second flow section is connected to the outlet connector. The outer diameter of the first flow section is larger than the outer diameter of the second flow section.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the first flow section is larger than the outer diameter of a portion of the water inlet connectors, and a portion of the water inlet connectors is located within the first flow section.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate is provided with mounting holes, and the water outlet connector passes through the mounting holes and connects to the base plate; and / or, the base plate is provided with a water receiving tray on the side away from the compartment, and the drainage structure connects the first compartment and the water receiving tray.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first compartment is a refrigerator compartment, and the second compartment is a freezer compartment.