Water tank assembly and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

This application relates to water tank components and refrigeration equipment. The water tank component includes: a tank body forming a receiving cavity and a water inlet communicating with the receiving cavity; a cover movably connected to the tank body for closing or opening the water inlet; and an elastic component disposed between the tank body and the cover, the elastic component having an elastic driving force to drive the cover to open the water inlet. This application simplifies the user's water filling process by using the elastic component to drive the cover to open the water inlet, achieving the closing or opening of the water inlet without much user intervention, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, the automatic water tank cover opening module has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to implement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of water tank technology, specifically relating to water tank components and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some refrigeration equipment is equipped with an ice-making module, which usually contains a water tank to provide a water source, enabling ice to be made inside the refrigeration equipment for convenient use by users. However, with existing water tanks, it is cumbersome and inconvenient to operate them without first removing the tank from the refrigeration unit, then opening the water inlet cap to fill it with water, and finally closing the cap before pushing the tank back into its base. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides water tank components and refrigeration equipment to solve the technical problem of cumbersome water filling of water tanks.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a water tank assembly for placement inside a refrigeration device, the water tank assembly including a water tank and a water tank base, the water tank base for accommodating the water tank, the water tank including: a tank body forming a receiving cavity and a water inlet communicating with the receiving cavity; a cover movably connected to the tank body for closing or opening the water inlet; an elastic component disposed between the tank body and the cover, the elastic component having an elastic driving force for driving the cover to move and open the water inlet; the water tank base having a corresponding... The provided blocking member, when the water tank is placed on the water tank seat, pushes the cover to overcome the elastic driving force and closes the water inlet; the water tank seat has an open side, and the water tank can be slidably installed on the water tank seat from the open side; the water inlet is located at the top of the tank body; the blocking member includes a baffle, which is located on the open side of the water tank seat and extends in a direction away from the water tank seat; during the process of the water tank being slidably installed on the water tank seat, the end of the baffle away from the water tank seat contacts the cover and pushes the cover to close the water inlet.

[0005] According to one embodiment of this application, the cover is rotatably disposed on the box, and the elastic component can drive the cover to flip and open the water inlet.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the elastic component includes a rotating shaft and at least one torsion spring. The rotating shaft is disposed in the housing and located on one side of the water inlet. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft and has a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The first spring arm acts on the housing and the second spring arm acts on the cover. The torsion spring has a torsional force that drives the cover to rotate away from the housing to open the water inlet.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the cover has at least one first spring arm hole corresponding to the torsion spring, and the box has at least one second spring arm hole corresponding to the torsion spring. The first spring arm is disposed in the first spring arm hole, and the second spring arm is disposed in the second spring arm hole.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, a flexible buffer portion is provided at the end of the baffle away from the water tank seat.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the cover is rotatably disposed on the tank body, and the baffle can push the cover to rotate and approach the tank body. After the water tank is completely placed on the water tank seat, the baffle is at least partially attached to the top of the cover body so that the cover body closes the water inlet.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the water tank further includes: a water inlet funnel disposed in the tank body and located at the water inlet; a sealing element disposed on the side of the water inlet funnel facing away from the water inlet; and a handle disposed on the outer wall of the water tank.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a refrigeration device, the refrigeration device including a device body and a water tank assembly of any of the above, a water tank seat for accommodating the water tank is provided on the device body, and a blocking member corresponding to the cover is provided on the water tank seat. When the water tank is placed on the water tank seat, the blocking member pushes the cover to overcome the elastic driving force and closes the water inlet.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The water tank of this application includes a tank body, a cover, and an elastic component. The tank body forms a receiving cavity and a water inlet communicating with the receiving cavity; the elastic component has an elastic driving force to drive the cover to open the water inlet. This application simplifies the user's water filling process by driving the cover to open the water inlet through the elastic component. The water inlet can be closed or opened without much user intervention, improving the user experience. At the same time, the automatic water tank cover opening module has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to implement. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the water tank and water tank base used in accordance with this application;

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the water tank of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Partial schematic diagrams of sections A1 and A2;

[0017] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water tank and water tank base used in this application;

[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of section A3 in the middle;

[0019] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water tank and water tank seat used in accordance with this application;

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial schematic diagram of section A4 in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not the entire structure. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that the components must be absolutely horizontal or vertical, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. Similarly, the terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" do not imply that the components are absolutely parallel or perpendicular, but rather that they can have a certain angular deviation. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. In addition, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientations or positional relationships that are commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0025] It is understood that in this document, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The term "and / or" merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0026] Traditional water tanks often require users to manually perform cumbersome opening and closing actions when filling them, such as unscrewing complex caps or disassembling multiple fasteners. This not only reduces the user experience but also increases the cost of manufacturing the water tank.

[0027] Therefore, this application provides a water tank and a refrigeration device. (See reference...) Figures 1-5 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the water tank and water tank base used in this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the water tank of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Partial schematic diagrams of sections A1 and A2; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water tank and water tank base used in this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of section A3 in the middle; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water tank and water tank base used in this application; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial schematic diagram of section A4 in the middle.

[0028] This application provides a water tank 10 for placement inside a refrigeration device. The water tank 10 includes a tank body 11, a cover 12, and an elastic component 13. The tank body 11 forms a receiving cavity 111 and a water inlet 112 communicating with the receiving cavity 111. The cover 12 is movably connected to the tank body 11 and is used to close or open the water inlet 112. The elastic component 13 is disposed between the tank body 11 and the cover 12, and the elastic component 13 has an elastic driving force to drive the cover 12 to open the water inlet 112.

[0029] In this embodiment, the housing 11 is the main structure of the water tank 10, and its interior forms a receiving cavity 111. The function of the receiving cavity 111 is to store water and provide the water source required for the operation of the refrigeration equipment. At the same time, a water inlet 112 is provided on the housing 11, which is connected to the receiving cavity 111. Water from the outside can flow smoothly into the receiving cavity 111 through the water inlet 112, realizing the water replenishment operation of the water tank 10.

[0030] The cover 12 is movably connected to the housing 11 and is used to close and open the water inlet 112. When the water tank 10 does not need to be filled, the cover 12 is in the closed state of the water inlet 112, preventing water from flowing out of the water inlet and also preventing external impurities from entering the water tank 10, ensuring the cleanliness of the water in the water tank 10 and the stability of the refrigeration equipment operation. When it is necessary to fill the water tank 10 with water, the cover 12 can be movably opened to open the water inlet 112 for water filling.

[0031] An elastic component 13 is installed between the housing 11 and the cover 12. The elastic component 13 generates an elastic driving force to drive the cover 12 to open the water inlet 112. When the water tank 10 is placed in a predetermined position inside the refrigeration equipment, the elastic component 13 is in a compressed or deformed state, possessing a certain elastic potential energy. When the water tank 10 is removed from the refrigeration equipment, the elastic component 13 loses its restraint, and the accumulated elastic potential energy is converted into a force that moves the cover 12, pushing it away from the water inlet 112, thereby opening the water inlet 112. This design eliminates the need for manual opening of the cover 12 during water filling, making operation more convenient and providing a smooth and efficient user experience. This enhances user satisfaction and improves the product's competitiveness in the market. It also simplifies the opening structure of the water tank 10, eliminating the need for additional electronic components, complex circuit wiring, and precision machining, reducing costs and improving reliability. Furthermore, the simple structure makes troubleshooting and repair easier during later maintenance.

[0032] According to one embodiment of this application, the cover 12 is rotatably disposed on the box 11, and the elastic component 13 can drive the cover 12 to flip and open the water inlet 112.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cover 12 is rotatably mounted on the housing 11, and the cover 12 and the housing 11 are rotatably connected through a specific connection structure. Common implementations include installing a hinge-like structure at the edges of the cover 12 and the housing 11, or using a pivot with a slot design. This connection allows the cover 12 to rotate circumferentially around a fixed point within a certain angular range.

[0034] When the water tank 10 is in a closed state, the elastic component 13 is in a deformed state of compression, stretching, or twisting, during which elastic potential energy is accumulated inside the elastic component 13. When water needs to be added to the water tank 10, the water tank 10 is removed, and the elastic component 13 releases the accumulated elastic potential energy. The release of energy is converted into a driving force, which acts on the cover 12. Under the action of the driving force, the cover 12 makes a circular motion around the connection point, that is, the cover 12 flips, thereby opening the originally closed water inlet 112, creating conditions for subsequent water filling operations. For users, the water filling operation becomes easy. When filling traditional water tanks, users often need to manually unscrew, push, or lift the cover, which is a rather cumbersome process. However, with the design of the embodiment of this application, when water needs to be added, the elastic component 13 can automatically drive the cover 12 to flip and open the water inlet 112, and the whole process is completed in one go, saving users' time and effort and improving the user experience.

[0035] Furthermore, during normal use of the water tank 10, the cover 12, under the action of the elastic component 13, can tightly fit the water inlet 112, forming a good sealing effect, effectively preventing water leakage inside the water tank 10, and preventing external dust, impurities and other pollutants from entering the water tank 10, ensuring the cleanliness and quality of the water inside the water tank 10, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the refrigeration equipment.

[0036] Furthermore, compared to some complex automatic lid-opening systems, such as those using electronic sensors or motor drives, this design, relying solely on the elastic component 13 and a rotating connection, boasts a simple and straightforward structure. Simultaneously, due to its simple structure, routine maintenance and troubleshooting are easier to perform, reducing subsequent maintenance costs and improving the reliability and lifespan of the water tank 10.

[0037] In other embodiments, the cover 12 can also be slidably disposed on the housing 11, and the elastic component 13 can drive the cover 12 to slide away and expose the water inlet 112. Since the cover 12 moves along the surface of the housing 11, no rotation space is required, allowing the water tank 10 to make more efficient use of every inch of space within the limited internal space of the refrigeration equipment. Especially for some compact refrigeration equipment, such as small car refrigerators or portable cooling boxes, the sliding cover design can maximize the capacity of the water tank 10 without increasing the overall size of the equipment, meeting the user's dual needs for miniaturization of refrigeration equipment and large-capacity water storage.

[0038] According to one embodiment of this application, the elastic component 13 includes a rotating shaft 131 and at least one torsion spring 132. The rotating shaft 131 is disposed on the housing 11 and located on one side of the water inlet 112. The torsion spring 132 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 131 and has a first spring arm 1321 and a second spring arm 1322. The first spring arm 1321 acts on the housing 11, and the second spring arm 1322 acts on the cover 12. The torsion spring 132 has a torsional force that drives the cover 12 to rotate away from the housing 11, so as to open the water inlet 112.

[0039] In this embodiment, the elastic component 13 consists of a rotating shaft 131 and at least one torsion spring 132. The rotating shaft 131 is securely mounted on the housing 11, and its position is precisely positioned on one side of the water inlet 112. The rotating shaft 131 provides a stable support hub for the installation and operation of the torsion spring 132 and the cover 12.

[0040] A torsion spring 132 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 131. The torsion spring 132 has a first spring arm 1321 and a second spring arm 1322. The first spring arm 1321 acts tightly on the tank body 11, while the second spring arm 1322 interacts with the cover 12. When the water tank 10 needs to be opened for water filling, the torsion spring 132 generates a torsional force due to its elastic properties. This torsional force is transmitted to the cover 12 through the second spring arm 1322, driving the cover 12 to rotate around the rotating shaft 131 away from the tank body 11. As the cover 12 rotates, the water inlet 112, which was originally closed, is exposed, thus enabling the opening of the water inlet 112 and preparing for the water filling process of the water tank 10.

[0041] The torsional force generated by the torsion spring 132 is highly stable. During the long-term use of the water tank 10, it needs to undergo multiple opening and closing operations, and the torsion spring 132 can continuously and stably provide the force to drive the lid 12 to rotate. Compared with some other types of elastic drive methods, such as the use of rubber elastomers, the torsion spring 132 is less prone to problems such as elastic fatigue and excessive changes in the elastic coefficient due to long-term use, which greatly improves the reliability of the opening structure of the water tank 10 and ensures that the water inlet 112 can be opened smoothly every time the user fills water.

[0042] This embodiment of the application achieves precise control of the rotation of the cover 12 by setting the rotating shaft 131 on one side of the water inlet 112 and combining it with the double-arm structure of the torsion spring 132. Driven by the torsion spring 132, the cover 12 can rotate along a specific trajectory centered on the rotating shaft 131. The rotation angle and direction are relatively fixed, avoiding unstable phenomena such as shaking or deviation of the cover 12 during the opening process, ensuring that the water inlet 112 can be opened smoothly and accurately, facilitating the user's water filling operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the elastic component 13 employs a combination design of a rotating shaft 131 and a torsion spring 132, resulting in a relatively simple overall structure. Compared to opening structures using complex mechanical linkage mechanisms or electronic drive devices, the design of this embodiment requires fewer components and simplifies the installation process. The rotating shaft 131 and torsion spring 132 are small in size, enabling efficient opening of the water inlet 112 without occupying excessive internal and surrounding space of the water tank 10. This offers significant advantages for water tank designs in space-constrained refrigeration equipment, ensuring the integrity of the water tank 10's functions without compromising the overall layout and other functions of the refrigeration equipment due to an overly complex and bulky opening structure.

[0044] According to one embodiment of this application, the cover 12 has at least one first spring arm hole 1321a corresponding to the torsion spring 132, and the box 11 has at least one second spring arm hole 1322a corresponding to the torsion spring 132. The first spring arm 1321 is disposed in the first spring arm hole 1321a, and the second spring arm 1322 is disposed in the second spring arm hole 1322a.

[0045] In this embodiment, in the connection structure between the elastic component 13 of the water tank 10 and the cover 12 and the tank body 11, specific holes are provided on the cover 12 and the tank body 11 corresponding to the torsion spring 132. The cover 12 has at least one first spring arm hole 1321a, and the first spring arm 1321 is disposed within the first spring arm hole 1321a, thereby establishing a stable connection between the first spring arm 1321 and the cover 12. Similarly, the tank body 11 has at least one second spring arm hole 1322a corresponding to the torsion spring 132, and the second spring arm 1322 of the torsion spring 132 is disposed within the second spring arm hole 1322a, achieving a stable connection between the second spring arm 1322 and the tank body 11. This design ensures that the two arms of the torsion spring 132 are tightly connected to the cover 12 and the housing 11 respectively. During the process of the torsion spring 132 generating torsional force to drive the cover 12 to rotate and open the water inlet 112, the driving force can be stably transmitted to the cover 12 and the housing 11, ensuring the normal operation of the entire opening structure.

[0046] The first spring arm 1321 is located within the first spring arm hole 1321a, and the second spring arm 1322 is located within the second spring arm hole 1322a. This ensures that when the elastic potential energy of the torsion spring 132 is released, the direction of the force is more precisely directed in the direction of rotation of the drive cap 12, reducing force dispersion and loss. With the same torsion spring elastic coefficient, more efficient cap opening drive can be achieved, making it easier and smoother for users to open the water inlet 112, thus improving the user experience.

[0047] Furthermore, the placement of the first spring arm hole 1321a and the second spring arm hole 1322a makes the connection between the entire elastic component 13 and the cover 12 and the housing 11 more compact. The spring arm is embedded within the hole, avoiding the space occupation and safety hazards that might result from the spring arm protruding externally. From an aesthetic perspective, the surfaces of the cover 12 and the housing 11 are smoother and simpler, enhancing the overall appearance of the water tank 10. This compact and aesthetically pleasing structural design is of great significance for water tanks in refrigeration equipment that prioritize product appearance and space utilization, allowing them to better integrate into refrigeration equipment with various styles and space requirements.

[0048] Furthermore, during the product installation process, the spring arms of the torsion spring 132 are inserted into the spring arm holes on the cover 12 and the box 11, making the operation relatively simple and convenient, reducing the installation difficulty and time cost.

[0049] In other embodiments, the elastic component 13 includes at least one set of springs, and the housing 11 has a groove for installing the springs. When the water tank 10 needs to be opened for water filling, the springs can spring open the cover 12 away from the housing 11 due to their own elastic properties, exposing the closed water inlet 112, thereby realizing the opening operation of the water inlet 112 and preparing for the water filling process of the water tank 10.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this application, the refrigeration equipment has a water tank seat 20 for accommodating a water tank 10. The water tank seat 20 has a blocking member 21 corresponding to the cover 12. When the water tank 10 is placed on the water tank seat 20, the blocking member 21 pushes the cover 12 to overcome the elastic driving force and closes the water inlet 112.

[0051] In this embodiment, the water tank holder 20 is used to house the water tank 10. The water tank holder 20 is equipped with a blocking member 21, the position of which corresponds to the cover 12 of the water tank 10.

[0052] When the water tank 10 is placed on the water tank seat 20, the water tank 10 is pushed into the water tank seat 20. As the water tank 10 is in place, the blocking member 21 on the water tank seat 20 comes into contact with the cover 12 and applies a pushing force to the cover 12. Because an elastic component 13 is provided between the cover 12 and the tank body 11 in the structure of the water tank 10, the elastic component 13 generates an elastic driving force, which drives the cover 12 to open the water inlet 112. When the blocking member 21 applies a pushing force to the cover 12, the cover 12 needs to overcome the elastic driving force generated by the elastic component 13 under the action of the pushing force. As the blocking member 21 continues to apply the pushing force, the cover 12 gradually moves towards the direction of closing the water inlet 112, and finally successfully closes the water inlet 112. When the water tank 10 is removed from the water tank seat 20, the blocking member 21 no longer applies a pushing force to the cover 12, and the cover 12 can reopen the water inlet 112 under the elastic driving force of the elastic component 13.

[0053] During the operation of refrigeration equipment, vibrations and tilting may occur. If the water inlet 112 of the water tank 10 is not properly sealed, water may leak out, wasting water resources and damaging other internal components, thus affecting the normal operation of the equipment. By using the blocking element 21 on the water tank base 20 to push the cover 12 to seal the water inlet 112, the water inlet 112 is ensured to remain sealed at all times, effectively preventing leakage and ensuring the stable operation of the refrigeration equipment and the safety of its internal components.

[0054] Furthermore, the design of the blocking component 21 allows users to simply place the water tank 10 onto the water tank base 20 when using the refrigeration equipment; the water inlet 112 of the water tank 10 will automatically close without any additional operation. When it's time to refill the water tank 10, simply removing the water tank 10 from the water tank base 20 will automatically reopen the water inlet 112. The entire process is simple and convenient, enhancing the user experience of the refrigeration equipment. At the same time, this integrated design also enhances the overall aesthetics and structural compactness of the refrigeration equipment, making it more concise and elegant in appearance and more efficient and rational in space utilization.

[0055] According to one embodiment of this application, the water tank base 20 has an open side 22, and the water tank 10 can be slidably installed on the water tank base 20 from the open side 22. The water inlet 112 is located at the top of the tank body 11. The blocking member 21 includes a baffle 211, which is located on the open side 22 of the water tank base 20 and extends in a direction away from the water tank base 20. During the process of the water tank 10 being slidably installed on the water tank base 20, the end of the baffle 211 away from the water tank base 20 contacts the cover 12 and pushes the cover 12 to close the water inlet 112.

[0056] In this embodiment, the water tank base 20 has an open side 22, which facilitates the installation of the water tank 10. The water tank 10 can be slidably installed onto the water tank base 20 via the open side 22. The water inlet 112 of the water tank 10 is located at the top of the tank body 11.

[0057] The blocking element 21 of the water tank seat 20 includes a baffle 211. The baffle 211 is positioned on the open side 22 of the water tank seat 20, and its extension direction is away from the water tank seat 20. When the water tank 10 is installed, i.e., when the water tank 10 slides into the water tank seat 20 along the open side 22, the end of the baffle 211 away from the water tank seat 20 comes into contact with the cover 12 of the water tank 10. As the water tank 10 continues to slide into the water tank seat 20, the baffle 211 continuously applies a pushing force to the cover 12. There is an elastic component 13 between the cover 12 and the tank body 11 of the water tank 10, and the elastic component 13 generates an elastic driving force that drives the cover 12 to open the water inlet 112. At this time, the pushing force applied by the baffle 211 overcomes the elastic driving force of the elastic component 13, causing the cover 12 to rotate in the direction of closing the water inlet 112 until the water inlet 112 is completely closed.

[0058] The water tank 10 can be slidably installed from the open side 22 of the water tank base 20. This installation method is simple and intuitive. Users do not need complicated tools or tedious assembly steps. They can simply align the water tank 10 with the open side 22 and then gently push it to complete the installation process, improving installation efficiency.

[0059] During the installation of the water tank 10, the baffle 211 automatically pushes the cover 12 to seal the water inlet 112, ensuring the water inlet 112 is airtight. During the operation of the refrigeration equipment, internal vibrations and temperature changes may occur. If the water inlet 112 is not properly sealed, water leakage from the water tank 10 can easily occur, affecting the normal operation of the equipment. This automatic sealing mechanism effectively avoids water leakage, ensuring the stable operation of the refrigeration equipment, and also prevents damage to other internal components caused by water leakage, thus extending the service life of the refrigeration equipment.

[0060] The open-side design of the water tank base 20 and the sliding installation method of the water tank 10 make full use of the internal space of the refrigeration equipment, allowing for a more rational layout of other components within a limited space and improving the overall space utilization of the equipment. This space optimization design is particularly important for some compact refrigeration equipment, such as small household refrigerators or vehicle refrigeration equipment.

[0061] Once the water tank 10 is installed and the water inlet 112 is sealed, it can effectively prevent external dust, impurities and other pollutants from entering the interior of the water tank 10.

[0062] During the installation of the water tank 10, the interaction between the baffle 211 and the cover 12 not only seals the water inlet 112 but also enhances the stability of the water tank 10 within the water tank base 20 to a certain extent. During the operation of the refrigeration equipment, the water tank 10 will not shift or shake due to vibration or other reasons, ensuring the overall operational stability of the equipment and reducing the risk of malfunctions caused by instability in the water tank 10.

[0063] In other embodiments, the water inlet 112 is located on the upper half of the side wall of the tank 11. When the water tank 10 is placed on the water tank seat 20, the side wall of the water tank seat 20 corresponding to the water inlet 112 pushes the cover 12 to close. By pushing the cover 12 to close the water inlet 112 through the side wall of the water tank seat 20, a tight and reliable sealing effect can be formed.

[0064] According to one embodiment of this application, a flexible buffer portion 212 is provided at the end of the baffle 211 away from the water tank seat 20.

[0065] In this embodiment, a flexible buffer portion 212 is added to the end of the baffle 211 away from the water tank base 20. The flexible buffer portion 212 is located at a key contact point in the entire water tank 10 installation process. When the water tank 10 is slidably installed into the water tank base 20 along the open side 22, the flexible buffer portion 212 on the baffle 211 is the first part to come into contact with the cover 12 of the water tank 10.

[0066] The flexible buffer 212 is typically made of materials with good flexibility and cushioning properties, such as rubber or silicone. The flexible buffer 212 can be installed by adhesive bonding, firmly attaching it to the end of the baffle 211 away from the water tank seat 20. Alternatively, it can be installed using a slot-nesting method, where a slot of a specific shape is provided at the end of the baffle 211, and the flexible buffer 212 is designed to match the slot shape. Installation is achieved by embedding the slot into the slot. This method facilitates quick and convenient disassembly and replacement of the flexible buffer 212 when it wears out and needs to be replaced.

[0067] During the installation of the water tank 10, if the cover 12 is directly pushed by the end of the rigid baffle 211, the cover 12 may be scratched or damaged due to the sliding speed of the water tank 10 and the force of the contact between the two. The flexible buffer 212 forms a buffer transition layer between the baffle 211 and the cover 12. When the flexible buffer 212 contacts the cover 12, its soft material effectively disperses the contact pressure, preventing scratches, dents, and other damage to the surface of the cover 12, thus extending its service life. Simultaneously, if the cover 12 is damaged by impact and cannot seal properly, it may cause water leakage inside the tank 11, affecting the overall performance and lifespan of the tank 11. By protecting the cover 12, the flexible buffer 212 indirectly protects the tank 11, ensuring the normal functioning of the water tank 10.

[0068] Due to its soft and deformable properties, the flexible buffer 212 can effectively absorb and reduce the vibration energy generated by the collision during the contact and pushing of the cover 12, which significantly improves the noise problem during the use of the refrigeration equipment.

[0069] Furthermore, during the sliding installation of the water tank 10, factors such as the manufacturing precision of the water tank base 20 and the water tank 10, as well as angular deviations during installation, may cause insufficient smooth contact between the baffle 211 and the cover 12, resulting in jamming. The flexible buffer part 212 has a certain self-adaptive deformation capability. When there is a slight deviation in the installation angle or slight shaking during the sliding of the water tank 10, the flexible buffer part 212 can adjust the contact angle and pressure distribution through its own deformation, making the pushing process of the baffle 211 onto the cover 12 more stable and smooth, ensuring that the water tank 10 can be successfully installed in place, and improving the success rate and efficiency of the installation operation.

[0070] The flexible buffer section 212 also enables the cover 12 to form a good seal when closing the water inlet 112. During the operation of the refrigeration equipment, whether under vibration or different temperature environments, a stable and reliable seal can effectively prevent water leakage in the water tank 10, avoid damage to other internal components of the refrigeration equipment due to water leakage, and ensure the stable operation of the refrigeration equipment and that the water quality in the water tank 10 is not contaminated by the outside.

[0071] According to one embodiment of this application, the cover 12 is rotatably disposed on the box 11, and the baffle 211 can push the cover 12 to rotate and approach the box 11. After the water tank 10 is completely placed on the water tank seat 20, the baffle 211 is at least partially attached to the top of the cover 12 so that the cover 12 closes the water inlet 112.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the water tank 10 is slidably installed along the open side 22 of the water tank seat 20, the baffle 211 begins to function. Since the cover 12 is rotatably mounted on the tank body 11, the baffle 211 gradually contacts the cover 12 during the sliding process of the water tank 10, and pushes the cover 12 to rotate around its rotational connection point with the tank body 11, bringing it closer to the tank body 11.

[0073] When the water tank 10 is fully placed on the water tank seat 20, the baffle 211 is at least partially attached to the top of the cover 12. Part or all of the baffle 211 is tightly attached to the top surface of the cover 12, so that the cover 12 can be kept in a closed state for the water inlet 112.

[0074] In terms of design, the part of the baffle 211 that fits into the cover 12 may be designed with a corresponding curved surface according to the shape of the top of the cover 12 in order to achieve a tighter and more comprehensive fit.

[0075] The baffle 211 at least partially adheres to the top of the cover 12, applying continuous and uniform pressure to the cover 12. During the operation of the refrigeration equipment, it may encounter complex conditions such as vibration and temperature changes. If the cover 12 relies solely on its own weight or a simple elastic component 13 to seal the water inlet 112, a poor seal may occur. The adhesion pressure of the baffle 211 ensures that the cover 12 and the edge of the water inlet 112 are in close contact, forming a good seal. Even when the equipment vibrates, the cover 12 will not create gaps with the water inlet 112 due to shaking, effectively preventing water leakage from the water tank 10, ensuring the stable operation of the refrigeration equipment, and preventing damage to other internal components due to water leakage.

[0076] According to one embodiment of this application, the water tank 10 further includes a water inlet funnel 14 and a sealing member 15. The water inlet funnel 14 is disposed on the tank body 11 and located at the water inlet 112; the sealing member 15 is disposed on the side of the water inlet funnel 14 facing away from the water inlet 112; and a handle 16 is disposed on the outer wall of the water tank 10.

[0077] In this embodiment, the water injection funnel 14 is disposed at the water injection port 112 on the housing 11 to facilitate water injection and guide the water flow accurately into the water injection port 112. The water injection funnel 14 can be connected to the housing 11 by welding, snap-fitting, or threaded connection to ensure that it is tightly connected to the housing 11 and to prevent leakage.

[0078] A sealing element 15 is located on the side of the water filling funnel 14 facing away from the water inlet 112. It is typically made of rubber or silicone, materials with good elasticity and sealing properties. The inner diameter of the sealing element 15 matches the outer diameter of the water filling funnel 14, and it is fixed to the funnel 14 by interference fit or adhesive bonding. When the water filling funnel 14 is installed on the housing 11, the sealing element 15 fits tightly against the surface of the housing 11, forming a seal.

[0079] A handle 16 is located on the outer wall of the water tank 10. Its shape can be curved, straight, or other ergonomically designed for easy gripping. The handle 16 can be fixed to the outer wall of the water tank 10 by welding, bolting, or injection molding. To increase grip comfort, the surface of the handle 16 may have an anti-slip design, such as engraved patterns or covered with anti-slip material. The handle 16 provides a convenient gripping point, making it easier to move and transport the water tank 10. The handle 16 plays a crucial role during the installation and removal of the water tank 10, as well as when adjusting its position. The anti-slip design further enhances grip stability, preventing the water tank 10 from slipping and ensuring safety during operation.

[0080] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a refrigeration device, the refrigeration device including a device body and a water tank 10 of any of the above, the device body having a water tank seat 20 for accommodating the water tank 10, the water tank seat 20 having a blocking member 21 corresponding to the cover 12, when the water tank 10 is placed on the water tank seat 20, the blocking member 21 pushes the cover 12 to overcome the elastic driving force and close the water inlet 112.

[0081] In this embodiment, during the process of placing the water tank 10 onto the water tank base 20 of the equipment body, the blocking member 21 on the water tank base 20 contacts the cover 12 and applies a pushing force to the cover 12. Because an elastic component 13 is provided between the cover 12 and the tank body 11 in the structure of the water tank 10, the elastic component 13 generates an elastic driving force, which drives the cover 12 to open the water inlet 112. When the blocking member 21 applies a pushing force to the cover 12, the cover 12 needs to overcome the elastic driving force generated by the elastic component 13 under the action of the pushing force. As the blocking member 21 continues to apply the pushing force, the cover 12 gradually moves towards the direction of closing the water inlet 112, and finally successfully closes the water inlet 112. When the water tank 10 is removed from the water tank base 20, the blocking member 21 no longer applies a pushing force to the cover 12, and the cover 12 can reopen the water inlet 112 under the action of the elastic driving force of the elastic component 13.

[0082] By pushing the cover 12 to close the water inlet 112 through the blocking part 21 on the water tank seat 20, it can be ensured that the water inlet 112 is always kept closed, effectively preventing water leakage and ensuring the stable operation of the refrigeration equipment and the safety of internal components.

[0083] Furthermore, the design of the blocking component 21 allows users to simply place the water tank 10 onto the water tank base 20 when using the refrigeration equipment; the water inlet 112 of the water tank 10 will automatically close without any additional operation. When it's time to refill the water tank 10, simply removing the water tank 10 from the water tank base 20 will automatically reopen the water inlet 112. The entire process is simple and convenient, enhancing the user experience of the refrigeration equipment. At the same time, this integrated design also enhances the overall aesthetics and structural compactness of the refrigeration equipment, making it more concise and elegant in appearance and more efficient and rational in space utilization.

[0084] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water tank assembly, characterized by, For placement within refrigeration equipment, the water tank assembly includes a water tank and a water tank base, the water tank base for accommodating the water tank, the water tank comprising: The housing has a receiving cavity and a water inlet communicating with the receiving cavity; A cover, movably connected to the housing, is used to close or open the water inlet; An elastic component is disposed between the housing and the cover, and the elastic component has an elastic driving force to drive the cover to open the water inlet. The water tank base has a blocking member corresponding to the cover. When the water tank is placed on the water tank base, the blocking member pushes the cover to overcome the elastic driving force and closes the water inlet. The water tank base has an open side, and the water tank can be slidably installed on the water tank base from the open side. The water inlet is located at the top of the tank. The blocking member includes a baffle plate, which is located on the open side of the water tank base and extends in a direction away from the water tank base. During the process of the water tank being slidably installed on the water tank base, the end of the baffle plate away from the water tank base contacts the cover and pushes the cover to close the water inlet.

2. The water tank assembly of claim 1, wherein, The cover is rotatably mounted on the housing, and the elastic component can drive the cover to flip and open the water inlet.

3. The water tank assembly of claim 2, wherein, The elastic component includes a rotating shaft and at least one torsion spring. The rotating shaft is disposed in the housing and located on one side of the water inlet. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft and has a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The first spring arm acts on the housing, and the second spring arm acts on the cover. The torsion spring has a torsional force that drives the cover to rotate away from the housing to open the water inlet.

4. The water tank assembly of claim 3, wherein, The cover has at least one first spring arm hole corresponding to the torsion spring, and the box has at least one second spring arm hole corresponding to the torsion spring. The first spring arm is disposed in the first spring arm hole, and the second spring arm is disposed in the second spring arm hole.

5. The water tank assembly of claim 1, wherein, A flexible buffer section is provided at the end of the baffle away from the water tank seat.

6. The water tank assembly of claim 1, wherein, The cover is rotatably mounted on the tank body. The baffle can push the cover to rotate closer to the tank body. After the water tank is completely placed on the water tank seat, the baffle is at least partially attached to the top of the cover body so that the cover body closes the water inlet.

7. The water tank assembly of claim 1, wherein, The water tank also includes: A water inlet funnel is provided in the box and located at the water inlet; A sealing element is provided on the side of the water injection funnel facing away from the water injection port; A handle is provided on the outer wall of the water tank.

8. A refrigeration appliance characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a device body and a water tank assembly according to any one of claims 1-7. The device body is provided with a water tank seat for accommodating the water tank. The water tank seat has a blocking member corresponding to the cover. When the water tank is placed on the water tank seat, the blocking member pushes the cover to overcome the elastic driving force and closes the water inlet.

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