Refrigerator water outlet control switch and refrigerator using the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerator water outlet control switch and use its refrigerator, include: shell, it includes with recessed accommodation cavity and the open mouth that forms on the lateral wall of shell body and is linked together with the accommodation cavity with the shell body, the button switch is fixed in the accommodation cavity, the trigger piece is hinged with the shell body cooperation to make the whole trigger piece cover on the open mouth, and the trigger piece is suitable for rotating to press the button switch relative to the shell body, at least one elastic part, the one end of each elastic part is fixed in the accommodation cavity to form fixed end, and its other end extends to the open mouth to form the movable end suitable with the side end face of trigger piece towards the accommodation cavity and abuts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical technology, and in particular to a refrigerator water outlet control switch and a refrigerator using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Some refrigerators have a function to make ice water, which can intelligently dispense ice water. To control the dispensing process, a control switch is needed. For example, CN208547165U discloses a water dispensing component and refrigerator within a refrigerator compartment. This includes a housing embedded in the first side wall of the compartment; a water outlet pipe with a spout connected to the outside of the housing at its lower end; a water dispensing switch and a triggering mechanism within the housing. The triggering mechanism includes a trigger element slidably connected to the housing, and the trigger point of the water dispensing switch is located on the sliding trajectory of the trigger element. It also includes a driving element that drives the trigger element to move linearly along a first direction parallel to the first side wall. The driving element drives the trigger element to move and trigger the water dispensing switch.

[0003] In the aforementioned disclosed technology, when water needs to be dispensed, the driving component must be activated to drive the trigger component to move linearly along a first direction parallel to the first sidewall and trigger the water outlet switch. In other words, the triggering process of the water outlet switch requires the cooperation of the driving component and the trigger component. Specifically, the trigger component includes a trigger rod and a trigger arm mounted on the trigger rod. The end of the trigger arm furthest from the trigger rod is opposite to the trigger point of the water outlet switch, and the two ends of the trigger rod are slidably engaged with two support protrusions within the housing.

[0004] Practical research and use have revealed that the triggering process of the water outlet switch in the aforementioned disclosed technology requires numerous components, and the precision of the fit between these components directly affects the reliability of the triggering process. Furthermore, a larger number of components increases production costs and the failure rate during use. Therefore, regarding the triggering structure of the aforementioned water outlet switch, while ensuring the triggering purpose of the water outlet switch is achieved, further optimization of the control switch structure is needed to simplify the triggering process. Utility Model Content

[0005] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator water outlet control switch to solve the technical problem of controlling the refrigerator water outlet switch with a simplified triggering process.

[0006] The second objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator that solves the technical problem of controlling the refrigerator's water outlet switch through a simplified triggering process.

[0007] The refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model is implemented as follows: A refrigerator water outlet control switch, comprising: The outer shell includes a shell body having a recessed receiving cavity and an opening formed on a side wall of the shell body and communicating with the receiving cavity. A push-button switch, which is fixed in the receiving cavity; The trigger element has one end hinged to the housing body so that the entire trigger element covers the opening; and the trigger element is adapted to rotate relative to the housing body to press the button switch. At least one elastic element, one end of each elastic element being fixed in the receiving cavity to form a fixed end, and the other end extending to an opening to form a movable end adapted to abut against the side end face of the trigger element facing the receiving cavity.

[0008] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the receiving cavity is provided with a pivot pin for rotatably engaging with the trigger element; and The trigger element has a snap-fit ​​connector on its side end face facing the receiving cavity for engaging with the shaft pin.

[0009] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a limiting structure is further provided between the trigger and the shell body; The limiting structure includes a card on the trigger and a slot on the shell body suitable for card insertion.

[0010] In an optional embodiment of this invention, each of the elastic elements is a pawl; The pawl includes a first arc-shaped portion and a second arc-shaped portion that are integrally formed.

[0011] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the pawl and the shell body are integrally injection molded.

[0012] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the end of the first arcuate portion away from the second arcuate portion is connected to the shell body, and the second arcuate portion forms a movable end; and The length of the first arc-shaped portion is greater than the length of the second arc-shaped portion; The arc opening of the first arc-shaped portion faces the trigger, while the arc opening of the second arc-shaped portion faces away from the trigger.

[0013] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the push-button switch is integrated onto a circuit board; and The push-button switch has a trigger button on its end face facing the trigger element, which is suitable for being pressed by the trigger element.

[0014] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the circuit board is adapted to be snapped and fixed in the receiving cavity; and The cavity is provided with a slot structure suitable for embedding the circuit board.

[0015] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the push-button switch is a waterproof button switch; and The waterproof button switch is fixed to the circuit board by welding and waterproof adhesive.

[0016] This refrigerator is implemented as follows: A refrigerator includes: a water outlet control switch for the refrigerator.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: The refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model and the refrigerator using it, through the hinged connection between the trigger element and the shell body, allow the trigger element to rotate relative to the shell body to trigger the button switch. The overall trigger structure involves fewer components, and the triggering process is simple, which can reduce production costs and the failure rate during use. Furthermore, regarding the process of the trigger element triggering the button switch, the pressing force applied to the trigger element is reduced compared to the method of the trigger element moving towards the button switch as a whole, thus making the use process smoother.

[0018] Furthermore, the elastic element is designed so that it deforms synchronously when the trigger is pressed. After the pressing action on the trigger disappears, the trigger can quickly reset under the restoring action of the elastic element. This structure is achieved by the contact and cooperation between the trigger and the elastic element, which avoids the need for a complex cooperation structure between the elastic element and the trigger, and further simplifies the structure of the overall refrigerator water outlet control switch. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the housing of the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element of the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the clip structure of the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit board and push-button switch of the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this utility model.

[0020] In the figure: shell body 11, receiving cavity 12, opening 13, shaft pin 14, bayonet 15, push button switch 2, trigger key 21, circuit board 3, connecting wire 31, card strip 4, card slot 41, trigger element 5, card 51, card connector 52, pawl 6, first arc part 61, second arc part 62, water outlet 7. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the contents of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0022] Example 1: Please see Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a refrigerator water outlet control switch, including: a housing, a push-button switch 2 disposed on the housing, at least one elastic element, and a trigger element 5.

[0023] Specifically, firstly, the outer shell includes a shell body 11 having a recessed receiving cavity 12 and an opening 13 formed on one side wall of the shell body 11 and communicating with the receiving cavity 12. Regarding the shape of the opening 13, theoretically, either a regular or irregular shape can meet the usage requirements of this embodiment. However, from the perspective of ease of production, the opening 13 is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as a regular rectangle.

[0024] Secondly, there is the push-button switch 2, which is fixed in the receiving cavity 12. More specifically, the push-button switch 2 is integrated on the circuit board 3; and the end face of the push-button switch 2 facing the trigger member 5 is provided with a trigger button 21 suitable for being pressed by the trigger member 5. When the trigger member 5 is pressed to trigger the push-button switch 2, the push-button switch 2 is triggered. When the trigger member 5 is not pressed, there is a slight gap between the trigger member 5 and the trigger button 21 of the push-button switch 2, or although they are in contact, the trigger member 5 of the push-button switch 2 is not subjected to pressing force, so the push-button switch 2 is not triggered. In this embodiment, the circuit board 3 is equipped with connecting wires 31, which adopt a plug-in method with plastic shells for connecting wire terminals, which is simple to operate, efficient, and foolproof.

[0025] In one optional implementation, the push-button switch 2 is a waterproof button switch; and the waterproof button switch is fixed to the circuit board 3 by welding and using waterproof adhesive. The refrigerator interior is constantly humid, causing cold air to easily condense and accumulate on the push-button switch 2, leading to a short circuit and preventing the internal controller from receiving information and issuing a water discharge signal in a timely manner. Using a waterproof button switch avoids this phenomenon. The waterproof button switch itself is waterproof, and waterproof adhesive is applied during welding to the circuit board 3, further protecting the waterproof button switch and extending its service life.

[0026] Based on the above, it should also be noted that, in order to improve the overall reliability and stability of the circuit board 3 during use, in conjunction with the attached drawings, one example is that the circuit board 3 is suitable for being snapped and fixed in the receiving cavity 12; and the receiving cavity 12 is provided with a slot structure suitable for the circuit board 3 to be snapped into it.

[0027] Taking a regular, e.g., rectangular circuit board 3 as an example, the slot structure can be a pair of locking strips 4 extending along the length of the circuit board 3. Each locking strip 4 has an inverted L-shaped cross-section along the width of the circuit board 3, so that each locking strip 4 and the receiving cavity 12 combine to form a roughly U-shaped slot 41, and the opening size of the slot 41 is adapted to the thickness of the circuit board 3. Based on this, when the circuit board 3 is assembled into the receiving cavity 12, the circuit board 3 only needs to be inserted into the slot formed by the pair of locking strips 4 and the receiving cavity 12 along its length direction, making the assembly and disassembly process very convenient.

[0028] Furthermore, the trigger 5 has one end hinged to the housing body 11 so that the entire trigger 5 covers the opening 13; and the trigger 5 is adapted to rotate relative to the housing body 11 to press the button switch 2.

[0029] Regarding the interaction between the trigger element 5 and the push-button switch 2 in this embodiment, when the trigger element 5 rotates relative to the housing body 11, the side end face of the trigger element 5 facing the receiving cavity 12 can directly generate a pressing action on the push-button switch 2, or a protruding pressing block can be provided on the side end face of the trigger element 5 facing the receiving cavity 12 to generate a pressing action on the push-button switch 2. Both of these situations satisfy the usage requirements of this embodiment, and this embodiment does not make any absolute limitation on them.

[0030] More specifically, a pin 14 for rotatably engaging with the trigger 5 is provided within the receiving cavity 12 of the shell body 11; and a snap-fit ​​connector 52 for engaging with the pin 14 is provided on the side end face of the trigger 5 facing the receiving cavity 12. The pin 14 here has a cylindrical structure, and the corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 52 has a roughly arc-shaped cross-section. The arc length of the snap-fit ​​connector 52 is greater than half the circumference of the pin 14. When assembling the trigger 5 and the pin 14, the notch in the arc-shaped structure of the snap-fit ​​connector 52 allows for slight deformation, enabling the pin 14 to engage with the snap-fit ​​connector 52, thus achieving a rotatable engagement between the snap-fit ​​connector 52 and the pin 14.

[0031] In addition, a limiting structure is provided between the trigger 5 and the shell body 11; the limiting structure includes a card 51 provided on the trigger 5 and a slot 15 provided on the shell body 11 suitable for inserting the card 51. Taking the trigger 5, which is roughly rectangular in shape, as an example, the card 51 and the slot 52 are respectively arranged on the trigger 5 near a pair of width-direction side ends of the trigger 5. The card 51 can be directly placed on the edge of one width-direction side of the trigger 5, while the connector 52 is close to the other width-direction side of the trigger 5, but not directly placed on the edge of that side. This is because when the connector 52 cooperates with the shaft pin 14, the trigger 5 needs to produce a pressing action on the button switch 2. The trigger 5 moves around the shaft pin 14 in a seesaw-like manner along its length. Therefore, the connector 52 only needs to be close to the other width-direction side of the trigger 5. Based on the lever principle, when the trigger 5 needs to be pressed, the pressing force applied to the width-direction side of the trigger 5 away from the shaft pin 14 can be reduced, thereby achieving the effect of saving effort.

[0032] Regarding the engagement between the bayonet 15 and the card 51, it is necessary to clarify that the bayonet 15 only limits the card 51 along the length of the trigger 5, thus ensuring a reliable engagement between the trigger 5 and the card connector 52 along its length and the housing body 11. However, along the thickness of the trigger 5, the bayonet 15 does not limit the card 51, allowing it to move within the bayonet 15 when the trigger 5 applies pressure to the button switch 2. Therefore, during the assembly of the trigger 5 and the housing body 11, the card 51 is first inserted into the bayonet 15, and then the card connector 52 is pressed onto the shaft pin 14.

[0033] Finally, we must mention the elastic element. In this embodiment, at least one elastic element is used. Referring to the accompanying drawings, we can illustrate the case of using two elastic elements. One end of each elastic element is fixed in the receiving cavity 12 to form a fixed end, and the other end extends to the opening 13 to form a movable end suitable for abutting against the side end face of the trigger 5 facing the receiving cavity 12.

[0034] More specifically, as an alternative example, each elastic element employs a pawl 6; the pawl 6 includes an integrally formed first arcuate portion 61 and a second arcuate portion 62. Here, from the perspective of facilitating processing and improving the service life of the pawl 6, the pawl 6 is integrally injection molded with the shell body 11.

[0035] Based on the above structure, it should also be noted that the end of the first arc-shaped portion 61 away from the second arc-shaped portion 62 is connected to the shell body 11, and the second arc-shaped portion 62 forms a movable end; and the length of the first arc-shaped portion 61 is greater than the length of the second arc-shaped portion 62; the arc opening of the first arc-shaped portion 61 faces the trigger member 5, and the arc opening of the second arc-shaped portion 62 faces away from the trigger member 5. This design, when the trigger member 5 applies pressure to the button switch 2, causes the trigger member 5 to partially move into the receiving cavity 12, resulting in a squeezing effect on the pawl 6 and causing the pawl 6 to deform. The design of the first arc-shaped portion 61 cooperating with the arc opening orientation of the second arc-shaped portion 62 provides a certain buffering effect for the deformation of the pawl 6, preventing the pawl 6 from breaking due to sudden deformation during the compression deformation process.

[0036] In summary, for the refrigerator water outlet control switch of this embodiment, by applying a pressing action to the part of the trigger 5 away from the shaft pin 14 and moving towards the receiving cavity 12, the trigger 5 generates a pressing force on the button switch 2, thereby causing the button switch 2 to send a "water outlet" signal in conjunction with the circuit board 3. At this time, the elastic element will also be deformed by the pressing action of the trigger 5; when the pressing action applied to the trigger 5 is released, the trigger 5 can be reset by the restoring action of the elastic element.

[0037] Example 2: Based on the refrigerator water outlet control switch of Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a refrigerator including the refrigerator water outlet control switch of Embodiment 1.

[0038] It should be noted that the refrigerator in this embodiment has the function of making ice water, and the refrigerator water discharge control switch is used to control the discharge process of ice water. When the button switch 2 of the refrigerator water discharge control switch is triggered by the trigger 5, the corresponding refrigerator can discharge ice water. When the trigger 5 does not trigger the button switch 2 of the refrigerator water discharge control switch, the corresponding refrigerator cannot discharge ice water.

[0039] Regarding the housing 11 of the refrigerator water outlet control switch in this embodiment, the housing 11 is also provided with a water outlet 7. In actual use, the housing 11 is used vertically along the length of the trigger 5 (see...). Figure 2As shown in the diagram, the side of the trigger 5 furthest from the shaft pin 14 is on top, while the side of the trigger 5 that engages with the shaft pin 14 is on the bottom. Therefore, the water outlet 7 is located above the trigger 5 on the housing body 11, and the water outlet 7 flows towards the trigger 5. This allows the water to flow from the outlet 7 into the water cup under the influence of gravity when the receiving cup presses down on one side of the trigger 5 along its length. Furthermore, the water outlet 7 stops flowing after the receiving cup releases its pressure on the trigger 5. Regarding the trigger 5 in this embodiment, considering that it needs to trigger the push-button switch 2 by rotating around the pivot pin 14, during this process, the end of the trigger 5 away from the pivot pin 14 is pressed by a water cup. In order to ensure that the water cup meets the pressing requirements of the trigger 5 while avoiding the problem of the water cup tilting during water filling, the end face of the trigger 5 facing away from the receiving cavity 12 in this embodiment can be inclined relative to the direction of the water flowing out of the outlet 7. Moreover, when the trigger 5 is not pressed, the wall surface of the part of the trigger 5 away from the pivot pin 14 is protruding from the wall surface of the trigger 5 connected to the pivot pin 14 (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), when the water cup presses the trigger 5, the part of the trigger 5 away from the shaft pin 14 will be partially embedded in the receiving cavity 12, and at this time, part of the trigger 5 is still outside the receiving cavity 12. Based on this, the part of the water cup that presses the trigger 5 does not need to partially enter the receiving cavity 12.

[0040] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0042] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. 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 can be slightly tilted.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

Claims

1. A refrigerator water outlet control switch, characterized in that, include: The outer shell includes a shell body having a recessed receiving cavity and an opening formed on a side wall of the shell body and communicating with the receiving cavity. A push-button switch, which is fixed in the receiving cavity; The trigger element has one end hinged to the housing body so that the entire trigger element covers the opening; and the trigger element is adapted to rotate relative to the housing body to press the button switch. At least one elastic element, one end of each elastic element being fixed in the receiving cavity to form a fixed end, and the other end extending to an opening to form a movable end adapted to abut against the side end face of the trigger element facing the receiving cavity.

2. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving cavity is provided with a pivot pin for rotating with the trigger element; and The trigger element has a snap-fit ​​connector on its side end face facing the receiving cavity for engaging with the shaft pin.

3. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, A limiting structure is also provided between the trigger and the shell body; The limiting structure includes a card on the trigger and a slot on the shell body suitable for card insertion.

4. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned elastic elements employs a pawl; The pawl includes a first arc-shaped portion and a second arc-shaped portion that are integrally formed.

5. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pawl is integrally injection molded with the shell body.

6. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the first arcuate portion away from the second arcuate portion is connected to the shell body, and the second arcuate portion forms a movable end; and The length of the first arc-shaped portion is greater than the length of the second arc-shaped portion; The arc opening of the first arc-shaped portion faces the trigger, while the arc opening of the second arc-shaped portion faces away from the trigger.

7. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-button switch is integrated on the circuit board; and The push-button switch has a trigger button on its end face facing the trigger element, which is suitable for being pressed by the trigger element.

8. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The circuit board is adapted to be snapped and fixed in the receiving cavity; and The cavity is provided with a slot structure suitable for embedding the circuit board.

9. The refrigerator water outlet control switch according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The push-button switch is a waterproof button switch; and The waterproof button switch is fixed to the circuit board by welding and waterproof adhesive.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The refrigerator water outlet control switch as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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