A refrigerator
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HISENSE(SHANDONG)REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
Smart Images
Figure CN224551861U_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] The field of home appliance technology encompasses a wide range of product categories, including but not limited to refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. The technological development trends for these products primarily focus on intelligentization, energy conservation and environmental protection, optimized user experience, and the application of new materials. Optimized user experience is achieved through design innovation and functional enhancement to meet consumers' demands for health, convenience, and personalization.
[0003] Refrigerators, as an important component of household appliances, are primarily used for refrigerating and preserving food. As an essential appliance in modern homes, refrigerator technology has evolved from mechanical temperature control to electronic temperature control and finally to intelligent systems. With the popularization of IoT and AI technologies, smart refrigerators are gradually becoming the mainstream in the market, featuring functions such as food management, remote control, and intelligent interaction. Among these, Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the core technologies of smart refrigerators, allowing users to remotely adjust the temperature, receive fault alarms, and manage food items via a mobile app.
[0004] Choosing the right installation location for the Wi-Fi module has become a significant technical challenge. Due to the structural characteristics of refrigerators and the limitations of their usage scenarios, existing Wi-Fi antenna layout solutions often struggle to balance signal strength, security, and aesthetics, directly impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0005] This application discloses a refrigerator with a separate mounting box inside the top surface of the refrigerator body, in which a Wi-Fi antenna is placed, which can protect the Wi-Fi antenna and minimize the risk of damage from external impacts.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application disclose a refrigerator, comprising:
[0007] Box;
[0008] A container liner is disposed inside the container, and the container liner has a storage cavity for holding food;
[0009] A control panel is located within the enclosure and is used for human-computer interaction.
[0010] A Wi-Fi antenna is installed in the housing and is electrically connected to the control panel.
[0011] The mounting box is embedded in the top surface of the housing and has a receiving cavity with an opening at the top. At least a portion of the Wi-Fi antenna is disposed in the receiving cavity.
[0012] This prevents the antenna from being damaged by external impacts, scratches, etc., and also provides a certain degree of shielding, reducing the impact of external interference on the antenna signal.
[0013] On the one hand, the design of the mounting box being embedded in the top surface of the refrigerator body makes the refrigerator's appearance more concise and aesthetically pleasing. Compared with the traditional method of exposing the antenna on the refrigerator surface or using a protruding mounting structure, this concealed design not only saves space for installing the Wi-Fi antenna on the outside of the refrigerator, but also avoids the antenna damaging the overall appearance of the refrigerator, enhancing the overall texture and aesthetics of the product, and allowing it to better integrate into various home environments. On the other hand, the mounting box provides a relatively enclosed and stable installation environment for the Wi-Fi antenna, protecting it from external physical damage, thereby improving the signal stability of the Wi-Fi antenna.
[0014] As an optional implementation, the Wi-Fi antenna is a plate-shaped structure and is arranged in a horizontal direction. The upper surface of the Wi-Fi antenna is lower than the opening end face of the receiving cavity, and the distance from the upper surface of the Wi-Fi antenna to the opening end face of the receiving cavity is less than or equal to 1 / 4 of the wireless wavelength of the Wi-Fi antenna.
[0015] Thus, since the horizontal direction produces weak signals, the main method of transmitting wireless signals is by emitting them vertically upwards. This horizontal layout helps enhance signal coverage in the horizontal space around the refrigerator, making signal transmission between the refrigerator and surrounding smart devices (such as mobile phones and routers) more stable and efficient, reducing dead zones, and improving network connection reliability. The design of the antenna being lower than the opening of the housing cavity prevents it from being directly exposed on the top surface of the refrigerator, reducing the risk of collisions or scratches. During daily use, such as placing items on top of the refrigerator or cleaning, the antenna is less likely to suffer physical damage, thus extending its lifespan and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the refrigerator's smart functions. The distance from the upper surface of the antenna to the opening of the housing cavity is less than or equal to 1 / 4 of the wireless wavelength of the Wi-Fi antenna, ensuring effective signal transmission and collection, further reducing interference from the external environment, and better improving the signal transmission performance of the Wi-Fi module.
[0016] As an optional implementation, the refrigerator further includes:
[0017] An antenna housing is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The Wi-Fi antenna is disposed inside the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator. The width of the antenna housing is adapted to the distance between the two opposite inner walls of the receiving cavity to limit the degree of freedom of the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator.
[0018] This effectively limits the antenna housing's freedom of movement along the refrigerator's depth, preventing displacement within the cavity due to vibration, handling, or other external forces during normal use. The stable fixation of the antenna housing ensures the stability of the internal Wi-Fi antenna's position, avoiding any impact on signal transmission quality due to antenna position changes. Furthermore, during installation, workers can more easily and accurately place the antenna housing in the appropriate position within the cavity, reducing installation difficulty, improving efficiency, and facilitating large-scale refrigerator production and assembly.
[0019] As an optional implementation, the mounting box is provided with:
[0020] First card connector;
[0021] The refrigerator also includes:
[0022] A first protective cover is disposed on the top of the mounting box, and the lower surface of the first protective cover is provided with:
[0023] The first mating part can engage with the first snap-fit part to restrict the degree of freedom of the first protective cover along the height direction of the refrigerator.
[0024] In this way, the first protective cover can effectively prevent foreign objects such as dust, hair, and food scraps from entering the cavity, avoiding corrosion or short circuits to the antenna, wiring harness terminals, etc., extending the service life of components, and reducing maintenance costs and downtime caused by damage. The first snap-fit part on the mounting box and the first mating part on the lower surface of the first protective cover interlock, restricting the freedom of the first protective cover along the height of the refrigerator. When the refrigerator is shaken during transportation or shaken during daily use due to opening and closing the door, the first protective cover will not easily loosen or fall off, and will always firmly cover the mounting box, ensuring continuous protection of the internal components.
[0025] As an optional implementation, the Wi-Fi antenna has a plate-like structure and is arranged vertically, with the upper end of the Wi-Fi antenna extending out of the opening of the receiving cavity.
[0026] In this way, the vertical direction is a weak signal, and the antenna needs to transmit wireless signals outward in all directions in the horizontal direction. The upper end of the antenna extends out of the cavity opening, which ensures good signal transmission of the antenna, can further enhance the signal strength, and allows the antenna part to be kept away from the metal parts, electronic components and other parts inside the refrigerator, thereby reducing the possibility of electromagnetic interference.
[0027] As an optional implementation, the refrigerator further includes:
[0028] An antenna housing is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The Wi-Fi antenna is disposed inside the antenna housing. Along the depth direction of the refrigerator, the thickness of the antenna housing is less than the distance between the two opposing inner wall surfaces of the receiving cavity.
[0029] The refrigerator also includes:
[0030] A second protective cover is provided on the mounting box, and the lower surface of the second protective cover is provided with:
[0031] The abutting portion, along the depth direction of the refrigerator, abuts between the antenna housing and the mounting box to limit the degree of freedom of the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator.
[0032] Thus, placing the Wi-Fi antenna inside the antenna housing provides physical protection for the antenna. The antenna housing prevents damage from impacts, scratches, and other external forces during the refrigerator's production, transportation, installation, and daily use, extending the antenna's lifespan and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the refrigerator's Wi-Fi function. Because the thickness of the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator is less than the distance between the two opposing inner walls of the cavity when the antenna is set vertically, the antenna housing will wobble within the cavity. To fix the position of the antenna housing within the cavity, the abutting action of the abutting part on the second protective cover forms a relatively stable overall structure with the antenna housing, mounting box, and second protective cover. This helps maintain the antenna's signal stability, allowing the refrigerator to maintain good performance even in complex usage environments.
[0033] As an optional implementation, the inner wall of the mounting box is provided with:
[0034] Second connector;
[0035] The abutment portion is provided with:
[0036] The second mating part can engage with the second snap-fit part to restrict the degree of freedom of the second protective cover along the height direction of the refrigerator.
[0037] In this way, the protective cover and the mounting box are locked together by a snap-fit structure. During normal use of the refrigerator, even if it is subjected to vibration (such as vibration caused by the compressor running, opening and closing the door, etc.) or external forces such as handling, the second protective cover will not easily fall off the mounting box. This provides protection for the antenna shell and the internal Wi-Fi antenna, and prevents foreign objects, dust or liquids from entering the mounting box and affecting the normal operation of the antenna.
[0038] The tight snap-fit between the protective cover and the mounting box forms a relatively robust overall structure. Furthermore, this snap-fit structure makes the removal and installation of the second protective cover simpler and faster. When it is necessary to inspect, repair, or replace components such as the Wi-Fi antenna and wiring harness terminals inside the mounting box, users or maintenance personnel can easily open the protective cover by applying appropriate external force. After the operation is completed, the protective cover can be quickly snapped back into place, greatly improving the efficiency of maintenance work.
[0039] Furthermore, by utilizing the structure of the abutment part, a second mating part can be directly set on the abutment part, without occupying extra space of the protective cover, thus achieving a tight connection between the protective cover and the mounting box.
[0040] As an optional implementation, the refrigerator further includes:
[0041] A wire harness terminal is provided, which is connected between the Wi-Fi antenna and the control panel. The bottom of the mounting box is recessed into the refrigerator along the height direction of the refrigerator, and the recess is used to place the wire harness terminal.
[0042] The inner wall of the mounting box is provided with a first cable outlet hole, through which the wire harness terminal passes and is electrically connected to the control panel.
[0043] Thus, the bottom of the mounting box has a recessed groove along the height of the refrigerator, specifically for placing wire harness terminals. This design provides a fixed storage location for the wire harness terminals, preventing them from being randomly placed inside the refrigerator, effectively utilizing the space at the bottom of the mounting box, and making the wiring harness layout inside the refrigerator more neat and orderly.
[0044] The design of the first outlet hole provides a specific path for the wiring harness terminals, avoiding a messy arrangement of the wiring harness inside the refrigerator, reducing the crossing and tangling between the wiring harnesses, making the wiring of the entire electrical system simpler and more standardized, and facilitating later maintenance and troubleshooting.
[0045] As an optional implementation, along the length of the antenna housing, one end of the antenna housing is provided with a second cable outlet, the Wi-Fi antenna is located inside the antenna housing at the end away from the second cable outlet, and the placement slot is disposed close to the second cable outlet.
[0046] In this way, the antenna's relatively independent position reduces interference from other components such as the wiring harness, contributing to improved Wi-Fi signal strength and stability. The placement slot's proximity to the second cable exit hole allows the wiring harness from the Wi-Fi antenna to more easily pass through the second exit hole to the wiring harness terminal within the placement slot, shortening the harness length and reducing bending and tangling within the antenna housing, thus facilitating wiring harness connection and organization. Simultaneously, it reduces the risk of damage to the wiring harness due to excessive bending or tangling, improving the reliability and stability of the wiring harness connection.
[0047] As an optional implementation, the refrigerator further includes:
[0048] A hinge, wherein the hinge is disposed at the top of the refrigerator;
[0049] The door body is rotatably connected to the housing via the hinge;
[0050] A hinge cover, wherein the hinge cover is disposed on the hinge, and the hinge cover forms a covering area on the top of the refrigerator;
[0051] The mounting box is located outside the covered area and is positioned close to the door along the depth direction of the refrigerator.
[0052] This design avoids interference between the mounting box and the hinge cover. Since the hinge cover needs to cover the hinge for protection and aesthetics, if the mounting box is located within the cover area, the hinge cover may not be able to install properly or its coverage of the hinge may be compromised. Furthermore, it allows for easy disassembly when repairing or inspecting the Wi-Fi antenna, eliminating the need to remove the hinge cover before handling the antenna housing.
[0053] Since refrigerators are usually installed against a wall, placing the mounting box close to the door keeps the Wi-Fi antenna away from the cavity, reducing signal interference and shielding. This helps the Wi-Fi antenna receive and send signals better, improving the quality and stability of the Wi-Fi signal, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerator's smart functions, such as remote control and connection to smart home systems.
[0054] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:
[0055] The refrigerator provided in this application includes a cabinet; a liner disposed within the cabinet, the liner having a storage cavity for holding food; a control panel disposed within the cabinet, the control panel being used for human-computer interaction; a Wi-Fi antenna disposed within the cabinet, the Wi-Fi antenna being electrically connected to the control panel; and a mounting box embedded in the top surface of the cabinet, the mounting box having a receiving cavity with an opening at the top, at least a portion of the Wi-Fi antenna being disposed within the receiving cavity. The design of the mounting box embedded in the top surface of the cabinet makes the refrigerator's appearance more concise and aesthetically pleasing, not only saving space for installing the Wi-Fi antenna externally but also avoiding damage to the overall appearance of the refrigerator from the antenna. The mounting box provides a relatively enclosed and stable installation environment for the Wi-Fi antenna, protecting it from external physical damage and thus improving the signal stability of the Wi-Fi antenna. Attached Figure Description
[0056] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the 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.
[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation box disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure disclosed in this application, in which a Wi-Fi antenna is placed inside a mounting box;
[0060] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective;
[0061] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Sectional view at point AA;
[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first protective cover disclosed in an embodiment of this application;
[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure for placing a Wi-Fi antenna inside a mounting box, as disclosed in an embodiment of this application.
[0064] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A structural diagram from another perspective;
[0065] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Sectional view at point BB;
[0066] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second protective cover disclosed in an embodiment of this application;
[0067] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the hinge disclosed in an embodiment of this application.
[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0069] 100 - Refrigerator;
[0070] 1-Box body; 2-WiFi antenna; 3-Mounting box; 3a-Receiving cavity; 3b-Placement slot; 3c-First cable outlet; 31-First snap-fit part; 32-Second snap-fit part; d-Distance from the upper surface of the WiFi antenna to the opening end face of the receiving cavity; 4-Antenna housing; 4a-Second cable outlet; 5-First protective cover; 51-First mating part; 6-Second protective cover; 61-Abutting part; 62-Second mating part; 7-Hinge; 8-Hinge cover; 8a-Covering area; X-Depth direction of the refrigerator; Y-Width direction of the refrigerator; Z-Height direction of the refrigerator. Detailed Implementation
[0071] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely 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.
[0072] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," and "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.
[0073] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0074] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "equipped with," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0075] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0076] The field of home appliance technology encompasses a wide range of product categories, including but not limited to refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. The technological development trends for these products primarily focus on intelligentization, energy conservation and environmental protection, optimized user experience, and the application of new materials. Optimized user experience is achieved through design innovation and functional enhancement to meet consumers' demands for health, convenience, and personalization.
[0077] Refrigerators, as an important component of household appliances, are primarily used for refrigerating and preserving food. As an essential appliance in modern homes, refrigerator technology has evolved from mechanical temperature control to electronic temperature control and finally to intelligent systems. With the popularization of IoT and AI technologies, smart refrigerators are gradually becoming the mainstream in the market, featuring functions such as food management, remote control, and intelligent interaction. Among these, Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the core technologies of smart refrigerators, allowing users to remotely adjust the temperature, receive fault alarms, and manage food items via a mobile app.
[0078] In the design of smart refrigerators, the Wi-Fi module, as a key independent component for network connectivity, is significantly affected by its installation location and structure, which greatly influences its operational stability, interference resistance, and the impact on wireless signal strength. Some existing technologies fix the module inside the control board box, which can lead to electromagnetic interference from electronic components, affecting the Wi-Fi signal.
[0079] Based on this, this application discloses a refrigerator with a separate mounting box inside the top surface of the refrigerator body, in which the WiFi antenna is placed, which can protect the WiFi antenna and minimize the risk of damage to the WiFi antenna from external impacts.
[0080] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0081] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator 100 disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting box 3 disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure disclosed in this application, in which the Wi-Fi antenna 2 is placed inside the mounting box 3. This application also discloses a refrigerator 100.
[0082] The refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet 1, which serves as the external structure of the refrigerator 100. The cabinet 1 is typically made of metal or plastic and is used to protect the internal components of the refrigerator and provide robust support. The cabinet 1 is designed with durability, heat dissipation, noise control, safety, and maintainability in mind.
[0083] In some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a top plate and a bottom plate spaced apart in a vertical direction, two side plates spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and a back plate.
[0084] It should be noted that the top and bottom panels are arranged in the height direction of the refrigerator 100, the side panels are arranged in the width direction of the refrigerator 100, and the doors and back panels are arranged in the depth direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0085] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet liner with a storage cavity for storing food, beverages, and other items. The front side of the cabinet liner has an opening that communicates with the storage cavity, making it convenient for users to take out and put in items.
[0086] In some embodiments, the liner is disposed inside the body 1, and a foam cavity is formed between the liner and the body 1. The foam cavity is filled with foaming material. The refrigerator 100 needs to maintain a low internal temperature environment. The foaming material filling the foam cavity between the liner and the body 1 has a porous structure that can effectively prevent heat transfer and reduce the entry of external heat into the refrigerator 100. In addition, after the foaming material is cured, it has a certain strength and hardness, which can fill the gaps inside the refrigerator 100 body 1, so that the liner and the body 1 are tightly connected, enhancing the stability and robustness of the overall structure of the refrigerator 100, improving the durability of the refrigerator 100, and making it less likely to be damaged by external forces during transportation and use.
[0087] In some embodiments, the washing machine includes a control panel disposed in the cabinet 1. The control panel is used for human-machine interaction and is typically a component with a display screen and operation buttons, or it may be a touch screen. It is the interface through which the user interacts with the refrigerator 100. The user can use the control panel to set the temperature and mode of the refrigerator 100, view the operating status of the refrigerator 100, etc., and control and adjust the functions of the refrigerator 100.
[0088] In some embodiments, a Wi-Fi antenna 2 is installed in the cabinet 1 and electrically connected to the control panel. Its function is to receive and send wireless signals, enabling the refrigerator 100 to connect to the home network or other external networks, thereby realizing functions such as remote control and intelligent interaction. For example, users can remotely adjust the temperature of the refrigerator 100 and query food information through a mobile application.
[0089] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a mounting box 3, which is embedded in the top surface of the cabinet 1 and has a receiving cavity 3a with an opening at the top. The mounting box 3 is tightly integrated with the top surface of the cabinet 1, providing a mounting position and protection for the wifi antenna 2, housing at least a portion of the wifi antenna 2 therein, preventing the wifi antenna 2 from being damaged by external impacts, scratches, etc., and also playing a certain shielding role to reduce the impact of external interference on the signal of the wifi antenna 2.
[0090] On the one hand, the design of the mounting box 3 embedded in the top surface of the cabinet 1 makes the refrigerator 100 more concise and aesthetically pleasing. Compared with the traditional method of exposing the WiFi antenna 2 on the surface of the refrigerator 100 or using a protruding mounting structure, this concealed design avoids the WiFi antenna 2 from damaging the overall appearance of the refrigerator 100, enhances the overall texture and aesthetics of the product, and can better integrate into various home environments. On the other hand, the mounting box 3 provides a relatively enclosed and stable installation environment for the WiFi antenna 2, which can protect the WiFi antenna 2 from external physical damage, thereby improving signal stability.
[0091] In some embodiments, the top plate is provided with an opening that extends through the top plate along the height direction of the refrigerator 100. The foam layer is provided with an installation groove, which is provided corresponding to the installation opening. The installation groove and the installation opening communicate to form an accommodating space. The installation box 3 is disposed in the accommodating space and fits against the foam layer and the top plate. This can make full use of the space on the top of the refrigerator 100 that might otherwise be wasted, making the internal structure layout of the refrigerator 100 more compact and reasonable. Without increasing the overall volume of the refrigerator 100, a suitable installation position is provided for the installation box 3.
[0092] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective. Figure 5 for Figure 4 In the cross-sectional view at point AA, the Wi-Fi antenna 2 is a plate-shaped structure and is arranged in the horizontal direction. The upper surface of the Wi-Fi antenna 2 is lower than the opening end face of the receiving cavity 3a, and the distance from the upper surface of the Wi-Fi antenna 2 to the opening end face of the receiving cavity 3a is less than or equal to 1 / 4 of the wireless wavelength of the Wi-Fi antenna 2.
[0093] In this way, the horizontal direction produces a weak signal, and the wireless signal is mainly transmitted vertically upwards. This horizontal layout helps to enhance the signal coverage in the horizontal space around the refrigerator 100, making the signal transmission between the refrigerator 100 and surrounding smart devices (such as mobile phones, routers, etc.) more stable and efficient, reducing signal dead zones, and improving the reliability of network connections. The design of the WiFi antenna 2 being lower than the opening end face of the receiving cavity 3a ensures that the WiFi antenna 2 is not directly exposed on the top surface of the refrigerator 100, reducing the risk of the WiFi antenna 2 being bumped or scratched by external objects. During daily use, such as placing items on top of the refrigerator 100 or performing cleaning operations, it is less likely to cause physical damage to the WiFi antenna 2, thereby extending the service life of the WiFi antenna 2 and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the smart functions of the refrigerator 100. The distance from the upper surface of the WiFi antenna 2 to the opening end face of the receiving cavity 3a is less than or equal to 1 / 4 of the wireless wavelength of the WiFi antenna 2, ensuring effective signal transmission and collection, further reducing the interference of the external environment on the WiFi antenna 2 signal, and better improving the signal transmission performance of the WiFi module.
[0094] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 The refrigerator 100 also includes an antenna housing 4, which is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3a. The Wi-Fi antenna 2 is disposed inside the antenna housing 4 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100. The width of the antenna housing 4 is adapted to the distance between the two opposite inner walls of the receiving cavity 3a to limit the degree of freedom of the antenna housing 4 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100. The width of the antenna housing 4 is the distance between the outer surfaces of the two opposite side walls of the refrigerator 100 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0095] The antenna housing 4 provides a relatively stable working environment for the WiFi antenna 2, which can reduce the interference of external factors on the WiFi antenna 2. For example, it can prevent the WiFi antenna 2 from colliding or rubbing with other components due to the shaking of the antenna housing 4, thereby preventing damage to the WiFi antenna 2 and ensuring that the WiFi antenna 2 is always in good working condition, so as to maintain the normal operation of the refrigerator 100's smart networking function.
[0096] This effectively limits the degree of freedom of the antenna housing 4 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100, preventing displacement of the antenna housing 4 within the receiving cavity 3a due to vibration, handling, or other external forces during normal use of the refrigerator 100. The stable fixation of the antenna housing 4 ensures the stability of the internal Wi-Fi antenna 2's position, preventing signal transmission quality from being affected by changes in the position of the Wi-Fi antenna 2. Furthermore, during installation, workers can more easily and accurately place the antenna housing 4 into the appropriate position within the receiving cavity 3a, reducing installation difficulty, improving installation efficiency, and facilitating the large-scale production and assembly of the refrigerator 100.
[0097] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first protective cover 5 disclosed in the embodiment of this application. The mounting box 3 is provided with a first snap-fit part 31. The refrigerator 100 also includes a first protective cover 5. The first protective cover 5 is placed on the top of the mounting box 3. The lower surface of the first protective cover 5 is provided with a first mating part 51. The first mating part 51 can snap-fit with the first snap-fit part 31 to restrict the degree of freedom of the first protective cover 5 along the height direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0098] The first protective cover 5 can effectively block foreign objects such as dust, hair, and food scraps from entering the receiving cavity 3a, preventing foreign objects from corroding or short-circuiting the WiFi antenna 2, wire harness terminals, etc., extending the service life of components, and reducing maintenance costs and downtime caused by damage.
[0099] The first snap-fit part 31 on the mounting box 3 is snapped into the first mating part 51 on the lower surface of the first protective cover 5, which restricts the freedom of the first protective cover 5 along the height direction of the refrigerator 100. When the refrigerator 100 is subjected to vibration during transportation or shaken due to opening and closing the door during daily use, the first protective cover 5 will not easily loosen or fall off, and will always be firmly covered on the mounting box 3 to ensure continuous protection of the internal components.
[0100] The tight snap-fit between the protective cover and the mounting box 3 forms a relatively robust overall structure. Furthermore, this snap-fit structure makes the disassembly and installation of the first protective cover 5 simpler and faster. When it is necessary to inspect, repair, or replace the Wi-Fi antenna 2, wiring harness terminals, etc., inside the mounting box 3, the user or maintenance personnel only need to apply appropriate external force to easily open the protective cover; after the operation is completed, the protective cover can be quickly snapped back into place, greatly improving the efficiency of maintenance work.
[0101] In some embodiments, the first protective cover 5 has a plurality of first mating parts 51, and the mounting box 3 also has a plurality of first snap-fit parts 31. Each first snap-fit part 31 snaps into each first mating part 51, thereby further enhancing the connection stability between the protective cover and the mounting box 3.
[0102] In some embodiments, the first protective cover 5 is provided with a positioning protrusion, and a positioning hole is correspondingly provided on the positioning protrusion. A positioning post is provided on the top plate, and the positioning post can extend into the positioning hole to position the first protective cover 5 at the top of the refrigerator 100.
[0103] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure disclosed in this application, in which the Wi-Fi antenna 2 is placed inside the mounting box 3. Figure 8 for Figure 7A structural diagram from another perspective. Figure 9 for Figure 8 The cross-sectional view at point BB shows that the WiFi antenna 2 is a plate-shaped structure and is arranged vertically, with the upper end of the WiFi antenna 2 extending out of the opening of the receiving cavity 3a.
[0104] The vertical direction is a weak signal, while the four sides of the wifi antenna 2 in the horizontal direction need to transmit wireless signals outward. The upper end of the wifi antenna 2 extends out of the opening of the receiving cavity 3a, which ensures good signal transmission of the wifi antenna 2, can further enhance the signal strength, and also allows part of the wifi antenna 2 to be kept away from the metal parts, electronic components, etc. inside the refrigerator 100, thereby reducing the possibility of electromagnetic interference.
[0105] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 7 to 9 The refrigerator 100 also includes an antenna housing 4, which is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3a. The Wi-Fi antenna 2 is disposed inside the antenna housing 4 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100. The thickness of the antenna housing 4 is less than the distance between the two opposing inner wall surfaces of the receiving cavity 3a. The width of the antenna housing 4 extends along the height direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0106] Placing the Wi-Fi antenna 2 inside the antenna housing 4 provides physical protection for it. The antenna housing 4 prevents the Wi-Fi antenna 2 from being damaged by external forces such as collisions and scratches during the production, transportation, installation, and daily use of the refrigerator 100, thus extending the service life of the Wi-Fi antenna 2 and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the refrigerator 100's Wi-Fi function.
[0107] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a second protective cover 6, which covers the mounting box 3. The lower surface of the second protective cover 6 is provided with an abutment portion 61. Along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100, the abutment portion 61 abuts between the antenna housing 4 and the mounting box 3 to limit the degree of freedom of the antenna housing 4 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0108] The second protective cover 6 can effectively block foreign objects such as dust, hair, and food scraps from entering the receiving cavity 3a, preventing foreign objects from corroding or short-circuiting the WiFi antenna 2, wire harness terminals, etc., extending the service life of components, and reducing maintenance costs and downtime caused by damage.
[0109] Since the thickness of the antenna housing 4 along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100 is less than the distance between the two opposing inner walls of the cavity 3a when the WiFi antenna 2 is set vertically, the antenna housing 4 will shake inside the cavity 3a. In order to fix the position of the antenna housing 4 inside the cavity 3a, the antenna housing 4, the mounting box 3 and the second protective cover 6 form a relatively stable overall structure through the abutting action of the abutting part 61 on the second protective cover 6. This helps to maintain the signal stability of the WiFi antenna 2 and allows the refrigerator 100 to maintain good performance even in complex usage environments.
[0110] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 7 and Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second protective cover 6 disclosed in the embodiment of this application. The inner wall of the mounting box 3 is provided with a second snap-fit part 32, and the abutment part 61 is provided with a second mating part 62. The second mating part 62 can snap-fit with the second snap-fit part 32 to restrict the degree of freedom of the second protective cover 6 along the height direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0111] The protective cover is snapped into the mounting box 3 by means of a snap-fit structure. During normal use of the refrigerator 100, even if it is subjected to vibration (such as vibration caused by the compressor running, opening and closing the door, etc.) or external force such as handling, the second protective cover 6 will not easily fall off the mounting box 3. This provides protection for the antenna housing 4 and the internal wifi antenna 2, and prevents foreign objects, dust or liquids from entering the mounting box 3 and affecting the normal operation of the wifi antenna 2.
[0112] The tight snap-fit between the protective cover and the mounting box 3 forms a relatively robust overall structure. Furthermore, this snap-fit structure makes the disassembly and installation of the second protective cover 6 simpler and faster. When it is necessary to inspect, repair, or replace the Wi-Fi antenna 2, wiring harness terminals, etc., inside the mounting box 3, the user or maintenance personnel only need to apply appropriate external force to easily open the protective cover; after the operation is completed, the protective cover can be quickly snapped back into place, greatly improving the efficiency of maintenance work.
[0113] Furthermore, by utilizing the structure of the abutment part 61, a second mating part 62 can be directly provided on the abutment part 61, without occupying extra space of the protective cover, thus achieving a tight connection between the protective cover and the mounting box 3.
[0114] In some embodiments, there are multiple abutting portions 61, each abutting portion 61 is provided with a second mating portion 62, and correspondingly, there are also multiple second snap-fit portions 32, each second snap-fit portion 32 engages with each second mating portion 62, further enhancing the connection stability between the protective cover and the mounting box 3.
[0115] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2The refrigerator 100 also includes a wiring harness terminal (not shown in the figure). The wiring harness terminal is connected between the wifi antenna 2 and the control panel. The bottom of the mounting box 3 is recessed into the refrigerator 100 along the height direction of the refrigerator 100, and the mounting box 3b is used to place the wiring harness terminal. The inner wall of the mounting box 3 is provided with a first wire outlet hole 3c. The wiring harness terminal passes through the first wire outlet hole 3c and is electrically connected to the control panel.
[0116] The bottom of the mounting box 3 has a recessed placement groove 3b along the height of the refrigerator 100, which is specifically used to place the wire harness terminals. This design provides a fixed storage location for the wire harness terminals, avoiding random placement of the wire harness terminals inside the refrigerator 100, effectively utilizing the space at the bottom of the mounting box 3, and making the wire harness layout inside the refrigerator 100 more neat and orderly.
[0117] The setting of the first outlet hole 3c provides a specific path for the wiring of the wire harness terminal, avoiding the messy arrangement of the wire harness inside the refrigerator 100, reducing the crossing and tangling between wire harnesses, making the wiring of the entire electrical system simpler and more standardized, which is conducive to later maintenance and troubleshooting.
[0118] The wiring harness terminal is connected between the WiFi antenna 2 and the control panel. The inner wall of the mounting box 3 is provided with a first wire outlet hole 3c. The wiring harness terminal passes through the first wire outlet hole 3c and is electrically connected to the control panel, making the wiring of the wiring harness terminal clearer and more defined. Installers can easily lead the wiring harness terminal out from the placement slot 3b through the first wire outlet hole 3c and accurately connect it to the control panel, improving assembly efficiency and reducing the probability of connection errors.
[0119] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 7 Along the length of the antenna housing 4, one end of the antenna housing 4 is provided with a second wire outlet 4a. The WiFi antenna 2 is located inside the antenna housing 4 at the end away from the second wire outlet 4a. The placement slot 3b is set close to the second wire outlet 4a to ensure that the wire harness terminal is far away from the module WiFi antenna 2, so as to reduce electromagnetic interference.
[0120] The Wi-Fi antenna 2 is positioned inside the antenna housing 4 at the end furthest from the second cable outlet 4a, allowing it to better receive and transmit signals. Because the Wi-Fi antenna 2 is relatively independent, interference from wiring harnesses and other components is reduced, contributing to improved Wi-Fi signal strength and stability.
[0121] The placement slot 3b is positioned close to the second outlet hole 4a, allowing the wire harness extending from the Wi-Fi antenna 2 to more easily pass through the second outlet hole 4a to the wire harness terminal inside the placement slot 3b. This shortens the wire harness length, reduces bending and tangling within the antenna housing 4, and facilitates wire harness connection and organization. Simultaneously, it reduces the risk of damage to the wire harness due to excessive bending or tangling, improving the reliability and stability of the wire harness connection.
[0122] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 11 , Figure 11 The exploded view of the hinge 7 disclosed in the embodiment of this application shows that the refrigerator 100 also includes a hinge 7, which is disposed on the top of the refrigerator 100.
[0123] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a door, which is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 7.
[0124] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a hinge 7 cover, which covers the hinge 7 and forms a covering area 8a on the top plate. The mounting box 3 is disposed outside the covering area 8a and is disposed close to the door along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100.
[0125] This avoids interference between the mounting box 3 and the hinge 7 cover. Since the hinge 7 cover needs to cover the hinge 7 for protection and aesthetics, if the mounting box 3 is located within the covering area 8a, the hinge 7 cover may not be able to be installed properly or its coverage of the hinge 7 may be affected. Furthermore, it facilitates easy disassembly when repairing or inspecting the Wi-Fi antenna 2, eliminating the need to first remove the hinge 7 cover before handling the antenna housing 4.
[0126] Since refrigerator 100 is usually installed against the wall, placing the mounting box 3 close to the door keeps the Wi-Fi antenna 2 away from the cavity, reducing signal interference and shielding. This helps the Wi-Fi antenna 2 to better receive and send signals, improving the quality and stability of the Wi-Fi signal, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerator 100's smart functions, such as remote control and connection to smart home systems.
[0127] In some embodiments, the mounting box is made of resin material, which has good electromagnetic wave penetration, reducing the attenuation and interference of the wifi signal, ensuring that the wifi antenna 2 can receive and send signals normally, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the refrigerator 100's smart function.
[0128] The internal environment of refrigerator 100 is relatively complex, and may contain substances such as moisture and food residue, which can easily corrode components. Resin material has strong corrosion resistance, resisting the erosion of moisture, acids, alkalis, and other substances, extending the service life of mounting box 3, and ensuring that it maintains good performance and structural integrity during long-term use. The lightweight nature of resin material also helps reduce the overall weight of refrigerator 100, facilitating its handling and installation.
[0129] In some embodiments, the cabinet 1 further includes a front panel connected to the top panel; the mounting opening includes a first edge, which is the edge of the mounting opening close to the door along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100, and the distance between the second edge and the front panel along the depth direction of the refrigerator 100 is 75mm to 90mm.
[0130] When the distance is too small, the strength of the top plate at this point is too weak and it is easily damaged, resulting in poor installation stability of the mounting box 3. When the distance is too large, when the refrigerator 100 is placed against the wall, the wifi antenna 2 is closer to the wall, resulting in poor signal transmission. Therefore, within this range, both the overall structural stability of the refrigerator 100 and the signal transmission performance of the wifi antenna 2 are guaranteed.
[0131] In some embodiments, the top opening of the mounting cavity includes a second edge, and the first edge is the edge of the slot along the width direction of the refrigerator 100 near the hinge 7. The distance between the first edge and the hinge 7 is 360mm to 390mm. If the distance is too far, the mounting box 3 is too close to the edge of the top of the refrigerator 100, resulting in insufficient strength at the top of the refrigerator 100. If the distance is too close, the mounting box 3 is too close to the hinge 7, and the hinge 7 may cause signal interference to the wifi antenna 2. Therefore, within this range, the structural stability of the refrigerator 100 body 1 is ensured, and the stable transmission of the wifi signal is also ensured.
[0132] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Box; A container liner is disposed inside the container, and the container liner has a storage cavity for holding food; A control panel is located within the enclosure and is used for human-computer interaction. A Wi-Fi antenna is installed in the housing and is electrically connected to the control panel. The mounting box is embedded in the top surface of the housing and has a receiving cavity with an opening at the top. At least a portion of the Wi-Fi antenna is disposed in the receiving cavity.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Wi-Fi antenna has a plate-like structure and is arranged horizontally. The upper surface of the Wi-Fi antenna is lower than the opening end face of the receiving cavity, and the distance from the upper surface of the Wi-Fi antenna to the opening end face of the receiving cavity is less than or equal to 1 / 4 of the wireless wavelength of the Wi-Fi antenna.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: An antenna housing is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The Wi-Fi antenna is disposed inside the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator. The width of the antenna housing is adapted to the distance between the two opposite inner walls of the receiving cavity to limit the degree of freedom of the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting box is equipped with: First card connector; The refrigerator also includes: A first protective cover is disposed on the top of the mounting box, and the lower surface of the first protective cover is provided with: The first mating part can engage with the first snap-fit part to restrict the degree of freedom of the first protective cover along the height direction of the refrigerator.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Wi-Fi antenna has a plate-like structure and is arranged vertically, with the upper end of the Wi-Fi antenna extending out of the opening of the receiving cavity.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: An antenna housing is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The Wi-Fi antenna is disposed inside the antenna housing. Along the depth direction of the refrigerator, the thickness of the antenna housing is less than the distance between the two opposing inner wall surfaces of the receiving cavity. The refrigerator also includes: A second protective cover is provided on the mounting box, and the lower surface of the second protective cover is provided with: The abutting portion, along the depth direction of the refrigerator, abuts between the antenna housing and the mounting box to limit the degree of freedom of the antenna housing along the depth direction of the refrigerator.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner wall of the mounting box is provided with: Second connector; The abutment portion is provided with: The second mating part can engage with the second snap-fit part to restrict the degree of freedom of the second protective cover along the height direction of the refrigerator.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A wire harness terminal is provided, which is connected between the Wi-Fi antenna and the control panel. The bottom of the mounting box is recessed into the refrigerator along the height direction of the refrigerator, and the recess is used to place the wire harness terminal. The inner wall of the mounting box is provided with a first cable outlet hole, through which the wire harness terminal passes and is electrically connected to the control panel.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: The antenna housing is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The Wi-Fi antenna is disposed inside the antenna housing. Along the length direction of the antenna housing, one end of the antenna housing is provided with a second wire outlet hole. The Wi-Fi antenna is located at the end of the antenna housing away from the second wire outlet hole. The placement slot is disposed close to the second wire outlet hole.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A hinge, wherein the hinge is disposed at the top of the refrigerator; The door body is rotatably connected to the housing via the hinge; A hinge cover, wherein the hinge cover is disposed on the hinge, and the hinge cover forms a covering area on the top of the refrigerator; The mounting box is located outside the covered area and is positioned close to the door along the depth direction of the refrigerator.