Refrigerator

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of ice-making technology, specifically providing a freezer. Current freezers suffer from low space utilization. To address this, this utility model provides a freezer including a cabinet body, an ice maker, a water supply pipe, and a water tank. The cabinet body defines a refrigeration and freezing compartment; the ice maker is disposed within the refrigeration and freezing compartment; the water supply pipe is connected to the ice maker; at least a portion of the water tank is embedded in the top wall of the refrigeration and freezing compartment and communicates with the water supply pipe to supply water to the ice maker. This utility model solves the aforementioned technical problems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of ice-making technology, and specifically provides a freezer. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, freezers are becoming increasingly widely used in daily life. Freezers are not only used for refrigerating and freezing various foods, but some freezers with ice-making functions also provide users with convenient ice-making services.

[0003] In the existing structural design of ice-making freezers, the water tank used to supply water to the ice maker is usually located inside the freezer. The water tank occupies the space that was originally used to store items, so the limited storage space inside the freezer is not fully utilized, resulting in low space utilization of the freezer. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem of low space utilization in freezers.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a freezer that improves the space utilization rate of the freezer by reasonably setting the position of the water storage tank.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a freezer, comprising:

[0007] The cabinet is limited to having refrigeration and freezing compartments;

[0008] An ice maker is installed in the refrigeration and freezing compartment;

[0009] A water supply pipe is connected to the ice maker;

[0010] A water storage tank, at least part of which is embedded in the top wall of the refrigeration and freezing compartment, and connected to the water supply pipe to supply water to the ice maker through the water supply pipe.

[0011] Optionally, the upper wall of the water storage tank is provided with a water inlet facing the top side of the freezer;

[0012] The freezer also includes a water inlet cap for sealing the water inlet.

[0013] The water storage tank has a flat structure and is completely embedded in the top wall of the refrigeration and freezing compartment.

[0014] Optionally, the water storage tank is detachably connected to the cabinet.

[0015] The water tank is provided with at least one handle for removing the water tank from the freezer.

[0016] Optionally, a handle is provided on each of the two lateral sides of the water storage tank.

[0017] Optionally, the top wall forms an upward-opening receiving cavity adapted to the shape of the water storage tank to support and fix the water storage tank.

[0018] Optionally, the side wall of the receiving cavity is provided with an operating groove for avoiding the handle.

[0019] Optionally, the freezer further includes:

[0020] A decorative cover is pivotally connected to the top wall of the refrigeration / freezing compartment to open and cover the receiving cavity.

[0021] Optionally, the upper wall of the water tank has a press-to-unlock switch to unlock the decorative cover.

[0022] Optionally, the decorative cover is pivotally connected to the rear end of the top wall of the refrigerator / freezer compartment, so that the decorative cover can be flipped open or closed in the front-to-back direction.

[0023] Optionally, the decorative cover extends downward on both sides of the lateral side to wrap around the sides of the top wall, thereby covering the operating groove.

[0024] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of this utility model, by embedding at least a portion of the water storage tank into the top wall of the refrigeration and freezing compartment, the water storage tank occupies less of the internal space of the freezer, thereby allowing more space to be used for refrigerated and frozen items and improving the space utilization rate of the freezer.

[0025] Furthermore, by positioning the water inlet towards the top of the freezer, users can easily add water to the water tank while standing next to the freezer without opening the freezer door. This simple and convenient operation enhances the user experience.

[0026] Furthermore, by sealing the water inlet with a water inlet cap, outside air and dust are prevented from entering the water tank during the operation of the freezer, thus avoiding water pollution, ensuring the cleanliness of the water used for ice making, and consequently guaranteeing the quality of the ice.

[0027] Furthermore, by designing the water tank as a flat structure, the thickness of the top wall can be minimized, thus avoiding excessive increases in the height of the freezer.

[0028] Furthermore, by detachably connecting the water tank to the cabinet, users can remove the water tank from the cabinet, making it convenient for users to thoroughly clean and maintain the water tank, extending its service life, and also enabling timely handling of any malfunctions that may occur.

[0029] Furthermore, by installing at least one handle on the water storage tank, it is made easier for users to disassemble the water storage tank.

[0030] Furthermore, by installing a handle on each of the two sides of the water tank, users can hold the handles on both sides with both hands when moving the water tank, which can better maintain the balance of the water tank and prevent the water tank from tilting or shaking due to uneven force, thus preventing water from spilling or damaging the water tank.

[0031] Furthermore, by forming an upward-facing accommodating cavity on the top wall that conforms to the shape of the water storage tank, the water storage tank is supported and fixed. During installation, this adaptive design allows the water storage tank to be quickly and accurately installed in the designated position, improving production assembly efficiency and facilitating reinstallation and repositioning during later maintenance.

[0032] Furthermore, by providing operating grooves on the side wall of the receiving cavity to avoid the handle, it is made easier for the user to grip and release the handle.

[0033] Furthermore, the decorative cover conceals the water tank, making the overall appearance of the freezer more concise and aesthetically pleasing. The decorative cover also prevents dust and debris from falling into the storage cavity, protecting the water tank and related components. The pivot connection makes it easy and convenient to open and close the decorative cover. Users can quickly open it when they need to operate the water tank (such as adding water or maintenance) and easily close it after the operation is completed.

[0034] Other beneficial effects of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improvement purpose, features and advantages of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, some embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar components or parts in different drawings; the drawings of this utility model are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 These are isometric views of the freezers according to some embodiments of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a freezer according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram showing the decorative cover of the refrigerated display case after it has been opened;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Axonometric drawing of the central water storage tank;

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Axonometric drawing of the refrigerated display case after the water tank has been removed.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] 01. Refrigerated display case;

[0043] 100. Cabinet body; 110. Refrigerator and freezer compartments; 120. Top wall; 121. Receiving cavity; 122. Operating slot;

[0044] 200. Door body; 300. Ice maker; 400. Water pipe; 600. Water inlet cap; 700. Decorative cap;

[0045] 500. Water storage tank; 510. Water inlet; 520. Handle; 530. Upper wall; 540. Press-to-unlock switch; 550. Manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of 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. For example, unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" can specifically refer to any feasible connection form such as bolt connection, screw connection, welding, insertion, riveting, fusion welding, or snap-fit.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the freezer 01 includes a cabinet body 100 and a door body 200. The door body 200 is pivotally connected to the cabinet body 100.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the freezer 01 also includes an ice maker 300, a water pipe 400, and a water tank 500. The cabinet body 100 defines a refrigerator / freezer compartment 110, which users can access by opening the door 200. The ice maker 300 is located in the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 and is used to make ice. The water pipe 400 is connected to the ice maker 300, and at least a portion of the water tank 500 is embedded in the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 and communicates with the water pipe 400 to supply water to the ice maker 300.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that this embodiment can improve the space utilization of the freezer by setting a certain thickness to the top wall 120 of the refrigeration and freezing compartment 110 and then embedding at least a portion of the water tank 500 into the top wall 120 of the refrigeration and freezing compartment 110, instead of placing the water tank 500 inside the cabinet 100.

[0052] Furthermore, embedding the water tank 500 into the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 changes the traditional layout where the water tank 500 occupies storage space inside the freezer 01, making the space inside the freezer 01 more organized and spacious for storing items. Since the freezer 01 is generally not very tall, placing the water tank 500 on top of the freezer 01 also makes it more convenient for users to add water.

[0053] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the upper wall 530 of the water storage tank 500 is provided with a water inlet 510 facing the top side of the freezer 01. By placing the water storage tank 500 on the top of the freezer 01 and further placing the water inlet 510 on the upper wall 530 of the water storage tank 500, with the water inlet 510 facing upwards from the freezer 01, the user can conveniently add water to the water storage tank 500 without opening the door 200 of the freezer 01, simply by standing next to the freezer 01. This simple and convenient operation improves the user experience.

[0054] In addition, the freezer 01 also includes a water inlet cap 600 for sealing the water inlet 510. It can effectively seal the water inlet 510 to prevent outside air, dust and other contaminants from entering the water storage tank 500 during the operation of the freezer 01, avoid water pollution, ensure the cleanliness of the water used for ice making, and thus ensure the quality of the ice.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the water storage tank 500 has a flat structure, which can minimize the thickness of the top wall 120, make full use of the limited space of the top wall 120, and avoid excessively increasing the height of the freezer 01.

[0056] Continue reading Figure 3 In this embodiment, by making the water storage tank 500 a flat structure, the water storage tank 500 can be completely embedded into the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110, making the interior of the freezer 01 look neater and more aesthetically pleasing, and improving the overall appearance quality of the freezer 01. At this time, the thickness of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 is greater than the thickness of the water storage tank 500, thus allowing the water storage tank 500 to be completely embedded into the top wall 120.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the water tank 500 is detachably connected to the cabinet 100, which facilitates maintenance and repair. For example, after a period of use, the water tank 500 of the freezer 01 will have some water stains and dirt. The detachable connection design allows users to easily remove it from the cabinet 100, which facilitates comprehensive cleaning and maintenance of the water tank 500, extends the service life of the water tank 500, and also allows for timely handling of any malfunctions that may occur in the water tank 500.

[0058] Furthermore, if the water tank 500 is damaged, the detachable connection facilitates quick replacement of the new water tank 500, reducing the maintenance and time costs of the freezer 01 and improving the efficiency of the freezer 01.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the water storage tank 500 is provided with at least one handle 520 to remove the water storage tank 500 from the freezer 01 by means of the handle 520.

[0060] Continue reading Figure 4 The water tank 500 has a handle 520 on each of its two horizontal sides. Users can lift the water tank 500 from the freezer 01 and detach it from the cabinet 100 for easy refilling, maintenance, and other tasks. The handles 520 on both sides allow users to hold the water tank 500 with both hands while moving it, better maintaining its balance and preventing tilting or shaking due to uneven force, thus preventing water spillage or damage.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the top wall 120 forms an upward-facing receiving cavity 121 that conforms to the shape of the water storage tank 500, in order to support and fix the water storage tank 500. "Conforming to the shape" means that the shape of the receiving cavity 121 and the bottom and sides of the water storage tank 500 are approximately the same. That is, the receiving cavity 121 fits snugly against the bottom and sides of the water storage tank 500, so that when the water storage tank 500 is placed in the receiving cavity 121, the receiving cavity 121 can directly and firmly fix the water storage tank 500, preventing the water storage tank 500 from wobbling left and right.

[0062] Furthermore, this adaptive design allows the water tank 500 to be installed quickly and accurately in the designated location, improving production and assembly efficiency and facilitating reinstallation and resetting during later maintenance.

[0063] In some other embodiments of this invention, the shapes of the bottom and sides of the receiving cavity 121 and the water tank 500 may be different. A fixing structure (not shown in the figure) can be provided in the receiving cavity 121, and the water tank 500 is fixed in the receiving cavity 121 by the fixing structure. For example, multiple grooves can be provided in the receiving cavity 121, and corresponding protrusions can be provided on the bottom of the water tank 500. The water tank 500 is fixed by the cooperation of the protrusions and grooves.

[0064] Continue reading Figure 5 In some embodiments of this utility model, an operating groove 122 is provided on the side wall of the receiving cavity 121 to avoid the handle 520, thereby allowing the handle 520 to be exposed from the receiving cavity 121, making it convenient for the user to directly remove the water tank 500 from the receiving cavity 121 through the handle 520. The operating groove 122 ensures that the receiving cavity 121 tightly fixes the water tank 500, while also leaving space for the handle 520.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the freezer 01 further includes a decorative cover 700, wherein the decorative cover 700 is pivotally connected to the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 to open and cover the receiving cavity 121. Since the water bottle has structures such as a water inlet 510, directly exposing the top of the freezer 01 affects its aesthetics. Therefore, in this embodiment, the decorative cover 700 is used to cover the water tank 500, making the overall appearance of the freezer 01 more simple and aesthetically pleasing.

[0066] Furthermore, the decorative cover 700 can prevent dust and debris from falling into the receiving cavity 121, protecting the water tank 500 and related components. The pivot connection makes it easy and convenient to open and close the decorative cover 700. Users can quickly open it when they need to operate the water tank 500 (such as adding water, maintenance, etc.) and close it conveniently after the operation is completed.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the decorative cover 700 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110, so that the decorative cover 700 can be flipped open or closed in the front-to-back direction; and the handles 520 are located on both sides of the receiving cavity 121. When the user needs to perform operations such as filling the water tank 500 with water, the user stands in front of the freezer 01, flips the decorative cover 700 upward and backward to open it, and the decorative cover 700 is flipped to the rear side of the freezer 01. Then the user can directly grasp the handles 520 on both sides of the water tank 500 through the operating slot 122 to remove the water tank 500 from the receiving cavity 121.

[0068] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 5 In some embodiments of this utility model, since the operating groove 122 is located on the side of the water storage tank 500, the decorative cover 700 can extend downwards on both sides to wrap around the sides of the top wall 120 to cover the operating groove 122. This allows the decorative cover 700 to completely cover the water storage tank 500 and its related structure, allowing users to enjoy the convenience of adding water to the top of the freezer 01 without changing the original appearance of the freezer 01.

[0069] Furthermore, the decorative cover 700 extends downwards on both sides to wrap around the sides of the top wall 120, which not only completely covers the operating slot 122, making the top of the freezer 01 look flatter and more beautiful, but also further prevents dust from entering the receiving cavity 121 from the side, improving the dustproof effect inside the freezer 01 and better protecting the water tank 500.

[0070] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the upper wall 530 of the water storage tank 500 has a press-to-unlock switch 540 to unlock the decorative cover 700.

[0071] In some embodiments of this utility model, a torsion spring (not shown in the figure) can be provided at the pivot connection between the decorative cover 700 and the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110, so that the decorative cover 700 can automatically pop up after the user presses the unlock switch 540 to unlock.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, a confluence channel 550 is formed around the water inlet 510, and the water inlet 510 is located at the bottom of the confluence channel 550. When the user adds water, the splashed water is collected through the confluence channel 550 and flows into the water inlet 510.

[0073] In some embodiments of this utility model, the decorative cover 700 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110, so that the decorative cover 700 can be flipped open or closed in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the two lateral sides of the decorative cover 700 extend downwards to wrap around the sides of the top wall 120 to cover the operating groove 122.

[0074] In some embodiments of this utility model, the thickness of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 can be selected from any value in the range of [25mm, 75mm]. For example, the thickness of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 can be 25mm, 50mm, and 75mm, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, the thickness of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 can be selected from any value in the range of [37 mm, 63 mm]. For example, the thickness of the top wall 120 of the refrigerator / freezer compartment 110 can be 37 mm, 48 mm, and 63 mm, etc.

[0076] This is the result of optimization achieved by the inventors through numerous experiments. Within the aforementioned thickness range, the top wall 120 ensures suitable space for embedding the water tank 500 without significantly increasing the overall height of the freezer 01. This is particularly important for space-constrained applications, as it avoids occupying excessive vertical space while achieving a clever placement of the water tank 500, maintaining the overall compactness and practicality of the freezer 01.

[0077] This invention reduces the space occupied by the water tank 500 in the freezer 01 by providing a certain thickness to the top wall 120 of the refrigeration and freezing compartment 110, and then embedding at least a portion of the flat water tank 500 into the top wall 120 of the refrigeration and freezing compartment 110, instead of placing the water tank 500 inside the cabinet 100. This allows more space to be used for refrigeration and freezing, improving the space utilization of the freezer 01. Furthermore, this invention uses a decorative cover 700 to conceal the water tank 500, making the overall appearance of the freezer 01 more concise and aesthetically pleasing.

[0078] In summary, the freezer 01 provided by this utility model can significantly improve the space utilization of the freezer 01, and the water tank 500 is located on the top side of the freezer 01 for easy water addition by the user. The water tank 500 is covered by a decorative cover 700, which not only facilitates water addition by the user, but also maintains the aesthetics of the freezer 01.

[0079] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of this utility model, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0080] Finally, it should be noted that the freezer 01 of this utility model is a freezer in a broad sense, which includes not only the freezer in the narrow sense as commonly referred to, but also preservation equipment with refrigeration and / or freezing functions, such as refrigerators, freezers, etc.

Claims

1. A freezer, characterized in that, include: The cabinet is limited to having refrigeration and freezing compartments; An ice maker is installed in the refrigeration and freezing compartment; A water supply pipe is connected to the ice maker; A water storage tank, at least part of which is embedded in the top wall of the refrigeration and freezing compartment, and connected to the water supply pipe to supply water to the ice maker through the water supply pipe.

2. The freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper wall of the water storage tank is provided with a water inlet facing the top of the freezer; The freezer also includes a water inlet cap for sealing the water inlet.

3. The freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank has a flat structure and is completely embedded in the top wall of the refrigeration and freezing compartment.

4. The freezer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water storage tank is detachably connected to the cabinet.

5. The freezer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water tank is provided with at least one handle for removing the water tank from the freezer.

6. The freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water storage tank is provided with a handle on each of its two horizontal sides.

7. The freezer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top wall has an upward-facing cavity that conforms to the shape of the water tank to support and fix the water tank.

8. The freezer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side wall of the receiving cavity is provided with an operating groove for avoiding the handle.

9. The freezer according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A decorative cover is pivotally connected to the top wall of the refrigeration / freezing compartment to open and cover the receiving cavity.

10. The freezer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper wall of the water tank has a press-to-unlock switch to unlock the decorative cover; and / or The decorative cover is pivotally connected to the rear end of the top wall of the refrigerator / freezer compartment, allowing the cover to flip open or close in a front-to-back direction; and The two sides of the decorative cover extend downwards to wrap around the sides of the top wall to cover the operating groove.

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