Water storage components, as well as ice-making devices and refrigeration equipment having the water storage components.

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water storage component and an ice-making device and refrigeration equipment having the water storage component. The water storage component is disposed in the freezer compartment of the refrigeration equipment and includes: a housing, the housing including a main body and a door frame, the door frame being connected to the main body, the door frame having a first side and a second side opposite to each other in its thickness direction; a door, one of the door and the first side having a sealing strip, the sealing strip cooperating with the other of the door and the first side; and a sealing strip heating element, the sealing strip heating element being disposed on one of the first side and the second side. The water storage component of this utility model has advantages such as good sealing effect of the sealing strip, prevention of water freezing, stable and effective water supply to the ice-making component, and a good user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration technology, specifically to a water storage component, and also to an ice-making device and refrigeration equipment having the water storage component. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators with integrated ice makers are widely used. In related technologies, the ice maker in refrigerators uses either an external drinking water supply or a water tank located inside the refrigerator compartment. The ice maker is located within the freezer compartment. Water from the water tank is supplied to the ice maker via a pipe that passes through the insulation layer between the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a water storage component, as well as an ice-making device and a refrigeration equipment having the water storage component.

[0004] The water storage component of this utility model is disposed in the freezer chamber of a refrigeration equipment and includes: a box body, the box body including a main body and a door frame, the door frame being connected to the main body, the door frame having a first side and a second side opposite to each other in its thickness direction; a door body, one of the door body and the first side being provided with a sealing strip, the sealing strip cooperating with the other of the door body and the first side; and a sealing strip heating element, the sealing strip heating element being disposed on one of the first side and the second side.

[0005] The water storage component of this utility model has the advantages of good sealing effect of the sealing strip, preventing water from freezing, stable and effective water supply to the ice-making component, and good user experience.

[0006] Optionally, the first side is provided with a mounting groove, a portion of the sealing strip is fitted into the mounting groove, and the sealing strip heating element is provided on the second side.

[0007] Optionally, the sealing strip is annular and surrounds the water storage space of the box body, the sealing strip and the sealing strip heating element are opposite each other in the thickness direction of the door frame, wherein the sealing strip heating element is annular; or the sealing strip heating element includes a first part, a second part, a third part and a fourth part, the first part and the second part are opposite each other in the width direction of the door frame and extend along the length direction of the door frame, the third part and the fourth part are opposite each other in the length direction of the door frame and extend along the width direction of the door frame.

[0008] Optionally, the sealing strip heating element includes: a first metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction, the first surface being in contact with one of the first side surface and the second side surface; and a first heating wire disposed on the second surface.

[0009] Optionally, the housing has a heat-insulating space, and a heat-insulating component is provided in the heat-insulating space. The sealing strip heating component further includes a second metal sheet, which is disposed on the second surface and contacts the heat-insulating component. The first heating wire is clamped between the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet.

[0010] Optionally, the main body includes a shell and a liner, the liner having a water storage space, the liner being disposed inside the shell, wherein a heat-insulating space is formed between the door frame, the liner and the shell, and the water storage assembly further includes: a heat insulation component disposed within the heat-insulating space; and a water storage space heating component disposed within the liner.

[0011] Optionally, the water storage space heating element is located on the outer surface of the tank liner.

[0012] Optionally, the water storage space heating element includes: a third metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction, the first surface of the third metal sheet being in contact with the outer surface of the tank liner; a second heating wire disposed on the second surface of the third metal sheet; and a fourth metal sheet disposed on the second surface of the third metal sheet, the fourth metal sheet being in contact with the heat insulation element, the second heating wire being sandwiched between the third metal sheet and the fourth metal sheet.

[0013] Optionally, the water storage assembly further includes: a water outlet pipe communicating with the water storage space, at least a portion of the water outlet pipe being located within the heat insulation space; and a water outlet pipe heating element disposed on the at least a portion of the water outlet pipe.

[0014] Optionally, the water outlet pipe heating element includes: a fifth metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction, the first surface of the fifth metal sheet being in contact with the outer surface of the water outlet pipe; a third heating wire disposed on the second surface of the fifth metal sheet; and a sixth metal sheet disposed on the second surface of the fifth metal sheet, the sixth metal sheet being in contact with the heat insulation element, and the third heating wire being sandwiched between the fifth metal sheet and the sixth metal sheet.

[0015] Optionally, the water storage assembly further includes a water storage box, which is connected to the door and is removably disposed within the water storage space of the housing.

[0016] The ice-making device of this utility model includes: an ice-making component; and a water storage component, wherein the water storage component is the water storage component described in this utility model, and the water outlet of the water storage component cooperates with the ice-making component to supply water to the ice-making component.

[0017] The ice-making device of this utility model has the advantages of the water storage component not occupying the storage space of the refrigerator compartment, the sealing performance of the sealing strip being good, the water storage component being able to stably and effectively supply water to the ice-making component, and the user experience being good.

[0018] The refrigeration equipment of this utility model has a freezing chamber, and the freezing chamber is provided with a water storage component as described in this utility model.

[0019] The refrigeration equipment of this invention has the advantages of large storage space and water storage components that do not occupy storage space when not in use. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial rear view of a water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a partial enlarged view of the water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 10This is a structural schematic diagram of the sealing strip heating element / water storage space heating element / water outlet pipe heating element of the water storage component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the sealing strip heating element / water storage space heating element of the water storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a refrigeration device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1-11 As shown, the refrigeration equipment 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a freezer compartment 300 and an ice-making device 100. The ice-making device 100 includes an ice-making component 20 and a water storage component 10, both of which are disposed within the freezer compartment 300. The outlet of the water storage component 10 cooperates with the ice-making component 20 to supply water to the ice-making component 20.

[0033] The water storage assembly 10 includes a housing 1, a door 2, a sealing strip 3, and a sealing strip heating element 4. The housing 1 includes a main body and a door frame 13, with the door frame 13 connected to the main body. The door frame 13 has a first side 131 and a second side 132 opposite each other in its thickness direction. A sealing strip 3 is provided on one of the door 2 and the first side 131, and the sealing strip 3 cooperates with the other of the door 2 and the first side 131. The sealing strip heating element 4 is located on one of the first side 131 and the second side 132 to heat the sealing strip 3.

[0034] In related technologies, the water storage box of ice-making devices is located inside the refrigerator compartment. One end of a water pipe is connected to the water storage box, and the pipe passes through the insulation layer between the refrigerator and freezer compartments to supply water to the ice maker. Because the water pipe connected to the storage box passes through the insulation layer, it cannot be removed, and consequently, the water storage box cannot be removed from the refrigerator compartment. Therefore, even when the ice maker is not in use, the water storage box cannot be removed from the refrigerator compartment, causing it to constantly occupy storage space and reducing the storage capacity of the refrigerator compartment.

[0035] Furthermore, since the water storage box of the ice-making device in the relevant technology is located in the refrigerator compartment, the refrigeration equipment without a refrigerator compartment cannot be equipped with an ice-making device because it cannot have a water storage box, thus the refrigeration equipment without a refrigerator compartment does not have the function of making ice.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration device 1000 eliminates the need for a water pipe passing through the insulation layer between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment by placing the water storage component 10 inside the freezer compartment 300. Therefore, when not making ice, the water storage component 10 and the ice-making component 20 can be removed from the freezer compartment 300, i.e., the ice-making device 100 can be removed from the freezer compartment 300. Thus, the water storage component 10 does not occupy storage space in the refrigerator compartment 200, and the water storage component 10 and the ice-making component 20 do not occupy storage space in the freezer compartment 300 when not in use, thereby providing a larger storage space in both the refrigerator compartment 200 and the freezer compartment 300.

[0037] Furthermore, by placing the water storage component 10 inside the freezer compartment 300, an ice-making component 20 and an ice-making device can be installed inside a refrigeration equipment 1000 that does not have a refrigerator compartment, so that the refrigeration equipment 1000 without a refrigerator compartment can have an ice-making function.

[0038] According to the present invention, the water storage component 10 is provided with a sealing strip heating element 4 in the door frame 13 so as to heat the sealing strip 3 by means of the sealing strip heating element 4, thereby preventing the sealing strip 3 from hardening in the low temperature environment of the freezer 300, so as to ensure that the sealing strip 3 always maintains elasticity and flexibility, and thus ensures that the sealing strip 3 always has excellent sealing effect.

[0039] Therefore, the sealing strip 3 can prevent the cold air of the freezer 300 from entering the water storage space 121 of the cabinet 1 through the gap between the door 2 and the cabinet 1 (door frame 13), thereby preventing the water in the water storage component 10 of the freezer 300 from freezing, so that the water storage component 10 can stably and effectively supply water to the ice making component 20, and improve the user experience.

[0040] In addition, by using the sealing strip heating element 4 to heat the sealing strip 3, it is possible to prevent the sealing strip 3 and the door body 2 from freezing together.

[0041] Therefore, the refrigeration equipment 1000 according to the present invention has advantages such as large storage space and the water storage component 10 not occupying storage space when not in use. The water storage component 10 according to the present invention has advantages such as good sealing effect of the sealing strip 3, preventing water from freezing, stable and effective water supply to the ice-making component 20, and a good user experience. The ice-making device 100 has advantages such as the water storage component 10 not occupying the storage space of the refrigerator compartment 200, good sealing performance of the sealing strip 3, stable and effective water supply to the ice-making component 20 by the water storage component 10, and a good user experience.

[0042] like Figures 1-11As shown, the refrigeration equipment 1000 includes a refrigerator compartment 200, a freezer compartment 300, and an ice-making device 100. The refrigerator compartment 200 and the freezer compartment 300 can be arranged vertically or horizontally. Vertical arrangement is as follows... Figure 1 As shown by arrow A in the diagram.

[0043] The ice-making device 100 may include a water storage assembly 10 and an ice-making assembly 20. The water storage assembly 10 and the ice-making assembly 20 may be arranged vertically. For example, the water storage assembly 10 may be located above the ice-making assembly 20, and the water in the water storage assembly 10 may flow into the ice-making assembly 20 under its own gravity. In this case, a water outlet pipe 7 for transporting water from the water storage assembly 10 to the ice-making assembly 20 may not be required; instead, a water outlet may be provided at the bottom of the water storage assembly 10, located above the ice-making assembly 20.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the water storage assembly 10 is located above the ice-making assembly 20, a water outlet pipe 7 can also be provided. The inlet of the water outlet pipe 7 is connected to the water storage space 121, and the outlet of the water outlet pipe 7 cooperates with the ice-making assembly 20 to transport water from the water storage space 121 to the ice-making assembly 20. In addition, the water storage assembly 10 and the ice-making assembly 20 can also be arranged horizontally.

[0045] like Figures 3-7 As shown, the water storage assembly 10 includes a housing 1, a door 2, a sealing strip 3, and a sealing strip heating element 4. The housing 1 includes a main body and a door frame 13. The main body includes a shell 11 and a liner 12. The liner 12 has a water storage space 121 and is located inside the shell 11. The door frame 13 is connected to the liner 12 and the shell 11, and an insulation space 14 is formed between the door frame 13, the liner 12, and the shell 11.

[0046] A heat insulation component 5 may be installed within the heat-insulating space 14. Optionally, the heat insulation component 5 may be a foam layer or a vacuum insulation panel (VIP). Furthermore, the heat insulation component 5 includes a vacuum insulation panel and a foam layer, with the foam layer disposed between the inner chamber 12 and the outer shell 11, and the vacuum insulation panel disposed between the inner chamber 12 and the foam layer. In other words, the foam layer is located outside the vacuum insulation panel.

[0047] like Figures 3-7 As shown, the door frame 13 has a first side 131 and a second side 132 opposite to each other in its thickness direction. The first side 131 is provided with a mounting groove 133, and a portion of the sealing strip 3 is fitted into the mounting groove 133, that is, the sealing strip 3 is provided on the first side 131. By fitting a portion of the sealing strip 3 into the mounting groove 133, the sealing strip 3 can be more securely installed on the door frame 13. The sealing strip 3 cooperates with the door body 2 to seal the gap between the door body 2 and the housing 1 (door frame 13).

[0048] The sealing strip heating element 4 is located on the second side 132. At least a portion of the second side 132 forms part of the wall of the heat insulation space 14, that is, the sealing strip heating element 4 is located within the heat insulation space 14. This not only allows the sealing strip heating element 4 to be fixed using the heat insulation element 5, thus more securely installing it onto the door frame 13 (second side 132), but also ensures that the user will not see the sealing strip heating element 4 during the use of the water storage assembly 10, making the water storage assembly 10 more aesthetically pleasing and simple in appearance.

[0049] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the water storage assembly 10 also includes a water storage box 9. The water storage box 9 is connected to the door 2 and is removably disposed within the water storage space 121 of the box 1.

[0050] Water in the water storage box 9 can be transported to the ice-making component 20. When the water in the water storage box 9 is used up, the water storage box 9 can be removed by pulling out the door 2 to add water to it. After adding water, the water storage box 9 is placed back into the water storage space 121, and the door 2 engages with the sealing strip 3 on the door frame 13 again.

[0051] By incorporating a water storage box 9, adding water becomes more convenient, further enhancing the user experience. Heating the sealing strip 3 using the sealing strip heating element 4 also prevents the sealing strip 3 from freezing to the door 2, thus preventing the water storage box 9 from being unable to be removed through the door 2.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the sealing strip 3 is annular and surrounds the water storage space 121 of the housing 1. Optionally, when the water storage box 9 is located within the water storage space 121, the sealing strip 3 surrounds the water storage box 9.

[0053] This can further improve the sealing performance of the sealing strip 3, thereby further preventing the cold air of the freezer compartment 300 from entering the water storage space 121 through the gap between the door body 2 and the door frame 13, and further preventing the water in the water storage space 121 (water storage box 9) from freezing, so that the water storage component 10 can supply water to the ice making component 20 more stably and effectively, and further improve the user experience.

[0054] The sealing strip 3 and the sealing strip heating element 4 are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction of the door frame 13, so that the sealing strip heating element 4 can heat the sealing strip 3 more effectively. This further prevents the sealing strip 3 from hardening in the low-temperature environment of the freezer compartment 300, thereby ensuring that the sealing strip 3 always maintains its elasticity and flexibility, and further ensuring that the sealing strip 3 always has excellent sealing performance.

[0055] like Figure 4As shown, the sealing strip heating element 4 is annular. Therefore, the sealing strip heating element 4 can more effectively heat the sealing strip 3, thus ensuring that the sealing strip 3 always maintains its elasticity and flexibility, and thus always has an excellent sealing effect.

[0056] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the sealing strip heating element 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42, a third part 43, and a fourth part 44. The first part 41 and the second part 42 both extend along the length of the door frame 13, and are opposite each other in the width direction of the door frame 13. The third part 43 and the fourth part 44 both extend along the width direction of the door frame 13, and are opposite each other in the length direction of the door frame 13. Therefore, the sealing strip heating element 4 can more effectively heat the sealing strip 3, thereby ensuring that the sealing strip 3 always maintains its elasticity and flexibility, thus ensuring that the sealing strip 3 always has an excellent sealing effect.

[0057] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the sealing strip heating element 4 includes a first metal sheet 45 and a first heating wire 46. The first metal sheet 45 has a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction. The first surface of the first metal sheet 45 is in contact with one of the first side surface 131 and the second side surface 132. Optionally, the first surface of the first metal sheet 45 is in contact with the second side surface 132 so that the sealing strip heating element 4 is in contact with the second side surface 132. The first heating wire 46 is disposed on the second surface of the first metal sheet 45.

[0058] When the first heating wire 46 is energized, it generates heat. The heat generated by the first heating wire 46 is transferred to the door frame 13 through the first metal sheet 45, and then to the sealing strip 3 to heat the sealing strip 3. By setting the first metal sheet 45, the contact area between the sealing strip heating element 4 and the door frame 13 (second side 132) can be effectively increased, thereby heating the sealing strip 3 more effectively so that the sealing strip 3 always has a good sealing effect.

[0059] like Figure 10 As shown, the sealing strip heating element 4 also includes a second metal sheet 47, which is disposed on the second surface of the first metal sheet 45. The second metal sheet 47 is in contact with the heat insulation element 5. The first heating wire 46 is clamped between the first metal sheet 45 and the second metal sheet 47.

[0060] The heat generated by the first heating wire 46 is transferred to the heat insulation member 5 through the second metal sheet 47, thereby heating the heat insulation member 5. This further prevents the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water storage space 121 through the heat insulation member 5, thus further preventing the water in the water storage space 121 from freezing. The heat insulation member 5 can only prevent the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water storage space 121 to a large extent; it cannot completely prevent the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water storage space 121.

[0061] Furthermore, the heat generated by the first heating wire 46 is transferred outward through the second metal sheet 47, thereby further increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the sealing strip heating element 4 to further prevent the water in the water storage space 121 from freezing. In addition, by clamping the first heating wire 46 between the first metal sheet 45 and the second metal sheet 47, the first heating wire 46 can also be protected by the first metal sheet 45 and the second metal sheet 47.

[0062] Optionally, both the first metal sheet 45 and the second metal sheet 47 can be aluminum foil. The first heating wire 46 can be a PVC heating wire, a silicone heating wire, a graphene heating wire, a metal heating wire, etc. For example, the first part 41, the second part 42, the third part 43, and the fourth part 44 all include the first metal sheet 45, the first heating wire 46, and the second metal sheet 47.

[0063] Optionally, the first heating wire 46 may be curved to increase its length, thereby increasing the heat generated by the first heating wire 46. For example, the first heating wire 46 may be corrugated (serpentine) to further increase its length, thereby further increasing the heat generated by the first heating wire 46.

[0064] like Figure 11 As shown, the first heating wire 46 includes a plurality of first straight segments 461 and at least one first arc segment 462. The plurality of first straight segments 461 are spaced apart along the length or width direction of the first metal sheet 45 (second metal sheet 47). Alternatively, the plurality of first straight segments 461 may also be spaced apart circumferentially along the sealing strip heating element 4. Adjacent first straight segments 461 are connected by the first arc segment 462. This further increases the length of the first heating wire 46, thereby further increasing the heat generated by the first heating wire 46.

[0065] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the water storage assembly 10 also includes a water storage space heating element 6, which is located in the tank liner 12 so that the water storage space heating element 6 heats the water storage space 121.

[0066] By placing the water storage space heating element 6 on the inner tank 12, the water storage space 121 of the inner tank 12 can be heated by the water storage space heating element 6, thereby preventing the water in the water storage component 10 in the freezer compartment 300 from freezing. This allows the water storage component 10 to supply water to the ice-making component 20 more stably and effectively, further improving the user experience.

[0067] Optionally, the water storage space heating element 6 is disposed on the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12. Thus, the water storage space heating element 6 does not occupy the water storage space 121, and when the water storage space heating element 6 uses electricity to heat the water storage space 121, there is no need to insulate the water storage space heating element 6, so as to simplify the structure of the water storage assembly 10.

[0068] Furthermore, during the use of the water storage assembly 10, the user will not see the water storage space heating element 6, making the appearance of the water storage assembly 10 more concise and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, by placing the water storage space heating element 6 on the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12, the water storage space heating element 6 can be located within the heat insulation space 14, thereby allowing the heat insulation element 5 to press down on the water storage space heating element 6 for a more stable installation.

[0069] The outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12 is the surface of the tank liner 12 facing the tank shell 11, that is, the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12 is the surface of the tank liner 12 facing away from the water storage space 121. The inner surface of the tank shell 11 is the surface of the tank shell 11 facing the tank liner 12. A heat insulation space 14 is formed between the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12 and the inner surface of the tank shell 11.

[0070] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the water storage space heating element 6 includes a third metal sheet 61 and a second heating wire 62. The third metal sheet 61 has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in its thickness direction. The first surface of the third metal sheet 61 is attached to the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12, that is, the third metal sheet 61 is disposed on the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12. The second heating wire 62 is disposed on the second surface of the third metal sheet 61.

[0071] When the second heating wire 62 is energized, it generates heat. The heat generated by the second heating wire 62 is transferred to the outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12 through the third metal sheet 61, and then to the water storage space 121 to heat the water inside the water storage space 121. By setting the third metal sheet 61, the contact area between the heating element 6 in the water storage space and the tank liner 12 can be effectively increased, thereby effectively heating the water storage space 121 and further preventing the water inside the water storage space 121 from freezing.

[0072] like Figure 10As shown, the water storage space heating element 6 also includes a fourth metal sheet 63, which is disposed on the second surface of the third metal sheet 61 and contacts the heat insulation element 5. The second heating wire 62 is clamped between the third metal sheet 61 and the fourth metal sheet 63.

[0073] The heat generated by the second heating wire 62 is transferred to the heat insulation element 5 through the fourth metal sheet 63, thereby heating the heat insulation element 5. This further prevents the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water storage space 121 through the heat insulation element 5, thus further preventing the water in the water storage space 121 from freezing. The heat insulation element 5 can only prevent the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water storage space 121 to a large extent; it cannot completely prevent the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water storage space 121.

[0074] Furthermore, the heat generated by the second heating wire 62 is transferred outward through the third metal sheet 61 and the fourth metal sheet 63, thereby further increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the water storage space heating element 6 and further preventing the water in the water storage space 121 from freezing. In addition, by clamping the second heating wire 62 between the third metal sheet 61 and the fourth metal sheet 63, the second heating wire 62 can also be protected by the third metal sheet 61 and the fourth metal sheet 63.

[0075] Optionally, both the third metal sheet 61 and the fourth metal sheet 63 can be aluminum foil. The second heating wire 62 can be a PVC heating wire, a silicone heating wire, a graphene heating wire, a metal heating wire, etc.

[0076] The outer surface 122 of the tank liner 12 may include an upper surface 1221, a lower surface, a left side surface, a right side surface 1222, and a rear surface. Each of the upper surface 1221, the lower surface, the left side surface, the right side surface 1222, and the rear surface may be provided with a water storage space heating element 6, so as to more effectively heat the water storage space 121 and further prevent the water in the water storage space 121 from freezing.

[0077] Optionally, the second heating wire 62 may be curved to increase its length, thereby increasing the heat generated by the second heating wire 62. For example, the second heating wire 62 may be corrugated (serpentine) to further increase its length, thereby further increasing the heat generated by the second heating wire 62.

[0078] The second heating wire 62 includes a plurality of second straight segments 621 and at least one second arc segment 622. The plurality of second straight segments 621 are spaced apart along the length or width direction of the third metal sheet 61 (fourth metal sheet 63), and adjacent two second straight segments 621 are connected by the second arc segment 622. This can further increase the length of the second heating wire 62, thereby further increasing the heat generated by the second heating wire 62.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the water storage assembly 10 also includes a water outlet pipe 7 and a water outlet pipe heating element 8. The water outlet pipe 7 communicates with the water storage space 121. At least a portion 71 of the water outlet pipe 7 is located within the heat insulation space 14. Thus, the water outlet pipe 7 passes through the heat insulation element 5, i.e., the heat insulation element 5 surrounds the water outlet pipe 7. The water outlet pipe heating element 8 is disposed on at least a portion 71 of the water outlet pipe 7.

[0080] After water is supplied to the ice-making assembly 20 via the outlet pipe 7, some water will remain inside the outlet pipe 7. By placing at least a portion 71 of the outlet pipe 7 within the insulation space 14, the water inside the outlet pipe 7 is prevented from freezing, so that the outlet pipe 7 can stably and effectively supply water to the ice-making assembly 20, thereby improving the user experience.

[0081] Furthermore, by placing the water outlet pipe heating element 8 on at least a portion 71 of the water outlet pipe 7, the water outlet pipe 7 can be heated by the water outlet pipe heating element 8, thereby further preventing the water in the water outlet pipe 7 from freezing, so that the water outlet pipe 7 can supply water to the ice-making component 20 more stably and effectively, further improving the user experience.

[0082] Optionally, the inlet of the water outlet pipe 7 is connected to the water storage box 9, and the outlet of the water outlet pipe 7 is matched with the ice-making component 20 so that the water in the water storage box 9 can be transported to the ice-making component 20 through the water outlet pipe 7.

[0083] Optionally, the water outlet heating element 8 is disposed on the outer surface 72 of the water outlet pipe 7, that is, the water outlet heating element 8 is located within the heat insulation space 14. Therefore, the water outlet heating element 8 does not occupy the internal space of the water outlet pipe 7, so as not to affect the water supply from the water outlet pipe 7 to the ice-making assembly 20. Furthermore, when the water outlet heating element 8 uses electricity to heat the water outlet pipe 7, there is no need to insulate the water outlet heating element 8, thus simplifying the structure of the water storage assembly 10. In addition, by disposing of the water outlet heating element 8 on the outer surface 72 of the water outlet pipe 7, the water outlet heating element 8 can be located within the heat insulation space 14, thereby allowing the heat insulation element 5 to press down on the water outlet heating element 8 for a more stable installation.

[0084] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the water outlet pipe heating element 8 includes a fifth metal sheet 81 and a third heating wire 82. The fifth metal sheet 81 has a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction. The first surface of the fifth metal sheet 81 is attached to the outer surface 72 of the water outlet pipe 7, that is, the fifth metal sheet 81 is disposed on the outer surface 72 of the water outlet pipe 7. The third heating wire 82 is disposed on the second surface of the fifth metal sheet 81.

[0085] When the third heating wire 82 is energized, it generates heat. The heat generated by the third heating wire 82 is transferred to the outer surface 72 of the water outlet pipe 7 through the fifth metal sheet 81, so as to heat the water inside the water outlet pipe 7. By setting the fifth metal sheet 81, the contact area between the water outlet pipe heating element 8 and the water outlet pipe 7 can be effectively increased, thereby effectively heating the water outlet pipe 7 and further preventing the water inside the water outlet pipe 7 from freezing.

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, the water outlet pipe heating element 8 also includes a sixth metal sheet 83, which is disposed on the second surface of the fifth metal sheet 81 and contacts the heat insulation element 5. The third heating wire 82 is clamped between the fifth metal sheet 81 and the sixth metal sheet 83.

[0087] The heat generated by the third heating wire 82 is transferred to the heat insulation element 5 through the sixth metal sheet 83 to heat the heat insulation element 5. This further prevents the cold air in the freezer compartment 300 from being transferred to the water outlet pipe 7 through the heat insulation element 5, thereby further preventing the water in the water outlet pipe 7 from freezing.

[0088] Furthermore, the heat generated by the third heating wire 82 is transferred outward through the fifth metal sheet 81 and the sixth metal sheet 83, thereby further increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the outlet pipe heating element 8 to further prevent the water in the outlet pipe 7 from freezing. In addition, by clamping the third heating wire 82 between the fifth metal sheet 81 and the sixth metal sheet 83, the fifth metal sheet 81 and the sixth metal sheet 83 can also protect the third heating wire 82.

[0089] Optionally, both the fifth metal sheet 81 and the sixth metal sheet 83 can be aluminum foil. The third heating wire 82 can be a PVC heating wire, a silicone heating wire, a graphene heating wire, a metal heating wire, etc.

[0090] The third heating wire 82 can be curved to increase its length, thereby increasing the heat generated by the third heating wire 82. For example, the third heating wire 82 can be corrugated (serpentine) to further increase its length, thereby further increasing the heat generated by the third heating wire 82.

[0091] The third heating wire 82 includes multiple third arc segments and at least one connecting segment. The multiple third arc segments are spaced apart along the extension direction (length direction) of the water outlet pipe 7, and adjacent third arc segments are connected by the connecting segment. This can further increase the length of the third heating wire 82, thereby further increasing the heat generated by the third heating wire 82.

[0092] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying 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.

[0093] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0094] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," 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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0095] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0096] In this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water storage assembly, characterized by, The water storage component is located in the freezer compartment of the refrigeration equipment and includes: A housing, the housing comprising a main body and a door frame, the door frame being connected to the main body, the door frame having a first side and a second side opposite to each other in its thickness direction; The door body, wherein one of the door body and the first side surface is provided with a sealing strip, the sealing strip cooperating with the other of the door body and the first side surface; and A sealing strip heating element, wherein the sealing strip heating element is disposed on one of the first side and the second side.

2. The water storage assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first side has a mounting groove, a portion of the sealing strip is fitted into the mounting groove, and the sealing strip heating element is located on the second side.

3. The water storage assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sealing strip is annular and surrounds the water storage space of the tank body. The sealing strip and the sealing strip heating element are opposite each other in the thickness direction of the door frame. The sealing strip heating element is annular; or The sealing strip heating element includes a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fourth part. The first part and the second part are opposite to each other in the width direction of the door frame and extend along the length direction of the door frame. The third part and the fourth part are opposite to each other in the length direction of the door frame and extend along the width direction of the door frame.

4. The water storage assembly of claim 1, wherein, The sealing strip heating element includes: A first metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction, the first surface being abutting one of the first side surface and the second side surface; and A first heating wire is disposed on the second surface.

5. The water storage assembly of claim 4, wherein, The housing has a heat-insulating space, and a heat-insulating component is provided in the heat-insulating space. The sealing strip heating component also includes a second metal sheet, which is disposed on the second surface and contacts the heat-insulating component. The first heating wire is clamped between the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet.

6. The water storage assembly of claim 1, wherein, The main body includes a shell and a liner, the liner having a water storage space, the liner being disposed inside the shell, wherein a heat-insulating space is formed between the door frame, the liner, and the shell, and the water storage assembly further includes: A heat insulation element, wherein the heat insulation element is disposed within the heat insulation space; and A water storage space heating element is installed in the tank liner.

7. The water storage assembly of claim 6, wherein, The water storage space heating element is located on the outer surface of the tank liner.

8. The water storage assembly of claim 7, wherein, The water storage space heating element includes: A third metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction, the first surface of the third metal sheet being attached to the outer surface of the box liner; A second heating wire is disposed on the second surface of the third metal sheet; and A fourth metal sheet is disposed on the second surface of the third metal sheet, and the fourth metal sheet is in contact with the heat insulation member. The second heating wire is clamped between the third metal sheet and the fourth metal sheet.

9. The water storage assembly of claim 6, wherein, Also includes: A water outlet pipe, which is connected to the water storage space, and at least a portion of the water outlet pipe is located within the heat insulation space; and A water outlet pipe heating element, wherein the water outlet pipe heating element is disposed on at least a portion of the water outlet pipe.

10. The water storage assembly of claim 9, wherein, The water outlet pipe heating element includes: The fifth metal sheet has a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in its thickness direction, and the first surface of the fifth metal sheet is in contact with the outer surface of the water outlet pipe; A third heating wire, wherein the third heating wire is disposed on the second surface of the fifth metal sheet; and A sixth metal sheet is disposed on the second surface of the fifth metal sheet, and the sixth metal sheet is in contact with the heat insulation component. The third heating wire is clamped between the fifth metal sheet and the sixth metal sheet.

11. The water storage component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage box, which is connected to the door and is removably located within the water storage space of the box.

12. An ice making device, characterized by, include: Ice-making components; and A water storage component, wherein the water storage component is the same as any one of claims 1-11, and the outlet of the water storage component cooperates with the ice-making component to supply water to the ice-making component.

13. A refrigeration appliance characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment has a freezing chamber, and the freezing chamber is provided with a water storage component as described in any one of claims 1-11.

Images