Refrigerator

Abstract

This application discloses a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet, a cooling device, a door, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes a board body and electronic components. The board body is disposed on the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the cabinet's storage compartment. The electronic components include a first functional device and a second functional device disposed on the board body. The first functional device includes a light, and the second functional device includes at least one of a knob, a display unit, and a button. The board body has at least one weak area, which divides the board body into at least two functional board areas. Adjacent functional board areas are electrically connected through a flexible conductive element. The at least two functional board areas include a first functional board area and a second functional board area. The first functional device is disposed in the first functional board area, and the second functional device is disposed in the second functional board area. The weak area is used to disconnect the circuit board before it is installed in the storage compartment, so that the first functional board area and the second functional board area can be installed at an angle in the storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As society develops and people's living standards improve, the pace of life becomes faster and faster. As a result, people are more willing to buy a lot of food and store it in the refrigerator. Refrigerators have become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives.

[0003] Most refrigerators on the market currently have their lighting panels installed inside the refrigerator body, while some have their display and button panels installed outside the body, and others inside. Among these, some internal lighting panels and internal display and button panels are installed on the inner side of the refrigerator body, while others are installed on the top inside the refrigerator body.

[0004] In related technologies, a common solution is to have the button display panel and the lighting panel as two independent components. This allows the button display panel and the lighting panel to be flexibly arranged in different positions according to actual needs, so as to meet the requirements of the lighting panel facing down, left or right, while also meeting the requirements of the button display panel facing forward.

[0005] However, in the above solutions, the button display board and the lighting board are usually electrically connected to the main control board through separate connecting harnesses, or the button display board and the lighting board are electrically connected through one of the connecting harnesses, while one of the button display board and the lighting board is electrically connected to the main control board through the other connecting harness. This results in a large number of refrigerator parts and a large number of connecting harnesses, leading to higher refrigerator costs. Moreover, at least two connecting harnesses need to be connected during assembly, resulting in low refrigerator assembly efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application discloses a refrigerator that can improve assembly efficiency and reduce refrigerator costs while meeting the installation requirements of lighting, knobs, display units and buttons.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a refrigerator, which includes:

[0008] The box has a storage room inside and a front opening communicating with the storage room on the front side.

[0009] A cooling device is installed inside the housing and is used to cool the storage compartment.

[0010] A door body, which is movably connected to the housing, and is configured to open or close the front opening;

[0011] Circuit board, the circuit board comprising:

[0012] A panel, wherein the panel is disposed on the top wall, left side wall or right side wall of the storage room;

[0013] Electronic components, the electronic components including a first functional device and a second functional device disposed on the board, the first functional device including a lighting lamp, and the second functional device including at least one of a knob, a display unit and a button;

[0014] The plate body is provided with at least one weak area, which divides the plate body into at least two functional plate areas. The two adjacent functional plate areas are electrically connected by a flexible conductive element. The at least two functional plate areas include a first functional plate area and a second functional plate area. The first functional device is disposed in the first functional plate area, and the second functional device is disposed in the second functional plate area.

[0015] The weak zone is used to disconnect the circuit board before it is installed in the storage compartment, so that the first functional board area and the second functional board area can be installed at an angle in the storage compartment.

[0016] In the refrigerator provided in this application embodiment, during the design and circuit board manufacturing process, the first functional device, the second functional device, and the flexible conductive element are integrated onto a single board body, forming a complete circuit board. This improves the processing efficiency of the circuit board. A weak area is provided on the board body, dividing the board body into at least a first functional board area and a second functional board area. The first functional device is located in the first functional board area, and the second functional device is located in the second functional board area. The first and second functional board areas are electrically connected through the flexible conductive element. Before installing the circuit board into the storage compartment, the weak area is broken, at which point the first functional board area and the second functional board area are connected. The second functional panel area is connected only by a flexible conductive component, allowing the first and second functional panel areas to be installed at an angle in the storage room. Their orientations after installation can differ, thus allowing the first functional panel area, where the lighting is located, to be positioned downwards, leftwards, or rightwards after installation, to avoid the lighting shining directly into the user's eyes. Conversely, the second functional panel area, where the knobs, display units, and buttons are located, can be positioned forward after installation, allowing them to face the user and facilitating their operation.

[0017] Since the flexible conductive components are formed between two adjacent functional board areas during the circuit board manufacturing process, only one functional board area needs to be connected to the refrigerator's main control board via a connecting harness during circuit board assembly. This eliminates the need for each functional board area to be connected to the main control board via a connecting harness, and also eliminates the need for adjacent functional board areas to be connected via a connecting harness. This reduces the number of connecting harnesses, lowers the cost of the refrigerator, reduces the number of assembly steps, and improves the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0018] As an optional implementation, in an embodiment of this application, when the board body has a weak area, the weak area divides the board body into a first functional board area and a second functional board area. The electronic components also include a third functional device disposed in the first functional board area. In the above solution, the board body is equivalent to including two functional board areas, and the number of functional board areas is relatively small, thereby reducing the cost of the circuit board. At the same time, since the heat generation of the first functional device is greater than that of the second functional device, for example, the heat generation of a lighting lamp is usually greater than that of the display unit, and when the second functional device includes a knob and / or a button, the heat generation of the second functional device is very small, almost zero. By placing the third functional device in the second functional board area where the second functional device is located, the impact of the heat of the first functional device on the third functional device can be reduced.

[0019] When the board body has two weak areas, the two weak areas divide the board body into a first functional board area, a second functional board area, and a third functional board area. The third functional board area is located between the first and second functional board areas. The electronic components also include a third functional device disposed in the third functional board area. In the above scheme, it is equivalent to distributing the first, second, and third functional devices on different functional board areas, which is beneficial to the heat dissipation of each functional device (i.e., the first, second, and third functional devices, etc.), thereby reducing the probability of abnormal temperature of each functional device affecting its use.

[0020] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, the weak area includes at least one of a groove and a stamp hole.

[0021] Understandably, the weak areas, whether grooves or perforations, can be seen as having some material removed from the board, weakening the connection reliability between adjacent functional areas. This makes it easier to break the weak areas, thus facilitating the angled installation of the first and second functional areas in the storage room. This allows the first functional area, where the lighting is located, to be positioned downwards, to the left, or to the right after installation, preventing the lighting from shining directly into the user's eyes. Meanwhile, the second functional area, where the knobs, display units, and buttons are located, can be positioned forward after installation, allowing them to face the user and facilitating their operation.

[0022] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, when the weak area includes stamp holes, there are multiple stamp holes, and the multiple stamp holes are arranged in a straight line at intervals.

[0023] The two adjacent functional board areas are electrically connected by a plurality of flexible conductive elements. After the stamp hole is disconnected, the plurality of flexible conductive elements are respectively engaged in the stamp hole, thereby fixing the flexible conductive components in the stamp hole and thus preventing the multiple flexible conductive elements from tangling.

[0024] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, when the weak area includes a groove, the groove is a V-shaped groove or a trapezoidal groove. This configuration allows the groove to have almost no bottom surface, or a relatively small bottom surface, making it easier to break the weak area and reducing the difficulty of breaking it.

[0025] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, when the plate is installed on the top wall of the storage room, the first functional plate area is inclined relative to the top wall of the storage room, and the first functional device is arranged facing downwards and backwards; or, the first functional plate area is arranged parallel to the top wall of the storage room. This arrangement can ensure that the light from the lamp can illuminate the storage room while reducing the discomfort caused by direct light shining on the user's eyes, thereby improving the user's comfort.

[0026] When the panel is installed on the left side wall of the storage room, the first functional panel area is inclined relative to the left side wall of the storage room, and the first functional device is positioned to the right rear; or, the first functional panel area is parallel to the left side wall of the storage room. This arrangement can ensure that the light from the lamp can illuminate the storage room while reducing the discomfort caused by direct light shining into the user's eyes, thereby improving the user's comfort.

[0027] When the panel is installed on the right side wall of the storage room, the first functional panel area is inclined relative to the right side wall of the storage room, and the first functional device is positioned to the left rear; alternatively, the first functional panel area is parallel to the right side wall of the storage room. This arrangement ensures that the light from the lamp can illuminate the storage room while reducing discomfort caused by direct light shining into the user's eyes, thereby improving user comfort.

[0028] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, when the panel is installed on the top wall of the storage room, the second functional panel area is inclined relative to the top wall of the storage room, and the second functional device is arranged facing forward and downward; or, the second functional panel area is arranged vertically relative to the top wall of the storage room. This makes it easier for the user to operate the second functional device after opening the door, such as rotating or pressing the second functional device, and viewing the display content of the second functional device, which is more in line with ergonomic design and thus helps to improve the user's comfort.

[0029] When the panel is installed on the left side wall of the storage room, the second functional panel area is inclined relative to the left side wall of the storage room, and the second functional device is positioned facing the right front; or, the second functional panel area is perpendicular to the left side wall of the storage room. This makes it easier for the user to operate the second functional device after opening the door, such as rotating or pressing the second functional device, and viewing the display content of the second functional device. This design is more ergonomic and improves the user's comfort.

[0030] When the panel is installed on the right side wall of the storage room, the second functional panel area is inclined relative to the right side wall of the storage room, and the second functional device is positioned facing forward to the left; alternatively, the second functional panel area is perpendicular to the right side wall of the storage room. This facilitates the user's operation of the second functional device after opening the door, such as rotating or pressing the second functional device, and viewing the display content of the second functional device, which is more ergonomic and improves user comfort.

[0031] As an optional implementation, in an embodiment of this application, the refrigerator further includes an installation box, the installation box having an installation cavity and an installation port communicating with the installation cavity, the side of the installation box having the installation port being connected and fixed to the top wall, left side wall or right side wall of the storage compartment, and the circuit board being installed in the installation cavity of the installation box.

[0032] With this configuration, the circuit board is installed in the storage compartment via the mounting box, which also protects the circuit board. Furthermore, by connecting and fixing the mounting box to the top, left, or right wall of the storage compartment via the mounting port, the mounting port of the mounting box can be covered by the top, left, or right wall of the storage compartment, eliminating the need for an additional cover. This reduces the number of refrigerator parts and lowers the cost of the refrigerator.

[0033] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, the mounting box includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall. The third sidewall is connected between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The third sidewall is parallel to the opening direction of the front opening, and the third sidewall is set at an obtuse angle to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively.

[0034] The first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the third sidewall enclose the mounting cavity, and the mounting opening is formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first functional plate area is disposed on the first sidewall, and the second functional plate area is disposed on the second sidewall.

[0035] The mounting box adopts the above structure, which can form a first side wall that is inclined to adapt to the inclined design of the first functional panel area, and a second side wall that is inclined to adapt to the inclined design of the second functional panel area. Moreover, due to the existence of the third side wall, it can avoid the formation of sharp corners between the first side wall and the second side wall, thereby reducing the chance of users being accidentally injured by the sharp corners between the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0036] In addition, regardless of whether the board body is divided into a first functional board area and a second functional board area by a weak area, or into a first functional board area, a second functional board area and a third functional board area by a weak area, the first functional board area is located on the first side wall, the second functional board area is located on the second side wall, and the third functional board area is located on the third side wall, the circuit board can be adapted and installed in the mounting box, thus improving the versatility of the mounting box.

[0037] As an optional implementation, in the embodiments of this application, the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the storage chamber is provided with a mounting groove, and the mounting opening of the mounting box is embedded in the mounting groove. This allows the mounting groove to provide initial positioning for the mounting box, enabling rapid installation of the mounting box to the designated position and improving installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 2 The refrigerator edge disclosed in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first three-dimensional structure of the circuit board disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a second three-dimensional structure of the circuit board disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the circuit board disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the circuit board disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the circuit board disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth structure of the circuit board disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a front view of the refrigerator disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 10 The refrigerator edge disclosed in the embodiments of this application Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction in the middle;

[0049] Figure 11 The refrigerator edge disclosed in the embodiments of this application Figure 9 The first sectional view along the CC direction in the diagram;

[0050] Figure 12 The refrigerator edge disclosed in the embodiments of this application Figure 9 The second sectional view in the CC direction;

[0051] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The exploded diagram.

[0052] Explanation of main figure symbols

[0053] 100-Refrigerator; 11-Cabinet; 111-Storage compartment; 112-Front opening; 113-Mounting slot; 12-Door; 13-Circuit board; 131-Board body; 1311-Weak area; 1312-Functional board area; 1312a-First functional board area; 1312b-Second functional board area; 1312c-Third functional board area; 132-Electronic components; 1321-First functional device; 1322-Second functional device; 1322a-Display unit; 1322b-Button; 1323-Third functional device; 133-Flexible conductive element; 134-Connector; 14-Mounting box; 14a-First sidewall; 14b-Second sidewall; 14c-Third sidewall; 141-Mounting cavity; 142-Mounting port. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the exemplary embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. That is, the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0055] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terminology used in this application are merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0057] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first air outlet may be referred to as a second air outlet, and similarly, a second air outlet may be referred to as a first air outlet. Both the first air outlet and the second air outlet are air outlets, but they are not the same air outlet.

[0058] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0059] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" may also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that terms such as "comprising / including" or "having" specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0061] In addition, the term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the related listed items. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. That is, the term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the related listed items.

[0062] As society develops and people's living standards improve, the pace of life becomes faster and faster. As a result, people are more willing to buy a lot of food and store it in the refrigerator. Refrigerators have become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives.

[0063] Most refrigerators on the market currently have their lighting panels installed inside the refrigerator body, while some have their display and button panels installed outside the body, and others inside. Among these, some internal lighting panels and internal display and button panels are installed on the inner side of the refrigerator body, while others are installed on the top inside the refrigerator body.

[0064] In related technologies, a common solution is to have the button display panel and the lighting panel as two independent components. This allows the button display panel and the lighting panel to be flexibly arranged in different positions according to actual needs, so as to meet the requirements of the lighting panel facing down, left or right, while also meeting the requirements of the button display panel facing forward.

[0065] However, in the above solutions, the button display board and the lighting board are usually electrically connected to the main control board through separate connecting harnesses, or the button display board and the lighting board are electrically connected through one of the connecting harnesses, while one of the button display board and the lighting board is electrically connected to the main control board through the other connecting harness. This results in a large number of refrigerator parts and a large number of connecting harnesses, leading to higher refrigerator costs. Moreover, at least two connecting harnesses need to be connected during assembly, resulting in low refrigerator assembly efficiency.

[0066] To address this, the researchers attempted to integrate the button display panel and the lighting panel onto a single circuit board. However, due to the need to consider the lighting direction of the lighting panel—specifically, to avoid direct light shining into the user's eyes and causing discomfort—the circuit board typically needs to be mounted parallel to the top, left, or right wall of the refrigerator. To facilitate button pressing and viewing of the display screen, a complex mechanical lever mechanism is usually required to change the angle of button press, and a complex light guide structure is needed to change the angle of light emitted from the display screen. In this solution, the additional mechanical lever mechanism and light guide structure result in a relatively high cost for the refrigerator.

[0067] In view of this, the present application provides a refrigerator that can improve assembly efficiency and reduce costs while meeting the installation requirements of the lighting lamp, as well as the installation requirements of the knob, display unit and buttons.

[0068] The technical solutions of some 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.

[0069] Please see Figure 1This application provides a refrigerator 100, which can be a double-door refrigerator, a single-door refrigerator, a three-door refrigerator, or a French door refrigerator; it can also be a French door refrigerator, that is, the upper part of the refrigerator 100 is a double-door refrigerator compartment, providing users with spacious storage space, while the lower part of the refrigerator is usually a drawer-type freezer compartment, which makes it easier to classify, store, and access frozen foods. This application does not limit the specific form of the refrigerator 100.

[0070] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment includes a cabinet 11, which can be a columnar structure, such as a circular columnar structure, an elliptical columnar structure, a square columnar structure, etc.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the box 11 has a front side and a rear side that are arranged opposite to each other in the front-back direction, wherein the side of the box 11 facing the user is the front side of the box 11; the box 11 also has a left side and a right side that are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction; the box 11 also has a top and a bottom that are arranged opposite to each other in the up-down direction.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the interior of the cabinet 11 includes a storage compartment 111, primarily used for storing items such as food. This storage compartment 111 can be a refrigerator, freezer, or variable-temperature compartment. The refrigerator compartment typically operates at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C, keeping food refrigerated. The freezer compartment typically operates at a temperature between -26°C and -14°C, keeping food frozen. The variable-temperature compartment's temperature is generally adjustable between -7°C and 5°C, or can be directly adjusted to -26°C to -14°C, for example, -17°C, for use as a freezer.

[0073] In some embodiments, the cabinet 11 has a front opening 112 communicating with the storage compartment 111 on its front side in the front-rear direction; the refrigerator 100 also includes a door 12, which is movably connected to the cabinet 11. For example, the door 12 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 11 or slidably connected to the cabinet 11, and the door 12 is configured to open or close the front opening 112, so that when it is necessary to take out the items in the storage compartment 111, the door 12 is opened and the items in the storage compartment 111 can be taken out from the front opening 112; normally the door 12 is closed to prevent the cold air in the storage compartment 111 from leaking out, thereby maintaining the temperature in the storage compartment 111.

[0074] As an example, the refrigerator 100 may include a door 12, which is movably connected to the cabinet 11 on one side in the left-right direction, so that it can be opened from the other side in the front-back direction.

[0075] Another example is that the refrigerator 100 may include two separate doors 12, both of which are movably connected to the cabinet 11, so that they can be opened from the sides of the two doors 12 that are close to each other.

[0076] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a cooling device (not shown) disposed inside the cabinet 11 and used to cool the storage compartment 111.

[0077] Optionally, the cooling device can use a cooling cycle for compressing, condensing, and evaporating the refrigerant to generate and supply cold air to the storage compartment. This cooling device may include a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant, an expansion valve for expanding the condensed refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the expanded refrigerant to remove heat. The compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator constitute a cold cycle in which cooling air is supplied to the storage compartment. As a common component, a fan may be installed adjacent to the evaporator to force air circulation, blowing the cold air generated at the evaporator into the storage compartment. The temperature of the storage compartment can be controlled by adjusting the fan's airflow and direction, adjusting the amount of circulating refrigerant, or adjusting the compressor's compression frequency to control the refrigeration load.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 100 provided in this application embodiment also includes a circuit board 13. The circuit board 13 can be disposed on the top wall, left side wall or right side wall of the storage compartment 111. Exemplarily, the circuit board 13 can be electrically connected to the main control board inside the refrigerator 100 through a connecting wire harness.

[0079] Among them, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the circuit board 13 may include a board body 131 and electronic components 132. The board body 131 is disposed on the top wall, left side wall or right side wall of the storage room 111. The electronic components 132 include a first functional device 1321 and a second functional device 1322 disposed on the board body 131. The first functional device 1321 may include a light, and the second functional device 1322 may include at least one of a knob (not shown), a display unit 1322a and a button 1322b.

[0080] Optionally, the light can be an LED bulb. The light is designed to illuminate the storage compartment 111 when the refrigerator door 12 is opened, helping the user to see the items inside the storage compartment 111 and avoid searching for items in the dark. This allows for quick location of the required items, reducing search time and door opening time, thereby reducing cold air loss and saving energy.

[0081] It should be noted that the second functional device 1322 includes at least one of a knob, a display unit 1322a, and a button 1322b. This can be understood as follows: the second functional device 1322 may include only one of the knob, the display unit 1322a, and the button 1322b; or, the second functional device 1322 may include two of the knob, the display unit 1322a, and the button 1322b. For example, the second functional device 1322 may include a knob and a display unit 1322a; or, for example, the second functional device 1322 may include a display unit 1322a and a button 1322b; or, for example, the second functional device 1322 may include a knob and a button 1322b; or, the second functional device 1322 may also include a knob, a display unit 1322a, and a button 1322b.

[0082] When the second functional device 1322 includes a knob, the temperature of the storage compartment 111 can be adjusted by rotating the knob.

[0083] When the second functional device 1322 includes a display unit 1322a, the display unit 1322a can be used to display the temperature information of the storage compartment 111, the current operating mode indicator icon of the refrigerator 100 (such as: smart mode indicator icon, quick freeze indicator icon, holiday mode indicator icon, etc.), etc., so that the user can know the temperature information of the storage compartment 111 and know which operating mode the refrigerator 100 is currently operating.

[0084] When the second functional device 1322 includes a button 1322b, the temperature of the storage chamber 111 can be adjusted by pressing the button 1322b, or the ultraviolet lamp or silver ion sterilization device can be turned on or off by pressing the button 1322b, etc.

[0085] It should be noted that when the second functional device 1322 includes both a knob and a button 1322b, the temperature of the storage compartment 111 can be adjusted by rotating the knob; the temperature of the storage compartment 111 can also be adjusted by pressing the button 1322b. In this way, the refrigerator 100 can have two temperature adjustment methods.

[0086] In some embodiments, the board body 131 of the circuit board 13 is provided with at least one weak area 1311, which divides the board body 131 into at least two functional board areas 1312. The two adjacent functional board areas 1312 are electrically connected by a flexible conductive element 133. The at least two functional board areas 1312 include a first functional board area 1312a and a second functional board area 1312b. A first functional device 1321 is disposed in the first functional board area 1312a, and a second functional device 1322 is disposed in the second functional board area 1312b. The weak area 1311 is used to disconnect the circuit board 13 before it is installed in the storage chamber 111, so that the first functional board area 1312a and the second functional board area 1312b can be installed at an angle in the storage chamber 111.

[0087] In the refrigerator 100 provided in this application embodiment, during the design and processing of the circuit board 13, the first functional device 1321, the second functional device 1322, and the flexible conductive element 133 are integrated onto a single board body 131, forming a single circuit board 13. This improves the processing efficiency of the circuit board 13. A weak area 1311 is provided on the board body 131, dividing the board body 131 into at least a first functional board area 1312a and a second functional board area 1312b. The first functional device 1321 is located in the first functional board area 1312a, and the second functional device 1322 is located in the second functional board area 1312b. The first functional board area 1312a and the second functional board area 1312b are electrically connected through the flexible conductive element 133. Before installing the circuit board 13 into the storage compartment 111, the weak area 1311 is broken. At this time, the first functional board area... The first functional board area 1312a and the second functional board area 1312b are connected only by the flexible conductive element 133, so that the first functional board area 1312a and the second functional board area 1312b can be installed at an angle in the storage room 111. The two can face different directions after being installed in the storage room 111. Thus, according to actual needs, the first functional board area 1312a, where the lighting is located, can be set downward, left, or right after being installed in the storage room 111, so as to avoid the lighting from shining directly into the user's eyes. The second functional board area 1312b, where the knob, display unit 1322a, and button 1322b are located, can be set forward after being installed in the storage room 111, so that the knob, display unit 1322a, and button 1322b can be set facing the user, thereby facilitating the user to operate the knob, display unit 1322a, button 1322b, etc.

[0088] Since the flexible conductive component 133 is formed between two adjacent functional board areas 1312 during the fabrication of the circuit board 13, during the assembly of the circuit board 13, only one functional board area 1312 needs to be connected to the main control board of the refrigerator 100 via a connecting wire harness. It is not necessary to connect each functional board area 1312 to the main control board via a connecting wire harness, nor is it necessary to connect two adjacent functional board areas 1312 via a connecting wire harness. This reduces the number of connecting wire harnesses and eliminates the need for mechanical lever mechanisms and light guide structures. As a result, the cost of the refrigerator 100 can be reduced, and the assembly steps of the refrigerator 100 can be reduced, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator 100.

[0089] As can be seen, by adopting the technical solution provided in this application, the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator 100 can be improved and the cost of the refrigerator 100 can be reduced, while avoiding direct light from the lamp shining into the user's eyes and facilitating the rotation of the knob, viewing of the display content of the display unit 1322a, and pressing of the button 1322b.

[0090] Optionally, the flexible conductive element 133 may be a jumper wire or a flexible circuit board 13, etc. One of the multiple functional board areas 1312 is provided with a connector 134, for example, the first functional board area 1312a is provided with a connector 134, which can be electrically connected to the main control board through a connecting wire harness.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the board body 131 may have a weak area 1311, which divides the board body 131 into a first functional board area 1312a and a second functional board area 1312b. The first functional board area 1312a and the second functional board area 1312b are electrically connected through a flexible conductive element 133. The electronic component 132 also includes a third functional device 1323 disposed in the first functional board area 1312a.

[0092] In the above scheme, the board body 131 is equivalent to including two functional board areas 1312. The number of functional board areas 1312 is relatively small, thereby reducing the cost of the circuit board 13. At the same time, since the heat generation of the first functional device 1321 is greater than that of the second functional device 1322, for example, the heat generation of the lighting lamp is usually greater than that of the display unit 1322a. When the second functional device 1322 includes a knob and / or a button 1322b, the heat generation of the second functional device 1322 is very small, almost zero. By placing the third functional device 1323 in the second functional board area 1312b where the second functional device 1322 is located, the impact of the heat of the first functional device 1321 on the third functional device 1323 can be reduced.

[0093] In other embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the board body 131 may have two weak areas 1311, which divide the board body 131 into a first functional board area 1312a, a second functional board area 1312b, and a third functional board area 1312c. The third functional board area 1312c is located between the first functional board area 1312a and the second functional board area 1312b. The first functional board area 1312a and the third functional board area 1312c are electrically connected through a flexible conductive element 133, and the third functional board area 1312c and the second functional board area 1312b are also electrically connected through a flexible conductive element 133. The electronic component 132 also includes a third functional device 1323 disposed in the third functional board area 1312c.

[0094] In the above scheme, the first functional device 1321, the second functional device 1322 and the third functional device 1323 are distributed on different functional board areas 1312, which is conducive to the heat dissipation of each functional device (i.e., the first functional device 1321, the second functional device 1322 and the third functional device 1323, etc.), thereby reducing the probability of abnormal temperature of each functional device affecting its use.

[0095] Optionally, the third functional device 1323 may include at least one of a controller and a buzzer, that is, the third functional device 1323 may include a controller or a buzzer, or the third functional device 1323 may include both a controller and a buzzer.

[0096] For example, the controller can be used to control the first functional device 1321 and / or the second functional device 1322 to turn off or start. For instance, when the third functional device 1323 receives an instruction to open the door 12, it controls the first functional device 1321 and / or the second functional device 1322 to start, and when it receives an instruction to close the door 12, it controls the first functional device 1321 and / or the second functional device 1322 to turn off. This can prevent the first functional device 1321 and the second functional device 1322 from being in a running state all the time, thereby saving energy.

[0097] The buzzer can be used as an alarm device for the refrigerator 100. For example, the buzzer can emit a continuous "beep" sound when the door 12 is not closed tightly to remind the user to close the door 12 tightly. For another example, the buzzer can also emit a high-frequency beeping sound when the temperature of the storage compartment 111 is abnormal to remind the user to adjust the temperature of the storage compartment 111 in time to prevent the items in the storage compartment 111 from spoiling.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5 to 7As shown, the weak area 1311 includes at least one of a groove and a stamp hole. That is, the weak area 1311 can be a groove provided on the plate 131, or the weak area 1311 can also be a stamp hole provided on the plate 131, or the weak area 1311 can also include a groove and a stamp hole.

[0099] Understandably, the weak area 1311, whether it's a groove or a stamp hole, can be seen as removing some material from the plate 131, weakening the connection reliability between two adjacent functional plate areas 1312. This makes it easier to break the weak area 1311, thus facilitating the installation of the first functional plate area 1312a and the second functional plate area 1312b at an angle in the storage room 111. This allows the first functional plate area 1312a, where the lighting is located, to be positioned downwards, to the left, or to the right after installation in the storage room 111, preventing the lighting from shining directly into the user's eyes. Meanwhile, the second functional plate area 1312b, where the knob, display unit 1322a, and button 1322b are located, can be positioned forward after installation in the storage room 111, allowing the knob, display unit 1322a, and button 1322b to face the user, thus facilitating user operation of the knob, display unit 1322a, and button 1322b.

[0100] Moreover, the method of forming the groove and the stamp hole is relatively simple, which makes it easy to form a weak area 1311 on the plate 131.

[0101] Optionally, the perforation of the stamp may be, but is not limited to, round, oval, or square perforations (e.g., rectangular or square perforations).

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, when the weak area 1311 includes perforations, there can be multiple perforations, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc., arranged in a straight line at intervals. Understandably, the more perforations there are, the easier it is for the weak area 1311 to break. Therefore, arranging multiple perforations in a straight line at intervals makes it easier to break the weak area 1311, reducing the difficulty of breaking it.

[0103] In some embodiments, two adjacent functional board areas 1312 are electrically connected by a plurality of flexible conductive elements 133, thereby improving the conductivity reliability between the two adjacent functional board areas 1312; the plurality of flexible conductive elements 133 are respectively engaged in the plurality of stamp holes after the stamp hole is disconnected, thereby fixing the flexible conductive elements in the stamp hole, thereby preventing the plurality of flexible conductive elements 133 from tangling.

[0104] like Figure 8As shown, when the weak area 1311 includes a groove, the groove can be a V-shaped groove or a trapezoidal groove. This design allows the groove to have almost no bottom surface, or to have a relatively small bottom surface, making it easier to break the weak area 1311 and reducing the difficulty of breaking the weak area 1311.

[0105] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, when the panel 131 is installed on the top wall of the storage room 111, the first functional panel area 1312a can be arranged parallel to the top wall of the storage room 111, with the first functional device 1321 facing downwards; alternatively, the first functional panel area 1312a can also be arranged at an angle relative to the top wall of the storage room 111, with the first functional device 1321 facing downwards and backwards. This ensures that the light from the lamp can illuminate the storage room 111 while reducing discomfort caused by direct light shining into the user's eyes, thereby improving user comfort.

[0106] Similarly, the second function panel area 1312b can be vertically arranged relative to the top wall of the storage room 111, in which case the second function device 1322 faces forward; or, the second function panel area 1312b can also be inclined relative to the top wall of the storage room 111, in which case the second function device 1322 faces forward and downward. This makes it easier for the user to operate the second function device 1322 after opening the door 12, such as rotating or pressing the second function device 1322, and viewing the display content of the second function device 1322, which is more ergonomic and thus improves the user's comfort.

[0107] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, when the panel 131 is installed on the left side wall of the storage room 111, the first functional panel area 1312a can be arranged parallel to the left side wall of the storage room 111, with the first functional device 1321 facing to the right; or, the first functional panel area 1312a can also be arranged at an angle relative to the left side wall of the storage room 111, with the first functional device 1321 facing to the right rear. This ensures that the light from the lamp can illuminate the storage room 111 while reducing discomfort caused by direct light shining into the user's eyes, thereby improving user comfort.

[0108] Similarly, the second function panel area 1312b can be vertically positioned relative to the left side wall of the storage chamber 111, in which case the second function device 1322 faces forward; or, the second function panel area 1312b can also be tilted relative to the left side wall of the storage chamber 111, in which case the second function device 1322 faces right front. This facilitates the user's operation of the second function device 1322 after opening the door 12, such as rotating or pressing the second function device 1322, and viewing the display content of the second function device 1322, which is more ergonomic and improves user comfort.

[0109] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, when the panel 131 is installed on the right side wall of the storage room 111, the first functional panel area 1312a can be arranged parallel to the right side wall of the storage room 111, with the first functional device 1321 facing to the left; or, the first functional panel area 1312a can be arranged at an angle relative to the right side wall of the storage room 111, with the first functional device 1321 facing to the left rear. This ensures that the light from the lamp can illuminate the storage room 111 while reducing discomfort caused by direct light shining into the user's eyes, thereby improving user comfort.

[0110] Similarly, the second function panel area 1312b can be vertically positioned relative to the right side wall of the storage chamber 111, with the second function device 1322 facing forward; or, the second function panel area 1312b can be inclined relative to the right side wall of the storage chamber 111, with the second function device 1322 facing forward to the left. This facilitates the user's operation of the second function device 1322 after opening the door 12, such as rotating or pressing the second function device 1322, and viewing the display content of the second function device 1322, which is more ergonomic and improves user comfort.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the refrigerator 100 also includes a mounting box 14, which has a mounting cavity 141 and a mounting port 142 communicating with the mounting cavity 141. The side of the mounting box 14 with the mounting port 142 is connected and fixed to the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the storage compartment 111. The circuit board 13 is installed in the mounting cavity 141 of the mounting box 14. In this way, the circuit board 13 can be installed in the storage compartment 111 through the mounting box 14, and the mounting box 14 can protect the circuit board 13. Moreover, by connecting and fixing the side of the mounting box 14 with the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the storage compartment 111 through the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the storage compartment 111, the mounting port 142 of the mounting box 14 can be covered by the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the storage compartment 111, without the need for an additional cover to cover the mounting port 142 of the mounting box 14. This reduces the number of parts in the refrigerator 100 and lowers the cost of the refrigerator 100.

[0112] Alternatively, the mounting box 14 can be fixed inside the storage compartment 111 by screws, bolts or other threaded fasteners.

[0113] In some embodiments, the mounting box 14 includes a first sidewall 14a, a second sidewall 14b, and a third sidewall 14c. The third sidewall 14c is connected between the first sidewall 14a and the second sidewall 14b. The third sidewall 14c is parallel to the opening direction of the front opening 112, and the third sidewall 14c is set at an obtuse angle to the first sidewall 14a and the second sidewall 14b, respectively. The first sidewall 14a, the second sidewall 14b, and the third sidewall 14c enclose a mounting cavity 141, and a mounting opening 142 is formed between the first sidewall 14a and the second sidewall 14b. A first functional plate area 1312a is disposed on the first sidewall 14a, and a second functional plate area 1312b is disposed on the second sidewall 14b.

[0114] The mounting box 14 adopts the above structure, which can form an inclined first sidewall 14a to adapt to the inclined design of the first functional panel area 1312a, and an inclined second sidewall 14b to adapt to the inclined design of the second functional panel area 1312b. Moreover, due to the presence of the third sidewall 14c, it can avoid the formation of sharp corners between the first sidewall 14a and the second sidewall 14b, thereby reducing the probability of users being accidentally injured by the sharp corners between the first sidewall 14a and the second sidewall 14b.

[0115] Furthermore, regardless of whether the board 131 is divided into a first functional board area 1312a and a second functional board area 1312b by the weak area 1311, or into a first functional board area 1312a, a second functional board area 1312b, and a third functional board area 1312c by the weak area 1311, in this case, the first functional board area 1312a is located on the first side wall 14a, the second functional board area 1312b is located on the second side wall 14b, and the third functional board area 1312c is located on the third side wall 14c, the circuit board 13 can be adapted and installed in the mounting box 14, thus improving the versatility of the mounting box 14.

[0116] Understandably, in some embodiments, the mounting box 14 may be a transparent structure, so that the light from the lighting lamp can enter the storage room 111 through the mounting box 14, and the user can view the display content on the display unit 1322a through the mounting box 14.

[0117] In other embodiments, the mounting box 14 may also be an opaque structure, in which case a light-transmitting hole is provided at the position corresponding to the lighting lamp, so that the light from the lighting lamp can enter the storage compartment 111 through the light-transmitting hole. Additionally, a clearance hole is provided at the position corresponding to the display unit 1322a to expose the display unit 1322a, so that the user can view the display content of the display unit 1322a through the clearance hole.

[0118] Regardless of whether the mounting box 14 is transparent or opaque, clearance holes must be provided at the positions of the knob and button 1322b to expose the knob and button 1322b, so that the user can operate the knob and button 1322b.

[0119] In some embodiments, the top wall, left side wall, or right side wall of the storage chamber 111 are provided with mounting grooves 113, and the mounting opening 142 of the mounting box 14 is embedded in the mounting groove. This allows the mounting groove to provide initial positioning for the installation of the mounting box 14, enabling the mounting box 14 to be quickly installed in the designated position and improving the installation efficiency of the mounting box 14.

[0120] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0121] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application, and the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: The box has a storage room inside and a front opening communicating with the storage room on the front side. A cooling device is installed inside the housing and is used to cool the storage compartment. A door body, which is movably connected to the housing, and is configured to open or close the front opening; Circuit board, the circuit board comprising: A panel, wherein the panel is disposed on the top wall, left side wall or right side wall of the storage room; Electronic components, the electronic components including a first functional device and a second functional device disposed on the board, the first functional device including a lighting lamp, and the second functional device including at least one of a knob, a display unit and a button; The plate body is provided with at least one weak area, which divides the plate body into at least two functional plate areas. The two adjacent functional plate areas are electrically connected by a flexible conductive element. The at least two functional plate areas include a first functional plate area and a second functional plate area. The first functional device is disposed in the first functional plate area, and the second functional device is disposed in the second functional plate area. The weak zone is used to disconnect the circuit board before it is installed in the storage compartment, so that the first functional board area and the second functional board area can be installed at an angle in the storage compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the board body is provided with the weak area, the weak area divides the board body into the first functional board area and the second functional board area, and the electronic components also include a third functional component disposed in the first functional board area; When the board body has two weak areas, the two weak areas divide the board body into a first functional board area, a second functional board area and a third functional board area. The third functional board area is located between the first functional board area and the second functional board area. The electronic components also include a third functional device disposed in the third functional board area.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weak area includes at least one of the groove and the stamp hole.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the weak area includes a stamp hole, there are multiple stamp holes, and the multiple stamp holes are arranged at intervals in a straight line. The two adjacent functional board areas are electrically connected by a plurality of flexible conductive elements, which are respectively engaged in the plurality of stamp holes after the stamp holes are disconnected.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the weak area includes a groove, the groove is a V-shaped groove or a trapezoidal groove.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the plate is installed on the top wall of the storage room, the first functional plate area is inclined relative to the top wall of the storage room, and the first functional device is arranged facing downwards and backwards; or, the first functional plate area is arranged parallel to the top wall of the storage room. When the plate is installed on the left side wall of the storage room, the first functional plate area is inclined relative to the left side wall of the storage room, and the first functional device is arranged facing the right rear; or, the first functional plate area is arranged parallel to the left side wall of the storage room. When the plate is installed on the right side wall of the storage room, the first functional plate area is inclined relative to the right side wall of the storage room, and the first functional device is arranged facing the left rear; or, the first functional plate area is arranged parallel to the right side wall of the storage room.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the plate is installed on the top wall of the storage room, the second functional plate area is inclined relative to the top wall of the storage room, and the second functional device is arranged facing forward and downward; or, the second functional plate area is arranged vertically relative to the top wall of the storage room. When the plate is installed on the left side wall of the storage room, the second functional plate area is inclined relative to the left side wall of the storage room, and the second functional device is arranged facing the right front; or, the second functional plate area is arranged perpendicular to the left side wall of the storage room. When the plate is installed on the right side wall of the storage room, the second functional plate area is inclined relative to the right side wall of the storage room, and the second functional device is arranged facing the left front; or, the second functional plate area is arranged perpendicular to the right side wall of the storage room.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes an installation box, which has an installation cavity and an installation port communicating with the installation cavity. The side of the installation box where the installation port is located is connected and fixed to the top wall, left side wall or right side wall of the storage compartment. The circuit board is installed in the installation cavity of the installation box.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting box includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall. The third sidewall is connected between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The third sidewall is parallel to the opening direction of the front opening and is set at an obtuse angle to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the third sidewall enclose the mounting cavity, and the mounting opening is formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first functional plate area is disposed on the first sidewall, and the second functional plate area is disposed on the second sidewall.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top wall, left wall or right wall of the storage room is provided with an installation groove, and the side of the installation box where the installation port is located is embedded in the installation groove.

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