Refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the refrigeration technical field, in particular to a refrigerator. The refrigerator of the application is provided with a taking recess on a door body, a top wall of the taking recess is configured to form a taking opening, and a taking switch is installed on a back wall of the taking recess to control whether the taking opening outputs ice blocks or cold water. The taking switch comprises a box cover and a switch piece, the box cover covers the outside of the switch piece, and the box cover can trigger the switch piece when the box cover is pressed along the thickness direction of the door body. A waterproof cover is arranged between the box cover and the switch piece, and the waterproof cover extends from the top of the switch piece to the front side of the switch piece, so that water drops can flow downward along the waterproof cover, the possibility of water drop corrosion of the switch piece is reduced, and the waterproof performance of the taking switch is improved. In addition, the waterproof cover is configured to form an avoiding opening to avoid the connection between the box cover and the switch piece, so that the waterproof cover does not affect the triggering action of the switch piece.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Refrigerators are an indispensable household appliance. As people's living standards improve, their demands for refrigerator functions are also increasing. Some refrigerators are equipped not only with an ice maker to meet users' ice needs, but also with a chilled water system to produce cold water for drinking.

[0003] In related technologies, an ice-removing mechanism is installed on the door, allowing ice to be removed from the outside of the refrigerator without opening or closing the door. However, the ice-removing switch is located below the ice outlet, and water droplets may fall during ice removal. These water droplets can enter the ice-removing switch, corroding its electrical components and affecting its safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a refrigerator to improve the waterproof performance of the ice dispensing switch.

[0005] This application provides a refrigerator, which includes:

[0006] The box-like structure forms a storage compartment;

[0007] The cold preparation mechanism is configured to produce ice or cold water;

[0008] A door, connected to the cabinet body, is used to open or close the storage compartment; the door is configured to form a retrieval groove with an opening at its front; the top wall of the retrieval groove forms a retrieval opening; a retrieval switch is installed on the rear wall of the retrieval groove, located below the retrieval opening; the retrieval switch includes:

[0009] A switch is mounted on the rear wall of the slot and configured to control the opening and closing of the retrieval port;

[0010] A cover is placed over the outside of the switch and is elastically connected to the rear wall of the slot; the cover presses the switch along the thickness direction of the door to trigger the switch.

[0011] A waterproof cover is installed between the cover and the switch, and the waterproof cover extends from the top of the switch to the front side of the switch; the waterproof cover is configured to form a clearance opening to avoid the connection structure between the cover and the switch.

[0012] The refrigerator of this embodiment has a retrieval groove on the door. The top wall of the retrieval groove forms a retrieval opening, and a retrieval switch is installed on the rear wall of the retrieval groove to control whether ice cubes or cold drinks are dispensed from the retrieval opening. The retrieval switch includes a cover and a switch component. The cover covers the outside of the switch component, and pressing the switch component along the thickness direction of the door with the cover triggers the switch component. A waterproof cover is provided between the cover and the switch component, extending from the top of the switch component to its front side. This allows water droplets to flow downwards along the waterproof cover, reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch component and improving the waterproof performance of the retrieval switch. Furthermore, the waterproof cover is constructed to form a clearance opening, avoiding the connection structure between the cover and the switch component, ensuring that the waterproof cover does not affect the triggering action of the switch component.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the waterproof cover includes:

[0014] The top plate is located above the switch and is fixedly connected to the rear wall of the slot;

[0015] The front plate is connected to the front end of the top plate and is located on the front side of the switch. The bottom end of the front plate protrudes downward from the bottom end of the switch. The front plate is provided with the clearance opening.

[0016] The waterproof cover in this embodiment of the application, by fixing the top plate to the rear wall of the groove, ensures the waterproofness of the top of the switch component while installing the waterproof cover; by covering the front side of the switch component with the front plate, water droplets can flow downwards along the front plate, reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch component. Moreover, the bottom end of the front plate protrudes downwards from the bottom end of the switch component, thus covering the switch component and reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch component.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the front panel portion is attached to the switch element.

[0018] This design ensures that the front panel effectively shields and protects the switch components while preventing it from moving when the cover is pressed. This reduces fatigue damage caused by movement of the front panel and extends its lifespan. Furthermore, the ample space between the front panel and the cover allows for water droplets to fall downwards.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the front plate portion is closer to the cover relative to the switch member; the front plate portion is configured to elastically deform along the thickness direction of the door body under the pressure of the cover.

[0020] This design allows for a gap between the front panel and the cover, facilitating the downward flow of water droplets along the waterproof cover. It also creates a gap between the front panel and the switching components, preventing deformation of the front panel from affecting the switching components. Furthermore, the gaps on both sides of the front panel allow for more flexible installation of the waterproof cover, eliminating the need for precise installation and improving assembly efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the waterproof cover is a plastic part.

[0022] Not only is it low in cost, but it is also resistant to water erosion and has excellent waterproof performance.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the rear wall of the groove is configured to form a receiving groove, the front side of the receiving groove is open; the receiving groove has a rear groove wall opposite to its opening, and a side wall disposed around the rear groove wall.

[0024] An annular wall is provided on the rear groove wall, and there is a gap between the annular wall and the side wall; the switch is fixed inside the annular wall.

[0025] The lid portion is inserted into the gap between the annular wall and the side wall;

[0026] The top plate is located within the gap between the annular wall and the side wall, and is fixedly connected to the top of the annular wall.

[0027] In this embodiment, the top plate is located within the gap between the annular wall and the side wall, and is fixedly connected to the top of the annular wall. The top plate is connected to the top wall portion of the annular wall, thereby fixing the waterproof cover to the rear wall of the tank. The top plate is positioned above the top wall portion, allowing water droplets that might enter the receiving tank to flow downwards through the top plate to the front plate portion, preventing them from entering the switching components.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the top plate portion is bonded to the top of the annular wall.

[0029] The top plate and the top of the annular wall are connected by an adhesive method, which not only makes the installation of the waterproof cover simple, but also provides a certain degree of sealing performance, improves the performance of the waterproof cover, and reduces the possibility of water droplets entering the switch components from between the top plate and the annular wall.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the end of the top plate portion facing away from the front plate portion is inserted into the spacer portion near the rear groove wall relative to the cover.

[0031] The smaller gap between the top plate and the rear tank wall increases the contact area between them, which improves the reliability of the connection between the top plate and the annular wall, as well as the waterproof performance.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the box cover and the rear wall of the groove are rotated by a pivot, and the pivot extends along the width direction of the door body;

[0033] The switch is located on top of the cover.

[0034] In this embodiment, by setting the lid to be rotatably connected to the back wall of the slot, the lid and the back wall of the slot can be connected, and the top of the lid can rotate relative to the bottom, thereby generating a pressing motion relative to the switch and triggering the switch. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, an elastic element is provided between the box cover and the rear wall of the groove;

[0036] The box lid is provided with a first buckle, and the rear wall of the groove is provided with a second buckle;

[0037] When the box lid triggers the switch, the elastic element is compressed, and the first latch and the second latch separate.

[0038] When there is a gap between the lid and the switch, the elastic element returns to its original shape, and the first and second latches engage to limit the displacement of the lid away from the rear wall of the groove.

[0039] In this embodiment, an elastic element is provided between the lid and the rear wall of the slot to achieve elastic reset of the lid; and the lid and the rear wall of the slot are connected by a first buckle and a second buckle to limit the displacement of the lid away from the rear wall of the slot, ensuring the connection between the lid and the rear wall of the slot; moreover, when the lid is pressed and moved relative to the switch, the first buckle and the second buckle separate, so that the engagement of the first buckle and the second buckle does not affect the pressing operation of the lid. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a refrigerator according to some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle gate structure;

[0042] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the mounting box and the retrieval switch in the middle;

[0043] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Front view in the middle;

[0044] Figure 5 for Figure 4 AA section view in the middle;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the waterproof cover provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 A side view of a waterproof cover provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 8 Front view of the mounting box provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 9 for Figure 8 BB section view in the middle;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box lid provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 11 for Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of region P in the middle.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0052] 100: Box body; 101: Storage room;

[0053] 200: Door body; 201: Retrieval opening; 210: Door inner liner; 220: Door outer shell; 230: Retrieval groove; 2301: Mounting box; 231: Groove top wall; 232: Groove bottom wall; 233: Groove side wall; 234: Groove rear wall;

[0054] 240: Receiving tank; 241: Rear tank wall; 242: Side wall; 2421: Top tank wall; 2422: Bottom tank wall; 2423: Side tank wall;

[0055] 250: Annular wall; 251: Top wall; 252: Bottom wall; 253: Side wall;

[0056] 260: Spacing; 270: Shaft hole; 280: Second snap-fit;

[0057] 300: Ice maker;

[0058] 400: Item retrieval switch; 410: Box lid; 411: Lid body; 412: Top edge; 413: Bottom edge; 414: Side edge; 415: Trigger; 416: Rotating shaft; 417: Connecting base; 418: First latch;

[0059] 420: Waterproof cover; 421: Top panel; 422: Front panel; 4221: Clearance opening. Detailed Implementation

[0060] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0061] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar or related objects or entities, and do not necessarily imply a specific order or sequence, unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate.

[0062] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device that includes a range of components is not necessarily limited to all of the components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0063] In related technologies, an ice-removing mechanism is installed on the door, allowing ice to be removed from the outside of the refrigerator without opening or closing the door. However, the ice-removing switch is located below the ice outlet, and water droplets may fall during ice removal. These water droplets can enter the ice-removing switch, corroding its electrical components and affecting its safety.

[0064] Some refrigerators use waterproof switches, which can improve the safety of the ice dispensing switch, but this is costly.

[0065] The researchers in this application studied an ice-removing switch. A cover is provided on the outside of the switch component, and the cover can move relative to the switch component to trigger it to open. Due to the gap between the cover and the door, water droplets can enter the switch component. However, this gap is also a necessary structural feature to ensure the cover can move relative to the switch component.

[0066] Therefore, this application adds a waterproof cover between the cover and the switch to protect the switch from water ingress and corrosion, thereby improving the safety of the ice removal switch.

[0067] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] Combination Figure 1 This application provides a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet 100. The cabinet 100 can be configured to form a storage compartment 101 with an access opening for storing items.

[0069] Multiple storage compartments 101 can be provided to expand storage space. Depending on the storage temperature of the storage compartments 101, they can include at least one refrigerated compartment and at least one frozen compartment. The internal temperature of the refrigerated compartment can be maintained between approximately 0°C and 5°C for storing items in refrigeration mode; the internal temperature of the frozen compartment can be maintained between approximately -30°C and 0°C for storing items in freezing mode.

[0070] In some possible implementations, at least one of the storage chambers 101 may also be configured as a vacuum chamber or a variable temperature chamber, etc., which will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0071] For example, two storage compartments 101 can be provided, which can be stacked vertically or arranged side by side horizontally. One of them can be a refrigerator compartment and the other can be a freezer compartment.

[0072] In some embodiments, the refrigerator body 100 may include an inner liner and an outer shell. The inner liner may be configured with a storage compartment 101. The outer shell may be attached to the outside of the inner liner to form the appearance of the refrigerator.

[0073] The cabinet 100 may also include a cabinet insulation layer, which can be disposed between the inner liner and the outer shell. The cabinet insulation layer can insulate the storage compartment 101 to minimize heat exchange between the storage compartment 101 and the outside of the refrigerator, thus helping to ensure the cooling effect of the refrigerator.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The refrigerator in this embodiment may further include a door 200, which is rotatably connected to the cabinet 100 to open or close the storage compartment 101. Exemplarily, the door 200 is hinged to the cabinet 100 via a hinge assembly, allowing the door 200 to rotate relative to the cabinet 100.

[0075] Each storage room 101 may be provided with one door 200; or, each storage room 101 may be provided with two doors 200, which may rotate in opposite directions to open or close the storage room 101.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door body 200 may include an inner door liner 210. When the door body 200 is closed to the refrigerator compartment, the inner door liner 210 faces the refrigerator compartment.

[0077] The door 200 may include a door outer shell 220; the door outer shell 220 may be connected to the outside of the door inner liner 210 to form the appearance of the door 200. The door outer shell 220 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 100 to allow the door 200 to open or close the refrigerator compartment.

[0078] The door body 200 may also include a door insulation component, which can be disposed within the gap between the inner door liner 210 and the outer door shell 220. The door insulation component insulates the storage compartment to minimize heat exchange between the storage compartment and the outside of the refrigerator, thus ensuring the refrigerator's cooling effect. The door insulation component can be a foam layer.

[0079] The refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to the storage compartment 101. Exemplarily, the refrigeration system may be disposed within the cabinet 100. The refrigeration system may include a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator connected in a cycle.

[0080] During refrigeration system operation, the compressor compresses refrigerant vapor to generate high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, which is then transported to the condenser. The condenser liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, generating high-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid, which is then transported to the expansion valve. The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, transforming the high-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid into a low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid, which is then transported to the evaporator. The evaporator receives the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid and boils it under isobaric conditions, absorbing heat and vaporizing to form refrigerant vapor, thereby lowering the temperature inside storage compartment 101.

[0081] The refrigerator in this embodiment further includes a cold-making mechanism configured to produce ice or cold water. This cold-making mechanism may include at least one of an ice maker and a cold water supply mechanism.

[0082] The ice maker 300 is used to make ice. The ice maker 300 can be installed on the housing 100 or the door 200.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ice maker 300 can be installed on the door 200 to minimize the space occupied by the ice maker 300 in the storage compartment 101 used for storing items, which is beneficial to increasing the storage capacity of the refrigerator.

[0084] For example, the ice maker 300 can be installed on the housing 100, which can shorten the entry and return path of the cold air.

[0085] In some examples, the ice maker 300 may include an ice-making support and an ice-making tray. The ice-making support may be attached to the inner liner 210 of the door 200. The ice-making tray may be attached to the ice-making support and used to hold water.

[0086] The ice maker 300 may also include an air supply component and a return air component. The air supply component can be connected to the inner liner 210 and is located above the ice-making support. The air supply component is used to blow the cold air generated by the refrigeration system to the top of the ice-making tray so that the water in the ice-making tray freezes into ice cubes. The return air component can be connected to the inner liner 210 and is located below the ice-making tray, guiding the cold air blown over the ice-making tray back to the evaporation chamber of the refrigeration system.

[0087] In some possible implementations of this application, the ice-making tray can be rotatably connected to the ice-making support about a horizontal axis. The ice maker 300 may also include an ice-tumbling motor, which can be connected to the ice-making tray to drive the ice-making tray to tumble, thereby detaching the ice blocks in the ice-making tray without the need for manual ice removal, thus improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0088] In some possible implementations of this application, an ice storage tank is provided below the ice-making tray to receive and store ice blocks that fall off the ice-making tray. An ice dispensing mechanism may be provided inside the ice storage tank to dispense the ice blocks. The ice dispensing mechanism has ice blades, which can break the ice, allowing the ice blocks to be dispensed in different sizes.

[0089] The refrigerator in this embodiment may further include a dispenser located below the ice storage tank. A mounting cavity is formed on the door 200 below the ice storage tank, with the opening of the cavity facing outwards. The dispenser is installed within the mounting cavity. One end of the dispenser communicates with the ice storage tank, allowing ice from the tank to enter the dispenser. A portion of the dispenser protrudes from the outside of the door 200, forming an ice-removing opening, allowing the user to directly remove ice from the outside of the door 200 without opening it.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator may also have a cold water dispensing function. By setting a water storage container in the refrigerator, cold water is generated using the low-temperature environment of the refrigerator's cold compartment, providing users with cold drinking water.

[0091] The refrigerator may also include a water supply system for supplying cold drinking water to the ice maker 300 and to the refrigerator's cold water intake components.

[0092] The water supply system may include a water storage container, which is detachably installed on the housing 100 for storing water. The water storage container can be detached for replenishment.

[0093] In some embodiments, the water storage container can be directly installed in the cold storage room, utilizing the low temperature environment of the cold storage room to keep the water storage container and the water inside at a low temperature, eliminating the need for additional cooling structures and simplifying the structure.

[0094] The water supply system may also include a water pump and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet of the water pump is connected to a water storage container, and the water outlet of the water pump is connected to one end of the water outlet pipe. The other end of the water outlet pipe extends to the outside of the door to form a water intake, allowing users to directly take cold water from the outside of the door 200 without opening the door 200.

[0095] Combination Figure 2 The door body 200 is constructed to form a retrieval groove 230, and the retrieval groove 230 has an opening on the front side.

[0096] Combination Figures 3 to 5 The door shell 220 of the door body 200 is provided with an installation opening, and the door body 200 also includes an installation box 2301, which is installed on the door shell 220 by an installation clip. The installation box 2301 is configured to form a retrieval groove 230 with a front opening.

[0097] The mounting box 2301 includes a bottom wall 232 and a top wall 231, which are opposite to each other and spaced apart along the height of the door 200.

[0098] The mounting box 2301 also includes two slot sidewalls 233, which are opposite to each other and spaced apart along the width direction of the door body 200. The top ends of the two slot sidewalls 233 are connected to the top wall 231 of the slot, and the bottom ends of the two slot sidewalls 233 are connected to the bottom wall 232 of the slot.

[0099] The mounting box 2301 also includes a rear wall 234, which is connected to the rear end of the bottom wall 232, the top wall 231, and the two side walls 233. Thus, the rear wall 234, the bottom wall 232, the top wall 231, and the two side walls 233 together form a front-opening retrieval groove 230.

[0100] Along the height direction of the door body 200 from top to bottom, the rear wall 234 of the groove is inclined towards the outside of the door body 200. This allows the top wall 231 of the groove to have a larger space for arranging the retrieval opening 201. The inclined rear wall 234 of the groove is conducive to the dripping of water droplets. The outward inclination of the rear wall 234 of the groove can also reduce the space occupied by the interior of the door body 200, so that there is enough space inside the door body 200 to arrange the heat preservation structure of the door body 200.

[0101] The groove top wall 231 of the retrieval groove 230 is configured to form a retrieval opening 201, which is configured to retrieve cold items, such as ice or cold drinks.

[0102] A retrieval switch 400 is installed on the rear wall 234 of the retrieval groove 230. When the retrieval switch 400 is turned on, the retrieval opening 201 outputs cold items. Along the height direction of the door body 200, the retrieval switch 400 is located below the retrieval opening 201.

[0103] For example, the retrieval switch 400 is electrically connected to the water pump of the water supply mechanism. When the retrieval switch 400 is turned on, the water pump is configured to turn on to draw cold drinking water from the water storage container and output the cold drinking water through the water outlet pipe and the retrieval port 201.

[0104] For example, the retrieval switch 400 is electrically connected to the distributor. When the retrieval switch 400 is turned on, the distributor is configured to open to deliver ice from the ice storage bucket to the retrieval port 201, thereby enabling ice retrieval from outside the door.

[0105] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 The retrieval switch 400 includes a switch element, which is mounted on the rear wall 234 of the slot and configured to control the opening and closing of the retrieval port 201.

[0106] In this context, "the switch is configured to control the opening and closing of the dispensing port 201" should be interpreted broadly. The switch can directly control the opening and closing of the dispensing port 201 to control whether cold items are dispensed. The switch can also be electrically connected to the cold item dispensing mechanism, and control the opening and closing of the cold item dispensing mechanism to control the opening and closing of the dispensing port 201.

[0107] For example, the switch is electrically connected to the water pump of the water supply mechanism. When the switch is opened, the water supply mechanism is configured to start, thereby causing the water supply mechanism to draw cold drinking water from the water storage container and output the cold drinking water through the outlet pipe and the dispensing port 201. At this time, it can be understood that the dispensing port 201 is opened.

[0108] For example, the switch is electrically connected to the distributor of the ice maker 300. When the switch is turned on, the distributor is configured to open to deliver ice from the ice storage tank to the retrieval port 201, allowing ice to be retrieved from outside the door. At this time, it can be understood that the retrieval port 201 is open.

[0109] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The retrieval switch 400 may further include a cover 410, which covers the outside of the switch element and is elastically connected to the rear groove wall 241. The cover 410 presses the switch element along the thickness direction of the door body 200 to trigger the switch element.

[0110] The cover 410 covers the outside of the switch component, serving to protect and shield it, and also creating a pleasing appearance.

[0111] In the initial position of the cover 410, there is a gap between the cover 410 and the switch, so that the switch is in the closed state.

[0112] When the cover 410 is subjected to pressure from the user, at least a portion of the cover 410 moves toward the switch, that is, at least a portion of the cover 410 moves from the outside of the door toward the inside of the door, the cover 410 contacts the switch and presses the switch, causing the switch to close and be in the open state.

[0113] The elastic connection between the lid 410 and the rear groove wall 241 allows the lid 410 to return to its initial position after the pressing pressure is released.

[0114] Because at least a portion of the cover 410 needs to move relative to the rear groove wall 241, there is a gap between the cover 410 and the rear groove wall 241. When water drips from the retrieval port 201, the water droplet may enter the inside of the cover 410 through the gap and corrode the switch components.

[0115] Therefore, the retrieval switch 400 in this embodiment of the application further includes a waterproof cover 420, which is installed between the box cover 410 and the switch component. The waterproof cover 420 can be connected to the box cover 410 or to the switch component.

[0116] The waterproof cover 420 extends from the top of the switch to the front of the switch, thus shielding and protecting the switch from top to bottom. Water droplets that may drip from the access port 201 can flow downwards away from the outside of the switch via the waterproof cover 420, reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch.

[0117] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6 The waterproof cover 420 is constructed to form a clearance opening 4221 to avoid the connection structure between the cover 410 and the switch, so as to prevent the setting of the waterproof cover 420 from affecting the triggering of the switch by the cover 410.

[0118] In some possible usage scenarios, the user holds a container such as a cup or ice pack and presses the lid 410 along the thickness of the door 200, causing at least a portion of the lid 410 to move inward toward the door 200, thus triggering the switch and opening it. This allows the retrieval opening 201 to deliver ice or cold drinks into the retrieval container. This design eliminates the need for additional operating space for the retrieval switch 400; the retrieval container allows the switch to be opened, making the retrieval recess 230 more compact and reducing its installation space requirements.

[0119] Therefore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator, a retrieval groove 230 is provided on the door 200. The top wall 231 of the retrieval groove 230 forms a retrieval opening 201. A retrieval switch 400 is installed on the rear wall 234 of the retrieval groove 230 to control whether the retrieval opening 201 dispenses ice cubes or cold drinks. The retrieval switch 400 includes a cover 410 and a switch component. The cover 410 covers the outside of the switch component. When the cover 410 is pressed along the thickness direction of the door 200, the switch component can be triggered. A waterproof cover 420 is provided between the cover 410 and the switch component, and the waterproof cover 420 extends from the top of the switch component to the front side of the switch component, allowing water droplets to flow downwards along the waterproof cover 420, thereby reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch component. Furthermore, the waterproof cover 420 is constructed to form a clearance opening 4221, which avoids the connection structure between the cover 410 and the switch component, so that the setting of the waterproof cover 420 does not affect the triggering action of the switch component.

[0120] The object retrieval switch 400 of this application improves the waterproof performance and safety of the object retrieval switch 400 by adding a waterproof cover 420 between the box cover 410 and the switch component. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0121] Continue to refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments of this application, the waterproof cover 420 includes a top plate portion 421, which is located above the switch member and is fixedly connected to the rear wall 234 of the slot.

[0122] For example, the top plate portion 421 is bonded to the rear groove wall 241, which not only simplifies the connection method but also provides a sealing effect, preventing water droplets from corroding the switch components from the top.

[0123] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The waterproof cover 420 may further include a front plate portion 422, which is connected to the front end of the top plate portion 421. The front plate portion 422 is located on the front side of the switch element, and the bottom end of the front plate portion 422 protrudes downward beyond the bottom end of the switch element. The front plate portion 422 is provided with a clearance opening 4221.

[0124] For example, the front plate portion 422 and the top plate portion 421 are arranged perpendicularly, which has a simple structure and is easy to process and form.

[0125] The front plate 422 and the top plate 421 can be integrally formed, which not only helps to ensure good structural strength, but also improves the waterproof performance of the waterproof cover 420, and avoids water droplets corroding the switch components due to the gap between the front plate 422 and the top plate 421.

[0126] In some embodiments, the waterproof cover 420 is made of plastic, which is not only low in cost but also resistant to water corrosion and has good waterproof performance.

[0127] The waterproof cover 420 of this embodiment ensures the waterproofness of the top of the switch component while it is installed by fixing the top plate portion 421 to the rear wall 234 of the groove. By providing the front plate portion 422 to cover the front side of the switch component, water droplets can flow downward along the front plate portion 422, reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch component. Moreover, the bottom end of the front plate portion 422 protrudes downward from the bottom end of the switch component, thus covering the switch component and reducing the possibility of water droplets corroding the switch component.

[0128] In some possible implementations of this application, the front panel 422 is fitted to the switch component. This arrangement ensures that the front panel 422 provides shielding and protection for the switch component while preventing the front panel 422 from moving when the cover 410 is pressed. This reduces fatigue damage caused by movement of the front panel 422 due to pressing, thus extending its service life. Furthermore, there is sufficient space between the front panel 422 and the cover 410 to allow water droplets to fall downwards.

[0129] In some other possible implementations of this application, the front panel 422 is closer to the cover 410 than the switch; the front panel 422 is configured to elastically deform along the thickness direction of the door 200 when pressed by the cover 410.

[0130] This design allows for a gap between the front panel 422 and the cover 410, facilitating the downward flow of water droplets along the waterproof cover 420. It also creates a gap between the front panel 422 and the switch components, preventing deformation of the front panel 422 from affecting the switch components. Furthermore, the gaps on both sides of the front panel 422 allow for more flexible installation of the waterproof cover 420, eliminating the need for precise installation and improving assembly efficiency.

[0131] In addition, the front panel 422 is configured to be elastically deformable along the thickness direction of the door body 200, so that it can adapt to the pressing displacement of the cover 410 and avoid affecting the triggering operation of the cover 410 for the switch.

[0132] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments of this application, the rear wall 234 of the groove is configured to form a receiving groove 240, and the receiving groove 240 has an opening on the front side.

[0133] The receiving groove 240 has a rear groove wall 241 opposite to its opening, and a side wall 242 disposed around the rear groove wall 241. The rear groove wall 241 and the side wall 242 together enclose the receiving groove 240 with a front opening.

[0134] The side wall 242 includes a top groove wall 2421, a bottom groove wall 2422, and two side groove walls 2423. The top groove wall 2421 and the bottom groove wall 2422 are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart along the height direction, and the two side groove walls 2423 are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart along the width direction of the door body 200. The top ends of the two side groove walls 2423 are connected to the top groove wall 2421, and the bottom ends of the two side groove walls 2423 are connected to the bottom groove wall 2422. The rear ends of the top groove wall 2421, the bottom groove wall 2422, and the two side groove walls 2423 are connected to the rear groove wall 234, forming a receiving groove 240 with a front opening.

[0135] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 An annular wall 250 is provided on the rear groove wall 241, so that the annular wall 250 is located inside the receiving groove 240.

[0136] There is a gap 260 between the annular wall 250 and the side wall 242; the switch is fixed inside the annular wall 250.

[0137] For example, the annular wall 250 may include a top wall portion 251, a bottom wall portion 252, and two side wall portions 253. The top wall portion 251 and the bottom wall portion 252 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the height direction of the door body 200. The two side wall portions 253 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the width direction of the door body 200. The top ends of the two side wall portions 253 are connected to the top wall portion 251, and the bottom ends of the two side wall portions 253 are connected to the bottom wall portion 252. The rear ends of the top wall portion 251, the bottom wall portion 252, and the two side wall portions 253 are all connected to the rear groove wall 241.

[0138] There is a gap 260 between the top wall portion 251 and the top groove wall 2421, a gap 260 between the bottom wall portion 252 and the bottom groove wall 2422, and a gap 260 between the side wall portion 253 and the side groove wall 2423.

[0139] The lid 410 is partially inserted into the gap between the annular wall 250 and the side wall 242. This improves the aesthetics of the connection between the lid 410 and the door 200 and increases the flexibility of water droplets entering the receiving groove 240, thus improving waterproof performance.

[0140] Reference Figure 10 In some embodiments, the lid 410 may include a lid body 411, which is disposed parallel to the rear wall 234 of the groove.

[0141] The lid 410 may further include a top edge 412, a bottom edge 413, and two side edges 414. The top edge 421 is fixed to the top of the lid body 411 and located on the rear side of the lid body 411. The bottom edge 413 is fixed to the bottom of the lid body 411 and located on the rear side of the lid body 411. The two side edges 414 are respectively fixed to both sides of the lid body 411 along the width direction of the door 200 and located on the rear side of the lid body 411. The top edges of the two side edges 414 are connected to the top edge 412, and the bottom edges of the two side edges 414 are connected to the bottom edge 413.

[0142] The top edge 412 is inserted into the gap 260 between the top wall 251 and the top groove wall 2421, the bottom edge 413 is inserted into the gap 260 between the bottom wall 252 and the bottom groove wall 2422, and the side edge 414 is inserted into the gap 260 between the side wall 253 and the side groove wall 2423.

[0143] Reference Figure 10 The cover 410 may also include a trigger part 415, which is disposed on the rear side of the cover body 411 and is used to abut against the switch to trigger the switch.

[0144] The clearance opening 4221 of the front cover of the waterproof cover 420 is opposite to the trigger part 415 to avoid the trigger part 415, so that the trigger part 415 can abut against the switch to trigger the switch.

[0145] In this embodiment, the top plate portion 421 is located within the gap 260 between the annular wall 250 and the side wall 242, and the top plate portion 421 is fixedly connected to the top of the annular wall 250. The top plate portion 421 is connected to the top wall portion 251 of the annular wall 250, thereby fixing the waterproof cover 420 to the rear wall 234 of the groove. The top plate portion 421 is located above the top wall portion 251, allowing water droplets that might enter the receiving groove 240 to flow downwards through the top plate portion 421 to the front plate portion 422, preventing them from entering the switching element.

[0146] For example, the top plate portion 421 is bonded to the top of the annular wall 250, wherein the top plate portion 421 is bonded to the top wall portion 251 of the annular wall 250. For example, the top plate portion 421 and the top wall portion 251 of the annular wall 250 are bonded together by double-sided adhesive.

[0147] The top plate 421 and the top of the annular wall 250 are connected by an adhesive method, which not only makes the installation of the waterproof cover 420 simple, but also provides a certain sealing performance, improves the performance of the waterproof cover 420, and reduces the possibility of water droplets entering the switch from between the top plate 421 and the annular wall 250.

[0148] Reference Figure 11In some embodiments of this application, the end of the top plate portion 421 opposite to the front plate portion 422 is inserted into the portion of the box cover 410 near the rear groove wall 241 within the space 260.

[0149] This can be understood as follows: the end of the top plate portion 421 facing away from the front plate portion 422 is closer to the rear groove wall 241 relative to the top wall portion 251. The relatively large gap between the top wall portion 251 and the rear groove wall 241 provides space for the movement of the lid 410. Conversely, a smaller gap between the top plate portion 421 and the rear groove wall 241 increases the contact area between them, which improves both the reliability of the connection between the top plate portion 421 and the annular wall 250 and the waterproof performance.

[0150] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 10 The bottom of the cover 410 rotates with the rear wall 234 of the groove via a pivot 416, which extends along the width of the door 200. The switch is located at the top of the cover 410.

[0151] like Figure 10 As shown, a pivot 416 is provided on the lid body 411 of the box lid 410; see reference Figure 8 A shaft hole 270 is provided on the rear wall 234 of the groove. The shaft hole 270 is connected to the rotating shaft 416, so that the bottom of the box cover 410 is rotatably connected to the rear wall 234 of the groove.

[0152] For example, a connecting seat 417 is provided on the cover body 411, and a rotating shaft 416 is provided on both sides of the connecting seat 417 along the width direction of the door body 200, so that the rotating shaft 416 is connected to the cover body 411 through the connecting seat 417. A mounting seat is provided on the rear wall 234 of the groove, and the mounting seat is provided with two shaft holes 270, which are rotatably connected to the two rotating shafts 416 respectively. In this way, the stability of the rotatable connection between the cover 410 and the rear side of the groove can be improved.

[0153] In this embodiment, by setting the cover 410 to be rotatably connected to the rear wall 234 of the groove, the cover 410 and the rear wall 234 of the groove can be connected, and the top of the cover 410 can rotate relative to the bottom to generate a pressing motion relative to the switch, thereby triggering the switch. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0154] In some embodiments of this application, an elastic element (not shown in the drawings) is provided between the lid 410 and the rear wall 234 of the groove. The elastic element can be a spring. A limiting groove is provided on the rear side of the lid body 411 of the lid 410. One end of the spring is located in the limiting groove, and the other end abuts against the rear wall 234 of the groove. The structure is simple and easy to implement. Moreover, the limiting groove can also guide the elastic deformation of the spring.

[0155] Reference Figure 10The lid 410 is provided with a first latch 418; combined with Figure 8 and Figure 9 A second latch 280 is provided on the rear wall 234 of the groove.

[0156] When the cover 410 triggers the switch, the elastic element is compressed, and the first latch 418 and the second latch 280 separate.

[0157] When there is a gap between the cover 410 and the switch, that is, when the switch is not triggered, the elastic element returns to its original deformation, and the first latch 418 and the second latch 280 engage to limit the displacement of the cover 410 away from the rear wall 234 of the groove.

[0158] Along the height direction of the door body 200, the elastic element is located between the pivot 416 and the first buckle 418, and the elastic element is located below the switch element to avoid the elastic element affecting the installation of the switch element.

[0159] For example, a first latch 418 is disposed on the cover body 411 of the lid 410. Two first latches 418 are provided, spaced apart along the width direction of the door 200, and the two first openings are respectively located on both sides of the trigger portion 415. Each first latch 418 includes a first connecting arm and a first latching connector. The first connecting arm can be disposed perpendicular to the cover body 411, and one end of the first connecting arm is connected to the cover body 411. The first latching connector is connected to the end of the first connecting arm away from the cover body, and the first latching connector is located on the side of the first connecting arm facing the trigger portion 415.

[0160] The second latch 280 is disposed on the inner side of the annular wall 250. Two second latches 280 are provided, each second latch 280 engaging with one of the first latches 418. The second latch 280 includes a second connecting arm and a second locking connector. The second connecting arm can be disposed perpendicular to the rear wall 234 of the groove. One end of the second connecting arm is connected to the rear wall 234 of the groove, and the other end of the second connecting arm is connected to the second locking connector, which is located on the side of the second connecting arm away from the locking element.

[0161] When the switch is in the closed state and not triggered, the second locking connector abuts against the first locking connector to limit the displacement of the cover 410 away from the rear wall 234 of the groove, thus ensuring the connection between the cover 410 and the rear wall 234 of the groove.

[0162] When the cover 410 triggers the switch to open, the cover 410 moves the first latch towards the rear wall 234 of the slot, causing the first latch to separate from the second latch. Thus, the first and second latches do not affect the triggering operation of the cover 410.

[0163] Furthermore, combined Figure 6The front panel 422 of the waterproof cover 420 is also provided with a clearance opening 4221 to avoid the engagement of the first buckle 418 and the second buckle 280.

[0164] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, an elastic element is provided between the lid 410 and the rear wall 234 of the groove to achieve elastic reset of the lid 410; and the lid 410 and the rear wall 234 of the groove are connected by the first buckle 418 and the second buckle 280 to limit the displacement of the lid 410 away from the rear wall 234 of the groove, and ensure the connection state between the lid 410 and the rear wall 234 of the groove; moreover, when the lid 410 is pressed and moved relative to the switch, the first buckle 418 and the second buckle 280 separate, so that the engagement of the first buckle 418 and the second buckle 280 does not affect the pressing operation of the lid 410.

[0165] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0166] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The box (100) is constructed to form a storage room (101); The cold preparation mechanism is configured to produce ice or cold water; A door (200) is connected to the box (100) to open or close the storage compartment (101); the door (200) is configured to form a retrieval groove (230), the front side of which is open; the top wall (231) of the retrieval groove (230) is configured to form a retrieval opening (201); a retrieval switch (400) is installed on the rear wall (234) of the retrieval groove (230), the retrieval switch (400) being located below the retrieval opening (201); the retrieval switch (400) includes: A switch is mounted on the rear wall (234) of the slot and configured to control the opening and closing of the retrieval port (201); A cover (410) covers the outside of the switch and is elastically connected to the rear wall (234) of the slot; the cover (410) presses the switch along the thickness direction of the door (200) to trigger the switch; A waterproof cover (420) is installed between the cover (410) and the switch, and the waterproof cover (420) extends from the top of the switch to the front side of the switch; the waterproof cover (420) is configured to form a clearance opening (4221) to avoid the connection structure between the cover (410) and the switch.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof cover (420) includes: The top plate (421) is located above the switch and is fixedly connected to the rear wall (234) of the slot; The front plate (422) is connected to the front end of the top plate (421). The front plate (422) is located on the front side of the switch, and the bottom end of the front plate (422) protrudes downward from the bottom end of the switch. The front plate (422) is provided with the clearance opening (4221).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front panel (422) is attached to the switch.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front plate portion (422) is located close to the cover (410) relative to the switch; the front plate portion (422) is configured to elastically deform along the thickness direction of the door body (200) when pressed by the cover (410).

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The waterproof cover (420) is made of plastic.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear wall (234) of the groove is configured to form a receiving groove (240), the receiving groove (240) having an opening on the front side; the receiving groove (240) has a rear groove wall (241) opposite to its opening, and a side wall (242) disposed on the periphery of the rear groove wall (241); An annular wall (250) is provided on the rear groove wall (241), and there is a gap (260) between the annular wall (250) and the side wall (242); the switch is fixed inside the annular wall (250); Part of the lid (410) is inserted into the gap (260) between the annular wall (250) and the side wall (242); The top plate portion (421) is located within the gap (260) between the annular wall (250) and the side wall (242), and is fixedly connected to the top of the annular wall (250).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top plate (421) is bonded to the top of the annular wall (250).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the top plate (421) opposite to the front plate (422) is inserted into the space (260) near the rear groove wall (241) relative to the cover (410).

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The bottom of the box cover (410) and the rear wall (234) of the groove are rotated by a pivot (416), which extends along the width direction of the door body (200); The switch is located on top of the cover (410).

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the box cover (410) and the rear wall of the groove (234); The lid (410) is provided with a first buckle (418), and the rear wall (234) of the groove is provided with a second buckle (280); When the cover (410) triggers the switch, the elastic element is compressed, and the first latch (418) and the second latch (280) separate. When there is a gap between the cover (410) and the switch, the elastic member returns to its original shape, and the first latch (418) and the second latch (280) engage to limit the displacement of the cover (410) away from the rear wall (234) of the groove.

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