Refrigerator water dispenser and locking mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerator water dispenser and locking mechanism relates to household electrical appliances technical field, including main part structure, including box door, the one side of box door is provided with the water dispenser body through, the one side of water dispenser body sets up the casing, and with box door fixed connection, the one side of casing is provided with the water storage box, and, connecting assembly, including the buckle of fixed connection in the water storage box surface, the surface fixed connection of casing has the clamping block, and with buckle cooperation, the surface of water dispenser body is linked with the water pipe, through the cooperation of buckle and clamping block realizes the pre -fixing of water storage box, and then utilizes the self -locking piece of fixed ring, locking block etc. and carries out mechanical locking, forms " double fixed " structure to replace the single buckle elastic fixing mode in the prior art, and then avoids the buckle elasticity attenuation, the problem of fatigue fracture in long -term use, reduces the difficulty of dismounting operation simultaneously, makes the dismounting more labor -saving convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a refrigerator water dispenser and a locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] To meet diverse consumer needs, refrigerator functions are constantly being upgraded. Refrigerators with integrated water dispensers are gaining popularity due to their combination of refrigeration, freezing, and convenient instant water access. In the structural design of refrigerators with integrated water dispensers, a water storage box is typically installed inside the door to store the water needed for the dispenser. To ensure water hygiene, the water storage box must be removable and washable. Therefore, existing technologies have developed independent, removable water storage box structures. Currently, most mainstream independent, removable water storage boxes on the market are installed inside the door using a snap-fit ​​method, utilizing the elastic deformation of the snaps to secure them to the door mounting position.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned existing technical solutions have obvious technical defects: on the one hand, the buckle connection relies on the clamping force generated by elastic deformation to achieve fixation. When disassembling, a large external force is required to make the buckle disengage from the snap-fit ​​position, which is quite laborious and inconvenient for users to disassemble and clean daily; on the other hand, after long-term repeated disassembly and installation, the elastic deformation ability of the buckle will gradually decrease, and the buckle is prone to fatigue, deformation or even breakage, which will lead to a decrease in the firmness of the water storage box after installation and reduce the user experience of the product. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the above and / or existing water dispensers, this utility model is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, the problem to be solved by this utility model is how to solve the problem of needing to apply a large external force to disengage the buckle during disassembly and the situation where the buckle is prone to fatigue, deformation or even breakage.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a refrigerator water dispenser, comprising, The main structure includes a door, through which the water dispenser body is installed. A housing is installed on one side of the water dispenser body and is fixedly connected to the door. A water storage box is installed on one side of the housing.

[0008] A locking mechanism includes the aforementioned refrigerator water dispenser, and further includes a connecting component, including a buckle fixedly connected to the surface of a water storage box, a locking block fixedly connected to the surface of the housing and cooperating with the buckle, a water inlet pipe connected to the surface of the water dispenser body, a connecting pipe connected to the bottom of the water storage box, a self-locking element provided on the surface of the connecting pipe, and an extension pipe provided at the bottom of the connecting pipe and cooperating with the water inlet pipe.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, the self-locking component includes a fixed ring rotatably connected to the inner cavity of the water inlet pipe, a locking block fixedly connected to the surface of the fixed ring, an clearance groove provided on the surface of the connecting pipe and cooperating with the locking block, limit blocks fixedly connected to both sides of the inner cavity of the water inlet pipe, and limit grooves provided through both sides of the surface of the fixed ring.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, the inner wall of the limiting groove is sloped and cooperates with the limiting block.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, a water inlet pipe passes through one side of the fixing ring, and a toggle block is fixedly connected thereto.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, the surface of the extension tube is provided with an external thread, and the inner cavity of the connecting tube is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, the buckles are in two sets and are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the water storage box.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, a water receiving trough is provided on the other side of the cabinet door, and a collection trough is provided at the bottom of the water receiving trough.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, the top of the water storage box is provided with a top cover, which is snapped into the water storage box.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the water dispenser described in this utility model, the top of the top cover is provided with a filling hole, and the top of the filling hole is provided with a cover plate, which is hinged to the top cover.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the water storage box is pre-fixed by the cooperation of the buckle and the buckle block, and then mechanically locked by the self-locking parts composed of the fixing ring and the locking block, forming a "double fixing" structure, thereby replacing the single buckle elastic fixing method in the prior art, thus avoiding the problem of buckle elastic decay and fatigue fracture during long-term use, while reducing the difficulty of disassembly and assembly operations, making disassembly more labor-saving and convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of a refrigerator water dispenser and its locking mechanism.

[0020] Figure 2 Another perspective view of the overall structure of a refrigerator water dispenser and its locking mechanism.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a partial structure of a refrigerator water dispenser and its locking mechanism.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a refrigerator water dispenser and its locking mechanism.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the water inlet pipe structure of a refrigerator water dispenser and its locking mechanism.

[0024] Figure 6 A refrigerator water dispenser and locking mechanism Figure 5 Enlarged view of region A in the middle.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a fixed ring for a refrigerator water dispenser and its locking mechanism.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Main structure; 11. Door; 12. Water dispenser body; 13. Shell; 14. Water storage box; 2. Connecting components; 21. Buckle; 22. Locking block; 23. Water inlet pipe; 24. Connecting pipe; 25. Self-locking component; 26. Extension pipe; 251. Fixing ring; 252. Locking block; 253. Clearance groove; 254. Limiting block; 255. Limiting groove; 256. Actuating block; 111. Water inlet trough; 112. Collection trough; 141. Top cover; 142. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that excludes other embodiments.

[0030] Example 1, referring to Figures 1-7 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides a refrigerator water dispenser, including a main structure 1, including a door 11, a water dispenser body 12 extending through one side of the door 11, a housing 13 fixedly connected to the door 11 on one side of the water dispenser body 12, and a water storage box 14 on one side of the housing 13; it also includes a connecting component 2, including a buckle 21 fixedly connected to the surface of the water storage box 14, a locking block 22 fixedly connected to the surface of the housing 13 and cooperating with the buckle 21, a water inlet pipe 23 connected to the surface of the water dispenser body 12, a connecting pipe 24 connected to the bottom of the water storage box 14, a self-locking component 25 on the surface of the connecting pipe 24, and an extension pipe 26 at the bottom of the connecting pipe 24 cooperating with the water inlet pipe 23.

[0031] In the main structure 1, the door 11 provides an installation carrier for each component, the water dispenser body 12 is the core of the water dispensing function, the shell 13 protects the internal components and provides a fixing point for the latch 22, and the water storage box 14 undertakes the function of water storage, realizing the basic requirement of being detachable and washable; the engagement of the latch 21 and the latch 22 achieves the initial pre-fixation of the water storage box 14, replacing the single fixing method of the existing technology that only relies on the elastic deformation of the latch 21; the cooperation of the water inlet pipe 23 and the connecting pipe 24 completes the docking of the water supply channel, and the extension pipe 26 enhances the sealing and stability of the docking; and the cooperation of the self-locking part 25 with the connecting pipe 24 and the water inlet pipe 23 adds a mechanical locking structure on the basis of pre-fixation, completely changing the status quo of the existing technology that only relies on the elastic force of the latch 21 for fixing, and providing structural support for convenient disassembly and assembly and firm fixing in the future.

[0032] The water dispenser body 12 and the working principle of this part are all existing technologies, which can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] Example 2, refer to Figures 1-7 This is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the previous embodiment.

[0034] Specifically, the self-locking component 25 includes a fixing ring 251 rotatably connected to the inner cavity of the water inlet pipe 23, a locking block 252 fixedly connected to the surface of the fixing ring 251, and an avoidance groove 253 provided on the surface of the connecting pipe 24, which cooperates with the locking block 252.

[0035] The fixing ring 251 is rotatably connected to the inner cavity of the water inlet pipe 23, providing a movable carrier for the locking action; the locking block 252 is fixed to the surface of the fixing ring 251 and is the core functional component for achieving limit locking; the clearance groove 253 is formed on the surface of the connecting pipe 24 and cooperates with the locking block 252; its core function is to align the clearance groove 253 with the locking block 252 during the pre-fixing stage of the water storage box 14 through the "clearance-rotation-locking" structural design, so as to avoid collision interference when the connecting pipe 24 and the water inlet pipe 23 are connected, and ensure that the extension pipe 26 can smoothly pass through the water inlet pipe 23 to achieve connection; after the connection is completed, the locking block 252 is rotated away from the clearance groove 253 by rotating the fixing ring 251, and the locking block 252 forms an axial limit on the connecting pipe 24, thereby transforming the water storage box 14 from the pre-fixed state to the firmly locked state, providing an operable mechanical locking structure for convenient disassembly and assembly in the future.

[0036] Specifically, limit blocks 254 are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner cavity of the water pipe 23, and limit grooves 255 are opened through both sides of the surface of the fixing ring 251.

[0037] During the rotation of the fixed ring 251, the limiting block 254 is always embedded in the limiting groove 255, constraining the rotation trajectory of the fixed ring 251 and preventing the locking block 252 from being unable to be accurately aligned due to deviation during rotation. When the fixed ring 251 rotates to the locked position, the limiting block 254 is in close contact with the inner wall of the limiting groove 255, forming a circumferential limit, preventing the fixed ring 251 from rotating on its own due to vibration or other factors during use, thereby ensuring that the limiting effect of the locking block 252 on the connecting pipe 24 is continuous and stable.

[0038] Specifically, the inner wall of the limiting groove 255 is sloped and cooperates with the limiting block 254.

[0039] The design of the ramp structure changes the contact between the limiting groove 255 and the limiting block 254 from planar contact to ramp contact. When the fixed ring 251 rotates to the locked position, a wedge-shaped fit is formed between the inner wall of the ramp of the limiting groove 255 and the limiting block 254. This fit not only increases the friction between the two and prevents the fixed ring 251 from reversing on its own, but also further enhances the locking effect through the wedge self-locking principle when subjected to external forces such as vibration, thus preventing the fixed ring 251 from undergoing slight rotation that could lead to locking failure.

[0040] Specifically, one side of the fixing ring 251 passes through the water pipe 23 and is fixedly connected to the actuating block 256.

[0041] By adding a toggle block 256, the rotation operation of the fixed ring 251 is transformed into the convenient toggle operation of the toggle block 256; the user does not need to use tools, but can drive the fixed ring 251 to rotate by manually toggle the toggle block 256 to achieve locking or unlocking action, with less operating force and less effort.

[0042] Specifically, the surface of the extension tube 26 is provided with external threads, and the inner cavity of the connecting tube 24 is provided with internal threads, which are matched with the external threads.

[0043] The extension tube 26 and the connecting tube 24 are connected by a threaded connection to form a detachable rigid connection.

[0044] Specifically, there are two sets of clips 21, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the water storage box 14.

[0045] The symmetrically distributed double buckles 21 can increase the connection points between the water storage box 14 and the shell 13, thereby improving the firmness of the pre-fixing stage and providing a stable foundation for the precise docking of the subsequent self-locking parts 25.

[0046] Specifically, a water receiving trough 111 is provided on the other side of the box door 11, and a collection trough 112 is provided at the bottom of the water receiving trough 111.

[0047] In the prior art, if the water cup is tilted or the water is too full when the user takes water, the overflowing water is easy to flow onto the surface of the cabinet door 11 or even the ground, affecting hygiene and safety. The water receiving trough 111 can initially catch the overflowing water and prevent the water from dripping directly. The collection trough 112 is located at the bottom of the water receiving trough 111 and can collect the overflowing water in a concentrated manner, making it convenient for the user to clean it regularly.

[0048] Specifically, the top of the water storage box 14 is provided with a top cover 141, which is snapped into the water storage box 14.

[0049] The top cover 141 can effectively cover the top opening of the water storage box 14, preventing external pollutants from entering the box and contaminating the water source, thus ensuring water hygiene. The snap-fit ​​design makes the top cover 141 easy to install and remove. Users can easily remove the top cover 141 when cleaning the water storage box 14, and quickly snap it back on after cleaning.

[0050] Specifically, the top of the top cover 141 is provided with a filling hole, and a cover plate 142 is provided on the top of the filling hole and is hinged to the top cover 141.

[0051] The filling hole provides a dedicated channel for adding water, allowing users to add water directly without removing the top cover 141, simplifying the operation process; the hinged cover 142 can be easily opened when adding water and can be automatically closed after adding water, effectively preventing dust and other pollutants from entering the water storage box 14 through the filling hole.

[0052] Working principle: First, the user needs to open the hinged cover 142 on the top cover 141, add water to the water storage box 14 through the filling hole, and then close the cover 142.

[0053] Then, the installation operation is carried out. The buckles 21 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the water storage box 14 are hooked with the blocks 22 on the shell 13 to pre-fix the water storage box 14 to one side of the shell 13.

[0054] During this process, the connecting pipe 24 at the bottom of the water storage box 14 drives the extension pipe 26 to move synchronously, so that the extension pipe 26 passes through the water inlet pipe 23 and enters the water dispenser body 12, realizing the initial connection of the water source channel. At the same time, the clearance groove 253 on the connecting pipe 24 is precisely aligned with the locking block 252 on the fixing ring 251 inside the water inlet pipe 23 to avoid collision interference. Then, the user rotates the fixing ring 251 by moving the toggle block 256, so that the locking block 252 moves away from the clearance groove 253 and fits against the outer wall of the connecting pipe 24, forming an axial limit on the connecting pipe 24. When the fixing ring 251 rotates, the limiting groove 255 on its surface rotates synchronously. Since the inner wall of the limiting groove 255 is set with a slope, it forms a wedge-shaped contact with the limiting block 254 inside the water inlet pipe 23, increasing the friction and restricting the rotation of the fixing ring 251, thus achieving locking and reinforcement.

[0055] During disassembly, reverse the movement of the toggle block 256 to rotate the fixing ring 251, causing the locking block 252 to rotate to avoid the relief groove 253, thereby releasing the limit on the connecting pipe 24. Then, release the buckle 21 from the buckle block 22, and the water storage box 14 can be removed. If cleaning is required, the top cover 141 can be removed for separate cleaning.

[0056] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A refrigerator-style water dispenser, characterized in that: include, The main structure (1) includes a door (11), a water dispenser body (12) is provided through one side of the door (11), a housing (13) is provided on one side of the water dispenser body (12) and is fixedly connected to the door (11), and a water storage box (14) is provided on one side of the housing (13).

2. A locking mechanism, characterized in that, The refrigerator water dispenser as described in claim 1 further includes a connecting component (2), including a buckle (21) fixedly connected to the surface of the water storage box (14), a locking block (22) fixedly connected to the surface of the housing (13) and cooperating with the buckle (21), a water inlet pipe (23) connected to the surface of the water dispenser body (12), a connecting pipe (24) connected to the bottom of the water storage box (14), a self-locking component (25) provided on the surface of the connecting pipe (24), and an extension pipe (26) provided at the bottom of the connecting pipe (24) and cooperating with the water inlet pipe (23).

3. The locking mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The self-locking component (25) includes a fixing ring (251) rotatably connected to the inner cavity of the water inlet pipe (23). A locking block (252) is fixedly connected to the surface of the fixing ring (251). An clearance groove (253) is provided on the surface of the connecting pipe (24) and cooperates with the locking block (252). Limiting blocks (254) are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner cavity of the water inlet pipe (23), and limiting grooves (255) are opened through both sides of the surface of the fixing ring (251).

4. The locking mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the limiting groove (255) is sloped and cooperates with the limiting block (254).

5. The locking mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that: One side of the fixing ring (251) is penetrated by a water inlet pipe (23) and is fixedly connected to a toggle block (256).

6. The locking mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the extension tube (26) is provided with external threads, and the inner cavity of the connecting tube (24) is provided with internal threads, which are engaged with the external threads.

7. The locking mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: There are two sets of buckles (21), which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the water storage box (14).

8. The locking mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A water receiving trough (111) is provided on the other side of the box door (11), and a collection trough (112) is provided at the bottom of the water receiving trough (111).

9. The locking mechanism as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The top of the water storage box (14) is provided with a top cover (141) and is snapped into the water storage box (14).

10. The locking mechanism as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The top of the top cover (141) is provided with a filling hole, and a cover plate (142) is provided on the top of the filling hole and is hinged to the top cover (141).

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