External water-taking device for refrigerator, and refrigerator

Abstract

An external water-taking device for a refrigerator, and a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a door body (1), a mounting portion is defined on a door shell (12), which is located on an outer side face of the door body (1), and the external water-taking device comprises a housing (2), a water output component and a water storage barrel (5). The housing (2) is arranged at the mounting portion; the water output component comprises a support (3) connected to the housing (2) and a pressing tongue (4) pivotally connected to the support (3); the water output component is located in a mounting space, and the ratio of the width of the water output component to the width of the housing (2) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4; and the water storage barrel (5) is connected to a water-taking channel, and the pressing tongue (4) is configured to turn on or turn off the water-taking channel.

Description

External water supply device for refrigerator and refrigerator

[0001] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202310769222.9 and application date June 27, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, for example, to an external water intake device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0003] In daily life, drinking cold water is a common water demand of people. For example, in the hot summer, people often drink cold water to cool down. Refrigerators are common household appliances, and using refrigerators to make cold water is a common method. At present, the implementation method of refrigerators with cold water modules is mainly to have a separate water box as a tool for making cold water when the refrigerator leaves the factory. Its structure is usually independent and placed in the drawer of the refrigerator or placed side by side with the drawer of the refrigerator compartment. When using, the water box needs to be taken out manually, filled with water and then put back into the refrigerator. Wait for the water temperature to cool down before taking it out.

[0004] The water dispenser pours water into the cup. This solution requires manual refilling of the water dispenser, which is heavy and inconvenient to remove. In today's world of intelligent living, this solution doesn't meet current lifestyle needs and doesn't provide a more convenient experience.

[0005] Related art uses a refrigerator door with a water drinking function, placing a cold water module within the door body, often integrated with the door's ice maker. Specifically disclosed is a refrigerator water dispenser comprising: a kettle and a regulating valve; the regulating valve comprises a valve body, an elastic body disposed within the valve body, a valve core, and a valve seat; the valve body is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the elastic body biasing the valve core toward the inlet and valve seat; when the valve core abuts the valve seat, the connection between the inlet and outlet is blocked; when the valve core does not abut the valve seat, the inlet and outlet are connected; the inlet is connected to the kettle's water outlet. When the kettle's water outlet switch is turned off, the pressure on the valve core decreases, and under the action of the elastic body, the valve core quickly abuts the valve seat, thereby preventing the kettle from dripping.

[0006] During the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it was found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0007] In the related art, the water dispenser occupies a large space, and there is no remaining area in the refrigerator to install panels or other functional areas.

[0008] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to ordinary technicians in this field.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. The summary is not an extensive review, nor is it intended to identify key / critical elements or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather serves as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0011] The disclosed embodiments provide an external water intake device for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a door body, wherein a mounting portion is defined by a door shell on the outer side of the door. The housing of the external water intake device is disposed at the mounting portion, and the housing is recessed inward from the door shell to form a mounting space. A water outlet component includes a bracket connected to the housing and a pressure tongue pivotally connected to the bracket. The water outlet component is located within the mounting space, and the ratio of the width of the water outlet component to the width of the housing is in the range of [0.2, 0.4]. The external water intake device occupies a small space in the door shell, saving space and cost, and resolving the problem of a refrigerator door body containing an external water intake device having no remaining area for installing other functional areas.

[0012] In some embodiments, a refrigerator includes a door body, wherein the door shell defines a mounting portion on the outer side thereof. The external water intake device for the refrigerator includes a housing, a water outlet component, and a water storage tank. The housing is disposed at the mounting portion and is recessed inwardly from the door shell to form a mounting space. The water outlet component includes a bracket connected to the housing and a pressure tongue pivotally connected to the bracket. The water outlet component is located within the mounting space, and the ratio of the width of the water outlet component to the width of the housing is in the range of [0.2, 0.4]. The water storage tank is connected to a water intake channel, and the pressure tongue is used to open or close the water intake channel.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the door lining on the inner side of the door body and the shell together define a heat-insulating space, and a foaming layer is provided in the heat-insulating space, and the thickness of the foaming layer is in the range of [40, 60] mm.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the tongue depressor includes a connecting portion and a handle portion. The connecting portion is disposed within a housing space defined by the bracket and the housing and allows the water intake passage to pass through. The handle portion is connected to the connecting portion and is configured to be operable to open the water intake passage when operated.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the shell includes a first rib having at least two stop portions extending in different directions; the connecting portion includes a limiting member having at least two limiting portions cooperating with the at least two stop portions to limit the displacement of the tongue depressor in different directions.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, at least one of the at least two stoppers extends in a vertical direction, and at least one of the stoppers extends in a depth direction of the refrigerator.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the shell further includes a second retaining rib, which is located at the rear of the depressing tongue. The depressing tongue is pressed and moves backward to abut against the second retaining rib.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the housing has a mounting plate extending along the width direction of the refrigerator, the mounting plate is fixed on the bracket, and the mounting plate is parallel to the door shell.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, the housing is threadedly connected to the bracket.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, the bracket is further provided with one or more reinforcing ribs, and the reinforcing ribs extend along the width direction of the bracket.

[0021] In some embodiments, a refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, and the aforementioned external water-intake device for the refrigerator. A refrigeration compartment is formed in the cabinet; the door is pivotally mounted on the cabinet to open and close the refrigeration compartment, and the external water-intake device is disposed on the door.

[0022] The external water intake device for a refrigerator and the refrigerator provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0023] An external water intake device for a refrigerator includes a housing, a water outlet component, and a water storage tank. The housing is mounted on the outer side of the refrigerator door, recessed inward from the door shell to form a mounting space. The water outlet component includes a bracket connected to the housing and a pressure tongue pivotally connected to the bracket. The water outlet component is located within the mounting space, and the ratio of the width of the water outlet component to the width of the housing is in the range of [0.2, 0.4]. The external water intake device occupies little space in the door shell, saving space and cost, and resolving the problem of a refrigerator door containing an external water intake device having no remaining area for other functional areas.

[0024] The above general description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by corresponding drawings. These exemplary descriptions and drawings do not limit the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation. In addition,

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a refrigerator door provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an external water intake device for a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG3 is another partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the external water intake device for a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another external water intake device for a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partially exploded structure of an external water intake device for a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tongue depressor provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure markings: 1: door body; 11: door lining; 12: door shell; 2: shell; 21: stopper; 22: second stop rib; 3: bracket; 31: reinforcing rib; 32: limit baffle; 4: tongue pressing plate; 41: connecting part; 411: limiting part; 42: handle part; 5: water storage bucket; 6: mounting plate; 7: faucet; 8: elastic part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to be able to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference only and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided through multiple details. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, to simplify the drawings, well-known structures and devices can be simplified for display.

[0034] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying drawings, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "middle", "outside", "front", "back" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly intended to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to having a specific direction, or to be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Moreover, in addition to being used to indicate directions or positional relationships, some of the above terms may also be used to indicate other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship in certain circumstances. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "disposed," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediary, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Unless otherwise stated, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0039] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the description of this embodiment have the same meaning as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0041] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0042] 1-6 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an external water intake device for a refrigerator.

[0043] The related art uses a refrigerator door with a drinking water function, and places the cold water module in the door body, which is often integrated with the ice maker of the door body. It includes: a kettle and a regulating valve; the regulating valve includes a valve body and an elastomer, a valve core, and a valve seat arranged inside the valve body; the valve body is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the elastomer biases the valve core toward the inlet and the valve seat. When the valve core abuts the valve seat, the connection between the inlet and the outlet is blocked, and when the valve core does not abut the valve seat, the inlet and the outlet are connected; the inlet is connected to the water outlet of the kettle. When the water outlet switch of the kettle is turned off, the pressure on the valve core is reduced, and under the action of the elastomer, the valve core quickly abuts the valve seat, thereby preventing the kettle from dripping. However, in actual application in vehicles, there is a problem that the water dispenser occupies a large space and there is no remaining area in the refrigerator to install panels or other functional areas.

[0044] The external water intake device for a refrigerator provided in the disclosed embodiment includes a housing 2, a water outlet component, and a water storage tank 5. The housing 2 is mounted on the exterior side of the refrigerator door 1, at a mounting portion of the door shell 12. The housing 2 is recessed inward from the door shell 12 to form a mounting space. The water outlet component includes a bracket 3 connected to the housing 2 and a pressure tongue 4 pivotally connected to the bracket 3. The water outlet component is located within the mounting space, and the ratio of the width of the water outlet component to the width of the housing 2 is in the range of [0.2, 0.4]. The water storage tank 5 is connected to the water intake channel, and the pressure tongue 4 is used to open or close the water intake channel.

[0045] Specifically, water is filled in the water storage bucket 5, which is connected to the water intake channel. The tongue pressing device 4 is pivotally connected to the bracket 3. When the tongue pressing device 4 is pressed by hand, the tongue pressing device 4 rotates around the axis on the bracket 3 to open the water intake channel and divert water.

[0046] The ratio of the width of the water outlet component of the present application to the width of the shell 2 is in the range of [0.2, 0.4]. The external water intake device occupies a small space in the door shell 12, saving space and cost, and is more concise in appearance, leaving space for the subsequent addition of other structures or functions, and solving the problem that there is no remaining area for installing other functional areas in the refrigerator door body 1 containing an external water intake device. Optionally, the width of the water outlet component can account for 2 / 5, 1 / 3, or 1 / 5 of the width of the shell 2. Taking into account the capacity of the water tank and the regional distribution of the shell 2, preferably, the ratio of the width of the water outlet component to the width of the shell 2 is 1 / 3.

[0047] Optionally, the external water intake device for the refrigerator further comprises a water spout 7, the water tank is threadedly connected to the water spout 7, the pressing tongue 4 pushes the water spout 7 when it rotates, and after the water spout 7 is pressurized, the water in the water storage barrel 5 flows out, completing the water intake.

[0048] Optionally, the door lining 11 on the inner side of the door body 1 and the shell 2 jointly define a heat-insulating space, and a foaming layer is provided in the heat-insulating space, and the thickness of the foaming layer is in the range of [40, 60] mm.

[0049] Based on the structural improvement of the refrigerator's external water intake device, the foam layer thickness of this embodiment is increased, which is more beneficial to refrigerator performance and avoids the risk of condensation. Optionally, the foam layer thickness can be 42mm, 48mm, 50mm, 55mm, 58mm, 60mm, etc., and can be adjusted adaptively according to the door body 1.

[0050] Optionally, the tongue depressor 4 includes a connecting portion 41 and a handle portion 42. The connecting portion 41 is disposed within the accommodation space defined by the bracket 3 and the housing 2 and allows the water intake passage to pass through; the handle portion 42 is connected to the connecting portion 41 and is configured to be operable to open the water intake passage when operated.

[0051] Specifically, the water intake channel is cylindrical and passes through the connecting portion 41 of the tongue depressor 4. The tongue depressor 4 is equivalent to opening or closing the water intake channel when operated. The handle portion 42 of the tongue depressor 4 is located below the connecting portion 41 and is square or oval.

[0052] Optionally, the shell 2 includes a first retaining rib having at least two stop portions 21 extending in different directions; the connecting portion 41 includes a limiting member having at least two limiting portions 411 cooperating with at least two stop portions 21 to limit the displacement of the tongue depressor 4 in the width direction.

[0053] At least two limiting portions 411 are provided on the bracket 3 to cooperate with the two stopping portions 21 , thereby limiting the displacement of the external water intake device for the refrigerator in a specific direction.

[0054] Optionally, at least one of the at least two stoppers 21 extends vertically, and at least one of the stoppers 21 extends in the depth direction of the refrigerator. This improves the stability of the external water intake device for the refrigerator and reduces the risk of the external water intake device for the refrigerator falling off the housing 2.

[0055] Optionally, the housing 2 further includes a second retaining rib 22 , which is located at the rear of the depressing tongue 4 . The depressing tongue 4 is pressed and moves backward, abutting against the second retaining rib 22 .

[0056] In this way, when the tongue depressor 4 is subjected to excessive force, the tongue depressor 4 can be prevented from hitting the shell 2 and being damaged. By providing the second retaining rib 22, the strength of the shell 2 is improved, thereby improving the operating stability of the external water intake device for the refrigerator.

[0057] Optionally, the housing 2 has a mounting plate 6 extending along the width direction of the refrigerator. The mounting plate 6 is fixed on the bracket 3 and is parallel to the door shell 12.

[0058] On one hand, the mounting plate 6 can protect the water spout 7 from dust and prevent children from accidentally touching it. On the other hand, the provision of the mounting plate 6 makes the external water intake device for the refrigerator more beautiful.

[0059] Optionally, the external water intake device of the refrigerator also includes a spring, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and one end of the spring is fixed to the connecting part 41 of the tongue depressor 4, and the other end is fixed to the bracket 3, so that the handle part 42 of the tongue depressor 4 rotates toward the rear of the refrigerator when a force is applied, and when the force is removed, the handle part 42 returns to its original position due to the rebound force of the spring.

[0060] Optionally, the housing 2 is threadedly connected to the bracket 3. The housing 2 has additional screw holes, which are fixed by screws, effectively improving the structural strength of the external water intake device for the refrigerator and avoiding the risk of the tongue depressor 4 coming out.

[0061] Optionally, the bracket 3 is further provided with one or more reinforcing ribs 31 , and the reinforcing ribs 31 extend along the width direction of the bracket 3 .

[0062] Specifically, the number of the reinforcing ribs 31 of the bracket 3 is 2 to 3, and the reinforcing ribs 31 are distributed at intervals in the vertical direction.

[0063] Optionally, the bracket 3 further includes two stoppers 21, which are vertically arranged on both sides of the connection portion 41 of the depressing tongue 4. Limiting portions 411 are provided on both sides of the connection portion 41 of the depressing tongue 4. The layout of the limiting portions 411 can prevent the depressing tongue 4 from shifting left and right, thereby improving the movement stability of the depressing tongue 4 when under pressure.

[0064] The refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a door 1 and the aforementioned external water intake device for the refrigerator.

[0065] After the external water intake device for the refrigerator and the door body 1 are installed, the width direction of the external water intake device for the refrigerator is limited by two first retaining ribs, the vertical direction of the external water intake device for the refrigerator is limited by the second retaining rib 22 and the card interface or screw position of the shell 2, and the depth direction of the external water intake device for the refrigerator is snap-connected, thereby improving the stability of the installation of the external water intake device for the refrigerator.

[0066] In addition, the traditional technical solution only performs clamping in the vertical direction, and since the installation method is to push directly into the front of the refrigerator for clamping, considering the installation method, the clamping amount of the clamping structure will not be designed to be large and it is easy to fall off.

[0067] In this embodiment, during the installation of the external water inlet device for the refrigerator, since the external water inlet device for the refrigerator is installed from the bottom up, the assembly of the bracket 3 and the tongue 4 to the housing 2 is not affected by the installation method. The assembly volume is relatively large, and the fixing methods of snap-fit, abutment, or threaded connection are used in multiple directions. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to unscrew the external water inlet device for the refrigerator from the housing 2 toward the front of the refrigerator using a single snap-fit ​​point as the axis.

[0068] Optionally, the second retaining rib 22 of the shell 2 includes a vertical surface and a first inclined surface. The inner lining of the door body 1 includes a second inclined surface, which is parallel to the first inclined surface to maintain the thickness of the foam layer and prevent condensation problems caused by the local foam layer being too narrow.

[0069] Optionally, the angle of inclination of the spout 7 relative to the vertical direction ranges from 50° to 60°. Compared to the conventional spout 7, the end of the spout 7 of the new structure is equivalent to being moved 5-10 mm away from the door body 1. In this way, when the cup moves away from the tongue depressor 4 and moves back when taking water, the remaining water in the spout 7 can fall into the cup during the withdrawal process, eliminating the need for an additional water receiving tray to clean up the remaining water, saving costs and solving the problem of water dripping from the spout 7 after taking water.

[0070] Optionally, the bracket 3 further includes two limit baffles 32 , which are located on both sides of the connecting portion 41 of the tongue depressor 4 , thereby preventing the tongue depressor 4 from moving laterally and improving the operational stability of the tongue depressor 4 .

[0071] Optionally, the external water intake device for a refrigerator further includes an elastic member 8. The bracket 3 is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 41 of the tongue depressor 4 via a pivot shaft, and the elastic member 8 is sleeved on the pivot shaft. When the tongue depressor 4 is compressed, the elastic member 8 deforms. When the pressure is released, the tongue depressor 4 returns to its original position under the elastic action of the elastic member 8.

[0072] The reference to any prior art in the specification is not and should not be taken as an admission or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the application area or any other jurisdiction, or that the prior art could reasonably be understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.

[0073] The above description and the accompanying drawings sufficiently illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Unless expressly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace portions and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An external water intake device for a refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises a door body, a door shell on the outer side of the door body defines a mounting portion, and the external water intake device comprises: A housing, arranged at the installation portion, wherein the housing is recessed inwardly by the door shell to form an installation space; a water outlet component, comprising a bracket connected to the shell and a pressure tongue pivotally connected to the bracket, the water outlet component is located in the installation space, and a ratio of a width of the water outlet component to a width of the shell is in the range of [0.2, 0.4]; and, The water storage bucket is connected to the water intake channel, and the tongue pressing member is used to open or close the water intake channel.

2. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The door lining on the inner side of the door body and the shell together define a heat-insulating space, and a foaming layer is arranged in the heat-insulating space, and the thickness of the foaming layer is in the range of [40, 60] mm.

3. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The tongue depressor comprises: a connecting portion, which is disposed in a receiving space defined by the bracket and the housing and allows the water intake channel to pass through; and, A handle portion is connected to the connection portion, and the handle portion is configured to be operable so as to open the water intake channel when operated.

4. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein: The housing comprises a first retaining rib, wherein the first retaining rib has at least two stop portions extending in different directions; The connecting portion comprises a limiting member, and the limiting member has at least two limiting portions cooperating with the at least two stop portions to limit the displacement of the pressing tongue in the width direction.

5. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the at least two stoppers extends in a vertical direction, and at least one of the stoppers extends in a depth direction of the refrigerator.

6. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The shell also includes a second retaining rib, which is located at the rear of the depressing tongue. The depressing tongue is pressed and moves backward to abut against the second retaining rib.

7. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The shell has a mounting plate extending in the width direction of the refrigerator, the mounting plate is fixed on the bracket, and the mounting plate is parallel to the door shell.

8. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The housing is threadedly connected to the bracket.

9. The external water intake device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The support is further provided with one or more reinforcing ribs, and the reinforcing ribs extend along the width direction of the support.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A box body having a refrigeration compartment formed therein; A door body, pivotally mounted on the box body to open and close the refrigeration compartment; as well as, The refrigerator external water intake device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the external water intake device is arranged on the door body.

Images