Refrigerator

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a refrigerator, comprising a refrigerator body and a door for opening or closing the refrigerator body, wherein the refrigerator body comprises a housing and an inner container. The refrigerator further comprises a mounting box arranged between the housing and the inner container, and a control module arranged in the mounting box, wherein the control module comprises a main control component and a display control component, the main control component and the display control component together being assembled into the mounting box after being positioned and fitted. The control module is integrally assembled into the refrigerator, thus simplifying mounting steps, saving on time and labor, and facilitating subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202310799782.9 and application date June 30, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the above patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of refrigeration, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0003] Currently, most built-in refrigerators have the control system assembly used to control the operation of the refrigerator's electrical components integrated on the top of the refrigerator. Either a hole is opened on the top of the shell to add a plastic box to accommodate the control system assembly; or a hole is opened on the front side of the shell. After the control panel bracket is installed in the refrigerator, a display mask or decorative cover is installed on the outside to cover it. This operation is complicated, time-consuming and labor-intensive, and inconvenient for subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

[0004] The reference to any related art in the specification does not constitute an acknowledgement or suggestion that the related art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that it can reasonably be expected that the related art would be understood, regarded as relevant and / or combined with other related technologies by a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the purposes of this application is to provide a refrigerator to solve the technical problem of complex control system assembly in the related art.

[0006] To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes, one embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator, including a box body and a door body for opening or closing the box body, the box body including a shell and an inner tank; the refrigerator also includes an installation box arranged between the shell body and the inner tank and a control module arranged in the installation box, the control module including a main control component and a display control component, and the main control component and the display control component are positioned and matched and then assembled together into the installation box.

[0007] Compared with the related art, the beneficial effects of the present application are: a control module and an installation box are set in the refrigerator body, the control module includes a display and control component and a main control component, and after the control module is assembled, they are installed together into the installation box, which optimizes the plug-in steps, saves effort and time; the control module is disassembled from the installation box together, which is convenient for subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

[0008] As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprises," "comprised," "comprising," "including," and "containing" do not exclude other features, components, elements, or steps unless the context clearly requires otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0010] FIG2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with a control module removed in one embodiment of the present application.

[0011] FIG3 is a perspective view of an installation box and a control module removed from a refrigerator in one embodiment of the present application.

[0012] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of removing a control module from a refrigerator using a screwdriver in one embodiment of the present application.

[0013] FIG5 is an enlarged view of the structure within the circle in FIG4 .

[0014] FIG6 is an exploded view of the mounting box and the control module in one embodiment of the present application.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the structure within the circle in FIG. 6 .

[0016] FIG8 is an exploded view of a control module in one embodiment of the present application.

[0017] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of FIG8 from another angle.

[0018] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the main control board bracket, main control circuit board, display control circuit board and wireless communication module shown in FIG8 .

[0019] FIG11 is an exploded view of a partial structure of a display and control component in one embodiment of the present application.

[0020] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of FIG11 from another angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0022] As used herein, terms indicating spatial relative positions, such as "upper," "above," "lower," and "below," are used for ease of explanation to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings were turned over, elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" encompasses both above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 1-3, which are schematic diagrams of a refrigerator 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The refrigerator 100 includes a box body 10 and a door body for opening or closing the box body 10. The box body 10 includes a shell 11 and an inner tank 12.

[0024] Preferably, the refrigerator 100 further includes an installation box 20 disposed between the housing 11 and the inner container 12, and a control module 30 disposed within the installation box 20. A foaming cavity is formed between the housing 11 and the inner container 12. In this embodiment, the installation box 20 is disposed in front of the foaming cavity and close to the top wall of the housing 11. This increases the distance between the bottom of the installation box 20 and the inner container 12, thereby increasing the insulation thickness between the two, thereby reducing the impact of the temperature inside the refrigerator on the control module 30. In addition, the heat generated by the control module 30 during operation can also be conducted away through the metal housing 11, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

[0025] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6 , the installation box 20 is pre-buried in the housing 10 for insertion of the control module 30. The installation box 20 comprises an upper box body 22 and a lower box body 23. Between the upper and lower boxes 22 and 23 is an assembly space 201 for accommodating the control module 30. The upper box body 22 is positioned against the top wall of the housing 11, while the lower box body 23 is positioned downwardly from the inner liner 12 to ensure thermal insulation of the installation box 20.

[0026] Preferably, the control module 30 includes a main control assembly 40 and a display control assembly 50. After being aligned and matched, the main control assembly 40 and the display control assembly 50 are assembled together into the installation box 20. The control module 30 is integrated into the refrigerator 100, simplifying installation and saving time and effort. It can also be disassembled as a single piece for easy subsequent maintenance. The main control assembly 40 is used to electrically control the various electronic components of the refrigerator 100 and / or control the LEDs, display panel, etc. The display control assembly 50 is used to electronically control the LEDs, display panel, etc.

[0027] 8-10 , the main control assembly 40 includes a main control circuit board 41 and a main control board bracket 43 for supporting the main control circuit board 41 . The display control assembly 50 includes a display control circuit board 51 and a display control board bracket 53 for supporting the display control circuit board 51 .

[0028] Preferably, the main control circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 are connected by a flexible flat cable, eliminating the need for plug-in connectors between the two circuit boards, thus streamlining the connection process and making assembly more convenient and labor-saving. Alternatively, the display control circuit board 51 and the main control circuit board 41 can be integrated into one circuit board to save costs.

[0029] Specifically, the main control board bracket 43 has a first bottom wall 431, a first end wall 432 and a first rear wall 433. The first bottom wall 431, the first end wall 432 and the first rear wall 433 are arranged to form a receiving space 430. The main control circuit board 41 is installed in the receiving space 430. The main control board bracket 43 also separates another installation space 4301 near the first end wall 432.

[0030] Preferably, the refrigerator 100 includes a wireless communication module 60 mounted on the main control board bracket 43. The wireless communication module 60 is separately mounted on one side of the main control circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 along the horizontal direction. Specifically, the wireless communication module 60 is mounted in the other mounting space 4301. The wireless communication module 60 does not overlap with the main control circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 along the horizontal direction. The main circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 do not block the wireless communication module 60 along the front-to-back direction, thereby not affecting communication.

[0031] Specifically, the refrigerator 100 integrates the wireless communication module 60 into the main control board bracket 43. Because the PCB circuit board will hinder the propagation of the wireless communication signal, in this case, there is no circuit board set in the front area of ​​the wireless communication module 60, and the front area only has a plastic structure, so that the wireless communication signal can be transmitted outward. In addition, after the fully embedded refrigerator is fixed to the cabinet, it is difficult to drag it out as a whole. A series of mounting parts need to be removed before the refrigerator can be dragged out. The refrigerator of the prior art places the wireless communication module 60 on the top. Once damaged, the entire refrigerator needs to be dragged out before it can be repaired. The present invention integrates the wireless communication module 60 into the main control board bracket 43. Once damaged, the refrigerator can also be repaired and replaced in the cabinet, making after-sales maintenance more convenient and quick, saving time and effort.

[0032] Preferably, the display and control board bracket 53 is rearward-opening and includes a second front wall 531, a second end wall 532, a second top wall 533, and a second bottom wall 534. These second front wall 531, second end wall 532, second top wall 533, and second bottom wall 534 enclose a rearward-opening installation space 530. The display and control assembly 50 includes a display color film 54 and a display mask 55 disposed on the second front wall 531. A certain length of flexible flat cable is reserved to allow the display and control circuit board 51 to be stretched a certain distance and installed parallel to the display and control board bracket 53 from back to front.

[0033] As shown in Figures 11-12, the main control circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 are connected via a flexible flat cable. The main control circuit board 41 is first installed on the main control board bracket 43, and then the display control circuit board is pulled forward a distance to be installed in the installation space 530. The second front wall 531 extends into the installation space 530 with several positioning posts 5311, and the display control circuit board 51 has several corresponding positioning grooves that engage with the positioning posts. The second top wall 533 and the second bottom wall 534 extend into the installation space 530 with several locking protrusions 5331. These locking protrusions 5331 engage the upper and lower edges of the display control circuit board 51. This ensures a more stable connection between the display control circuit board 51 and the display control board bracket 53.

[0034] Preferably, the second front wall 531 is provided with a groove 5312 for accommodating the display color film, the display color film 54 does not protrude from the second front wall 531, and the display mask 55 is snapped onto the display control board bracket 53 and completely covers the display control board bracket 53; the display color film 54 is provided with a translucent character area, and the translucent area set by the display mask 55 covers the character area, so that the characters can be displayed through the display mask 55.

[0035] Specifically, referring to Figures 11-12, the display mask 55 is an in-mold injection molded part. It is transparent and has a film on the front. The display character display position is transparent, forming a light-transmitting area, while the rest of the position is not. The display color film 54 is applied to the corresponding groove 5312 of the display control board bracket 53. The characters are generally set as the light-transmitting area, while the rest is not. The display mask 55 and the display control board bracket 53 are snapped together and assembled. The light-transmitting area of ​​the display mask 55 exactly covers the character position of the display color film 54. When the light is turned on, the displayed characters will be illuminated synchronously. Of course, if the refrigerator is in different modes, different characters will be illuminated.

[0036] Preferably, the display and control component 50 further includes a magnetic switch 57 and / or an ambient temperature sensor 56 installed in front of the display and control circuit board 53 .

[0037] Specifically, the magnetic switch 57 and / or the ambient temperature sensor 56 are arranged near the second end wall 532 to facilitate wiring. The magnetic switch 57 is snapped into the corresponding slot of the display and control board bracket 53. The magnetic switch 57 is mainly used to control the operation and shutdown of the internal electrical components of the refrigerator 100 after the refrigerator 100 door is opened and closed. The ambient humidity sensor 56 can also be integrated into the display and control board bracket 53, eliminating the cost of opening a separate pre-embedded box for the humidity sensor 56 on the top of the box. At the same time, the fully embedded refrigerators on the market currently do not use this type of ambient humidity sensor 56. The design of the present invention has an additional function compared to fully embedded refrigerators. The ambient humidity sensor 56 is also pre-installed into the corresponding slot of the display and control board bracket 53. The ambient humidity sensor 56 is mainly used to sense changes in humidity and temperature outside the refrigerator 100 to better control the operation of the refrigerator 100.

[0038] The assembly method of the control module 30 of the present application is as follows: the display color film 54 is applied to the groove 5312 of the display control board bracket 53, the display mask 55 covers the display color film 54 and is buckled in front of the display control board bracket 53; the magnetic switch 57 and / or the ambient temperature sensor 56 are assembled into the display control board bracket 53 from the back to the front; the main control circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 are prepared to be connected as a whole through a flexible cable, the main circuit board 41 and the display control circuit board 51 are perpendicular to each other, and the main circuit board 41 is horizontally supported on The main control board bracket 43 and the display and control circuit board 51 are vertically located in the receiving space 430; the wireless communication module 60 is installed in another receiving space; the display and control circuit board 51 is stretched forward to fix it on the display and control board bracket 53; the cables of the magnetic switch 57 and / or the cables of the ambient humidity sensor 56 are arranged so that the cables pass through the gap at the second end wall 532 and are pulled into the main control board bracket 43 to facilitate the subsequent connection of the wires when assembling the refrigerator 100; finally, the display and control board bracket 53 and the main control board bracket 43 are snapped together.

[0039] The control module 30 is now assembled and delivered to the factory division as a complete assembly. To install it on the refrigerator, simply connect the cables, push it flat into the mounting box 20, and secure it with the corresponding clips. This reduces the number of steps required compared to conventional solutions, saving both time and effort. Similarly, when disassembly is necessary, the entire control module 30 can be removed simultaneously for easier maintenance. The following, in conjunction with Figures 7-9, details the connection between the display and control board bracket 53 and the main control board bracket 43, as well as the connection between the display and control board bracket 53 and the mounting box 20.

[0040] Preferably, the second end wall 532 of the display and control board bracket 53 is provided with a snap groove 5321. A first elastic arm 4321 is provided at the end of the main control board bracket 43, corresponding to the snap groove 5321. The first elastic arm 4321 snaps into position with the snap groove 5321 to prevent the display and control board bracket 53 from disengaging backward. The front edge of the first end wall 432 is bent backward to form the first elastic arm 4321. A clearance exists between the first elastic arm 4321 and the first end wall 432 to allow the first elastic arm 4321 to deform and make way.

[0041] Preferably, the first elastic arm 4321 abuts rearward against the installation box 20, preventing the control module 30 from being excessively installed rearward when the control module 30 is assembled into the installation box 20. The first elastic arm 4321 is provided with a guide block 4322 and a fixed block 4323. The guide block 4322 guides and abuts the second end wall 532 of the display and control board bracket, and the fixed block 4323 abuts and limits the position against the inner wall of the snap groove 5321. The guide block 4322 is located in front of the fixed block 4323. When the display and control board bracket 53 is snapped into place with the main control board bracket 43, the second end wall 532 abuts the guide block 4322, causing the second end wall 532 to deform inwardly and give way, eventually passing the fixed block 4323. The fixed block 4323 abuts rearward against the inner wall of the snap groove 5321, preventing the display and control board bracket 53 from loosening from the main control board bracket 43.

[0042] Preferably, the first end wall 432 of the main control board bracket is further provided with an abutting arm 4320, which abuts the installation box 20 in the transverse direction. Specifically, the inner wall of the installation box 20 is provided with a convex bump 202. After the main control board bracket 43 is assembled into the installation box 20, the abutting arm 4320 abuts against the convex bump 202, which facilitates the transverse positioning of the main control board bracket 43 within the installation box 20.

[0043] Preferably, the second end wall 532 of the display and control board bracket 53 is provided with a second elastic arm 5322, and the second elastic arm 5322 is arranged vertically in parallel with the snap groove 5321; the second elastic arm 5322 has a step portion 5323 protruding toward the installation box 20; the installation box 20 is provided with a clamping portion 21 that cooperates with the step portion 5323.

[0044] Specifically, the control module 30 is assembled in one piece. The main control board bracket 43 engages with the display and control board bracket 53 via a first elastic arm 4321 and simultaneously engages with the installation box 20 via an abutment arm. The display and control board bracket 53 engages with the installation box 20 via a second elastic arm 5322. Specifically, the retaining portion 21 abuts rearwardly against the stepped portion 5323. The step 5323 prevents the retaining portion 21 from easily sliding over, ensuring the stability of the positioning of the display and control board bracket 53 and the installation box 20.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4-5 , the display mask 55 is removed for observation. During actual operation, the display mask 55 is snap-connected to the display and control board bracket 53 and is not removed separately. During operation, the display mask 55 has a receiving slot 550 on the bottom surface of the second end wall 532 of the display and control board bracket 53 for access by a tool (e.g., a screwdriver). The screwdriver can be inserted and the screwdriver tip can be used to move the second elastic arm 5322, causing it to deform inward. The retaining portion 21 can then gradually slide over the stepped portion 5323, releasing the retaining portion 21 from the stepped portion 5323, releasing the retaining portion 21 from the stepped portion 5323, and releasing the retaining portion from the display and control board bracket 53 from the mounting box 20. At this point, the display mask 55 can be pulled, allowing both the display and control assembly 50 and the main control assembly 40 to be removed from the mounting box 20, facilitating subsequent maintenance. Clearly, by operating the screwdriver to move the second elastic arm 5322, the control module 30 can be completely removed, facilitating subsequent maintenance.

[0046] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: after the display and control component 50 and the main control component 40 are assembled, they are installed together into the installation box 20, which optimizes the plug-in steps and saves effort and time; the second elastic arm 5322 can be moved by a screwdriver, and the second elastic arm 5322 can solve the limit with the installation box 20, and the display and control component 50 and the main control component 40 can be removed from the installation box 20 together, which is convenient for subsequent maintenance; the main control circuit board 41 and the display and control circuit board 51 are connected by a soft cable, without the need for plug-in terminals, which is convenient for assembly; the main control board bracket 43 is provided with a wireless communication module 60 on one side of the main circuit board 41 and the display and control circuit board 51, which does not affect the wireless signal transmission of the wireless communication module 60; the display and control board bracket is integrated with a magnetic switch 57 and / or an ambient temperature sensor 56, has more functions, and enhances customer experience.

[0047] It should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation method can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0048] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises a box body and a door body for opening or closing the box body, wherein the box body comprises a shell and an inner tank; the refrigerator also comprises an installation box arranged between the shell and the inner tank and a control module arranged in the installation box, wherein the control module comprises a main control component and a display control component, and the main control component and the display control component are assembled into the installation box together after being positioned and matched.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control component includes a main control circuit board, and the display control component includes a display control circuit board. The main control circuit board and the display control circuit board are connected via a flexible flat cable.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control component includes a main control circuit board, and the display control component includes a display control circuit board. The display control circuit board and the main control circuit board are integrated into one circuit board.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The main control component includes a main control board bracket, and the refrigerator includes a wireless communication module arranged on the main control board bracket. The wireless communication module is separately arranged on one side of the main control circuit board and the display control circuit board along the horizontal direction.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The display and control component includes a display and control board bracket, which opens rearward and includes a front wall; the display and control component includes a display color film and a display mask arranged on the front wall, and the soft flat cable has a certain length reserved so that the display and control circuit board can be stretched a certain distance and installed parallel to the display and control board bracket from back to front.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front wall is provided with a groove for accommodating the display color film, the display color film does not protrude from the front wall, the display mask is clamped on the display control board bracket and completely covers the display control board bracket; the display color film is provided with a light-transmitting character area, and the light-transmitting area set by the display mask covers the character area.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The display and control assembly also includes a magnetic switch and / or an ambient temperature sensor installed in front of the display and control circuit board.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control component includes a main control board bracket, and the display and control component includes a display and control board bracket. The end wall of the display and control board bracket is provided with a snap groove, and the end of the main control board bracket is provided with a first elastic arm corresponding to the snap groove, and the first elastic arm is snap-limited with the snap groove.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first elastic arm abuts against the installation box backwards, and the first elastic arm is provided with a guide block and a fixed block. The guide block guides and abuts against the end wall of the display and control board bracket, and the fixed block abuts against the inner wall surface of the buckle groove for limiting position.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: An abutment arm is also provided at the end of the main control board bracket, and the abutment arm abuts against the installation box in the transverse direction.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The end wall of the display and control board bracket is provided with a second elastic arm, and the second elastic arm and the buckle groove are arranged in parallel along the vertical direction; the second elastic arm has a step portion protruding toward the installation box; the installation box is provided with a clamping portion cooperating with the step portion.

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