Refrigerator

By setting a power supply unit on the outside of the refrigerator liner and making electrical contact with the electrical components on the inside, the problems of uneven lighting and unstable electrical connection in traditional refrigerators are solved, achieving uniform lighting and stable power transmission, improving user experience and maintenance convenience.

WO2026021159A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-29QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2025/104678
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-23
Filing Date
2025-06-27
Publication Date
2026-01-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional refrigerator lighting is easily blocked by items on the shelves, resulting in uneven light distribution, which affects the convenience of users to view and retrieve food, and the electrical connection method lacks stability and reliability.

Method used

A power supply unit is installed on the outside of the refrigerator's inner liner. The power supply component passes through a through hole to form an electrical contact with the electrical components on the inside of the inner liner. Highly conductive metal materials and elastic structural components are used to ensure stable power transmission and avoid occupying internal space.

Benefits of technology

It provides uniform lighting, reduces blind spots, enhances the aesthetics of the refrigerator interior and user experience, ensures the stability and reliability of electrical contacts, and facilitates maintenance and repair.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided in the present application is a refrigerator, comprising an inner container (1) and shelves (2) mounted on an inner side of the inner container (1), wherein an electrical element (3), such as a light strip, is provided in the shelves (2). The refrigerator further comprises a power supply portion (4), which is arranged on an outer side of the inner container (1), is connected to a power source by means of a power supply member (41), and passes through a first through hole to come into electrical contact with the electrical element (3) inside the inner container (1), thereby providing stable electric energy transmission. The external arrangement design of the power supply portion (4) prevents the internal space from being occupied, thereby facilitating maintenance and inspection.
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Description

Ice makers and refrigerators

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410993141.1, filed on July 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more specifically to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0003] With social development and improved living standards, refrigerators have become indispensable household appliances. While traditional refrigerators can meet basic preservation and storage needs, there is still significant room for improvement in functionality and user experience. The internal lighting of traditional refrigerators is usually installed on the top or side, a design that is easily obstructed by items on the shelves, resulting in uneven light distribution and affecting the convenience of viewing and retrieving food. When it is necessary to install light strips on the shelves, the electrical connection method of traditional refrigerators is relatively simple, and the power supply components lack stability and reliability.

[0004] Any prior art mentioned in the specification does not imply confirmation or suggestion that such prior art constitutes part of the general common knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that it can be reasonably expected that such prior art will be understood, regarded as relevant and / or combined with other prior art by a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigerator to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] This application provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner and a shelf installed inside the inner liner, wherein an electrical component is provided in the shelf, and the electrical component includes at least a light strip;

[0007] The refrigerator also includes a power supply unit, which is located on the outside of the inner liner;

[0008] The inner liner is provided with a first through hole, and the power supply unit is provided with a power supply component. The power supply component is connected to a power source and passes through the first through hole to form an electrical contact with the electrical component.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner and a shelf installed inside the inner liner. The shelf contains electrical components such as LED strips, which provide uniform lighting, reduce blind spots, and serve as part of the ambient lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the refrigerator's interior and improving the user experience. The refrigerator also includes a power supply unit located outside the inner liner. This unit connects to a power source and makes electrical contact with the electrical components inside the inner liner through a first through-hole, providing stable power transmission. The external design of the power supply unit avoids occupying internal space and facilitates maintenance and repair. The power supply unit uses a highly conductive metal material and is designed as a flexible structural component to ensure the stability and reliability of the electrical contact, adapting to minute positional and temperature changes and maintaining stable power transmission.

[0010] The term “comprise” as used herein, and variations thereof such as “comprises”, “comprised”, “comprising”, “including”, and “containing”, do not exclude other features, components, elements, or steps unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator liner in one embodiment of this application.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a shelf according to one embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electrical components in one embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the power supply section in one embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 5a is a top view of a shelf according to one embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 5b is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at point AA in Figure 5a.

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the power supply component in one embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the first housing in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the second housing in one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the covering component in one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a conductive connector in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the covering component in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 12a is a front view of the cover in one embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 12b is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at BB in Figure 12a.

[0025] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a conductive element in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a conductive element in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment provides a refrigerator, which includes an inner liner 1 and a shelf 2 installed inside the inner liner 1.

[0030] The inner liner 1 constitutes the storage space inside the refrigerator, including the bottom, side walls, and top cover. Together with the refrigerator door, it forms a sealed cavity, ensuring that cold air is evenly distributed throughout the interior space, providing a stable, low-temperature storage environment. The inner liner 1 can be made of materials such as high-density plastic or stainless steel. Insulation material, such as polyurethane foam, is also filled between the inner liner 1 and the refrigerator outer shell, serving a thermal insulation function.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the storage rack 2 is the main component inside the refrigerator used for storing food. The storage rack 2 includes a shelf 21, which can be made of glass, metal, or high-strength plastic. The storage rack 2 can be fixed to the wall of the inner liner 1 via slots or brackets, providing stable storage space. The storage rack 2 can also be configured as an adjustable structure. It can be moved up and down as needed, flexibly adjusting the height of the storage space to accommodate food of different sizes. The storage rack 2 effectively divides and utilizes the internal space of the refrigerator, allowing food to be stored in categories, avoiding accumulation and clutter, and improving the neatness and convenience of storage.

[0032] A front trim strip 22 is provided on the outer side of the shelf 21. The front trim strip 22 may be made of high-strength plastic or metal, thereby providing better strength, durability and decorative effect. The front trim strip 22 may be designed as an embedded structure, installed at the front end of the shelf 2 by means of slots or fasteners, ensuring a tight fit between the front trim strip 22 and the shelf 21, and preventing it from loosening.

[0033] It should be noted that the outer side of the shelf 21 mentioned here refers to the edge of the shelf 21 facing the refrigerator door. Conversely, the inner side of the shelf 21 refers to the edge of the shelf 21 facing the inner wall of the refrigerator liner 1, relative to its outer side.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, an electrical component 3 is installed inside the shelf 2. Installing different electrical components 3 in the shelf 2 can enhance the functionality of the refrigerator and the user experience.

[0035] Electrical component 3 includes LED beads, LED strips, and cameras, etc. In this embodiment, electrical component 3 is an LED strip. The LED strip can be a flexible LED strip, which is flexible, adjustable in length, and easy to install. The LED strip can provide uniform lighting and form surround lighting, reducing blind spots.

[0036] The length and shape of the light strip can be adjusted according to the size and shape of the shelf 2. Besides basic lighting, the light strip can also serve as part of the ambient lighting, creating different light and shadow effects and enhancing the aesthetics of the refrigerator's interior. For example, when using the refrigerator at night, soft lighting can create a warm atmosphere.

[0037] Traditional refrigerators typically have their lighting concentrated at the top, which is easily blocked by items on shelf 2, resulting in uneven light distribution. Installing LED strips on shelf 2, however, provides more even light coverage. This ensures sufficient illumination regardless of what is placed on shelf 2, making it easier for users to see and access food.

[0038] LED strips can also serve as indicator lights for the refrigerator's status. For example, different colored lights can indicate different operating states of the refrigerator (such as normal operation, fault alarm, excessively high or low temperature, etc.), helping users to understand the refrigerator's operating status in a timely manner.

[0039] In other embodiments of this application, the electrical component 3 may also be a small high-definition camera to enable real-time monitoring of the refrigerator's interior.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4, 5a, and 5b, the refrigerator further includes a power supply unit 4, which is disposed on the outside of the inner liner 1. The inner liner 1 has a first through hole. The power supply unit 4 includes a power supply component 41. The first through hole is located in the area of ​​the inner liner 1 where the power supply unit 4 is disposed, so that the power supply component 41 on the outside of the inner liner 1 can pass through the inner liner 1 and contact the electrical component 3 on the inside of the inner liner 1. The power supply component 41 is connected to a power source and passes through the first through hole to form an electrical contact with the electrical component 3.

[0041] A conductive element 31 is provided on one side of the electrical component 3. The power supply element 41 supplies power to the electrical component 3 after making electrical contact with the conductive element 31.

[0042] The power supply unit 4 is used to supply power to the electrical components 3 inside the shelf 2. The power supply unit 4 is connected to the refrigerator's power system and transmits electrical energy to the electrical components 3 inside the inner liner 1 via the power supply component 41. The power supply unit 4 is installed on the outside of the inner liner 1, effectively avoiding the occupation of internal space and maintaining the cleanliness and efficient use of the refrigerator's interior. At the same time, the external power supply unit 4 facilitates maintenance and repair without interfering with the storage and use of the refrigerator's interior.

[0043] The power supply component 41 is made of a highly conductive metal material, such as copper or silver-plated copper alloy, which has excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, ensuring efficient and long-lasting power transmission in the applicable environment of the refrigerator.

[0044] The power supply unit 4 also includes a housing 42. The housing 42 houses the power supply component 41. The housing 42 is installed on the outside of the inner liner 1. The housing 42 is provided with a second through hole 423 that mates with the first through hole. The power supply component 41 passes through the second through hole 423 and the first through hole, forming an electrical contact with the power-consuming component 3.

[0045] The housing 42 protects and secures the power supply component 41, ensuring the stability and safety of power transmission. The housing 42 can be fixed to the outer wall of the inner liner 1 by adhesive, clips, or other fixing devices, ensuring its stability and reliability.

[0046] The housing 42 is provided with a second through hole 423 that mates with the first through hole of the inner liner 1, for the power supply component 41 to pass through the housing 42 and the inner liner 1 to connect with the internal electrical component 3. In order to prevent cold air leakage and external moisture from entering, the connection between the second through hole 423 and the first through hole can be designed with a sealing ring or sealing gasket to ensure that the through hole maintains good sealing performance after the power supply component 41 passes through.

[0047] The housing 42 houses the power supply component 41 and provides physical protection to prevent the power supply component 41 from being affected by the external environment, such as dust, moisture, and impact. The housing 42 provides a stable support platform for the power supply component 41, maintaining a reliable connection between the power supply component 41 and the electrical component 3.

[0048] The power supply component 41 is an elastic structural component that can extend and retract along the second through hole 423 and the first through hole.

[0049] The power supply component 41 is designed as a flexible structural component to ensure the stability and reliability of electrical contact. During use, the refrigerator may experience slight vibrations and displacements. The flexible structural component can adapt to these changes through its own expansion and contraction, maintaining stable contact between the power supply component 41 and the electrical component 3, preventing poor contact or disconnection. Furthermore, when the position of the shelf 2 or the electrical component 3 changes slightly, the flexible structural component can automatically adjust its position to ensure good electrical contact at all times. Inside the refrigerator, temperature changes may cause thermal expansion and contraction of materials. The flexible structural component can automatically adapt to these changes, maintaining stable electrical contact and preventing poor contact due to temperature variations.

[0050] The elastic structural component can also absorb and buffer externally applied impact forces, preventing damage to the power supply component 41 and the electrical component 3 caused by external forces. Especially during handling or use, the buffering effect of the elastic structural component can effectively protect the integrity of the electrical connection.

[0051] Furthermore, since the elastic structural component can freely expand and contract within a certain range, precise alignment is not required during installation. Simply insert the power supply component 41 into the through hole, and the elastic structural component will automatically adjust to the appropriate position, simplifying the installation process and improving installation efficiency.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5b and 6, the power supply component 41 includes an elastic device 411 and a contact 412. The contact 412 abuts against the elastic device 411. The elastic device 411 allows the contact 412 to extend and retract along a first through hole and a second through hole 423. The elastic device 411 is a spring, and the power supply component 41 forms a cavity 413 to accommodate the spring. The end of the spring is connected to a power line, and the tip of the spring extends into the cavity 413 and abuts against the contact 412.

[0053] In this embodiment, the power supply component 41 consists of an elastic device 411 and a contact 412. The elastic device 411 allows the contact 412 to extend and retract along the first through hole and the second through hole 423, ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical contact.

[0054] One end of the spring is connected to the power cord. The power cord is fixed to the spring by welding or clamping to ensure a stable power supply. The power cord connects to the refrigerator's power system, providing a stable power input.

[0055] Contact 412 abuts against the top of the spring. Contact 412 is made of a highly conductive metal material to ensure good conductivity. The shape of contact 412 can be cylindrical, flat, or other suitable shapes to adapt to different installation environments and usage requirements.

[0056] In this embodiment, the contact 412 is a hollow cylindrical structure with a cavity 413 for accommodating the spring. The top of the spring extends into the cavity 413 and abuts against the contact 412. The spring presses the contact 412 against the electrical component 3 through its own elastic force, ensuring good electrical contact at all times.

[0057] In this embodiment, to ensure that the power supply component 41 can directly contact the conductive component 31 on one side of the power-consuming component 3, a 2mm margin is required on both sides of the shelf 21. If the shelf 21 is not installed in an accurate position, one side may be 0mm and the other side may be 4mm. To ensure normal use, the power supply component 41 should extend at least 6mm beyond the inner liner without being squeezed by the shelf 2.

[0058] The elastic device 411 in the power supply component 41 is in direct contact with the contact component 412. Therefore, the contact point between the inner cavity of the contact component 412 and the spring is designed as a plane, and the spring is sleeved within the cavity 413 of the contact component 412. When the contact component 412 is not compressed, the spring must maintain a preload of at least 10%, pressing the contact component 412 against the limiting surface within the housing 42. The travel distance of the contact component 412 is 6 mm, and the maximum compression of a normal round wire spring is 40% of its total height. Based on this data, the spring height is set to at least 20 mm to meet the usage requirements.

[0059] Through the above design, the power supply component 41 can provide stable and reliable electrical contact during the actual use of the refrigerator, ensuring the normal operation of the electrical components 3 inside the refrigerator.

[0060] A guide rib 421 is provided inside the housing 42, and the guide rib 421 is positioned towards the second through hole 423. The spring is sleeved on the guide rib 421. A guide groove 422 is provided inside the housing 42, and the contact member 412 is disposed in the guide groove 422. The contact member 412 abuts against the guide groove 422 and moves along the guide groove 422. As shown in Figure 5b, when the contact member 412 abuts against the inner part of the guide groove 422, the guide groove 422 can guide the movement of the contact member 412.

[0061] The guide rib 421 is disposed inside the housing 42 and is a slender columnar structure with a circular, square, or other cross-section. The guide rib 421 faces the second through hole 423, and its length is designed according to the dimensions of the housing 42 and the length of the spring. The guide rib 421 guides the spring to move along a predetermined path, ensuring that the spring does not deviate from its direction during extension and contraction.

[0062] By incorporating guide ribs 421, the spring remains in the correct position during compression and extension, preventing bending or jamming. Guide ribs 421 provide a fixed support, preventing lateral deformation of the spring under stress. This ensures that the spring's elastic force always acts in the correct direction, guaranteeing the stability of the electrical contact.

[0063] The guide groove 422 is disposed inside the housing 42 and located on the running path of the contact 412. The specific position of the guide groove 422 can be designed according to the design of the housing 42 and the movement trajectory of the contact 412. The shape of the guide groove 422 matches the shape of the contact 412.

[0064] The guide groove 422 provides a precise movement path, allowing the contact 412 to move along a predetermined trajectory within it, thus preventing unstable electrical contact due to path deviation. Guided by the guide groove 422, the contact 412 remains in the correct position at all times. The design of the guide groove 422 prevents the contact 412 from shifting or jamming during movement.

[0065] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the housing 42 includes a first housing 42a and a second housing 42b that are spliced ​​together. The first housing 42a is provided with a protruding guide rib 421, and the second housing 42b is provided with a guide groove 422.

[0066] The shell 42 is composed of a first shell 42a and a second shell 42b that are spliced ​​together, presenting a semi-enclosed box-like structure. The first shell 42a has protruding guide ribs 421 inside. The shape and size of the second shell 42b are set according to the shape of the inner liner 1, matching the shape and size of the inner liner 1, and can be tightly spliced ​​with the inner liner 1. The second shell 42b also presents a semi-enclosed box-like structure and is spliced ​​with the first shell 42a. The second shell 42b has guide grooves 422 inside.

[0067] The first housing 42a and the second housing 42b are joined together to form a complete protective housing 42, providing stable structural support. This not only ensures the overall strength of the housing 42 but also facilitates its installation and disassembly. The enclosed structure of the housing 42 effectively protects the internal power supply component 41 from external environmental influences such as dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. The first housing 42a and the second housing 42b are connected by snap-fit ​​structures, including protrusions on the second housing 42b and grooves on the first housing 42a. The snap-fit ​​structure is evenly distributed around the perimeter of the housing 42 to ensure the connection strength and stability of the entire housing 42.

[0068] A sealing ring can be installed at the joint between the first housing 42a and the second housing 42b. The airtight design effectively prevents dust, moisture and other impurities from entering the interior of the housing 42, protecting the internal power supply component 41 and other components from the influence of the external environment.

[0069] The first housing 42a and the second housing 42b are also provided with corresponding mating U-shaped grooves 424. The openings of the two U-shaped grooves 424 face each other. When the first housing 42a and the second housing 42b are spliced ​​together, the two U-shaped grooves are aligned with each other. The hollowed-out area at the tail of the U-shaped groove 424 forms a complete wire hole through which the power supply wire passes, ensuring that the wire is effectively fixed and protected, and avoiding poor contact or detachment caused by loose wires.

[0070] There are multiple implementation methods for the electrical connection design of LED strips to adapt to different installation requirements and usage scenarios. The following describes two types of LED strip electrical connection structures.

[0071] In this embodiment, conductive elements 31 are respectively provided at both ends of the light strip, and the conductive elements 31 include a positive conductive element 31a and a negative conductive element. Positive power supply section 4a, electrically connected to the positive conductive element 31a, and negative power supply section 4b, electrically connected to the negative conductive element, are respectively provided on both sides of the inner liner 1.

[0072] The light strip has a positive conductive element 31a and a negative conductive element at each end. The inner liner 1 has a positive power supply section 4a and a negative power supply section 4b on each side, electrically connected to the positive and negative conductive elements 31a and 31a, respectively. The positive and negative power supply sections 4a and 4b correspond to the positions of the positive and negative conductive elements 31a and 31a on the light strip, ensuring that electrical energy can be transmitted to the light strip through the power supply sections 4a on both sides of the inner liner 1. This ensures stable power transmission at both ends of the light strip and is suitable for applications with long light strips or requiring high current transmission.

[0073] In another embodiment of this application, a positive electrode conductive element 31a and a negative electrode conductive element arranged in parallel may be provided at one end of the light strip, and a positive electrode power supply part 4a and a negative electrode power supply part 4b electrically connected to the positive electrode conductive element 31a and the negative electrode conductive element may be arranged in parallel on one side of the inner liner 1.

[0074] On one side of the inner tube 1, there are positive power supply sections 4a and 4b, which are electrically connected to the positive conductive element 31a and negative conductive element, arranged parallel to the light strip. The power supply section 4 includes an elastic structural element and a conductive connector to ensure stable electrical contact. The positive conductive element 31a and the negative conductive element are integrated at one end of the light strip, forming a parallel arrangement for easy centralized connection.

[0075] In summary, this embodiment provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner 1 and a shelf 2 installed inside the inner liner 1. The shelf 2 contains electrical components 3, such as LED strips, which provide uniform lighting, reduce blind spots, and serve as part of the ambient lighting, enhancing the refrigerator's interior aesthetics and user experience. The refrigerator also includes a power supply unit 4, located outside the inner liner 1. This unit connects to a power source via a power supply component 41 and makes electrical contact with the electrical components 3 inside the inner liner 1 through a first through-hole, providing stable power transmission. The external design of the power supply unit 4 avoids occupying internal space and facilitates maintenance and repair. The power supply component 41 is made of a highly conductive metal material and designed as an elastic structural component to ensure the stability and reliability of the electrical contact, adapting to minute positional and temperature changes and maintaining stable power transmission.

[0076] The following provides a further explanation of the structure of the electrical component 3 in this embodiment.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the shelf 2 also includes a covering 5 disposed inside the shelf plate 21, and the electrical component 3 shown is disposed inside the covering 5.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the electrical component 3 (such as a light strip) and the conductive element 31 are electrically connected by an elastic conductive connector 32, and the elastic conductive connector 32 is in a compressed state abutting against the conductive element 31. The conductive element 31 is disposed on the side of the covering 5. The conductive element 31 is made of a highly conductive metal material, such as copper or silver-plated copper alloy.

[0079] The power supply unit 4 is located on the outside of the inner liner 1 of the refrigerator. It is electrically connected to the conductive component 31 via the power supply element 41, providing a power transmission channel between the power source and the conductive component 31. The power supply unit 4 is connected to the refrigerator's power system to ensure a stable power supply.

[0080] The elastic conductive connector 32 uses its own elastic force to press the electrical component 3 and the conductive component 31 together, ensuring good electrical contact at all times. Whether during installation or use, the elastic conductive connector 32 can automatically adjust its position to adapt to minor displacements and vibrations, preventing poor contact or disconnection. The elastic conductive connector 32 can adapt to changes in different installation environments and operating conditions, such as temperature changes and mechanical vibrations. Even under compressed conditions, the elastic conductive connector 32 can automatically adapt to these changes, maintaining stable electrical contact and ensuring the normal operation of the electrical component 3.

[0081] Furthermore, the elastic design of the flexible conductive connector 32 can reduce wear caused by long-term use. The elastic force of the spring ensures that the contact surface always maintains appropriate pressure, reducing friction and wear on the contact surface and extending the service life of the electrical connection.

[0082] As shown in Figure 11, the covering 5 includes a main covering 51 and a side covering 52. The side covering 52 is sealed and spliced ​​to the side of the main covering 51. The electrical component 3 is disposed inside the main covering 51, and the conductive component 31 is disposed inside the side covering 5.

[0083] The main enclosure 5 and the side enclosure 52 are joined together to form a complete protective structure. The electrical component 3 is housed within the main enclosure 51, and the conductive component 31 is housed within the side enclosure 52. The main enclosure 51 is designed according to the shape and size of the shelf 21, and is presented as a box-shaped or groove-shaped structure to accommodate and protect the electrical component 3.

[0084] The main enclosure 51 can be made of high-strength plastic or metal, possessing good mechanical strength and durability, while ensuring that the internal electrical components 3 are unaffected by the external environment. The side enclosures 52 mate with the sides of the main enclosure 51. The dimensions and shape of the side enclosures 52 are designed according to the structure of the main enclosure 51 to ensure a tight fit between the two.

[0085] The main covering 51 and the side covering 52 are connected by a sealed splicing, which can be achieved by means of snap-fit, embedding or adhesive to ensure a tight fit and sealing between the two.

[0086] In this embodiment, before installation, the plastic side panel 52 and main panel 51 can be partially melted using a melting process, and then the side panel 52 can be installed and fixed to ensure that the two can be tightly bonded through the melting process. Through the melting process, the rear trim strip and decorative cover can be tightly bonded in the molten state to form a seamless integrated structure, effectively preventing the penetration of moisture and humidity.

[0087] Sealing strips or sealant can also be used at the joints to prevent dust, moisture and other impurities from entering the interior of the cover 5, protecting the internal electrical components 3 and conductive parts 31.

[0088] A conductive element 31 is provided inside the side cover 52. The conductive element 31 is a highly conductive metal sheet or metal strip, used to connect the electrical component 3 and the external power source.

[0089] As shown in Figures 12a and 12b, a positioning structure 511 is provided inside the main covering 51. The positioning structure 511 forms a groove for accommodating the electrical component 3, and the electrical component 3 is fixedly accommodated in the groove of the positioning structure 511.

[0090] The positioning structure 511 is designed as a groove or slot formed inside the main cover 51. Its shape and size are customized according to the specifications of the electrical component 3 to ensure that the electrical component 3 can be stably accommodated therein. The positioning structure 511 is integrally formed with the main cover 51 and uses the same high-strength material to ensure the strength and durability of the overall structure.

[0091] The groove can be designed with buckles, slots or elastic clamping structures to further fix the electrical component 3 and prevent it from moving or falling off during use.

[0092] The main covering 51 and the side covering 52 are joined together to form a closed cavity. The electrical component 3 is disposed in the closed cavity, and the portion of the closed cavity between the electrical component 3 and the shelf 21 is made of transparent material.

[0093] The side cover 52 and the main cover 51 are joined to form a closed cavity, ensuring that the electrical component 3 is in a relatively enclosed and protected environment. The transparent material portion is located at the top or front of the closed cavity, adjacent to the shelf 21, ensuring that light can pass through the transparent material portion to illuminate the items on the shelf 2. The transparent material portion can be made of a highly transparent and durable material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or tempered glass, to ensure good optical performance and mechanical strength.

[0094] The side cover 52 has a plug-in positioning part 521 that matches and fits the inner structure of the closed cavity, and the plug-in positioning part 521 surrounds the electrical component 3 in the closed cavity.

[0095] The insertion positioning part 521 is designed inside the side cover 52, and is integrally formed with the side cover 52, matching the inner structure of the enclosed cavity. The shape and size of the insertion positioning part 521 are designed according to the internal structure of the enclosed cavity to ensure that it can fit tightly against the enclosed cavity. The shape and size of the insertion positioning part 521 match the inner structure of the enclosed cavity and can be a protrusion or an insert structure. Through these structures, a tight fit is achieved between the two. The tight matching between the insertion positioning part 521 and the inner structure of the enclosed cavity enhances the overall assembly stability between the side cover 52 and the main cover 51, and ensures the accurate positioning of the electrical component 3 within the enclosed cavity.

[0096] The insertion positioning part 521 surrounds the electrical component 3, forming a sealed ring structure. The insertion positioning part 521 effectively prevents moisture and humidity from entering the enclosed cavity, protecting the electrical component 3 from the effects of a humid environment. The airtight design of the insertion positioning part 521 enhances the sealing performance between the side cover 52 and the main cover 51, ensuring that the environment around the electrical component 3 remains dry and clean, thus extending the service life of the electrical component 3.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the conductive element 31 is a plate-shaped metal sheet embedded in the side of the side covering 52. The elastic conductive connector 32 extends laterally along the power-consuming element 3 and abuts against the plate-shaped metal sheet.

[0098] The plate-shaped metal sheet is designed as a thin sheet and is embedded within the side of the side cover 52. The shape and size of the plate-shaped metal sheet are designed according to the design of the side cover 52 to ensure a tight fit and good conductivity. The plate-shaped metal sheet is made of a highly conductive metal material, such as copper or silver-plated copper alloy, to ensure efficient and stable power transmission. The plate-shaped metal sheet is fixed within the side of the side cover 52 by embedding or slotting, ensuring its stability and preventing movement.

[0099] As shown in Figure 14, in another embodiment of this application, the conductive element 31 is a bent metal sheet. The bent metal sheet includes a first metal sheet embedded in the side of the side cover 52 and a second metal sheet bent along the first metal sheet toward the power-consuming element 3. The elastic conductive connector 32 is vertically disposed from the surface of the power-consuming element 3 and abuts against the second metal sheet.

[0100] The first metal sheet is embedded in the side of the side cover 52, and the second metal sheet is bent along the first metal sheet toward the electrical component 3 to form an L-shaped structure. The bent metal sheet conductive component 31 increases the flexibility and stability of electrical contact through the bending design of the first and second metal sheets. The elastic conductive connector 32 makes vertical contact with the second metal sheet, ensuring a stable electrical connection of the electrical component 3 at different positions and angles.

[0101] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0102] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the art of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising an inner container and a shelf mounted on the inner side of the inner container, characterized in that, a power consuming element is arranged in the shelf, the power consuming element at least comprising a light strip; the refrigerator further comprises a power supply part arranged on the outer side of the inner container; the inner container is provided with a first through hole, and the power supply part comprises a power supply element; the power supply element is connected to a power source and passes through the first through hole to form electrical contact with the power consuming element.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the power supply part further comprises a housing for accommodating the power supply element, the housing being mounted on the outer side of the inner container; the housing is provided with a second through hole matched with the first through hole; the power supply element passes through the second through hole and the first through hole to form electrical contact with the power consuming element.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, the power supply element is a flexible structure that can move in and out of the second through hole and the first through hole.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, the power supply element comprises an elastic device and a contact element, the contact element being in abutment with the elastic device; the elastic device allows the contact element to move in and out of the second through hole and the first through hole.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, the elastic device is a spring, the power supply element is formed with a cavity for accommodating the spring, the spring is connected to a power cord at the end thereof, and the top end of the spring extends into the cavity and abuts against the contact element.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, the housing is provided with a guide rib, the guide rib is arranged towards the second through hole, and the spring is sleeved on the guide rib.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing is provided with a guide groove, and the contact element is arranged in the guide groove; the contact element is in abutment with the guide groove and can move along the guide groove.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, the housing comprises a first housing and a second housing that are spliced with each other, the first housing is provided with a protruding guide rib, and the second housing is provided with the guide groove.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the light strip is provided with a positive electrode conductive element and a negative electrode conductive element at two ends thereof, respectively; the inner container is provided with a positive electrode power supply part electrically connected with the positive electrode conductive element and a negative electrode power supply part electrically connected with the negative electrode conductive element on both sides thereof.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the light strip is provided with a positive electrode conductive element and a negative electrode conductive element arranged in parallel at one end thereof; the inner container is provided with a positive electrode power supply part electrically connected with the positive electrode conductive element and a negative electrode power supply part electrically connected with the negative electrode conductive element arranged in parallel on one side thereof.

Citation Information

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