Water supply device

Abstract

The present application relates to a water supply device, and relates to the technical field of household appliances. In the present application, a bracket comprises a base, and the base is provided with a supporting surface for supporting a water container. A water outlet of a water supply assembly is arranged above the supporting surface. The water supply device has a manual trigger mode. In the manual trigger mode, on the basis of a manual trigger of a user, a control assembly controls the water supply assembly to supply water to the water outlet. The control assembly, in response to a door open indication for indicating that a door body of a refrigerator is in an open state, enables the manual trigger mode, and in response to a door close indication for indicating that the door body of the refrigerator is in a closed state, disables the manual trigger mode. The present application, by setting the manual trigger mode, enriches operation modes, and satisfies diverse user control needs. In addition, the manual trigger mode is enabled by considering the open state of the door of the refrigerator, thereby improving the intelligence level.

Description

Water supply equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024115718776, filed on November 4, 2024, entitled "Water Supply Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, specifically to a water supply device. Background Technology

[0003] For refrigerators with water storage functions, a water tank is installed inside, and tap water is connected to the refrigerator, with the water flowing into the tank through a water valve. The control method for this water supply function is relatively simple and lacks a high level of intelligence. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a water supply device disposed inside a refrigerator. The water supply device includes: a bracket, the bracket including a base, the base having a supporting surface for supporting a water container; a water supply component, the water outlet of the water supply component being disposed above the supporting surface; and a control component, the water supply device having a manual trigger mode, wherein in the manual trigger mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the water outlet based on a user's manual trigger; wherein the control component enables the manual trigger mode in response to an open door indication indicating that the refrigerator door is open, and disables the manual trigger mode in response to a close door indication indicating that the refrigerator door is closed.

[0005] In some embodiments, the water supply device also has an automatic triggering mode, in which the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The water supply device also includes a positioning detection component, which generates a non-positioning indication in response to the water container not being placed on the support surface. The control component enables the manual triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the non-positioning indication.

[0006] In some embodiments, the positioning detection component generates a positioning indication in response to the water container being placed on the support surface, and the control component disables the manual triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the positioning indication.

[0007] In some embodiments, the water supply device also has an automatic triggering mode, in which the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The water supply device also includes a positioning detection component, which generates a positioning indication in response to the water container being placed on the support surface. The control component enables both the manual triggering mode and the automatic triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the positioning indication, and sets the priority of the automatic triggering mode to be higher than that of the manual triggering mode.

[0008] In some implementations, the water supply rate in the automatic trigger mode is greater than the water supply rate in the manual trigger mode.

[0009] In some implementations, the positioning detection component generates a non-positioning indication in response to the water container not being placed on the support surface, and the control component disables the automatic triggering mode in response to the non-positioning indication.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water supply device further includes an overflow box and an overflow detection component. The overflow box cooperates with the base to form a water storage space for collecting water accumulated on the support surface. The overflow detection component generates an overflow indication in response to the water level in the water storage space being greater than or equal to a preset water level threshold. The control component shuts down the water supply component in response to the overflow indication.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water supply device also has an automatic triggering mode, in which the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The control component also disables the automatic triggering mode and locks the disabled state of the automatic triggering mode based on the automatic triggering mode in response to the overflow indication and the most recent water supply before the overflow indication.

[0012] In some embodiments, the water supply device also has an automatic triggering mode. In the automatic triggering mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The control component also shuts down the water supply component, disables the automatic triggering mode, and locks the disabled state of the automatic triggering mode in response to the water supply duration exceeding a preset time threshold.

[0013] In some implementations, the control component also releases the disabled state of the automatic triggering mode in response to a user's unlock instruction.

[0014] This application provides a control method for a water supply device, which is installed inside a refrigerator and has a support surface for supporting a water container and a water outlet located above the support surface. The water supply device has a manual trigger mode in which water is supplied to the water outlet based on a user's manual trigger. The control method includes: acquiring a status indicator indicating the open / closed state of the refrigerator door; enabling the manual trigger mode in response to the status indicator indicating that the refrigerator door is open; and disabling the manual trigger mode in response to the status indicator indicating that the refrigerator door is closed.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water supply device also has an automatic triggering mode, and the control method further includes: in the automatic triggering mode, controlling the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container; enabling the manual triggering mode in response to the status indication indicating that the refrigerator door is open includes: enabling the manual triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the not-in-place indication indicating that the water container is not placed on the support surface; and / or disabling the manual triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the in-place indication indicating that the water container is placed on the support surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the water supply device also has an automatic triggering mode, and the control method further includes: in the automatic triggering mode, controlling the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container; enabling the manual triggering mode in response to the status indication indicating that the refrigerator door is open includes: enabling the manual triggering mode and the automatic triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the positioning indication indicating that the water container is placed on the support surface, and setting the priority of the automatic triggering mode to be higher than that of the manual triggering mode.

[0017] In some implementations, the water supply rate in the automatic trigger mode is greater than the water supply rate in the manual trigger mode. Attached Figure Description

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

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator structure in some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water supply equipment in the embodiment shown in Figure 2;

[0022] Figure 4 is a framework diagram of the water control system inside the water supply equipment in the embodiment shown in Figure 3;

[0023] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the water supply equipment in the embodiment shown in Figure 3;

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of some structures of the water supply equipment in the embodiment shown in Figure 5;

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the manual triggering component in the embodiment shown in Figure 6;

[0026] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the water supply equipment in some other embodiments of the embodiment shown in Figure 3;

[0027] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the overflow box in the embodiment shown in Figure 8;

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water supply equipment in the embodiment shown in Figure 8;

[0029] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the water container in the embodiment shown in Figure 3;

[0030] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter box in some embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cover along line XIII-XIII in some embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the door assembly in some other embodiments of the embodiment shown in Figure 2;

[0033] Figure 15 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the water supply equipment in the embodiment shown in Figure 14;

[0034] Figure 16 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the bracket in the embodiment shown in Figure 15;

[0035] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply equipment along line XVII-XVII in the embodiment shown in Figure 15. 10. Bracket; 11. Base; 12. Back panel; 13. Top cover; 14. Storage basket; 20. Manual trigger assembly; 21. Support; 22. Press plate; 23. Rotating shaft assembly; 24. Stop; 30. Overflow box; 31. Box body; 32. Sealing component; 40. Water control system; 41. Control component; 42. Trigger switch; 43. Position detection component; 44. Water level detection component; 45. Water supply component; 46. Overflow detection component; 47. Door control component; 50. Water container; 51. Container body; 52. Filter box; 53. Cover; 54. Trigger float; 55. Trigger component; 56. Retaining component; 100. Refrigerator; 101. Refrigerator body; 102. Refrigerator door; 103. Water supply equipment; 111. Support surface; 112. Positioning recess; 121. Protrusion; 122. 5302 Recessed area; 131 First mounting hole; 132 Second mounting hole; 133 Third mounting hole; 200 Door assembly; 221 Pressing end; 222 Trigger end; 231 Rotating shaft; 232 Return spring; 301 Water storage space; 302 Drain hole; 311 Convergence area; 312 Flat area; 521 Box body; 522 Box lid; 1001 Container placement space; 1002 First accommodating space; 1003 Installation space; 1004 Second accommodating space; 1021 Refrigerator door; 1022 Refrigerator door; 1023 Main surface; 1111 Inclined area; 1112 Drain hole; 1113 Suspended area; 1114 Supporting area; 2201 Hollowed-out area; 5201 Accommodating space; 5301 Water inlet hole. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the application. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present application, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0037] The reference to "embodiment" in this application means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0039] This application describes a refrigerator that can provide users with water at a temperature lower than room temperature.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator in some embodiments of this application, and Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator 100 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The refrigerator 100 may include a refrigerator body 101 with an internal storage compartment, a refrigerator door 102 configured to open or close the storage compartment, and a water supply device 103 at least partially disposed within the storage compartment. The refrigerator 100 may also include a refrigeration component (not shown) disposed on the refrigerator body 101. The refrigeration component may be configured to lower the temperature within the storage compartment to cool the water in the water supply device 103, making the water temperature in the water supply device 103 lower than room temperature. The storage compartment may be a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment. Alternatively, a portion of the storage compartment may be used for freezing, and a portion for refrigeration.

[0041] The refrigerator body 101 may contain one or more storage compartments. Correspondingly, there may also be one or more refrigerator doors 102. In some scenarios, one or more refrigerator doors 102 may be associated with a storage compartment to facilitate opening or closing of the storage compartment.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, the refrigerator body 101 can have two storage compartments: a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. There can be two refrigerator doors 102: a door body (also referred to as "door") 1021 and a door body (also referred to as "door") 1022. In some scenarios, door body 1021 can be used to open or close the freezer compartment, and door body 1022 can be used to open or close the refrigerator compartment. In some scenarios, door body 1021 can be used to open or close the refrigerator compartment, and door body 1022 can be used to open or close the freezer compartment. In some scenarios, door body 1021 can be positioned above door body 1022 in a first direction. Alternatively, door body 1021 can be positioned below door body 1022 in the first direction. The first direction can be along the direction of gravity or at an angle to the direction of gravity. The angle range can be 0-15°. Understandably, door body 1021 can also be positioned side-by-side with door body 1022 in a second direction. The second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0043] It is understood that the descriptions using "first" and "second" in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0044] In some embodiments, the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, may have a main surface 1023. The main surface 1023 may be the surface of the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, facing the storage compartment when the storage compartment is closed, or it may be the surface of the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, that cooperates with the refrigerator body 101 to form the inner wall of the storage compartment.

[0045] A water supply device 103 may be installed on the refrigerator body 101, at least partially located within the storage compartment. Alternatively, the water supply device 103 may also be at least partially installed on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, so that it is at least partially located within the storage compartment when the refrigerator door 102 is closed. Furthermore, the water supply device 103 may be installed on both the refrigerator body 101 and the refrigerator door 102, at least partially located within the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the water supply device 103 may be at least partially located within the refrigerator compartment.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, when the water supply device 103 is at least partially installed on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, it can form a door assembly 200 with the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022. It is understood that the door assembly 200 is not limited to the water supply device 103 and the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, but may also include others, which will not be elaborated here.

[0047] In some embodiments, the water supply device 103 may be disposed on the main surface 1023. For example, the water supply device 103 may be detachably or fixedly connected to the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, to be disposed on the main surface 1023. In some scenarios, the water supply device 103 may be connected to the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, by means of detachable connection such as plug-in, screw-in, snap-in, or adhesive.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a framework diagram of the water control system inside the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The water supply device 103 may include a bracket 10, a manual trigger component 20, an overflow box 30, a water control system 40, and a water container 50. The bracket 10 may be installed on the refrigerator door 102, for example, the main surface 1023. The manual trigger component 20, the overflow box 30, and the water control system 40 are all installed on the bracket 10. The manual trigger component 20 can be used by the user to manually trigger the water control system 40, causing the water control system 40 to dispense water. The water container 50 can be placed on the bracket 10 and can be moved or removed by the user. The water container 50 can be placed on the bracket 10 to receive water discharged by the water control system 40. The overflow box 30 can collect water when water overflows from the water container 50 or when the water control system 40 discharges water to the outside of the water container 50, improving the phenomenon of water flowing around in the storage compartment. In some scenarios, the water in the water container 50 can be cooled in the storage chamber, providing users with water at a temperature lower than room temperature. Similarly, in some scenarios, the water in the water control system 40 can be cooled in the storage chamber, providing users with water at a temperature lower than room temperature.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a partial structural schematic diagram of the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The bracket 10 can be a frame structure or a shell structure, or other forms of structure, which will not be described in detail. The bracket 10 may include a base 11, a back plate 12 connected to the base 11, a top cover 13 spaced apart from the base 11 and connected to the back plate 12, and a storage basket 14 disposed on or connected to the base 11. The base 11 can be used to place a water container 50. The back plate 12 can be used to install the bracket 10 on the refrigerator door 102, for example, the main surface 1023. The top cover 13 and the base 11 can be spaced apart along a first direction. When the water container 50 is placed on the base 11, the water container 50 can be placed between the base 11 and the top cover 13. The base 11, the back plate 12, and the top cover 13 cooperate to install the water control system 40. The storage basket 14 can be placed between the base 11 and the top cover 13 for holding items such as solid beverages, water cups, stir sticks, fruits, etc. Specific items to be placed in the storage basket 14 can be selected as needed, without further details. In some scenarios, the space between the base 11 and the top cover 13 is a container placement space 1001 for holding a water container 50. In some scenarios, when the water container 50 is placed between the base 11 and the top cover 13, the top cover 13 can be positioned above the water container 50.

[0050] A support surface 111 may be provided on the side of the base 11 facing the top cover 13. The support surface 111 and the top cover 13 can form a container placement space 1001, which can be used to support the water container 50.

[0051] In some embodiments, the support surface 111 may include an inclined region 1111. The inclined region 1111 can be used to guide and drain water. When the inclined region 1111 supports the water container 50, the inclined region 1111 can also be used to tilt the water container 50, thereby improving the stability of the water container 50 placed on the support surface 111.

[0052] In some embodiments, the inclined region 1111 is disposed near the back plate 12, and while extending towards the side near the back plate 12, the inclined region 1111 also extends away from the top cover 13 in a first direction. That is, the inclined region 1111 gradually decreases in the direction near the back plate 12. Furthermore, in some scenarios, when the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, such as the inclined region 1111, it can be tilted towards the side near the back plate 12, that is, the top of the water container 50 is tilted relative to the bottom of the water container 50 towards the back plate 12, to improve the stability of the water container 50 placed on the support surface 111. The water container 50 can even rest against the back plate 12 to further improve the stability of the water container 50 placed on the support surface 111. In some scenarios, the inclined region 1111 forms a recess on the side near the back plate 12 to store and collect water, at least to store and collect water overflowing from the water container 50.

[0053] In some embodiments, the recess may be a positioning recess 112, used to position the water container 50 to further improve the stability of the water container 50 placed on the support surface 111. In some embodiments, the inclined area 1111 may be at least a portion of the inner surface of the positioning recess 112 (the inner surface may include the bottom surface and the side wall surface). In some embodiments, the inclined area 1111 may be at least a portion of the bottom surface of the positioning recess 112.

[0054] In some embodiments, the supporting surface 111 is recessed relative to its outer periphery, thereby forming a positioning recess 112 that matches the bottom of the water container 50. The positioning recess 112 can improve the stability of the water container 50 when placed on the supporting surface 111, and can also be used to store and collect water. In some embodiments, when the water container 50 is placed in the positioning recess 112, it may not be supported by the inclined area 1111, for example, it may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the inclined area 1111.

[0055] A drainage hole 1112 communicating with an overflow box 30 may be provided on the supporting surface 111 to guide water on the supporting surface 111 into the overflow box 30. In some embodiments, the drainage hole 1112 may be located near the inclined area 1111 so that the inclined area 1111 can guide the water accumulated on the supporting surface 111 to the drainage hole 1112, and then flow into the overflow box 30. In some embodiments, the drainage hole 1112 communicates with a recess or positioning recess 112 to draw water from the recess or positioning recess 112 into the overflow box 30. In some embodiments, the drainage hole 1112 may be located on the bottom surface or side wall of the recess. In some embodiments, the drainage hole 1112 may be located on the bottom surface or side wall of the positioning recess 112. In some embodiments, the drainage hole 1112 may be located at the connection between the supporting surface 111 and the back plate 12. In some embodiments, the drainage hole 1112 may be provided on the back plate 12, and furthermore, a portion of the surface of the back plate 12 may serve as a recess or positioning recess 112 portion inner surface.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of part of the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The back plate 12 can be located between the supporting surface 111 and the main surface 1023, and can be disposed on the main surface 1023. The back plate 12 can be detachably or fixedly connected to the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022. For example, the back plate 12 can be connected to the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, by means of detachable connection such as plugging, screwing, snapping, or gluing.

[0057] A first accommodating space 1002 is provided on the back plate 12 for mounting at least a portion of the structure of the water control system 40. The first accommodating space 1002 is located on the side of the container placement space 1001 near the main surface 1023. In some embodiments, the second direction may be the direction in which the back plate 12 approaches or recedes from the main surface 1023. The projection of the first accommodating space 1002 along the second direction at least partially coincides with the container placement space 1001.

[0058] In some embodiments, the back panel 12 may be integral with the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the main surface 1023 may be disposed on the back panel 12. In some scenarios, the base 11 and the top cover 13 are disposed on the main surface 1023 of the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022.

[0059] Referring to Figure 6, the top cover 13 is provided with an installation space 1003 for installing the manual trigger component 20 and the water control system 40. In some embodiments, the projection of the installation space 1003 along the first direction at least partially overlaps with the container placement space 1001. In some embodiments, the projection of the installation space 1003 along the first direction at least partially overlaps with the first accommodating space 1002.

[0060] The mounting space 1003 may be disposed inside the top cover 13 or on the side of the top cover 13 opposite to the base 11. In some embodiments, the mounting space 1003 may be formed by a recess in the surface of the top cover 13 on the side opposite to the base 11.

[0061] The top cover 13 is provided with mounting holes, such as the first mounting hole 131, the second mounting hole 132, and the third mounting hole 133, which communicate with the installation space 1003, to cooperate with the manual trigger component 20 and the water control system 40. The mounting holes, such as the first mounting hole 131, the second mounting hole 132, and the third mounting hole 133, can all communicate with the container placement space 1001.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first mounting hole 131 is located further away from the back panel 12 than the second mounting hole 132 and the third mounting hole 133, and can mate with the manual trigger assembly 20. The second mounting hole 132 may be located between the first mounting hole 131 and the third mounting hole 133, and can mate with the water control system 40. The third mounting hole 133 is closer to the back panel 12 than the first mounting hole 131 and the second mounting hole 132, and can mate with the manual trigger assembly 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first mounting hole 131, the second mounting hole 132, and the third mounting hole 133 are located above the container placement space 1001 in a first direction.

[0064] In some embodiments, the side of the top cover 13 opposite to the base 11 may form a storage space for placing items.

[0065] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the storage basket 14 can be arranged side-by-side with the supporting surface 111 along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The storage basket 14 can be used to form a second accommodating space 1004. In some embodiments, the projection of the second accommodating space 1004 along the third direction at least partially overlaps with the container placement space 1001. In some embodiments, the projection of the second accommodating space 1004 along the third direction partially overlaps with the first accommodating space 1002. In some embodiments, the projection of the second accommodating space 1004 along the first direction partially overlaps with the mounting space 1003.

[0066] In some embodiments, the projection of the storage basket 14 along a first direction at least partially overlaps with the top cover 13. In some embodiments, the projection of the storage basket 14 along the first direction is located within the top cover 13. In some embodiments, the storage basket 14 may be located below the top cover 13 in the first direction. In some embodiments, the projection of the storage basket 14 along the first direction does not overlap with the top cover 13.

[0067] In some embodiments, the storage basket 14 may be omitted, or it may be an integral structure with the base 11. In some embodiments, the second accommodating space 1004 may not be formed by the storage basket 14, but may be formed by a partial recess in the supporting surface 111, or by a recess in the surface of the base 11 near the top cover 13.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the manual trigger component 20 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The manual trigger component 20 can be manually operated by the user through pressing, touching, or other means to control the water control system 40. The manual trigger component 20 can be installed on the bracket 10, such as the top cover 13, or it can be installed on other parts of the bracket 10, such as the base 11 or the back panel 12, as needed. In some embodiments, the manual trigger component 20 can be installed within the installation space 1003. The installation of the manual trigger component 20 allows the water control system 40 in manual trigger mode and the water control system 40 in automatic trigger mode to be located in the same position as much as possible, reducing the space occupied inside the refrigerator 100. In addition, the installation of the manual trigger component 20 facilitates manual water dispensing.

[0069] The manual trigger assembly 20 may include a support 21 mounted on the top cover 13, a pressing plate 22, a rotating shaft assembly 23 connecting the support 21 and the pressing plate 22, a trigger switch 42 mounted on the support 21 and cooperating with the pressing plate 22, a stop 24 mounted on the support 21, a positioning detection assembly 43 mounted on the support 21, and a water supply assembly 45 mounted on the support 21. The support 21 is used to support and install the rotating shaft assembly 23, the trigger switch 42, the stop 24, the positioning detection assembly 43, and the water supply assembly 45. The pressing plate 22 can be movably connected to the support 21 via the rotating shaft assembly 23, allowing it to be manually operated by the user through pressing, touching, or other means. When the pressing plate 22 moves relative to the support 21, the trigger switch 42 generates a control signal and transmits it to the water control system 40, thereby controlling the water control system 40. The rotating shaft assembly 23 may have a preset rotation axis, facilitating the movement of the pressing plate 22 and allowing the pressing plate 22 to be rotatably connected to the bearing 21 around the rotation axis. The stop part 24 is used to abut against the water container 50 to fix the water container 50. The positioning detection assembly 43 is used to detect the water container 50, and then, based on the water container 50 reaching the predetermined position, to generate a control signal and transmit it to the water control system 40 to realize the automatic control of the water control system 40. The water supply assembly 45 can supply or stop water supply under the control of the water control system 40. In some scenarios, the water supply assembly 45 can be automatically controlled by the water control system 40 to supply or stop water supply under the control signal generated by the trigger switch 42.

[0070] The bearing 21 can be fixed to the top cover 13 by means of snap-fit, screw-fit, welding, bonding, plug-in, etc., and can be located at least partially within the installation space 1003, or it can be not located within the installation space 1003.

[0071] The pressing plate 22 may have pressing ends 221 and trigger ends 222 located on both sides of the rotation axis. When the pressing end 221 is manually pressed by the user, it can rotate around the rotation axis, and at the same time, the trigger end 222 rotates around the rotation axis, triggering the trigger switch 42.

[0072] In some embodiments, the pressing end 221 may extend from the mounting hole, such as the first mounting hole 131, into the mounting space 1003 so that it can be touched by the user for manual pressing.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pressing plate 22 is provided with a hollow area 2201 to cooperate with the positioning detection component 43 and the water supply component 45.

[0074] The rotating shaft assembly 23 may include a rotating shaft 231 that connects the bearing 21 and the pressing plate 22, and a return spring 232 that resets the pressing plate 22.

[0075] The pivot member 231 can form a rotation axis, allowing the pressing plate 22 to be rotatably connected to the bearing 21 via the pivot member 231, and simultaneously allowing the pressing plate 22 to rotate around the rotation axis. The pivot member 231 can be a columnar structure, a shaft-like structure, or a ring-like structure that can form a rotation axis, or other structures that can realize the rotatable connection between the pressing plate 22 and the bearing 21, which will not be described in detail.

[0076] The return spring 232 can abut or connect with the bearing 21 and the pressing plate 22. When the pressing end 221 is pressed by the user, the pressing plate 22 rotates about the rotation axis, causing the return spring 232 to be squeezed by the bearing 21 and the pressing plate 22, resulting in elastic deformation. Then, the pressing plate 22 can be reset under the elastic deformation of the return spring 232. In some embodiments, the return spring 232 can be a torsion spring or a coil spring. In some embodiments, the return spring 232 can be sleeved on the rotating shaft 231 and extend two connecting arms, one of which is connected to the bearing 21 and the other connecting arm is connected to the pressing plate 22.

[0077] In some embodiments, the support 21 may be omitted, or it may be an integral structure with the top cover 13, thereby the pressing plate 22 may be movably connected to the top cover 13 via the pivot assembly 23.

[0078] The trigger switch 42 can be disposed on or around the trajectory of the moving trigger end 222. When the trigger end 222 moves, it approaches the trigger switch 42, thereby triggering the trigger switch 42. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 42 can be an electronic switch, belonging to the category of electronic components, also called a push-button switch, which can be triggered by pressing the trigger end 222. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 42 can be a sensor. The trigger switch 42 can be triggered by changes in the distance between the trigger end 222 and the trigger switch 42, or by contacting or pressing the trigger end 222. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 42 can be a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 42 can be an optocoupler sensor, with the trigger end 222 having a structure for triggering the optocoupler sensor, specifically configured according to the art. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 42 can be a proximity sensor, with the trigger end 222 having a structure for triggering the trigger switch 42, specifically configured according to the art. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 42 can be a magnetic sensor, with the trigger end 222 having a structure for triggering the trigger switch 42, specifically configured according to the art. It is understood that the trigger switch 42 can also be configured using technical solutions well known in the art, which will not be elaborated upon. In some embodiments, the support 21 may be omitted, or it may be an integral structure with the top cover 13, thereby the trigger switch 42 may be disposed on the top cover 13.

[0079] The stop 24 can be disposed on the support 21 and can extend out of the mounting space 1003 from the mounting hole, such as the first mounting hole 131, and into the container placement space 1001.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the water container 50 is placed in the container placement space 1001, the stop portion 24 can contact the top of the water container 50. By abutting the top of the water container 50, the water container 50 is pressed against the support surface 111, thereby fixing the water container 50 and improving the stability of the water container 50 placed on the support surface 111.

[0081] In some embodiments, the stop portion 24 is provided so that the water container 50 is spaced apart from the stop portion 24 on the support surface 111. When the top of the water container 50 flips away from the back plate 12 relative to the bottom of the water container 50 to a predetermined angle, the stop portion 24 can limit the top of the water container 50 from continuing to flip away from the back plate 12 relative to the bottom of the water container 50, thereby improving the stability of the water container 50 placed on the support surface 111.

[0082] The stop portion 24 may be made of an elastic material, which can undergo elastic deformation when in contact with the top of the water container 50. Of course, the stop portion 24 may also be made of other materials. In some embodiments, the support 21 may be omitted, or it may be an integral structure with the top cover 13, and the stop portion 24 may be provided on the top cover 13.

[0083] The positioning detection component 43 can be disposed on the support 21. When the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, for example, at a predetermined position, it can be triggered to generate a control signal, which is transmitted to the water control system 40 to achieve automatic control. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 can be an electronic switch, which can be triggered by pressing the positioning detection component 43 by the water container 50. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 can be a sensor. The positioning detection component 43 can be triggered by a change in the distance between the water container 50 and the positioning detection component 43, or by the water container 50 contacting or pressing the positioning detection component 43. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 can be a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 can be an optocoupler sensor, and the water container 50 is provided with a structure to trigger the optocoupler sensor, which can be specifically configured according to the art. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 can be a proximity sensor, and the water container 50 is provided with a structure to trigger the positioning detection component 43, which can be specifically configured according to the art. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 may be a Hall sensor, and the water container 50 is provided with a structure to trigger the positioning detection component 43, which can be specifically configured according to the art. It is understood that the positioning detection component 43 can also be configured using technical solutions well known in the art, which will not be elaborated upon. In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 is located within the hollow area 2201.

[0084] In some embodiments, the support 21 may be omitted, or it may be an integral structure with the top cover 13, and the positioning detection component 43 may be disposed on the top cover 13.

[0085] In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 may include a stop 24, which can contact the top of the water container 50 as a condition for the positioning detection component 43 to generate a control signal and transmit it to the water control system 40 to achieve automatic control.

[0086] A water supply component 45 can be mounted on a support 21 and can extend from a mounting hole, such as a second mounting hole 132, into the mounting space 1003 and into the container placement space 1001. When the water container 50 is placed in the container placement space 1001, the outlet of the water supply component 45 can drain water into the water container 50. In some embodiments, the outlet of the water supply component 45 is located above the support surface 111 in a first direction. In some embodiments, the outlet of the water supply component 45 can be formed by a top cover 13, so that the water supply component 45 does not extend into the container placement space 1001. In some embodiments, the outlet of the water supply component 45 can be formed by the water supply component 45 and the top cover 13, so that the water supply component 45 does not extend into the container placement space 1001. In some embodiments, a mounting hole, such as a second mounting hole 132, can serve as an outlet and can cooperate with the outlet of the water supply component 45.

[0087] The water supply component 45 may include pipes, connecting valves, pumps, or other structures, which will not be elaborated here. The water supply component 45 can supply or stop water supply by controlling the opening and closing of the connecting valves through the water control system 40, and / or control the start and stop of the pump. In some embodiments, the water supply component 45 can be connected to the municipal water supply pipeline to achieve direct supply of tap water. In some embodiments, the water supply component 45 may include a water tank for water supply. The water tank may be located within the first accommodating space 1002 or on other structures of the refrigerator 100. Furthermore, in some scenarios, the water in the water tank can lower the temperature within the storage compartment, providing users with water at a temperature lower than room temperature. In some embodiments, the pipes of the water supply component 45 may be arranged on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, or on the refrigerator body 101. In some embodiments, the water tank may not be placed in the first accommodating space 1002, but may be placed on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, or on the refrigerator body 101.

[0088] In some embodiments, the support 21 may be omitted, or it may be an integral structure with the top cover 13, thereby the water supply assembly 45 may be disposed on the top cover 13.

[0089] In some embodiments, the water supply component 45 may extend into the hollow area 2201 and be fixed to the support 21. In some embodiments, when the water supply component 45 is fixed to the support 21, the outlet of the water supply component 45 may be positioned opposite to the mounting hole, such as the second mounting hole 132.

[0090] In some embodiments, the manual trigger component 20 may be part of the top cover 13, and in some embodiments, the manual trigger component 20 may be part of the bracket 10.

[0091] Please refer to Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 in some other embodiments. Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the overflow box 30 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8. The overflow box 30 may have a water storage space 301. The water storage space 301 may be connected to the drainage hole 1112, thereby allowing the water accumulated on the support surface 111 to flow into the overflow box 30 through the drainage hole 1112, thus realizing the collection of water accumulated on the support surface 111.

[0092] The overflow box 30 can be located below the bracket 10, such as the base 11, in a first direction, and can be detachably connected to the bracket 10, such as the base 11, by means of snap-fit, screw-fit, adhesive, plug-in, etc., or it can be directly fixed. In some embodiments, the overflow box 30 can cooperate with the bracket 10, such as the base 11, to form a water storage space 301 for collection.

[0093] In some embodiments, the projection of the water storage space 301 along the first direction partially overlaps with the first accommodating space 1002. In some embodiments, the projection of the water storage space 301 along the first direction partially overlaps with the second accommodating space 1004 to increase the volume of the water storage space 301.

[0094] In some embodiments, the overflow box 30 may include a box body 31 and a sealing member 32. The box body 31 may have a water storage space 301. The water storage space 301 may communicate with the drainage hole 1112, thereby allowing water accumulated on the support surface 111 to flow into the overflow box 30 through the drainage hole 1112, thus collecting the water accumulated on the support surface 111. In some embodiments, the box body 31 may be located below the bracket 10, such as the base 11, in a first direction, and may be detachably connected to the bracket 10, such as the base 11, by means of snap-fit, screw-fit, adhesive, plug-in, etc., or may be directly fixedly connected. In some embodiments, the box body 31 may cooperate with the bracket 10, such as the base 11, to form the water storage space 301 for collection.

[0095] In some embodiments, a drain hole 302 is provided at the bottom of the box body 31, and a sealing member 32 is detachably connected to the box body 31 and is used to seal the drain hole 302 when connected. The water in the water storage space 301 can be drained at any time through the sealing member 32.

[0096] In some embodiments, the bottom of the box body 31 may include a confluence area 311 and a flat area 312. In a first direction, the flat area 312 is further away from the support 10, such as the base 11, than the confluence area 311, and the confluence area 311 is inclined relative to the flat area 312 to guide water flow to the flat area 312. In some embodiments, the flat area 312 may be located in the middle region of the bottom of the box body 31, and the confluence area 311 may be located on the periphery of the flat area 312. In some embodiments, a drain hole 302 may be provided in the flat area 312.

[0097] Understandably, in some embodiments, the overflow box 30 may be part of the base 11, and the water storage space 301 may be the internal space of the base 11. In some embodiments, the overflow box 30 may not be fixed to the bracket 10, such as the base 11, but may be installed on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, or of course, it may be installed on the refrigerator body 101.

[0098] Referring to Figure 4, the water control system 40 may have a manual trigger mode and an automatic trigger mode. In manual trigger mode, the user manually triggers the system to control it. In automatic trigger mode, the system is controlled by the water container 50, the water level, or by opening or closing the refrigerator door (e.g., refrigerator door 1022) to control the refrigerator compartment. In some embodiments, the priority of the manual and automatic trigger modes in the water control system 40 can be adjusted at any time; for example, the priority of the automatic trigger mode may be set higher than that of the manual trigger mode, and vice versa. Of course, the priority of the manual and automatic trigger modes can also be adjusted when preset conditions are met.

[0099] The water control system 40 may include a control component 41, a trigger switch 42, a positioning detection component 43, a water level detection component 44, a water supply component 45, an overflow detection component 46, and a gate control component 47. The control component 41 is electrically or communicatively connected to the trigger switch 42, the positioning detection component 43, the water level detection component 44, the water supply component 45, the overflow detection component 46, and the gate control component 47, respectively. The control component 41 can control the water supply component 45 based on the control signals generated by the trigger switch 42, the positioning detection component 43, the water level detection component 44, the overflow detection component 46, and the gate control component 47, thereby controlling water supply or stopping water supply and improving the level of intelligence.

[0100] The control component 41 may include a processor for performing logical operations, a memory for storing data, and other electronic devices. Furthermore, the control component 41 may be configured according to the technical solutions described by those skilled in the art. The control component 41 may be configured with a manual trigger mode and an automatic trigger mode, as well as the priority of the two modes. Users can also set various parameters for the manual and automatic trigger modes within the control component 41.

[0101] In manual trigger mode, control component 41 controls water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on user manual triggering. In automatic trigger mode, control component 41 controls water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on the water level in water container 50. In some scenarios, control component 41 can disable manual or automatic trigger mode. In other scenarios, control component 41 can enable manual or automatic trigger mode. In some embodiments, control component 41 can control water supply component 45 such that the water supply rate in automatic trigger mode is greater than the water supply rate in manual trigger mode. In manual trigger mode, users generally use relatively small cups to fill the containers, resulting in a lower water flow rate, which is easier to control and less likely to splash or overflow. Of course, the water supply component 45 can also have a lower water supply rate in automatic trigger mode than in manual trigger mode. Furthermore, the water supply component 45 can also have a water supply rate in automatic trigger mode equal to the water supply rate in manual trigger mode.

[0102] In some scenarios, the control component 41 can lock the enabled or disabled state of the manual trigger mode or the automatic trigger mode. In some embodiments, the control component 41 can lock the enabled or disabled state of the manual trigger mode or the automatic trigger mode based on a user's locking instruction. For example, locking can be achieved by the user pressing a button to operate the control component 41. In some embodiments, the control component 41 can lock the enabled or disabled state of the manual trigger mode or the automatic trigger mode based on the locking instruction of the positioning detection component 43, the water level detection component 44, the overflow detection component 46 and / or the gate control component 47.

[0103] In some scenarios, the control component 41 can unlock the enabled or disabled state of the manual or automatic trigger mode. In some embodiments, the control component 41 can unlock the enabled or disabled state of the manual or automatic trigger mode based on the user's unlock instruction. For example, the unlock can be achieved by the user pressing a button to operate the control component 41, rather than by unlocking the enabled or disabled state of the manual or automatic trigger mode based on the unlock instruction of the positioning detection component 43, the water level detection component 44, the overflow detection component 46, and / or the gate control component 47. In addition, this also facilitates the user to troubleshoot the fault, which can reduce damage to the water supply equipment 103.

[0104] In some embodiments, the control component 41 can output a control signal to the water supply component 45 to control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet or stop the water supply. In some scenarios, the control component 41 can output control signals to devices such as pumps and control valves in the water supply component 45 to control the water supply component 45.

[0105] In some embodiments, the manual triggering mode can be implemented by the user triggering the manual triggering component 20. In some scenarios, referring to Figures 4 and 7, the user presses the pressing end 221 of the pressing plate 22, and the pressing plate 22 rotates relative to the bearing 21 about the rotation axis. At the same time, the trigger end 222 of the pressing plate 22 rotates about the rotation axis. The trigger switch 42 is triggered by the trigger end 222 of the pressing plate 22 on or around the trajectory of the trigger end 222, forming a control signal, which is transmitted to the control component 41. The control component 41 can output a control signal to the water supply component 45 to control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet or stop the water supply.

[0106] In some embodiments, the automatic triggering mode may be implemented by the in-place detection component 43.

[0107] In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 can detect whether the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, for example, at a predetermined position, and can generate a control signal, such as a positioning indication or a non-positioning indication, based on the detection result and transmit it to the control component 41.

[0108] In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 may generate a control signal, such as a positioning indication, in response to the water container 50 being placed on the support surface 111 at a predetermined position. In some scenarios, the control component 41 may control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on the control signal, such as the positioning indication, from the positioning detection component 43. In some scenarios, the control component 41 may disable a manual trigger mode and enable an automatic trigger mode based on the control signal, such as the positioning indication, from the positioning detection component 43. It is understood that in the disabled manual trigger mode, the user cannot manually operate the water control system 40. In the enabled automatic trigger mode, the water control system 40 can be automatically controlled.

[0109] In some embodiments, the positioning detection component 43 may generate a control signal, such as a non-positioning indication, in response to the water container 50 not being placed on the support surface 111, for example, at a predetermined position. In some scenarios, the control component 41 may control the water supply component 45 to stop supplying water to the outlet based on the control signal from the positioning detection component 43, such as the non-positioning indication. In some scenarios, the control component 41 may enable a manual triggering mode and disable an automatic triggering mode based on the control signal from the positioning detection component 43, such as the non-positioning indication. It is understood that in the enabled manual triggering mode, the user can manually operate the water control system 40. In the disabled automatic triggering mode, the water control system 40 may not perform automatic control.

[0110] Referring to Figure 8, the water level detection component 44 can be used to detect the water level in the water container 50 to prevent the water container 50 from overflowing. The water level detection component 44 can be disposed on the back plate 12 and can be disposed near the top of the water container 50. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can be disposed within the first accommodating space 1002.

[0111] In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can generate a control signal based on the water level change in the water container 50 and transmit it to the control component 41. The control component 41 can control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on the control signal, so that the water level in the water container 50 reaches a preset water level threshold. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can generate a control signal and transmit it to the control component 41 before the water level in the water container 50 reaches the preset water level threshold. The control component 41 can control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on the control signal, so that the water level in the water container 50 reaches the preset water level threshold.

[0112] The water level detection component 44 can be a sensor. The water level in the water container 50 can trigger the water level detection component 44. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can be a capacitive sensor. Changes in the water level in the water container 50 cause changes in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor, generating a control signal. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can be an optocoupler sensor, and the water container 50 is provided with a structure to trigger the optocoupler sensor; specific configurations can be made according to the art. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can be a proximity sensor, and the water container 50 is provided with a structure to trigger the water level detection component 44; specific configurations can be made according to the art. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can be a Hall sensor, and the water container 50 is provided with a structure to trigger the water level detection component 44; specific configurations can be made according to the art. It is understood that the water level detection component 44 can also be configured using techniques well known in the art, which will not be elaborated further.

[0113] Understandably, the water level detection component 44 can also be installed on other structures in the bracket 10.

[0114] Please refer to Figures 8 and 10. The overflow detection component 46 can be used to detect the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, to prevent water from overflowing and spreading throughout the storage compartment due to excessive water in the overflow box 30. Of course, the overflow detection component 46 can also be used to remind the user that there is too much water, so that the user can empty the water in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, in a timely manner, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the refrigerator 100.

[0115] An overflow detection component 46 may be disposed on the base 11 and may extend into the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be disposed on the side of the base 11 near the overflow box 30. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be disposed within the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301. In some embodiments, a portion of the overflow detection component 46 may be disposed within the first receiving space 1002, and another portion may extend through the base 11 into the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301.

[0116] In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 can generate a control signal based on the water level change in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, and transmit it to the control component 41. The control component 41 can control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on the control signal, so that when the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, reaches a preset water level threshold, the control component 41 controls the water supply component 45 to stop supplying water to the outlet. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 can generate a control signal before the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, reaches the preset water level threshold and transmit it to the control component 41. The control component 41 can control the water supply component 45 to supply water to the outlet based on the control signal, so that when the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, reaches the preset water level threshold, the control component 41 controls the water supply component 45 to stop supplying water to the outlet.

[0117] In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may generate an overflow indication in response to the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, being greater than or equal to a preset water level threshold. In some embodiments, the control component 41 may shut off the water supply component 45 in response to the overflow indication, thereby stopping the water supply component 45 from supplying water to the outlet. In some embodiments, the control component 41 may shut off the water supply component 45 in response to the overflow indication and simultaneously issue a warning to remind the user. In some embodiments, if the most recent water supply before the overflow indication was generated was based on the automatic trigger mode, the control component 41 may disable the automatic trigger mode in response to the overflow indication and lock the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode. Since the water supply component 45 can continuously supply water to the water container 50 based on the control source of the control component 41 in the automatic trigger mode, and by disabling the automatic trigger mode, the water supply component 45 can stop supplying water to the outlet, thus improving the phenomenon of water flowing from the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, or the support surface 111 into the refrigerator. Additionally, it can also improve the situation where water flows from the overflow box 30 (e.g., the water storage space 301) or the support surface 111 into the refrigerator due to damage to the water control system 40, such as the positioning detection component 43 or the water level detection component 44. Furthermore, it can facilitate troubleshooting for users. In some embodiments, the control component 41 can respond to the water supply duration in the automatic trigger mode exceeding a preset time threshold by controlling the water supply component 45 to stop supplying water to the outlet, disabling the automatic trigger mode, and locking the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode. The preset time threshold can improve the situation where water flows from the overflow box 30 (e.g., the water storage space 301) or the support surface 111 into the refrigerator due to damage to the water control system 40, such as the positioning detection component 43, the water level detection component 44, or the overflow detection component 46.

[0118] In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be a sensor. The overflow detection component 46 can be triggered by the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be a capacitive sensor. A change in the water level in the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, causes a change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor, generating a control signal. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be an optocoupler sensor, and the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, is provided with a structure to trigger the optocoupler sensor; the specific configuration can be based on the art. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be a proximity sensor, and the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, is provided with a structure to trigger the overflow detection component 46; the specific configuration can be based on the art. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may be a Hall sensor, and the overflow box 30, such as the water storage space 301, is provided with a structure to trigger the overflow detection component 46; the specific configuration can be based on the art. In some embodiments, the overflow detection component 46 may have two electrodes, which can be connected by water; the specific configuration can be based on the art. It is understandable that the overflow detection component 46 can also be configured using technical solutions well known in the art, which will not be elaborated here.

[0119] Referring to Figure 4, the door control component 47 can be used to detect whether the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, is closed, indicating the storage compartment is open or closed. In some embodiments, the door control component 47 can generate a closed indication based on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, being closed, where the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, is in a closed state. In some embodiments, the door control component 47 can generate an open indication based on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, being open, where the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, is in an open state.

[0120] In some embodiments, the door control component 47 may be disposed on the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, or on the refrigerator body 101. Of course, the refrigerator body 101 and the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022, are used to cooperate in the door control component 47. In some embodiments, the door control component 47 may be an electronic switch, which can be triggered by pressing the door control component 47 through the cooperation of the refrigerator body 101 and the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022. In some embodiments, the door control component 47 may be a sensor. The door control component 47 can be triggered by a change in the distance between the refrigerator body 101 and the refrigerator door 102, such as the refrigerator door body 1022. In some embodiments, the door control component 47 may be a pressure sensor, an optocoupler sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor, etc., and can be specifically configured according to the art. It is understood that the door control component 47 can also be configured using technical solutions well known in the art, which will not be elaborated further.

[0121] In some embodiments, the control component 41 may enable a manual trigger mode in response to a door opening indication. The door opening indication can only serve as at least one condition for determining whether to enable the manual trigger mode. Furthermore, the manual trigger mode can be directly enabled upon the door opening indication. Alternatively, the manual trigger mode can be enabled and / or disabled simultaneously by combining the door opening indication with other indications such as a position indication, a non-position indication, an overflow indication, a non-overflow indication, and the water level in the water container 50. In some embodiments, the control component 41 may enable the manual trigger mode in response to the simultaneous presence of a door opening indication and a non-position indication. In some embodiments, the control component 41 may disable the manual trigger mode in response to the simultaneous presence of a door opening indication and a position indication. In some embodiments, the control component 41 may enable both a manual trigger mode and an automatic trigger mode in response to a door opening indication. In some embodiments, when the control component 41 enables both the manual trigger mode and the automatic trigger mode simultaneously, the priority of the automatic trigger mode may be set higher than that of the manual trigger mode. Furthermore, the water supply component 45 can be controlled to supply water through the automatic trigger mode. When the automatic trigger mode fails, the water supply component 45 can also be controlled to supply water through the manual trigger mode.

[0122] In some embodiments, the control component 41 may disable the manual trigger mode in response to a door closing indication.

[0123] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the water container 50 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The water container 50 may include a container body 51, a filter box 52 placed inside the container body 51, and a cover 53 covering the container body 51. The container body 51 serves as the main container for holding water. The filter box 52 has multiple filter holes to achieve solid-liquid separation, facilitating tea brewing, etc. The cover 53 has a water inlet hole 5301 so that water discharged from the outlet of the water supply assembly 45 can flow into the water inlet hole 5301. In some embodiments, the filter box 52 and the cover 53 may be omitted.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, the cover 53 can contact the stop portion 24, and the stop portion 24 can clamp the water container 50 with the support surface 111. Specifically, the container body 51 contacts the support surface 111, and the cover 53 contacts the stop portion 24, thereby improving the stability of the container placed on the support surface 111.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, the cover 53 may be spaced apart from the stop portion 24. The top of the water container 50, such as the cover 53, is flipped away from the back plate 12 relative to the bottom of the water container 50 to a predetermined angle and then forms an abutment with the top of the water container 50, such as the cover 53, thereby improving the stability of the water container 50 when placed on the support surface 111.

[0126] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter cartridge 52 in some embodiments of this application. The filter cartridge 52 is provided with a receiving space 5201. The receiving space 5201 may extend in a first direction. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 52 may further include a trigger float 54 disposed within the receiving space 5201. In some embodiments, the trigger float 54 may float on the water surface. In some embodiments, the trigger float 54 may also be at least partially located in the water. In some scenarios, when the water level in the water container 50 changes, the trigger float 54 may move up and down in the receiving space 5201 along the first direction as the water level changes.

[0127] The trigger float 54 may be equipped with a structure for triggering the water level detection component 44. The specific configuration depends on the type of water level detection component 44 and will not be elaborated further.

[0128] In some scenarios, when the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, the water supply component 45 supplies water to the water container 50, the water level in the water container 50 rises, which in turn triggers the float 54 to rise to a preset water level threshold that can trigger the water level detection component 44, thereby triggering the water level detection component 44.

[0129] In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 52 may include a cartridge body 521 and a cover 522 that is fastened to the cartridge body 521. In some embodiments, the cartridge body 521 has an opening at a position facing downward in a first direction, and the cover 522 may be fastened to the cartridge body 521 at the opening to achieve a detachable connection. Of course, other methods may also be used to achieve a detachable connection, which will not be elaborated here.

[0130] In some embodiments, a magnet for triggering the water level detection component 44 may be disposed within the trigger float 54.

[0131] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a cross-sectional view of the cover 53 along line XIII-XIII in some embodiments of this application. The cover 53 may be provided with a trigger 55 and a retainer 56. The retainer 56 can fix the trigger 55 to the cover 53. In some embodiments, the cover 53 is provided with a recessed area 5302. The trigger 55 may be disposed in the recessed area 5302. In some embodiments, the recessed area 5302 is disposed on the side of the cover 53 facing the container body 51.

[0132] In some embodiments, the retainer 56 may hold the trigger 55 within the recessed area. In some embodiments, the portion of the cover 53 corresponding to the recessed area 5302 is detachably connected to the retainer 56.

[0133] In some embodiments, the trigger 55 may be provided with a structure for triggering the positioning detection component 43. The specific configuration can be determined according to the type of positioning detection component 43, and will not be elaborated further.

[0134] In some embodiments, a magnet for triggering the in-place detection component 43 may be disposed within the trigger 55.

[0135] In some scenarios, when the water container 50 is placed on the support surface 111, the cover 53, for example, the trigger 55, can approach the positioning detection component 43, thereby triggering the positioning detection component 43.

[0136] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a structural schematic diagram of the door assembly 200 in some other embodiments of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The arrangement of the bracket 10 in the water supply device 103 differs from that in Figure 3, and the arrangement of the water control system 40 in the water supply device 103 differs from that in Figures 3 and 8. The arrangement of the water container 50 in the water supply device 103 differs from that in Figures 3, 11, and 12. The differences will be described below.

[0137] For the bracket 10, the water container 50 can be placed on the left side in Figure 14, and on the right side in Figure 2. The storage basket 14 of the bracket 10 can be located to the right of the water container 50 in Figure 14, and to the left of the water container 50 in Figure 2.

[0138] Referring to Figure 14, the storage basket 14 can be arranged and movably connected with the base 11 and / or the back panel 12 in a third direction. The top cover 13 may not overlap with the storage basket 14 in the projection in the first direction, or it may at least partially overlap.

[0139] Please refer to Figures 15, 16, and 17. Figure 15 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the water supply device 103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the support 10 in the embodiment shown in Figure 15; and Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device 103 along line XVII-XVII in the embodiment shown in Figure 15. The supporting surface 111 may include a suspended area 1113 and a supporting area 1114 connected to each other. The suspended area 1113 and the supporting area 1114 cooperate to support the water container 50, such as the container body 51. The suspended area 1113 may be located on the side of the supporting area 1114 near the back plate 12. In some embodiments, the suspended area 1113 may be the inclined area 1111 in the above embodiments. In some embodiments, when the water container 50, such as the container body 51, is placed in the positioning recess 112, it may not be supported by the suspended area 1113, for example, it may be spaced apart from the suspended area 1113. The bottom of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, may be supported by the supporting area 1114. In some embodiments, the support area 1114 may be a plane perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the support area 1114 extends towards the side closer to the back panel 12 while simultaneously extending away from the top cover 13 in the first direction. That is, the support area 1114 gradually decreases in the direction closer to the back panel 12. Furthermore, in some scenarios, the suspended area 1113 and the support area 1114 cooperate to form the inclined area 1111 in the above embodiments.

[0140] Please refer to Figure 17. The arrangement of the suspended area 1113 and the support area 1114 allows the bottom of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, to be supported on the support area 1114 and suspended relative to the suspended area 1113. As a result, the water container 50, such as the container body 51, can tilt towards the back plate 12 under its own weight.

[0141] It is understandable that the setting of the tilting area 1111, or the setting of the suspended area 1113 and the supporting area 1114, can make the peripheral side wall of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, which is in a tilted state, abut against the back plate 12.

[0142] Referring to Figure 17, the back plate 12 has a protrusion 121 protruding towards the water container 50, such as the container body 51, so that the peripheral wall of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, in an inclined state abuts against the protrusion 121. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, in an inclined state has line contact with the protrusion 121. To ensure the stability of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, it can be multi-point contact. To improve the detection accuracy of the water level in the water container 50, such as the container body 51, it can be surface contact. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the water container 50, such as the container body 51, in an inclined state has surface contact with the protrusion 121, and the contact area is not less than 1 cm². 2 .

[0143] In some embodiments, to reduce the accuracy of water level monitoring by the water level detection component 44, the water level detection component 44 can be disposed within the protrusion 121 to reduce the distance between the water level detection component 44 and the water container 50, such as the container body 51. In some embodiments, to facilitate the installation of the water level detection component 44, a recessed area 122 can be provided on the side of the protrusion 121 facing away from the water container 50, such as the container body 51, and the water level detection component 44 can be disposed within the recessed area 122.

[0144] In some embodiments, in order to reduce the accuracy of water level monitoring by the water level detection component 44, the wall thickness of the protrusion 121 can be set to be less than the wall thickness of at least some other areas around the protrusion 121, thereby reducing the distance between the water level detection component 44 and the water container 50, such as the container body 51.

[0145] For the water control system 40 and the water container 50, the water container 50, for example, the container body 51, may not have an additional structure for triggering the water level detection component 44. Instead, the water level detection component 44 can be set only based on the changes in various physical quantities caused by the water level rise, allowing the water level detection component 44 to generate control signals based on these changes. In some embodiments, the water level detection component 44 can be a capacitive sensor that detects changes in capacitance caused by the water; specific settings can be configured according to the art. In some embodiments, based on changes in the water level detection component 44, the water container 50 may not need to have a trigger float 54.

[0146] It is understandable that the trigger water level detection component 44 and the water container 50 in Figure 17 can also be configured in the manner described in the above embodiments.

[0147] The following describes a control method that can be used to control the refrigerator 100, door assembly 200, and water supply device 103 in the above embodiments. The control method may include:

[0148] Step S1801: In response to the water container being placed on the support surface, a positioning indication is generated.

[0149] Step S1802: In response to the in-place instruction, disable the manual trigger mode of the water supply equipment and enable the automatic trigger mode of the water supply equipment.

[0150] Step S1803: An overflow indication is generated in response to the water level in the water storage space being greater than or equal to a preset water level threshold.

[0151] Step S1804: Stop supplying water to the outlet in response to the overflow indication.

[0152] Step S1805: In response to the overflow indication and the most recent water supply before the overflow indication was generated, disable the automatic trigger mode based on the automatic trigger mode, and lock the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode.

[0153] Step S1806: In response to the water supply duration exceeding the preset time threshold in automatic trigger mode, stop supplying water to the outlet, disable the automatic trigger mode, and lock the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode.

[0154] In some embodiments, step S1804 may include: stopping the supply of water to the outlet in response to an overflow indication, and issuing a warning to remind the user.

[0155] In some embodiments, after step S1806, the control method may further include:

[0156] Step S1807: In response to the user's unlock instruction, unlock the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode.

[0157] It is understandable that the above steps S1802, S1804, S1805, and S1806 can be performed in any order, and the judgment is based solely on the positioning indication, overflow indication, preset time threshold, and unlocking indication to form the corresponding step sequence.

[0158] Next, another control method will be described, which can be used to control the refrigerator 100, door assembly 200, and water supply device 103 in the above embodiments. It can also be used in the control method described above, which may include:

[0159] Step S1901: Obtain a status indicator representing the door opening / closing status of the refrigerator.

[0160] Step S1902: In response to the status indication that the refrigerator door is in the open state, enable the manual trigger mode.

[0161] Step S1903: In response to the status indication that the refrigerator door is closed, the manual trigger mode is disabled.

[0162] Step S1904: In automatic trigger mode, the water supply component is controlled to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container.

[0163] In some embodiments, step S1902 may include:

[0164] Step S1905: In response to both the door opening indication and the not-in-place indication indicating that the water container is not placed on the support surface, a manual trigger mode is enabled; and / or in response to both the door opening indication and the in-place indication indicating that the water container is placed on the support surface, a manual trigger mode is disabled.

[0165] In some embodiments, step S1902 may include:

[0166] Step S1906: In response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the positioning indication indicating that the water container is placed on the support surface, both the manual trigger mode and the automatic trigger mode are enabled, and the priority of the automatic trigger mode is set to be higher than that of the manual trigger mode. The water supply rate in the automatic trigger mode is greater than the water supply rate in the manual trigger mode.

[0167] It is understandable that the above steps S1801, S1802, S1803, S1804, S1805, S1806, S1807, S1901, S1902, S1903 and S1904 can be judged solely based on the status indication, the position indication, the overflow indication, the preset time threshold and the unlock indication, and form the corresponding step sequence.

[0168] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0169] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0170] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0171] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water supply apparatus provided inside a refrigerator, wherein, The water supply equipment includes: The support includes a base, on which a support surface for supporting a water container is provided; A water supply component, wherein the outlet of the water supply component is located above the supporting surface; The control component, wherein the water supply equipment has a manual trigger mode, wherein in the manual trigger mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the user's manual trigger; The control component enables the manual trigger mode in response to an open door indication indicating that the refrigerator door is open, and disables the manual trigger mode in response to a close door indication indicating that the refrigerator door is closed.

2. The water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The water supply equipment also has an automatic triggering mode. In the automatic triggering mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The water supply equipment also includes a positioning detection component. The positioning detection component generates a non-positioning indication in response to the water container not being placed on the support surface. The control component enables the manual triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the non-positioning indication.

3. The water supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The positioning detection component generates a positioning indication in response to the water container being placed on the support surface, and the control component disables the manual triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the positioning indication.

4. The water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The water supply equipment also has an automatic triggering mode. In the automatic triggering mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The water supply equipment also includes a positioning detection component. The positioning detection component generates a positioning indication in response to the water container being placed on the support surface. The control component enables the manual triggering mode and the automatic triggering mode in response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening indication and the positioning indication, and sets the priority of the automatic triggering mode to be higher than that of the manual triggering mode.

5. The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The water supply rate in the automatic trigger mode is greater than the water supply rate in the manual trigger mode.

6. The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The positioning detection component generates a non-positioning indication in response to the water container not being placed on the support surface, and the control component disables the automatic triggering mode in response to the non-positioning indication.

7. The water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The water supply device also includes an overflow box and an overflow detection component. The overflow box cooperates with the base to form a water storage space for collecting water accumulated on the support surface. The overflow detection component generates an overflow indication in response to the water level in the water storage space being greater than or equal to a preset water level threshold. The control component shuts down the water supply component in response to the overflow indication.

8. The water supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The water supply equipment also has an automatic trigger mode. In the automatic trigger mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The control component also responds to the overflow indication and the most recent water supply before the overflow indication is generated based on the automatic trigger mode, disables the automatic trigger mode, and locks the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode.

9. The water supply equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The water supply equipment also has an automatic trigger mode. In the automatic trigger mode, the control component controls the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container. The control component also shuts down the water supply component, disables the automatic trigger mode, and locks the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode when the water supply duration in the automatic trigger mode exceeds a preset time threshold.

10. The water supply equipment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The control component also unlocks the disabled state of the automatic trigger mode in response to the user's unlock instruction.

11. A control method for a water supply device, wherein, The water supply device is installed inside the refrigerator and has a support surface for supporting a water container and a water outlet located above the support surface. The water supply device has a manual trigger mode, in which water is supplied to the water outlet based on manual triggering by the user. The control method includes: Obtain a status indicator representing the door opening / closing status of the refrigerator; The manual trigger mode is enabled in response to the status indication that the refrigerator door is in the open state; The manual trigger mode is disabled in response to the status indication that the refrigerator door is closed.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein, The water supply equipment also has an automatic triggering mode, and the control method further includes: in the automatic triggering mode, controlling the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container; The response to the status indication indicating that the refrigerator door is open, enabling the manual trigger mode, includes: The manual trigger mode is enabled in response to both the door opening indication and the not-in-place indication indicating that the water container is not placed on the support surface; and / or The manual trigger mode is disabled in response to both the door opening instruction and the positioning instruction indicating that the water container is placed on the support surface.

13. The control method according to claim 11, wherein, The water supply equipment also has an automatic triggering mode, and the control method further includes: in the automatic triggering mode, controlling the water supply component to supply water to the outlet based on the water level of the water container; The response to the status indication indicating that the refrigerator door is open, enabling the manual trigger mode, includes: In response to the simultaneous presence of the door opening instruction and the positioning instruction indicating that the water container is placed on the support surface, the manual trigger mode and the automatic trigger mode are enabled, and the priority of the automatic trigger mode is set to be higher than that of the manual trigger mode.

14. The control method according to any one of claims 12-13, wherein, The water supply rate in the automatic trigger mode is greater than the water supply rate in the manual trigger mode.

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