U.S. patent application number 17/181449 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for refrigerator.
The applicant listed for this patent is HISENSE (SHANDONG) REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jingbo HAN, Yongyi JIN, Fuzhen LIU, Guanghua LUO, Meiyan WANG, Junwang YAN, Shanfang ZHANG, Jiangao ZHU.
Application Number | 20210172669 17/181449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005428448 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210172669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WANG; Meiyan ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a
vacuum sealing device disposed at an outer side of a door. The
vacuum sealing device includes a lower support, an upper support
and a vacuumization assembly. The upper support moves close to or
away from the lower support under the drive of a driving device;
after the upper support moves at a first speed until a sealing ring
of the upper support is in contact with a sealing ring of the lower
support, the upper support moves at a second speed toward the lower
support until the sealing ring has a set deformation amount, and a
first opening cavity and a second opening cavity are butt-joined to
sealingly form a vacuumization region; the first speed is greater
than the second speed; the vacuumization assembly is in
communication with the vacuumization region through a pipe to
perform vacuumization or depressurization for the vacuumization
region.
Inventors: |
WANG; Meiyan; (QINGDAO,
CN) ; YAN; Junwang; (QINGDAO, CN) ; JIN;
Yongyi; (QINGDAO, CN) ; ZHU; Jiangao;
(QINGDAO, CN) ; LUO; Guanghua; (QINGDAO, CN)
; HAN; Jingbo; (QINGDAO, CN) ; LIU; Fuzhen;
(QINGDAO, CN) ; ZHANG; Shanfang; (QINGDAO,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HISENSE (SHANDONG) REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD. |
QINGDAO |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005428448 |
Appl. No.: |
17/181449 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/CN2020/096532 |
Jun 17, 2020 |
|
|
|
17181449 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/028 20130101;
F25D 23/087 20130101; F25D 17/042 20130101; F25D 2317/043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/04 20060101
F25D017/04; F25D 23/02 20060101 F25D023/02; F25D 23/08 20060101
F25D023/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 16, 2019 |
CN |
201910756799.X |
Aug 16, 2019 |
CN |
201910756811.7 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator, comprising a vacuum sealing device disposed at
an outer side of a door, wherein the vacuum sealing device
comprises: a lower support, wherein an upper side of the lower
support are provided with a first opening cavity and a sealing ring
surrounding the first opening cavity; an upper support, wherein a
lower side of the upper support is provided with a second opening
cavity and a sealing ring surrounding the second opening cavity; a
driving device including a motor and a transmission mechanism,
wherein the upper support moves close to or away from the lower
support under the drive of the driving device, the upper support
moves at a second speed until the sealing ring has a preset
deformation amount after the upper support moves at a first speed
until the sealing ring of the upper support is in contact with the
sealing ring of the lower support, the first opening cavity and the
second opening cavity are butt-joined to sealingly form a
vacuumization region, and the first speed is greater than the
second speed; a vacuumization assembly, wherein the vacuumization
assembly is in communication with the vacuumization region through
a pipe to perform vacuumization or depressurization for the
vacuumization region.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum
sealing device further comprises a sealing zone comprising a
heating wire at a lower side of the upper support and an insulation
cushion at an upper side of the lower support; when the pressure of
the vacuumization region satisfies a preset condition, the heating
wire performs hot melting plastic sealing for a storage bag
inserted into the sealing zone.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the vacuumization
assembly comprises a vacuum pump and a pressure detection device
for detecting a pressure of the vacuumization region; after the
upper support and the lower support are butt-joined, the vacuum
pump is started; when a pressure value detected by the pressure
detection device is smaller than a first preset value, the vacuum
pump is shut down.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the vacuumization
assembly further comprises a pressure relief device in
communication with the vacuumization region through a pipe; after
the heating wire works for a first preset time, the pressure relief
device is used to perform depressurization for the vacuumization
region, and after the pressure relief device completes
depressurizing for a second preset time, the upper support moves
upward at a third speed under the drive of the driving device until
the upper support restores to an initial position; wherein the
third speed is greater than the second speed.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the driving
device comprises a motor and a transmission mechanism, the
transmission mechanism is used to convert a rotational movement of
the motor into a rectilinear movement, and an output end of the
transmission mechanism is connected with the upper support; the
transmission mechanism comprises a gear and rack transmission
mechanism, a pin hole is disposed at a lower side of an output rack
of the gear and rack transmission mechanism, the upper support and
the output rack are connected by a pin shaft inserted through the
pin hole, and the pin hole is an elongated hole extending
longitudinally.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the gear and rack
transmission mechanism comprises a first gear fixedly connected to
an output shaft of the motor, a second gear meshed with the first
gear, a third gear fixedly connected to the second gear, and the
output rack meshed with the third gear.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein a connection
plate is disposed between the upper support and the driving device,
the connection plate is thread-connected with the upper support, a
guide groove is formed on the connection plate, a lower end of the
output rack is inserted into the guide groove, and the pin shaft is
inserted through the pin holes of the guide groove and the output
rack.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein when the pin
shaft is at the lowest end of the pin hole, there is a clearance
between a lower end surface of the output rack and a groove bottom
of the guide groove, and an elastomer is disposed in the
clearance.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein two driving
devices are symmetrically disposed at both sides of the upper
support, one connection plate is disposed, and two guide grooves
are disposed on the connection plate; and two output racks are
inserted into the guide grooves respectively.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the driving
device and the vacuumization assembly are mounted on one mounting
base, a mounting cavity recessed inwardly is disposed on a door
housing, and the mounting base and the upper support are mounted
into the mounting cavity.
11. A refrigerator, comprising a storage compartment and a door
opening or closing the storage compartment, wherein a vacuum
sealing device is disposed on the door and comprises: an upper
support and a lower support; wherein opening cavities are disposed
on mutually-opposed surfaces of the upper support and/or the lower
support; sealing rings surrounding the opening cavities of the
upper support and/or the lower support are disposed; the upper
support moves close to or away from the lower support under the
drive of a driving device; when the upper support moves close to
the lower support until the upper support and the lower support are
butt-joined, the opening cavities sealingly form a vacuumization
region by sealing rings; a vacuumization assembly, wherein the
vacuumization assembly comprises a vacuum pump in communication
with the vacuumization region through a pipe; a pressure detection
device and a pressure relief device are further disposed on the
pipe, the pressure detection device, the pressure relief device and
the vacuum pump are in electrical connection with a controller
respectively, the pressure detection device detects a pressure of
the vacuumization region after the vacuum pump is started, and when
the controller determines the vacuumization region is abnormal
according to a detection signal of the pressure detection device,
the controller controls the vacuum pump to stop and starts the
pressure relief device to perform depressurization for the
vacuumization region.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the controller
is configured to determine that the vacuumization is abnormal when
a pressure value of the vacuumization region reaches a first
pressure value and the change of the pressure value is smaller than
a second pressure value within a preset time, wherein the first
pressure value is greater than the second pressure value.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the controller
is configured to control the vacuum pump to stop when it is
determined that the pressure value of the vacuumization region
reaches a third pressure value or a vacuumization time reaches a
preset vacuumization time, wherein the third pressure value is
greater than the first pressure value.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the lower
support is detachably connected to the door and the vacuumization
region is in communication with the upper support through a
pipe.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the vacuum
sealing device further comprises a sealing zone comprising a
heating wire at a lower side of the upper support and an insulation
cushion at an upper side of the lower support; when vacuumization
is completed in the vacuumization region, the heating wire is used
to perform hot melting plastic sealing for a storage bag inserted
into the sealing zone.
16. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the driving
device comprises a motor and a transmission mechanism used to
convert a rotational movement of the motor into a rectilinear
movement, and an output end of the transmission mechanism is
connected with the upper support.
17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein after the upper
support moves at a first speed under the drive of the driving
device until the sealing ring of the upper support is in contact
with the sealing ring of the lower support, the upper support moves
toward the lower support at a second speed until the sealing ring
has a preset deformation amount, wherein the first speed is greater
than the second speed.
18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein after the
pressure relief device works for a set time, the upper support
moves upward at a third speed under the drive of the driving device
until the upper support restores to an initial position, wherein
the third speed is greater than the second speed.
19. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the driving
device and the vacuumization assembly are mounted in one mounting
base, a mounting cavity recessed inwardly is formed on a door
housing, and the mounting base and the upper support are mounted
into the mounting cavity.
20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein three cavities
are disposed at a side of the mounting base, comprising a vacuum
pump mounting cavity at a middle position, and driving device
mounting cavities at left and right sides; the side of the mounting
base having the cavities faces the door housing and fixed on the
door housing through a screw.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/CN2019/096532 with a filing date of Jun. 17,
2020, designating the United States, now pending, and further
claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201910756799.X,
titled as REFRIGERATOR, filed on Aug. 16, 2019, and Chinese Patent
Application No. 201910756811.7 titled as REFRIGERATOR, filed on
Aug. 16, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of household
appliances and in particular to a refrigerator.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In recent years, people have an increasing requirement for
food material preservation along with increasing awareness of
health. Refrigerator is the commonest household appliance for
preservation of food materials. Therefore, the food material
preservation storage becomes a technical need to be met in the
field of refrigerators.
[0004] At present, various manufacturers launch different
preservation technologies for food material preservation storage.
For example, with vacuum preservation technology, the condition of
food spoilage under vacuum takes change. Firstly, in a vacuum
environment, it is difficult for microorganisms and various
promoting enzymes to survive and the microorganisms will take a
long time to grow. Secondly, under vacuum, oxygen in a container
will decrease significantly, various chemical reactions cannot be
completed, and foods will not be oxidized, so that the foods can be
preserved for long.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides
a refrigerator including a vacuum sealing device disposed at an
outer side of a door. The vacuum sealing device includes:
[0006] a lower support with its upper side provided with a first
opening cavity and a sealing ring surrounding the first opening
cavity;
[0007] an upper support with its lower side provided with a second
opening cavity corresponding to the first opening cavity and a
sealing ring surrounding the second opening cavity;
[0008] a driving device including a motor and a transmission
mechanism, wherein the upper support moves close to or away from
the lower support under the drive of the driving device, the
transmission mechanism is used to convert a rotational movement of
the motor into a rectilinear movement, an output end of the
transmission mechanism is connected with the upper support, the
upper support moves the sealing ring of the upper support at a
first speed to contact with the sealing ring of the lower support,
and then moves toward the lower support at a second speed until the
sealing ring has a set deformation amount, the first opening cavity
and the second opening cavity are butt-jointed to sealingly form a
vacuumization region, and the first speed is greater than the
second speed;
[0009] a vacuumization assembly, wherein the vacuumization assembly
is in communication with the vacuumization region through a pipe to
perform vacuumization or depressurization for the vacuumization
region.
[0010] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure
provides a refrigerator including a storage compartment and a door
opening or closing the storage compartment. The door is provided
with a vacuum sealing device including an upper support, a lower
support and a vacuumization assembly. Opening cavities are disposed
on mutually-opposed surfaces of the upper support and/or the lower
support; sealing rings are disposed around the opening cavities of
the upper support and/or the lower support; the upper support may
move close to or away from the lower support under the drive of a
driving device; when the upper support moves close to the lower
support until the upper support and the lower support are
butt-joined, the opening cavities sealingly form a vacuumization
region through the sealing rings; the vacuumization assembly
includes a vacuum pump in communication with the vacuumization
region through a pipe; a pressure detection device and a pressure
relief device are further disposed on the pipe. The pressure
detection device, the pressure relief device and the vacuum pump
are in electrical connection with a controller respectively. After
the vacuum pump is started, the pressure detection device detects
the pressure of the vacuumization region. When determining that
abnormal vacuumization is present in the vacuumization region
according to a detection signal of the pressure detection device,
the controller may control the vacuum pump to stop and start the
pressure relief device to perform depressurization for the
vacuumization region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order to describe the technical solution of the present
disclosure more clearly, the accompanying drawings involved in the
examples will be briefly introduced. Apparently, those skilled the
art may also obtain other drawings according to these drawings
without paying creative work. Further, the accompanying drawings
described below can be deemed as illustrative rather than limiting
of actual sizes of the products involved in the examples of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerating
door according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a refrigerating door according
to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a vacuum sealing device
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of an upper support
of a vacuum sealing device along forward and reverse directions
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an assembly schematic diagram of an upper support,
a driving device and a vacuumization assembly in a vacuum sealing
device according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an upper support, a driving
device and a vacuumization assembly in a vacuum sealing device
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of connection relationship of
an upper support in a vacuum sealing device and a filtering
container according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of connection relationship of
an upper support in a vacuum sealing device and a filtering net
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an upper support, a heating
device and a sealing ring according to some examples of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of connection of an
upper support and a heating device according to some examples of
the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of connection relationship of
an upper support in an initial position and a driving device
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of connection relationship of
an upper support in a descending position and a driving device
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 14A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 14B is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in an unlocked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 14C is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support and a small insulation door from a door according to
some examples of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram of a small
insulation door and a lower support in an assembled state along
forward and reverse directions according to some examples of the
present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a small insulation door, a
lower support and a locking hook assembly according to some
examples of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a structural schematic diagram of mounting a
locking hook assembly to the small insulation door according to
some examples of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view of mounting a locking
hook assembly to the small insulation door according to some
examples of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram of a lower locking hook
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a structural schematic diagram of an upper
locking hook along forward and reverse directions according to some
examples of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a descending process of an upper
support of a vacuum sealing device according to some examples of
the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of vacuumization plastic sealing
process of a vacuum sealing device according to some examples of
the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of air leakage process of a vacuum
sealing device and an ascending process of an upper support
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 24A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 24B is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support and a small insulation door from a door according to
some examples of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a small insulation door, a
lower support and a locking hook assembly according to some
examples of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 26A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 26B is a structural schematic diagram of a small
insulation door and a door in unlocked state according to some
examples of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 26C is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support and a small insulation door from a door according to
some examples of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a refrigerating door
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a refrigerating door
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a lower support according to
some examples of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 32A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support and a door in a locked state according to some examples of
the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 32B is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support from a door according to some examples of the present
disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 33A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support and a door in a locked state according to some examples of
the present disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 33B is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support from a door according to some examples of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0052] The technical solution of the present disclosure will be
fully and clearly described below in combination with the
accompanying drawings of the examples of the present disclosure.
Apparently, the described examples are merely some of the present
disclosure rather than all examples. All other examples obtained by
those skilled in the art based on these examples of the present
disclosure without paying creative work shall fall with the scope
of protection of the present disclosure.
[0053] In the descriptions of the present disclosure, the terms
"one example" "some examples", "illustrative examples" "examples"
"specific examples" or "some embodiments" are all intended to
indicate a specific feature, structure, material, or property
relating to these examples or embodiments is included in at least
one example or embodiment of the present disclosure. The
illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily
refer to the same example or embodiment. In addition, the specific
feature, structure, material or property may be included in any one
or more examples or embodiments in a proper manner.
[0054] In the description of the present disclosure, it is to be
understood that orientations or positional relationships indicated
by terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right",
"vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", are based on
orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and
are used only for convenience and simplification of descriptions of
the present disclosure, rather than indicate or imply that the
indicated apparatus or element shall have a specific orientation
and be configured or operated in a specific orientation. Thus, the
terms shall not be understood as limiting of the present
disclosure. In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third"
are used only for descriptions and shall not be understood as
indicating or implying relative importance.
[0055] In the descriptions of the present disclosure, it is noted
that the terms "mounting" "connection" and "coupling" shall be
understood in a broad sense, for example, it may be a fixed
connection, or a detachable connection, or integrated connection;
or direct connection or an indirect connection through an
intermediate medium, or may be internal communication between two
elements. Those skilled in the art may understand the specific
meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure according to
the specific situations.
[0056] In addition, the technical features involved in the
different examples described below may be combined with each other
as long as they do not constitute conflict.
[0057] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to some examples of the present disclosure. As shown in
FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 has an approximate cuboid shape and its
external appearance is defined by a storage compartment 100
defining a storage space and a plurality of doors 200 disposed in
the storage compartment 100. FIG. 2 is a structural schematic
diagram of a refrigerating door according to some examples of the
present disclosure. The door 200 includes a door housing 210 at an
outer side of the storage compartment 100, an door inner liner 220
at an inner side of the storage compartment 100, an upper end cover
230, a lower end cover 240, and an insulation layer disposed among
the door housing 210, the door inner liner 220, the upper end cover
230 and the lower end cover 240. Generally, the insulation layer is
formed by filling with foaming material.
[0058] The storage compartment 100 includes a box with opening. The
storage compartment 100 is vertically divided into a lower freezing
compartment 100A and an upper refrigerating compartment 100B. Each
of the partitioned spaces may have an independent storage space.
Specifically, the freezing compartment 100A is at the lower part of
the storage compartment 100 and may be selectively covered by a
drawer-type freezing compartment door A. The space above the
freezing compartment 100A is divided into a left side and a right
side to form the refrigerating compartment 100B respectively. The
refrigerating compartment 100B may be selectively closed or opened
by a refrigerating door 200B pivotably mounted on the refrigerating
compartment 100B.
[0059] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a refrigerating door according
to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a side
sectional view of a vacuum sealing device according to some
examples of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a
vacuum sealing device 300 is provided on the door 200 of the
refrigerator to perform vacuumization and plastic sealing for
storage bags. The vacuum sealing device 300 may be disposed on a
freezing door 200A or may be disposed on a refrigerating door 200B.
Because the refrigerating door 200B is located above, the vacuum
sealing device 300 is generally preferably disposed on the
refrigerating door 200B so as to meet the use habit of users.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a vacuum sealing device
according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a
structural schematic diagram of an upper support of a vacuum
sealing device along forward and reverse directions according to
some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an assembly
schematic diagram of an upper support, a driving device and a
vacuumization assembly in a vacuum sealing device according to some
examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of
an upper support, a driving device and a vacuumization assembly in
a vacuum sealing device according to some examples of the present
disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of connection
relationship of an upper support in a vacuum sealing device and a
filtering container according to some examples of the present
disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of connection
relationship of an upper support in a vacuum sealing device and a
filtering net according to some examples of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an upper support, a heating device
and a sealing ring according to some examples of the present
disclosure. FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of connection of an
upper support and a heating device according to some examples of
the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of
connection relationship of an upper support in an initial position
and a driving device according to some examples of the present
disclosure. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of connection
relationship of an upper support in a descending position and a
driving device according to some examples of the present
disclosure. FIG. 14A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 14B is a
structural schematic diagram of a lower support, a small insulation
door and a door in an unlocked state according to some examples of
the present disclosure. FIG. 14C is a structural schematic diagram
of dismounting a lower support and a small insulation door from a
door according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 15
is a structural schematic diagram of a small insulation door and a
lower support in an assembled state along forward and reverse
directions according to some examples of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a small insulation door, a lower
support and a locking hook assembly according to some examples of
the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a structural schematic diagram
of mounting a locking hook assembly to the small insulation door
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0061] FIGS. 4-17 illustrate an example of the vacuum sealing
device 300 according to some examples of the present disclosure. As
shown in FIG. 4, the vacuum sealing device 300 includes a lower
support 310, provided with a first opening cavity 311; and an upper
support 320 provided with a second opening cavity 321. The upper
support 320 may be moved close to or away from the lower support
310 under the drive of a driving device 340. After the upper
support 320 moves close to the lower support 310 to be in place,
the first opening cavity 311 and the second opening cavity 321 are
butt-joined and sealed up to form a vacuumization region 301. The
above vacuum sealing device 300 locks and unlocks the lower support
310 and the upper support 320 by controlling automatic ascent and
descent of the driving device 340, thereby realizing automatic
vacuum sealing and improving the degree of intelligence of the
refrigerator.
[0062] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to improve
the sealing of the vacuumization region 301, sealing portions for
sealing the vacuumization region 301 are disposed on the opposing
surfaces of the lower support 310 and the upper support 320.
Specifically, a first sealing groove 313 is disposed on the
periphery of the first opening cavity 311 of the lower support 310
and a second sealing groove 323 is disposed on the periphery of the
second opening cavity 321 of the upper support 320. The first
sealing groove 313 and the second sealing groove 323 are opposed in
position and internally provided with a sealing ring 350
respectively. The two sealing rings 350 of the first sealing groove
313 and the second sealing groove 323 seal the vacuumization region
301 inside, realizing reliable sealing of the vacuumization region
301.
[0063] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the first opening
cavity 311 or the second opening cavity 321 is internally provided
with a limiting portion to limit an inserting position of a storage
bag inserted into the vacuumization region 301, thereby preventing
an opening position of the storage bag protruding out of the
vacuumization region 301. Specifically, the limiting portion is a
limiting rib 322 disposed in the first opening cavity 311 or the
second opening cavity 321, a height of the limiting rib 322 is
greater than a depth of the first opening cavity 311 or the second
opening cavity 321, and a length of the limiting rib 322 is
slightly lower than that of the first opening cavity 311 or the
second opening cavity 321. When the user inserts the storage bag
into the vacuumization region 301, the limiting rib 322 may block
the storage bag from being further inserted inwardly. In other
examples, an in-place detection device may also be disposed on the
vacuumization region 301. Specifically, a microwave sensor or an
infrared sensor may be adopted to detect the presence and absence
of the storage bag inserted into the vacuumization region 301,
further send a signal indicating whether the storage bag is in
place to a controller. The controller may control the vacuum pump
to start according to the in-place signal. By disposing the
in-place detection device, whether the storage bag is in place is
detected automatically and the controller further automatically
controls the vacuum pump to be switched on and off.
[0064] In some examples, the vacuum sealing device 300 further
includes a vacuumization assembly 330. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
the vacuumization assembly 330 includes a vacuum pump 331
communicating with the vacuumization region 301 through a pipe 335.
Further, a pressure detection device 332 and a pressure relief
device 333 are disposed on the pipe 335. The pressure detection
device 332 is specifically a pressure sensor for detecting a
pressure of the vacuumization region 301, and the pressure relief
device 333 is specifically an electric pressure relief valve for
releasing the pressure of the vacuumization region 301 when the
valve is opened. When a user performs vacuumization sealing, the
vacuum pump 331 is started to perform vacuumization treatment for
the vacuumization region 301. When the pressure detection device
332 detects that the pressure of the vacuumization region 301
reaches a set negative pressure value, the controller controls the
vacuum pump 331 to stop. The vacuum degree of the vacuumization
region 301 can be controlled by disposing the pressure sensor, and
the vacuum pump 331 can be switched on and off based on the
detection value of the pressure sensor, thereby guaranteeing the
vacuumization effect. After the vacuumization and sealing
operations are completed, the above electric pressure relief valve
may be started to automatically control the pressure relief of the
vacuumization region 301, thereby facilitating taking out the
storage bag by users. In order to prevent foreign matters in the
vacuumization region 301 entering the vacuum pump 331 through the
pipe 335, a filtering protection device is also disposed on the
pipe 335. In an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the filtering
protection device is specifically a filtering container 334
series-connected with the pipe 335. An inlet and an outlet are
disposed on an upper end of the filtering container 334, the inlet
is in communication with the vacuumization region 301 through the
pipe and the outlet is in communication with the vacuum pump 331
through the pipe. The foreign matters in the vacuumization region
301 enter the filtering container 334 through the pipe 335 and are
trapped at the bottom of the filtering container 334, avoiding
entry of the foreign matters into the vacuum pump 331. In order to
clean the filtering container 334 easily, the filtering container
334 specifically includes a tank body with an opening and an upper
cover detachably connected to the tank body. The inlet and the
outlet are disposed on the upper cover. During cleaning, the tank
body may be dismounted, thereby avoiding the problem of poor
sealing of the pipe 335 caused by frequent mounting and dismounting
of the pipe 335.
[0065] In another example, as shown in FIG. 9, the filtering
protection device is a filtering net 336 disposed on the pipe 335.
Specifically, for ease of mounting and dismounting, the filtering
net 336 is disposed at a vent 324 at the connection position of the
upper support 320 and the pipe 335. The user may perform
mounting/dismounting or cleaning for the filtering net 336 from the
lower side by moving the upper support 320 to a highest
position.
[0066] One connection hole of the vacuumization region 301
connecting with the pipe 335 may be disposed. Of course, in order
to prevent vacuumization failure caused by plugging of the
connection hole by the foreign matters in the vacuumization region
301 in a case of single connection hole, two or more connection
holes may be disposed to connect with the pipe 335 respectively.
The pipes 335 are parallel-disposed to connect with a main pipe
through a three-way or multi-way connector. The pressure sensor and
the electronic pressure relief valve are disposed on the main
pipe.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, the vacuum sealing device 300 further
includes a sealing zone 302 at an outer side of the vacuumization
region 301. The sealing zone 302 is used to perform plastic sealing
treatment for the storage bag after vacuumization. The sealing zone
302 is internally provided with an insulation cushion 360 and a
heating device 370 mutually opposed. Specifically, the heating
device 370 is mounted in a groove of a lower surface of the upper
support 320. The insulation cushions 360 are mounted in grooves of
upper surfaces of the upper support 320 and the lower support 310.
When the upper support 320 moves to form the sealed vacuumization
region 301 with the lower support 310, the insulation cushion 360
in the sealing zone 302 abuts against the heating device 370. After
vacuumization is completed, the storage bag may be quickly sealed
by the heating device 370 in the sealing zone 302. After the
heating device 370 works for a set time length, the driving device
340 is controlled to drive the upper support 320 to move upward so
that the user may pull out the storage bag to complete the plastic
sealing.
[0068] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the heating
device 370 includes a heating wire 371. A heat conducting plate 373
is disposed at a lower side of the heating wire 371 to expand the
heating area of the heating wire 371 so that the plastic sealing
area of the storage bag is expanded to realize tight sealing. The
heating wire 371 extends along a length direction of the upper
support 320 and bends upward at both sides of the upper support
320. The free end of the heating wire 371 extending to an upper
side of the upper support 320 is fixed at the upper support 320
through an insulation plate 372. Specifically, the insulation plate
372 is made of insulation material and shaped into a bending plate
wrapped around the heating wire 371, thereby avoiding external
exposure of the heating wire 371. Further, the two free ends of the
heating wire 371 are connected, through a spring 375, to two
conducting wires leading from a connection terminal 374. With the
spring 375, the heating wire 371 can be always maintained in
tensioned state so that the heating wire 371 has a higher flatness.
The heat conducting plate 373 at the lower side of the heating wire
371 is in close contact with the storage bag. Thus, the problem of
loose contact and incomplete sealing at a particular position due
to non-flatness of the heating wire 371 is avoided.
[0069] In the above vacuum sealing device, the driving device 340
may be an electric driving device or an air pressure driving
device. Because of large occupation space of the air pressure
driving device, the electric driving device is adopted as the
driving device 340 in this example. Specifically, as shown in FIGS.
7, 12 and 13, the driving device 340 includes a motor 341 and a
transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is used to
convert a rotational movement of the motor into a rectilinear
movement, and an output end of the transmission mechanism is
connected with the upper support. The transmission mechanism
includes a first gear 342 fixedly connected to an output shaft of
the motor and a second gear 343 meshed with the first gear 342, a
third gear 344 fixedly connected with the second gear 343 and an
output rack 345 meshed with the third gear 344. A pin hole is
disposed at a lower side of the output rack 345, and the upper
support 320 and the output rack 345 are connected through a pin
shaft 346 inserted into the pin hole. Through the transmission
mechanism, the rotation of the motor 341 is converted into up and
down movement of the upper support 320.
[0070] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, a connection plate 347
is disposed between the upper support 320 and the driving device
340. The connection plate 347 is thread-connected with the upper
support 320, and a guide groove 3471 is formed on the connection
plate 347. A lower end of the output rack 345 is plugged into the
guide groove 3471, and an elongated pin hole is disposed at the
guide groove 3471 and the lower end of the output rack 345
respectively. The pin shaft 346 is inserted through the pin holes
of the guide groove 3471 and the output rack 345. When the pin
shaft 346 is at the lowest end of the pin hole, there is a
clearance between a lower end surface of the output rack 345 and a
groove bottom of the guide groove 3471 and an elastomer 348 is
disposed in the clearance.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, at an initial position, the upper
support 320 is at the highest position. During a pressing stage, as
shown in FIG. 13, the driving device 340 brings the upper support
320 to move down. In order to ensure tight mating of the lower
support 310 and the upper support 320, a set rotation stroke of the
motor is generally taken as an in-place determination signal. Thus,
by disposing the elastomer 348 between the output rack 345 and the
guide groove 3471, the upper support 320 is enabled to move
downward to be in contact with the lower support 310 and then the
output rack 345 can continue moving a distance downwardly. Thus,
the elastomer 348 is compressed to prevent stalling of the motor,
thereby providing protection for the motor 341 and maintaining the
pressing force stable.
[0072] During a vacuumization stage, a sealed vacuumization region
301 is formed between the lower support 310 and the upper support
320, and the upper support 320 moves downward under the action of
atmospheric pressure due to decrease of air pressure. At this time,
due to existence of the elongated pin hole, the output rack 345
keeps stationary when the upper support 320 moves downward, thereby
providing protection for the entire driving device 340.
[0073] In order to accurately control the movement of the upper
support 320 and further determine whether the upper support 320
moves to be in place, the vacuumization region 301 is enabled to
form a sealed space. In an example, the motor 341 is a stepping
motor 341 and whether the upper support 320 moves to be in place
can be determined by detecting the rotational stroke of the
stepping motor 341. In another example, a microswitch is disposed
at the lower support 310 or the upper support 320. After the upper
support 320 moves to be in place and then triggers the microswitch,
the controller controls the driving device 340 to be stopped and
locked at a current position according to a feedback signal of the
microswitch. One driving device 340 may be disposed. The output
gear is located in a middle region of the upper support 320. In
this case, it causes an edge area of the upper support 320 and the
lower support 310 to be loosely attached, resulting in air leakage
of the vacuumization region 301. Thus, in order to provide sealing
of the vacuumization region 301, the driving devices 340 are
symmetrically disposed at both sides of the upper support 320.
Correspondingly, one connection plate 347 is disposed, two guide
grooves 3471 are disposed on the connection plate 347, and two
output racks 345 protrude into the guide grooves 3471
respectively.
[0074] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the driving device
340 and the vacuumization assembly 330 are both mounted on a
mounting base 305 at the upper side of the upper support 320. A
vent 324 is disposed at the upper support 320 to communicate with
the vacuumization assembly 330. Three cavities are disposed at a
side of the mounting base 305, and the cavities include a vacuum
pump mounting cavity 3051 at the middle position, and driving
device mounting cavities 3052 at right and left sides. In order to
guarantee entire aesthetics of external surface of the door 200 of
the refrigerator and ease of application of the vacuum sealing
device 300, as shown in FIG. 3, a mounting cavity 211 recessed
inwardly is disposed on the door housing 210. The driving device
340 is connected with the upper support 320 and then connected to
the mounting base 305 through a screw. The vacuumization assembly
330 is connected with the vent 324 on the upper support 320 and
then mounted to the mounting base 305. In this way, one assembly is
formed and then entirely mounted into the mounting cavity 211 by
inserting a screw through two support lugs at both sides of the
mounting base 305. Thus, modularized assembly is realized for
various parts with no part exposed out of the external surface,
realizing good entirety of the device.
[0075] When the user performs plastic sealing for a storage bag,
especially powder-like foods such as flour or liquid or the like by
use of the vacuum sealing device 300, the powder or liquid may
enter the vacuumization region 301 during vacuumization and finally
accumulate in the first opening cavity 311 of the lower support
310. Therefore, in order to help the user to clean the food
residues in the lower support 310, the lower support 310 is
detachably mounted relative to the door 200.
[0076] The lower support 310 may be mounted on the door 200 in
several manners. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, the
lower support 310 may be detachably mounted on the door 200 from an
inner side of the door 200 (i.e. a side with an inner liner).
Because the heat insulation of the door 200 of the refrigerator
must be ensured, a small insulation door 250 is disposed at an
inner side portion of the lower support 310 facing the storage
compartment 100. As shown in FIG. 14C, a mounting hole 201
communicating inside with outside is disposed on the door 200, and
the lower support 310 and the small insulation door 250 are
inserted into the mounting hole 201 from the inner side of the door
200, thereby realizing dismounting cleaning of the lower support
310 and insulation performance of the door 200 at the same
time.
[0077] In an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the lower support 310
and the small insulation door are integrally formed. As shown in
FIGS. 16 and 17, the lower support 310 and the small insulation
door 250 are formed by a first housing 251 and a second housing 252
with opening cavity structures and an insulation piece disposed
between the first housing 251 and the second housing 252. The first
housing 251 and the second housing 252 are snap-fitted. The first
housing 251 is provided with an extension arm 2511 along a
direction away from the second housing 252, and the lower support
310 is formed on the extension arm 2511. The first opening cavity
311 is an open groove formed on an upper side of the extension arm
2511, and a first sealing groove 313 is formed on the periphery of
the open groove.
[0078] In order to further ensure the insulation performance of the
door 200 and avoid cold leakage occurring from a clearance between
the mounting hole 201 and the small insulation door 250, as shown
in FIGS. 16 and 17, a small door gasket 253 is disposed between the
small insulation door 250 and the door inner liner 220.
Specifically, a support arm 2512 is disposed at the position of the
first housing 251 mated with the door inner liner 220 where the
size of the support arm 2512 is greater than that of the mounting
hole 201. A mounting groove surrounding the mounting hole 201 is
disposed on the support arm 2512, and the small door gasket 253 is
mounted in the mounting groove.
[0079] Specifically, in order to guarantee the small insulation
door 250 is reliably fixed on the door 200, a locking device 400
disposed between the small insulation door 250 and the door inner
liner 220. The locking device 400 is used to lock or unlock the
small insulation door 250 on or from the door 200.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, 16 and 17, the locking device 400
includes a locking hook assembly disposed on the small insulation
door 250 and a locking groove 221 disposed on the door inner liner
220. The locking hook assembly includes a locking hook inserted
through the small insulation door 250. The locking hook may switch
between a first position and a second position. When switching to
the first position, the locking hook may be mated with the locking
groove 221 to realize the locking of the small insulation door 250
and when switching to the second position, may be separated from
the locking groove 221 to realize unlocking of the small insulation
door 250.
[0081] Specifically, in order to improve the reliability of the
locking device 400, two locking grooves 221 and two locking hooks
are disposed respectively. The locking grooves 221 are located at
upper and lower sides of the mounting hole 201. As shown in FIGS.
15-20, the locking hook assembly includes an upper locking hook 420
and a lower locking hook 410 and a reset spring 430. As shown in
FIG. 19, the lower locking hook 410 includes a hooking portion 414
mated with the locking groove 221 at the lower side, a hinging
portion 412 rotatably connected with the small insulation door 250
and a handle portion 411 at the lower side of the small insulation
door 250. The handle portion 411 and the hooking portion 414 are
located at both sides of the hinging portion 412 respectively. The
lower locking hook 410 further includes a lower connection portion
413 connecting with the upper locking hook 420, where the lower
connection portion 413 extends above the handle portion 411.
Specifically, an end of the lower connection portion 413 is formed
into a T-shaped protrusion 4131. As shown in FIG. 20, the upper
locking hook 420 includes a hooking portion 421 mated with the
locking groove 221 at the upper side and an upper connection
portion 423 connecting with the lower locking hook 410.
Specifically, a lower end of the upper connection portion 423 is
formed into an open groove structure 4231. The T-shaped protrusion
4131 is inserted into the open groove 4231 to realize connection of
the upper locking hook 420 and the lower locking hook 410. The
reset spring 430 is disposed between the upper locking hook 420 and
an upper end surface of the small insulation door 250. More
specifically, a connection shaft 422 is formed on the upper locking
hook 420 and the reset spring 430 is sleeved on the connection
shaft 422.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 17, a guide positioning portion is formed
on an inner surface of the second housing 252, and the upper
connection portion 423 is fitted on the guide positioning portion.
The upper locking hook 420 may slide along the guide positioning
portion. Specifically, the guide positioning portion is a snapping
hook 2521 formed on the inner surface of the second housing 252.
The snapping hooks 2521 are located at left and right sides of the
upper connection portion 423 and extend a distance up and down, and
the upper connection portion 423 is fitted between the two snapping
hooks 2521.
[0083] In an initial state, the upper locking hook 420 and the
lower locking hook 410 are in the first position under the elastic
force of the reset spring 430 to realize the locking of the small
insulation door 250 and the door inner liner 220. When the user
moves the lower locking hook 410 by hand, the lower locking hook
410 rotates around the hinging portion 412, the hooking portion 414
moves downward to separate from the locking groove 221 at the lower
side, and at the same time, the connection portion push up the
upper locking hook 420 to move upward so that the upper locking
hook 420 separates from the locking groove 221 at the upper side.
In this way, the upper locking hook 420 and the lower locking hook
410 are in the second position to realize the unlocking of the
small insulation door 250 and the door inner liner 220.
[0084] In order to ensure the external aesthetics of the door 200
of refrigerator, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bar table door 260 is
disposed in the region of the refrigerator door 200 where the
vacuum sealing device 300 is located. A lower end of the bar table
door 260 is hinged with the door 200 and the bar table door 260 can
be flipped to the position where it is perpendicular to the surface
of the door housing 210. An upper end of the bar table door 260 is
connected with the door housing 210 through a first push ejection
switch 212. With the disposal of the bar table door 260 structure,
in the state of the bar table door 260 being opened, the storage
bag holding foods can be put on the bar table door 260 and then is
subjected to vacuum sealing treatment, thereby facilitation
operation of users. When the bar table door 260 is closed, the
external aesthetics of door 200 can be ensured.
[0085] The inner side of the bar table door 260 further includes an
operation panel 270 covered on the outer side of the mounting
cavity. An inserting hole 271 is formed on the operation panel 270,
and a lower surface of the inserting hole 271 is flushed with an
upper surface of the first opening cavity 311. In this case, the
vacuum sealing device 300 can be entirely hidden at the rear side
of the operation panel 270. When performing vacuum plastic sealing,
the user may directly insert the opening of the storage bag from
the inserting hole 271 of the operation panel 270, and directly
extend it to the upper surface of the first opening cavity 311.
When the upper support 320 moves downward, the opening of the
storage bag can be placed in the vacuumization region 301.
Specifically, the operation panel 270 is detachably connected to
the door housing 210. A display control device 272 is further
disposed on the operation panel 270. The display control device 272
includes an indicating device for displaying a working state of the
vacuum sealing device 300 and a control button for controlling the
vacuum sealing device 300 to stop or start. The user may determine
whether to pull out the storage bag according to the working state
of the vacuum sealing device 300 indicated by the display control
device 272. The display control device 272 includes "vacuumization
plastic sealing" button, "opening sealing" button, "manual
vacuumization" button, and "stop" button. Vacuumization and plastic
sealing process can be realized by depressing the button
"vacuumization plastic sealing", sealing operation can be realized
for individual storage bag by depressing the button "opening
sealing", and manual vacuumization treatment can be realized by
depressing the button "manual vacuumization". For example, the
"manual vaccumization" button may be set to perform automatic
vacuumization for several seconds for one depress and then continue
vacuumization for a second depress and repeat like this until the
user thinks the vacuumization is completed. Alternatively, the user
keeps depressing the "manual vacuumization" button to perform
continuous vacuumization until the user stops depressing the
"manual vacuumization" button. In this way, the user realizes the
manual vacuumization. By depressing the "stop" button, the flow of
air release and upper support ascent is performed. When the user
determines that the vacuum sealing device works abnormally during
the vacuumization process, the user may terminate the flow of the
vacuumization in advance by depressing "stop" button.
[0086] The above vacuum sealing device performs vacuumization
sealing in the following procedure including upper support descent,
vacuumization plastic sealing, air release, and upper support
ascent.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 21, the specific flow of the descent of the
upper support 320 includes following steps:
[0088] At step 101, the upper support 320 performs first-stage
descent at a first speed.
[0089] At step 102, whether the upper support 320 descends a first
preset distance is determined. If yes, step 103 is performed,
otherwise, step 101 is performed.
[0090] The upper support 320 descends the first preset distance at
the first speed until the sealing ring of the upper support 320 is
in contact with the sealing ring of the lower support 310; the
upper support 320 quickly descends toward the lower support 310 at
the higher first speed so that the vacuumization sealing process
will take a shorter time.
[0091] At step 103, the upper support 320 performs second-stage
descent at a second speed.
[0092] At step 104, whether the upper support 320 descends a second
preset distance is determined. If yes, step 105 is performed, and
otherwise, the step 103 is performed. The second speed is lower
than the first speed.
[0093] When the upper support 320 descends the second preset
distance, the sealing rings of the upper support 320 and the lower
support 310 deform to a preset value, and the preset value is big
enough to seal the vacuumization region; the upper support 320
moves toward the lower support 310 at the second speed under the
drive of the driving device, which is a slow descending stage where
the driving device increases its acting force with its speed
decreased to ensure the sealing of the upper support 320 and the
lower support 310.
[0094] When it is determined that the upper support 320 descends
the first preset distance, the flow of vacuumization plastic
sealing shown in FIG. 22 is started. The flow of vacuumization
plastic sealing includes the following steps.
[0095] At step 201, the vacuum pump is started.
[0096] At step 202, whether the pressure value of the vacuumization
region 301 reaches a first pressure value is determined. If yes,
step 207 is performed, and otherwise, step 203 is performed.
[0097] The pressure detection device may determine whether the
pressure value of the vacuumization region 301 reaches the first
pressure value. When it is determined the first pressure value is
reached, the vacuumization of the vacuum pump 331 is stopped.
[0098] At step 203, whether a vacuumization time reaches a preset
vacuumization time is determined. If yes, step 207 is performed,
and otherwise step 204 is performed.
[0099] Whether the vacuumization time reaches the preset
vacuumization time is determined. When the preset vacuumization
time is reached, the vacuumization of the vacuum pump 331 may also
be stopped.
[0100] At step 204, whether the pressure value of the vacuumization
region 301 reaches a second pressure value is determined, where the
second pressure value is smaller than the first pressure value; if
yes, step 205 is performed and otherwise step 202 is performed.
[0101] At step 205, whether the change of the pressure value of the
vacuumization region 301 is smaller than a third pressure value
after a preset time is determined, where the third pressure value
is smaller than the second pressure value; if yes, step 206 is
performed and otherwise step 202 is performed.
[0102] When the pressure detection device detects that the pressure
value of the vacuumization region 301 reaches the second pressure
value and the change of the pressure value is smaller than the
third pressure value after a preset time, it is determined the
vacuumization process is abnormal, for example, the problems such
as poor sealing of pressing strip, entry of foreign matters,
creased sealing opening, broken bag occur. In this case, it is
necessary to end the vacuumization in advance.
[0103] At step 206, vacuumization is stopped, and the vaccumization
region 301 is depressurized and opened.
[0104] After it is determined that the vacuumization is abnormal,
the vacuumization of the vacuum pump 331 may be stopped, and the
vacuumization region 301 is depressurized by the pressure relief
device.
[0105] At step 207, the vacuumization is stopped to heat the
sealing opening.
[0106] After the vacuumization step is completed, the vacuum pump
is stopped and the heating wire is started to perform hot melting
plastic sealing for the storage bag.
[0107] At step 208, after the time for heating the sealing opening
reaches a heating time, air release stage is started after a delay
of a first time.
[0108] After the sealing opening heating device performs heating
plastic sealing for the storage bag for the heating time, the air
release stage may be started after a delay of the first time. The
heating time and the first time may be set according to
experiences.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 23, the specific flow of the above air
release and upper support ascent includes the following steps.
[0110] At step 301, an air release device performs air release.
Pipe air release is performed by opening an air release valve.
[0111] At step 302, the air release device determines whether the
air release exceeds an air release time. If yes, step 303 is
performed and otherwise step 301 is performed. The air release time
may be set according to experiences.
[0112] At step 303, the driving device controls the upper support
302 to ascend.
[0113] The driving device may drive the upper support 320 to move
up at a third speed to separate from the lower support 310 so as to
open the vacuumization region 301.
[0114] At step 304, whether the upper support 301 ascends a set
step number is determined. If yes, the ascending is ended and
otherwise step 301 is performed.
[0115] After the upper support 320 ascends the preset step number,
the next vacuumization sealing operation may be prepared. The
preset step number may be a step number for the upper support 320
to arrive at the vacuumization region 301.
[0116] It is noted that the first speed is greater than the second
speed, the third speed is greater than the second speed, the first
preset distance, the second preset distance, the first speed, the
second speed and the third speed all may be set according to
experiences, and the first preset distance and the second preset
distance can be realized by controlling a preset advancing step
number of the electric motor.
[0117] FIG. 24A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 24B is a
structural schematic diagram of dismounting a lower support and a
small insulation door from a door according to some examples of the
present disclosure. In some examples of the present disclosure, as
shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the lower support 310 is detachably
connected to the small insulation door 250. As shown in FIG. 25,
the small insulation door 250 is formed of the first housing 251
and the second housing 252 with opening cavity structures and the
insulation piece disposed between the first housing 251 and the
second housing 252. The first housing 251 is snap-fitted with the
second housing 252, the extension arm 2511 is disposed on the first
housing 251 along a direction away from the second housing 252, and
the lower support 310 is detachably connected to the extension arm
2511.
[0118] In some examples, a first limiting portion extending upward
is formed on an end of the extension arm 2511, a second limiting
portion mated with the first limiting portion is formed on a lower
side of the lower support 310, and the first limiting portion and
the second limiting portion are mated to position the lower support
310 on the extension arm 2511. More specifically, the first
limiting portion is a limiting plate and the limiting portion is a
baffle plate formed on the bottom of the lower support 310 and
extending downwardly. The baffle plate is inserted into the inner
side of the limiting plate to mount the lower support 310 to the
extension arm 2511, thus avoiding the problem of poor sealing of
the vacuumization region caused by horizontal movement of the lower
support 310.
[0119] In order to further guarantee the heat insulation of the
door 200 and avoid cold leakage occurring from the clearance
between the mounting hole 201 and the small insulation door 250,
the small door gasket 253 is disposed between the small insulation
door 250 and the door inner liner 220. Specifically, the support
arm 2512 is disposed at the position of the first housing 251 mated
with the door inner liner 220, and the size of the support arm 2512
is greater than that of the mounting hole 201. A mounting groove
surrounding the mounting hole 201 is disposed on the support arm
2512 and the small door gasket 253 is mounted in the mounting
groove.
[0120] Specifically, in order to guarantee the small insulation
door 250 can be reliably fixed on the door 200, the locking device
400 is disposed between the small insulation door 250 and the door
inner liner 220.
[0121] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a small insulation door, a
lower support and a locking hook assembly according to some
examples of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 25, the
locking device 400 includes a locking hook 440 hinged at the bottom
of the small insulation door 250. The middle of the locking hook
440 is provided with a hinging shaft for connecting with the small
insulation door 250 to connect with the small insulation door 250.
The locking device further includes a locking groove formed on the
door inner liner 220 to mate with the locking hook and a reset
torsion spring 450 sleeved on the hinging shaft. One support leg of
the reset torsion spring is abutted against the small insulation
door 250 and the other support leg is abutted against the locking
hook 440. In an initial state, the torsional force of the reset
torsion spring 450 enables the locking hook 450 to be in the first
position so that the small insulation door 250 can be mounted on
the door.
[0122] Specifically, in order to improve the aesthetics of the
small door, a mounting recess is formed on the bottom of the small
door and the locking hook is mounted into the mounting recess.
FIGS. 24A and 24B show a process of dismounting the small
insulation door 250 and the lower support 310. When the small
insulation door 250 and the lower support 310 are mounted on the
door 200, the locking hook is mated with the locking groove to
realize the locked state of the small insulation door 250. When the
small insulation door 250 and the lower support 310 are to be
dismounted, the locking hook is moved away from the locking groove,
the locking device 400 is in an unlocked state, and the small
insulation door 250 and the lower support 310 can be pulled out.
After the lower support 310 is removed from the small insulation
door 250, cleaning can be performed for the lower support 310. In
this example, the lower support 310 is detachably connected to the
small insulation door 250, facilitating cleaning the lower support
310.
[0123] FIG. 26A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 26B is a
structural schematic diagram of a small insulation door and a door
in an unlocked state according to some examples of the present
disclosure. FIG. 26C is a structural schematic diagram of
dismounting a lower support and a small insulation door from a door
according to some examples of the present disclosure.
[0124] In some examples of the present disclosure, as shown in
FIGS. 26A-26C, the lower support 310 and the small insulation door
250 are disposed independent from each other. The lower side of the
mounting hole 201 is provided with a limiting portion limiting the
lower support 310 to be in place, one end of the lower support 310
is abutted against the limiting portion and the other end is
abutted against the small insulation door 250. In this case, the
small insulation door 250 can be mounted to the door 200 by use of
the locking device 400 of example 1 or 2.
[0125] FIG. 27 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 28 is an
exploded view of a refrigerating door according to some examples of
the present disclosure. In some examples of the present disclosure,
as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in order to ensure the external
aesthetics of the door 200 of the refrigerator and avoid exposure
of the vacuum sealing device 300 at the outer side of the door 200,
an auxiliary door plate 280 is disposed at the area of the door 200
where the vacuum sealing device 300 is located. The auxiliary door
plate 280 has a width identical with that of other area of the door
200. The auxiliary door plate 280 is connected to the area by snap
fitting or bonding. A surface of the auxiliary door plate 280 is
flushed with the surface of other area of the door 200. An
inserting hole 281 is formed on the auxiliary door plate 280 and a
lower surface of the inserting hole 281 is flushed with the upper
surface of the first opening cavity 311. When performing vacuum
plastic sealing, the user may directly insert the opening of the
storage bag from the inserting hole 281 of the auxiliary door plate
280 and directly extend it to the upper surface of the first
opening cavity 311. When the upper support 320 moves downward, the
opening of the storage bag can be placed in the vacuumization
region 301. A display control device 282 is further disposed on the
auxiliary door plate 280. The display control device 282 includes
an indicating device for displaying a working state of the vacuum
sealing device 300 and a control button for controlling the vacuum
sealing device 300 to stop or start. The user may determine whether
to pull out the storage bag according to the working state of the
vacuum sealing device 300 indicated by the indicating device.
[0126] FIG. 29 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to some examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 30 is an
exploded view of a refrigerating door according to some examples of
the present disclosure. FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a lower
support according to some examples of the present disclosure. In
some examples of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 29-31,
the lower support 310 is detachably mounted to the door 200 from
the outer side of the door 200.
[0127] In some examples, the lower support 310 is detachably
connected to the door 200 by push ejection. As shown in FIGS. 29
and 30, a connection surface of the lower support 310 connecting
with the door 200 is provided with a second push ejection switch
380. The second push ejection switch 380 includes a push ejection
lock 381, and a lock catch 382. A groove for receiving the lock
catch 382 is disposed on an inner side surface of the lower support
310 and the push ejection lock 381 is fixed on the outer side
surface of the door 200.
[0128] FIG. 32A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support and a door in a locked state according to some examples of
the present disclosure. FIG. 32B is a structural schematic diagram
of dismounting a lower support from a door according to some
examples of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 32A, when the
lower support 310 is pressed along a direction perpendicular to the
door 200, the push ejection lock 381 is fitted with the lock catch
382, and the lower support 310 is mounted on the door 200. As shown
in FIG. 32B, when the lower support 310 is pressed again, the push
ejection lock 381 releases the lock catch 382 so that the lower
support 310 is dismounted from the door 200. In this way, the user
may perform cleaning for the lower support 310 separately,
facilitating user operation.
[0129] In some examples of the present disclosure, as shown in
FIGS. 33A and 33B, the lower support 310 is detachably mounted to
the door 200 from the outer side of the door 200.
[0130] In some examples, the lower support 310 is detachably
connected to the door 200 by snap fitting. A first fitting portion
391 and a second fitting portion 392 mutually mated are formed
respectively on the lower support 310 and the door 200. The first
fitting portion 391 is formed on the lower surface of the lower
support 310 and specifically is a bending hook. The second fitting
portion 392 is fixedly connected to a front side surface of the
door 200. The lower support 310 moves close to the door 200 until
the first fitting portion 391 and the second fitting portion 392
are mated, realizing the mounting of the lower support 310. During
dismounting, the lower support 310 is pulled outwardly, and the
first fitting portion 391 and the second fitting portion 392 are
separated due to elastic deformation. Thus, the user can perform
separate cleaning for the lower support 310, facilitating user
operation.
[0131] Obviously, the above examples are only used to clearly
describe the present disclosure rather than limit the present
disclosure. Those skilled in the prior art may make different types
of other changes or modifications based on the above descriptions.
All examples are not necessarily or cannot be exhausted herein. All
apparent changes or modifications derived herein still fall within
the scope of protection of the present disclosure.
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