U.S. patent application number 17/183568 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for refrigerator.
The applicant listed for this patent is HISENSE (SHANDONG) REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yajing LI, Tiewei LIU, Meiyan WANG, Junwang YAN, Shuailing YANG, Jian ZHANG, Peng ZHANG, Shudong ZHANG, Xiaodong ZHOU.
Application Number | 20210278125 17/183568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005636758 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210278125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WANG; Meiyan ; et
al. |
September 9, 2021 |
REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a refrigerator, including a
storage compartment and a door opening or closing the storage
compartment. A vacuum sealing device is disposed on the door. The
vacuum sealing device includes an upper support and a lower support
opposite to each other and a vacuumization assembly. The lower
support is detachably connected to the door; opening cavities are
formed on mutually-opposed surfaces of the upper support and/or the
lower support; the upper support can move close to or away from the
lower support under the drive of a driving device; the upper
supports moves close to the lower support until the upper support
and the lower support are butt-joined, and the opening cavities
sealingly form a vacuumization region by sealing portions; the
vacuumization assembly is in communication with the vacuumization
region through a pipe to perform vacuumization or depressurization
for the vaccumization region.
Inventors: |
WANG; Meiyan; (QINGDAO,
CN) ; ZHOU; Xiaodong; (QINGDAO, CN) ; ZHANG;
Peng; (QINGDAO, CN) ; ZHANG; Shudong;
(QINGDAO, CN) ; LI; Yajing; (QINGDAO, CN) ;
ZHANG; Jian; (QINGDAO, CN) ; LIU; Tiewei;
(QINGDAO, CN) ; YAN; Junwang; (QINGDAO, CN)
; YANG; Shuailing; (QINGDAO, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HISENSE (SHANDONG) REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD. |
Qingdao |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005636758 |
Appl. No.: |
17/183568 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/CN2020/076691 |
Feb 26, 2020 |
|
|
|
17183568 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/028 20130101;
F25D 2323/023 20130101; B65B 31/04 20130101; F25D 23/04 20130101;
F25D 23/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/12 20060101
F25D023/12; F25D 23/04 20060101 F25D023/04; F25D 23/02 20060101
F25D023/02; B65B 31/04 20060101 B65B031/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910447688.0 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910447696.5 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910447697.X |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910447702.7 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910448236.4 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910448237.9 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910448238.3 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920773583.X |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920773585.9 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920773589.7 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920773590.X |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920773601.4 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920774300.3 |
May 27, 2019 |
CN |
201920774302.2 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator, comprising: a storage compartment; a door
opening or closing the storage compartment, wherein a vacuum
sealing device is disposed on the door, and the vacuum sealing
device comprises: an upper support and a lower support opposite to
each other, wherein opening cavities are formed on mutually-opposed
surfaces of the upper support and/or the lower support; when the
upper support and the lower support are butt-joined, the opening
cavities sealingly form a vacuumization region by sealing portions;
the lower support is detachably mounted to the door; a driving
device configured to drive the upper support close to or away from
the lower support; a vacuumization assembly 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 a mounting hole
communicating inside with outside is formed on the door, the lower
support and a small insulation door are disposed in the mounting
hole, and the small insulation door is at an inner side of the
door.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the small
insulation door and the lower support are integrally formed.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the lower support
and the small insulation door are formed of a first housing and a
second housing with opening cavities and an insulation piece
disposed between the first housing and the second housing; the
first housing is snap-fitted with the second housing, the first
housing is provided with an extension arm along a direction away
from the second housing, and the lower support is formed on the
extension arm.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the lower support
is detachably connected to the small insulation door.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the lower support
and the small insulation door are formed of the first housing and
the second housing with opening cavities and the insulation piece
disposed between the first housing and the second housing; the
first housing is snap-fitted with the second housing, the first
housing is provided with an extension arm along a direction away
from the second housing, and the lower support is formed on the
extension arm.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein a small door
gasket is disposed between the small insulation door and a door
inner liner.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein a locking device
is disposed between the small insulation door and the door inner
liner, and the locking device is used to lock the small insulation
door to the door.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the locking
device comprises: a locking hook assembly disposed on the small
insulation door and a locking groove disposed on the door inner
liner; wherein the locking hook assembly comprises a locking hook
inserted through the small insulation door, the locking hook
switches between a first position and a second position, and the
locking hook, when in the first position, is mated with the locking
groove to lock the small insulation door, and when in the second
position, is separated from the locking groove to unlock the small
insulation door.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the lower
support is detachably mounted to the door from an outer side of the
door.
11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the lower
support is detachably connected to the door through a second push
ejection switch, or the lower support is detachably connected to
the door by snap-fitting.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum
sealing device further comprises an insulation cushion disposed at
one of the lower support and the upper support; and a heating
device disposed at the other of the lower support and the upper
support, wherein the insulation cushion and the heating device are
opposed to each other.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, 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 is used to detect the pressure
of the vacuumization region, and the pressure relief device is
controlled to release the pressure of the vacuumization region.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, 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.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the driving
device and the vacuumization assembly are mounted in one mounting
base, a mounting cavity recessed inwardly is disposed at the door
housing, and the mounting base and the upper support are mounted
into the mounting cavity.
16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein a bar table
door is disposed at an area of the outer side of the door where the
vacuum sealing device is located, a lower end of the bar table door
is hinged with the door, and an upper end of the bar table door is
connected with the door housing through a first push ejection
switch.
17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein an inner side
of the bar table door further includes an operation panel covered
on an outer side of the mounting cavity, an inserting hole
applicable for inserting a storage bag to be inserted is formed on
the operation panel, a display control device is further disposed
on the operation panel and the display control panel comprises an
indicating device for displaying a working state of the vacuum
sealing device.
18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein an auxiliary
door plate is disposed at an area of the door where the vacuum
sealing device is located, a surface of the auxiliary door plate is
flushed with a surface of the door housing, an inserting hole
applicable for inserting a storage bag to be inserted is formed on
the auxiliary door plate, a display control device is further
disposed on the auxiliary door plate and the display control device
comprises an indicating device for displaying a working state of
the vacuum sealing device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/CN2020/076691 with a filing date of Feb. 26,
2020, designating the United States, now pending, and further
claims priority to Chinese Patent Applications No. 201910447697.X,
201920774302.2, 201910448238.3, 201920773601.4, 201910447702.7,
201920773590.X, 201910447696.5, 201920773585.9, 201910448237.9,
201920774300.3, 201910448236.4, 201920773589.7, 201910447688.0,
201920773583.X, 201811457088.4, titled as REFRIGERATOR, filed on
May 27, 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.
[0005] Currently, in the vacuum preservation technology applied to
refrigerators, a sealing drawer is provided inside the
refrigerator. A miniature vacuum pump is disposed outside the
drawer to perform vacuumization treatment for the drawer, so that
the drawer maintains in a negative pressure state, thereby
realizing preservation of food materials in the drawer. The
preservation manner has the following limitations: 1. the vacuum
pump will take up a partial storage space of a refrigerating
compartment because the vacuumization treatment is to be performed
by the vacuum pump; 2. the preservation manner requires sealing for
the drawer, otherwise vacuum state cannot be formed inside the
drawer, and thus higher requirements are proposed for the forming
and assembly process of the drawer; 3.the preservation manner can
only perform preservation for the food materials in the drawer and
have no preservation effect on those food materials in other
regions of the refrigerator.
SUMMARY
[0006] 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 and a lower support corresponding to
each other in position and a vacuumization assembly. The lower
support is detachably connected to the door; opening cavities are
opened on mutually-facing surfaces of the upper support and/the
lower support; the upper support may be moved close to or away from
the lower support under the drive of a driving device; the upper
support moves close to the lower support until the upper support is
butt-joined with the lower support, and the opening cavities
sealingly form a vacuumization region by sealing portions. The
vacuumization assembly is in communication with the vaccumization
region through a pipe so as to perform vacuumization or
depressurization for the vacuumization region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The preferred examples of the present disclosure will be
described below with accompanying drawings to help understanding
the object and advantages of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerating
door according to example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded diagram of a refrigerating door
according to example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side sectional diagram of a vacuum sealing
device according to the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram along a forward
direction and reverse direction of an upper support of a vacuum
sealing device according to the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of assembly of an upper
support, a driving device and a vacuumization assembly in a vacuum
sealing device according to the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded diagram of an upper support, a driving
device and a vacuumization assembly in a vacuum sealing device
according to the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram of connection relationship of an upper
support in a vacuum sealing device and a filtering container
according to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram of connection relationship of an upper
support in a vacuum sealing device and a filtering net according to
the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 10 is an exploded diagram of an upper support, a
heating device and a sealing ring according to the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of connection of an
upper support and a heating device according to the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of connection relationship of
an upper support in an initial position and a driving device
according to the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of connection relationship of
an upper support in a descending position and a driving device
according to the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 14A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 14B is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in an unlocked state
according to example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 14C is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support and a small insulation door from a door according to
example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram along a forward
direction and a reverse direction of a small insulation door and a
lower support in an assembled state according to example 1 of the
present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a small insulation door, a
lower support and a locking hook assembly according to example 1 of
the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a structural schematic diagram of mounting a
locking hook assembly onto the small insulation door according to
example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view of mounting a locking
hook assembly onto the small insulation door according to example
lof the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram of a lower hook according
to example 1 of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a structural schematic diagram of forward and
reverse structures of an upper hook according to example 1 of the
present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 21A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to example 2 of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 21B is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support and a small insulation door from a door according to
example 2 of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a small insulation door, a
lower support and a locking hook assembly according to example 2 of
the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 23A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support, a small insulation door and a door in a locked state
according to example 3 of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 23B is a structural schematic diagram of a small
insulation door and a door in an unlocked state according to
example 3 of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 23C is a structural schematic diagram of dismounting a
lower support and a small insulation door from a door according to
example 3 of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to example 4 of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a refrigerating door
according to example 4 of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 26 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator
according to example 5 of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of a refrigerating door
according to example 5 of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a lower support according to
example 5 of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 29A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support and a door in a locked state according to example 5 of the
present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 29B is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support dismounted from a door according to example 5 of the
present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 30A is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support and a door in a locked state according to example 6 of the
present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 30B is a structural schematic diagram of a lower
support dismounted from a door according to example 6 of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The technical solution of the present disclosure will be
clearly and fully described below in combination with accompanying
drawings. 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] Furthermore, the below-described technical features involved
in different examples of the present disclosure may be combined
with each other as long as they do not constitute conflict.
Example 1
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a specific example of a
refrigerator according to the present disclosure. With reference to
FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 of the example has an approximate cuboid
shape. The external appearance of the refrigerator 1 is defined by
a storage compartment 100 defining a storage space and a plurality
of doors 200 disposed in the storage compartment 100. By referring
to FIG. 2, the door 200 includes a door housing 210 located at an
outer side of the storage compartment 100, a 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 located 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 materials.
[0049] The storage compartment 100 has an open box body. 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] FIGS. 4-17 are an example of the vacuum sealing device 300.
In this example, 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.
[0052] Specifically, 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] Specifically, 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the vacuum sealing device 300 further
includes an insulation cushion 360 and a heating device 370
mutually opposed for performing plastic sealing treatment for the
storage bag after vacuumization. The insulation cushion 360 and the
heating device 370 are located in a sealing zone 302 at an outer
side of the vacuumization region 301. 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] Specifically, 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 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. 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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 disposed at
both sides of the upper support 320 respectively. 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.
[0067] 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 opened 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] In an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the lower support 310
and the small insulation door are integrally formed. As shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16, 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.
[0071] 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. 15 and 16, 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.
[0072] Specifically, in order to guarantee the small insulation
door 250 is reliably fixed on the door 200, a locking device 400 is
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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
17-20, 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] When applying the vacuum sealing device 300, the user may
insert the storage bag to be sealed through the inserting hole 271
on the operation panel 270. After the storage bag is inserted to be
in place (the storage bag abuts against the limiting rib 322), the
user may trigger a start button on the operation panel 270 to start
the motor 341 so as to control the upper support 320 to descend
until the upper support 320 moves to be in place (sealing the
vacuumization region 301) and then control the vacuum pump 331 to
start so as to perform vacuumization treatment for the
vacuumization region 301. The storage bag is vacuumized through the
opening of the storage bag in the vacuumization region 301. When
the pressure sensor detects a pressure value reaches the set
negative pressure value, the vacuum pump 331 is controlled to stop
and the heating device 370 is started to work at the same time.
After the heating device 370 works for a set time, the electric
pressure relief valve is controlled to start, and then the linear
motor 341 is controlled to start to control the upper support 320
to ascend until the first opening cavity 311 separates from the
second opening cavity 321. The display control device 272 on the
operation panel 270 indicates the user can pull out the storage
bag. In this way, the vacuum sealing of the storage bag is
completed.
Example 2
[0080] The structure of example 2 is basically same as that of the
example 1 except the connection manner of the lower support 310 and
the small insulation door 250. Specifically, in this example, as
shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the lower support 310 is detachably
connected to the small insulation door 250. As shown in FIG. 22,
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.
[0081] Specifically, 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 22, 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.
[0085] 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. 21A and 21B 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.
Example 3
[0086] The structure of the example 3 is basically same as that of
the example 1 except the connection manner of the lower support
310, the small insulation door 250 and the door 200.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 23A-23C, 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.
Example 4
[0088] The structure of the example 4 is basically same as that of
the example 1 except the structure of the area of the door 200
where the vacuum sealing device 300 is located.
[0089] Specifically, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25,
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 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.
Example 5
[0090] The structure of the example 5 is basically same as that of
the example 1 except the manner of mounting the lower support 310
to the door 200.
[0091] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 26-29, in this example, the
lower support 310 is detachably mounted to the door 200 from the
outer side of the door 200.
[0092] More specifically, the lower support 310 is detachably
connected to the door 200 by push ejection. As shown in FIGS. 27
and 28, 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.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 29A, 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. 29B, 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.
Example 6
[0094] The structure of the example 6 is basically same as that of
the example 5 except the manner of mounting the lower support 310
on the door 200.
[0095] Specifically, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 30A and
30B, the lower support 310 is detachably mounted to the door 200
from the outer side of the door 200.
[0096] More specifically, 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.
[0097] 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.
* * * * *