AU2022294857A1

AU2022294857A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: AU2022294857A1
Application number: AU2022294857A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Maozeng BAO; Zhenyu Zhao; Lihua ZUO
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-16
Filing date: 2022-06-15
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: WO2022262769A1

Abstract

A refrigerator, comprising a refrigerator body, wherein a storage space defined by the refrigerator body comprises a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. The refrigerator further comprises at least one refrigerating door body (100) for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment, wherein the refrigerating door body (100) comprises a door shell and a door lining, with a heat insulation material filling a space between the door shell and the door lining. The refrigerator door body further comprises: a water tank support (200), which is arranged on the at least one refrigerating door body (100) and is mounted on an inner side of the door lining in a pivoted manner, wherein an opening end (210) of the water tank support (200) has an accommodating position close to the door lining and an unfolded position away from the door lining; and a water tank (400), which is arranged in the water tank support (200) and can be taken out from the opening end (210) of the water tank support (200).

Description

Refrigerator FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to household appliances, particularly to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In contemporary home life, refrigerators have become indispensable household appliances. To meet user needs, refrigerators often come equipped with a water tank for easy access to cold water. Generally, the water tank is installed on the refrigerator door for user convenience. However, the door may store many items, potentially obscuring the water tank and making it inconvenient for users to take out or insert the tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] To address the above problem, the present invention proposes a refrigerator that allows users to conveniently take out and place a water tank located on the refrigerator door.

[0004] One embodiment of the invention includes a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet, with the storage space defined by the cabinet including a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber; the refrigerator also includes at least one refrigerator door for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber. The refrigerator door comprises a door shell and a door liner, filled with insulating material in between, further include: a water tank holder pivotally mounted on the inner side of the door liner of at least one of the refrigerator doors, the opening end of the water tank holder has a retracted position close to the door liner and an extended position away from the door liner; a water tank, placed within the water tank holder and removable from the opening end of the water tank holder.

[0005] This invention offers a refrigerator with a rotatable water tank holder mounted on the refrigerator door. The water tank is placed on the water tank holder, allowing users to rotate it to an appropriate position for removing or inserting the tank, thus preventing water spillage due to awkward angles. The rotatable design of the water tank holder also avoids internal space constraints of the door, enabling a more rational layout of the water tank and full utilization of the space inside the door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional schematic of the water tank holder in the retracted position in an embodiment of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional schematic of the water tank holder in the extended position in an embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 3 presents a partial three-dimensional schematic of the water tank holder in the retracted position, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial three-dimensional schematic of the water tank holder in the extended position, as per Fig. 2.

[0010] FIG. 5 offers another schematic of the water tank holder shown in Fig. 1.

[0011] FIG. 6 depicts a three-dimensional schematic of the limiting rail as shown in Fig. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] This section provides a detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, assisting those skilled in the art to fully understand the technical solution of the invention. It is important to note that the described embodiment is just one of many possible implementations of this invention.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1-3, An embodiment of the invention provides a refrigerator comprising a cabinet, the cabinet defining a storage space comprising a

refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber. The refrigerator comprises at least one refrigerator door 100 for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber and at least one freezing door for opening and closing the freezing chamber. The refrigerator door 100 comprises a door shell and a door liner with insulating material filled in between to prevent loss of cold air from the cabinet. The insulating material can be foam or a VIP (Vacuum Insulation Panel ) or a combination of both, or any other material with insulating properties. On the inner side of the refrigerator door 100, there is a storage shelf, the storage shelf pivotally mounted on the inner side of the refrigerator door 100. In an embodiment of the invention, the storage shelf may be used as a water tank holder 200 for holding a water tank 400.

[0014] The water tank holder 200 is pivotally mounted on the inner side of the

door liner, and has an opening end 210 , the opening end has a retracted position

close to the door liner and an extended position away from the door liner. Inside the water tank holder 200, a water tank 400 is situated, which can be taken out or inserted through the opening end 210.

[0015] In this embodiment, a fixed frame 300 is provided on the inner side of the door liner, which can be integrally formed with the door liner or attached via screws or clips. The water tank holder 200 is pivotally mounted on the fixed frame 300. When the water tank holder 200 in the retracted position, the opening end 210 of the water tank holder 200 can towards the inside of the refrigerator cabinet, or towards the sides or top of the door. The opening end 210 can have multiple openings, such as at the top and front of the water tank holder 200 may be open to form an opening end 210.

[0016] Users can rotate the water tank holder 200 to a suitable angle to take out the water tank 400. After placing the water tank 400 back into the water tank holder 200, the water tank holder can be rotated back to the retracted position. This configuration allows for full utilization of the space on the refrigerator door 100, without other items stored on the door obstructing the opening end 210 or the water tank 400. Users can choose the most suitable angle to take out or insert the water tank 400 without spilling water.

[0017] Moreover, the refrigerator door 100 of the refrigerator is pivotally mounted to the cabinet, and the rotational axis of the water tank holder 200 is parallel to the rotational axis of the refrigerator door 100. When in the retracted position, the direction of removal of the water tank 400 is parallel to the width direction of the refrigerator door 100.

[0018] In this embodiment, the refrigerator door 100 has a hinge side 110 connected to the cabinet and an opposite opening side 120. When in the retracted position, the opening end 210 of the water tank holder 200 can toward the hinge side

110 or the opening side 120 of the refrigerator door 100, and the direction of removal of the water tank 400 can be parallel to the width direction of the refrigerator door 100. When the refrigerator door 100 is closed, the water tank holder 200 is in the retracted position. Upon opening the refrigerator door 100, the water tank holder 200 can be rotated so that the opening end 210 faces the user, facilitating the removal or insertion of the water tank 400.

[0019] Furthermore, the water tank holder 200 has a water tank storage chamber 220, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the water tank 400 for easy storage. One side of the water tank storage chamber 220 forms the opening end 210. When in the retracted position, the opening faces the opening end 120 of the refrigerator door 100, and the opening end 210 is adjacent to the opening side 120.

[0020] In this embodiment, the water tank holder 200 is mounted close to the opening side 120 of the refrigerator door 100. Specifically, the rotational axis of the water tank holder 200 is proximate to the hinge side 110, and the opening end 210 is proximate to the opening side 120. When in the retracted position, the opening end 210 is proximate to and facing the opening side 120.

[0021] The fixed frame 300 comprises top and bottom walls, and a rear wall connecting the top and bottom walls. The fixed frame 300 is fixed to the refrigerator door 100 through the rear wall. The top wall of the fixed frame 300 is fitted with an upper pivot bracket 310, the bottom wall of the fixed frame 300 is fitted with a lower pivot bracket 320, the upper pivot bracket 310 and the lower pivot bracket 320 each has a pivot 340 connecting to the water tank holder 200. Additionally, the fixed frame 300 includes a stopper wall 330 that limits the maximum extended position of the water tank holder 200. Specifically, the fixed frame 300 has a side wall close to the pivot and an open front surface opposite the rear wall to allow the water tank holder 200 to rotate towards the extended position. The stopper wall 330 is provided on the front surface of the fixed frame 300 and close to the pivot. When the water tank holder 200 rotates to maximum extended position, the water tank holder 200 against the stopper wall 330, the stopper wall 330 restricts further rotation of the water tank holder 200, thus preventing excessive opening of the water bracket 200.

[0022] The water tank 400 is rectangular, with the length direction of the water tank 400 parallel to the direction of removal. A handle 410 is provided on the side wall of the water tank 400, the handle 410 faces toward the opening end 210 when the water tank 400 is on the water tank holder 200.

[0023] In this embodiment, the length direction of the water tank 400 is parallel to the direction of removal. When the water tank 400 is in the retracted position, its length direction is parallel to the width direction of the door. The water tank 400 can be taken out or inserted through the handle 410 along its length direction. This configuration allows for full utilization of the inner space of the refrigerator door 100, minimizing the space occupied by the water tank 400 in the refrigerating chamber, and the water tank holder 200 is provided to be rotatable to enable convenient for removing the water tank 400.

[0024] Additionally, the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator is equipped with two opposing refrigerator doors 100. A flip beam 130 is provided on the refrigerator door 100 with the water tank holder 200, the flip beam 130 pivotally mounted on the opening side 120 of the refrigerator door 100 and is located on the inside of the

refrigerator door 100, the flip beam 130 extends along the height direction of the

refrigerated door 100. The cabinet is provided with a guiding mechanism that cooperates with the flip beam 130. When the refrigerator door 100 is closed, the flip beam 130 is parallel to the width direction of the door to seal the gap between the two refrigerator doors 100. When the refrigerator door 100 is opened, the flip beam 130 flips towards the inside of the refrigerator door 100 under the action of the cabinet's guiding mechanism. At this time, if the water tank holder 200 is in the retracted position, the flip beam 130 can partially obstruct the opening end 210 of the water tank holder 200, making it difficult for the user to directly take out or insert the water tank 400. Therefore, the water tank holder 200 is pivotally connected to the inside of the door liner. During use, the user can directly rotate the water tank holder 200 to an appropriate position and then take out or insert the water tank 400, avoiding interference from the flip beam 130 and fully utilizing the internal space of the refrigerator door.

[0025] Moreover, the door liner 140 of the refrigerator door 100 is also provided with door ribs 140, the door ribs 140 extend along the height of the refrigerator door 100 and positioned on both sides of the width direction of the refrigerator door 100. Specifically, door ribs 140 extend vertically are provided on both the hinge side 110 and the opening side 120 of the refrigerator door 100. Shelfs can be installed on slots provided on both side door ribs 140, the water tank holder 200 and the water tank 400 may be placed between the two side door ribs 140. When in the retracted position, the door ribs 140 on the opening side 120 of the refrigerator door 100 partially obstructs the opening end 210 of the water tank holder 200, affecting the removal or insertion of the water tank 400.

[0026] Thus, the invention provides a water tank holder 200 pivotally connected to the inner side of the door liner, allowing for convenient removal of the water tank 400 without affecting the installation of shelfs on the door, thereby fully utilizing the inner space of the door.

[0027] Further, the water tank storage chamber 220 within the water tank holder 200 includes bottom and top walls. The bottom wall has an accommodating groove 221, and the top wall has a stopper 222 provided away from the opening end 210. The bottom of the water tank 400 is placed in the accommodating groove 221, and the top of the water tank 400 abuts the stopper 222.

[0028] In this embodiment, the accommodating groove 221 of the bottom wall of the water tank storage chamber 220 is concave to match the shape of the bottom of the water tank 400. When the water tank 400 is placed inside the water tank storage chamber 220, the stopper 222 abuts against the top edge of the water tank 400. This configuration of the accommodating groove 221 and stopper 222 prevents the water tank 400 from tipping over and stabilizes it during the opening and closing of the door, as well as during the rotation of the Water tank holder 200.

[0029] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator's refrigerator door 100 has a dispenser 150, and the refrigerator also includes a dispenser water tank for supplying water to the dispenser 150, the water tank 400 positioned behind the dispenser 150.

[0030] The refrigerator may also include an ice maker, and the dispenser 150 can be used for dispensing water or ice. The door shell of the refrigerator door 100 has a dispenser opening, and the corresponding position on the door liner protrudes backward to ensure the thickness of the insulation layer and prevent the loss of cold air. The refrigerator door 100 or inside the refrigerating chamber can be provided with a dispenser water tank, and the refrigerator can also be provided with a water pipes connecting an external water source and the dispenser water tank to automatically supply water to the dispenser water tank. Thus, users can use the dispenser 150 to obtain small amounts of cold water, or directly remove the water tank 400 from the water tank holder 200 to use the cold water. Since the length direction of the water tank 400 is parallel to the width direction of the door, the space occupied by the water tank 400 in the thickness direction of the door is reduced. The water tank 400 can be installed behind the dispenser 150, efficiently utilizing the space within the door.

[0031] Moreover, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, a limit rail 500 is provided on the rear side of the door, the limit rail 500 can be provided on the fixed frame 300. The water tank holder 200 is pivotally connected to a limit rod 600, and the limit rod 600 is provided with a limit pillar 610. The rotation of the water tank holder 200 drives the limit pillar 610 to slide within the limit rail 500. The limit rail 500 includes an extending rail 510 and a returning rail 520. The extending rail 510 has a one-way travel limit mechanism 511, which allows the water tank holder 200 to rotate towards the extended position and restricts the water tank 200 from rotating towards the retracted position. The one-way travel limit mechanism 511 can be a ratchet structure set within the extending rail 510.

[0032] Both ends of the extending rail 510 and the returning rail 520 are interconnected, forming a closed circuit. When the water tank holder 200 rotates from the retracted position to the extended position, the water tank holder 200 drives the limit rod 600 to swing, and the limit pillar 610 slides within the extending rail 510. The ratchet in the extending rail 510 cooperates with the limit pillar 610, allowing the limit pillar 610 to move towards the extended position while restricting movement towards the retracted position. The water tank holder 200 can be suspended at any position, facilitating the user to remove or insert the water tank 400.

[0033] The trajectory of the extending rail 510 and the returning rail 520 includes concentric circular arcs centered around the rotational axis of the water tank holder 200. The limit rail 500 also includes a guiding rail 540 at the end of the extended position, the guiding rail 540 connecting the extending rail 510 and the returning rail 520. The guiding rail 540 extends from the extending rail 510 towards the extended position and incline from one side of the extending rail 510 to the side of the returning rail 520. A divider wall 530 is provide between the extending rail 510 and the returning rail 520, and the trajectories of the extending rail 510, returning rail 520, and divider wall 530 are circular arcs centered around the rotational axis of the storage shelf. The end surface of the divider wall 530 at the extended position is a incline surface, the incline surface forming one side of the rail surface of the guiding rail 540.

[0034] When the user pulls the water tank holder 200 from the retracted position towards the extended position, the limit rod 600 rotates around the water tank holder 200, and the limit pillar 610 slides within the extending rail 510 towards the extended position. When the limit pillar 610 moves to the extreme position at the extended side of the extending rail 510, continuing to drive the water tank holder 200 towards the extended position will cause the limit pillar 610 to enter the guiding rail 540 and then into the returning rail 520.

[0035] The connecting surface of the guiding rail 540 and the returning rail 520 forms a stepped surface, the rail surface of the guiding rail 540 being higher than that of the returning rail 520. When the limit pillar 610 slides from the guiding rail 540 to the returning rail 520,from the limit pillar 610 will not slide back into the guiding rail 540 under the stop of the stepped surface.

[0036] The bottom surface of the water tank holder 200 is also provided with stop ribs 611 placed on both sides of the limit rod 600. These stop ribs 611 limit the swing range of the limit rod 600. When the water tank holder 200 is in the retracted position, the limit rod 600 abuts against one of the stop ribs 611. When the water tank holder 200 is in the extreme extended position, the limit rod 600 abuts against the other stop rib 611. This arrangement prevents excessive swinging of the limit rod 600, ensuring that the limit pillar 610 does not disengage from the limit rail 500 and cause the limit rod 600 to jam.

[0037] In addition, in one embodiment of this invention, a reset guide portion 700 is provided on the inner side of the door. The reset guide portion 700 includes an inclined surface that ascends in the rotational direction of the water tank holder 200 from the retracted position to the extended position. The water tank holder 200 is provided with a support part 230 support on the inclined surface , the support part

230 can slide along the inclined surface. The rotation of the water tank holder 200 drives the support part 230 to climb or slide down the inclined surface.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the user applies an external force to rotate the water tank holder 200 from the retracted to the extended position, the support part 230 at the bottom of the water tank holder 200 climbs the inclined surface, causing the water tank holder 200 to slowly rise. If the user releases the water tank holder 200 at this point, under the influence of gravity, there is a tendency for the water tank holder 200 to slide down the inclined surface of the reset guide portion 700. If the water tank holder 200 has not yet extended to the extreme extended position, the cooperation between the limit pillar 610 and the ratchet in the extending rail 510 will cause the water tank holder 200 to suspend in that position under the stop of the ratchet. However, if the water tank holder 200 has already rotated to the extreme extended position, and the limit pillar 610 has entered the returning rail 520 from the extending rail 510, then under the influence of gravity, the water tank holder 200 will slide down the inclined surface of the reset guide portion 700, automatically returning to the retracted position.

[0039] Thus, by providing the reset guide portion 700, potential energy from gravity is stored when extending the water tank holder 200, enabling the water tank holder 200 to automatically return from the extended to the retracted position under the influence of potential energy, making it convenient for the user.

[0040] Further, the reset guide portion 700 is provided on the lower pivot bracket 320, with the inclined surface being arc-shaped and centered around the pivot 340. As the water tank holder 200 rotates around the lower pivot bracket 320, the water tank holder 200 rises or slides down along the inclined surface of the reset guide portion 700. The trajectory of the inclined surface of the reset guide portion 700 matches the motion trajectory of the support part 230 on the water tank holder 200, not hindering the movement of the water tank holder 200 and providing effective reset guidance.

[0041] Moreover, the reset guide portion 700 includes at least three uniformly distributed inclined surfaces centered around the pivot 340 of the water tank holder 200. Each inclined surface ascends in the rotational direction of the water tank holder 200 from the retracted position to the extended position, and the arc angle of each inclined surface is equal to or greater than the maximum rotational angle of the water tank holder 200. The number of inclined surfaces can be determined based on the maximum rotational angle of the water tank holder 200, and multiple inclined surfaces ensure smooth and stable rotation of the water tank holder 200.

[0042] The water tank holder 200 is provided with at least one support part 230 corresponding to each inclined surface, a rolling element provided on the support part 230, the rolling element can be a roller 231. The rotation of the water tank holder 200 drives the rolling element to roll on the inclined surface of the reset guide portion 700. As the water tank holder 200 rotates, multiple support parts 230 respectively ascend or slide down along their corresponding slopes. When in the retracted position, the support part 230 is located at the lower side of each inclined surface, and when in the extended position, the support part 230 climbs to the higher side of each inclined surface. The rolling element reduces the friction between the support part 230 and the reset guide portion 700, allowing the water tank holder 200 to slide more smoothly into the retracted position under the influence of gravity.

[0043] Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, a locking groove 561 is provided near the retracted position end of the limit rail 500. An elastic element 800 is placed between the water tank holder 200 and the door liner, the elastic element 800 provides an elastic force driving the water tank holder 200 towards the extended position as the water tank holder 200 rotates from the extended position to the retracted position, enabling the limit post 610 to slide from the returning rail 520 into the locking slot 561.

[0044] When the water tank holder 200 automatically returns to the retracted position under gravity, it compresses the elastic element 800 between the water tank holder 200 and the door, generating an elastic force that drives the water tank holder 200 to rotate towards the extended position, thus moving the limit post 610 from the returning rail 520 to the locking groove 561, achieving automatic locking of the water tank holder 200 and preventing the tank from shaking when the user opens and closes the refrigeration door 100.

[0045] The elastic element 800 may be provided on the water tank holder 200 and is positioned between the water tank holder 200 and the door liner when in the retracted position. Specifically, the elastic element 800 can be an elastic rib integrally formed with the water tank holder 200.

[0046] Further, a divider wall 530 is provided between the extending rail 510 and the returning rail 520, the end surface of the divider wall 530 at the retracted position end being recessed to form the locking groove 561. The trajectory of the divider wall 530 can be a circular arc concentric with the trajectories of the extending rail 510 and returning rail 520, with the locking groove 561 being arc-shaped and facing the retracted position.

[0047] Close to the retracted position end of the limit rail 500, a yielding part 550 is provided, the yielding part 550 is connected to the returning rail 520, and includes a yielding slot 551 opposite the locking groove 561. As the water tank holder 200 rotates towards the retracted position, the limit post 610 slides within the returning rail 520 towards the retracted position side. When the limit post 610 slides to the end of the returning rail 520, under the action of gravitational potential energy, the water tank holder 200 continues to rotate towards the retracted position side, with the limit post 610 entering the yielding part 550 and moving towards the yielding slot 551. At this point, the water tank holder 200 compresses the elastic element 800, whose elastic force drives the water tank holder 200 to rotate in the opposite direction, moving the limit post 610 from the yielding slot 551 to the opposite locking groove 561, achieving locking.

[0048] Moreover, the connection surfaces at the retracted position end of the extending rail 510 and returning rail 520 are stepped, including a first step surface 552 and a second step surface 562, with the first step surface 552 being higher than the second step surface 562. The first step surface 552 is connected to the returning rail 520, and the ends of the second step surface 562 are connected to both the first step surface 552 and the extending rail 510. The first step surface 552 forms the yielding part 550 with the yielding slot 551, and the second step surface 562 forms the locking part 560 with the locking groove 561. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 800, after the limit post 610 moves from the yielding part 550 to the locking groove 561, the stepped feature between the yielding part 550 and the locking part 560 prevents the limit post 610 from rebounding back to the locking part 560 or swinging randomly, ensuring a more stable lock.

[0049] Furthermore, the first step surface 552 is lower than the rail surface of the returning rail 520, and the second step surface 562 is higher than the extending rail

510. The opening of the yielding slot 551 is smaller than that of the locking groove 561, and both the first step surface 552 and the second step surface 562 are fan shaped. The edges of the first step surface 552 are respectively the ends of the yielding slot 551 and the line connecting the end of the locking groove 561 close to the returning rail 520. The edges of the second step surface 562 are respectively the ends of the locking groove 561 and the line connecting the end of the yielding slot 551 close to the extending rail 510.

[0050] The step between the first step surface 552 and the returning rail 520 increases the gravitational potential energy, while the connection surface between the first step surface 552 and the returning rail 520 guides and limits the limit post 610, directing it into the locking groove 561 and preventing it from returning to the returning rail 520 under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 800.

[0051] When the user wishes to rotate the water tank holder 200 out of the retracted position, they can press the water tank holder 200, disengaging the limit post 610 from the locking groove 561. The elastic element 800 at the rear of the water tank holder 200 is compressed, generating an elastic force that drives the water tank holder 200 to rotate towards the extended position. The connection surface between the first step surface 552 and the second step surface 562 guides the limit post 610, moving it from the locking part 560 to the inside of the extending rail 510 to unlock. The user can then continue to pull the water tank holder 200 to rotate towards the extended position. Thus, the water tank holder 200 can achieve automatic locking and unlocking with a simple press, making the overall operation straightforward and convenient.

[0052] In addition, the returning rail 520 includes a recovery area 521 and a buffering area 522, with the buffering area 522 connected to the yielding part 550. The trajectories of the buffering area 522 and the recovery area 521 are circular arcs centered on the pivot of the water tank holder 200, and the radius of the circular arc of the buffering area 522 is greater than that of the recovery area 521. The length of the buffering area 522 is less than that of the recovery area 521. As the water tank holder 200 rotates under the action of gravitational potential energy towards the retracted position, the buffering area 522 slows down the speed of the water tank holder 200, preventing it from colliding too quickly with the door or the fixed frame 300, which could cause the internal water tank 400 to shake.

[0053] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment contains an independent technical solution. This description method is for clarity, and those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. Technical solutions in the various embodiments can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that those skilled in the art can understand. The detailed description of a series of embodiments provided above for the feasibility of this invention is merely for illustration and should not limit the scope of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the spirit of the invention should be included within the scope of the invention..

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet, defining a storage space that includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber; at least one refrigerator door for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber, where the refrigerator door includes a door shell and a door liner with insulating material filled in between; a water tank holder mounted on at least one of the refrigerator doors, pivotally mounted to the inner side of the door liner; the opening end of the water tank holder has a retracted position close to the door liner and an extended position away from the door liner; a water tank placed within the water tank holder and can be taken out from the opening end of the water tank holder.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the refrigerator door is pivotally connected to the cabinet, the rotational axis of the water tank holder is parallel to the rotational axis of the refrigerator door, and when in the retracted position, the direction of removal of the water tank is parallel to the width direction of the refrigerator door.
3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the refrigerator door comprises a hinge side connected to the cabinet and an opposite opening side; the water tank holder has a water tank storage chamber with one side open to form the opening end; when in the retracted position, the opening faces toward the opening side of the refrigerator door and is adjacent to the opening side.
4. The refrigerator of claim 3, comprising two opposing refrigerator doors, wherein the opening side of the refrigerator door having the water tank holder installed is provided with a flip beam; the flip beam is pivotally connected to the inner side of the refrigerator door and flips towards the inner side of the refrigerator door when the door is opened.
5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the inner side of the door is provided with a reset guide portion, the reset guide portion includes an inclined surface that ascends in the rotational direction of the water tank holder from the retracted position to the extended position; the water tank holder is provided with a support part that supports on the inclined surface, the support part can slide along the inclined surface, driving the support part to climb or slide down as the water tank holder rotates.
6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the inner side of the door has a lower pivot bracket provided with a pivot for connecting the water tank holder, the reset guide portion is provided on the lower pivot bracket, and the inclined surface is arc-shaped, centered around the pivot.
7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the reset guide portion includes at least three uniformly distributed inclined surfaces centered around the pivot, each inclined surface ascends in the rotational direction of the water tank holder from the retracted to the extended position, and the arc angle of each inclined surface is equal to or greater than the maximum rotational angle of the water tank holder.
8. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a limit rail, which is provided on the inner side of the door, includes interconnected extending rail and returning rails, forming a closed circuit; a limit rod, pivotally connected to the water tank holder, a limit pillar provided on the limit rod and placed inside the limit rail, the limit pillar moves within the extending rail or the returning rail following the rotation of the water tank holder; a locking groove is provided within one end of the limit rail close to the retracted position, and an elastic element is positioned between the water tank holder and the door, the elastic element provides an elastic force to drive the water tank holder towards the extended position when rotating from the extended to the retracted position, causing the water tank holder to drive the limit pillar from the returning rail into the locking groove.
9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein a divider wall is provided between the extending rail and the returning rail, the end surface of the divider wall close to the retracted position is recessed to form the locking groove .
10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the end of the limit rail close to the retracted position is provided with a yielding part ,the yielding part is connected to the returning rail, the yielding part includes a yielding groove opposite the locking groove.
11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the connection surface of the extending rail and the returning rail at the end close to the retracted position is stepped, the connection surface including a first step surface and a second step surface, the first step surface is higher than the second step surface, and the first step surface is connected to the returning rail, the two ends of the second step surface are respectively connected to the first step surface and the extending rail, the first step surface forming the yielding part with the yielding groove , the second step surface forming the locking part with the locking groove.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the first step surface is lower than the rail surface of the returning rail, and the second step surface is higher than the rail surface of the extending rail.
13. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the returning rail includes a returning area and a buffering area, the buffering area is connected to the yielding part, and the trajectories of the buffering area and the returning area are circular arcs centered around the rotational axis of the water tank holder, the radius of the arc of the buffering area is larger than that of the returning area.
14. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the limit rod is provided with a limit pillar, the rotation of the water tank holder drives the limit pillar to slide within the limit rail, and the extending rail is equipped with ratchets to allow the limit pillar to slide towards the extended position while restricting it from sliding towards the retracted position.
15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the door liner has a fixed frame which is fixed relative to the door liner, the water tank holder is pivotally connected to the fixed frame, and the fixed frame is equipped with a stopper wall that limits the maximum extended position of the water tank holder.