CN115335653A

CN115335653A - Container connecting module and refrigeration appliance with same

Info

Publication number: CN115335653A
Application number: CN202180024658.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 豊嶋昌志; 加藤直树
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-02
Filing date: 2021-03-03
Publication date: 2022-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-03
Also published as: EP4130624A1; JP2024056015A; CN115335653B; JP7455370B2; EP4130624A4; WO2021196959A1; JP2021160821A

Abstract

A container connecting module and a refrigeration appliance with the same, wherein the container connecting module 40 comprises a container connecting part 44 connected with a drinking mouth part 43 of a drinking container 42; and an outflow regulating portion 45 which prevents the drinking water from flowing out of the drinking container 42 when not operated by the user and allows the drinking water to flow out of the drinking container 42 when operated by the user. The outer diameter of the container connecting portion 44 is tapered toward the container side, and the gap between the container connecting portion 44 and the drinking spout portion 43 is sealed by the contact between the outer surface of the container connecting portion 44 and the inner wall of the drinking spout portion 43.

Description

Container connecting module and refrigeration electric appliance with same

Technical Field

The invention relates to a container connecting module and a refrigeration appliance with the same.

Background

Conventionally, a refrigeration appliance having a water supply mechanism as described in japanese patent laid-open No. 2017-36061 of patent document 1 is known. In this refrigeration apparatus, first, a water supply tank for storing drinking water is provided inside a heat insulating door that closes a refrigerating chamber formed in an upper layer of a heat insulating box, a water supply chamber having a cavity is formed on an outer side surface of the heat insulating door, and a water injection rod is disposed inside the water supply chamber. Further, a water filling portion communicating with the water supply tank is disposed on the upper rear side of the water supply chamber.

In the water supply chamber of the refrigeration appliance having the above configuration, the user presses the water pouring lever with the cup, and the cooled drinking water is supplied from the water supply tank to the cup through the water pouring portion.

However, in the refrigeration appliance having the water supply mechanism, it is necessary to provide a water supply tank dedicated to water supply on the inner side surface of the heat insulating door, and if the drinking water in the water supply tank is insufficient, it is necessary to supply the drinking water to the water supply tank by the user, which causes a problem of inconvenience in use of the water supply mechanism. Further, when supplying tap water to the water supply tank, there is a problem that the safety of the tap water or the like is not always ensured depending on the country or region where the refrigeration appliance is used.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a container connection module capable of using a drinking container as a water supply mechanism in a refrigeration appliance with a simple structure, and a refrigeration appliance having the same.

A container connection module for mounting at a drinking spout of a drinking container, comprising: a container connecting portion inserted into and connected to the drinking spout of the drinking container; and an outflow regulating portion that stops and allows the supply of drinking water from the drinking container; an outer diameter of the container connecting portion is formed to become smaller in a direction toward the drinking container side; sealing a gap between the container connecting part and the drinking spout part by contacting an inner wall of the drinking spout part of the drinking container with an outer side surface of the container connecting part. According to the present invention, since the inner wall of the drinking spout of the drinking vessel is in contact with the outer surface of the vessel connecting portion, even if the type of the vessel connecting portion and the inner diameter of the drinking spout are different, the gap between the drinking spout and the vessel connecting portion can be sealed, and the drinking water can be prevented from leaking therebetween.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outflow regulating portion has a cylindrical housing; a first movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the housing, pressed by a pressing member, and provided movably in an axial direction of the housing; a fixed cylindrical portion integrally formed in the housing and having one end inserted into the first movable cylindrical portion; and a second movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the fixed cylindrical portion and provided movably in the axial direction together with the first movable cylindrical portion; when no external force against the pressing member acts on the first movable cylindrical portion, the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion are sealed by the force applied by the pressing member, and the supply of the drinking water from the drinking container is stopped, and when an external force against the pressing member acts on the first movable cylindrical portion, a gap is generated between the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion, thereby allowing the drinking water to be supplied from the drinking container. According to the present invention, the second movable cylindrical portion is moved according to the presence or absence of the operation of the user, whereby the outflow of drinking water can be prevented when the user is not operating the second movable cylindrical portion, and drinking water can be supplied when the user is operating the second movable cylindrical portion.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outflow adjusting portion has a cover portion surrounding the first movable cylindrical portion. According to the present invention, the cover surrounds the first movable cylindrical portion, so that the user can be prevented from inadvertently touching the first movable cylindrical portion, and the drinking water can be prevented from flowing out at an inappropriate timing.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outflow regulator portion further has a rotation engaging portion rotatably mounted to the housing and engaged with the drinking container. According to the present invention, the container connecting portion can be securely attached to the drinking spout portion of the drinking container by engaging the rotation engaging portion with the drinking container.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outflow adjustment unit further includes: an opening part formed by opening a part of the housing; a cylindrical tube part which is built in the housing, one end of which is connected to the opening part, and the other end of which is led out from the container connecting part to the outside; and a check valve connected to the other end of the pipe portion. According to the present invention, the check valve communicating with the outside can be disposed in the drinking container, and the drinking water can be smoothly supplied from the drinking container.

A refrigeration appliance having said container connection module, a door enclosing a storage compartment; a receiving area formed at an inner side of the door facing the storage compartment, receiving the drinking container with the container connection module facing downward; a drinking water supply part formed on the outer side surface facing the outside and provided with an end part of the container connecting module; and a supply rod having one end abutting against the container connection module and the other end disposed at the drinking water supply section. According to the present invention, the user can supply drinking water into the cup through the container connection module by pressing the supply lever to the inner side with the container such as the cup.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration appliance further comprises: an opening formed below the receiving area, into which the container connection module is inserted; and a movable cover rotatably disposed in the vicinity of the accommodation area and closing the opening. According to the present invention, when the drinking container is not accommodated in the accommodation area, the movable lid can close the opening, and therefore, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber can be prevented from escaping to the outside through the opening.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a refrigeration appliance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side sectional view showing an internal structure of the refrigeration appliance of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a container connecting module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a view showing a container connection module of an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is an exploded view, and (B) is a sectional view.

Fig. 5 is a view showing a container connection module of an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a sectional view showing an intermediate stage of connecting a drinking container and the container connection module, and (B) is a sectional view showing a state where the container connection module is connected with the drinking container.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a drinking container to which a container connection module according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected is incorporated into an insulated door of a refrigeration appliance, wherein (a) is a perspective view showing an intermediate stage of the incorporation, and (B) is a perspective view showing a state after the incorporation.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a state in which a drinking container to which a container connection module according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected is incorporated into an insulated door of a refrigeration appliance, (a) is a perspective view showing an intermediate stage of the incorporation, and (B) is a perspective view showing the incorporated state.

Fig. 8 is a view showing an associated structure between the container connection module and the feed bar of the embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view showing the container connection module and the feed bar, and (B) is a perspective view showing the feed bar.

Fig. 9 is a view showing a container connection module of the present embodiment, (a) is a sectional view showing the container connection module in a closed state in which the outflow of drinking water is blocked, and (B) is a sectional view showing the container connection module in an open state in which the outflow of drinking water is allowed.

Fig. 10 shows a structure in which a drinking container to which a container connection module according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected is incorporated into an insulation door, (a) shows a movable lid in an open state, and (B) shows a movable lid in a closed state.

Description of reference numerals: 10-refrigerating electric appliance, 11-heat-insulating box body, 12-outer box, 13-inner box, 14-heat-insulating material, 15-refrigerating chamber, 16-blower, 17-freezing chamber, 18-upper freezing chamber, 19-lower freezing chamber, 20-vegetable chamber, 21-heat-insulating door, 22-cooler, 23-heat-insulating door, 24-heat-insulating door, 25-heat-insulating door, 26-cooling chamber, 27-compressor, 40-container connecting module, 41-supply rod, 411-abutting part, 412-corner part, 413-contact part, 414-projecting part, 415-engaging hole, 42-drinking container, 421-flange part, 43-drinking mouth part, 44-container connecting part, 441-inclined surface, 45-outflow regulating part, 46-housing, 47-pressing member, 48-first movable cylindrical part, 49-fixed cylindrical part, 50-second movable cylindrical part, 51-lid part, 52-rotary engaging part, 521-engaging opening, 53-receiving area, 54-drinking water supply part, 5-opening part, 56, check valve-57-engaging projection part, 58-engaging projection part, 60-opening part, 62-sealing part, 64-opening part, and 64-sealing lid part.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the container connection module 40 and the refrigeration appliance 10 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. Note that, the respective directions of up, down, front, rear, left, and right are appropriately used, and the left and right indicate the left and right in the case where the refrigeration apparatus 10 is viewed from the front. Further, in the present embodiment, as the refrigerating appliance 10, a refrigerating appliance having a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber is exemplified, but the refrigerating appliance 10 may have only the freezing chamber, or only the refrigerating chamber.

Fig. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a refrigeration appliance 10 of an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigeration appliance 10 includes a heat-insulating box 11 as a main body, and a storage chamber for storing foods and the like is formed inside the heat-insulating box 11. As the storage room, the uppermost layer is a refrigerating room 15, the lower layer is an upper freezing room 18, the further lower layer is a lower freezing room 19, and the further lowermost layer is a vegetable room 20. Upper freezer compartment 18 and lower freezer compartment 19 are storage compartments having a freezing temperature range, and in the following description, these are collectively referred to as freezer compartment 17. Here, upper freezer compartment 18 may be divided into left and right sides, and one side may be used as an ice making compartment.

The heat insulation box 11 has a front opening, and heat insulation doors 21 are provided at the openings corresponding to the storage chambers so as to be freely opened and closed. Since the heat insulating door 21 closes the front surface of the refrigerating compartment 15 while being spaced apart in the right-left direction, the heat insulating door 21 is rotatably attached to the heat insulating box 11 at the outer upper and lower ends in the width direction. The heat insulating door 23, the heat insulating door 24, and the heat insulating door 25 are integrally assembled with the respective storage containers, and are supported by the heat insulating box 11 so as to be freely drawn out toward the front of the refrigeration appliance 10. Specifically, insulated door 23 closes upper freezer compartment 18, insulated door 24 closes lower freezer compartment 19, and insulated door 25 closes vegetable compartment 20.

In the present embodiment, a drinking water supply portion 54 is formed in the heat insulating door 21 that closes the left portion of the refrigerating compartment 15. As described below, the drinking water supply portion 54 is a concave portion for supplying the drinking water cooled in the interior of the refrigerating chamber 15 to the cup 61.

Fig. 2 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the refrigeration appliance 10. The heat-insulating box 11, which is the main body of the electric refrigerator 10, is composed of an outer box 12 made of a steel plate having an open front face, and an inner box 13 made of a synthetic resin and disposed inside the outer box 12 and having an open front face, and a gap is provided between the inner box 13 and the outer box 12. A gap between the outer casing 12 and the inner casing 13 is filled with a heat insulating material 14 made of polyurethane and foamed. The above-described heat insulation doors 21 and the like also have the same heat insulation structure as the heat insulation box 11.

The refrigerating chamber 15 is partitioned from the freezing chamber 17 located at the lower layer thereof by an insulating partition wall. Further, freezing room 17 and vegetable room 20 are also partitioned by a heat insulating partition wall.

A refrigerating compartment supply air passage as a supply air passage for supplying cold air to refrigerating compartment 15 is formed on the rear surface of refrigerating compartment 15.

A freezer compartment supply air duct for allowing cold air cooled by cooler 22 to flow into freezer compartment 17 is formed on the rear side of freezer compartment 17. Cooling chamber 26 is formed further on the rear side of freezer supply air duct, and cooler 22, which is an evaporator for cooling air circulating in the refrigeration apparatus, is disposed inside cooling chamber 26.

The air inside the cooling compartment 26 cooled by the cooler 22 is blown to the refrigerating compartment 15, the freezing compartment 17, and the vegetable compartment 20 by the blower fan 16.

The cooler 22 is connected to a refrigerant pipe via a compressor 27, a radiator, not shown, and a capillary tube, not shown, as expansion means, and is a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

A drinking container 42 is disposed inside the heat insulating door 21, and drinking water in the drinking container 42 is also cooled in the refrigerating compartment 15. The drinking water supplied from the drinking water container 42 is supplied to the cup 61 disposed in the drinking water supply unit 54 by the user.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the container connection module 40. The tank connecting module 40 mainly includes a tank connecting portion 44 and an outflow regulating portion 45. The container connection module 40 is attached to a drinking spout 43 of a drinking container 42, which will be described later, and prevents drinking water from flowing out of the drinking container 42 to the outside when no user operates the drinking spout, and supplies drinking water from the drinking container 42 to a cup 61 or the like when a user operates the drinking spout.

The container connecting portion 44 has a shape tapered outward in an outward radial direction, and a gap between the container connecting portion 44 and a drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42 described later is sealed by contacting an outer surface of the container connecting portion 44 with an inner wall of the drinking spout 43. The check valve 57 is led out from the upper end opening of the container connecting portion 44.

The outflow regulating portion 45 has the following functions: the supply of drinking water from the drinking container 42 is prevented when not operated by the user, and the supply of drinking water from the drinking container 42 is prevented when operated by the user. A specific structure of the outflow regulating portion 45 will be described below with reference to fig. 4.

The rotary engagement portion 52 is rotatably mounted near the upper end of the housing 46 and engages a drinking container 42 described below. Here, the 2 rotation engaging portions 52 are respectively installed at portions of the outflow regulating portion 45 which are opposed to each other. Further, the engagement opening 521 is formed by opening a substantially rectangular shape at an upper portion of the rotation engagement portion 52. The engagement opening 521 is an opening that engages with the flange portion 421 of the drinking container 42, as described below.

The housing 46 constitutes a design portion of the container connection module 40, and has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and an upper portion is thicker than a lower portion. A lid 51 surrounding the first movable cylindrical portion 48 from the outside is provided to a lower end portion of the housing 46.

The structure of the container connection module 40 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 4. Fig. 4 (a) is an exploded view showing the container connection module 40, and fig. 4 (B) is a side sectional view.

Referring to fig. 4 (a), engagement convex portions 58 that protrude substantially cylindrically radially outward are formed at positions facing the outer peripheral surface of the housing 46. The engagement projection 58 of the housing 46 is rotatably fitted into an engagement opening 59 formed in a lower layer portion of the rotation engagement portion 52. Thereby, the rotation engaging portion 52 is rotatably provided outside the housing 46.

As shown in fig. 4 (B), the container connection module 40 has a housing 46, a first movable cylindrical portion 48, a fixed cylindrical portion 49, and a second movable cylindrical portion 50 from the outside in the radial direction.

The first movable cylindrical portion 48 is disposed inside and below the housing 46, is pressed by the pressing member 47, and moves in the axial direction according to the operation of the user. The lower end portion of the first movable cylindrical portion 48 has a substantially conical shape with a diameter that is narrowed downward. Further, the lower end portion of the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is engaged with the lower end portion of the second movable cylindrical portion 50.

The fixed cylindrical portion 49 is a substantially cylindrical member disposed inside the housing 46. The upper end of the fixed cylindrical portion 49 is connected to the housing 46, and the diameter of the upper end of the fixed cylindrical portion 49 is tapered. The fixed cylindrical portion 49 is fixed to an inner position of the container connection module 40.

The second movable cylindrical portion 50 is a substantially cylindrical member built in the fixed cylindrical portion 49, and has a substantially cylindrical shape with an outer diameter gradually decreasing downward. As described above, the lower end portion of the second movable cylindrical portion 50 is engaged with the lower end portion of the first movable cylindrical portion 48. Therefore, the second movable cylindrical portion 50 receives the urging force of the urging member 47, and moves in the up-down direction together with the first movable cylindrical portion 48.

The seal member 62 engages with the outer face of the lower end portion of the second movable cylindrical portion 50. The sealing member 62 is, for example, an O-ring formed of rubber, flexible resin, or the like. The sealing member 62 is compressively deformed between the inner face of the fixed cylindrical portion 49 and the outer face of the second movable cylindrical portion 50 by the force applied by the pressing member 47, whereby the space between the inner face of the fixed cylindrical portion 49 and the outer face of the second movable cylindrical portion 50 is sealed. Thus, as described later, when the user does not operate the drinking water dispenser, the supply of the drinking water from the drinking water container 42 is stopped. On the other hand, as will be described later, if the first movable cylindrical portion 48 moves upward by the operation of the user, the second movable cylindrical portion 50 also moves upward inside the fixed cylindrical portion 49 at the same time, and therefore the seal member 62 is separated from the inner surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 49. Thus, the drinking water is supplied from the drinking container 42 to the outside through the space between the inner surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 49 and the outer surface of the second movable cylindrical portion 50.

A pressing member 47 such as a coil spring is disposed between the housing 46 and the first movable cylindrical portion 48. An upper end portion of the pressing member 47 abuts against a wall-shaped portion formed inside the housing 46, and a lower end portion of the pressing member 47 abuts against a step portion formed inside the first movable cylindrical portion 48. The pressing member 47 presses the first movable cylindrical portion 48 downward. Thereby, the seal member 62 attached to the outer surface of the second movable cylindrical portion 50 meshing with the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is pressed against the inner surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 49.

The lower end portion of the housing 46 has a lid 51. The cover portion 51 surrounds and protects the first movable cylindrical portion 48.

As described above, the container connecting portion 44 is a substantially cylindrical member attached to the upper end of the housing 46. The container connecting portion 44 is formed of a material that is easily elastically deformed, such as rubber or a flexible resin. The container connecting portion 44 has a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, and an outer upper end portion thereof has a shape in which the outer diameter decreases upward. That is, the inclined surface 441 is formed on the outer surface of the upper end of the container connecting portion 44. The outer diameter L11 at the lower end of the inclined surface 441 is set to be greater than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of a drinking spout 43 of a drinking container 42 described later. The outer diameter L10 at the upper end of the inclined surface 441 is set to be smaller than or equal to the minimum outer diameter of the drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42 described later. Thus, even if there is a variation in the inner diameter of the drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42 described later, the outer surface of the inclined surface 441 of the container connecting portion 44 can be reliably fitted into the inner surface of the drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42.

In japan, the drinking container 42 described with reference to fig. 5 has a type in which the inner diameter of the drinking spout 43 is 20mm and a type in which the inner diameter of the drinking spout 43 is 21 mm. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an example, L11, which is the maximum outer diameter of the inclined surface 441, is set to 21mm or more, and L10, which is the minimum outer diameter of the inclined surface 441, is set to 20mm or less. By making the outer diameter of the inclined surface 441 in such a range, the container connecting portion 44 of the container connecting module 40 can be inserted into the drinking spout portion 43 of the drinking container 42 having a different opening diameter without a gap, and drinking water is prevented from flowing out from between the drinking spout portion 43 of the container connecting module 40 and the container connecting portion 44 of the container connecting module 40.

A pipe portion 56 is built in an upper portion of the housing 46. The lower end portion of the pipe portion 56 communicates with an opening portion 55 (fig. 4 a) formed in the housing 46, and the upper end portion of the housing 46 is drawn out from the opening of the container connecting portion 44. Further, the upper end of the pipe portion 56 is connected to a check valve 57. The check valve 57 is a valve that allows air introduced from the pipe portion 56 to flow toward the drinking container 42, while preventing drinking water from flowing toward the pipe portion 56.

Fig. 5 is a view showing the container connection module 40, fig. 5 (a) is a sectional view showing an intermediate stage of connecting the drinking container 42 and the container connection module 40, and fig. 5 (B) is a sectional view showing a state where the container connection module 40 is connected to the drinking container 42.

Referring to fig. 5 (a), a drinking spout 43 and a flange 421 are formed at the end of the drinking container 42. When mounting the container connection module 40 on the drinking container 42, the rotary latch 52 of the container connection module 40 is first rotated open radially outwards.

In this state, the drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42 is inserted into the container connecting portion 44 of the container connecting module 40. As described above, the minimum outer diameter of the inclined surface 441 of the container connecting portion 44 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the drinking spout portion 43. The maximum outer diameter of the inclined surface 441 is set larger than the inner diameter of the drinking spout 43. Therefore, when the container connecting portion 44 formed of a flexible material is inserted into the drinking spout portion 43, the outer surface of the container connecting portion 44 is in close contact with the inner surface of the drinking spout portion 43, and therefore the drinking water in the drinking container 42 does not leak from the contact portion between the drinking spout portion 43 and the container connecting portion 44.

Referring to fig. 5 (B), the rotation engaging portion 52 is then closed radially inward. Thereby, the flange portion 421 of the drinking container 42 is engaged with the engagement opening 521 of the rotation engaging portion 52, and the container connection module 40 is not detached from the drinking container 42.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the drinking container 42 to which the container connection module 40 is connected is incorporated into the heat insulation door 21 of the refrigeration appliance 10, fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view showing an intermediate stage of the incorporation, and fig. 6 (B) is a perspective view showing the incorporated state.

Referring to fig. 6 (a), the receiving area 53 is formed by recessing the inner surface of the heat insulation door 21 forward. The accommodation region 53 has a shutter portion 60. The baffle portion 60 is a substantially plate-shaped member, and is attached to the inner surface of the heat insulation door 21 in a state where the end portion in the left-right direction is slidable in the up-down direction. The receiving region 53 has a volume which can receive, for example, two drinking containers 42, for example two 2-liter PET bottles. The drinking container 42 is accommodated in the accommodation region 53 in a state where the container connection module 40 is seated on the lower end side. When the drinking container 42 is stored in the housing area 53, the flap portion 60 slides to the lower side of the housing area 53. Thus, the operation of storing the drinking container 42 in the containing area 53 is not hindered by the flap portion 60.

Here, when the flap portion 60 is lowered to put in the drinking container 42, the accommodation work of the heat insulating door 24 becomes easy. Further, by raising the baffle portion 60, the drinking container 42 can be stabilized when opening and closing the heat insulating door 21. As shown in fig. 6 (B), the lock catch is engaged and activated by raising the baffle portion 60, and the drinking container 42 is slightly pressed forward. When the baffle portion 60 is lifted, the baffle portion 60 is slightly separated from the drinking container 42 and operated.

Referring to fig. 6 (B), the shutter portion 60 is moved upward. Thus, the lower portion of the drinking container 42 is supported by the baffle portion 60, and the drinking container 42 can be stably accommodated in the accommodation region 53.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the drinking container 42 to which the container connection module 40 is connected is incorporated in the heat insulating door 21 of the refrigeration appliance 10, fig. 7 (a) is a sectional view of the heat insulating door 21, and fig. 7 (B) is a perspective view of the heat insulating door 21 as viewed from the outside.

Referring to fig. 7 (a), when the drinking container 42 is accommodated in the accommodation area 53 in an inverted state, the lower end portion of the container connecting portion 44 attached to the drinking container 42 is exposed to the inside of the upper end of the drinking water supply portion 54. The hook-shaped supply rod 41 is rotatably provided on the back side of the drinking water supply unit 54.

Referring to fig. 7 (B), the drinking water supply unit 54 is a cavity formed by recessing the lower portion of the front surface of the heat insulation door 21 rearward. The drinking-water supply portion 54 has a volume capable of accommodating, for example, two cups 61 into which drinking water is supplied from the drinking container 42.

Fig. 8 is a view showing a structure of association between the container connection module 40 and the feed bar 41, fig. 8 (a) is a perspective view showing the container connection module 40 and the feed bar 41, and fig. 8 (B) is a perspective view showing the feed bar 41.

Referring to fig. 8 (a), the supply rod 41 is disposed at the lower end of the container connecting module 40. The upper end of the feed bar 41 is in contact with the lower end of the container connection module 40. Specifically, the lower end of the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is pressed against a projection 414 of the supply rod 41 described later by the force applied by the pressing member 47 shown in fig. 4 (B).

Referring to fig. 4 (B), the supply lever 41 is a substantially hook-shaped member, and includes: an abutting portion 411 extending in the vertical direction and abutting against the cup 61; a contact portion 413 extending in the front-rear direction and contacting the container connection module 40; a corner portion 412 as a connecting portion of the contact portion 413 and the abutting portion 411; and an engaging hole 415 opened at the front end of the contact portion 413. Further, the rear end portion of the upper surface of the contact portion 413 is partially raised upward, thereby forming a protrusion 414. The supply lever 41 is rotatably connected to the main body side of the refrigeration appliance 10 through the engaging hole 415.

With such a configuration, when the user presses the front surface of the contact portion 411 of the supply lever 41 rearward with the rear end portion of the not-shown cup 61, the supply lever 41 rotates about the engagement hole 415 as a fulcrum, and the protrusion 414 is pushed up. As a result, as will be described later, the upper end portion of the contact portion 413 pushes up the first movable cylindrical portion 48 and the second movable cylindrical portion 50 of the container connection module 40, and drinking water can be supplied from the drinking container 42 to the cup 61.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the container connection module 40, fig. 9 (a) is a sectional view showing the container connection module 40 in a closed state in which the outflow of drinking water is blocked, and fig. 9 (B) is a sectional view showing the container connection module 40 in an open state in which the outflow of drinking water is allowed.

Referring to fig. 9 (a), in the container connection module 40 in the closed state, the first movable cylindrical portion 48 and the fixed cylindrical portion 49 are not pushed up from below, and therefore, the space between the outer surface of the second movable cylindrical portion 50 and the inner surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 49 is sealed by the sealing member 62. Thus, the drinking water stored in the drinking water container 42 does not flow out of the container connection module 40.

Referring to fig. 9 (B), in the container connecting module 40 in the open state, the lower end portion of the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is pushed up by the protrusion 414 of the supply lever 41 shown in fig. 8 (B). Thereby, the second movable cylindrical portion 50 is also pushed up inside the fixed cylindrical portion 49. Therefore, the sealing member 62 fitted into the distal end portion of the second movable cylindrical portion 50 is separated from the inner surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 49. Thus, the drinking water stored in the drinking container 42 is supplied to the cup 61 through the container connection module 40 via between the second movable cylindrical portion 50 and the fixed cylindrical portion 49. Then, if the user separates the cup 61 from the abutting portion 411 shown in fig. 8 (B) because sufficient drinking water has been supplied into the cup 61, the container connection module 40 returns to the closed state shown in fig. 9 (a), and the supply of drinking water is stopped.

Referring to fig. 10, the structure of the drinking container 42 received in the receiving area 53 of the insulated door 21 is further described. Here, the accommodation area 53 is provided with a movable cover 64 that appropriately closes the opening 63. Fig. 10 (a) shows the movable cover 64 in an open state, and fig. 10 (B) shows the movable cover 64 in a closed state.

Referring to fig. 10 (a), an opening 63 for inserting the drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42 and the container connecting block 40 is formed in the bottom surface of the accommodation region 53. Here, 2 drinking vessels 42 are accommodated in the accommodation region 53, so that 2 openings 63 are formed. Since opening 63 communicates refrigerating compartment 15 with the outside, when drinking container 42 is not disposed in storage area 53, if opening 63 is left as it is, cold air in refrigerating compartment 15 escapes to the outside through opening 63, which may reduce cooling efficiency of refrigerating compartment 15. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the movable cover 64 is disposed in the housing area 53.

The movable cover 64 is a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape, and both ends of the lower side are rotatably attached to the front end side of the lowermost portion of the accommodation region 53. Here, the movable lid 64 is accommodated in a standing state on the back side of the accommodation area 53.

Referring to fig. 10 (B), when the drinking container 42 is not accommodated in the accommodation area 53, the movable lid 64 is rotated and laid down, so that the opening 63 can be closed by the movable lid 64. This prevents the cool air from leaking to the outside through the opening 63. Further, a storage object such as food can be placed on the upper surface of the movable lid 64.

The following describes main effects achieved by the present embodiment.

According to the present invention, as shown in fig. 4 (B), since the inner wall of the drinking spout portion 43 of the drinking container 42 contacts the outer surface of the container connecting portion 44, even if the inner diameter of the drinking spout portion 43 differs depending on the type of the container connecting portion 44, the gap between the container connecting portion 44 and the drinking spout portion 43 can be sealed, and the drinking water can be prevented from leaking therebetween.

Further, as shown in fig. 9, the second movable cylindrical portion 50 is moved according to the presence or absence of the operation of the user, and thus the supply of the drinking water can be stopped when the user does not operate the second movable cylindrical portion, while the drinking water can be supplied when the user operates the second movable cylindrical portion.

Further, as shown in fig. 4, the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is surrounded by the lid portion 51, so that the user can be prevented from inadvertently touching the first movable cylindrical portion 48, and the drinking water can be prevented from unnecessarily flowing out.

Further, as shown in fig. 4 (B), by engaging the rotation engaging portion 52 with the drinking container 42, the container connecting portion 44 can be securely attached to the drinking spout portion 43 of the drinking container 42.

As shown in fig. 5, a check valve 57 that communicates with the outside can be disposed inside the drinking container 42, and drinking water can be smoothly supplied from the drinking container 42.

As shown in fig. 2, the drinking water stored in the drinking container 42 can be cooled by the refrigerating chamber 15, and the cooled drinking water can be provided to the user with a simple structure.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the above embodiments can be combined with each other.

Claims

A container connection module for mounting at a drinking spout of a drinking container, comprising:

a container connecting portion inserted into and connected with the drinking spout portion of the drinking container; and

an outflow regulating portion that stops and allows the supply of drinking water from the drinking container;

an outer diameter of the container connecting portion is formed to become smaller in a direction toward the drinking container side;

sealing a gap between the container connecting part and the drinking spout part by contacting an inner wall of the drinking spout part of the drinking container with an outer side surface of the container connecting part.
The container connection module according to claim 1, wherein the outflow regulating portion has:

a cylindrical housing;

a first movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the housing, pressed by a pressing member, and provided movably in an axial direction of the housing;

a fixed cylindrical portion integrally formed in the housing and having one end inserted into the first movable cylindrical portion; and

a second movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the fixed cylindrical portion and provided movably in the axial direction together with the first movable cylindrical portion;

when no external force acting against the pressing member acts on the first movable cylindrical portion, the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion are sealed by the force exerted by the pressing member, and the drinking water supply from the drinking container is stopped;

when an external force against the pressing member acts on the first movable cylindrical portion, a gap is generated between the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion, thereby allowing the drinking water to be supplied from the drinking container.
The container connection module according to claim 2, wherein the outflow regulating portion has a cover portion surrounding the first movable cylindrical portion.
The container connection module of claim 2, wherein the outflow adjustment portion further has a rotational engagement portion rotatably mounted to the housing and engaged with the drinking container.
The container connection module of claim 2, wherein the outflow adjustment portion further has:

an opening part formed by opening a part of the housing;

a cylindrical tube part which is built in the housing, one end of which is connected to the opening part, and the other end of which is led out from the container connecting part to the outside; and

a check valve connected to the other end of the tube portion.
A refrigeration appliance having the container connection module of claim 1, the refrigeration appliance further having:

a door closing the storage compartment;

a receiving area formed at an inner side of the door facing the storage compartment, receiving the drinking container with the container connection module facing downward;

a drinking water supply part formed on the outer side surface facing the outside and provided with an end part of the container connecting module;

and a supply rod having one end abutting against the container connection module and the other end disposed at the drinking water supply section.
The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that it further has:

an opening formed below the receiving area, into which the container connection module is inserted; and

a movable cover rotatably disposed in the vicinity of the accommodation area for closing the opening.
The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that the outflow adjustment portion has:

a cylindrical housing;

a first movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the housing, pressed by a pressing member, and provided movably in an axial direction of the housing;

a fixed cylindrical portion integrally formed in the housing and having one end inserted into the first movable cylindrical portion; and

a second movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the fixed cylindrical portion and provided movably in the axial direction together with the first movable cylindrical portion;

when no external force acting against the pressing member acts on the first movable cylindrical portion, the stationary cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion are sealed by the force exerted by the pressing member, and the supply of the drinking water from the drinking container is stopped,

when an external force against the pressing member acts on the first movable cylindrical portion, a gap is generated between the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion, thereby allowing the drinking water to be supplied from the drinking container.
The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, wherein the outflow adjustment portion has a cover portion that surrounds the first movable cylindrical portion.
The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that the outflow adjustment part further has a rotary engagement part rotatably mounted in the housing and engaging with the drinking container.
The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, wherein the outflow adjustment portion further has:

an opening part formed by opening a part of the housing;

a cylindrical tube part which is built in the housing, one end of which is connected to the opening part, and the other end of which is led out from the container connecting part to the outside; and

a check valve connected to the other end of the tube portion.