CN115335653B

CN115335653B - Container connection module and refrigeration appliance with same

Info

Publication number: CN115335653B
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: 2023-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-03
Also published as: JP2021160821A; JP2024056015A; JP7455370B2; EP4130624A1; EP4130624A4; WO2021196959A1; CN115335653A

Abstract

The container connection module 40 includes a container connection part 44 connected with a drinking mouth part 43 of a drinking container 42; and an outflow regulating section 45 that prevents the outflow of drinking water from the drinking container 42 when the user does not operate, and allows the outflow of drinking water from the drinking container 42 when the user operates. The outer diameter of the container connecting portion 44 is tapered toward the container side, and the outer side surface of the container connecting portion 44 contacts the inner wall of the drinking spout 43 to seal the gap between the container connecting portion 44 and the drinking spout 43.

Description

Container connection module and refrigeration appliance with same

Technical Field

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

Background

Conventionally, a refrigeration appliance having a water supply mechanism as described in japanese patent application 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 insulation door for closing a refrigerating chamber formed in an upper layer of a heat insulation box, a water supply chamber having a cavity is formed outside the heat insulation door, and a water injection rod is disposed inside the water supply chamber. Further, a water injection part communicating with the water supply tank is disposed on the upper back side of the water supply chamber.

In the water supply chamber of the refrigeration appliance having the above-described structure, the user presses the water filling rod with the cup, and the cooled drinking water is supplied from the water supply tank to the cup via the water filling portion.

However, in the refrigeration appliance having the water supply mechanism, a water supply tank dedicated for supplying water needs to be provided on the inner side surface of the heat insulation door, and if the drinking water in the water supply tank is insufficient, the drinking water needs to be supplied into the water supply tank by a user, so that there is a problem that the water supply mechanism is inconvenient to use. In addition, when tap water is supplied to the water supply tank, depending on the country and region in which the refrigeration appliance is used, there is a problem that the safety of tap water and the like are not necessarily ensured.

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 port of the drinking container; and an outflow regulating section that stops and allows supply of drinking water from the drinking container; the outer diameter of the container connecting portion is formed to decrease in a direction toward the drinking container side; a gap between the container connection portion and the drinking spout is sealed by an inner wall of the drinking spout of the drinking container contacting an outer side surface of the container connection portion. According to the present invention, by bringing the inner wall of the drinking spout of the drinking container into contact with the outer surface of the container connecting portion, even if the type of the container connecting portion and the inner diameter of the drinking spout are different, the gap between the drinking spout and the container connecting portion can be sealed to prevent the leakage of drinking water therebetween.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outflow adjusting section has a cylindrical housing; a first movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the housing, pressurized by a pressurizing member, and provided so as to be movable 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 so as to be movable 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 space between the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion is sealed by the force exerted by the pressing member, the supply of the drinking water from the drinking container is stopped, and when the 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 supply of the drinking water from the drinking container. According to the present invention, the second movable tubular portion is moved in accordance with the presence or absence of the user operation, whereby the outflow of drinking water can be prevented when the user is not operating, and on the other hand, the drinking water can be supplied when the user is operating.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outflow adjusting section has a cover section surrounding the first movable cylindrical section. According to the present invention, the cover portion 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 improper timing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the outflow adjustment part further has a rotational engagement part rotatably mounted to the housing and engaged with the drinking vessel. According to the present invention, the container connecting portion can be firmly attached to the drinking spout of the drinking container by engaging the rotary engagement portion with the drinking container.

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

A refrigeration appliance having said container connection module, a door closing the storage compartment; a receiving area formed on an inner side surface of the door facing the storage compartment, the receiving area 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 the end part of the container connecting module; and a supply rod having one end abutting the container connection module and the other end disposed in the drinking water supply unit. According to the present invention, the user can supply drinking water to the cup via the container connection module by pressing the supply lever inward with the container such as the cup.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration appliance 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 and closing the opening. According to the present invention, the movable cover can close the opening when the drinking container is not accommodated in the accommodation area, so that cool air of 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 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a container connection module according to 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 in which the container connection module is connected to 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 mounted in a heat insulation door of a refrigeration appliance, (a) is a perspective view showing an intermediate stage of mounting, and (B) is a perspective view showing a state after mounting.

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 mounted in a heat insulation door of a refrigeration appliance, (a) is a sectional view showing an intermediate stage of mounting, and (B) is a perspective view showing a state after mounting.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a related structure between a container connection module and a supply lever according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view showing the container connection module and the supply lever, and (B) is a perspective view showing the supply lever.

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

Fig. 10 is a view showing 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 insulated door, (a) showing a movable cover in an open state, and (B) showing a movable cover in a closed state.

Reference numerals illustrate: 10-refrigeration appliance, 11-heat-insulating box, 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 connection module, 41-supply lever, 411-abutting portion, 412-corner portion, 413-contacting portion, 414-projecting portion, 415-engaging hole, 42-drinking container, 421-flange portion, 43-drinking spout, 44-container connecting portion, 441-inclined surface, 45-outflow adjusting portion, 46-housing, 47-pressing member, 48-first movable cylindrical portion, 49-fixed cylindrical portion, 50-second movable cylindrical portion, 51-lid portion, 52-rotation engaging portion, 521-engaging opening, 53-receiving area, 54-drinking water supplying portion, 5-opening portion, 56-tube portion, 57-check valve, 58-engaging protrusion, 59-engaging opening, 60-shutter portion, 61-cup, 62-sealing member, 63-opening, 64-movable lid.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the container connection module 40 and the refrigeration appliance 10 according to 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 duplicate descriptions are omitted. The directions of up, down, front, back, left, and right are appropriately used, and the left and right indicate the left and right when the refrigeration appliance 10 is viewed from the front. Further, in the present embodiment, as the refrigeration appliance 10, a refrigeration appliance having a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber is exemplified, but the refrigeration 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 according to 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 food and the like is formed inside the heat-insulating box 11. As the storage chamber, the uppermost layer is a refrigerating chamber 15, the lower layer is an upper freezing chamber 18, the lower layer is a lower freezing chamber 19, and the lowermost layer is a vegetable chamber 20. In the following description, the upper freezer compartment 18 and the lower freezer compartment 19 are both storage compartments in a freezing temperature range, and may be collectively referred to as a freezer compartment 17. Here, the upper freezer compartment 18 may be divided into left and right sides, and one side may be used as an ice making compartment.

The front surface of the heat-insulating box 11 is opened, and heat-insulating doors 21 and the like are provided to the openings corresponding to the respective storage compartments. Since the heat-insulating door 21 is opened in the left-right direction and closes the front surface of the refrigerating chamber 15, the heat-insulating door 21 is rotatably attached to the heat-insulating box 11 at the upper and lower ends of the outer side in the width direction. The heat-insulating doors 23, 24, 25 are integrally assembled with the respective storage containers, and are supported by the heat-insulating box 11 so as to be pulled out to the front of the refrigeration apparatus 10. Specifically, the heat-insulating door 23 closes the upper freezing compartment 18, the heat-insulating door 24 closes the lower freezing compartment 19, and the heat-insulating door 25 closes the vegetable compartment 20.

In the present embodiment, the drinking water supply unit 54 is formed in the heat insulating door 21 closing the left portion of the refrigerator compartment 15. As described below, the drinking water supply portion 54 is a concave portion for supplying drinking water cooled in the inside of the refrigerator compartment 15 to the cup 61.

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

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

A refrigerator compartment supply air duct serving as a supply air duct for supplying cool air to the refrigerator compartment 15 is formed on the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment 15.

A freezing chamber supply air passage through which cool air cooled by the cooler 22 flows to the freezing chamber 17 is formed at the rear side of the freezing chamber 17. A cooling chamber 26 is formed further rearward of the freezer compartment supply air passage, and a cooler 22, which is an evaporator for cooling air circulating in the refrigeration appliance, is disposed inside the cooling chamber 26.

The air inside the cooling chamber 26 cooled by the cooler 22 is blown to the refrigerating chamber 15, the freezing chamber 17, and the vegetable chamber 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 an expansion means, and is a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

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

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the container connection module 40. The container connection module 40 mainly includes a container connection part 44 and an outflow adjusting part 45. The container connection module 40 is attached to a drinking port 43 of a drinking container 42 described later, and prevents drinking water from flowing out of the drinking container 42 when no user operation is performed, and supplies drinking water from the drinking container 42 to a cup 61 or the like when a user operation is performed.

The container connecting portion 44 has an outer diameter tapered upward, and the outer side surface of the container connecting portion 44 contacts the inner wall of the drinking spout 43 of the drinking container 42 described later to seal the gap between the container connecting portion 44 and the drinking spout 43. The check valve 57 is outwardly directed from the upper end opening of the container connecting portion 44.

The outflow adjustment part 45 has the following functions: the supply of drinking water from the drinking container 42 is prevented when no user operation is performed, and the drinking water is supplied from the drinking container 42 when the user operation is performed. The specific structure of the flow regulating portion 45 will be described below with reference to fig. 4.

The rotation engagement portion 52 is rotatably installed near the upper end of the housing 46 to engage with a drinking container 42 described later. Here, the 2 rotation engagement portions 52 are respectively attached to the portions of the reflow adjusting portion 45 that face each other. Further, the engagement opening 521 is formed by forming a substantially rectangular opening in an upper portion of the rotation engagement portion 52. The engagement opening 521 is an opening that engages with the flange 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. The lower end portion of the housing 46 is provided with a cover portion 51 that surrounds the first movable cylindrical portion 48 from the outside.

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), engaging projections 58 are formed at positions opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 46, respectively, and protrude substantially cylindrically outward in the radial direction. The engagement projection 58 of the housing 46 is rotatably fitted in an engagement opening 59 formed in a lower layer portion of the rotation engagement portion 52. Thereby, the rotation engagement portion 52 is rotatably provided outside the housing 46.

As shown in fig. 4 (B), the container connection module 40 includes 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 below the inside of 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 at 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. Accordingly, the second movable cylindrical portion 50 is moved in the up-down direction together with the first movable cylindrical portion 48 by the force applied by the pressing member 47.

The seal member 62 engages with the outside of the lower end portion of the second movable cylindrical portion 50. The sealing member 62 is an O-ring formed of, for example, 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. As a result, as will be described later, when no user operation is performed, the supply of drinking water from the drinking container 42 is stopped. On the other hand, as will be described later, if the first movable cylindrical portion 48 moves upward by a user's operation, the second movable cylindrical portion 50 also moves upward inside the fixed cylindrical portion 49, and therefore the sealing member 62 is separated from the inner surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 49. Thereby, the drinking water is supplied from the drinking container 42 to the outside through between the inner surface of the fixed tubular portion 49 and the outer surface of the second movable tubular portion 50.

A pressing member 47 such as a coil spring is disposed between the housing 46 and the first movable cylindrical portion 48. The upper end portion of the pressing member 47 abuts against a wall-like portion formed inside the housing 46, and the 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 engaged 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 cover 51. The cover 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 flexible resin. The container connecting portion 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and an upper end portion of an outer surface thereof has a shape in which an outer diameter is reduced upward. That is, an inclined surface 441 is formed on the upper outer surface of the container connecting portion 44. The outer diameter L11 at the lower end of the inclined surface 441 is set to be equal to or larger than 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 a drinking spout 43 of a 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 setting the outer diameter of the inclined surface 441 to be within such a range, the container connecting portion 44 of the container connecting module 40 can be inserted into the drinking port portion 43 of the drinking container 42 having different opening diameters without any gap, and the drinking water can be prevented from flowing out from between the drinking port portion 43 of the container connecting module 40 and the container connecting portion 44 of the container connecting module 40.

The upper portion of the housing 46 houses a tube portion 56. 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 led out from the opening of the container connecting portion 44. Further, an 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 in which 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 an end of the drinking container 42. When the container connection module 40 is mounted on the drinking container 42, the rotational engagement portion 52 of the container connection module 40 is first rotated radially outward to open.

In this state, the drinking mouth 43 of the drinking container 42 is inserted into the container connection 44 of the container connection 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 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 mouth portion 43, the outer surface of the container connecting portion 44 is in close contact with the inner surface of the drinking mouth portion 43, so that the drinking water inside the drinking container 42 does not leak from the contact portion between the drinking mouth portion 43 and the container connecting portion 44.

Referring to fig. 5 (B), the rotary engagement 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 engagement portion 52, and the container connection module 40 is not disengaged 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 mounted in the heat insulation door 21 of the refrigeration appliance 10, fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view showing an intermediate stage of mounting, and fig. 6 (B) is a perspective view showing a mounted state.

Referring to fig. 6 (a), the accommodating area 53 is formed by recessing the inner surface of the heat insulating door 21 forward. The accommodation region 53 has a baffle portion 60. The shutter portion 60 is a substantially plate-shaped member, and is attached to the inner surface of the heat insulation door 21 in a state in which the end portions in the left-right direction are slidable in the up-down direction. The receiving area 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 in which the container connection module 40 is placed on the lower end side. When the drinking container 42 is stored in the storage area 53, the shutter portion 60 slides downward of the storage area 53. Thus, the operation of storing the drinking container 42 in the storage area 53 is not hindered by the baffle portion 60.

Here, when the drinking container 42 is placed in the lowered shutter portion 60, the accommodation work of the heat insulating door 24 becomes easy. Further, by raising the shutter portion 60, the drinking container 42 can be stabilized when the heat insulation door 21 is opened and closed. As shown in fig. 6 (B), by raising the shutter portion 60, the lock catch is engaged and the drinking container 42 is slightly pushed forward. Further, when the shutter portion 60 is lifted and lowered, the shutter portion 60 is slightly separated from the drinking container 42 to be 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 60, and the drinking container 42 can be stably accommodated in the accommodation area 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 into the heat insulation door 21 of the refrigeration appliance 10, fig. 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the heat insulation door 21, and fig. 7 (B) is a perspective view of the heat insulation door 21 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 connection portion 44 mounted on the drinking container 42 is exposed to the inside of the upper end of the drinking water supply portion 54. The supply lever 41 having a hook shape is rotatably provided on the inner 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 54 has a volume that can accommodate, for example, two cups 61 into which drinking water is supplied from the drinking container 42.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a related structure between the container connection module 40 and the supply lever 41, fig. 8 (a) is a perspective view showing the container connection module 40 and the supply lever 41, and fig. 8 (B) is a perspective view showing the supply lever 41.

Referring to fig. 8 (a), the supply lever 41 is disposed at the lower end of the container connection module 40. The upper end of the supply lever 41 contacts 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 lever 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 up-down direction and abutting the cup 61; a contact portion 413 extending in the front-rear direction and contacting the container connection module 40; corner 412 as a connecting portion between contact portion 413 and abutting portion 411; and an engagement hole 415 opened at the front end of the contact portion 413. Further, the upper rear end portion of the contact portion 413 is partially raised upward, whereby a protrusion 414 is formed. The supply lever 41 is rotatably connected to the main body side of the refrigeration appliance 10 via an engagement 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 cup 61, not shown, 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 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 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 container 42 does not flow out of the container connection module 40.

Referring to fig. 9 (B), in the container connection module 40 in the opened state, the lower end portion of the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is pushed up by the protruding portion 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 material 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. Thereby, the drinking water stored in the drinking container 42 is supplied to the cup 61 via the container connection module 40 between the second movable cylindrical portion 50 and the fixed cylindrical portion 49. Then, if the user moves the cup 61 away from the abutting portion 411 shown in fig. 8 (B) because the drinking water has been sufficiently supplied into the cup 61, the container connection module 40 resumes the closed state shown in fig. 9 (a), stopping the supply of the drinking water.

The structure of the drinking vessel 42 fitted into the receiving area 53 of the insulated door 21 will be further described with reference to fig. 10. 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 connection module 40 is formed in the bottom surface of the accommodation region 53. Here, 2 drinking containers 42 are accommodated in the accommodation area 53, so that 2 openings 63 are formed. Since the opening 63 communicates the refrigerator compartment 15 with the outside, when the drinking container 42 is not disposed in the storage area 53, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 15 escapes to the outside through the opening 63 when the opening 63 is left intact, and there is a risk that the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator compartment 15 is lowered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the movable cover 64 is disposed in the accommodation 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 area 53. Here, the movable cover 64 is housed in an upright state on the inner side surface of the housing area 53.

Referring to fig. 10 (B), when the drinking container 42 is not accommodated in the accommodation area 53, the movable cover 64 is rotated to be put down, so that the opening 63 can be closed by the movable cover 64. In this way, the cool air can be prevented 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 cover 64.

The main effects achieved by the present embodiment will be described below.

According to the present invention, as shown in fig. 4 (B), by bringing the inner wall of the drinking opening 43 of the drinking container 42 into contact with the outer surface of the container connecting portion 44, even if the inner diameters of the drinking opening 43 are different depending on the type of the container connecting portion 44, the gap between the container connecting portion 44 and the drinking opening 43 can be sealed to prevent the leakage of the drinking water therebetween.

As shown in fig. 9, the second movable tubular portion 50 is moved in accordance with the presence or absence of the user operation, and thus, the supply of the drinking water can be stopped when the user does not operate, and the drinking water can be supplied when the user operates.

Further, as shown in fig. 4, the first movable cylindrical portion 48 is surrounded by the cover portion 51, so that the user can be prevented from inadvertently touching the first movable cylindrical portion 48, and unnecessary outflow of drinking water can be prevented.

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

As shown in fig. 5, a check valve 57 communicating with the outside can be disposed inside the drinking container 42, and the supply of drinking water from the drinking container 42 can be smoothly performed.

Further, 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 by 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 spirit of the present invention. The above embodiments can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A container connection module for mounting on a drinking spout of a drinking container, comprising:

a container connecting portion inserted into and connected to the drinking port of the drinking container; and

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

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

a gap between the container connection portion and the drinking spout is sealed by an inner wall of the drinking spout of the drinking container contacting an outer side surface of the container connection portion.

2. The container connection module according to claim 1, wherein the outflow adjusting part has:

a cylindrical housing;

a first movable cylindrical portion disposed inside the housing, pressurized by a pressurizing member, and provided so as to be movable 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 so as to be movable in the axial direction together with the first movable cylindrical portion;

when no external force is applied to the first movable cylindrical portion against the pressing member, the space between the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion is sealed by the force applied 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.

3. The container connection module according to claim 2, wherein the outflow adjusting portion has a cover portion surrounding the first movable cylindrical portion.

4. 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.

5. The container connection module according to claim 2, wherein the outflow adjusting section further has:

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

a tubular pipe portion which is built in the housing, one end of which is connected to the opening portion, and the other end of which is led out from the container connecting portion to the outside; and

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

6. 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 on an inner side surface of the door facing the storage compartment, the receiving area 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 the end part of the container connecting module;

and a supply rod having one end abutting the container connection module and the other end disposed in the drinking water supply unit.

7. The refrigeration appliance of claim 6 further having:

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.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, wherein the outflow adjusting section has:

a cylindrical housing;

when no external force is applied to the first movable cylindrical portion against the pressing member, the space between the fixed cylindrical portion and the second movable cylindrical portion is sealed by the force applied by the pressing member, the supply of the drinking water from the drinking container is stopped,

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, wherein the outflow adjusting portion has a cover portion surrounding the first movable cylindrical portion.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8 wherein said outflow adjustment portion further has a rotational engagement portion rotatably mounted to said housing and engaged with said drinking container.

11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, wherein the outflow adjusting section further has:

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

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