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The present application is based on and claims priority from
Chinese Patent Application No. 202310764201.8, filed on June 26, 2023 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
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The present application relates to a refrigeration appliance.
BACKGROUND
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To satisfy users' daily water consumption needs, refrigerators are generally configured with an external water dispensing function. The implementation of the existing external water dispensing function of refrigerators is generally achieved by providing a dispenser compartment on a door of a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator, a water outlet for users to receive water is provided at an upper part of the dispenser compartment, and a water storage tray is provided on a bottom wall of the dispenser compartment. The water storage tray is able to collect water dropping from the water outlet to prevent water from flowing out of the dispenser compartment. However, this design has the following defects: when a user's water consumption is large, it takes a long time to dispense water from the water outlet.
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Any prior art mentioned in the specification does not indicate acknowledgment or suggestion that the prior art constitutes a part of common knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that the prior art can be reasonably expected to be understood, considered relevant and/or combined with other prior art by those skilled in the art.
SUMMARY
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An object of the present application is to provide a refrigeration appliance, which is provided with a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the first water outlet is used for automatically filling an automatic water filling kettle, the second water outlet can be used for manual water dispensing by a user within a dispenser compartment. And the refrigeration appliance is provided with a first water tray below the automatic water filling kettle, a second water tray below the second water outlet, and a water storage detection device. The the refrigeration appliance is able to facilitate both small and large water consumption by users.
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To achieve one of the above objects of the application, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, wherein the refrigeration appliance comprises a dispenser compartment;
- a first water outlet disposed within the dispenser compartment;
- an automatic water filling kettle removably disposed below the first water outlet, wherein the first water outlet is configured to automatically fill the automatic water filling kettle with water;
- a first water tray, disposed on a bottom wall of the dispenser compartment and configured to support the automatic water filling kettle, wherein the first water tray has a first water storage tank, and the first water storage tank is configured to receive water overflowing from the automatic water filling kettle;
- a second water outlet, disposed within the dispenser compartment;
- a second water tray, disposed on the bottom wall of the dispenser compartment and positioned below the second water outlet, wherein the second water tray has a second water storage tank, and the second water storage tank is configured to receive water dropping from the second water outlet;
- a water storage detection device, configured to detect water stored in the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank, so that the refrigeration appliance is able to control opening and closing of the first water outlet and output a signal for cleaning water stored in the first water tray and/or the second water tray according to a detection of the water storage detection device.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, an overflow channel is provided between the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank, water in the second water storage tank may flow into the first water storage tank through the overflow channel, the water storage detection device is a liquid level sensor, the water storage detection device is installed on a side wall of the first water storage tank, the water storage detection device is configured to output a signal when water stored in the first water storage tank reaches a preset water level, and the water storage detection device is a waterproof sensor.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the first water tray is recessed downward to form a placement groove, the placement groove is configured to place the automatic water filling kettle, a bottom wall of the placement groove is recessed downward to form the first water storage tank, a water flow channel is provided between a side wall of the placement groove and a side wall of the second water storage tank, the overflow channel comprises the placement groove and the water flow channel, and when water stored in the second water storage tank reaches a preset water level, the water in the second water storage tank flows into the first water storage tank through the water flow channel and the placement groove.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the first water tray has a first inclined surface provided on a front side of the placement groove, and the first inclined surface gradually extends downward from rear to front.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the second water tray has a second inclined surface disposed between a front wall of the second water tray and a front wall of the second water storage tank, the second inclined surface extends obliquely forward and downward from the front wall of the second water storage tank to the front wall of the second water tray, and a height of the second inclined surface on a side of the front wall of the second water storage tank is higher than a height of a bottom wall of the water flow channel.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the first water tray and the second water tray adopt an integral configuration.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance further comprises a water temperature detection device and a display device, the water temperature detection device is configured to detect a water temperature of the automatic water filling kettle, the display device is able to display the water temperature of the automatic water filling kettle detected by the water temperature detection device, the water temperature detection device is disposed in the dispenser compartment, the water temperature detection device and the automatic water filling kettle are arranged in a non-contact manner, and the water temperature detection device is an infrared temperature sensor.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance further comprises a water volume detection device and a display device, the water volume detection device is configured to detect a water volume of the automatic water filling kettle, and the display device is able to display the water volume of the automatic water filling kettle detected by the water volume detection device.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the water volume detection device comprises a first liquid level sensor, a second liquid level sensor, a third liquid level sensor, a height of the first liquid level sensor is located at an upper part of the automatic water filling kettle, and the first liquid level sensor is located below a water inlet of the automatic water filling kettle, the water inlet cooperates with the first water outlet, a height of the second liquid level sensor is located at a middle part of the automatic water filling kettle, a height of the third liquid level sensor is located at a lower part of the automatic water filling kettle, and the water volume detection device is disposed in the dispenser compartment.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance further comprises a dispenser compartment door and a door lock, the dispenser compartment door is configured to open and close the dispenser compartment, the door lock is disposed on the dispenser compartment door, the door lock is configured to lock the dispenser compartment door at a position closing the dispenser compartment, the door lock is a push-type door lock, when the door lock is pressed, the door lock opens so that the dispenser compartment door is able to be opened, the refrigeration appliance further comprises a pressure detection device, the pressure detection device is cooperated with the door lock, and the pressure detection device is configured to detect whether the door lock is pressed, so that the refrigeration appliance is able to control opening and closing of the first water outlet according to a signal output by the pressure detection device.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, a bracket is disposed within the dispenser compartment, the bracket extends along a height direction of the automatic water filling kettle, the bracket is disposed in cooperation with a side wall of the automatic water filling kettle, the first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor, and the third liquid level sensor are all disposed on the bracket, and the bracket is disposed in an integral configuration with the first water tray.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the water storage detection device is composed of two liquid level sensors, one liquid level sensor of the water storage detection device is disposed on a side wall of the first water storage tank, another liquid level sensor is disposed on a side wall of the second water storage tank, and the water storage detection device is waterproof sensor.
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As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance comprises a cabinet, a refrigeration compartment disposed in the cabinet, a door configured to open and close the refrigeration compartment, the door is provided with the dispenser compartment and an ice making compartment, the ice making compartment is positioned above the dispenser compartment, the ice making compartment and the dispenser compartment both open outward, an ice guiding channel is provided between the ice making compartment and the dispenser compartment, the ice guiding channel comprises an ice outlet disposed within the dispenser compartment, the door is provided with an ice making compartment door configured to open and close the ice making compartment, the door is further provided with a dispenser compartment door capable of opening and closing the dispenser compartment, the dispenser compartment door is disposed on an outer side of the ice making compartment door, and the dispenser compartment door simultaneously covers the ice making compartment and the dispenser compartment.
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Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are: being able to facilitate both small and large water consumption by users.
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The term "comprise" used herein and variations of the term, such as "comprises", "comprised", "comprising", "including", "containing", do not exclude other features, components, elements or steps unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
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- Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator in a specific embodiment of the present application;
- Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an integral first water tray, second water tray and bracket in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a water storage detection device, a water volume detection device and a bracket in Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of cooperation heights of a first liquid level sensor, a second liquid level sensor, a third liquid level sensor and an automatic water filling kettle in Figure 3;
- Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of a water storage detection device, a water volume detection device and a bracket in Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
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The present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments shown in the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and structural, methodological, or functional variations made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments are all included within the protection scope of the present application.
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In an embodiment of the present application, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance may be a freezer, a commercial display cabinet, etc., and preferably, the refrigeration appliance is a refrigerator. The refrigeration appliance and a control method for the refrigeration appliance in the present application will be described below taking a refrigerator as an example.
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Referring to Figure 1, in the present embodiment, refrigerator 100 may comprise a dispenser compartment 6. Refrigerator 100 may comprise a cabinet 1, a refrigeration compartment 2 provided in the cabinet 1, and a door 3 configured to open and close the refrigeration compartment 2.
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The door 3 is provided with the dispenser compartment 6 and an ice making compartment 5. The ice making compartment 5 is positioned above the dispenser compartment 6, and the ice making compartment 5 and the dispenser compartment 6 both open outward. An ice guiding channel is provided between the ice making compartment 5 and the dispenser compartment 6, and the ice guiding channel comprise an ice outlet provided within the dispenser compartment 6.
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The door 3 is provided with an ice making compartment door 53 configured to open and close the ice making compartment 5. The door 3 is further provided with a dispenser compartment door 4 capable of opening and closing an opening of the dispenser compartment 6. The dispenser compartment door 4 is provided on an outer side of the ice making compartment door 53, and the dispenser compartment door 4 simultaneously cover outer sides of the ice making compartment 5 and the dispenser compartment 6.
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In the present embodiment, up and down direction refers to a height direction of the refrigerator 100. Front and back direction refers to a thickness direction of the refrigerator 100, wherein an opening direction of the refrigeration compartment 2 of the refrigerator 100 is front. Left and right direction refers to left and right directions when a person faces the opening of the refrigeration compartment 2.
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That the ice making compartment 5 and the dispenser compartment 6 both open outward may mean that openings of the ice making compartment 5 and the dispenser compartment 6 both face toward a side away from the opening of the refrigeration compartment 2.
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An ice maker 51 and an ice storage box 52 positioned below the ice maker 51 are disposed within the ice making compartment 5. A side wall of the ice making compartment 5 is provided with an air inlet and an air return outlet. The cabinet 1 is provided with an evaporator chamber. The ice making compartment 5 is communicateed with the evaporator chamber through the air inlet and the air return outlet. Cold air from the evaporator chamber is blown toward the ice maker 51 through the air inlet, so that water in the ice maker 51 is cooled to produce ice cubes. Ice cubes produced by the ice maker 51 are able to be stored in the ice storage box 52. An opening is provided at a bottom of the ice storage box 52, and the ice guiding channel is connected to the opening at the bottom of the ice storage box 52 to transport ice cubes to the dispenser compartment 6.
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The ice outlet is disposed at an upper part within the dispenser compartment 6 and open downward. Without opening the door 3, i.e., without opening the opening of the refrigeration compartment 2, a user may use the dispenser compartment 6 by opening the dispenser compartment door 4 on the door 3, for example, dispensing ice from the ice outlet of the dispenser compartment 6.
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After opening the dispenser compartment door 4 on the door 3, a user may use the ice making compartment 5 by opening the ice making compartment door 53 on the door 3, for example, dispensing ice from the ice storage box 52 within the ice making compartment 5. This enables the user to use the ice making compartment 5 and the dispenser compartment 6 without opening the refrigeration compartment 2.
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Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, refrigerator 100 further comprises: a first water outlet provided within the dispenser compartment 6; an automatic water filling kettle 7 removably disposed below the first water outlet, wherein the first water outlet is configured to automatically fill the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water; a first water tray 8 disposed on a bottom wall of the dispenser compartment 6 and configured to support the automatic water filling kettle 7, wherein the first water tray 8 has a first water storage tank 81, and the first water storage tank 81 is configured to receive water overflowing from the automatic water filling kettle 7; a second water outlet disposed within the dispenser compartment 6; a second water tray 9 disposed on the bottom wall of the dispenser compartment 6 and positioned below the second water outlet, wherein the second water tray 9 has a second water storage tank 91, and the second water storage tank 91 is configured to receive water dropping from the second water outlet; a water storage detection device 11 configured to detect water stored in the first water storage tank 81 and the second water storage tank 91, so that the refrigerator 100 is able to control opening and closing of the first water outlet and output a signal for cleaning water stored in the first water tray 8 and/or the second water tray 9 according to a detection of the water storage detection device 11.
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In the present embodiment, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are both disposed at an upper part of the dispenser compartment 6 and both open downward. The second water outlet is disposed adjacent to the ice outlet. The first water outlet and the second water outlet is disposed at lateral intervals to prevent interference between the first water outlet and the second water outlet as well as the ice outlet when in use.
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The automatic water filling kettle 7 may comprise a kettle body configured to store water. An upper end of the kettle body may be open, and the upper end of the kettle body may be provided with a kettle lid. The kettle lid may be provided with a water inlet 71 configured to fill the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water. The water inlet 71 cooperates with the first water outlet, and the kettle body of the automatic water filling kettle 7 may further be provided with a handle. When the automatic water filling kettle 7 is placed below the first water outlet, the water inlet 71 of the automatic water filling kettle 7 faces the first water outlet directly. When certain conditions are satisfied, the refrigerator 100 may automatically fill the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water by opening the first water outlet, and close the first water outlet after a certain amount of water has been filled into the automatic water filling kettle 7.
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The second water outlet may be manually controlled by a user to open and close. For example, a user may cause water within the refrigerator 100 to flow out from the second water outlet by manually pressing a pressure tongue or button or other structure, and the second water outlet may be configured for the user to control water output time of the second water outlet by controlling pressing time.
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When a user needs a large amount of water, the user may directly remove the automatic water filling kettle 7 from the dispenser compartment 6 for use; when a user needs a small amount of water, the user may use a water cup or other water storage container to receive water from the second water outlet. Such configuration is able to facilitate both large and small water consumption by users, avoid wasting user time, and satisfy various water consumption needs of users.
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In some embodiments, refrigerator 100 may further comprise a water temperature detection device. The water temperature detection device may be configured to detect a water temperature of the automatic water filling kettle 7. The water temperature detection device may be communicatively connected with a control module of the refrigerator. The water temperature detection device may detect the water temperature within the automatic water filling kettle 7 in real time and transmit the temperature to the control module of the refrigerator.
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The water temperature detection device may be provided in the dispenser compartment 6. The water temperature detection device can be arranged in a non-contact manner with the automatic water filling kettle 7. The water temperature detection device may be an infrared temperature sensor. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the water temperature detection device may also adopt other types of temperature sensors besides infrared temperature sensors. The water temperature detection device may also be disposed on the automatic water filling kettle 7, for example, disposed within the automatic water filling kettle 7, or configured to be attached to the automatic water filling kettle 7, to achieve detection of the water temperature of the automatic water filling kettle 7.
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In some embodiments, refrigerator 100 may further comprise a display device. The display device may be communicatively connected with the control module. The display device may comprise a display screen. Under control of the control module of the refrigerator, the display device is able to display the water temperature of the automatic water filling kettle 7 detected by the water temperature detection device, so that users are able to accurately and timely know the water temperature situation within the automatic water filling kettle 7 without opening a door.
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Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, refrigerator 100 may further comprise a water volume detection device 12. The water volume detection device 12 is configured to detect a water volume of the automatic water filling kettle 7. The water volume detection device 12 may be communicatively connected with the control module of the refrigerator and transmit detected water volume information of the automatic water filling kettle 7 to the control module.
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Under control of the control module, the display device is able to display the water volume of the automatic water filling kettle 7 detected by the water volume detection device 12, so that users are able to accurately and timely know the water volume situation within the automatic water filling kettle 7 without opening the refrigerator door.
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Referring to Figures 3 and 4, preferably, in the present embodiment, the water volume detection device 12 may comprise a first liquid level sensor 121, a second liquid level sensor 122, a third liquid level sensor 123. A height of the first liquid level sensor 121 may be located at an upper part of the automatic water filling kettle 7, and the first liquid level sensor 121 is located below the water inlet 71 of the automatic water filling kettle 7. The water inlet 71 cooperates with the first water outlet. A height of the second liquid level sensor 122 may be located at a middle part of the automatic water filling kettle 7. A height of the third liquid level sensor 123 may be located at a lower part of the automatic water filling kettle 7.
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In the present embodiment, the water volume detection device 12 may be disposed in the dispenser compartment. The water volume detection device 12 may be arranged in a non-contact configuration with the automatic water filling kettle 7. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the water volume detection device 12 may also be disposed on the automatic water filling kettle 7, for example, disposed within the automatic water filling kettle 7, or configured to be attached to the automatic water filling kettle 7, to achieve detection of the water volume of the automatic water filling kettle 7.
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When a water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 reaches a height of the first liquid level sensor 121, the first liquid level sensor 121, the second liquid level sensor 122, and the third liquid level sensor 123 are all able to detect that there is water in the automatic water filling kettle 7 and send signals to the control module. The control module may control the display device to display that the water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 is large or full according to signals transmitted by the water volume detection device 12.
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When the water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 reaches or is higher than a height of the second liquid level sensor 122 and is lower than the height of the first liquid level sensor 121, the second liquid level sensor 122 and the third liquid level sensor 123 are able to detect that there is water in the automatic water filling kettle 7 and send signals to the control module. The control module may control the display device to display that the water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 is medium according to signals transmitted by the water volume detection device 12.
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When the water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 is lower than the height of the second liquid level sensor 122, only the third liquid level sensor 123 is able to detect that there is water in the automatic water filling kettle 7 and send a signal to the control module. The control module may control the display device to display that the water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 is small according to the signal transmitted by the water volume detection device 12.
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Additionally, when the first liquid level sensor 121 detects that there is water in the automatic water filling kettle 7, the first water outlet may be controlled to close to prevent the first water outlet from continuing to fill the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water and causing water in the automatic water filling kettle 7 to overflow.
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In some embodiments, a bracket 10 may be disposed within the dispenser compartment 6. The bracket 10 may extend along a height direction of the automatic water filling kettle 7. The bracket 10 may be provided in cooperation with a side wall of the automatic water filling kettle 7. The first liquid level sensor 121, the second liquid level sensor 122, and the third liquid level sensor 123 may all be provided on the bracket 10.
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The bracket 10 may be provided in an integral configuration with the first water tray 8. The water temperature detection device may also be provided on the bracket 10. Additionally, the water volume detection device 12 may be provided on a side of the bracket 10 away from the automatic water filling kettle 7 to achieve a concealed configuration of the water volume detection device 12 while avoiding water ingress into the water volume detection device 12 as much as possible.
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Of course, referring to Figure 5, in other embodiments of the present application, the water volume detection device 12 may comprise only one liquid level sensor. The water volume detection device 12 may be disposed at an upper part of the automatic water filling kettle 7 and positioned below the water inlet 71 of the automatic water filling kettle 7.
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When the water volume detection device 12 detects that there is water in the automatic water filling kettle 7, the control module may control the display device to display that the water volume in the automatic water filling kettle 7 is full according to a signal transmitted by the water volume detection device 12. When the water volume detection device 12 detects that there is water in the automatic water filling kettle 7, the first water outlet may be controlled to close to prevent the first water outlet from continuing to fill the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water and causing water in the automatic water filling kettle 7 to overflow.
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Because the water volume detection device 12 may malfunction and other factors, the first water outlet may continuously fill the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water, causing water to overflow from the automatic water filling kettle 7, or because of improper water dispensing by users, water flowing out from the second water outlet may drop into the dispenser compartment 6, or because the first water outlet or the second water outlet does not close tightly, water may drop into the dispenser compartment 6.
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These situations may all cause water accumulation within the dispenser compartment 6, and even cause the dispenser compartment 6 to leak water to the outside of the refrigerator 100, and may even cause electronic components at the bottom of the dispenser compartment 6 or other parts of the refrigerator 100 to be damaged due to water ingress, affecting the user experience.
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To avoid the above situations, a first water tray 8 may be disposed below the first water outlet, and water overflowing from the automatic water filling kettle 7 or falling from the first water outlet may be stored in a first water storage tank 81, the first water storage tank 81 is formed within the first water tray 8. Meanwhile, a second water tray 9 may be disposed below the second water outlet, and water falling from the second water outlet may be stored in a second water storage tank 91 formed within the second water tray 9.
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In some embodiments, a water storage detection device 11 may be provided to detect water stored in the first water storage tank 81 and the second water storage tank 91. The refrigerator 100 may be provided with a control module, for example, a processor. When water stored in the first water storage tank 81 or the second water storage tank 91 reaches a certain amount, the water storage detection device 11 may transmit a signal to the control module of the refrigerator 100. The control module may control the first water outlet to be in a closed state according to the signal transmitted by the water storage detection device 11, and the control module may output a signal reminding the user to clean water stored in the first water tray 8 or the second water tray 9.
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Both the water volume detection device 12 and the water storage detection device 11 are non-contact capacitive liquid level sensors, and may also adopt other types of liquid level sensors. Both the water volume detection device 12 and the water storage detection device 11 may adopt waterproof sensors. A height at which the water storage detection device 11 is disposed may be determined according to a preset water storage amount of the first water storage tank 81 or the second water storage tank 91.
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The refrigerator 100 may be provided with a voice module communicatively connected with the control module. The refrigerator 100 may output a signal for cleaning water stored in the first water tray 8 or the second water tray 9 to the user through display screen display or voice announcement.
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Such configuration is able to facilitate both large and small water consumption by users, avoid wasting user time, satisfy various water consumption needs of users, and simultaneously is able to contain water overflowing from the kettle or falling from water outlets within the dispenser, remind users to timely clean the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, avoid damage to electronic components disposed at the bottom of the dispenser compartment 6 or electronic components disposed at other parts of the refrigerator 100 caused by water overflow from the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, and improve the user experience with the refrigerator 100.
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Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, an overflow channel 13 may be provided between the first water storage tank 81 and the second water storage tank 91, and water in the second water storage tank 91 may flow into the first water storage tank 81 through the overflow channel 13.
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In some embodiments, the water storage detection device 11 is a liquid level sensor. The water storage detection device 11 may be installed on a side wall of the first water storage tank. The water storage detection device 11 may be configured to output a signal when water stored in the first water storage tank reaches a preset water level.
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In some embodiments, the water storage detection device 11 may be positioned on a lower side of the bracket 10. The water storage detection device 11 may all be disposed on a side of the bracket 10 away from the first water outlet. Such configuration is able to avoid contact between the water storage detection device 11 and water as much as possible, and avoid damage to the water storage detection device 11 due to water ingress.
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Of course, in other embodiments, the overflow channel 13 may also be configured to enable water in the first water storage tank 81 to flow into the second water storage tank 91. Correspondingly, the water storage detection device 11 may be disposed on a side wall of the second water storage tank 91 and configured to output a signal when water stored in the second water storage tank 91 reaches a preset water level.
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Such configuration may prevent water overflow in both the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 by providing one liquid level sensor, with a simple structure and convenient control.
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Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the first water tray 8 is recessed downward to form a placement groove 83. The placement groove 83 is configured to place the automatic water filling kettle 7. A bottom wall of the placement groove 83 is recessed downward to form the first water storage tank 81. A water flow channel 14 is provided between a side wall of the placement groove 83 and a side wall of the second water storage tank 91. The overflow channel 13 may comprise the placement groove 83 and the water flow channel 14. When water stored in the second water storage tank 91 reaches a preset water level, the water in the second water storage tank 91 flows into the first water storage tank 81 through the water flow channel 14 and the placement groove 83.
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Such configuration is able to achieve stable placement of the automatic water filling kettle 7, and achieve prevention of water overflow in both the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 by providing one liquid level sensor, the structure is simple and control is convenient.
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Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first water tray 8 has a first inclined surface 82 provided on a front side of the placement groove 83. The first inclined surface 82 gradually extends downward from rear to front.
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When a user needs to place the automatic water filling kettle 7 into the dispenser compartment 6, the user may first make a bottom surface of the kettle 7 contact the first inclined surface 82, then push the kettle 7 toward the placement groove 83, causing the kettle 7 to slide into the placement groove 83 via the first inclined surface 82. Such configuration is able to facilitate user placement of the automatic water filling kettle 7, with a simple structure and convenient installation.
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Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the second water tray 9 has a second inclined surface 92 disposed between a front wall of the second water tray 9 and a front wall of the second water storage tank 91. The second inclined surface 92 extends obliquely forward and downward from the front wall of the second water storage tank 91 to the front wall of the second water tray 9. A height of the second inclined surface 92 on a side of the front wall of the second water storage tank 91 is higher than a height of a bottom wall of the water flow channel 14.
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Such configuration enables that, if the water storage detection device 11 malfunctions, water in the first water storage tank 81 and the second water storage tank 91 is able to flow out of the dispenser compartment 6 from a front side of the dispenser compartment 6 under guidance of the second inclined surface 92, avoiding water in the first water storage tank 81 and the second water storage tank 91 from penetrating everywhere within the dispenser compartment 6, thereby avoiding damage to electronic components disposed at the bottom of the dispenser compartment 6 or electronic components disposed at other parts of the refrigerator 100 as much as possible.
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Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 adopt an integral configuration.
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Such configuration is able to reduce connection gaps between the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, enabling the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 to cover the bottom wall of the dispenser compartment 6 as tightly as possible, preventing penetration below the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 due to water splashing or overflow, and avoiding damage to electronic components disposed at the bottom of the dispenser compartment 6 or electronic components disposed at other parts of the refrigerator 100 as much as possible.
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Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first inclined surface 82 and the second inclined surface 92 may be coplanar and may be integrally configured. The water flow channel 14 may be formed by downward recession of upper walls of the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, the upper walls of the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 are located between the placement groove 83 and the second water storage tank 91. Such configuration has a simple structure, convenient installation, and good usage effect.
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In some embodiments, the bracket 10, the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 are all disposed within the dispenser compartment 6, and peripheries of the bracket 10, the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 all extend to contact with side walls of the dispenser compartment 6.
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Such configuration is able to avoid forming connection gaps between the bracket 10 and the first water tray 8, and avoid water penetration through gaps between the bracket 10, the first water tray 8, the second water tray 9 and wall surfaces of the dispenser compartment 6, thereby avoiding damage to electronic components disposed at the bottom of the dispenser compartment 6 or electronic components disposed at other parts of the refrigerator 100 as much as possible.
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In some embodiments, the present application further provides a control method for refrigerator 100. The control method may comprise:
- obtaining a water storage signal indicating water storage in the first water tray 8;
- controlling the first water outlet to close or maintain a closed state according to the obtained water storage signal, and outputting a signal for cleaning water stored in the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9.
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In the present embodiment, as long as a water storage signal indicating water storage in the first water tray 8 is obtained, regardless of whether the reason for water storage in the first water tray 8 is due to water overflow caused by the first water outlet continuously filling the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water, or due to water in the second water tray 9 flowing into the first water tray 8, the first water outlet is closed and the user is reminded to clean the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9. Such configuration makes the control method simpler and more convenient, is able to remind users to timely clean the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, and avoid water overflow from the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 as much as possible.
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In some embodiments, the water storage detection device 11 may be composed of two liquid level sensors. One liquid level sensor of the water storage detection device 11 is disposed on a side wall of the first water storage tank, and another liquid level sensor is disposed on a side wall of the second water storage tank.
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The first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 may adopt a separate configuration or an integral configuration. The water storage detection device 11 may be configured to output a signal when water in the first water storage tank 81 reaches a predetermined water level. The water storage detection device 11 may be configured to output a signal when water in the second water storage tank 91 reaches a predetermined water level.
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Such configuration is able to achieve separate detection of whether the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 overflow, prevent water overflow from the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, and avoid damage to the water storage detection device 11 and the water storage detection device 11 due to water ingress.
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In some embodiments, refrigerator 100 further comprises a dispenser compartment door 4 and a door lock 15. The dispenser compartment door 4 is configured to open and close the dispenser compartment 6. The door lock 15 may be disposed on the dispenser compartment door 4. The door lock 15 may be configured to lock the dispenser compartment door 4 at a position closing the dispenser compartment 6. The door lock 15 may be a push-type door lock. When the door lock 15 is pressed, the door lock 15 opens so that the dispenser compartment door 4 is able to be opened.
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The refrigerator 100 may further comprise a pressure detection device. The pressure detection device may be provided in cooperation with the door lock 15. The pressure detection device is configured to detect whether the door lock 15 is pressed, so that the refrigerator 100 is able to control opening and closing of the first water outlet according to a signal output by the pressure detection device.
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When the pressure detection device detects that the door lock 15 is pressed, it indicates that the user is opening the dispenser compartment door 4 and the user wants to use the dispenser compartment 6. A control module of the refrigerator may control the first water outlet to close according to a signal transmitted by the pressure detection device, causing the first water outlet to stop filling the automatic water filling kettle 7 with water. Such configuration is able to ensure that when the dispenser compartment door 4 is opened, the first water outlet is always closed, thisprevents water from the first water outlet from splashing out, and avoids interfering with the user's use of the dispenser compartment 6, such as taking the automatic water filling kettle 7, when the first water outlet were to dispense water into the automatic water filling kettle 7.
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Specifically, the pressure detection device may be a pressure sensor, or may be an electrical switch triggered when the door lock 15 is pressed, as long as it is able to output a corresponding signal to the control module of the refrigerator when the door lock 15 is pressed.
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Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the door lock 15 may be an automatic door lock 15. Users do not need to manually press the door lock 15, and may input an instruction to open the door lock 15 to the refrigerator through a display screen or voice. When the refrigerator receives an instruction input by the user to open the dispenser compartment door 4, the control module of the refrigerator may first detect whether the first water outlet is closed. If the first water outlet is in an open state, the first water outlet may be controlled to close first, then the door lock 15 may be controlled to open, so that the first water outlet has been closed before the dispenser compartment door 4 is opened, ensuring that the first water outlet is in a closed state when the dispenser compartment door 4 is opened.
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In summary, the refrigeration appliance and the control method for the refrigeration appliance in the present application are able to solve the problem in the prior art that when a user's water consumption is large, it takes a long time to dispense water from a water outlet. By adopting the technical solution in the present application, it is able to facilitate both large and small water consumption by users, avoid wasting user time, satisfy various water consumption needs of users, and simultaneously is able to contain overflowing or falling water, remind users to timely clean the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, achieve prevention of water overflow in both the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9 by providing one liquid level sensor with simple structure and convenient control, avoid damage to electronic components disposed at the bottom of the dispenser compartment 6 or electronic components disposed at other parts of the refrigerator 100 caused by water overflow from the first water tray 8 and the second water tray 9, and improve the user experience with the refrigerator 100.
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It should be understood that although the present specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative manner of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and technical solutions in various embodiments may also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments understandable to those skilled in the art.
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The series of detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the technical spirit of the present application should be included within the protection scope of the present application.