REFRIGERATOR

A refrigerator includes a drain assembly guiding water downward into a water container. The drain assembly includes a drain valve having a valve body, a water inlet and a drain outlet. The water inlet conducts water into, and the drain outlet conducts water out of, the valve body. A water passage between water inlet and drain outlet includes first and second side by side cavities. The drain valve includes a water valve isolating the first cavity from the second cavity or communicating the first and second cavities. The configuration of the water passage and water valve allows the height of the drain assembly to be lowered. During manufacture and assembly of the refrigerator, interference and restriction of the drain assembly upon mounting and assembly of other components are reduced. Gravity of the water valve has less impact on sensitivity of the water valve, and the drain assembly is more sensitive.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of Chinese Patent Application CN 202110645491.5, filed Jun. 10, 2021; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular, to a refrigerator.

For some existing refrigerators, water (such as defrosted water in the evaporator or accumulated water in the storage compartment) in the refrigerator needs to be drained out of the refrigerator by using a drain assembly, and complex drainpipes are mostly disposed in the refrigerator to prevent external hot wet air from flowing into the refrigerator through drainpipes. However, such drainpipes are usually bulky and are not sensitive enough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved refrigerator, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known refrigerators of this general type and which has a more sensitive and smaller drain assembly.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a refrigerator, including a drain assembly configured to guide water in the refrigerator into a water container at a lower portion of the refrigerator. The drain assembly includes a drain valve. The drain valve includes: a valve body, including a water inlet and a drain outlet, the water inlet is adapted for water to flow into the valve body, and the drain outlet is adapted for water to flow out of the valve body, and a water passage located between the water inlet and the drain outlet and including a first cavity and a second cavity that are disposed side by side. The drain valve further includes a water valve, configured to isolate the first cavity from the second cavity or to provide communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.

Based on the special configuration of the water passage and the water valve of the drain valve, the height of the drain assembly using the drain valve can be lowered. Gravity of the water valve has less impact on the sensitivity of the water valve, and the drain assembly can be more sensitive.

In a possible implementation, the water valve includes a first valve plate located between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first valve plate is adapted to provide communication between the first cavity with the second cavity under the action of water flow.

In a possible implementation, the valve body includes an end surface between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the drain valve includes a first valve plate that overlaps the end surface when the first cavity is isolated from the second cavity.

In a possible implementation, the first valve plate is inclined downwards in a direction from the first cavity to the second cavity, and an angle between the first valve plate from top to bottom and a vertical direction is an acute angle.

In a possible implementation, the valve body includes a barrier located between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the barrier is located on one side of the first valve plate close to the first cavity.

In a possible implementation, the valve body further includes a second divisional wall that is located between the first cavity and the second cavity and is inclined towards the first cavity from bottom to top, the first valve plate is located on one side of the second divisional wall close to the second cavity, and the first valve plate overlaps the second divisional wall when the first cavity is isolated from the second cavity.

In a possible implementation, the first valve plate includes a first connection portion at an upper end and a first main body portion at a lower end, the first connection portion is configured to connect the first valve plate to the valve body, and the first main body portion is movable relative to the first connection portion.

In a possible implementation, the valve body includes a box-shaped body and a cover coupled to the box-shaped body, the water valve includes a first valve plate, the first valve plate includes a first connection portion clamped between the cover and the box-shaped body and a first main body portion that is movable relative to the first connection portion, and the first main body portion is located between the first cavity and the second cavity.

In a possible implementation, a bottom wall of the first cavity is inclined downwards in a direction towards the second cavity.

In a possible implementation, the valve body includes a water inlet pipe portion located upstream of the first cavity, the water inlet is provided at the water inlet pipe portion, and a water outlet of the water inlet pipe portion is located above the first cavity.

In a possible implementation, the drain valve includes: an air inlet, an air passage located between the air inlet and the water inlet and an air valve located in the air passage, and the air valve is adapted to open the air passage when a pressure in the air passage is less than an external pressure, and close the air passage when the pressure in the air passage is equal to the external pressure.

In a possible implementation, the air passage includes a third cavity located in the valve body, the air inlet is located in the third cavity, and the air valve includes a second valve plate located in the third cavity.

In a possible implementation, the second valve plate is horizontally disposed above the air inlet.

In a possible implementation, the air passage further includes a third cavity located outside the water passage, and the air valve is located in the third cavity.

In a possible implementation, the first cavity is in air communication with the third cavity, so that air flows towards the water inlet from the third cavity.

In a possible implementation, the refrigerator includes a first divisional wall that is located between the first cavity and the third cavity and that extends from bottom to top.

In a possible implementation, the valve body includes a box-shaped body and a cover coupled to the box-shaped body, and the water valve and the air valve are both located in the box-shaped body or the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The technical solutions disclosed in this application are clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. Nevertheless, the described embodiments are merely some rather than all of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments arrived at by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, toFIG.1thereof, there is seen a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator100according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.1shows an air-cooled refrigerator100. The refrigerator100includes an air passage101, an evaporator102located in the air passage101, a water pan103, a drain assembly200, and a water container107located in a mechanical room or chamber105. The refrigerator100further includes a storage compartment106. As shown in the figure, the refrigerator100further includes a door configured to open or close the storage compartment106, and the air passage101is in communication with the storage compartment106.

The water pan103is located below the evaporator102and is configured to receive defrosted water of the evaporator102. A water inlet end of the drain assembly200is in communication with the water pan103, and a water outlet end is located above the water container107. The drain assembly200includes a drain valve1.

In other embodiments, the refrigerator100may alternatively be a direct-cooled refrigerator100. In the alternative embodiment not shown in the figure, the water inlet end of the drain assembly200is in communication with the storage compartment106to drain water in the storage compartment106, and the water outlet end is located above the water container107. The drain assembly200again includes the drain valve1.

It may be understood that, both the air-cooled refrigerator100and the direct-cooled refrigerator100need to drain water, for example, to drain the defrosted water of the evaporator102or accumulated water/condensation water in the storage compartment106to the water container107. In order to maintain operating efficiency and/or reduce power consumption, the drain assembly200needs to be closed when no water is drained, to prevent external air from flowing into the refrigerator100.

FIG.2is an exploded vertical view of a drain assembly200for a refrigerator100according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The drain valve1includes a valve body2. The valve body2includes a water inlet3and a drain outlet4. Water may flow into the valve body2through the water inlet3, and the water flowing into the valve body2may flow out of valve body2through the drain outlet4. The drain valve1includes a closed state and an open state. When the drain valve1is in the open state, the drain assembly200is open, and the water can successfully flow into the valve body2through the water inlet3and then flow out of the valve body2through the drain outlet4. When the drain valve1is in the closed state, the drain assembly200is closed, and water can flow into the valve body2through the water inlet3but cannot flow out of the valve body2through the drain outlet4.

The drain assembly200may further include a first drainpipe202. The first drainpipe202is connected upstream of the water inlet3, and to-be-drained water in the refrigerator100can flow into the valve body2through the first drainpipe202.

The drain assembly200may further include a second drainpipe201. The second drainpipe201is connected downstream of the drain outlet4, and the water flowing out of the drain outlet4flows into the water container107through the second drainpipe201.

In the implementation shown inFIG.2, the drain assembly200includes both the first drainpipe202and the second drainpipe201. However, in a possible implementation, the drain assembly200may alternatively include only one of the first drainpipe202or the second drainpipe201. With proper length of the first drainpipe202or the second drainpipe201, the drain assembly may be used to successfully guide water in the refrigerator100into the water container107.

Since refrigerators100of different models have different shapes, sizes, or internal structures, the drain assembly200usually needs to be specially configured, which imperceptibly increases production and maintenance costs. In this embodiment, the drain valve1may control a water passage5. To be specific, the first drainpipe202is connected upstream of the drain valve1and/or the second drainpipe201is connected downstream of the drain valve1. Therefore, there is no need to reconfigure a new drain assembly200for the refrigerators100of different models, and only the size and shape of the first drainpipe202and/or the second drainpipe201need to be adjusted, so that the first drainpipe202and/or the second drainpipe201are used in combination with the drain valve1in this embodiment of the invention.

FIG.3is an exploded view of a drain valve1according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring toFIG.3, the drain valve1includes the water passage5between the water inlet3and the drain outlet4. The water passage5is located in the valve body2. The drain valve1further includes a water valve8located in the water passage5.

The water passage5includes a first cavity6and a second cavity7that are disposed side by side. The first cavity6is located upstream of the second cavity7in a water flow direction. The water valve8is located between the first cavity6and the second cavity7. The water valve8is configured to isolate the first cavity6from the second cavity7or communicate the first cavity6with the second cavity7. The drain valve1is in the closed state when the first cavity6and the second cavity7are isolated by the water valve8; and the drain valve1is in the open state when the first cavity6is in communication with the second cavity7.

In the drain valve1with such a configuration, the water valve8is protected by the valve body2and is not prone to the interference of other components. Gravity of the water valve8has less impact on the sensitivity of the water valve8, and the drain valve1can be more sensitive.

Based on the special configuration of the water passage5of the drain valve1, the height of the drain assembly200using the drain valve1can be lowered. During manufacture and assembly of the refrigerator100, the interference and restriction of the drain assembly200on mounting and assembly of other components are reduced.

The water valve8includes a first valve plate81located between the first cavity6and the second cavity7.

In a specific implementation, referring toFIG.3, the first valve plate81may be made of a variable flexible material (such as silicone or rubber), and an end of the first valve plate81is coupled to the valve body2. When there is no water or only a small amount of water flows into the first cavity6, the first valve plate81blocks an end surface21between the first cavity6and the second cavity7, and the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7. When the water in the first cavity6is accumulated to a specific amount, the water pressure acts on the first valve plate81and overcomes the elasticity and/or gravity of the first valve plate81, so that the first valve plate81deforms/tilts up, the deformed portion/tilted portion is separated from the end surface21, the first cavity6and the second cavity7are communicated, and the water flows into the second cavity7from the first cavity6and then flows out of the valve body2through the drain outlet4. When there is no water in the first cavity6or the amount of the water is insufficient, the deformed portion/tilted portion releases the elastic potential energy/gravitational potential energy, restores to the original shape, and blocks the end surface21between the first cavity6and the second cavity7. In this case, air cannot flow out of the water inlet3through the second cavity7and the first cavity6.

In a variant example, which is not shown in the figure, the first valve plate81may alternatively be formed of a non-deformable material (such as a metal sheet). When the water in the first cavity6is accumulated to a specific amount, the water pressure acts on the first valve plate81and overcomes the gravity of the first valve plate81, so that the first valve plate81is lifted (in which the center of gravity is raised), the first valve plate81is separated from the end surface21, and the first cavity6and the second cavity7are communicated. When there is a little water or no water in the first cavity6, the first valve plate81is lowered due to gravity to overlap the end surface21, so that the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7. It should be noted that, the term “non-deformable” herein does not mean that the first valve plate81absolutely cannot be deformed, but means that the achievement of the object of the invention according to this embodiment may not rely on deformation properties of the first valve plate81.

In another variant example, an elastic member (not shown in the figure) connected between the first valve plate81and the valve body2is further included. The elasticity and/or gravity of the first valve plate81and/or elasticity of the elastic member are overcome under the action of the water pressure in the first cavity6, and the first cavity6and the second cavity7are communicated. When there is a little water in the first cavity6, the elastic potential energy/gravitational potential energy of the first valve plate81and/or the elastic potential energy of the elastic member are released, so that the first valve plate81restores to the original position and/or shape, and the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7.

The drain valve1is applied to the drain assembly200of the refrigerator100. Water in the refrigerator100may flow into the first cavity6through the drain outlet4. Under the action of the water flow, the first cavity6and the second cavity7are communicated by the first valve plate81, and the water is drained out of the valve body2through the drain outlet4. After the drainage, the first cavity6and the second cavity7are isolated again by the first valve plate81. In this case, external hot wet air cannot flow into the refrigerator100through the drain outlet4, and the refrigerator100does not need to consume additional power for cooling heat, which is more power-saving. In addition, less moisture enters the refrigerator100, and frosting and freezing are alleviated.

Still referring toFIG.3, the first valve plate81is disposed inclined downwards in a direction from the first cavity6to the second cavity7, and an angle between the first valve plate81from top to bottom and a vertical direction is an acute angle. With such a configuration, when the first valve plate81is located at a position where the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7, the gravity of the first valve plate81also acts on the valve body2that supports the first valve plate81. Compared with a vertically disposed shape, the first valve plate81is attached to the valve body2more closely, providing a better seal effect and reducing a probability that external air flows into the first cavity6.

The valve body2includes a second divisional wall23disposed between the first cavity6and the second cavity7. The second divisional wall23extends from the bottom of the first cavity6or the second cavity7to the top of the first cavity6or the second cavity7. At least one opening for water to flow into the second cavity7from the first cavity6is disposed on the second divisional wall23. When the drain valve1is open, the first valve plate81is spaced apart from the second divisional wall23, so that the water flows from the first cavity6into the second cavity7through the openings. When the drain valve1is closed, the first valve plate81overlaps the end surface21of the second divisional wall23and blocks the overflow openings, and the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7.

The second divisional wall23may include a barrier22of a fence-shaped structure disposed close to the bottom of the second divisional wall23. The overflow openings may be disposed on the barrier22, and water may flow into the second cavity7through gaps on the barrier22.

Furthermore, the second divisional wall23is located on one side of the first valve plate81close to the first cavity6, so that the first valve plate81is blocked by the second divisional wall23when the first valve plate81is located at the position where the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7. When an internal pressure of the refrigerator100is less than an external pressure of the refrigerator100, the first valve plate81cannot be reversely opened, thereby reducing a probability that the external air flows into the refrigerator100through the water passage5.

Furthermore, the barrier22provides an overflow passage for water to flow through. When there is no water flowing through the overflow passage, the first valve plate81overlaps the barrier22to isolate the first cavity6from the second cavity7. The barrier22supports the first valve plate81more evenly, thereby reducing a probability of deformation and seal failure of the first valve plate81due to insufficient local support.

Furthermore, the second divisional wall23may be inclined towards the first cavity6from bottom to top, so that when the first valve plate81is located at the position where the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7, the first valve plate81may overlap the end surface21of the second divisional wall23to be kept in an inclined state. In this case, the first valve plate81can be kept in a good, sealed state. In addition, since the second divisional wall23provides good support, the first valve plate81can be kept in the sealed state without relying on its own strength, a fatigue loss is reduced, and the sensitivity of the first valve plate81can remain for a long time.

Still referring toFIG.3, the first valve plate81may include a first connection portion811and a first main body portion812. The first main body portion812is coupled to the valve body2, and the first main body portion812is movable relative to the first connection portion811and may isolate the first cavity6from the second cavity7or communicate the first cavity6with the second cavity7in a movement path. Specifically, the first main body portion812may overlap the end surface21of the second divisional wall23to block the overflow openings, so that the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7. The first main body portion812is alternatively deformable/movable relative to the first connection portion811to be spaced apart from the second divisional wall23, so that the first cavity6and the second cavity7are communicated.

The first connection portion811may include first pin holes8111, and the valve body2includes first pins231. The first pins231are inserted into the first pin holes8111to relatively fix the first valve plate81to the valve body2. In such a connection manner, a mounting process can be simplified, and steps such as gluing and attaching can be reduced.

The first pins231may be located on the second divisional wall23. Furthermore, the first pins231are located on the top of the second divisional wall23.

The first connection portion811is located at an edge of the first valve plate81. With such a structure, when the first valve plate81is impacted by the water flow, the first main body portion812has a larger torque and is more likely to be deformed, so that the drain valve1is more sensitive.

The first connection portion811includes a flange located at the edge of the first valve plate81, and the first pin holes8111may be located on the flange.

Furthermore, the first connection portion811is located at an upper portion of the first valve plate81, and the first main body portion812is located at a lower portion of the first valve plate81. With such a configuration, the gravity of the first main body portion812can better act to improve the seal performance when the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7.

Still referring toFIG.3, the valve body2may include a box-shaped body30and a cover40. The cover40may be coupled to the box-shaped body30.

The box-shaped body30includes buckles301and the cover40includes clamp holes401. The clamp holes401and the buckles301are engaged with each other to connect the box-shaped body30to the cover40. In this way, the box-shaped body30and the cover40may be manufactured separately and then assembled. For example, the box-shaped body30and the cover40are formed by using low-cost processes such as injection molding and mold pressing, which is easy to manufacture. The connection between the box-shaped body30and the cover40may alternatively be implemented in other manners such as threaded connection, bonding, and welding. However, such connection matters are not the focus of this invention, and details are not described herein.

Edges of the box-shaped body30and/or the cover40have a seal structure, so that a joint is well sealed when the box-shaped body30is coupled to the cover40.

Two groove-shaped regions are formed on two sides of the second divisional wall23on the box-shaped body30. When the cover40is coupled to the box-shaped body30, the two groove-shaped regions respectively define the first cavity6and the second cavity7together with the cover40.

When the cover40is coupled to the box-shaped body30, the seal structure is formed between the cover40and the second divisional wall23, to prevent air from flowing into the first cavity6through a gap between the second divisional wall23and the cover40when the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7.

Furthermore, the first connection portion811is clamped between the second divisional wall23and the cover40when the cover40is coupled to the box-shaped body30. With such a configuration, according to a first aspect, the connection between the first valve plate81and the valve body2can be strengthened and are not prone to fall off. According to a second aspect, the first connection portion811may be used as a seal member between the cover40and the second divisional wall23to improve the seal effect. Furthermore, the flange of the first connection portion811is clamped between the second divisional wall23and the cover40.

Still referring toFIG.3, the valve body2includes a water inlet pipe portion9, the water inlet3is provided at the water inlet pipe portion9, and a water outlet92of the water inlet pipe portion9is located right above the first cavity6. With such a configuration, water flowing into the drain valve1may directly flow into the valve body2in a shortest flow path, and the water flow is smoother.

Furthermore, the water inlet pipe portion9is located on the cover40, and the water inlet3is also located on the cover40.

Still referring toFIG.3, the drain outlet4is located on the box-shaped body30, and specifically, is located right below the second cavity7. With such a configuration, water in the water valve8may directly flow out of the drain valve1in a shortest path, and the water flow is smoother.

In a possible implementation, the valve body2further includes a water outlet pipe portion19. An upper end of the water outlet pipe portion19is in communication with the second cavity7. The water outlet pipe portion19is opposite to the second cavity7. Furthermore, the water outlet pipe portion19is located on the box-shaped body30, and the water outlet92is also located on the box-shaped body.

Furthermore, the water inlet pipe portion9and the water outlet pipe portion19are at least partially staggered in a horizontal direction.

Still referring toFIG.3together withFIG.2,FIG.5a,FIG.5b,FIG.6a, andFIG.6b, the water inlet pipe portion9includes a first threaded portion91, and correspondingly, includes a first thread fitting portion2021at an end portion of the first drainpipe202. The first threaded portion91may fit with the first thread fitting portion2021to connect the first drainpipe202to the valve body2, so that the first drainpipe communicates with the valve body.

The water outlet pipe portion19includes a second threaded portion191, and correspondingly, includes a second thread fitting portion2011at an end portion of the second drainpipe201. The second threaded portion191may fit with the second thread fitting portion2011to connect the second drainpipe201to the valve body2, so that the second drainpipe201communicates with the valve body2.

It may be understood that the connection between the drain valve1and the first drainpipe202or the second drainpipe201may be implemented in other manners such as clamping, bonding, and welding, and the object of the invention according to this embodiment of the present invention can still be achieved.

Still referring toFIG.3, the drain valve1further includes an air inlet10, an air passage11, and an air valve12located in the air passage11. The air passage11is located between the air inlet10and the water inlet3. The air valve12is adapted to open the air passage11when a pressure in the air passage11is less than an external pressure, and close the air passage11when the pressure in the air passage11is equal to the external pressure.

When the drain valve1with such a configuration is applied to the refrigerator100, and a pressure in the refrigerator100is less than the external pressure, the air valve12is opened, and the external air flows into the refrigerator100through the air passage11. As the pressure in the refrigerator100increases, the air valve12is closed to prevent more hot wet air from flowing into the refrigerator100. In this way, according to an aspect of the invention, a pressure difference between inside and outside of the refrigerator100is smaller, the force to open the door is reduced, and user experience is better. According to another aspect, no conventional water sealed structure is used, so that air cannot flow into the refrigerator100through the water valve8, and it is less likely to produce abnormal sound when the door is opened, thereby improving the user experience.

The air passage11further includes a third cavity20located on the valve body2. The air inlet10is located at the bottom of the third cavity20.

The air valve12includes a second valve plate13located in the third cavity20. The second valve plate13may be made of a flexible material (such as silicone or rubber) and is deformable under the action of an external force. When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is equal to the external pressure, since pressures on both sides of the second valve plate13are the same or equivalent, the second valve plate13may not deform or the pressure difference is not sufficient to deform the second valve plate13, the first valve plate81closes the air inlet10, and the air valve12is in a state of closing the air passage11. When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is less than the external pressure, since a pressure on an outer side (a side facing away from the third cavity20) surface is greater than a pressure on an inner side (a side close to the third cavity20) surface of the second valve plate13, the second valve plate13overcomes the limitation of gravity and/or its own elasticity to deform towards an inner portion of the third cavity20and is spaced apart from a cavity wall of the third cavity20, so that the external air flows into the third cavity20through a gap and then flows into the refrigerator100through the water inlet3. As more air flows into the refrigerator100, the internal and external pressures of the refrigerator100gradually reach a balanced state. In this case, a pressure difference between the pressure on the outer side surface and the pressure on the inner side surface of the second valve plate13gradually decreases, and the second valve plate13restores to the original shape due to the gravity and/or its own elasticity, to close the air inlet10again.

After the door of the refrigerator100is closed, as a temperature in the storage compartment106/the air passage101decreases, a temperature and pressure of the air in the refrigerator100decrease, and consequently, the internal pressure is less than the external pressure. Therefore, a large force is required to open the door again. In this embodiment of this application, the air valve12may be opened when the internal pressure is less than the external pressure, so that the external air flows into the refrigerator100; and the air valve12is closed when the internal pressure is equivalent to the external pressure, so that the inside and outside of the refrigerator100are kept in a completely isolated state. In this way, a smaller force is required to open the door again, and energy consumption of the refrigerator100is reduced.

In a variant example, the second valve plate13may alternatively be made of a rigid material. When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is less than the external pressure, since the pressure on the outer side surface is greater than the pressure on the inner side surface of the second valve plate13, and the pressure overcomes the gravity of the second valve plate13, so that the second valve plate13is lifted (in which the center of gravity is raised) and is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the third cavity20, the air inlet10is exposed, and the external air flows into the third cavity20through the gap and then flows into the refrigerator100through the water inlet3. As more air flows into the refrigerator100, the internal and external pressures of the refrigerator100gradually reach the balanced state. In this case, the pressure difference between the pressure on the outer side surface and the pressure on the inner side surface of the second valve plate13gradually decreases, and the second valve plate13is lowered to the original position due to the gravity, to close the air inlet10again.

In another variant example, the air valve12may further include an elastic member connected between the third cavity20and the second valve plate13. When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is less than the external pressure, the pressure overcomes the elasticity of the elastic member, so that the air inlet10is opened. When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is equal to the external pressure, the second valve plate13blocks the air inlet10again due to the elasticity of the elastic member.

Still referring toFIG.3, the second valve plate13is horizontally disposed above the air inlet10. With such a configuration, the second valve plate13can be attached to the third cavity20more closely due to the gravity of the second valve plate13, to close the air passage11, and the sensitivity of the air valve12can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the gravity of the second valve plate13.

The third cavity20is located outside the water passage5, and with such a configuration, water is less likely to flow into the air passage11, thereby alleviating the problem that the sensitivity is reduced due to water in the air valve12.

Still referring toFIG.3, the third cavity20is in air communication with the first cavity6, so that air may flow into the first cavity6from the third cavity20and then flows into the refrigerator100through the water inlet3. Such a configuration has a simple and compact structure.

A first divisional wall121is disposed on the valve body2. The first divisional wall121is located between the first cavity6and the third cavity20and extends from bottom to top. With such a configuration, the first divisional wall121can prevent water from flowing into the third cavity20from the first cavity6as much as possible, thereby maintaining efficient operating of the air passage11.

Furthermore, a passage is formed above the first divisional wall121, and the first cavity6may be in communication with the third cavity20through the passage. With such a configuration, the first cavity6and the third cavity20are isolated with regard to water but in air communication with each other.

Still referring toFIG.3, the second valve plate13includes a second connection portion131and a second main body portion132that is movable relative to the second connection portion131. The second valve plate13is coupled to the valve body2by using the second connection portion131. Positions for closing and opening the air inlet10are provided in a movement path of the second main body portion132.

The second connection portion131is located at an edge of the second valve plate13. With such a configuration, when the external pressure acts on the second valve plate13, a larger torque is formed on the second valve plate13, and the second valve plate13is more likely to be deformed. In other words, the air valve12is more sensitive.

The second connection portion131includes second pin holes1311, the third cavity20includes second pins302at the bottom, and the second pin holes1311are engaged with the second pins302to connect the second valve plate13to the valve body2. With such a connection manner, a mounting process can be simplified, and steps such as gluing and attaching can be reduced.

The valve body2may include the box-shaped body30and the cover40coupled to the box-shaped body30. A groove region is provided on the box-shaped body30. When the box-shaped body30is coupled to the cover40, the cover40covers the groove region to jointly define the third cavity20.

An abutting portion402extending towards the second connection portion131is disposed on the cover40. When the cover40is coupled to the box-shaped body30, the abutting portion402abuts against the second connection portion131to further fix the second valve plate13, thereby reducing a risk of falling off and displacement of the second valve plate13.

Furthermore, the abutting portion402abuts between the second pin hole1311and the second main body portion132. When the second valve plate13moves/deforms, a magnitude of movement/deformation of the second connection portion131decreases, thereby reducing a probability that regions where the second pin holes1311are located are damaged due to frequent movement/deformation.

Although both the water valve8and the air valve12are located on the box-shaped body30as shown in the figures, there is at least another variant form. For example, both the air valve12and the water valve8are located on the cover40. For example, in a case that shapes of the box-shaped body30and the cover40shown inFIG.2are not changed and only a connection relationship between the first valve plate81and the second valve plate13is changed, both the first connection portion811and the second connection portion131are coupled to the cover40, and positions of the first main body portion812and the second main body portion132are not changed. In this case, the invention objective of this embodiment still can be achieved. Based on the configuration of this embodiment or a similar embodiment, the box-shaped body30and the cover40are easy to manufacture and assemble and have good seal performance, thereby reducing a probability of water leak and air leak.

FIG.4is a left side view of a drain valve1according to an embodiment of the invention.

A working principle of the drain valve1provided in the embodiments of this application is exemplarily described with reference toFIG.5a,FIG.5b,FIG.6a, andFIG.6b.FIG.5aandFIG.5bare cross-sectional views taken along a line B-B′ of a drain valve1according to an embodiment of this application, whereFIG.5ashows a state in which a water valve8is closed; andFIG.5bshows a state in which the water valve8is opened.FIG.6aandFIG.6bare cross-sectional views taken along a line A-A′ of a drain valve1according to an embodiment of this application, whereFIG.6ashows a state in which an air valve12is closed; andFIG.6bshows a state in which the air valve12is opened.

As shown inFIG.5b, a water pressure acts on the first valve plate81after water flows into the first cavity6through the water inlet3, so that the first valve plate81deforms, the first main body portion812tilts up, the first main body portion812is spaced apart from the end surface21to form a gap, and the water in the first cavity6flows into the second cavity7through the gap and then flows out of the drain valve1through the drain outlet4. When the first valve plate81deforms and the first main body portion812tilts up, the elastic potential energy and the gravitational potential energy of the first valve plate81are increased. Next, when the water in the first cavity6decreases or there is no water in the first cavity6, the elastic potential energy and the gravitational potential energy of the first valve plate81are released, so that the first valve plate81restores to the original shape and position, the first main body portion812overlaps the end surface21, and the first cavity6is isolated from the second cavity7, as shown inFIG.5a.

When the first valve plate81restores to the state shown inFIG.5a, the external air cannot flow into the refrigerator100through the water passage5because the first valve plate81has blocked the water passage. In addition, due to the blocking of the barrier22and/or the end surface21, even if the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is less than the external pressure, the first valve plate81may not deform or move into the first cavity6to cause the air to flow into the refrigerator100through the water passage5.

Referring toFIG.5aandFIG.5b, a bottom wall61of the first cavity6is inclined downwards in a direction towards the second cavity7. With such a configuration, the water in the first cavity6is collected at an end of the first cavity6close to the second cavity7, and the water valve8can be opened even if there is a small amount of water. Therefore, according to a first aspect, the water valve8is more sensitive; and according to a second aspect, accumulated water in the first cavity6is reduced.

When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is equivalent to the external pressure and there is no need to drain water, for the state of the drain valve1, reference may be made toFIG.5aandFIG.6a. In this case, both the water valve8and the air valve12are in a closed state, and the drain valve1is in communication with the inside of the refrigerator100to form a relatively closed space. When the internal pressure of the refrigerator100is reduced, the second valve plate13moves/deforms under the action of the pressure, as shown inFIG.6b, external air flows into the refrigerator100through the air inlet10, the third cavity20, the first cavity6, and the water inlet3, and the elastic potential energy and the gravitational potential energy of the second valve plate13are increased in such a process. When the internal pressure and the external pressure of the refrigerator100are balanced, the second valve plate13releases the elastic potential energy and the gravitational potential energy to restore to the original position/shape, to block the air inlet10again, as shown inFIG.6a.

Still referring toFIG.1, the refrigerator100further includes a foamed layer104, and at least one part of the drain assembly200is located in the foamed layer104. A person skilled in the art may understand that, the part located in the foamed layer104needs to be placed at a preset position, and then a foaming process can be implemented to bury the part in the foamed layer104, to help the drain assembly200with a larger volume to be modularly assembled into the refrigerator100step by step, thereby reducing a risk of displacement of the drain assembly200during the foaming process and making it easy to assemble and disassemble.

For example, the cover40is located in the foamed layer104, and the box-shaped body30is located in the mechanical room or chamber105. Therefore, during manufacture of the refrigerator100, the cover40may be first placed at a preset position, then the foaming process is implemented, and finally the box-shaped body30is coupled to the cover40from the mechanical room105.

For example, the first drainpipe202is located in the foamed layer104, and the drain valve1is located in the mechanical room105. The first drainpipe202may be assembled at a predetermined position before the foaming, and then the drain valve1is coupled to the first drainpipe202from the mechanical room105after the foaming.

In a specific implementation, as shown inFIG.3, the first connection portion811and the first main body portion812of the first valve plate81are disposed at an angle. The angle between the first connection portion811and the first main body portion812in a stretched or elongated state is D, and the first valve plate81is made of an elastic material (such as rubber or silicone). An angle between an extending direction of the end surface21or the second divisional wall23and an extending direction of the first connection portion811is C (referring toFIG.5b), where D<C. With such a configuration, when the first valve plate81is located at a closed position, the first main body portion812overlaps the end surface21or the second divisional wall23, but the first valve plate81is not in the stretched state and tends to be contracted. In this case, the elasticity facilitates improvement of the seal performance of the first valve plate81.

Although specific implementations have been described above, such implementations are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even if only a single implementation is described relative to specific features. The feature examples provided in this application are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, unless otherwise stated. During specific implementation, according to an actual requirement, in a technically feasible case, the technical features of one or more dependent claims may be combined with the technical features of the independent claims, and the technical features from the corresponding independent claims may be combined in any appropriate way instead of using just specific combinations listed in the claims.

The various specific implementations described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate this invention, but are not all of this invention. Any variation made by a person of ordinary skill in the art to this application within the scope of the basic technical concept of this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application.