Refrigerator assembly having features for improved air circulation through a machine compartment thereof

Abstract

A refrigerator assembly, as disclosed herein, may include a cabinet, a louver panel, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes. The cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber and a machine compartment. The machine compartment may have an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet. The louver panel may be mounted to the cabinet in front of the machine compartment. The louver panel may define a plurality of lateral apertures spaced apart along a vertical direction. The plurality of lateral apertures may extend along the lateral direction in front of the air inlet and the air outlet from a first end to a second end. The plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may extend rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator assemblies or appliances, and more particularly to features thereof for improving air circulation through a machine compartment of a refrigerator assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Refrigerator assemblies or appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber, such as a fresh food chamber or a freezer chamber, for storing food or other perishable items. In addition, refrigerator appliances also generally include a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Often, refrigerator appliances include a machine compartment in which a compressor or condenser is mounted.[0003]It is common for typical refrigerators stick out from a wall or cabinet in which they are installed. In order to address this concern, certain refrigerator appliances, such as those commonly referred to as built-in refrigerators, are configure...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a refrigerator assembly with improved air circulation. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a louver panel, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes. The louver panel is mounted in front of the machine compartment and has a plurality of lateral apertures that extend along a vertical direction. The plurality of laterally-spaced vanes extend rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet. This design allows for efficient air flow and reduces energy consumption compared to conventional refrigerators.

Problems solved by technology

Although aesthetically pleasing, this can cause further issues.

Therefore, it can be difficult to circulate air through the machine compartment for heat exchange.

In turn, it is often especially difficult to prevent an intake airflow into the machine compartment from mixing with an output airflow from the machine compartment.

Unfortunately, having discontinuous elements or features extending in front of the machine compartment often creates an unseemly appearance.

Such a configuration may also provide or create an intrusive surface that can catch fabric, dust, or even a user's foot passing in front of the appliance.

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