Refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The present application provides a refrigeration appliance, comprising a body. A storage compartment is formed in the body, the storage compartment comprises a freezing compartment and / or a variable-temperature compartment, an ice-making compartment is provided in the freezing compartment or the variable-temperature compartment, cold air insulation is performed between the ice-making compartment and the freezing compartment or the variable-temperature compartment, and an ice maker is mounted in the ice-making compartment. The refrigeration appliance further comprises a storage evaporator and an ice-making heat exchanger, the storage evaporator is used for providing cooling capacity for the freezing compartment and / or the variable-temperature compartment, and the ice-making heat exchanger is used for providing cooling capacity for the ice-making compartment.

Description

Refrigeration appliances

[0001] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202410168645.X and application date of February 6, 2024, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the above patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of refrigeration, and in particular to a refrigeration appliance. Background Art

[0003] To meet diverse user needs, refrigerators and other refrigeration appliances often incorporate an independent ice-making compartment in addition to the existing refrigerator and freezer compartments. This compartment often shares the same evaporator with the freezer for cooling. This often results in an unpleasant odor in the ice, influenced by the odor of food stored in the freezer, affecting the user experience.

[0004] The reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that it could reasonably be expected that the person skilled in the art would understand, consider relevant and / or combine with other prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigeration appliance to solve the above problems.

[0006] To achieve one of the above-mentioned application purposes, the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, including a cabinet, in which a storage compartment is formed, the storage compartment including a freezer compartment and / or a temperature-changing chamber, an ice-making compartment is provided in the freezer compartment or the temperature-changing chamber, the ice-making compartment is isolated from the freezer compartment or the temperature-changing chamber by cold air, and an ice-making machine is installed in the ice-making compartment; the refrigeration appliance also includes a storage evaporator and an ice-making heat exchanger, the storage evaporator is used to provide cooling to the freezer compartment and / or the temperature-changing chamber, and the ice-making heat exchanger is used to provide cooling to the ice-making compartment.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are: the refrigeration appliance of the present application is provided with an independent ice-making chamber in the freezer or the variable temperature chamber, and an independent ice-making evaporator is provided in the ice-making chamber for cooling. There is no cold air exchange between the ice-making chamber and storage rooms such as the freezer or the variable temperature chamber, and the ice cubes in the ice-making chamber will not be contaminated.

[0008] As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprises," "comprised," "comprising," "including," and "containing" do not exclude other features, components, elements, or steps unless the context clearly requires otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a simple schematic diagram of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0010] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the freezer compartment of the refrigeration appliance shown in FIG1 ;

[0011] FIG3 is a perspective schematic diagram of the refrigeration appliance shown in FIG2 with some components hidden;

[0012] FIG4 is another perspective schematic diagram of the refrigeration appliance shown in FIG2 with some components hidden;

[0013] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the ice-making refrigeration system and ice-making machine shown in FIG2 ;

[0014] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration appliance shown in FIG2 from another angle;

[0015] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration appliance shown in FIG6 with some components hidden;

[0016] FIG8 is a perspective schematic diagram of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG2 ;

[0017] FIG9 is an explosion diagram of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG8 ;

[0018] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG8 with some components hidden;

[0019] FIG11 is a top view of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG8 with the refrigeration upper housing hidden;

[0020] FIG12 is a perspective schematic diagram of a refrigeration upper housing of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG8;

[0021] FIG13 is a perspective schematic diagram of a water receiving tray of the ice making refrigeration system shown in FIG8;

[0022] FIG14 is a perspective schematic diagram of an ice-making bracket according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG15 is a partial perspective schematic diagram of a refrigeration appliance according to a second embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG16 is a perspective schematic diagram of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG15;

[0025] FIG17 is a perspective schematic diagram of the fan bracket shown in FIG16;

[0026] FIG18 is a perspective schematic diagram of the refrigeration housing shown in FIG15 ;

[0027] FIG19 is a perspective schematic diagram of an ice-making refrigeration system according to a third embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG20 is an exploded view of the ice-making refrigeration system shown in FIG19 with some components hidden;

[0029] FIG21 is a perspective schematic diagram of a refrigeration appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG22 is an exploded view of the refrigeration appliance shown in FIG21 with some components hidden;

[0031] FIG23 is a perspective schematic diagram of a refrigeration appliance according to a fifth embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , one embodiment of the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, which may be a refrigerator. Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of the refrigeration appliance according to one embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the freezer compartment, and Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of Figure 2 with some components hidden.

[0034] A refrigeration appliance may include a refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration appliance may include a housing 100, which may include a storage compartment. The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment 110, a freezer compartment 120, and a variable temperature chamber. The refrigeration appliance may also include an ice-making compartment 130, which may include an ice-making machine 300. An ice storage box 350 may also be installed in the ice-making compartment 130. The ice storage box 350 may be placed below the ice-making machine 300, and the user may remove the ice storage box 350 from the ice-making compartment 130. The refrigeration compartment may include a storage compartment or the ice-making compartment 130.

[0035] A compressor compartment may also be provided on the side of the housing 100, and a compressor 150 may be installed in the compressor compartment. The refrigeration appliance may include a storage evaporator for supplying cold air to the storage compartment and an ice-making heat exchanger for supplying cold air to the ice-making compartment 130. The ice-making heat exchanger may be an ice-making evaporator 230. The storage evaporator may be used to provide cold air to the freezer compartment and / or the temperature-changing chamber, and may also supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment.

[0036] In one embodiment, the storage evaporator may include a refrigeration evaporator 111 for supplying cold air to the refrigerator compartment 110 and a freezer evaporator 121 for supplying cold air to the freezer compartment 120. The storage evaporator and the ice-making heat exchanger may share a compressor 150. By using a separate ice-making heat exchanger to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment 130, the cold air in the ice-making compartment 130 is kept clean and unaffected by the odor of food stored in the storage compartment, thereby producing clean ice cubes.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present application, an ice-making compartment 130 is disposed within the freezer compartment 120, and the ice-making compartment 130 and the freezer compartment 120 are isolated from each other by cold air. The refrigeration appliance includes a freezer door 122 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 120. When the freezer door 122 is closed, the ice-making compartment 130 is sealed. When a user needs to remove an ice storage box 350 or other components within the ice-making compartment 130, the user must first open the freezer door 122.

[0038] In this embodiment, the refrigeration appliance further includes an ice-making door 131, which can be used to open and close the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making door 131 can be integrated with the ice storage bin 350. For example, the ice storage bin 350 can be retractable within the ice-making chamber 130, and the front panel of the ice storage bin 350 can form the ice-making door 131. When the freezer door 122 is closed, the ice-making door 131 can be closed, with the freezer door 122 covering the ice-making door 131. To open the ice-making door 131, the user must first open the freezer door 122.

[0039] The housing 100 may include an outer shell and an inner liner, with insulation material filling the space between the outer shell and the inner liner. In one embodiment, the insulation material may be a foam material. The outer shell and the inner liner may be foam-molded to form the housing 100. The space within the inner liner forms a storage compartment. After the housing 100 is completed, a partition 140 may be installed within the freezer compartment 120, directly separating the ice-making compartment 130 from the outer shell.

[0040] In this embodiment, the ice-making chamber 130 can be a space enclosed by an inner container and a partition 140. Other partitions can be installed in the ice-making chamber 130 to separate the ice-making chamber, such as partitions that separate an air duct within the ice-making chamber, or partitions that separate a compartment for installing components such as an evaporator. The partition 140 is sealed from the side walls of the freezer compartment 120, such as by a sealing strip or other structure, to prevent cold air exchange between the ice-making chamber 130 and the freezer compartment 120. The partition 140 can be disposed above the freezer compartment 120 and can, together with the top and side walls of the freezer compartment 120, enclose the ice-making chamber 130. The partition 140 can be an insulating partition.

[0041] Of course, the storage compartment may also include a variable temperature chamber, and the storage evaporator may further include a variable temperature evaporator that supplies cold air to the variable temperature chamber. The ice making chamber 130 may also be located within the variable temperature chamber, isolated from the cold air in the variable temperature chamber. The refrigeration appliance may include a variable temperature door for opening and closing the variable temperature chamber. When the variable temperature door is closed, the ice making chamber 130 is sealed, requiring the user to open the variable temperature door to enter the ice making chamber 130. The method for arranging the ice making chamber 130 within the variable temperature chamber can be substantially the same as the method for arranging the ice making chamber 130 within the freezer compartment 120.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration system for at least one refrigeration compartment can be installed inside the refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration system can include a refrigeration housing, an evaporator installed within the refrigeration housing, and a fan. The refrigeration system can also include components such as a water tray and a defrost heater installed within the refrigeration housing. The refrigeration system can include an air outlet and a return air outlet, which can be directly located within the refrigeration compartment.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present application, the at least one refrigeration compartment is an ice-making compartment 130, and an ice-making refrigeration system 200 is installed in the ice-making compartment 130, and the ice-making refrigeration system includes an ice-making evaporator 230. That is, when the refrigeration compartment is the ice-making compartment 130, the refrigeration system is the ice-making refrigeration system 200.

[0044] Referring to Figures 5 to 13 , a refrigeration appliance according to a first embodiment of the present application is shown. In this embodiment, an ice-making heat exchanger is disposed within the ice-making chamber 130. In one embodiment, the ice-making heat exchanger is an ice-making evaporator 230, which is mounted within the ice-making chamber 130. The refrigeration appliance includes an ice-making refrigeration system 200. The ice-making refrigeration system 200 may include a refrigeration housing 210 and an ice-making evaporator 230, which is disposed within the refrigeration housing 210. The ice-making refrigeration system 200 may also include a fan 240, a water collection tray 250, and a defrost heater, all of which may be disposed within the refrigeration housing 210. The water collection tray 250 may be disposed below the ice-making evaporator 230. When the ice-making evaporator 230 requires defrosting, the defrost heater may be activated to heat the frost on the surface of the ice-making evaporator 230, allowing water to melt and flow into the water collection tray 250.

[0045] The water tray 250 may have a drain spout 253. A drain port may be provided on the sidewall of the ice-making chamber 130. A drain pipe 255 connected to the drain port may be installed within the insulation layer of the housing 100. The drain spout 253 of the water tray 250 may be inserted into the drain port. Water in the water tray 250 may be drained through the drain pipe 255 to the evaporation dish in the compressor compartment or directly to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance.

[0046] The ice-making refrigeration system 200 may have an air outlet 217 and an air return vent 218. The cooling energy of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 is directly transferred to the ice-making chamber 130 through the air outlet 217, minimizing cooling energy loss and significantly improving ice-making efficiency. The air outlet 217 may be disposed on the wall of the refrigeration housing 210 opposite the ice-making machine 300. In this manner, the air blown out of the air outlet 217 can be blown directly into the ice-making machine 300.

[0047] The air outlet 217 and the return air outlet 218 can both be arranged above the ice storage box 350. In this way, during the defrosting process of the ice-making evaporator 230, since the hot air is not easy to sink, the impact of the defrosting hot air on the ice storage box 350 can be reduced, and the possibility of ice cubes in the ice storage box 350 melting during the defrosting process of the ice-making evaporator 230 is reduced.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making evaporator 230 can be arranged beside the ice-making machine 300, that is, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be arranged beside the ice-making machine 300. In this embodiment, when the user faces the ice-making machine 300, the side can include the left side, right side, front side and rear side of the ice-making machine 300.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making evaporator 230 is installed on the top of the ice-making chamber 130, that is, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 is installed on the top of the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making machine 300 can also be installed on the top of the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 can be arranged in parallel.

[0050] In one embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 can be arranged side by side along the width of the ice-making chamber 130, thereby maximizing space utilization within the ice-making chamber 130, reducing the internal volume of the ice-making chamber 130, and improving refrigeration efficiency. This allows the pressure within the ice-making chamber 130 to remain higher than the pressure within the freezer chamber 120. When the ice-making chamber 130 and the freezer chamber 120 are separated by a partition 140, odors within the freezer chamber 120 can be prevented from entering the ice-making chamber 130 through the gap between the partition 140 and the inner liner of the cabinet 100, thereby contaminating the ice cubes within the ice-making chamber 130.

[0051] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 7-10 , the refrigeration housing 210 includes an upper refrigeration housing 211 and a lower refrigeration housing 212. The upper refrigeration housing 211 is mounted within the ice-making chamber 130. In one embodiment, the upper refrigeration housing 211 is mounted to the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130. The top wall of the ice-making chamber 130 may be provided with a mounting bracket 260, to which the upper refrigeration housing 211 may be mounted. The lower refrigeration housing 212 is detachably mounted to the upper refrigeration housing 211. The lower refrigeration housing 212 and the upper refrigeration housing 211 are engaged to form an ice-making evaporator chamber. The fan 240, water tray 250, and defrost heater may all be placed within the ice-making evaporator chamber.

[0052] The ice-making evaporator 230 and fan 240 can be installed in the upper refrigeration housing 211, and the water tray 250 can be installed in the lower refrigeration housing 212. The fan 240 can be removably installed in the upper refrigeration housing 211. During installation, the pre-assembled modules can be directly installed, making the installation process convenient. If a malfunction occurs during use, the lower refrigeration housing 212 can be directly removed for repair.

[0053] 10 and 12 , the refrigeration upper housing 211 may be provided with a fan mounting slot 241, into which the fan 240 may be mounted using a snap fastener. The fan mounting slot 241 may include sidewalls and a top wall, each of which may be provided with a shock-absorbing spring. When the fan 240 is secured to the refrigeration upper housing 211 using the snap fastener, the shock-absorbing spring can increase elasticity, reduce the rigid connection between the fan 240 and the refrigeration upper housing 211, and reduce vibration and noise during operation of the fan 240.

[0054] The fan 240 may have a fan housing, which may form an air outlet duct for the fan 240. The refrigeration upper housing 211 may also be provided with a mounting slot that cooperates with the air outlet duct of the fan 240. Vibration-damping cotton may be provided between the air outlet duct of the fan housing and the refrigeration upper housing 211 to reduce vibration and noise during the operation of the fan 240.

[0055] The fan 240 can be mounted on the refrigeration upper housing 211 at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the air outlet duct of the fan 240 can be tilted downward, and the air outlet 217 of the fan 240 can form an angle of 5°-9° with the horizontal plane. A water tray 250 can be positioned below the fan 240. This allows water in the fan housing to flow out of the air outlet of the fan 240 and into the water tray 250, preventing it from freezing inside the fan 240 and affecting cooling.

[0056] The defrost heating wires within the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be integrated into the ice-making evaporator 230. The ice-making evaporator 230 can include fins and refrigerant tubes, with the refrigerant tubes passing through the fins and secured thereto. The fins can also be provided with holes for mounting the defrost heating wires, which can also pass through the fins and be secured thereto. Aluminum plates 231 can also be provided at both ends of the ice-making evaporator 230 to protect the defrost heating wires and prevent them from being scratched. The ice-making evaporator 230 can be mounted at an angle to facilitate the drainage of defrost water within the ice-making evaporator 230.

[0057] 9 and 13 , the water receiving tray 250 may include a first water receiving portion 251 below the ice making evaporator 230 and a second water receiving portion 252 below the fan 240. The first water receiving portion 251 may be wavy, and both upper and lower surfaces of the first water receiving portion 251 may be wavy.

[0058] A windshield 254 can be provided between the ice-making evaporator 230 and the water tray 250. The windshield 254 can be fixed to the ice-making evaporator 230 and abut the water tray 250. Alternatively, the windshield 254 can be fixed to the water tray 250 and abut the ice-making evaporator 230. The windshield 254 can reduce the amount of cold air flowing through the bottom of the ice-making evaporator 230 during the return air cycle, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the windshield 254 can be a heat-conducting structure, thereby transferring heat from the defrost heater to the water tray 250, preventing the water in the water tray 250 from freezing. During the return air cycle, some of the cold air returning to the refrigeration housing 210 flows through the water tray 250. Since the temperature of the cold air returning to the refrigeration housing 210 is higher than that of the cold air in the ice-making compartment 130, the temperature of the bottom surface of the refrigeration housing 210 can be raised, making the temperature inside the refrigeration housing 210 higher than that inside the ice-making compartment 130.

[0059] The wavy water tray 250 also reduces heat transfer to the outside, minimizing the temperature difference between the interior of the refrigeration housing 210 and the ice-making chamber 130. This allows for the use of a thinner insulation structure, preventing frost from forming inside the refrigeration housing 210. In one embodiment, the refrigeration housing 210 may also be provided with insulating foam 270, which may be 5mm EPS foam with a density of 30-40 kg / m³.

[0060] The second water receiving portion 252 of the water receiving tray 250 can be a flat structure, thereby increasing the distance between the second water receiving portion 252 and the fan 240 and providing space for the fan 240 to draw air. The second water receiving portion 252 of the water receiving tray 250 can be provided with a drain nozzle 253. An aluminum foil heater can be installed in the second water receiving portion 252, extending into the drain nozzle 253. This prevents the drain nozzle 253 and the corresponding drain outlet of the cabinet 100 from freezing during drainage, ensuring smooth discharge of defrosted water. The flat structure of the second water receiving portion 252 also facilitates installation of the aluminum foil heater.

[0061] The upper refrigeration housing 211 and the lower refrigeration housing 212 can be provided with mutually cooperating pipe outlet holes 219, through which the air inlet and return pipes of the ice-making evaporator 230 can pass. A flexible sealing member, such as foam, can be provided over the air inlet and return pipes of the ice-making evaporator 230. When the upper refrigeration housing 211 and the lower refrigeration housing 212 are fastened together, the flexible sealing member seals the gap between the air inlet and return pipes of the evaporator and the pipe outlet holes 219.

[0062] In this embodiment, during the installation and manufacturing process, the thermal insulation foam 270 can be first installed in the refrigeration lower housing 212, the ice-making evaporator 230 and the fan 240 can be installed in the refrigeration upper housing 211, and the water receiving tray 250 and other components can be installed in the refrigeration lower housing 212. Then, the refrigeration upper housing 211 and the refrigeration lower housing 212 are fastened together to form a pre-assembled module. Finally, the refrigeration housing 210 can be installed in the ice-making chamber 130. A sealing structure can be provided between the refrigeration upper housing 211 and the refrigeration lower housing 212.

[0063] When the ice-making chamber 130 is disposed in the freezing chamber 120 , after the housing 100 of the refrigeration appliance is manufactured, the refrigeration housing 210 of the pre-assembled ice-making refrigeration system 200 may be installed in the ice-making chamber 130 .

[0064] In one embodiment, the refrigeration upper housing 211 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 260 on the top wall of the ice making chamber 130. The refrigeration housing 210 can be slidably connected to the mounting bracket 260, and the sliding direction of the refrigeration housing 210 can be the extension direction of the drain nozzle 253 of the water receiving tray 250. A drain outlet can be provided on the side wall near the rear wall of the freezer compartment 120, and at least a portion of the drain pipe 255 is embedded in the foam layer of the housing. In one embodiment, the drain pipe 255 is embedded in the foam layer and can extend along the corner between the side wall and the rear wall. The foam layer at the corner is thicker, which has a better insulation effect. Furthermore, during the installation of the refrigeration housing 210, the drain nozzle 253 of the refrigeration housing 210 will not interfere with other components of the housing 100, facilitating installation.

[0065] The air inlet pipe of the ice-making evaporator 230 is then drawn directly along the rear wall of the freezer compartment 120 and welded into the compressor compartment. The air return pipe of the ice-making evaporator 230 can be drawn along the rear wall of the freezer compartment 120 and welded into the compressor compartment, or it can be drawn directly to the freezer evaporator 121 and welded to the air inlet pipe of the freezer evaporator 121. When the air return pipe of the ice-making evaporator 230 is welded to the air inlet pipe of the freezer evaporator 121, part of the refrigerant from the compressor 150 can flow directly to the freezer evaporator 121 and then return to the compressor 150, while the remaining part can flow through the ice-making evaporator 230, then to the freezer evaporator 121 and then return to the compressor 150, thereby improving the cooling capacity utilization rate.

[0066] After the inlet and return ducts of the ice-making evaporator 230 are welded, the air duct cover 160 and partition 140 of the freezer compartment 120 can be installed. The air duct and return ducts of the ice-making evaporator 230 can be placed between the air duct cover 160 and the wall of the freezer compartment 120. The distance between the air duct cover 160 and the refrigeration housing 210 can be greater than 18 mm to facilitate installation. The partition 140 directly separates the ice-making compartment 130 from the freezer compartment 120. This makes the overall installation process simple and quick, and the multiple components do not interfere with each other.

[0067] In this embodiment, the air outlet 217 of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 may be disposed beside the ice-making machine 300. The air outlet 217 and the air return port 218 of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 may have different directions.

[0068] In this embodiment, the refrigeration housing 210 may include a first housing wall 213 and a second housing wall 214 disposed opposite to each other in a first direction X, and a third housing wall 215 and a fourth housing wall 216 disposed opposite to each other in a second direction Y. The first direction X may be perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0069] An air outlet 217 may be provided on the side of the first housing wall 213. In other words, the air outlet 217 may be provided on one side of the first housing wall 213. In one embodiment, the first housing wall 213 is located next to the ice maker 300, and the air outlet 217 may be directly provided on the first housing wall 213, thereby being located next to the ice maker 300. Alternatively, an opening may be provided in the first housing wall 213 to connect to an air duct, with the air outlet 217 provided in the air duct.

[0070] A return air vent 218 may be provided on the side of the third housing wall 215. The opening direction of the return air vent 218 may be perpendicular to the opening direction of the air outlet 217. The return air vent 218 may be directly provided on the third housing wall 215, or an opening may be provided on the third housing wall 215 to connect to an air duct, which then provides the return air vent 218.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5 , the refrigeration appliance further includes an air distributor 220 . The air distributor 220 at least partially divides the return air inlet 218 into a first return air inlet 2181 to form a first return air flow path and a second return air inlet 2182 to form a second return air flow path. The first return air inlet 2181 and the second return air inlet 2182 are arranged side by side along the first direction X. The first return air inlet 2181 is located near the first housing wall 213 , and the second return air inlet 2182 is located near the second housing wall 214 . The second return air flow path includes an air intake at least partially facing the second housing wall 214 . Referring to the airflow diagram indicated by arrows in FIG. 5 , it can be understood that air in the second return air flow path at least partially flows in from the second housing wall 214 .

[0072] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 are arranged side by side, and the air outlet 217 is located on the side of the first housing wall 213, which makes it difficult for airflow to flow toward the second housing wall 214. In one embodiment, when the ice-making refrigeration system 200 is installed on the top of the ice-making chamber 130, the second housing wall 214 is adjacent to one side wall of the ice-making chamber 130. This can easily create a dead zone between the second housing wall 214 and the side wall of the ice-making chamber 130, resulting in uneven temperature within the ice-making chamber 130.

[0073] By setting up the air dividing portion 220, the return air outlet 218 is divided into a first return air outlet 2181 close to the first shell wall 213 and a second return air outlet 2182 close to the second shell wall 214, and two return air flow paths are formed. When the fan 240 is running, the fan 240 can force air to be sucked in from both the first return air flow path and the second return air flow path, so that part of the cold air in the ice making chamber 130 flows from the first shell wall 213 side to the return air outlet 218, and the other part flows from the second shell wall 214 side to the return air outlet 218.

[0074] In this way, the cold air in the ice making chamber 130 circulates from both sides of the ice making refrigeration system 200, avoiding the existence of dead zones in the air path in the ice making chamber 130. The temperature in the ice making chamber 130 is uniform, the cold air utilization rate is high, the cooling effect is good, and the ice making efficiency of the ice maker 300 is improved.

[0075] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, the first return air port 2181 is close to the first shell wall 213 , and the second return air port 2182 is close to the second shell wall 214 . The area of ​​the first return air port 2181 is smaller than that of the second return air port 2182 .

[0076] In this embodiment, the area ratio of the first return air port 2181 to the second return air port 2182 is 1:2-2:3. Because the air outlet 217 of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 is located on the side of the first housing wall 213, more cold air is flowing on the side of the first housing wall 213. During the return air process, cold air preferentially returns to the interior of the refrigeration housing 210 from the side of the return air port 218 closer to the first housing wall 213. When the return air port 218 is divided into two parallel return air ports along the first direction X, cold air preferentially returns to the interior of the refrigeration housing 210 from the first return air port 2181.

[0077] Therefore, setting the area of ​​the first return air port 2181 to be smaller than the area of ​​the second return air port 2182 can reduce the amount of cold air returning to the inside of the refrigeration shell 210 from the first return air port 2181 and increase the amount of cold air returning to the inside of the refrigeration shell 210 from the second return air port 2182, thereby further balancing the cold air in the ice-making chamber 130.

[0078] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, a return air panel 223 is further provided in the ice making chamber 130, and a gap is left between the return air panel 223 and the third shell wall 215 to form a return air flow path. The air splitter 220 can be provided between the return air panel 223 and the third shell wall 215, and the air splitter 220 divides the return air flow path into a first return air flow path and a second return air flow path.

[0079] Referring to Figure 4 , in a specific embodiment, a sealing panel 223 is provided at the opening of the ice-making chamber 130. The sealing panel 223 is partially opened to form a passageway into the ice-making chamber 130. An ice bank 350 is retractably mounted within the ice-making chamber 130, with the front panel of the ice bank 350 forming the ice-making door 131 of the ice-making chamber 130. In one embodiment, the ice bank 350 is mounted at the opening of the sealing panel 223. The front panel of the ice bank 350 may be provided with a sealing strip. When the ice bank 350 is closed, the sealing strip of the front panel of the ice bank 350 presses against the sealing panel, forming a seal. The sealing panel 223 may directly form the return air panel 223. That is, a gap may be left between the sealing panel 223 and the third housing wall 215 of the refrigeration housing 210 to form a return air flow path.

[0080] Of course, an independent return air panel may be additionally provided in the ice making chamber 130 to form a return air flow path between the panel and the third shell wall 215 .

[0081] During the cold air circulation process, the cold air in the ice-making refrigeration system 200 flows out from the air outlet 217 , passes through the return air path, and returns to the interior of the refrigeration housing 210 from the return air outlet 218 .

[0082] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, referring to Figure 8, the air dividing portion 220 includes a first air dividing rib 221 extending along a third direction and a second air dividing rib 222 extending from the end of the first air dividing rib 221 toward the second shell wall 214. The first air dividing rib 221 divides the return air outlet 218 into a first return air outlet 2181 and a second return air outlet 2182. The second air dividing rib 222 is located on the outside of the return air outlet 218, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0083] In this embodiment, the extension of the first wind rib 221 along the third direction can be that the extension direction of the first wind rib 221 completely coincides with the third direction, or the extension direction of the first wind rib 221 is slightly offset from the third direction, such as by about 10°, that is, the first wind rib 221 extends roughly along the third direction.

[0084] When the ice-making refrigeration system 200 is installed on the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130, the top wall of the refrigeration housing 210 is connected to the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130. During the cold air circulation process, almost no cold air flows between the top wall of the refrigeration housing 210 and the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130, or only a small amount of cold air flows between the top wall of the refrigeration housing 210 and the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130. Therefore, in this case, the second air distribution rib 222 can be disposed at the lower portion of the return air outlet 218, that is, the second air distribution rib 222 extends from the lower end of the first air distribution rib 221 toward the side of the second housing wall 214.

[0085] In this way, the second air distribution rib 222 can prevent the cold air from entering the second return air outlet 2182 from the lower end of the second return air outlet 2182. The second return air flow path is basically formed toward the air intake on the side of the second shell wall 214, thereby promoting more cold air to circulate back to the interior of the refrigeration shell 210 from the side of the second shell wall 214, thereby reducing the dead zone of the air path in the ice making chamber 130.

[0086] Of course, in other embodiments, the second air distribution rib 222 can also extend from the upper end of the first air distribution rib 221 to the second shell wall 214. For example, when other wind-shielding structures are provided at the lower part of the ice-making refrigeration system 200, cold air basically will not enter the second return air outlet 2182 from the lower part of the refrigeration shell 210. At this time, in order to encourage more cold air to circulate back to the interior of the refrigeration shell 210 from the side of the second shell wall 214, the second air distribution rib 222 can be set at the upper part of the second return air outlet 2182 to prevent cold air from entering the second return air outlet 2182 from the upper part of the second return air outlet 2182.

[0087] Of course, two second air distribution ribs 222 can also be provided, extending from the upper end of the first air distribution rib 221 and the lower end of the second air distribution rib 222 to one side of the second shell wall 214, respectively, to prevent cold air from returning to the interior of the refrigeration shell 210 from the upper and lower ends of the second return air outlet 2182.

[0088] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, the second air dividing rib 222 includes a first air guiding section 2221 connected to the first air dividing rib 221 , and the first air guiding section 2221 is inclined relative to the first direction X in a direction away from the return air outlet 218 .

[0089] In this embodiment, when the second air distribution ribs 222 extend from the lower end of the first air distribution ribs 221 toward the second housing wall 214, the second air distribution ribs 222 can be tilted downward. When the second air distribution ribs 222 extend from the upper end of the first air distribution ribs 221 toward the second housing wall 214, the second air distribution ribs 222 can be tilted upward. The extension direction of the second air distribution ribs 222 can form an angle of 3°-5° with the first direction X, thereby increasing the suction area of ​​the second return air flow path.

[0090] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, the second air dividing rib 222 also includes a second air guide section 2222, the second air guide section 2222 can be connected to the first air guide section 2221, the second air guide section 2222 can form the free end of the second air dividing rib 222, and the second air guide section 2222 can be inclined relative to the first air guide section 2221 in a direction away from the return air outlet 218.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second air guide section 2222 is further inclined relative to the first air guide section 2221 and can be a circular arc section. This can prevent cold air from flowing in from the upper or lower side of the second return air opening 2182 while increasing the air intake area of ​​the second return air flow path, thereby facilitating cold air circulation.

[0092] In one embodiment, the return air inlet 218 is directly formed in the third housing wall 215, and the air splitter 220 is disposed in the third housing wall 215. The air splitter 220 can be integrally formed with the third housing wall 215. The height of the air splitter 220 along the second direction Y is greater than or equal to 10 mm, thereby forming an effective return air flow path. The distance between the third housing wall 215 and the return air panel 223 is greater than or equal to 15 mm, ensuring a return air gap and preventing insufficient return air volume, thereby preventing frost from forming on the surface of the return air inlet 218 and affecting ice making efficiency.

[0093] In one embodiment, a gap is left between the air splitter 220 and the air return panel 223. Preferably, the distance between the air splitter 220 and the air return panel 223 is 2-3 mm.

[0094] It is understood that the distance between the first and second air distribution ribs 221, 222, and the return air panel 223 in the second direction Y is 2-3 mm. A micro-gap air duct is formed between the air distribution portion 220 and the return air panel 223, which improves air circulation within the ice making chamber 130, inhibits frost formation, and creates a frost-free space.

[0095] In one embodiment, the first direction X may be the width of the ice tray 320, and the second direction Y may be the length of the ice tray 320. The ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice maker 300 are disposed at the top of the ice-making chamber 130 and may be arranged side by side along the first direction X. The first direction X corresponds to the width of the ice-making chamber 130, i.e., the left-right direction; the second direction Y corresponds to the depth of the ice-making chamber 130, i.e., the front-back direction; and the third direction corresponds to the height of the ice-making chamber 130, i.e., the top-bottom direction. The fourth housing wall 216 of the refrigeration housing 210 may be opposite the rear wall of the ice-making chamber 130, and the third housing wall 215 may be located closer to the opening of the ice-making chamber 130. In other words, as viewed from the user facing the refrigerator, the third housing wall 215 is located in front of the fourth housing wall 216.

[0096] In this way, the space utilization rate in the ice-making chamber 130 can be improved, the volume inside the ice-making chamber 130 can be reduced, and the refrigeration effect and the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making machine 300 can be improved.

[0097] In this embodiment, the ice-making evaporator 230 and the fan 240 can be arranged along the second direction Y, and the ice-making evaporator 230 can be arranged on the side close to the return air port 218. In this way, the cold air enters the refrigeration shell 210 through the return air port 218 and can pass through the ice-making evaporator 230, exchange heat with the ice-making evaporator 230, and then flow out from the air outlet 217, so the refrigeration efficiency is relatively high.

[0098] The ratio of the area of ​​the surface of the ice-making evaporator 230 facing the return air inlet 218 to the area of ​​the return air inlet 218 may be 1-2.5.

[0099] The ice-making evaporator 230 has a width W in the first direction X, a length L in the second direction Y, and a height H in the third direction. The area of ​​the surface of the ice-making evaporator 230 facing the return air port 218 can be W*H. The area of ​​the return air port 218 can be the sum of the area of ​​the first return air port 2181 and the area of ​​the second return air port 2182.

[0100] Such a setting can ensure that the air volume and wind speed entering the refrigeration shell 210 from the return air port 218 meet the needs of the ice-making evaporator 230, improve the cold capacity utilization rate of the ice-making evaporator 230, reduce frost on the surface of the ice-making evaporator 230, improve the refrigeration effect of the ice-making chamber 130, and speed up the ice-making speed.

[0101] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, in the second direction Y, the distance between the return air port 218 and the ice-making evaporator 230 is 15-20 mm. In this way, the frost holding space can be increased, the frost on the surface of the ice-making evaporator 230 can be further reduced, the cooling effect of the ice-making chamber 130 can be improved, and the ice-making speed can be accelerated.

[0102] In the third direction, the distance between the end of the return air vent 218 and the end of the evaporator is 6-10 mm. The distance between the upper end of the return air vent 218 and the upper end of the ice-making evaporator 230 can be 6-10 mm, or the distance between the lower end of the return air vent 218 and the lower end of the ice-making evaporator 230 can be 6-10 mm. Alternatively, the upper and lower ends of the return air vent 218 can be 6-10 mm away from the upper and lower ends of the evaporator, respectively.

[0103] In this way, the return air inlet 218 can be ensured to be located as close as possible to the middle of the ice-making evaporator 230, and the cold air entering the refrigeration shell 210 from the return air inlet 218 can basically all pass through the middle of the ice-making evaporator 230. In this way, the frost can be condensed in the large space of the ice-making evaporator 230 as much as possible to avoid frost overflow.

[0104] In the second direction Y, the distance between the evaporator and the air outlet 217 of the fan 240 is approximately 30-40 mm, thereby reducing the possibility of frost on the air outlet 217 of the fan 240.

[0105] The area ratio of the return air port 218 to the air outlet 217 is 1.5-2, that is, the area of ​​the return air port is larger than the area of ​​the air outlet, which can improve the utilization rate of cold air and reduce frosting.

[0106] By setting as above, the module of ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be minimized, thereby minimizing the ice-making chamber 130, thereby greatly improving the utilization rate of cooling capacity, reducing energy consumption, and increasing the ice-making speed.

[0107] In one embodiment, a gap is provided between the air outlet 217 and the ice maker 300. In one embodiment, a gap is provided between the first housing wall 213 of the refrigeration housing 210 and the ice maker 300. This creates an air guide channel between the refrigeration housing 210 and the ice maker 300. A portion of the air blown out from the air outlet 217 flows directly downward through the gap between the air outlet 217 and the ice maker 300, facilitating uniform cooling within the ice-making chamber 130. This also facilitates providing cooling to the ice storage bin 350 below the ice maker 300, preventing the ice inside the bin 350 from melting.

[0108] In one embodiment, the ice maker 300 includes an ice making bracket 310 and an ice tray 320 mounted within the ice making bracket 310. The ice making bracket 310 may include a first side 311 and a second side 312. The first side 311 and the second side 312 may be disposed opposite each other and may extend along a second direction Y. The air outlet 217 may be disposed adjacent to the ice making bracket 310. In one embodiment, the ice making bracket 310 may be disposed adjacent to the ice making refrigeration system 200, with the first side 311 of the ice making bracket 310 disposed adjacent to the first housing wall 213 of the refrigeration housing 210. The first side 311 of the ice making bracket 310 may be disposed adjacent to the first housing wall 213, and the air outlet 217 may be disposed adjacent to the first side 311.

[0109] In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14 , a first side 311 of the ice-making bracket 310 may be provided with a bracket air inlet 330 , and a second side 312 thereof may be provided with a bracket air outlet 340 .

[0110] The rack air inlet 330 may include a horizontal air inlet 331. The area of ​​the horizontal air inlet 331 may be larger than the area of ​​the rack air outlet 340. In one embodiment, the area ratio of the horizontal air inlet 331 to the rack air outlet 340 may be 2:1-3:2. The horizontal air inlet 331 and the rack air outlet 340 may be at the same height. Cold air flowing out of the air outlet 217 of the refrigeration housing 210 may enter the interior of the ice-making rack through the horizontal air inlet 331 and flow out through the rack air outlet 340.

[0111] The cold air entering through the horizontal air inlet 331 flows primarily above the ice tray 320. By setting the area of ​​the bracket air outlet 340 smaller than that of the horizontal air inlet 331, the cold air is retained above the ice tray 320. Furthermore, the second side 312 of the ice-making bracket 310 acts as a rebate for the cold air entering through the horizontal air inlet 331, thereby creating an internal vortex within the ice tray and increasing the ice-making rate.

[0112] In one embodiment, the bracket air inlet 330 may further include an ice surface air inlet 332. The ice surface air inlet 332 may be tilted toward the ice tray 320 to direct cool air into the ice tray 320. During ice making, the ice compartments of the ice tray 320 are filled with water. The cool air entering through the ice surface air inlet 332 may be directed directly toward the water surface in the ice tray 320, accelerating the cooling of the water surface and increasing the ice making rate.

[0113] The area of ​​the ice surface air inlet 332 is smaller than that of the horizontal air inlet 331. The ice surface air inlet 332 and the horizontal air inlet 331 can be arranged one above the other. The area ratio of the horizontal air inlet 331 to the ice surface air inlet 332 can be 1.5-2.5. Preferably, the area of ​​the ice surface air inlet 332 can be half the area of ​​the horizontal air inlet 331. The ice surface air inlet 332 can be tilted at an angle of 22°-30° relative to the first direction X to ensure that the cold air is blown toward the water or ice surface without excessive cooling, thereby preventing wrinkles on the ice surface caused by excessive cooling.

[0114] In one embodiment, in this embodiment, the bracket air inlet of the ice maker 300 also includes an end air inlet 333 arranged at the end of the ice making bracket 310 along the second direction Y. The end air inlet 333 can be tilted toward the two ends of the ice maker 300 bracket, thereby guiding the cold air entering from the end air inlet 333 to the end of the ice making bracket 310.

[0115] In this embodiment, the ice-making bracket 310 may further include a third side 313 and a fourth side 314 that are opposite to each other. The third side 313 and the fourth side 314 may connect the first side 311 and the second side 312 and may extend along the first direction X. The third side 313 may be located on one side of the third housing wall 215 of the refrigeration housing 210, and the fourth side 314 may be located on one side of the fourth housing wall 216 of the refrigeration housing 210. The drive assembly may be mounted on the fourth side 314 of the ice-making bracket 310.

[0116] In this embodiment, the end air inlet 333 can be disposed at the end of the ice-making bracket 310 near the fourth side 314 and / or at the end of the ice-making bracket 310 near the third side 313. The end air inlet 333 disposed at the end of the ice-making bracket 310 near the fourth side 314 can be tilted toward the fourth side 314, and the end air inlet 333 disposed at the end of the ice-making bracket 310 near the third side 313 can be tilted toward the third side 313. The angle between the end air inlet 333 and the first direction X can be greater than 45°.

[0117] When the cold air from the return air vent 218 enters the ice-making rack 310, a dead zone easily forms at the end of the rack 310. The ice cube trays near the end receive less cold air and are less likely to freeze, which can lead to the ice cube trays not being fully frozen at the end of the ice-making process. Therefore, tilting the end air inlet 333 directs more air toward the end ice cube trays, increasing the amount of cold air supplied to them.

[0118] In one embodiment, the return air port 218 of the refrigeration housing 210 may be relatively close to the side of the fourth housing wall 216. The fan 240 includes a fan housing, and the air outlet 217 of the fan housing may be inclined relative to the first direction X toward the third side 313 of the ice-making bracket 310. In this manner, during the cold air circulation process, the cold air blown out of the refrigeration housing 210 is directed toward the third side 313 of the ice-making bracket 310. As a result, a dead zone in the air flow path may occur on the fourth side 314 of the ice-making bracket 310. Therefore, an end air inlet 333 inclined toward the fourth side 314 may be provided near one end of the fourth side 314 of the ice-making bracket 310 to guide the cold air toward the end of the fourth side 314, thereby ensuring that the ice tray 320 receives the most uniform cooling.

[0119] In summary, a multi-dimensional three-dimensional surrounding air path can be formed in the ice-making chamber 130, the temperature in the ice-making chamber 130 is uniform, the cold air utilization rate is high, and the ice-making speed is fast.

[0120] The second embodiment of the present application further provides a refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance of this embodiment differs from the refrigeration appliance of the first embodiment mainly in the structure of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 .

[0121] 15 to 18 , which illustrate an ice-making refrigeration system according to a second embodiment of the present application.

[0122] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 includes a refrigeration housing 210, which is installed in the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making evaporator 230 can be directly installed in the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making evaporator 230 and the refrigeration housing 210 can both be installed on a wall of the ice-making chamber 130. The refrigeration housing 210 and a side wall of the ice-making chamber 130 together enclose an ice-making evaporator chamber, and the ice-making evaporator 230 is located in the ice-making evaporator chamber.

[0123] That is, in this embodiment, one end of the refrigeration housing 210 is open, and there is no connection between the ice-making evaporator 230 and the refrigeration housing 210 , and both are respectively installed on a wall surface of the ice-making chamber 130 .

[0124] The fan 240 and the water tray 250 can be installed in the refrigeration housing 210. In one embodiment, the fan 240 and the water tray 250 can be pre-installed in the refrigeration housing 210 to form a refrigeration housing module. After the ice-making evaporator 230 is installed, the pre-installed refrigeration housing module is connected to a wall of the ice-making chamber 130, and the ice-making evaporator 230 is accommodated in the interior of the refrigeration housing 210.

[0125] In one embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be mounted on the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130. A mounting bracket 260 can be provided at the top of the ice-making chamber 130. The mounting bracket 260 can be partially embedded in the foam layer of the housing 100, with a portion of the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130 extending into the interior of the ice-making chamber 130. During installation, the ice-making evaporator 230 can first be connected to the mounting bracket 260. The ice-making evaporator 230 can have an evaporator mounting portion 232, which can be connected to the mounting bracket 260, for example, by screws. The air inlet and return pipes of the ice-making evaporator 230 can then be welded to other refrigerant pipes in the refrigeration system. The preassembled refrigeration housing module can then be connected to the mounting bracket 260. At this point, the refrigeration housing 210 is sealed against the top wall of the ice-making chamber 130, and together they enclose the ice-making evaporator chamber.

[0126] In this embodiment, an air distribution part (not shown in the figure) may be provided at the return air inlet 218, wherein the structure of the air distribution part may be substantially the same as that of the air distribution part in the ice-making refrigeration system 200 of the first embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0127] In one embodiment, the refrigeration housing 210 may also be provided with an air outlet duct 280. The air outlet duct 280 may have an air outlet 217, which may be located on one side of the ice maker 300. The air outlet duct 280 may be integrally formed with the refrigeration housing 210. Of course, the air outlet duct 280 may also be detachably connected to the refrigeration housing 210, for example, the air outlet duct 280 may be manufactured separately from the refrigeration housing 210 and then installed therein. In this manner, the cold energy within the refrigeration housing 210 can be directly directed to the ice maker 300, resulting in high cold energy utilization and rapid ice making.

[0128] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 are both disposed at the top of the ice-making chamber 130 and may be arranged side by side along the width of the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making evaporator 230 may be located in front of the fan 240. The refrigeration housing 210 may include a first housing wall 213 adjacent to the ice-making machine, a second housing wall 214 opposing the first housing wall 213, a third housing wall 215 connecting the first and second housing walls 213 and 214, and a fourth housing wall 216. The third housing wall 215 and the fourth housing wall 216 may be disposed opposite each other, and the fourth housing wall 216 may be located near the rear wall of the ice-making chamber 130. The air outlet 217 may be located behind the ice-making machine 300, and the third housing wall 215 may be provided with an air return port 218.

[0129] Cold air from the ice-making chamber 130 enters the refrigeration housing 210 through the return air vent 218, flows through the ice-making evaporator 230, and is discharged through the air outlet 217. The cold air from the refrigeration housing 210 flows out of the air outlet 217 and directly flows to the ice-making machine 300. An air outlet duct 280 may be connected to the first housing wall 213 and relatively close to the fourth housing wall 216. The air outlet duct 280 may be integrally formed with the refrigeration housing 210, extending from the first housing wall 213 toward the ice-making machine 300 to the rear side of the ice-making machine 300. The air outlet 217 of the air outlet duct 280 may correspond to the position of the ice-making machine 300, and the air outlet 217 is positioned directly toward the ice-making machine 300.

[0130] In an embodiment, the air outlet 280 may include a first air outlet 281 and a second air outlet 282, and the air outlet 217 may be opened in the second air outlet 282. The connection portion between the first air outlet 281 and the second air outlet 282 is inclined downward.

[0131] First air outlet duct 281 can be connected to the air outlet of fan 240. Cold air drawn by fan 240 can directly enter first air outlet duct 281 and be discharged into ice-making chamber 130, thus improving the utilization rate of cold air. Fan 240 and first air outlet duct 281 can both be located inside refrigeration housing 210, while second air outlet duct 282 can be located outside refrigeration housing 210.

[0132] In one embodiment, a fan bracket 290 may be installed within the refrigeration housing 210. The fan 240 may be mounted on the fan bracket 290, and a first air outlet duct 281 may be formed within the fan bracket 290. The fan bracket 290 may include a mounting portion 291 for mounting the fan 240 and an air duct portion that forms the first air outlet duct 281. The air duct portion slopes downward from the mounting portion 291 to form the inclined first air outlet duct 281. The second air outlet duct 282 is integrally formed with the refrigeration housing 210, with the air outlet of the first air outlet duct 281 aligning with the air inlet of the second air outlet duct 282. Both the fan bracket 290 and the second air outlet duct 282 are located on the rear side of the refrigeration housing 210, with the second air outlet duct 282 located on the rear side of the ice maker 300.

[0133] During the defrosting process, the hot air in the refrigeration shell 210 enters the fan 240, and enters the first air outlet 281 through the fan 240. The first air outlet 281 is tilted downward to form a corner with the second air outlet 282, which can prevent the flow of hot air, thereby reducing the hot air entering the ice making chamber 130 and avoiding the adhesion of ice cubes caused by defrosting.

[0134] The third embodiment of the present application further provides a refrigeration appliance. Compared with the first and second embodiments, the refrigeration appliance of this embodiment mainly differs in the installation structure of the fan 240 in the ice-making refrigeration system 200.

[0135] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, in this embodiment, the refrigeration housing is provided with an air outlet 217 and a return air outlet 218. The ice-making evaporator is disposed between the return air outlet 218 and the fan 240, which is vertically mounted on a water receiving tray 250. The water receiving tray 250 may include a first water receiving portion 251 located below the ice-making evaporator 230 and a second water receiving portion 252 located below the fan 240. The fan 240 is mounted on the second water receiving portion 252. The second water receiving portion 252 is recessed downward relative to the first water receiving portion 251, forming an installation area for the fan 240. The refrigeration housing 210 is provided with an air outlet 217 at a position corresponding to the second water receiving portion 252. This arrangement further reduces the space occupied by the ice-making refrigeration system 200.

[0136] 21 and 22 , which show a refrigeration appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0137] Compared with the refrigeration appliances of the first to third embodiments, the refrigeration appliance of this embodiment is mainly different in that the relative positional relationship between the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 is different.

[0138] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 are arranged vertically along the height of the ice-making chamber 130, with the ice-making machine 300 located below the ice-making refrigeration system 200. The ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be mounted on the top of the ice-making chamber 130. In one embodiment, a mounting bracket can be provided on the top of the ice-making chamber 130, and the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be mounted on the mounting bracket.

[0139] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 may be the ice-making refrigeration system described in the first embodiment, or may be the ice-making refrigeration system described in the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

[0140] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 further includes an air outlet duct 280, which can be connected to the refrigeration housing to direct the cold air within the refrigeration housing to the ice maker 300, thereby improving ice-making efficiency. The air outlet duct 280 can be integrally formed with the refrigeration housing. The refrigeration housing can also be provided with an air outlet opening, and the air outlet duct can be independently manufactured and installed at the air outlet opening of the refrigeration housing. The air outlet duct 280 can extend the ice-making refrigeration system to the vicinity of the ice maker. The air outlet of the air outlet duct can be directly located above the ice tray of the ice maker, directing the cold air to the ice tray to improve ice-making efficiency.

[0141] Of course, the air outlet of the air outlet duct can also be set on one side of the ice-making bracket of the ice maker as described in the first embodiment, and the ice-making bracket can be provided with a bracket air inlet and a bracket air outlet as described in the first embodiment.

[0142] See FIG. 23 , which shows a refrigeration appliance according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0143] Compared with the refrigeration appliances of the first to third embodiments, the refrigeration appliance of this embodiment is mainly different in that the relative positional relationship between the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 is different.

[0144] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 and the ice-making machine 300 are arranged side by side in the front and back direction along the depth direction of the ice-making chamber 130. The ice-making machine 300 can be arranged in front of the ice-making refrigeration system 200, that is, the ice-making machine 300 can be arranged near the opening of the ice-making chamber 130, and the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be arranged near the rear wall of the ice-making chamber 130. Of course, the ice-making machine 300 can also be arranged behind the ice-making refrigeration system 200.

[0145] In order to make full use of the space in the ice-making chamber 130, when the ice-making machine 300 and the ice-making refrigeration system 200 are installed in the ice-making chamber 130, the length direction of the ice-making machine 300 and the length direction of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be parallel to the width direction of the ice-making chamber 130, and the width direction of the ice-making machine and the width direction of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be parallel to the depth direction of the ice-making chamber 130.

[0146] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can be the ice-making refrigeration system described in the first embodiment, or the ice-making refrigeration system 200 described in the second or third embodiment. The refrigeration housing of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can have an air outlet directly disposed therein, and the air outlet can be located next to the ice-making machine 300. The cold air within the refrigeration housing can be blown directly from the air outlet to the ice-making machine 300. The refrigeration housing of the ice-making refrigeration system 200 can also be provided with an air outlet duct, and the air outlet duct can be provided with an air outlet. The cold air within the refrigeration housing can be blown from the air outlet of the air outlet duct to the ice-making machine.

[0147] In this embodiment, the return air vent of the refrigeration housing can be positioned near a side wall of the ice-making chamber, i.e., the third and fourth housing walls of the refrigeration housing can be positioned parallel to the two side walls of the ice-making chamber. The fan can be positioned near the air outlet, and the ice-making evaporator is positioned between the fan and the return air vent. Cold air from the ice-making chamber returns to the refrigeration housing from the return air vent, is cooled by the ice-making evaporator, and then blows from the air outlet to the ice-making machine, resulting in high ice-making efficiency.

[0148] It should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation method can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0149] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, comprising a housing, wherein a storage compartment is formed in the housing, wherein the storage compartment comprises a freezing compartment and / or a temperature-changing compartment, wherein: An ice-making chamber is provided in the freezing chamber or the temperature-changing chamber, the ice-making chamber is isolated from the freezing chamber or the temperature-changing chamber by cold air, and an ice-making machine is installed in the ice-making chamber; the refrigeration appliance also includes a storage evaporator and an ice-making heat exchanger, the storage evaporator is used to provide cold air to the freezing chamber and / or the temperature-changing chamber, and the ice-making heat exchanger is used to provide cold air to the ice-making chamber.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making heat exchanger is disposed in the ice-making chamber.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ice-making heat exchanger is an ice-making evaporator. The refrigeration appliance also includes an ice-making refrigeration system. The ice-making refrigeration system includes a refrigeration shell, a fan, a water receiving tray, a defrost heating wire and the ice-making evaporator. The water receiving tray is arranged in the refrigeration shell and placed below the ice-making evaporator. The fan and the ice-making evaporator are arranged in the refrigeration shell. The ice-making refrigeration system is arranged in the ice-making room.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigeration shell includes a refrigeration upper shell and a refrigeration lower shell. The refrigeration upper shell is installed on the top wall of the ice-making chamber. The refrigeration lower shell is detachably installed on the refrigeration upper shell. The ice-making evaporator and the fan are installed on the refrigeration upper shell. The water receiving tray is installed on the refrigeration lower shell. The refrigeration upper shell and the refrigeration lower shell are provided with matching pipe outlet holes. The air inlet pipe and the air return pipe of the ice-making evaporator pass through the pipe outlet holes.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-making evaporator and the refrigeration shell are both installed on a wall of the ice-making chamber. The refrigeration shell and the wall of the ice-making chamber form an ice-making evaporator chamber. The ice-making evaporator is placed in the ice-making evaporator chamber. The fan and the water receiving tray are installed on the refrigeration shell.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that: The refrigeration housing is provided with an air outlet duct, and the air outlet duct has an air outlet, and the air outlet is located on one side of the ice maker.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box body includes an inner liner and an outer shell, and the space between the inner liner and the outer shell is filled with insulation material. The space inside the inner liner forms the freezing chamber and / or the temperature-changing chamber; the refrigeration appliance also includes a partition plate, which is installed in the freezing chamber and / or the temperature-changing chamber to separate the ice-making chamber.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-making refrigeration system and the ice-making machine are arranged on the top of the ice-making chamber, and the ice-making refrigeration system and the ice-making machine are arranged side by side along the width direction of the ice-making chamber. An ice storage box is also provided in the ice-making chamber, and the ice storage box is arranged below the ice-making machine.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-making refrigeration system and the ice-making machine are arranged front and back along the depth direction of the ice-making chamber; the ice-making machine is located in front of or behind the ice-making refrigeration system.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-making refrigeration system and the ice-making machine are arranged vertically along the height direction of the ice-making chamber; and the ice-making machine is located below the ice-making refrigeration system.

11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigeration shell is provided with an air outlet and an air return port, and the ice-making evaporator is arranged between the air return port and the fan.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, wherein: The fan is vertically mounted on the water receiving tray; the water receiving tray includes a first water receiving portion located below the ice-making evaporator and a second water receiving portion located below the fan; the second water receiving portion is recessed downward relative to the first water receiving portion; and an air outlet is provided on the refrigeration shell at a position corresponding to the second water receiving portion.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that: The refrigeration upper shell is provided with a fan installation slot, and the fan is installed in the fan installation slot through a bayonet.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fan is installed on the refrigeration upper shell at an angle relative to the horizontal plane; the air outlet duct of the fan is inclined downward; and an angle of 5°-9° is formed between the air outlet of the fan and the horizontal plane.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water receiving tray includes a first water receiving portion located below the ice-making evaporator and a second water receiving portion located below the fan; a wind shield rib is provided between the ice-making evaporator and the water receiving tray; the wind shield rib is fixed to the ice-making evaporator and abuts against the water receiving tray, or the wind shield rib is fixed to the water receiving tray and abuts against the ice-making evaporator.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second water receiving portion is a planar structure; the second water receiving portion is provided with a drainage nozzle; the second water receiving portion is paved with an aluminum foil heating element, and the aluminum foil heating element extends into the drainage nozzle.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that: The refrigeration upper shell and the refrigeration lower shell are provided with mutually matching pipe outlet holes, and the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe of the ice-making evaporator pass through the pipe outlet holes; the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are outer-circuited with sealing flexible parts; the sealing flexible parts are foam; when the refrigeration upper shell and the refrigeration lower shell are buckled together, the sealing flexible parts seal the gaps between the air inlet pipe, the air outlet pipe and the pipe outlet holes.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-making refrigeration system is installed on the top wall of the ice-making chamber; a mounting bracket is provided on the top of the ice-making chamber, wherein a portion of the mounting bracket is pre-buried in the foaming layer of the box body and a portion extends from the top wall of the ice-making chamber into the ice-making chamber.

19. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: A fan bracket is installed inside the refrigeration shell, the fan is installed on the fan bracket, and a first air outlet is formed in the fan bracket; the fan bracket includes a mounting portion for mounting the fan and an air duct portion forming the first air outlet, and the air duct portion is inclined downward from the mounting portion to form the inclined first air outlet.

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