Refrigerator return air grille and refrigerator

By designing a back style grid in the refrigerator and using the cooling capacity in the air supply duct to condense the moisture in the gas, the serious loss of food moisture in the non-confined space is solved, and the effect of reducing dry food consumption and energy consumption is achieved.

CN109974376BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-28QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN201910252226.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2019-03-29
Publication Date
2025-03-28
Estimated Expiration
2039-03-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The loss of food moisture in the non-confined space of the existing air-cooled refrigerator is large, resulting in severe dry food consumption, and the humidification device that requires artificial operation increases the complexity of the refrigerator.

Method used

A return style grid is designed, including a grille part and a heat conduction part. The grille part is arranged at the return air outlet of the refrigerator. The heat conduction part transmits the cold amount in the air supply duct to the grid part, so as to condense the moisture in the gas, thereby reducing the loss of moisture in the non-confined space.

Benefits of technology

By condensing and collecting moisture in non-confined spaces, increasing humidity in the refrigerator compartment, reducing dry food consumption, and reducing the energy consumption required for defrosting of the evaporator, achieving energy saving effects.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a return air grille of a refrigerator and a refrigerator. The return air grille comprises: a grille portion, configured to be arranged at the return air outlet of the refrigerator or at the front side of the return air outlet; and a heat conducting portion, thermally connected to the grille portion and configured to transfer the cold in the refrigerator to the grille portion, so as to condense the moisture in the gas entering the return air outlet through the grille portion. The cold in the air supply duct can be used to condense the moisture in the circulating return air of the storage compartment flowing through the return air grille, so as to intercept and collect the cold in the storage compartment, at least reducing the loss of moisture in non-enclosed spaces such as cold storage rooms, so as to provide the non-enclosed spaces with a certain moisturizing function. When the moisture condensed on the return air grille drips into the storage compartment, it can evaporate naturally, increase the humidity in the cold storage room, and reduce food drying.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and in particular to a return air grille and a refrigerator having the same. Background Art

[0002] The refrigerator may include an air-cooled refrigerator. The food in the refrigerator compartment of the air-cooled refrigerator often loses water. The longer the storage time, the greater the water loss. The refrigerator compartment of the existing air-cooled refrigerator preserves food by setting up a special enclosed space (such as a moisturizing box / moisturizing drawer, etc.). The space preserves food through good sealing performance and reduces water loss. However, the food in the non-enclosed space loses most of its water due to air flow, causing a large loss of food dryness, such as a refrigerator compartment. That is, in a space where a moisturizing drawer is not set, due to the shortcomings of the air-cooled refrigerator itself, such as large food dryness, the food placed in the non-moisturizing area loses a large amount of water. The longer the time, the drier the food. In this field, a humidifying device, such as a humidifier, is usually used to humidify the non-enclosed space. The humidifying device needs to add water manually to humidify the refrigerator, which makes the refrigerator structure complicated and makes manual operation inconvenient. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome at least one defect of existing refrigerators and provides a return air grille of a refrigerator and a refrigerator, which can at least reduce the loss of water in a non-enclosed space, so that the non-enclosed space has a certain moisturizing function, and has a simple structure and does not require manual operation.

[0004] To this end, on one hand, the present invention provides a return air grille of a refrigerator, which comprises:

[0005] a grille portion configured to be disposed at a return air outlet of the refrigerator or at a front side of the return air outlet; and

[0006] The heat conducting part is thermally connected to the grille part and is configured to transfer the coldness in the air supply duct of the refrigerator to the grille part so as to condense the moisture in the gas entering the return air port through the grille part.

[0007] Optionally, the heat-conducting portion is a heat-conducting plate or a heat-conducting sheet, and is in a straight-line extension shape or a bent-extension shape; and the grille portion is disposed at one end of the heat-conducting portion.

[0008] Optionally, the grille portion is in the shape of a flat plate or a flat sheet, and is provided with a plurality of communicating holes.

[0009] Optionally, the grille portion and the heat conducting portion are made of the same material.

[0010] Optionally, the heat conducting part is a stainless steel sheet, an iron sheet or a copper sheet.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0012] A box body, wherein the box body has a storage compartment, a return air vent and an air supply duct, and the return air vent is arranged on the compartment wall of the storage compartment; and

[0013] In any of the above return air grilles, the grille portion is arranged at the return air outlet or in front of the return air outlet, and one end of the heat conducting portion away from the grille portion extends into the air supply duct.

[0014] Optionally, a water storage structure is further provided in the storage room, and is arranged at the lower side of the return air grille.

[0015] Optionally, the water storage structure is a water storage groove, which is arranged on the bottom compartment wall of the storage compartment.

[0016] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises an evaporating dish and an overflow pipe; the overflow pipe connects the water storage structure and the evaporating dish.

[0017] Optionally, the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, and the air supply duct is connected to the refrigerating compartment.

[0018] Optionally, an air supply port communicating with the air supply duct is provided on the rear compartment wall of the storage compartment;

[0019] The air supply duct extends in the vertical direction and is arranged in the middle of the rear side of the storage compartment;

[0020] The return air port is arranged on one side of the lower part of the wall surface of the rear compartment.

[0021] In the return air grille and refrigerator of the present invention, the cold energy in the air supply duct can be used to condense the moisture in the circulating return air of the storage room flowing through the return air grille, so as to intercept and collect the cold energy in the storage room, which can at least reduce the loss of moisture in non-enclosed spaces such as refrigerators, so that the non-enclosed spaces have a certain moisturizing function. When the moisture condensed on the return air grille drips into the storage room, it can evaporate naturally, increase the humidity of the refrigerator, and reduce food drying. It can also reduce the moisture entering the cooling room, reduce the amount of frost on the evaporator, and then reduce the energy consumption required for defrosting the evaporator, with good energy-saving effect. It is simple, convenient and highly practical. The present invention can also collect moisture in the refrigerator without affecting the moisturizing performance of existing enclosed spaces (such as moisturizing boxes / moisturizing drawers, etc.), thereby reducing food drying.

[0022] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a return air grille according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a return air grille according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a return air grille according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of the middle AA plane;

[0029] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of the BB plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a return air grille 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Shown and referenced Figures 2 to 6 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a return air grille 30 of a refrigerator. The return air grille 30 may include a grille portion 31 and a heat conducting portion 32. The grille portion 31 is configured to be arranged at the return air port 22 of the refrigerator or at the front side of the return air port 22. The heat conducting portion 32 is thermally connected to the grille portion 31, and is configured to transfer the coldness in the refrigerator to the grille portion 31, so that the moisture in the gas entering the return air port 22 through the grille portion 31 is condensed. The other end of the heat conducting portion 32 away from the grille portion 31 can be inserted into the air supply duct 23 of the refrigerator, the cooling room, other rooms with lower temperature, etc.

[0031] In the return air grille 30 of the embodiment of the present invention, the cold energy in the air supply duct 23 and the like can be used to condense the moisture in the circulating return air of the storage compartment 21 flowing through the return air grille 30, so as to intercept and collect the cold energy in the storage compartment 21, and at least reduce the loss of moisture in non-enclosed spaces such as refrigerators, so that the non-enclosed spaces have a certain moisturizing function. When the moisture condensed on the return air grille 30 drips into the storage compartment 21, it can evaporate naturally, increase the humidity of the refrigerator, and reduce food drying. Further, the grille portion 31 can be flat or sheet-shaped, and a plurality of connecting holes 311 are provided thereon, such as strip connecting holes 311 or circular connecting holes 311. The strip connecting holes 311 preferably extend in the horizontal direction, so that the condensed moisture on the upper and lower sides of the connecting holes 311 is basically free of interference and collision during the downward flow, and will not be carried away by the return air, that is, it can collect moisture to the greatest extent and prevent moisture loss.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat conducting portion 32 is a heat conducting plate or a heat conducting sheet, and is in a straight extension shape or a bent extension shape; the grille portion 31 is arranged at one end of the heat conducting portion 32. The grille portion 31 and the heat conducting portion 32 are made of the same material. For example, the heat conducting portion 32 is a stainless steel sheet, an iron sheet or a copper sheet. Of course, the heat conducting portion 32 and the grille portion 31 can also be made of other materials with relatively high heat transfer efficiency. In some alternative embodiments, heat conducting devices such as heat pipes can also be used. Furthermore, the heat conducting portion 32 can be L-shaped to facilitate the installation of the return air grille 30.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 As shown, and refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiment of the present invention further provides a refrigerator, which may include a box body 20 and a return air grille 30 in any of the above embodiments. The box body 20 has a storage compartment 21, a return air port 22, and an air supply duct 23, and the return air port 22 is arranged on the compartment wall of the storage compartment 21. The grille portion 31 of the return air grille 30 is arranged at the return air port 22 or in front of the return air port 22, and one end of the heat conducting portion 32 of the return air grille 30 away from the grille portion 31 extends into the air supply duct 23.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, a water storage structure is further provided in the storage compartment 21, which is provided at the lower side of the return air grille 30. The storage structure may have a relatively large opening to facilitate the natural evaporation of the water therein. For example, the water storage structure is a water storage groove 26, which is provided at the bottom compartment wall of the storage compartment 21. Further, the refrigerator may further include an evaporation dish and an overflow pipe. The evaporation dish may be provided at the lower side of the storage compartment 21, such as provided in the compressor compartment at the lower side of the storage compartment 21. The overflow pipe connects the water storage structure and the evaporation dish to control the amount of water in the water storage tank and flow the excess water into the evaporation dish. Further, the water storage groove 26 may be designed to have a relatively large evaporation area, for example, the bottom surface area of ​​the water storage groove 26 is 20% to 40% of the bottom compartment wall area of ​​the storage compartment 21. Of course, other water storage structures may also be used, such as a serpentine-shaped extended flow channel formed at the bottom compartment wall of the storage compartment 21.

[0035] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the storage compartment 21 is a refrigerator compartment, and the air supply duct 23 is connected to the refrigerator compartment. An air supply port 25 connected to the air supply duct 23 is provided on the rear compartment wall of the storage compartment 21; the air supply duct 23 extends in the vertical direction and is provided in the middle of the rear side of the storage compartment 21; the return air port 22 is provided on one side of the lower part of the rear compartment wall. The refrigerator also has a cooling compartment, and an evaporator is provided in the cooling compartment. The air supply duct 23 is connected to the cooling compartment, and the return air port 22 is connected to the cooling compartment via the return air duct 24.

[0036] That is to say, Figure 4 As shown, the return air grille 30 is installed at the position of the refrigerated return air outlet 22, wherein one end (right side) of the return air grille 30 structure is connected to the refrigerated air supply duct 23, and one end (left side) is placed at the position of the return air outlet 22. The return air grille 30 with good thermal conductivity transfers the low temperature to the left side through the low temperature environment of the air supply duct 23 on the right side, so that the temperature of the grille located at the position of the return air outlet 22 is reduced, so that when the air flowing in the refrigerated room passes through the return air outlet 22, the moisture in the air will condense due to passing through the low temperature return air grille 30 structure, and finally drip into the water storage tank below, that is, the water storage groove 26.

[0037] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that, although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can still be directly determined or derived based on the content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A return air grille of a refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A grille portion configured to be disposed on a front side of a return air outlet of the refrigerator; and The heat conducting part is thermally connected to the grille part and is configured to transfer the coldness in the refrigerator to the grille part so as to condense the moisture in the gas entering the return air port through the grille part.

2. The return air grille according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat conducting part is a heat conducting plate or a heat conducting sheet and is in a straight-line extension shape or a bent-extension shape; the grid part is arranged at one end of the heat conducting part.

3. The return air grille according to claim 2, characterized in that: The grid portion is in a flat plate or sheet shape and is provided with a plurality of communicating holes.

4. The return air grille according to claim 3, characterized in that: The grille portion and the heat conducting portion are made of the same material.

5. The return air grille according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat conducting part is a stainless steel sheet, an iron sheet or a copper sheet.

6. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A box body, wherein the box body has a storage compartment, a return air vent and an air supply duct, and the return air vent is arranged on the compartment wall of the storage compartment; and The return air grille according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the grille portion is arranged at the front side of the return air outlet, and an end of the heat conductive portion away from the grille portion extends into the air supply duct.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The storage room is also provided with a water storage structure, which is arranged at the lower side of the return air grille.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water storage structure is a water storage groove, which is arranged on the bottom side compartment wall of the storage compartment.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an evaporation dish and an overflow pipe; the overflow pipe is connected with the water storage structure and the evaporation dish.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, and the air supply duct is connected to the refrigerating compartment; An air supply port communicating with the air supply duct is arranged on the rear side wall of the storage compartment; The air supply duct extends in the vertical direction and is arranged in the middle of the rear side of the storage compartment; The return air port is arranged on one side of the lower part of the wall surface of the rear compartment.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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