Air-cooled refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides an air-cooled refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, an evaporator, and an air duct assembly; a storage space is defined within the cabinet, the evaporator and the air duct assembly are disposed within the cabinet, and the evaporator cools the air supplied to the storage space; the air duct assembly has at least one air supply duct, and is configured to controllably supply the air cooled by the evaporator to the storage space; wherein a container space is disposed within the cabinet or the air duct assembly, and the container space is located outside each air supply duct; and the air-cooled refrigerator further comprises a deodorizing and sterilizing device, the deodorizing and sterilizing device comprising: a control module disposed within the container space; an ion generating module disposed within an air supply duct; and a connecting cable electrically connecting the control module and the ion generating module. The deodorizing and sterilizing substance diffuses rapidly and is evenly distributed within the storage space along with the air flow. The deodorizing and sterilizing device has a long service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, in particular to an air-cooled refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] The function of a refrigerator is to provide a low-temperature environment to prolong the shelf life of items. However, during use, the food and accompanying contaminants inside the refrigerator undergo biochemical reactions such as oxidation and decomposition, producing unpleasant odors. This odor can transfer from the refrigerator to the food stored inside, severely impacting the user experience. Furthermore, food stored in the refrigerator's storage space, particularly in the cold storage compartment, can become spoiled by fungi over time, compromising food safety.

[0003] To remove fungi and odors from refrigerators, people initially installed adsorption devices in the refrigerator's storage compartment. However, these devices have no effect on fungi on the refrigerator's inner container or on food in the storage compartment. They only absorb the odors produced by microorganisms and have no effect on food preservation. Some refrigerators also have sterilization devices, but the sterilization modules are placed directly in the refrigerator compartment, resulting in slow and uneven diffusion of the sterilizing substances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an air-cooled refrigerator in which deodorizing and sterilizing substances diffuse quickly and are evenly distributed in the storage space.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is to protect the control module of the deodorizing and sterilizing device.

[0006] Another further object of the present invention is to prevent the control module from occupying the space of the air supply duct, so that the air supply duct can supply air smoothly.

[0007] In particular, the present invention provides an air-cooled refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, an evaporator, and an air duct assembly; a storage space is defined within the cabinet, the evaporator and the air duct assembly are disposed within the cabinet, and the evaporator cools the air supplied to the storage space; the air duct assembly has at least one air supply duct, and is configured to controllably supply the air cooled by the evaporator to the storage space; wherein,

[0008] A housing space is provided in the box or the air duct assembly, and the housing space is located outside each of the air supply ducts; and

[0009] The air-cooled refrigerator further includes a deodorizing and sterilizing device, which comprises:

[0010] A control module is disposed in the accommodating space;

[0011] an ion generating module, disposed in one of the air supply ducts; and

[0012] A connecting cable electrically connects the control module and the ion generating module.

[0013] Optionally, the control module has a control circuit module, which includes: a power input interface, a boost circuit, and a high-voltage output interface, wherein the power input interface is used to connect to an externally provided DC power supply, the boost circuit is used to controllably convert the DC power supply into a first voltage for generating a deodorizing and sterilizing substance and a second voltage for heating, and the high-voltage output interface is used to output the first voltage or the second voltage, wherein the first voltage is higher than the second voltage;

[0014] The connecting cable is connected to the high voltage output interface and the ion generating module;

[0015] The ion generating module is configured to be excited by the first voltage to ionize air to generate deodorizing and sterilizing substances, and to generate heat at the second voltage to eliminate condensation.

[0016] Optionally, the deodorizing and sterilizing substances generated by the ion generating module include at least one of singlet active oxygen, superoxide radicals, peroxyl radicals, oxygen anions, hydroxyl radicals, ozone and hydrogen peroxide.

[0017] Optionally, at least one of the air supply ducts includes a first air duct for supplying air to an upper portion of the storage space;

[0018] An air return port is provided at the lower portion of the storage space;

[0019] The ion generating module is arranged in the first air duct.

[0020] Optionally, the first air duct has two first air supply ports, which are arranged on both sides of the upper part of the storage space, and allow the cooled air to flow to both sides of the storage space.

[0021] Optionally, the air duct assembly further includes air duct foam and an air duct cover plate;

[0022] The rear side of the air duct foam defines at least one air supply duct;

[0023] The front side of the air duct foam is provided with the accommodating space and a wire groove connecting the accommodating space and the first air duct; the connecting cable is installed in the wire groove;

[0024] The air duct cover plate is installed on the front side of the air duct foam.

[0025] Optionally, a water blocking device is provided on the front side of the accommodating space and the wire trough, and the water blocking device is located between the air duct cover and the control module.

[0026] Optionally, the water blocking device is PE cotton.

[0027] Optionally, at least one of the air supply ducts is multiple, and

[0028] A branch air supply device is provided at the air inlet of the air duct assembly. The branch air supply device has a plurality of air outlets, and each of the air outlets is connected to one of the air supply ducts.

[0029] Optionally, the storage space is a first storage compartment;

[0030] The box body is also provided with a second storage compartment and a cooling compartment;

[0031] The second storage compartment is arranged at the lower side of the first storage compartment;

[0032] The cooling chamber is arranged at the rear side of the second storage compartment;

[0033] The evaporator is disposed in the cooling chamber.

[0034] Since the air-cooled refrigerator of the present invention has a deodorizing and sterilizing device, and the ion generating module of the deodorizing and sterilizing device is arranged in the air supply duct, the deodorizing and sterilizing substance generated can enter the storage space with the cooled air. The deodorizing and sterilizing substance diffuses quickly and is evenly distributed in the storage space with the air flow.

[0035] In particular, the control module is separated from the ion generator module and placed outside the air duct. This prevents damage and failure to the control module from the cooled air or the high humidity environment of the refrigerator, especially preventing moisture from the cooled air from entering the control module. The control module also does not occupy space in the air supply duct, ensuring smooth air flow.

[0036] Furthermore, the release and stopping of the deodorizing and sterilizing substances can be controlled by opening and closing the air supply duct.

[0037] 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

[0038] 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:

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic partial structural diagram of an air-cooled refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an air duct assembly in an air-cooled refrigerator is shown;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the air duct assembly shown;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic exploded view of the air duct assembly shown;

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The schematic structural diagram of the deodorization and sterilization device in the air-cooled refrigerator shown;

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the deodorizing and sterilizing device from another perspective;

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of air duct assembly and air flow in storage space in an air-cooled refrigerator;

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Schematic exploded view of the deodorization and sterilization device shown

[0047] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A schematic partial structural diagram of the deodorization and sterilization device shown;

[0048] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the deodorizing and sterilizing device shown;

[0049] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the deodorizing and sterilizing device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic partial structural diagram of an air-cooled refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, and reference Figures 2 to 11An embodiment of the present invention provides an air-cooled refrigerator. The air-cooled refrigerator includes a housing 200. Housing 200 may include a steel plate outer shell with an open front, a synthetic resin inner liner located within the outer shell and also open at the front, and a foamed polyurethane insulation material filling the gap between the outer shell and the inner liner. Housing 200 defines a storage compartment for storing food and other items. Depending on the storage temperature and intended use, the interior of the storage compartment is divided into a storage space 210 and at least one other storage compartment. For example, if storage space 210 is the first storage compartment, the other storage compartment may be a second storage compartment. The first storage compartment may be a refrigerated space, a frozen space, or a variable temperature compartment, while the second storage compartment may also be a refrigerated space, a frozen space, or a variable temperature compartment. The first storage compartment is preferably a refrigerated space; the second storage compartment is preferably a frozen space, located below the first storage compartment. The at least one other storage compartment also includes a freezer compartment, and a cooling compartment is located behind the second storage compartment.

[0051] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the air-cooled refrigerator according to the present invention, like conventional air-cooled refrigerators, may also include a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and a throttling element. The evaporator is connected to the compressor, condenser, and throttling element via refrigerant piping, forming a refrigeration cycle. When the compressor is activated, the evaporator cools the air flowing through it. The air cooled by the evaporator is then supplied to each compartment, maintaining the temperature within the corresponding set temperature range. The evaporator is located within the cooling chamber.

[0052] The air-cooled refrigerator may further include an air duct assembly 300 for conveying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage space 210, a return air duct for conveying air flowing out of the storage space 210 to the evaporator for cooling, and a blower for driving the air cooled by the evaporator to flow to the storage space 210. The air duct assembly 300 has at least one air supply duct 310.

[0053] Specifically, a housing 200 or duct assembly 300 is provided with a storage space 320, which is located outside each air supply duct 310. The air-cooled refrigerator also includes a deodorizing and sterilizing device 400, which comprises a control module 410, an ion generating module 420, and a connecting cable 430. The control module 410 is disposed within the storage space 320. The ion generating module 420 is disposed within one of the air supply ducts 310. The connecting cable 430 electrically connects the control module 410 and the ion generating module 420. The control module 410 controls the ion generating module 420 via the connecting cable 430, and the ion generating module 420 ionizes the air to generate deodorizing and sterilizing substances.

[0054] The deodorizing and sterilizing substance can enter the storage space 210 with the cooled air. It diffuses quickly and is evenly distributed within the storage space 210 with the airflow. The control module 410 and ion generator module 420 are separated, with the control module 410 located outside the air duct. This prevents the cooled air or the high humidity environment of the refrigerator from damaging or malfunctioning the control module 410, particularly preventing moisture from entering the control module 410. The control module 410 also does not occupy space in the air supply duct 310, ensuring smooth air flow. Furthermore, the release and cessation of the deodorizing and sterilizing substance can be controlled by opening and closing the air supply duct 310. In other words, when the corresponding air supply duct 310 is closed, there is no airflow, and the deodorizing and sterilizing substance will not flow with the airflow to sterilize, effectively stopping its release. Furthermore, the control module 410 can also deactivate the ion generator module 420 when the corresponding air supply duct 310 is closed.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the deodorizing and sterilizing substances generated by the ion generating module 420 include at least one of singlet active oxygen, superoxide radicals, peroxyl radicals, oxygen anions, hydroxyl radicals, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide.

[0056] In the following embodiment of the present invention, at least one air supply duct 310 includes a first air duct 311 for supplying air to the upper portion of the storage space 210. A return air port 220 is provided at the lower portion of the storage space 210. The ion generating module 420 is provided in the first air duct 311. Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, this arrangement allows the deodorizing and sterilizing substances to be quickly and evenly distributed in the storage space 210 .

[0057] Preferably, the first air duct 311 has two first air outlets, which are arranged on both sides of the upper portion of the storage space 210, and allow the cooled air to flow to both sides of the storage space 210. That is, each first air outlet faces a side wall of the storage space 210, and may face the corresponding side wall directly, or may face the corresponding side wall at an angle forward, or may face the corresponding side wall at an angle downward.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, there are multiple at least one air supply duct 310, for example, further including a second air duct and a third air duct. The second air duct can be arranged on one side of the first air duct 311, and its upper end is connected to two second air supply outlets, each second air supply outlet is located on the lower side of a first air supply outlet. In order to facilitate the flow of air, the second air supply outlet on the other side of the first air duct 311 can be connected to the second air duct via a bridging air duct. The third air duct can be on the other side of the first air duct 311. The third air duct is used to transport airflow to the bottom of the storage space 210. A branch air supply device 330 is provided at the air inlet of the air duct assembly 300, and the branch air supply device 330 has multiple air outlets, and each air outlet is connected to an air supply duct 310.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the duct assembly 300 further includes duct foam 340 and a duct cover 350. The rear side of the duct foam 340 defines at least one air supply duct 310. The duct foam 340 and the rear wall of the inner container may define the aforementioned air supply duct 310. Alternatively, the duct assembly 300 further includes a duct base plate mounted to the rear wall of the corresponding inner container. The duct foam 340 is mounted to the duct base plate and defines at least one air supply duct 310 with the duct base plate.

[0060] The front side of the duct foam 340 is provided with a housing space 320 and a cable trough connecting the housing space 320 and the first duct 311. The connecting cable 430 is installed in the cable trough. The duct cover 350 is installed in front of the duct foam 340. Specifically, the housing space 320 can be located on the side of the first duct 311 away from the second duct and above the first duct 311 to fully and rationally arrange the duct assembly 300. The cable trough is arranged at an angle, and the ion generator module 420 is placed below the control module 410 to minimize the risk of condensation and other substances entering the control module 410 along the cable trough.

[0061] Preferably, a water-blocking device 360 ​​is provided on the front side of the housing space 320 and the cable duct, located between the air duct cover 350 and the control module 410. Water-blocking device 360 ​​is made of PE cotton. During installation, PE cotton can be applied to the rear surfaces of the control module 410 and ion generator module 420 for preliminary fixation, and then the air duct cover 350 can be installed. Alternatively, PE cotton can be applied to the entire outer surface of the control module 410.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figures 8 to 11As shown, the control module 410 includes a housing and a control circuit module 413 disposed therein. The control circuit module 413 is electrically connected to the ion generation module 420 via a connecting cable 430. The housing comprises a first housing 411 and a second housing 412 that is snap-fitted to the first housing 411. A boss 414 is provided on the inside of the second housing 412, while a support column 415 is provided on the inside of the first housing 411. The control circuit module 413 includes a circuit board 416, one side of which contacts and abuts the boss 414, and the other side of which contacts and abuts the support column 415.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second box body 412 includes a first base plate, a first peripheral wall 417, and a second peripheral wall 418. The first peripheral wall 417 and the second peripheral wall 418 extend from the same side of the first base plate, with the first peripheral wall 417 located outside the second peripheral wall 418. A plurality of latch holes 451 are provided on the first peripheral wall 417. A plurality of latches 452 are formed on the peripheral wall of the first box body 411, and the peripheral wall of the first box body 411 is inserted between the first peripheral wall 417 and the second peripheral wall 418, with each latch 452 inserted into a latch hole 451. Furthermore, the first box body 411 includes a second base plate, and the peripheral wall of the first box body 411 includes: a peripheral wall base 453 extending from an edge of the second base plate toward one side of the second base plate; and a plurality of peripheral wall segments 454 extending from the distal end of the peripheral wall base 453 and spaced apart along the peripheral wall base 453. Each clip 452 is connected to the end of the peripheral wall base 453 and is positioned between two adjacent peripheral wall sections 454, spaced apart from the corresponding peripheral wall section 454. The number of gaps between two adjacent peripheral wall sections 454 is greater than the number of clips 452, allowing the connection cable 430 to pass through. That is, the gap between two adjacent peripheral wall sections 454 includes multiple clip gaps and at least one threading gap. Each clip 452 is connected to the end of the peripheral wall base 453, positioned within a clip gap, and spaced apart from the corresponding peripheral wall section 454. The connection cable 430 passes through the threading gap.

[0064] The second peripheral wall 418 is provided with a clearance groove at a position corresponding to the latch hole 451. The first base plate is provided with a connecting hole adjacent to the latch hole 451, allowing water to flow out from between the first and second peripheral walls 417 and 418. Furthermore, the peripheral wall of the first housing 411 contacts and abuts the first peripheral wall 417. The length of the latch hole 451 along the circumferential direction of the first peripheral wall 417 is greater than the length of the corresponding latch 452. A support plate 455 is provided on the inner side of the peripheral wall of the first housing 411. The lower end of the support plate 455 contacts and abuts the second peripheral wall 418. This arrangement facilitates the flow of condensed water and other substances within the housing. When installed, the control module 410 can be positioned at an angle of at least 7 degrees to the horizontal to reduce water tension and prevent water droplets from entering the center of the circuit board 416. The first and second peripheral walls 417, 418, and the peripheral wall of the first housing 411 form a waterproof groove to prevent water from entering the circuit board 416.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of heat dissipation columns 419 are provided on the side of the circuit board 416 facing the boss 414. The circuit board 416 is also provided with a power input interface, a boost circuit, and a high-voltage output interface. The power input interface is used to connect to an externally provided DC power source. The boost circuit is used to controllably convert the DC power source into a first voltage for generating a deodorizing and sterilizing substance and a second voltage for heating. The high-voltage output interface is used to output either the first voltage or the second voltage, where the first voltage is higher than the second voltage. A connecting cable 430 connects the high-voltage output interface and the ion generation module 420. The ion generation module 420 is configured to be excited by the first voltage to ionize air to generate the deodorizing and sterilizing substance, and to generate heat at the second voltage to eliminate condensation.

[0066] The ion generation module 420 may include an ionization head and a base. The ionization head is configured with a first electrode and a second electrode connected to a connection cable 430. A discharge gap is defined between the first and second electrodes. The discharge gap is configured to be broken down by a first voltage, thereby ionizing the surrounding air. Furthermore, under a second voltage, the first and second electrodes are isolated and each generates heat. The base defines a mounting cavity for the ionization head. One side of the mounting cavity has an opening. The ionization head is mounted so that the discharge gap is exposed to the opening.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control circuit module 413 further includes a voltage feedback port, a controlled terminal, and an inverter. The voltage feedback port is connected to the boost circuit and is configured to output a feedback voltage corresponding to the first voltage or the second voltage to indicate the boost state of the boost circuit. The controlled terminal is connected to the boost circuit and is configured to receive an external control signal (the control signal may be a control signal issued by the refrigerator main control board or other refrigerator controller, which is used to adjust the operating state of the deodorization and sterilization device according to the operating conditions of the refrigerator) so that the boost circuit converts the first voltage or the second voltage according to the control signal. The inverter is configured to controllably invert the DC power supply into AC power, where the AC power voltage is the first voltage or the second voltage. The effective value of the first voltage ranges from 2000 to 5000 V; the effective value of the second voltage ranges from 1000 to 1800 V. The length of the connecting cable 430 ranges from less than 100 cm, preferably from 10 cm to 20 cm.

[0068] The deodorizing and sterilizing device 400 may also be connected to a current detection device. The current detection device is configured to detect the current supplied to the power input interface to determine the operating status of the deodorizing and sterilizing device. The current detection device may be connected in series with a power cord supplying power to the power input interface. The current detected by the current detection device can be used to determine whether the sterilizing device is operating properly.

[0069] Those skilled in the art should understand that the "air-cooled refrigerator" referred to in the present invention is not limited to an air-cooled refrigerator in the general sense that has a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment and is used to store food, but can also be other devices with refrigeration functions, such as wine cabinets, refrigerated tanks, etc.

[0070] In an air-cooled refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bombardment and excitation of high-energy electrons generated by high-voltage discharge produces high-energy, highly reactive free radicals such as atomic oxygen (O) and hydroxide (OH-). These highly reactive free radicals frequently collide directly with odorous gas molecules. When the energy gained by the odorous gas molecules exceeds the binding energy of their molecular bonds, their original molecular structure is destroyed, their chemical bonds are broken, and gaseous reactions are rapidly initiated, resulting in the formation of atomic radicals and solid particles. Furthermore, the high-voltage discharge can also ionize and decompose some of the odorous gas molecules. Based on the aforementioned principles, the deodorization and sterilization device 400 is placed within the air duct. Through air circulation, all free radicals are carried to each compartment of the refrigerator, thereby distributing the free radicals throughout the entire refrigerator compartment, effectively deodorizing and sterilizing each compartment. Furthermore, effective placement and sealing prevent condensation on the control module 410 of the deodorization and sterilization device 400. Even if condensation accumulates, it can be drained away.

[0071] At this point, those skilled in the art will recognize that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the present invention may be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of 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 deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An air-cooled refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, an evaporator, and an air duct assembly; a storage space is defined within the cabinet, the evaporator and the air duct assembly are disposed within the cabinet, and the evaporator cools air supplied to the storage space; the air duct assembly has at least one air supply duct configured to controllably supply air cooled by the evaporator to the storage space; and characterized in that: A housing space is provided in the air duct assembly, and the housing space is located outside each of the air supply ducts; and The air-cooled refrigerator further includes a deodorizing and sterilizing device, which comprises: A control module is disposed in the accommodating space; an ion generating module, disposed in one of the air supply ducts; and A connecting cable electrically connecting the control module and the ion generating module; At least one of the air supply ducts includes a first air duct for supplying air to an upper portion of the storage space; An air return port is provided at the lower portion of the storage space; The ion generating module is arranged in the first air duct; The air duct assembly also includes air duct foam and an air duct cover plate; The rear side of the air duct foam defines at least one air supply duct; The front side of the air duct foam is provided with the accommodating space and a wire groove connecting the accommodating space and the first air duct; the connecting cable is installed in the wire groove; The air duct cover is installed on the front side of the air duct foam; The deodorizing and sterilizing substances generated by the ion generating module include at least one of singlet active oxygen, superoxide free radicals, peroxyl free radicals, oxygen anions, hydroxyl free radicals, ozone and hydrogen peroxide.

2. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The control module includes a control circuit module, which includes: a power input interface, a boost circuit, and a high-voltage output interface. The power input interface is used to connect to an externally provided DC power supply. The boost circuit is used to controllably convert the DC power supply into a first voltage for generating a deodorizing and sterilizing substance and a second voltage for heating. The high-voltage output interface is used to output the first voltage or the second voltage, wherein the first voltage is higher than the second voltage. The connecting cable is connected to the high voltage output interface and the ion generating module; The ion generating module is configured to be excited by the first voltage to ionize air to generate deodorizing and sterilizing substances, and to generate heat at the second voltage to eliminate condensation.

3. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first air duct has two first air supply ports, which are arranged on both sides of the upper part of the storage space and allow the cooled air to flow to both sides of the storage space.

4. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water blocking device is provided on the front side of the accommodating space and the wire trough, and the water blocking device is located between the air duct cover and the control module.

5. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water blocking device is PE cotton.

6. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the air supply ducts is multiple, and A branch air supply device is provided at the air inlet of the air duct assembly. The branch air supply device has a plurality of air outlets, and each of the air outlets is connected to one of the air supply ducts.

7. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage space is a first storage compartment; The box body is also provided with a second storage compartment and a cooling compartment; The second storage compartment is arranged at the lower side of the first storage compartment; The cooling chamber is arranged at the rear side of the second storage compartment; The evaporator is disposed in the cooling chamber.

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