Air duct system for refrigerator and refrigerator

By incorporating a concave-convex structure enclosed groove and a double-layer air duct design into the refrigerator's air duct system, the problem of poor groove sealing is solved, achieving higher sealing and insulation effects, reducing the risk of condensation and icing, and improving user experience and production efficiency.

CN114485007BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202210022501.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-01-10
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2042-01-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing refrigerator air duct system has poor sealing of the cable trays, resulting in low temperature of the air duct cover, which easily leads to condensation and ice formation, affecting the user experience.

Method used

The air duct system is equipped with a closed cable tray with a mutually cooperating concave-convex structure and adopts a double-layer air duct design. The wires of the fan and damper are connected by connectors to improve the sealing and heat insulation effect of the cable tray.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the risk of overcooling of wires in the cable tray, reduces the temperature difference of the air duct cover, avoids condensation and icing, and improves user experience and production efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a wind channel system for a refrigerator and the refrigerator. The wind channel system for the refrigerator comprises: a wind channel body, a fan is arranged on the wind channel body; a wind channel front cover plate, which is buckled on one side of the wind channel body, and which defines a first wind channel with the wind channel body, the first wind channel being communicated to a first chamber of the refrigerator; a first wire slot is formed on the side of the wind channel body facing the wind channel front cover plate, and is used for placing the wire of the fan; the wind channel front cover plate and the wind channel body are formed with complementary concave-convex structures around the first wire slot to seal the first wire slot. According to the scheme, the complementary concave-convex structures are formed around the first wire slot by the wind channel front cover plate and the wind channel body, so that the sealing property of the first wire slot is improved, the wire of the fan in the first wire slot is prevented from being supercooled, and the risk of condensation of the wind channel system is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliances, and in particular to an air duct system for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Most refrigerators in the current technology are frost-free refrigerators, which control cooling capacity by installing fans and dampers in the air duct. The air duct usually has pre-reserved cable trays for housing the wires of the fans and dampers, but the cable trays have poor sealing, resulting in a lower temperature for the air duct cover plate close to the cable tray. Condensation and ice formation easily occur on the side of the air duct cover plate facing the storage compartment, thus affecting the normal operation of the refrigerator and reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide an air duct system and a refrigerator for a refrigerator that overcomes or at least partially solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] A further objective of this invention is to improve the sealing performance of the cable trays within the duct system.

[0005] Another further objective of this invention is to reduce the risk of condensation or icing in the duct system.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention provides an air duct system for a refrigerator, comprising: an air duct body on which a fan is disposed; an air duct front cover plate covering one side of the air duct body and defining a first air duct with the air duct body, the first air duct being connected to a first compartment of the refrigerator; a first groove formed on the side of the air duct body facing the air duct front cover plate for placing the fan wire; and mutually cooperating concave-convex structures formed around the first groove on the air duct front cover plate and the air duct body to close the first groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the air duct system for the refrigerator also includes: an air duct rear cover plate, which covers the other side of the air duct body and defines a second air duct with the air duct body; an air duct connection port is also provided on the top of the air duct body to connect the first air duct and the second air duct; and a fan is provided on the side of the air duct body near the air duct rear cover plate, and the fan is located below the air duct rear cover plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the air duct system for the refrigerator also includes: a damper, located in the second air duct, for adjusting the airflow to the first compartment.

[0009] Furthermore, a second groove is formed on the side of the duct body facing the front cover plate of the duct for placing the wire of the damper; the front cover plate of the duct and the duct body form a mutually cooperating concave-convex structure around the second groove to seal the second groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the air duct system for the refrigerator also includes: a connector disposed between the air duct body and the air duct front cover for connecting the wires of the fan and the air damper; and receiving grooves for accommodating the connector are respectively formed on the air duct body and the air duct front cover.

[0011] Furthermore, the main body of the air duct is provided with a damper wire inlet and a fan wire inlet near the damper and fan, respectively, and both the damper wire inlet and the fan wire inlet penetrate the main body of the air duct; the fan wire passes through the fan wire inlet and enters the first wire groove, and the damper wire passes through the damper wire inlet and enters the second wire groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the rear cover of the air duct and the main body of the air duct also define a third air duct, which is arranged side by side with the second air duct and is located above the fan; and an air duct opening is also formed on the side wall of the rear cover of the air duct for supplying air to the second compartment of the refrigerator.

[0013] Furthermore, the air duct system for the refrigerator also includes: a rear air duct panel, which covers the air duct body, shields the rear air duct cover and the fan, and defines a fourth air duct with the air duct body; the fourth air duct is located below the fan and is used to supply air to the third compartment of the refrigerator; and an evaporator, which is located on the outside of the rear air duct panel and is used to cool the airflow toward the fan.

[0014] Furthermore, the fan is a centrifugal fan, with the air inlet of the centrifugal fan facing the rear trim panel of the air duct, and an opening is provided at the position where the rear trim panel of the air duct faces the air inlet, so that airflow can flow into the centrifugal fan through the opening.

[0015] The present invention also provides a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet; and an air duct system for the refrigerator as described above, the air duct system being disposed at the back of the cabinet.

[0016] The present invention relates to an air duct system and a refrigerator for refrigerators. By setting the air duct front cover and the air duct body to form a mutually cooperating concave-convex structure around the first groove, the concave-convex structure is used to seal the first groove, thereby improving the sealing performance of the first groove and reducing the risk of condensation in the air duct system.

[0017] Furthermore, in the air duct system and refrigerator of the present invention, the fan and the rear cover of the air duct are positioned on the side of the air duct body away from the front cover of the air duct, and the rear cover of the air duct and the air duct body form a second air duct that communicates with the first air duct. The fan's wire passes through the air duct body and enters the first wire groove, which does not directly contact the first or second air duct, thereby avoiding the generation of an internal and external temperature difference in the first wire groove. In addition, the double-layer air duct arrangement allows the cooling airflow to pass sequentially through the second air duct and the first air duct to reach the first compartment under the action of the fan, reducing the front and rear temperature difference of the front cover of the air duct, thereby reducing the risk of condensation on the front cover of the air duct.

[0018] Furthermore, the air duct system and refrigerator of the present invention, since a damper is provided in the second air duct, the airflow to the first compartment is controlled by controlling the degree of opening and closing of the damper, thereby realizing temperature control of the first compartment and enabling the first compartment to achieve full temperature variation.

[0019] Furthermore, in the air duct system and refrigerator of the present invention, a second groove is provided on the side of the air duct body facing the front cover plate for placing the wire of the air damper. By setting the air duct body and the front cover plate to form a mutually cooperating concave-convex structure around the second groove, the sealing performance of the second groove is improved, further reducing the risk of condensation in the air duct system.

[0020] Furthermore, the air duct system and refrigerator of the present invention, by providing a connector between the air duct body and the front cover of the air duct, connects the wires of the fan and the damper to the connector, thereby avoiding the impact of excessively short dampers or their wires on operation. This achieves standardized use of the dampers and the fan, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, in the air duct system and refrigerator of the present invention, the rear cover of the air duct forms a third air duct parallel to the second air duct with the air duct body. The third air duct leads to a second compartment located to its side through an air duct opening on the side wall of the rear cover of the air duct. The rear trim panel of the air duct also defines a fourth air duct for downward airflow with the air duct body, and the fourth air duct connects to the third compartment. The arrangement of three independent compartments meets the user's needs for storage environments with different temperatures, thereby improving the user experience.

[0022] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the air duct system of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic exploded view of the air duct system of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region C in the middle;

[0032] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of the air duct body and the air duct front cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view cut by the section line DD in the diagram;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic exploded view of the air duct system of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of region E in the middle;

[0036] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of region F in the middle;

[0037] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of region E from another angle;

[0038] Figure 15 This is an assembly diagram of the air duct body and connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of region G in the middle;

[0040] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of region H in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 1-17The specific embodiments shown provide a detailed description of the present invention. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 10 from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle. Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the air duct system 100 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic exploded view of the air duct system 100 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region C in the middle. Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of the air duct body 110 and the air duct front cover plate 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line DD in the diagram. Figure 11 This is a schematic exploded view of the air duct system 100 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of region E in the middle. Figure 13 is... Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of region F in the middle. Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of region E from another angle. Figure 15 This is an assembly diagram of the air duct body 110 and the connector 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of region G in the middle. Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of region H in the middle.

[0044] like Figure 1-17 As shown, the solution of this embodiment first provides an air duct system 100 for a refrigerator, which generally includes: an air duct body 110 and an air duct front cover 130.

[0045] A fan 120 is mounted on the air duct body 110. A front cover 130 covers one side of the air duct body 110, defining a first air duct 131 that connects to the first compartment 211 of the refrigerator 10. A first groove 111 is formed on the side of the air duct body 110 facing the front cover 130 for housing the fan wire 121. The front cover 130 and the air duct body 110 have mutually cooperating convex and concave structures around the first groove 111 to seal it.

[0046] In this embodiment, the air duct body 110 and the air duct front cover plate 130 are provided with mutually cooperating concave and convex structures around the first groove 111. The concave and convex structures are used to seal the first groove 111, thereby improving the sealing performance of the first groove 111.

[0047] Furthermore, the solution in this embodiment improves the sealing performance of the first groove 111, preventing cooling airflow from entering the first groove 111, thereby preventing the fan wire 121 in the first groove 111 from becoming too cold, and thus preventing the front cover plate 130 of the air duct from having an excessively large temperature difference between the front and back of the part near the first groove 111, preventing condensation or icing on the front cover plate 130 of the air duct, and improving the user experience.

[0048] like Figure 9 As shown, multiple air outlets 132 can be provided at intervals along the setting direction (i.e., vertical direction) of the first air duct 131 on the front cover plate 130 of the air duct. The cooling airflow in the first air duct 131 flows evenly into the first chamber 211 through the multiple air outlets 132, thereby improving the temperature uniformity in the first chamber 211 and avoiding local overcooling and condensation in the front cover plate 130 of the air duct.

[0049] In addition, in some embodiments, the periphery of the front cover plate 130 of the air duct and the air duct body 110 may be provided with mutually cooperating concave and convex structures to further improve the overall sealing of the air duct system 100, prevent the cooling airflow from overflowing to both sides of the air duct body 110, thereby reducing the risk of condensation on the side wall of the refrigerator body 200.

[0050] The air duct system 100 for a refrigerator may also include: an air duct rear cover 140.

[0051] The rear cover plate 140 of the air duct covers the other side of the air duct body 110, defining a second air duct 141 together with the air duct body 110. The top of the air duct body 110 is also provided with an air duct connection port 115 to connect the first air duct 131 and the second air duct 141. A fan 120 is disposed on the side of the air duct body 110 near the rear cover plate 140, and the fan 120 is located below the rear cover plate 140.

[0052] like Figure 5-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the front cover plate 130, the main body 110, and the rear cover plate 140 of the air duct are stacked sequentially. The first air duct 131 and the second air duct 141 are located on both sides of the main body 110, forming a double-layer air duct. The first compartment 211 is located in front of the front cover plate 130. The fan 120 is located below the second air duct 141. All cooling airflow in the air duct system 100 flows through the fan 120, but only a portion of the cooling airflow can pass through the second air duct 141, the air duct connection port 115, and the first air duct 131 in sequence under the action of the fan 120, and finally flow to the first compartment 211 located in front of the front cover plate 130. The remaining cooling airflow is lost or diffused to other directions (in some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 may have multiple compartments, and some cooling airflow may flow to other compartments besides the first compartment 211).

[0053] The temperature of the front wall surface of the duct front cover 130 (i.e., the wall surface facing the first chamber 211) is mainly affected by the temperature of the first chamber 211 (i.e., the temperature of the cooling airflow flowing into the first chamber 211). The temperature of the rear wall surface of the duct front cover 130 is affected by the cooling airflow flowing into the first chamber 211, and may also be affected by the temperature of all the cooling airflow flowing through the fan 120 behind it. The greater the temperature difference between the front and rear walls of the duct front cover 130, the higher the risk of condensation on the duct front cover 130.

[0054] In this embodiment, the duct front cover plate 130, duct body 110, and duct rear cover plate 140 are stacked in sequence, with the first duct 131 and the second duct 141 located on both sides of the duct body 110, forming a double-layer duct, thereby improving the overall heat insulation effect of the duct system 100.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front cover plate 130 and the fan 120 are respectively disposed on both sides of the duct body 110, increasing the obstruction distance between the front cover plate 130 and the fan 120. This increases the difficulty for the cooling airflow to diffuse temperature to the front cover plate 130 without flowing through the first duct 131. This reduces the temperature impact on the rear wall surface of the front cover plate 130 (i.e., the wall surface of the front cover plate 130 facing the fan 120) of all the cooling airflow flowing through the fan 120 within the duct system 100. In other words, the temperature of the rear wall surface of the front cover plate 130 is mainly affected by a portion of the cooling airflow flowing to the first duct 131, thus avoiding excessive temperature differences between the front and rear walls of the front cover plate 130, preventing condensation or icing on the front cover plate 130, and improving the user experience.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments, the front cover plate 130, the main body 110, and the rear cover plate 140 of the duct can all be configured as foam boards to improve the overall thermal insulation effect of the duct system 100. It is understood that in other embodiments, the front cover plate 130, the main body 110, and the rear cover plate 140 of the duct can also be configured to be made of other materials with good thermal insulation effects; the specific material selection can be set according to actual needs.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first wire groove 111 and the fan 120 are respectively disposed on both sides of the air duct body 110, so that the fan wire 121 is located in the interlayer between the air duct front cover plate 130 and the air duct body 110, thereby improving the sealing performance of the fan wire 121, avoiding the fan wire 121 from being too cold and causing a large temperature difference between the front and back of the air duct front cover plate 130, thereby reducing the risk of condensation on the air duct front cover plate 130.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, the first chamber 211 can be configured as a fully variable-temperature chamber, whose temperature can generally be adjusted arbitrarily between 5-24°C. The duct connection port 115 on the duct body 110 is set to a larger size to meet the full variable-temperature requirements of the first chamber 211. The special design of the double-layer duct and the first duct 111 improves the thermal insulation effect of the duct system 100, reduces the temperature impact of the entire cooling airflow passing through the fan 120 on the front duct cover, and avoids excessive temperature difference between the front and rear of the front duct cover. Even when the temperature of the first chamber 211 is high (e.g., 20°C), the temperature difference of the duct front cover 130 can still be maintained within a small range, thereby avoiding condensation or icing on the duct front cover 130, meeting the user's need for a large-volume fully variable-temperature chamber, and further improving the user experience.

[0059] The air duct system 100 for the refrigerator may further include: a damper 150 disposed in the second air duct 141 for adjusting the airflow to the first compartment 211.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting a damper 150 in the second air duct 141, the airflow to the first chamber 211 is controlled by controlling the degree of opening and closing of the damper 150, thereby achieving temperature control of the first chamber 211.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, the first chamber 211 can be configured as a fully variable temperature chamber, achieving the full temperature control function by controlling the opening and closing of the damper 150. A temperature sensor can also be installed inside the first chamber 211 or at the air outlet 132 of the first air duct 131 leading to the first chamber 211 to detect the temperature inside the first chamber 211. The damper 150 is configured to adjust its opening and closing degree according to the detected temperature, controlling the flow rate of cooling air to the first chamber 211, thereby ensuring that the first chamber 211 reaches the temperature required by the user.

[0062] A second groove 112 is formed on the side of the duct body 110 facing the duct front cover plate 130 for placing the wire 151 of the damper. The duct front cover plate 130 and the duct body 110 have mutually cooperating concave and convex structures around the second groove 112 to close the second groove 112.

[0063] In this embodiment, by setting the air duct body 110 and the air duct front cover plate 130 to form mutually cooperating concave and convex structures around the second groove 112, the sealing performance of the second groove 112 is improved, and the risk of condensation in the air duct system 100 is further reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, the solution in this embodiment improves the sealing performance of the second groove 112, preventing cooling airflow from entering the second groove 112. This avoids the damper wire 151 in the second groove 112 becoming too cold, thereby preventing excessive temperature difference between the front and rear of the duct front cover 130 near the second groove 112. This further reduces the risk of condensation or icing on the duct front cover 130 and improves the user experience.

[0065] The air duct system 100 for a refrigerator may further include: a connector 160 disposed between the air duct body 110 and the air duct front cover 130, for connecting the wire 121 of the fan and the wire 151 of the damper. The air duct body 110 and the air duct front cover 130 are respectively provided with receiving grooves 114 for accommodating the connector 160.

[0066] like Figure 6 and Figure 11As shown, a receiving groove 114 is formed on the duct body 110 and the duct front cover plate 130 respectively. When the duct front cover plate 130 is fastened onto the duct body 110, the two receiving grooves 114 are joined together to form a receiving space for placing the connector 160. The duct body 110 and the duct front cover plate 130 also have mutually cooperating concave and convex structures formed around the receiving grooves 114 to improve the sealing performance of the receiving grooves 114 and further reduce the risk of condensation on the duct front cover plate 130. The first groove 111 and the second groove 112 are respectively connected to the receiving grooves 114 on the duct body 110 so that the fan wire 121 and the damper wire 151 can be connected to the connector 160.

[0067] In this embodiment, a connector 160 is provided between the air duct body 110 and the air duct front cover 130, allowing the fan wire 121 and the damper wire 151 to be connected to the connector 160. This avoids the problem of the fan wire 121 or the damper wire 151 being too short, thus preventing issues with usability. Standardized use of the damper 150 and the fan 120 is achieved, thereby improving the production efficiency of the refrigerator's air duct system 100.

[0068] like Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, a third groove 113 is also formed on the side of the air duct body 110 facing the air duct front cover plate 130 for placing the wire 161 of the connector. One end of the third groove 113 is connected to the receiving groove 114, and the other end is connected to the top of the air duct body 110.

[0069] The main body 110 of the air duct and the front cover plate 130 of the air duct also have mutually cooperating concave and convex structures around the third groove 113 to improve the sealing performance of the third groove 113, reduce the temperature influence of the third groove 113 on the front cover plate 130 of the air duct, and reduce the risk of condensation on the front cover plate 130 of the air duct.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, to further improve the sealing performance of the third groove 113, the third groove 113 can be configured as a Z-shape. That is, a portion of the third groove 113 near the top of the air duct body 110 is configured to extend forward horizontally for a certain distance, and then extend upward vertically to the top of the air duct body 110.

[0071] The duct body 110 is provided with a damper cable inlet 116 and a fan cable inlet 117 near the damper 150 and the fan 120, respectively. Both the damper cable inlet 116 and the fan cable inlet 117 pass through the duct body 110. The fan cable 121 passes through the fan cable inlet 117 and enters the first cable tray 111, while the damper cable 151 passes through the damper cable inlet 116 and enters the second cable tray 112.

[0072] In this embodiment, by providing a fan cable inlet 117 and a damper cable inlet 116 on the duct body 110, the fan cable 121 and the damper cable 151 pass through the duct body 110 and enter the first groove 111 and the second groove 112 formed on the other side of the duct body 110, respectively. This improves the sealing effect of the fan cable 121 and the damper cable 151. Furthermore, the first groove 111 and the second groove 112 do not directly contact the first duct 131 or the second duct 141, further reducing the possibility of cooling airflow entering the first groove 111 or the second groove 112. This avoids the fan cable 121 and the damper cable 151 becoming too cold and reduces the risk of condensation on the duct front cover 130.

[0073] In some preferred embodiments, sealing elements, such as sealing rings, may also be provided at the fan inlet 117 and damper inlet 116 to further improve the sealing effect of the first groove 111 and the second groove 112.

[0074] The rear cover plate 140 of the air duct and the main body of the air duct 110 also define a third air duct 142, which is arranged side by side with the second air duct 141 and is located above the fan 120. In addition, an air duct opening 143 is formed on the side wall of the rear cover plate 140 for supplying air to the second compartment 221 of the refrigerator 10.

[0075] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment 211 is configured as a fully variable temperature compartment, and the second compartment 221 is configured as a refrigerated compartment. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second air duct 141 is configured to be larger than that of the third air duct 142 to increase the maximum air volume of the second air duct 141 per unit time, increase the cooling rate of the first compartment 211, and meet the full variable temperature requirements of the first compartment 211.

[0076] The air duct system 100 for a refrigerator may also include: a rear air duct panel 170 and an evaporator 180.

[0077] The rear duct panel 170 covers the duct body 110, concealing the rear duct cover 140 and the fan 120, and defines a fourth duct 171 with the duct body 110. The fourth duct 171 is located below the fan 120 and is used to supply air to the third compartment 212 of the refrigerator 10. An evaporator 180 is disposed on the outside of the rear duct panel 170 and is used to cool the airflow toward the fan 120.

[0078] In this embodiment, by setting up a first air duct 131, a second air duct 141, a third air duct 142, and a fourth air duct 171, the cooling airflow flows to three different independent compartments, thus meeting the user's need for multiple independent compartments. Furthermore, the three compartments can be configured with different storage temperatures, thereby simultaneously meeting the user's needs for storage environments at different temperatures, further improving the user experience.

[0079] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the air duct opening 143 of the rear cover plate 140 faces the second chamber 221. The rear trim plate 170 of the air duct has a notch 173 at a position corresponding to the air duct opening 143 of the rear cover plate 140, so that the cooling airflow in the third air duct 142 can flow smoothly towards the second chamber 221. Correspondingly, an air vent (not shown in the figure) is provided on the side wall of the second chamber 221, which communicates with the air duct opening 143 on the rear cover plate 140, so that the cooling airflow in the third air duct 142 can flow to the second chamber 221.

[0080] The fan 120 is a centrifugal fan 120. The air inlet 122 of the centrifugal fan 120 is opposite to the rear trim panel 170 of the air duct. An opening 172 is provided at the position opposite to the air inlet 122 of the rear trim panel 170 of the air duct so that the airflow can flow into the centrifugal fan 120 through the opening 172.

[0081] In this embodiment, the air duct system 100 is a single evaporator system. By setting up a centrifugal fan 120, the cooling airflow passing through the evaporator 180 is directed by the centrifugal fan 120 to the second air duct 141 and the third air duct 142 above the centrifugal fan 120, and the fourth air duct 171 below the centrifugal fan 120, thereby achieving independent control of the airflow in the three compartments. Furthermore, setting the air duct system 100 as a single evaporator system not only occupies less space but also has lower production costs.

[0082] like Figure 2-3 As shown, a duct connection component 190 can generally be provided below the duct body 110. The duct connection component 190 is connected to the fourth duct 171 and sends the cooling airflow in the fourth duct 171 to the third chamber 212.

[0083] This embodiment also provides a refrigerator 10, which includes: a cabinet 200; and an air duct system 100 for a refrigerator as described above. The air duct system 100 is disposed at the back of the cabinet 200.

[0084] like Figure 1As shown, the refrigerator 10 generally includes two inner liners arranged side by side, defining three compartments. The first inner liner 210, located on the left side of the refrigerator 10, defines a vertically distributed first compartment 211 and a third compartment 212, with the third compartment 212 located vertically below the first compartment 211. The second inner liner 220, located on the right side of the refrigerator 10, defines a second compartment 221.

[0085] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment 211, directly opposite the front cover plate 130 of the air duct, is preferably configured as a fully variable temperature compartment. Because the specially designed air duct system 100 reduces the risk of condensation and icing on the rear wall of the first compartment 211 (i.e., the front cover plate 130 of the air duct), it meets the user's need for a large-capacity fully variable temperature compartment and improves the user experience. The second compartment 221, with the largest volume, is preferably configured as a refrigerator compartment to meet the user's need for a large refrigeration space. The third compartment 212, connected to the fourth air duct 171 with the largest cross-sectional area, is preferably configured as a freezer compartment to meet the user's freezing needs.

[0086] In some embodiments, a front duct trim panel 133 may also be provided on the front side of the front duct cover 130, which covers the front duct cover 130, further reducing the risk of condensation in the first compartment 211 while improving the aesthetics of the interior of the first compartment 211 of the refrigerator 10.

[0087] In this embodiment, by providing mutually cooperating concave-convex structures at positions corresponding to the first groove 111, the second groove 112, and the third groove 113 on the duct body 110 and the duct front cover plate 130, the sealing performance of the duct body 110 and the duct front cover plate 130 is improved. At the same time, the sealing effect of the first groove 111, the second groove 112, and the third groove 113 is improved, and the wires inside the first groove 111, the second groove 112, and the third groove 113 are prevented from becoming too cold. This avoids large local temperature differences in the duct front cover plate 130, thereby reducing the risk of condensation in the duct system 100.

[0088] Furthermore, the solution in this embodiment increases the number and thickness of the air duct cover by setting a double-layer air duct, thereby improving the overall heat insulation effect of the air duct system 100, further reducing the risk of condensation on the front cover 130 of the air duct, ensuring the normal use of the refrigerator 10, and improving the user experience.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first chamber 211 opposite to the front cover plate 130 of the air duct is configured as a fully variable temperature chamber. By specially setting the structure of the air duct system 100, the user's demand for a large-volume fully variable temperature chamber is met, while the risk of condensation or icing in the fully variable temperature chamber is reduced, further improving the user's experience.

[0090] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An air duct system for a refrigerator, comprising: The main body of the air duct, on which a fan is installed; A front cover plate of the air duct covers one side of the air duct body and defines a first air duct with the air duct body. The first air duct is connected to the first compartment of the refrigerator. A rear cover plate of the air duct covers the other side of the air duct body, defining a second air duct together with the air duct body; the fan is disposed on the side of the air duct body near the rear cover plate of the air duct, and the fan is located below the rear cover plate of the air duct; the rear cover plate of the air duct and the air duct body also define a third air duct, which is arranged side by side with the second air duct and is located above the fan; The rear panel of the air duct covers the main body of the air duct, shielding the rear cover of the air duct and the fan, and defining a fourth air duct with the main body of the air duct; the fourth air duct is located below the fan and is used to supply air to the third compartment of the refrigerator; The top of the air duct body is also provided with an air duct connection port to connect the first air duct and the second air duct; and an air duct opening is also formed on the side wall of the air duct rear cover plate for supplying air to the second compartment of the refrigerator. A first groove is formed on the side of the duct body facing the front cover plate of the duct for placing the wires of the fan; the front cover plate of the duct and the duct body have mutually cooperating concave and convex structures around the first groove to seal the first groove.

2. The air duct system for a refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: An air damper, located within the second air duct, is used to adjust the airflow to the first chamber.

3. The air duct system for a refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, A second groove is also formed on the side of the air duct body facing the front cover plate of the air duct, for placing the wire of the air damper; The front cover plate of the air duct and the main body of the air duct have mutually cooperating concave and convex structures around the second groove to seal the second groove.

4. The air duct system for a refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: A connector is disposed between the main body of the air duct and the front cover plate of the air duct, for connecting the wires of the fan and the wires of the damper; The air duct body and the air duct front cover plate are respectively formed with receiving grooves to accommodate the connector.

5. The air duct system for a refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The air duct body is provided with an air damper cable outlet and a fan cable outlet near the air damper and the fan, respectively, and both the air damper cable outlet and the fan cable outlet penetrate the air duct body; The wind turbine's wire passes through the wind turbine's wire inlet and enters the first wire groove, while the damper's wire passes through the damper's wire inlet and enters the second wire groove.

6. The air duct system for a refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: An evaporator, located on the outside of the rear trim panel of the air duct, is used to cool the airflow toward the fan.

7. The air duct system for a refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The fan is a centrifugal fan, and the air inlet of the centrifugal fan is opposite to the rear trim panel of the air duct. An opening is provided at the position opposite to the air inlet of the air duct rear trim panel so that airflow can flow into the centrifugal fan through the opening.

8. A refrigerator, comprising: Box; as well as The air duct system for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air duct system is disposed at the back of the cabinet.

Citation Information

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