refrigerator

Abstract

This invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator (100) includes a storage compartment (101) having a front opening (10) and an air sanitation device (1) mounted on the top wall (1001) of the storage compartment. The air sanitation device includes: a housing (2), an air passage (3) located within the housing, a fan (4), and an air detection device (5) and / or an air purification device (6) located within the air passage. The housing includes a front wall (20), a rear wall (22), an upper wall (24), a lower wall (23), and a pair of side walls (21) facing the front opening. The air passage includes an air inlet (31) and an air outlet (32). The fan (4) is configured to force air into the air passage from the air inlet and out from the air outlet. The air inlet is located on at least one side wall, the air outlet is located on the rear wall, and the air passage includes a first passage section (38) located between the air inlet and the fan and a second passage section (39) located between the fan and the air outlet, the first passage section extending laterally toward the fan and the second passage section extending from front to back toward the rear wall.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator with an air hygiene device. [Background Technology]

[0002] CN110878998A discloses a refrigerator, including a storage compartment with a front opening, a door for closing the storage compartment, and an air sanitation device fixed to the top wall of the storage compartment. The air sanitation device includes a housing and an air detection device and / or an air purification device located within the housing.

[0003] CN105148313A discloses a sterilization and deodorization device for a refrigerator. The device includes a housing with an internal airflow channel, a sterilization module located within the airflow channel, and a deodorizing filter module filled with sepiolite located downstream of the sterilization module. The device also includes an LED light strip configured to emit light through a central panel of the housing cover, thus integrating sterilization, deodorization, and lighting functions. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved refrigerator.

[0005] One aspect of this invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment having a front opening and an air sanitation device mounted on the top wall of the storage compartment; the air sanitation device includes: a housing, the housing including a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls facing the front opening; an air passage located within the housing, the air passage including an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan for forcing air to enter the air passage from the air inlet and exit the air passage from the air outlet; and an air detection device and / or an air purification device located within the air passage; wherein the air inlet is located on at least one of the side walls, the air outlet is located on the rear wall, and the air passage includes a first passage segment located between the air inlet and the fan and a second passage segment located between the fan and the air outlet, the first passage segment extending laterally toward the fan, and the second passage segment extending from front to back toward the rear wall.

[0006] By placing the air inlet of the air sanitation device on the side wall and the air outlet on the rear wall, and coordinating with the extension direction of different air duct sections, it is beneficial for air to enter the air channel from the storage room, and also facilitates the distribution of the fan, air detection device and / or air purification device in the housing.

[0007] In a possible embodiment, a baffle is provided between the first channel segment and the rear wall to define an installation area between the rear wall and the baffle. At least one electrical component is provided within the installation area, and this electrical component is electrically connected to the air detection device and / or air purification device. Thus, the distribution of the first channel segment extending forward of the installation area and the second channel segment extending backward facilitates the arrangement of air channels within a limited space, thereby enabling the creation of a compact air hygiene device.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, two mounting areas are included, with the second channel segment located between the two mounting areas in the transverse direction of the air sanitation device. By arranging the mounting areas on both sides of the second channel segment, the air channel can be positioned in a manner most conducive to airflow, significantly reducing the impact of electrical components on airflow. For example, electrical components can be arranged in two corners on the rear side of the housing that are unfavorable to airflow, thereby reducing the impact of the arrangement of electrical components within the housing on the effective space for airflow.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the electrical components include a control unit and / or a power supply electrically connected to the air detection device and / or air purification device.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, a cable is included connecting electrical components located in two installation areas, the cable being located outside the air duct. For example, the cable may be located below the fan and outside the air duct.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, each of the sidewalls is provided with the air inlet, a pair of first channel segments converge at the fan inlet, and a second channel segment extends rearward from the fan outlet. Thus, air can enter the air channels from both sides, converge via the fan, and then flow rearward to the air outlet.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, an air detection device is located within the first channel section, and the air detection device includes a circuit board and a gas sensor fixed to the circuit board. This allows air entering the air channel from the storage compartment to be detected, thereby obtaining a more accurate assessment of the air quality within the storage compartment.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the air purification device includes a filter located in a first channel section and / or an ion generator located in a second channel section.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, a first boundary wall and a second boundary wall are arranged opposite each other to define at least a portion of an air passage, the first boundary wall being above the second boundary wall, the gas sensor protruding upward from the circuit board toward the first boundary wall, the fan inlet facing downward toward the second boundary wall, and the upper end of the gas sensor being higher than and above the fan inlet. This is particularly advantageous for detecting air hygiene parameters entering the air passage from the storage compartment.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the air inlet is configured to allow air to flow obliquely upwards towards the first boundary wall after entering the air channel. By giving the air kinetic potential energy in the vertical direction, it is beneficial to enhance the contact between the air and the gas sensor.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the sidewall includes a downward-sloping portion, the air inlet is located on the sloping portion, and the fan inlet opens downwards. This facilitates airflow from below the air sanitation device into the air sanitation device located at the top of the storage room, thereby promoting air exchange between the air sanitation device and the storage room.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, the second channel section is configured such that air is discharged at an angle downwards from the rear wall of the housing. When the rear of the storage compartment has an air outlet for the duct, the air from the air sanitation device is discharged at an angle downwards, which facilitates the merging of this air with the cold air discharged from the duct and its distribution throughout the storage compartment as the air circulates, thereby reducing the possibility of this air stagnating in the rear corners of the storage compartment.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the upper wall includes a guide portion adjacent to the outlet and inclined downward in a front-to-back direction.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the device includes a support plate located within a housing and an illumination device. The housing includes a light-emitting portion. The air detection device and / or air purification device are fixed to a first side of the support plate opposite to the light-emitting portion. The illumination device is located between a second side of the support plate facing the light-emitting portion and the light-emitting portion.

[0020] Further features of embodiments of the invention will be presented from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof described in the foregoing description and those illustrated in the following description of the drawings and / or simply shown in the drawings may be presented not only in the described combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the invention not described or specifically shown in the drawings but conceived from the detailed embodiments and from combinations of features should therefore be considered included and disclosed. [Image Description]

[0021] As part of this specification and to provide a further understanding of the invention, the following accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator having an air hygiene device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator having an air hygiene device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first housing has been removed;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator having an air hygiene device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Detailed Implementation]

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a storage compartment 101 with a front opening 10 and a door 102 for closing the storage compartment 101.

[0032] In one embodiment, the top wall 1010 of storage compartment 101 may be the top wall of the body 1001 of refrigerator 100. Storage compartment 101 may extend from the upper part to the lower part of body 1001, or another storage compartment may be provided at the lower part of storage compartment 101. It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to have another storage compartment above storage compartment 101.

[0033] The refrigerator 100 may include an air duct 103 for supplying cooled air to the storage compartment 101. The air duct 103 may be located at the rear and / or top of the storage compartment 101. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the air duct 103 is located at the rear of the storage chamber 101.

[0034] The refrigerator 100 may include a duct fan 104 for creating forced air circulation within the storage area of ​​the storage compartment 101 and the air duct 103. For example, when the duct fan 104 is operating, air in the air duct 103 is exhausted into the storage area of ​​the storage compartment 101 through the vent 107, and air in the storage area of ​​101 is returned to the air duct 103 through the return air vent 108.

[0035] An evaporator 105 may be installed inside the air duct 103. In other embodiments, the cold air in the air duct 103 also comes from another storage compartment.

[0036] The refrigerator 100 includes an air hygiene device 1 for detecting at least one air hygiene-related parameter within the storage compartment 101 and / or for purifying the air within the storage compartment 101. In some embodiments, the air hygiene device 1 is used only to detect air hygiene-related parameters within the storage compartment 101. In other embodiments, the air hygiene device 1 has a purification device, such as a device suitable for sterilization / disinfection or deodorization / odor removal. In still other embodiments, the air hygiene device 1 may include an air detection device 5 and an air purification device 6.

[0037] In exemplary examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air hygiene device 1 may include a housing 2, an air passage 3 located within the housing 2, and an air detection device 5 and an air purification device 6 located within the air passage 3.

[0038] Air in storage chamber 101 can enter air passage 3 through air inlet 31 and exit air passage 3 through air outlet 32. Air inlet 31 and air outlet 32 ​​can be formed in housing 2.

[0039] The air sanitation device 1 includes a fan 4 located within the air passage 3 to force external air into the air passage 3 and flow through the air detection device 5 and the air purification device 6 before being discharged outside the housing 2. The direction of airflow within the air passage 3 can be as shown by arrow a.

[0040] The air detection device 5 can be configured to detect at least one gas parameter within the storage chamber 101. The gas parameter may include, for example, the presence of one or more types of gases, and / or the content or concentration of one or more gas components. The air detection device 5 can also be configured to detect parameters related to pathogens in the air.

[0041] In one embodiment, the air detection device 5 detects the total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentration in the storage compartment 101.

[0042] The air detection device 5 may include a first circuit board 50 and a gas sensor 51 fixed to the first circuit board 50. The gas sensor 51 may be, but is not limited to, a metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor, which may include a semiconductor sensing element and a heater for heating the semiconductor sensing element.

[0043] The air purification device 6 may include any one or more of the following: air filter, ultraviolet sterilization device, ion generator, ozone generator, etc. Different purification devices may be integrated into a module or arranged separately.

[0044] The air purification device 6 can be arranged downstream of the air detection device 5 within the air passage 3. Therefore, the air purification device 6 can be located between the air detection device 5 and the air outlet 32.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the air purification device 6 includes an ion generator 61 configured to release ions into the air passage 3. A power supply 63 for supplying power to the ion generator 61 is located within the housing 2.

[0046] The air purification device 6 may also include an air filter 62. The air filter 62 may be a physical and / or chemical filter, such as an adsorption filter, a catalytic enzyme filter (such as a Pt filter), etc.

[0047] In one embodiment, when the air sanitation device 1 is arranged in a non-freezing room, an air filter 62 is arranged upstream of the ion generator 61 to filter impurities in the air and reduce the humidity of the air flowing through the ion generator 61. Our experiments have shown that this effectively reduces the amount of external matter accumulating at the tip of the ion generator 61, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of crystal formation at the tip due to airborne impurities and moisture adhering to it, thus reducing ion and ozone production. This improves the sterilization efficiency of the air purifier 6.

[0048] In one embodiment, the air filter 62 is arranged upstream of the fan 4, and the ion generator 61 is arranged downstream of the fan 4. In an embodiment with an air detection device 5, the air filter 62 is located between the air detection device 5 and the ion generator 61.

[0049] The air sanitation device 1 may include a control unit 16 operatively connected to the air detection device 5. The control unit 16 is adapted to receive signals from the air detection device 5. The control unit 16 may also be configured to send commands to the air detection device 5.

[0050] The control unit 16 can be connected to the fan 4. The fan 4 can start or stop working based on the instructions of the control unit 16.

[0051] The control unit 16 can be connected to the power supply 63. The power supply 63 can supply power to the ion generator 61 based on the instructions of the control unit 16.

[0052] The housing 2 may be provided with a baffle 161 surrounding the control unit 16 and a baffle 631 surrounding the power supply 631 to reduce the chance of air contact with the control unit 16 and the power supply 63. In one embodiment, the control unit 16 and the power supply 63 are disposed close to the rear wall 22.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the air passage 3 includes a first passage segment 38 located between the air inlet 31 and the fan 4, and a second passage segment 39 located between the fan 4 and the air outlet 32. The first passage segment 38 extends laterally toward the fan 4, while the second passage segment 39 extends from front to back toward the rear wall 22.

[0054] In one embodiment, each sidewall 21 is provided with an air inlet 31, a pair of first channel segments 38 converge at the inlet 41 of the fan 4, and a second channel segment 39 extends rearward from the outlet 42 of the fan 4.

[0055] Baffles 631 and 161 are provided between the first channel section 38 and the rear wall 22 to define an installation area 27 between the rear wall 22 and the baffles 631 and 161. At least one electrical component is provided in the installation area 27, and the electrical component is electrically connected to the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6. The electrical component may include a control unit 16 and / or a power supply 631 electrically connected to the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6.

[0056] The housing 2 may include two mounting areas 27, with the second channel segment 39 located between the two mounting areas 27 in the transverse direction of the air hygiene device 1.

[0057] Thus, the air passage 3 extends from the front sides of the housing 2 toward the middle of the housing 2, and is discharged toward the rear of the housing 2 after passing through the fan 4. The control unit 16 and the power supply 63 are located on both sides of the second passage section 39 of the air passage 3.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic partial perspective view of a refrigerator having an air hygiene device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device. For example... Figures 3 to 5As shown, the housing 2 includes a front wall 20 facing the front opening 10, a rear wall 22 facing the rear of the storage chamber 101, a bottom wall 23, an upper wall 24, and a pair of side walls 21.

[0059] The housing 2 may include a first housing 28 and a second housing 29. An air passage 3 is located between the first housing 28 and the second housing 29.

[0060] Air inlet 31 is located on the side wall 21 of housing 2. Air inlet 31 may be located on one or both sides of housing 2. Air outlet 32 ​​is located on the rear wall 22 of housing 2. Air from storage chamber 101 enters housing 2 from both sides of air sanitation device 1 and finally returns to storage chamber 101 from the rear of housing 2.

[0061] The air passage 3 includes a first passage section 38 located between the air inlet 31 and the fan 4, and a second passage section 39 located between the fan 4 and the air outlet 32. The first passage section 38 extends laterally toward the fan 4, while the second passage section 39 extends from front to back toward the rear wall 22.

[0062] In one embodiment, each sidewall 21 is provided with an air inlet 31, a pair of first channel segments 38 converge at the inlet 41 of the fan 4, and a second channel segment 39 extends rearward from the outlet 42 of the fan 4.

[0063] A baffle 631, 161 is provided between the first channel section 38 and the rear wall 22 to define an installation area 27 between the rear wall 22 and the baffle 631, 161. At least one electrical component is provided in the installation area 27, and the electrical component is electrically connected to the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6.

[0064] Electrical components may include a control unit 16 and / or a power supply 631 that are electrically connected to the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6.

[0065] The housing 2 may include two mounting areas 27, with the second channel segment 39 located between the two mounting areas 27 in the transverse direction of the air hygiene device 1.

[0066] The housing 2 can be flat, and the air passage 3 within the housing 2 is also flat. A pair of opposing boundary walls define at least a portion of the opposing boundaries of the air passage 3. In an embodiment where the first boundary wall 3A is located above the second boundary wall 3B, the first boundary wall 3A can also be referred to as the upper boundary wall, and the second boundary wall 3B can also be referred to as the lower boundary wall.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first boundary wall 3A is formed through the upper wall 24 of the housing 2.

[0068] In one embodiment, the second boundary wall 3B is located between the upper wall 24 and the bottom wall 23 of the housing 2. The second boundary wall 3B may be formed by a support member 7 for carrying the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6. It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the second boundary wall 3B may also be formed, for example, by the bottom wall 23.

[0069] Multiple air inlets 31 are distributed at intervals on the sidewall 21. These air inlets 31 may be distributed along most of the front-to-back length of the sidewall 21, and some air inlets 31 may even overlap with the power supply 63 of the control unit 16 or the ion generator 61.

[0070] In one implementation, such as Figures 3-5 As shown, the sidewall 21 includes an inclined portion 210 that gradually narrows the housing 2 in the width direction of the storage chamber 101 in a downward direction, and the air inlet 31 is located in the inclined portion 210. Thus, when the sanitary device 1 is installed at the top of the storage chamber 101, the air inlet 31 is inclined downward, which facilitates the entry of air into the sanitary device 1.

[0071] Air passage 3 includes an inlet section 33 for upward airflow. After entering through air inlet 31, air flows upward toward the upper wall 24 of housing 2. The inlet of fan 4 is lower than the upper wall 24, causing air to flow downward at an angle.

[0072] In one embodiment, the air channel 3 is configured to allow air to flow along the side of the first printed circuit board 50 where the gas sensor 51 is fixed, and the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces in the opposite direction to the protrusion of the gas sensor 51 from the circuit board 50.

[0073] In one embodiment, in a pair of opposing boundary walls of the air passage 3, a gas sensor 51 protrudes from the first circuit board 50 toward the first boundary wall 3A, and the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces the second boundary wall 3B. The gas sensor 51 is closer to the first boundary wall 3A than the inlet 41 of the fan 4.

[0074] When the air sanitation device 1 is installed on the top wall 1010 of the storage chamber 101, the gas sensor 51 protrudes from the first printed circuit board 50 toward the upper boundary wall of the air passage 3, and the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces the lower boundary wall defining the lower boundary of the air passage 3. The inlet of the gas sensor 51 is closer to the upper boundary wall of the air passage 3 than the inlet 41 of the fan 4.

[0075] In one embodiment, the gas sensor 51 may include a sensing element 52 fixed to a circuit board 50, a sensor housing 53 protruding from the circuit board 50 and having a receiving cavity for accommodating the sensing element 52, and a breathable layer 54 for covering the inlet of the receiving cavity. The breathable layer 54 covers the inlet at the free end of the sensor housing 53 to allow air to pass through the breathable layer 54 into the sensor housing 53 and contact the sensing element 52. The breathable layer 54 may be substantially parallel to the first circuit board 50 or the second boundary wall 3B of the air channel 3.

[0076] The permeable layer 54 is higher than the inlet 41 of the fan 4, so that the permeable layer 54 is closer to the first boundary wall 3A of the air channel 3 than the inlet 41 of the fan 4.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the air inlet 31 is below the vent layer 54. For example, the vent layer 54 is at least above the lower edge of the air inlet 31. In the vertical direction, the vent layer 54 may be entirely above the air inlet 31.

[0078] Air detection device 5 is located between air inlet 31 and fan 4. Air inlet 31 is positioned such that air flows obliquely towards the first boundary wall 3A after entering air inlet 31. Inlet 41 of fan 4 faces the second boundary wall 3B, and air flows obliquely downward between air detection device 5 and fan 4 in at least a partial section. Because the air flows obliquely upward first and then obliquely downward between air inlet 31 and fan 4, some of the air can have kinetic potential energy in the vertical direction when flowing through gas sensor 51. Therefore, more air can come into contact with sensing element 52 through permeable layer 54, which helps to improve the detection accuracy of air sensor 51.

[0079] The first circuit board 50 is located within the air channel 3 and has a gap G1 with the second lower boundary wall 3B of the air channel 3. The gap G1 is closed on the upstream side of the first circuit board 50 near the air inlet 31, so that more air flows from above the first circuit board 50 and flows through the gas sensor 51.

[0080] An air filter 62 may be positioned adjacent to the air detection device 5, between the air detection device 5 and the fan 4. The air filter 62 is positioned above the permeable layer 54.

[0081] In one embodiment, the air sanitation device 1 may include a support plate 7A located within a housing 2. The support plate 7A is located between a first housing 28 and a second housing 29. An air detection device 5 and an air purification device 6 are supported on the support plate 7A. An air passage 3 is located on the side of the support plate 7A where the air detection device 5 and the air purification device 6 are mounted, thereby defining the lower boundary of the corresponding segment of the air passage 3.

[0082] Fan 4 is supported on support plate 7A, and the inlet 41 of fan 4 faces support plate 7A and has a gap G2 between it and the upper surface of support plate 7A. Control unit 16 and power supply 63 are fixed to the rear of support plate 7A.

[0083] The first circuit board 50 is fixed to the carrier plate 7A. The first circuit board 50 may be substantially parallel to the carrier plate 7A and there is a gap G1 between its lower surface and the upper surface of the carrier plate 7A. The gap G1 is closed by the sealing part 58 on the upstream side of the first circuit board 50, so that air cannot enter the gap G1.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the control unit 16 and the power supply 63 are disposed near the rear wall 22. Baffles 161 and 631 are respectively disposed around the control unit 16 and the power supply 63 to separate them from the air passage 3.

[0085] Therefore, the air passages 3 extend laterally from both sides of the housing 2 toward the center, then converge at the fan 4 and extend rearward. Thus, after entering the housing 2 from both sides, the air flows laterally at the front of the housing 2, enters the fan 4, flows toward the rear of the housing 2, and is discharged outside the housing 2, i.e., returns to the storage chamber 101.

[0086] The outlet 42 of fan 4 faces the air outlet 32 ​​located at the rear of housing 2. Ion generator 61 is located between outlet 42 and air outlet 32. The outlet 42 of fan 4 is directly opposite ion generator 61.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, the second ventilation section 39 may include an expansion section 351 adjacent to the outlet 42 of the fan 4, with a gradually increasing width. Thus, while the end adjacent to the outlet 42 of the fan 4 can have a smaller width, the housing 2 still has sufficient size to accommodate the air outlet 32. This not only helps to avoid the formation of corners that would cause air stagnation next to the outlet 42 of the fan 4, but also the wider distribution of the air outlets 32 facilitates the smooth exhaust of air downstream of the fan 4 from the housing 2.

[0088] Ion generator 61 can be a needle-tip discharge type ion generator. When generating ions, ion generator 61 can also produce ozone as a byproduct for sterilization. Please refer to... Figure 6 refer to Figure 7 The ion generator 61 may include a channel 611, within which a needle-tip ion generating component 612 is located. The inlet of the channel 611 faces the outlet 42 of the fan 4.

[0089] The outlet of the ion generator 61 can be aligned with the air outlet 32, so that the product of the ion generator 61 can enter the storage chamber 101 as quickly as possible through the air outlet 32. The ion generator 61 can be configured such that the ions tend to flow towards the air outlet 32.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the second channel section 39 can be configured to allow at least a portion of the air to be discharged from the housing 2 at an angle downwards. This allows the air containing the disinfectant to flow downwards, facilitating the flow of the disinfectant to the rest of the storage chamber 101. Particularly advantageously, the air containing the disinfectant flowing downwards from the top of the storage chamber 101 can be joined by an airflow discharged from the duct 103 located at the rear of the storage chamber 101 and flowing forward, which facilitates the disinfectant reaching the areas through which a forced air circulation occurs as the airflow discharged from the duct 103 reaches.

[0091] The top wall 1011 may be provided with a recess 1011 for mounting the air sanitation device 1. In one embodiment, the upper wall 24 of the housing 2 is located within the recess 1010 and defines the upper boundary of the air passage 3, while the air outlet 32 ​​is located outside the recess 1010. The upper wall 24 has a guide 241 for guiding air downward toward the air outlet 32, so as to guide the air to the air outlet 32 ​​located outside the recess 1010. This facilitates the accurate guidance of air to the air outlet 32 ​​for smooth discharge outside the housing 2, and also allows at least a portion of the air to flow obliquely downward toward the air outlet 32 ​​when discharged from the housing 2.

[0092] The guide portion 241 may include a downward-sloping ramp. The ramp may include a plane and / or a curved surface. The rear end of the guide portion 241 may be connected to the rear wall 22 of the housing 2, which is provided with an air outlet 32. The rear end of the guide portion 241 may be located above the air outlet 32, adjacent to it.

[0093] The length of the guide section 241 can be greater than the entire length of the ion generator 61 and cover the entire ion generator 61, so that the air flows more smoothly toward the air outlet 32.

[0094] In one embodiment, the air sanitation device 1 includes a housing 2 with an internal air passage 3, and an air detection device 5 and / or an air purification device 6 located within the air passage 3. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the housing 2 includes a light-emitting section 25, and the air sanitation device 1 includes a lighting device 9 located inside the housing 2 to generate light suitable for passing through the light-emitting section 25. The light-emitting section 25 faces the storage chamber 101 to provide illumination to the storage chamber 101.

[0095] The light-emitting part 25 can be a through hole that penetrates the housing 2, or it can be formed through the light-transmitting wall of the housing 2.

[0096] The air hygiene device 1 includes a partition 7 that separates the lighting device 9 and the air passage 3 so that air can flow along a first side of the partition 7. The lighting device 9 is located between a second side of the partition 7 and the light-emitting part 25.

[0097] The lighting device 9 and the air passage 3 are isolated by the separator 7, so that the air entering the housing 2 from the outside can be isolated from the lighting device 9. This is particularly beneficial to improving the service life of the air sanitation device 1 with the lighting device 9.

[0098] In one embodiment, the partition 7 and the housing 2 together define a receiving space 70 that is isolated from the air passage 3, and the lighting device 9 is located within the receiving space 70.

[0099] When the air sanitation device 1 is arranged on the top of the storage room 101, the air duct 3, which has an air detection device 5 and / or an air purification device 6, is located above the lighting device 9. Both the housing space 70 and the air duct 3 can be of a flat structure. The housing space 70 can be distributed substantially parallel to the air duct 3.

[0100] The partition 7 may include a carrier 7A for mounting the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6. The air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6 may be fixed to a first side of the partition 7A.

[0101] In this embodiment, the air detection device 5, the air purification device 6, and the fan 4 are mounted on the first side of the partition 7 away from the light-emitting portion 25. The control unit 16 and the power supply 63 may also be mounted on the first side of the partition 7.

[0102] The separator 7 and the electronic devices carried on the separator 7 can be pre-assembled to form a pre-assembled module 7B.

[0103] The partition 7 may include a main board portion 71 and a side plate 72 extending from the edge of the main board portion 71 toward the light-emitting portion 25. In this embodiment, the air sanitation device 1 is mounted on the top of the storage chamber 101, the light-emitting portion 25 is located at the bottom of the housing 2, and the side plate 72 extends downward from the main board portion 71.

[0104] Air detection device 5, air purification device 6, and fan 4 are mounted on main board section 71, thereby forming a support plate 7A on main board section 71. Control unit 16 and power supply 63 may also be mounted on main board section 71. Main board section 71 may have multiple protrusions 711 protruding in a direction away from light emission section 25 to fix these components.

[0105] The end of the side panel 72 can rest against the lower wall 23 of the housing 2. The end of the side panel 72 can also rest against the lower wall 23 of the housing 2 around the light-emitting portion 25. The air sanitation device 1 may include a first fixing mechanism for securing the partition 7 and the housing 2. The first fixing mechanism can be configured to generate a force that tightly abuts the end of the side panel 72 against the housing 2. This helps to reduce the probability of air entering the receiving space 70 through the gap between the side panel 72 and the housing 2.

[0106] The first fixing mechanism may include a plurality of hooks 26 provided on the housing 2, the hooks 26 being connected to the separator 7 such that the separator 7 is subjected to a force toward the lower wall 23 of the housing 2. The hooks 26 may be distributed around the light-emitting portion 25 and hooked onto the edge of the main board portion 71.

[0107] The lighting device 9 can be installed on the second side of the partition 7 facing the light-emitting portion 25. In one embodiment, the main plate portion 71 and the side plate 72 surround and form a receiving cavity 701 that opens toward the light-emitting portion 25, and the lighting device 9 is at least partially located within the receiving cavity 701. The receiving cavity 701 can constitute at least the main part of the receiving space 70.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the lighting device 9 includes a light source 91. The light source 91 may include an LED light-emitting element (not shown) and a circuit board 93 carrying the light-emitting element. In one embodiment, the circuit board 93 extends along the side plate 72 and is located on one side within the receiving cavity 701.

[0109] The partition 7 may have a first slot 74 extending along the side plate 72, into which the circuit board 93 extends. The depth of the first slot 74 is greater than the rest of the receiving cavity 701 located within the partition 7.

[0110] The lighting device 9 may include a light guide plate 94 and a frame strip 95 that fixes the light source 91 to one end of the light guide plate 94.

[0111] The frame strip 95 has a protrusion 951 that supports the circuit board 93 and protrudes toward the first slot 74. The protrusion 951 extends into the first slot 74, so that the circuit board 93 also extends into the first slot 74.

[0112] The lighting device 9 may include a lampshade 96. The lampshade 96 covers the outside of the light guide plate 94, and the light source 91, the light guide plate 94 are located between the main board 71 and the lampshade 96.

[0113] In one embodiment, the lampshade 96 can be fixed to the partition 7 to house the light source 91 and the light guide plate 94 within the receiving cavity 701. For example, the lampshade 96 can be snapped to the side plate 72 around its perimeter.

[0114] In one exemplary embodiment, the lampshade 96 may be a shallow dish shape that opens toward the partition 7, with the light source 91 and the light guide plate 94 housed within the lampshade 96.

[0115] The light source 91, light guide plate 94 and lamp cover 96 can be pre-assembled into a unit and then installed together on the separator 7.

[0116] The lampshade 96 is at least partially housed within the partition 7. For example, the sidewalls of the lampshade 96 are located within the receiving cavity 701.

[0117] In this embodiment, the surface of the lampshade 96 facing the light-emitting portion 25 does not extend beyond the end face of the side plate 72. The surface of the lampshade 96 facing the light-emitting portion 25 may be substantially flush with the end face of the side plate 72.

[0118] The separator 7 has an end face 76 adjacent to the side wall 21 where the air inlet 31 is located, and the end face 76 is exposed to the air passage 3. There is a gap between the end face 76 and the side wall 21 of the housing 2. The side wall 21 has an inclined portion 210 that forms an angle with the end face 76, and the air inlet 31 penetrates the inclined portion 210. This can reduce the occurrence of air entering the air passage 3 flowing directly toward the end face 76 and being blocked.

[0119] In one embodiment, the housing 2 includes a first housing 28 and a second housing 29, which are connected to form a receiving space 201. The second housing 29 has a light-emitting portion 25. A receiving space 70 for accommodating a lighting device 9 is formed between the partition 7 and the second housing 29.

[0120] A second receiving space 202 is provided between the first housing 28 and the partition 7 to accommodate the air detection device 5 and / or the air purification device 6. At least the majority of the air passage 3 is located between the first housing 28 and the partition 7.

[0121] In one embodiment, the air inlet 31 is located in the second housing 29. The air inlet 31 may be at least partially lower than the upper surface of the main board portion 71 facing the first housing 28, and is inclined so that the air entering the air inlet 31 flows toward the first housing 28, thereby helping to avoid the air entering the air passage 3 via the air inlet 31 being blocked by the separator 7 and increasing wind resistance.

[0122] The lower edge of the air outlet 32 ​​can be substantially flush with the upper surface of the separator 7 facing the first housing 28, so that air flows along the upper surface of the separator 7 to the air outlet 32.

[0123] Air outlet 32 ​​may be located in the second housing 29. The second housing 29 may include a protrusion 295 protruding toward the partition 7. The inner side of the protrusion 295 may be adjacent to or in contact with the side plate 72 of the partition 7. Air outlet 32 ​​is located in the protrusion 295, so that air outlet 32 ​​is adjacent to the upper surface of the partition 7, and air flowing along the upper surface of the partition 7 can flow smoothly to air outlet 32.

[0124] The first housing 28 may have first recessed portions 282 on both rear ends to reduce airflow towards the control unit 16 or power supply 63. The first housing 28 may also have second recessed portions 283 to accommodate cables and terminals.

[0125] The air sanitation device 1 can be fixed in the recess 1010 by a plurality of hooks 285 located in the first housing 28.

[0126] Combination Figures 1 to 9 The various embodiments described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; other means besides those shown can generally be used, as long as they achieve the same effect.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (100), characterized in that, Includes a storage compartment (101) having a front opening (10) and an air sanitation device (1) installed on the top wall (1001) of the storage compartment (101); the air sanitation device includes: The housing (2) includes a front wall (20), a rear wall (22), an upper wall (24), a lower wall (23) facing the front opening, and a pair of side walls (21); An air passage (3) located within the housing (2), wherein the air passage includes an air inlet (31) and an air outlet (32); A fan (4) for forcing air into the air passage (3) from the air inlet (31) and out of the air passage (32); and An air detection device (5) and / or an air purification device (6) located within the air passage; The air inlet is located on at least one of the side walls, the air outlet is located on the rear wall, and the air passage includes a first passage segment (38) located between the air inlet and the fan and a second passage segment (39) located between the fan and the air outlet. The first passage segment extends laterally toward the fan, and the second passage segment extends toward the rear wall from front to back.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle (161, 631) is provided between the first channel segment and the rear wall to define an installation area (27) between the rear wall and the baffle, wherein at least one electrical component is provided in the installation area, and the electrical component is electrically connected to the air detection device (5) and / or the air purification device (6).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, It includes two installation areas, with the second channel segment located between the two installation areas in the transverse direction of the air sanitation device.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical components include a control unit and / or a power supply that are electrically connected to the air detection device (5) and / or the air purification device (6).

5. The refrigerator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each of the sidewalls is provided with an air inlet, a pair of first channel segments converge at the inlet (41) of the fan, and the second channel segment extends rearward from the outlet (42) of the fan.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, An air detection device (5) is located within the first channel section. The air detection device includes a circuit board (50) and a gas sensor (51) fixed to the circuit board; and / or The air purification device (6) includes a filter (62) located in a first channel section and / or an ion generator (61) located in a second channel section.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device includes a first boundary wall (3A) and a second boundary wall (3B) that are positioned relative to each other to define at least a portion of an air passage. The first boundary wall (3A) is located above the second boundary wall. The gas sensor protrudes upward from the circuit board toward the first boundary wall (3A). The fan inlet faces downward toward the second boundary wall, and the inlet of the gas sensor is higher than the inlet of the fan.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The air inlet is configured to allow air to flow upwards at an angle toward the first boundary wall (3A) after entering the air channel.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the side wall includes a downwardly inclined portion (210), the air inlet is located in the inclined portion, and the fan inlet (41) is open downwards.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second channel section (39) is configured such that air is discharged from the rear wall of the housing (2) at an angle downwards.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The upper wall includes a guide (241) that is adjacent to the outlet and slopes downward in a front-to-back direction.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a support plate (7A) located inside the housing and an illumination device (9). The housing includes a light-emitting part (25). The air detection device and / or air purification device are fixed to the support plate (7A) on a first side away from the light-emitting part. The illumination device is located between the second side of the support plate (7A) facing the light-emitting part and the light-emitting part.

Images