A refrigerator

Abstract

This invention provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet defining a first and second refrigeration compartment arranged in a left-right direction; a refrigeration cavity disposed within the first refrigeration compartment; an air inlet channel disposed between the second refrigeration compartment and the refrigeration cavity; an air outlet assembly disposed within the second refrigeration compartment and spaced from the rear wall of the second refrigeration compartment, the air outlet assembly communicating with the air inlet channel to guide cold air from the refrigeration cavity to the second refrigeration compartment; and a return air channel disposed between the second refrigeration compartment and the refrigeration cavity, with the inlet of the return air channel located between the air outlet assembly and the rear wall of the second refrigeration compartment. The refrigerator of this invention facilitates the flow of cold air towards the bottom of the second refrigeration compartment as much as possible, thereby improving the uniformity of the refrigeration effect within the second refrigeration compartment. Furthermore, when refrigeration is stopped, cold air flow is prevented from reaching food, thus preventing the food from freezing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration and freezing technology, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators, as refrigeration appliances, employ two cooling methods: direct cooling and indirect cooling. In indirect cooling refrigerators, some existing models only have a cooling chamber in the freezer compartment, with air supply and return ducts connecting the freezer and other compartments. Cold air enters the other compartments through the air supply ducts and returns to the cooling chamber through the return duct, creating airflow circulation in the other compartments to achieve cooling for all compartments. However, in side-by-side refrigerators, because the freezer and refrigerator (or variable temperature) compartments are adjacent to each other, and the return duct connects the freezer and refrigerator (or variable temperature) compartments, when cooling stops, cold air in the cooling chamber flows back to the refrigerator (or variable temperature) compartment through the return duct, causing food near the return duct to freeze and spoil. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can solve any of the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] A further objective of this invention is to improve the cooling effect on the second cooling chamber.

[0005] Another further objective of this invention is to enhance the backflow prevention effect.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising:

[0007] The enclosure defines a first refrigeration compartment and a second refrigeration compartment arranged in a left-right direction;

[0008] A refrigeration chamber is located inside the first refrigeration room;

[0009] An air inlet duct is provided between the second refrigeration compartment and the refrigeration cavity;

[0010] An air outlet assembly is disposed in the second cooling chamber and is spaced from the rear wall of the second cooling chamber. The air outlet assembly is connected to the air inlet channel to guide the cold air in the cooling chamber to the second cooling chamber.

[0011] A return air duct is disposed between the second refrigeration chamber and the refrigeration cavity, and the inlet of the return air duct is located between the air outlet assembly and the rear wall of the second refrigeration chamber.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the air outlet assembly is provided with an air guide structure, which is inclined towards the lower front of the second cooling chamber to guide the cold air towards the bottom of the second cooling chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the bottom of the rear wall of the second refrigeration compartment is provided with a protruding irregular part;

[0014] The air guide structure covers the irregularly shaped part and has a gap between it and the irregularly shaped part.

[0015] Optionally, the top of the irregular part is provided with a recess, which is located below the inlet of the return air duct.

[0016] Optionally, at least a portion of the irregularly shaped portion has an inclined surface, which is inclined downwards and forwards of the second refrigeration compartment.

[0017] Optionally, the second refrigeration room is provided with multiple storage drawers;

[0018] The air outlet assembly has multiple air outlets, and each air outlet is located between two adjacent storage drawers.

[0019] Optionally, the air outlet assembly has multiple air outlet structures, the air outlet structures extend from the air outlet assembly toward the storage drawer, and the air outlet is formed at one end of the air outlet structure near the storage drawer.

[0020] Optionally, the top wall of the air outlet structure slopes downwards along the direction from the air outlet assembly toward the storage drawer.

[0021] Optionally, the bottom side wall of the lowest storage drawer is provided with ventilation holes.

[0022] Optionally, the two side walls of the second refrigeration chamber are respectively provided with a limiting part protruding towards the middle;

[0023] The air outlet assembly is provided with support parts on the left and right sides respectively, and the two support parts are respectively attached to the two limiting parts in the front-back direction.

[0024] The refrigerator of this invention features an air outlet assembly within the second cooling compartment, with the inlet of the return air duct positioned between the air outlet assembly and the rear wall of the second cooling compartment. In other words, the inlet of the return air duct is blocked by the air outlet assembly. Therefore, on one hand, during the cooling process of the second cooling compartment, the cold air output from the air outlet assembly flows towards its front. Because the inlet of the return air duct is located behind the air outlet assembly, the cold air entering the second cooling compartment is blocked and cannot immediately flow into the return air duct. This forces the cold air to travel from the bottom of the air outlet assembly to its rear before entering the return air duct, thus promoting a more uniform flow of cold air towards the bottom of the second cooling compartment and improving the uniformity of the cooling effect. On the other hand, when cooling is stopped, the cold air returning from the return air duct is blocked by the air outlet assembly between the air outlet assembly and the rear wall of the second cooling compartment, preventing cold air from flowing towards the food and thus preventing the food from freezing. Furthermore, because the return air duct is blocked by the air outlet assembly, the appearance of the second cooling compartment is neater and more aesthetically pleasing.

[0025] Furthermore, the refrigerator of the present invention incorporates an air-guiding structure at the bottom of the air outlet assembly that slopes downwards and forwards towards the second cooling compartment. This air-guiding structure directs cold air downwards and forwards towards the second cooling compartment, improving the diffusion of cold air within the bottom space of the second cooling compartment. Therefore, it helps prevent the temperature at the bottom of the second cooling compartment from being higher than other areas, resulting in a more uniform temperature within the second cooling compartment and improving its cooling effect.

[0026] Furthermore, the refrigerator of the present invention provides a recess on the top of the irregular part, so that the cold air flowing back from the return air channel is first deposited in the recess, making it difficult for the cold air to leave the area between the air outlet assembly and the rear wall of the second cooling compartment, thereby further improving the anti-backflow effect.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a second schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second refrigeration compartment in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. These partial embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 10 and doors 20. The cabinet 10 defines a first cooling compartment 110 and a second cooling compartment 120 arranged in a left-right direction. There are two doors 20, each pivotally connected to the cabinet 10, used for opening and closing the first cooling compartment 110 and the second cooling compartment 120, respectively. A cooling cavity 130 is disposed within the first cooling compartment 110.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an air inlet duct 140 is disposed between the second cooling chamber 120 and the cooling cavity 130. An air outlet assembly 30 is disposed within the second cooling chamber 120 and spaced from the rear wall of the second cooling chamber 120. The air outlet assembly 30 communicates with the air inlet duct 140 to guide the cold air in the cooling cavity 130 to the second cooling chamber 120. A return air duct 150 is disposed between the second cooling chamber 120 and the cooling cavity 130, and the inlet of the return air duct 150 is located between the air outlet assembly 30 and the rear wall of the second cooling chamber 120.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 3As shown, specifically, the refrigeration chamber 130 is a space separated within the first refrigeration chamber 110. The refrigeration chamber 130 is equipped with a fan 131 and an evaporator 132. The refrigerant flowing in the evaporator 132 carries away heat, filling the refrigeration chamber 130 with cold air. The fan 131 blows cold air into the food storage area of ​​the first refrigeration chamber 110, and then returns to the refrigeration chamber 130, thus circulating the cold air in the food storage area of ​​the first refrigeration chamber 110 to achieve cooling. Simultaneously, the cold air driven by the fan 131 enters the air outlet assembly 30 through the air inlet duct 140, is guided by the air outlet assembly 30 to the second refrigeration chamber 120, and then returns to the refrigeration chamber 130 through the return air duct 150, thus circulating the cold air in the food storage area of ​​the second refrigeration chamber 120 to achieve cooling.

[0038] Combination Figure 4 As shown, specifically, the air inlet channel 140 connects the cooling chamber 130 and the second cooling compartment 120, and the outlet of the air inlet channel 140 is formed on the side wall of the second cooling compartment 120. An air outlet cavity 310 is formed inside the air outlet assembly 30, and the air outlet assembly 30 surrounds the outlet of the air inlet channel 140, thus connecting the air inlet channel 140 and the air outlet cavity 310. The air outlet assembly 30 is provided with an air outlet 320 facing the front of the second cooling compartment 120, and cold air enters the second cooling compartment 120 from the air outlet 320.

[0039] Continue to combine Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the air outlet assembly 30 has a wall-like structure, and its front surface area (the surface viewed from the doorway of the second cooling chamber 120) is approximately the same as the rear wall area of ​​the second cooling chamber 120. Furthermore, there is a gap between the air outlet assembly 30 and the rear wall of the second cooling chamber 120. The inlet of the return air duct 150 is located on the side wall of the second cooling chamber 120 between the air outlet assembly 30 and its own rear wall, that is, between the air outlet assembly 30 and the second cooling chamber 120. In other words, the inlet of the return air duct 150 is blocked by the air outlet assembly 30.

[0040] In this embodiment, an air outlet assembly 30 is installed inside the second refrigeration chamber 120, and the inlet of the return air duct 150 is located between the air outlet assembly 30 and the rear wall of the second refrigeration chamber 120. (Refer to...) Figure 4 As shown by the airflow arrow, during the cooling process of the second cooling chamber 120, the cold air output from the air outlet assembly 30 flows towards the front of the air outlet assembly 30. However, because the inlet of the return air duct 150 is located behind the air outlet assembly 30, the cold air entering the second cooling chamber 120 is blocked by the air outlet assembly 30 and cannot immediately flow to the return air duct 150.

[0041] Therefore, the cold air needs to go around from the bottom of the air outlet assembly 30 to the rear side of the air outlet assembly 30 before entering the return air duct 150, which helps the cold air to flow as far as possible to the bottom of the second cooling chamber 120, thereby improving the uniformity of the cooling effect in the second cooling chamber 120.

[0042] Furthermore, when the cooling operation stops, the cold air returning from the return air duct 150 is blocked by the air outlet assembly 30 between the air outlet assembly 30 and the rear wall of the second cooling chamber 120, preventing the cold air from flowing towards the food and thus preventing the food from freezing. Moreover, because the return air duct 150 is blocked by the air outlet assembly 30, the appearance of the second cooling chamber 120 is neater and more aesthetically pleasing.

[0043] It should be noted that in other embodiments of this application, the refrigerator 1 may not have only two cooling compartments. For example, the bottom may have a double-door structure, and the top may have a single integrated compartment; or the left side may have a single integrated structure, and the right side may have two compartments arranged vertically. As long as there are two compartments arranged horizontally, the solution of this embodiment can be adopted.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the bottom of the air outlet assembly 30 is provided with an air guide structure 330, which is inclined downwards and forwards of the second cooling chamber 120 to extend towards the bottom of the second cooling chamber 120. Specifically, the air guide structure 330 is a plate-shaped structure, which is formed by the air guide assembly 30 extending downwards and forwards of the second cooling chamber 120.

[0045] In this embodiment, by providing an air guide structure 330 inclined downwards and forwards towards the second cooling chamber 120 at the bottom of the air outlet assembly 30, the air guide structure 330 can guide the cold air downwards and forwards towards the second cooling chamber 120, which helps to improve the diffusion of the cold air in the bottom space of the second cooling chamber 120. Therefore, it helps to avoid the temperature at the bottom of the second cooling chamber 120 being higher than other positions, thereby making the temperature inside the second cooling chamber 120 more uniform and improving the cooling effect of the second cooling chamber 120.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown, further, the bottom of the rear wall of the second refrigeration chamber 120 is provided with a forward-protruding irregular portion 121. The air guide structure 330 covers the irregular portion 121 and is spaced apart from it. Specifically, the irregular portion 121 has a portion extending forward from the rear wall of the second refrigeration chamber 120 and also a portion extending upward from the bottom wall of the second refrigeration chamber 120. The air guide structure 330 is located above the irregular portion 121 and is spaced apart from it, allowing cold air to enter the return air passage 150 along the gap between the air guide structure 330 and the irregular portion 121, and then return to the refrigeration chamber 130.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that by providing the irregular part 121 in the second refrigeration chamber 120, the air guide structure 330 and the irregular part 121 cooperate with each other, making the path between the inlet of the return air duct 150 and the front side of the air outlet assembly 30 more complex, thereby increasing the difficulty for the cold air returning from the return air duct 150 to flow naturally to the front side of the air outlet assembly 30, and improving the anti-backflow effect.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the top of the irregular section 121 is further provided with a recess 122, which is located below the inlet of the return air duct 150. Therefore, the cold air returning from the return air duct 150 is first deposited in the recess 122, making it difficult for the cold air to leave the area between the air outlet assembly 30 and the rear wall of the second cooling chamber 120, thereby further improving the anti-backflow effect.

[0049] Continue as Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the surface of the irregular section 121 is an inclined surface, which slopes downwards and forwards towards the second cooling chamber 120. Specifically, one end of the inclined surface connects to the edge of the recess 122 and then slopes downwards and forwards towards the second cooling chamber 120. The inclination of the inclined surface matches the inclination of the air guiding structure 330 to avoid interference between the two.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that by providing an inclined surface in the irregular part 121, the irregular part 121 can not only prevent backflow, but also facilitate the circulation of cold air during the refrigeration process, thereby avoiding excessive obstruction of the cold air circulation by the irregular part 121.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the second refrigeration compartment 120 is provided with three storage drawers 40. The air outlet assembly 30 is provided with two air outlets 320, each air outlet 320 being disposed between two adjacent storage drawers 40.

[0052] Specifically, three storage drawers 40 are arranged vertically within the second refrigeration chamber 120. One air outlet 320 is located between the uppermost storage drawer 40 and the middle storage drawer 40, and another air outlet 320 is located between the middle storage drawer 40 and the lowermost storage drawer 40.

[0053] In this embodiment, during the cooling process of the second cooling chamber 120, the cold air entering the air outlet cavity 310 of the air outlet assembly 30 through the air inlet channel 140 can flow to the second cooling chamber 120 from multiple air outlets 320. Therefore, the uniformity of cold air distribution in the second cooling chamber 120 can be improved. Simultaneously, it makes it easier for cold air to enter the storage drawer 40, improving the cooling effect of the storage space and ensuring the freezing effect of the food inside the storage drawer 40.

[0054] It should be noted that in other embodiments of this example, the number of storage drawers 40 may be four or more. Correspondingly, the number of air vents 320 may also be more than two.

[0055] Additionally, it should be noted that an air vent 320 can also be provided on the top of each storage drawer 40.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the air outlet assembly 30 is further provided with a plurality of air outlet structures 340, which extend from the air outlet assembly 30 to the storage drawer 40, and the air outlet 320 is formed at one end of the air outlet structure 340 near the storage drawer 40.

[0057] Specifically, the air outlet structure 340 protrudes from the front surface of the air outlet assembly 30 toward the storage drawer 40, and the opening of the air outlet structure 340 near the storage drawer 40 is the air outlet 320. Therefore, the air outlet 320 is positioned as close as possible to the storage drawer 40 to facilitate the delivery of cool air into the drawer. At the same time, this avoids the air outlet assembly 30 from occupying too much space overall.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the top wall of the air outlet structure 340 further slopes downward along the direction from the air outlet assembly 30 toward the storage drawer 40.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that by tilting the top wall of the air outlet structure 340 downwards, on the one hand, the cold air can be guided downwards, which helps the cold air flow towards the storage drawer 40 below the air outlet 320, thereby improving the cooling effect. Furthermore, the downward tilting top wall also creates a gradually narrowing channel in the air outlet structure 340, which helps to increase the flow rate of the cold air.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, the bottom side wall of the lowest storage drawer 40 is provided with a ventilation hole 410, which allows cold air to flow to the bottom of the lowest storage drawer 40 and then flow out from the ventilation hole 410, thereby allowing the circulating cold air to circulate to the bottom of the second cooling chamber 120, ensuring the uniformity of the temperature in the second cooling chamber 120.

[0061] Preferably, ventilation holes 410 are provided on both sides of the bottom storage drawer 140.

[0062] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the size, number, or shape of the ventilation holes 410.

[0063] Go back to reference Figures 1 to 4As shown, in one embodiment, the two side walls of the second cooling chamber 120 are respectively provided with constricting portions 123 protruding towards the center. The left and right sides of the air outlet assembly 30 are respectively provided with support portions 350, and the two support portions 350 are respectively attached to the two constricting portions 123 in the front-back direction.

[0064] Specifically, the air outlet assembly 30 has plate-shaped support portions 350 on both sides, so that the distance between the left and right sides of the air outlet assembly 30 is greater than the distance between the limiting portions 123. Therefore, the support portions 350 can rest on the limiting portions 123 in the front-to-back direction, thereby fitting snugly against the limiting portions 123.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that by providing a limiting part 123 in the second refrigeration chamber 120 and a supporting part 350 in the air outlet assembly 30, the supporting part 350 and the limiting part 123 fit together. This not only facilitates the positioning of the air outlet assembly 30 but also facilitates its installation and fixation. Furthermore, it improves the sealing effect between the side of the air outlet assembly 30 and the second refrigeration chamber 120.

[0066] Combination Figure 4 The specific working process of refrigerator 1 in one embodiment is described below. (Refer to...) ​ As indicated by the airflow arrow, during the cooling process of the second cooling chamber 120, the fan 131 blows the cold air from the cooling chamber 130 into the air inlet channel 140. The cold air then enters the air outlet cavity 310 of the air outlet assembly 30 through the air inlet channel 140. The cold air from the air outlet cavity 310 is then dispersed into the second cooling chamber 120 through multiple air outlets 320.

[0067] Furthermore, the cold air entering the second cooling chamber 120 flows towards the bottom of the second cooling chamber 120. At the bottom of the air outlet assembly 30, the air guide structure 330 guides the cold air, causing it to continue to diffuse towards the front and bottom of the second cooling chamber 120. The cold air enters the bottom of the lowest storage drawer 40 and then flows out from the vent 410. Then, the cold air flows along the gap between the air guide structure 330 and the irregular section 121 to the inlet of the return air channel 150, and then enters the cooling chamber 130 from the return air channel 150, thereby realizing cold air circulation.

[0068] When the cooling operation stops, the cold air flowing back from the return air duct 150 to the second cooling chamber 120 will be blocked by the air outlet assembly 30 and deposited in the pit 122, so it will not easily flow to the front of the air outlet assembly 30.

[0069] In this embodiment, not only can the cold air backflow be avoided from freezing the food, but the cold air can also be effectively circulated to the bottom of the second refrigeration chamber 120, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of the second refrigeration chamber 120.

[0070] 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. A refrigerator, comprising: The enclosure defines a first refrigeration compartment and a second refrigeration compartment arranged in a left-right direction; A refrigeration chamber is located inside the first refrigeration room; An air inlet duct is provided between the second refrigeration compartment and the refrigeration cavity; An air outlet assembly is disposed in the second cooling room and is spaced from the rear wall of the second cooling room. An air outlet cavity is formed inside the air outlet assembly. The air outlet assembly surrounds the outlet of the air inlet channel, so that the air inlet channel communicates with the air outlet cavity. The air outlet assembly is provided with an air outlet facing the front side of the second cooling room, and cold air enters the second cooling room from the air outlet. A return air duct is provided between the second refrigeration compartment and the refrigeration chamber, and the inlet of the return air duct is located between the air outlet assembly and the rear wall of the second refrigeration compartment; The bottom of the air outlet assembly is provided with an air guide structure, which is inclined towards the lower front of the second cooling chamber to guide the cold air towards the bottom of the second cooling chamber. The bottom of the rear wall of the second refrigeration chamber is provided with a protruding irregular part; The air guide structure covers the irregularly shaped part and has a gap between it and the irregularly shaped part.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The top of the irregular part is provided with a recess, which is located below the inlet of the return air duct.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the irregular part has an inclined surface, which is inclined downwards and forwards of the second refrigeration chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The second refrigeration room is equipped with multiple storage drawers; The air outlet assembly has multiple air outlets, and each air outlet is located between two adjacent storage drawers.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The air outlet assembly has multiple air outlet structures, which extend from the air outlet assembly toward the storage drawer, and the air outlet is formed at one end of the air outlet structure near the storage drawer.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The top wall of the air outlet structure slopes downwards along the direction from the air outlet assembly toward the storage drawer.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The bottom side wall of the storage drawer located at the bottom has ventilation holes.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The two side walls of the second refrigeration chamber are respectively provided with a limiting part that protrudes towards the middle; The air outlet assembly is provided with support parts on the left and right sides respectively, and the two support parts are respectively attached to the two limiting parts in the front-back direction.

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