Compartment structure, refrigerator and control method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a compartment structure, a refrigerator and a control method, comprising: an air outlet assembly communicating with the air outlet duct of the refrigerator, and the position where the air outlet assembly blows directly or is closest to is the quick-freezing area of the compartment; a shelf assembly on which a plurality of storage grids with switchable positions are formed by partitioning, and any one of the storage grids can be switched to the quick-freezing area; and a return air assembly arranged in the compartment and communicating with the return air duct of the refrigerator. The present invention can facilitate the user's classified storage and convenient access; effectively solve the problem that newly placed food cannot be quickly and effectively cooled, and solve the problem that the newly placed food with a higher temperature is placed together with the originally frozen food, resulting in the temperature rise of the originally frozen food and easy spoilage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and particularly to an interlayer structure, a refrigerator and a control method. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, when choosing a refrigerator product, people tend to choose an air-cooled refrigerator with long-lasting freshness preservation function and convenient use. Most of the freezer compartments of the current air-cooled refrigerators on the market adopt a large drawer-type storage structure, which has a large storage space. However, the biggest drawback of this storage method is that the stored items in the refrigerator are all piled up together, which is inconvenient to find. At the same time, the newly placed food cannot be quickly and effectively frozen and cooled. The newly placed food with a higher temperature is placed together with the originally frozen food, resulting in the temperature rise of the originally frozen food, which is easy to deteriorate and affects the storage effect of the food. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the technical problem in the above-mentioned prior art that the refrigerator compartment cannot separate the newly placed stored items from other stored items for quick freezing, the present invention proposes an interlayer structure, a refrigerator and a control method.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] The present invention proposes an interlayer structure, including:

[0006] An air outlet component, communicating with the air outlet duct of the refrigerator, and the position where the air outlet component blows directly or is closest to is the quick-freezing area of the interlayer;

[0007] A shelf component, which is divided into a plurality of storage grids with switchable positions, and any one of the storage grids can be switched to the quick-freezing area;

[0008] A return air component, arranged in the interlayer and communicating with the return air duct of the refrigerator.

[0009] Preferably, the shelf component switches the position of the storage grid by rotation.

[0010] Furthermore, the shelf component includes: a tray, and a storage shelf rotatably installed on the tray, and the storage shelf is divided into a plurality of storage grids with switchable positions.

[0011] Furthermore, a convex column is provided at the center of the tray, a bearing is sleeved on the convex column, and a round hole for clamping the bearing is provided on the bottom surface of the storage shelf.

[0012] Furthermore, the shelf component further includes: a motor arranged on the bottom surface of the tray and capable of driving the tray to rotate.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of roller limiting grooves are provided on both sides of the tray, and rollers are installed in the roller limiting grooves.

[0014] Further, a plurality of ventilation openings are provided on the bottom surface of each storage compartment.

[0015] Further, the shelf assembly is mounted on the return air assembly, and a return air opening is provided on the top surface of the return air assembly. A return air gap is left between the shelf assembly and the top surface of the return air assembly.

[0016] Further, the air outlet assembly includes an air outlet hood and a damper provided at the bottom of the air outlet hood. A plurality of air outlet openings facing the shelf assembly are provided on one side of the air outlet hood.

[0017] Further, an infrared sensor for detecting the storage temperature in each storage compartment is provided in the compartment.

[0018] Preferably, the return air assembly is a lower partition plate. A return air opening is provided on the surface of the lower partition plate, and a passage communicating the return air opening with the return air duct of the refrigerator is provided inside.

[0019] The present invention also provides a refrigerator, including the above-mentioned compartment structure.

[0020] The present invention also provides a control method for a refrigerator, including the steps of: after turning on the quick-freezing mode, detecting the storage temperature of each storage compartment in the compartment, and switching the position of the storage compartment according to the storage temperature.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can facilitate the user to classify and store, and is convenient to take and use; effectively solves the problem that newly placed food cannot be quickly and effectively cooled, and solves the problem that the temperature of the originally frozen food rises and is prone to deterioration when newly placed food with a higher temperature is placed together with the originally frozen food. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the middle part;

[0026] Figure 4Schematic diagram of the structure of the hidden compartment door in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the hidden compartment door in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the inner liner of the hidden box in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 Exploded view in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the hidden shelf assembly in the embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clear and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0032] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, when choosing a refrigerator product, people are more inclined to choose an air-cooled refrigerator with long-lasting freshness preservation function and convenient use. Most of the freezers in the current air-cooled refrigerators on the market adopt a large drawer-type storage structure, which has a large storage space. However, the biggest drawback of this storage method is that the items stored in the refrigerator are all piled up together, which is not convenient to find. At the same time, the newly placed food cannot be quickly and effectively frozen and cooled. The newly placed food with a higher temperature is placed together with the originally frozen food, resulting in the temperature of the originally frozen food rising, being prone to deterioration, and affecting the storage effect of the food. The present invention proposes a compartment structure with a quick-freezing area, and through a unique rotatable shelf structure, it is convenient for users to classify and store items, and realizes the quick-freezing function of the refrigerator.

[0033] The principle and structure of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, the present invention proposes a compartment structure, including: compartment 1, air outlet assembly 2, shelf assembly 3 and air return assembly 4. The air outlet assembly 2 is installed on the inner side surface of the compartment 1 (specifically, the side facing the compartment door), and is connected to the air outlet duct of the refrigerator. The position directly blown by the air outlet assembly 2 or the position closest to the air outlet assembly 2 is the quick-freezing area of the compartment 1; multiple storage compartments are separated on the storage shelf of the shelf assembly 3, and the shelf assembly 3 can switch the positions of the storage compartments, so that any storage compartment can be switched to the quick-freezing area, so that the stored items can be classified and placed without direct interference. At the same time, for the items that need to be quickly frozen, the positions of the storage compartments can be switched so that the items are located in the quick-freezing area for quick freezing; As Figure 7As shown in the figure, the return air assembly 4 is arranged at the bottom of the compartment 1, on which a shelf assembly 3 is installed. The top surface of the return air assembly 4 is provided with a return air opening 41, and the return air opening 41 is connected to the return air duct of the refrigerator. The compartment structure proposed by the present invention can not only facilitate users to classify and store items for easy access, but also effectively solve the problem that newly placed food cannot be quickly and effectively cooled. When newly placed food with a relatively high temperature is placed together with the originally frozen food, the temperature of the originally frozen food will rise, making it prone to spoilage.

[0035] An infrared sensor for detecting temperature can also be arranged at the top of the compartment to detect the storage temperature in each storage grid for subsequent control.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the shelf assembly 3 switches the position of the storage grid by rotation. The user can directly move the storage shelf on the shelf assembly to move the storage items to be quickly frozen to the quick-freezing area.

[0037] As Figure 7 shown, the air outlet assembly 2 specifically includes: an air outlet hood, a damper 6 arranged at the bottom of the air outlet hood. A plurality of air outlet openings are arranged on the side surface of the air outlet hood, and the air outlet openings are directly opposite to the quick-freezing area. When the storage grid is located in the quick-freezing area, the air outlet openings blow cold air directly at the storage items in the storage grid for quick freezing.

[0038] As Figure 8 shown, the return air assembly 4 is specifically a lower partition board, which is laid on the bottom surface of the compartment. The lower partition board is provided with a return air opening 41, and the return air opening is arranged at the central axis position (on the right side of the motor) at the bottom of the tray, which is convenient for cold air to conduct heat exchange, and can effectively improve the refrigeration efficiency of the cold air in the compartment. A channel 42 connecting the return air opening and the return air duct of the refrigerator is arranged inside the lower partition board. A return air gap is left between the bottom surface (except the central area) of the shelf assembly and the top surface of the return air assembly.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, a notch 43 is arranged at one side edge of the lower partition board, and the lowest air outlet of the air outlet assembly 2 blows air directly at the notch, so that part of the cold air is directly blown to the bottom of the shelf assembly.

[0040] As Figures 4 to 7 shown, the shelf assembly includes: a tray 32 and a storage shelf 31. The tray 32 is installed on the return air assembly 4, that is, installed on the lower partition board. The storage shelf 31 is rotatably connected to the tray 32, so that the storage shelf 31 can rotate on the tray 32 to switch the position of the storage grid. The storage shelf 31 is circular in top view and is divided into four storage grids by partition boards. The edge of each storage grid is vacant on the storage shelf 31, so that the air from the air outlet assembly 2 can directly blow towards the storage grid located in the quick-freezing area without being blocked. During specific use, after the user opens the compartment door, the empty storage grid can be rotated to the side directly opposite to the opening of the compartment. After placing the storage items to be quickly frozen, rotate the storage shelf to make the storage grid with the newly placed storage items rotate to the position directly opposite to the air outlet assembly.

[0041] There are four storage compartments on the storage shelf 31. Three sides of the storage compartments are surrounded by partitions. One side at the edge of the storage shelf 31 is left empty so that cold air can blow in. At the same time, the height of the partitions on both sides gradually decreases as they extend toward the edge of the storage shelf. At the same time, a plurality of vents 311 are provided on the bottom surface of the storage compartments to facilitate the flow of cold air. A square protrudes from the middle of the storage shelf. The four sides of the square are located in the four storage compartment areas. The four sides of the square are provided with air outlets 312 to facilitate return air when the air outlet component blows directly.

[0042] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in a further preferred embodiment, the shelf assembly specifically includes: a tray 32, a storage shelf 31, and a motor 33 arranged on the bottom surface of the tray to drive the tray to rotate. The tray 32 is installed on the return air assembly 4, that is, installed on the lower partition, and a groove for installing the motor 33 is provided on the lower partition. The bottom surface of the storage shelf 31 is provided with a round hole for clamping the bearing 34; a convex column is provided at the center of the tray 32, and the bearing 34 is sleeved on the convex column. The rotating shaft of the motor 33 is inserted into the convex column to drive the tray to rotate. When in use, the user directly moves the storage shelf 31, because the storage shelf and the tray are matched through the bearing, and the tray will not be driven to rotate. After the compartment door is closed and the quick freezing mode is turned on, if the temperature of some storage compartments is higher than the preset temperature, the driving motor rotates slowly to move the storage to the quick freezing area. Since the storage shelf has a certain weight after placing the storage (equivalent to the state that the storage shelf and the tray are integrated), the motor will drive the tray and the storage shelf to rotate together.

[0043] In order to make the tray 32 and the storage shelf 31 rotate smoothly, a plurality of roller limiting grooves are provided on both sides of the tray 32, and rollers 35 are installed in the roller limiting grooves. The rollers 35 located above the tray 32 are supported between the storage shelf 31 and the tray 32, and the rollers 35 located below the tray 32 are supported between the tray 32 and the lower partition, so that the tray and the storage shelf can rotate smoothly.

[0044] The storage shelf 31 is circular in top view, and is divided into four storage compartments by a partition. The edge of each storage compartment is vacant, so that the wind from the air outlet assembly can directly blow to the storage compartment in the quick freezing area. The storage shelf is rotatably connected to the tray, so that the storage shelf can be rotated on the tray to switch the position of the storage compartment. In specific use, after opening the compartment door, the user can rotate the empty storage compartment to the side facing the compartment door, put in the storage that needs to be quickly frozen, and then rotate the storage shelf so that the storage compartment with the new storage is rotated to the position facing the air outlet assembly.

[0045] There are specifically four storage compartments on the storage shelf. Three sides of each storage compartment are surrounded by partitions, and the side facing the edge of the storage shelf is vacant so that cold air can blow in. At the same time, when the partitions on both sides extend towards the edge of the storage shelf, their heights gradually decrease. Additionally, multiple ventilation openings are provided on the bottom surface of the storage compartment to facilitate the flow of cold air. A square bump protrudes in the middle of the storage shelf, and the four side surfaces of the bump are located within the areas of the four storage compartments. Air outlets are provided on the four side surfaces of the square block, which is beneficial for the return air when the air outlet component blows directly.

[0046] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the present invention also proposes a refrigerator, including at least one of the above-mentioned compartment structures to achieve the quick-freezing function of this refrigerator. Specifically, the above-mentioned compartment can be located at the position between the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment of the refrigerator.

[0047] Specific operation process:

[0048] Normal food storage process: After opening the compartment door, place the food in the storage compartments of the rotating shelf according to categories. First, place the food in the storage compartment directly opposite the door, and then manually rotate the shelf to sequentially place the sorted food on the shelf. After the food is placed, manually rotate the shelf to rotate the storage compartment with the most urgently needed freezing to the rear of the compartment to achieve the best effect of rapid cooling. Close the compartment door to complete the food storage process.

[0049] Quick-freezing process of the refrigerator: Through the display panel on the door body, start the quick-freezing function. The infrared sensor set at the top of the compartment senses the food temperature in the compartment, and the control software is set to preferentially transmit the temperature and position signals of the highest food compartment in the room: When the position of the storage compartment with the highest temperature is already facing the air outlet at the rear of the compartment, the refrigerator starts the refrigeration function for refrigeration. When the position of the storage compartment with the highest temperature is not facing the air outlet at the rear of the compartment, the rotating motor set under the rotating tray starts, and the motor drives the rotating tray and the rotating shelf to rotate. The rotating shelf rotates to make the position of the storage compartment with the highest temperature face the position directly opposite the air outlet at the rear of the compartment, and the refrigerator starts the refrigeration function for refrigeration. When the food temperature in the compartment reaches the set freezing temperature, the air damper closes, and the compartment stops refrigerating to complete the quick-freezing process.

[0050] The compartment structure described in the present invention, combined with the unique design of the air duct system, can achieve multiple refrigeration functions such as refrigeration, freezing, quick cooling, quick freezing, and instant freezing of this compartment through the opening and closing of the double air dampers in the air duct system and the control of the air output volume.

[0051] It should be noted that the terms used above are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. At the same time, it should be understood that, for the sake of convenience of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationship. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorized specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not require further discussion in subsequent drawings.

[0053] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front, rear, upper, lower, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal", and "top, bottom" are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. Without contrary description, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present application; the orientation words "inside, outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0054] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "under" the other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the corresponding explanations for the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be made accordingly.

[0055] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first", "second" etc. to define components is only for the convenience of differentiating the corresponding components. Without additional statements, the above terms have no special meanings, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present application.

[0056] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compartment structure, characterized in that, Comprising: An air outlet assembly, which is connected to the air outlet duct of the refrigerator, and the position where the air outlet assembly blows directly or is closest to is the quick-freezing area of the compartment; A shelf assembly, which is divided into a plurality of storage compartments with switchable positions, and any one of the storage compartments can be switched to the quick-freezing area; A return air assembly, which is arranged in the compartment and is connected to the return air duct of the refrigerator; The shelf assembly includes: a tray, a storage shelf rotatably installed on the tray, and the storage shelf is divided into a plurality of storage compartments with switchable positions; A convex block protrudes in the middle of the storage shelf, and air vents communicating with the storage compartments are provided on multiple sides of the convex block; the shelf assembly is installed on the return air assembly, and a return air gap is left between the shelf assembly and the top surface of the return air assembly, and the return air opening is arranged at the central axis position of the bottom of the tray.

2. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shelf assembly switches the position of the storage compartment by rotation.

3. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A convex column is provided at the center of the tray, a bearing is sleeved on the convex column, and a round hole for clamping the bearing is provided on the bottom surface of the storage shelf.

4. The compartment structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shelf assembly further includes: a motor arranged on the bottom surface of the tray and capable of driving the tray to rotate.

5. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple roller limiting grooves are provided on both sides of the tray, and rollers are installed in the roller limiting grooves.

6. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple ventilation openings are provided on the bottom surface of each storage compartment.

7. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet assembly includes: an air outlet cover and a damper for switching the air outlet cover, and a plurality of air outlet openings facing the shelf assembly are provided on the air outlet cover.

8. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, An infrared sensor for detecting the storage temperature in each storage compartment is further arranged in the compartment.

9. The compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return air assembly is a lower partition board, a return air opening is provided on the surface of the lower partition board, and a channel for connecting the return air opening and the return air duct of the refrigerator is arranged inside.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Including at least one compartment structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A control method for a refrigerator, characterized in that, Using the refrigerator according to claim 10, comprising the steps of: after turning on the quick-freezing mode, detecting the storage temperature in each storage compartment in the compartment, and switching the position of the storage compartment according to the storage temperature.

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