Refrigeration appliance and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The application provides a refrigeration equipment and a control method thereof. The refrigeration equipment comprises a cabinet, a first return air duct, a second return air duct and an air door. The cabinet is divided into an evaporator accommodating cavity, a freezing compartment and a variable-temperature compartment. The freezing compartment is located between the evaporator accommodating cavity and the variable-temperature compartment. The first return air duct has a first air inlet and a first air outlet. The first air inlet is communicated with the variable-temperature compartment, and the first air outlet is communicated with the evaporator accommodating cavity. The second return air duct has a second air inlet and a second air outlet. The second air inlet is communicated with the variable-temperature compartment, and the second air outlet is communicated with the freezing compartment. The air door is arranged on the second return air duct. When the air door is closed, the frost and dew formation caused by the large temperature difference between the variable-temperature compartment and the freezing compartment is reduced. When the air door is opened, the variable-temperature compartment returns air to the evaporator accommodating cavity through the first return air duct and returns air to the evaporator accommodating cavity through the second return air duct via the freezing compartment, so that the air return amount of the variable-temperature compartment is ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigeration, in particular to a refrigeration device and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] The refrigeration components of a refrigerator occupy a part of the internal volume, for example, the evaporator is generally arranged at the rear side of the refrigerator, which limits the available space in the thickness direction of the refrigerator. However, the French-style refrigerator can improve the available space by arranging the evaporator horizontally.

[0003] However, the French-style refrigerator can improve the available space, but the temperature-changing compartment in the interior thereof has a greater influence on the return air when the temperature-changing compartment is set to different temperatures. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a refrigeration device and a control method thereof to improve at least one of the above technical problems.

[0005] The embodiments of the present application achieve the above-mentioned purposes by the following technical solutions.

[0006] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a refrigeration device, which comprises a cabinet, a first return air duct, a second return air duct, and a damper. The cabinet is divided into an evaporator accommodating cavity, a freezing compartment, and a temperature-changing compartment. The freezing compartment is located between the evaporator accommodating cavity and the temperature-changing compartment. The first return air duct has a first air inlet and a first air outlet. The first air inlet is connected to the temperature-changing compartment, and the first air outlet is connected to the evaporator accommodating cavity. The second return air duct has a second air inlet and a second air outlet. The second air inlet is connected to the temperature-changing compartment, and the second air outlet is connected to the freezing compartment. The damper is arranged in the second return air duct.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least one of the first return air duct and the second return air duct is arranged in a side wall of the cabinet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first return air duct and the second return air duct are arranged in different side walls of the cabinet, respectively.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cabinet comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall. The first side wall and the second side wall are opposite to each other, and the rear wall is connected between the first side wall and the second side wall. The first return air duct is arranged in the first side wall, and the second return air duct is arranged in the second side wall.

[0010] In some embodiments, the refrigeration device further comprises a first vacuum insulation panel and a second vacuum insulation panel. The first vacuum insulation panel is arranged in the first side wall and located on a side of the first return air duct away from the temperature-changing compartment. The second vacuum insulation panel is arranged in the second side wall and located on a side of the second return air duct away from the temperature-changing compartment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the damper is located at the second air inlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the damper is at least partially protruded from the side wall of the cabinet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cabinet comprises a partition plate separating the evaporator accommodating cavity and the freezing compartment, the partition plate is provided with a return air through hole, an inlet of the return air through hole is communicated with the freezing compartment, and an outlet of the return air through hole is communicated with the evaporator accommodating cavity.

[0014] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a control method, which is applied to the refrigeration equipment of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and comprises: obtaining a regulated temperature of the variable-temperature compartment; and controlling opening and closing of the damper according to the regulated temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the controlling opening and closing of the damper according to the regulated temperature comprises: if a temperature difference between the regulated temperature and the freezing compartment is greater than a preset temperature, controlling the damper to be closed.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controlling opening and closing of the damper according to the regulated temperature comprises: if the temperature difference between the regulated temperature and the freezing compartment is less than or equal to the preset temperature, controlling the damper to be opened.

[0017] In the refrigeration equipment and the control method thereof provided by the embodiments of the present application, the first air inlet of the first return air duct is communicated with the variable-temperature compartment, and the first air outlet is communicated with the evaporator accommodating cavity. The second air inlet of the second return air duct is communicated with the variable-temperature compartment, the second air outlet is communicated with the freezing compartment, and the damper is arranged in the second return air duct. In this way, when the temperature set in the variable-temperature compartment is relatively high, for example, when the variable-temperature compartment is used as a refrigeration compartment, the variable-temperature compartment returns air to the evaporator accommodating cavity through the first return air duct, and the damper is closed, which helps to reduce the frosting and condensation caused by a large temperature difference between the variable-temperature compartment and the freezing compartment. When the temperature set in the variable-temperature compartment is relatively low, for example, when the variable-temperature compartment is used as a freezing compartment, the damper is opened, and the variable-temperature compartment returns air to the evaporator accommodating cavity through the first return air duct and the freezing compartment through the second return air duct, which helps to ensure the air return amount of the variable-temperature compartment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the following embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the refrigeration equipment provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 1

[0021] Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 1

[0022] Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 1

[0023] Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 1

[0024] Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 1

[0025] Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 1

[0026] Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 7

[0027] Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration appliance of Figure 8

[0028] Figure 10 a flow chart of the control method provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 11 a flow chart of the control method provided by the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the persons skilled in the art better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all the other embodiments obtained by the persons skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0031] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0032] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 ​​​​​​​​Embodiments of the present application provide a refrigeration equipment 100, which can be a refrigerator, a freezer or the like.

[0033] The refrigeration equipment 100 comprises a cabinet 10 and a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system is assembled in the cabinet 10 and can provide cold energy in the cabinet 10. The refrigeration system can comprise an evaporator 20, a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element and the like.

[0034] The cabinet 10 is divided into an evaporator accommodating cavity 11 and a storage compartment, and the evaporator accommodating cavity 11 and the storage compartment can be distributed in layers, for example, the evaporator accommodating cavity 11 and the storage compartment can be distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 10.

[0035] The evaporator accommodating cavity 11 can be used to accommodate the evaporator 20. The suction side 21 and the air supply side 22 of the evaporator 20 can be opposite, for example, the air supply side 22 of the evaporator 20 can face the rear side of the cabinet 10, and the suction side 21 of the evaporator 20 can face the cabinet door of the cabinet 10.

[0036] The storage compartment can be used as a different temperature compartment, for example, the storage compartment can be used as a freezing compartment 12, a variable temperature compartment 13, a refrigeration compartment 14 or other compartments.

[0037] The temperature range of the freezing compartment 12 can be -24 to -16 degrees, the temperature range of the variable temperature compartment 13 can be -18 to 5 degrees, and the temperature range of the refrigeration compartment 14 can be 2 to 8 degrees. In other embodiments, the temperature range of the storage compartment can also be other ranges.

[0038] In some embodiments, the number of storage compartments is multiple, and the multiple storage compartments can be distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 10. In this application, the term "multiple" means greater than or equal to two, for example, the number of storage compartments can be two, three, four or other numbers.

[0039] In some embodiments, the number of storage compartments is two, one of which can be used as a freezing compartment 12, and the other can be used as a variable temperature compartment 13.

[0040] In some embodiments, the number of storage compartments is three, one of which can be used as a freezing compartment 12, one of which can be used as a variable temperature compartment 13, and the remaining one can be used as a refrigeration compartment 14.

[0041] In some embodiments, the freezing compartment 12 can be located between the evaporator accommodating cavity 11 and the variable temperature compartment 13, so that the evaporator 20 does not need to be placed on the rear side of the cabinet 10, thereby reducing the space occupied by the evaporator 20 along the thickness direction of the cabinet 10, and improving the available space in the thickness direction of the cabinet 10.

[0042] In one use scenario, the evaporator accommodating cavity 11 can be located above the freezer compartment 12 and the temperature-variable compartment 13 can be located below the freezer compartment 12 when the refrigeration device 100 is normally placed for use.

[0043] In some embodiments, the evaporator accommodating cavity 11 can be located between the freezer compartment 12 and the refrigeration compartment 14 when the cabinet 10 comprises the refrigeration compartment 14. For example, the refrigeration compartment 14 can be located above the evaporator accommodating cavity 11 when the refrigeration device 100 is normally placed for use.

[0044] The evaporator 20 can provide cold air to the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device 100 can further comprise an air supply passage, an air inlet of the air supply passage being in communication with the evaporator accommodating cavity 11, and an air outlet of the air supply passage being in communication with the storage compartment. In this way, the cold air blown by the evaporator 20 can be delivered to the storage compartment through the air supply passage.

[0045] In some embodiments, the number of air supply passages can be more than one, and the cold air blown by the evaporator 20 can be delivered to different storage compartments through different air supply passages.

[0046] For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device 100 can further comprise a freezer air supply passage, an air inlet of the freezer air supply passage being in communication with the evaporator accommodating cavity 11, and an air outlet of the freezer air supply passage being in communication with the freezer compartment 12. In this way, the evaporator 20 can provide cold air to the freezer compartment 12 through the freezer air supply passage.

[0047] For another example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device 100 can further comprise a temperature-variable air supply passage, an air inlet of the temperature-variable air supply passage being in communication with the evaporator accommodating cavity 11, and an air outlet of the temperature-variable air supply passage being in communication with the temperature-variable compartment 13. In this way, the evaporator 20 can provide cold air to the temperature-variable compartment 13 through the temperature-variable air supply passage.

[0048] For another example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device 100 can further comprise a refrigeration air supply passage, an air inlet of the refrigeration air supply passage being in communication with the evaporator accommodating cavity 11, and an air outlet of the refrigeration air supply passage being in communication with the refrigeration compartment 14. In this way, the evaporator 20 can provide cold air to the refrigeration compartment 14 through the refrigeration air supply passage.

[0049] In some embodiments, the air supply passage of the refrigeration device 100 can be arranged at the back side of the cabinet 10. For example, the cabinet 10 can comprise a first side wall 15, a second side wall 16, and a back side wall 17, the first side wall 15 being opposite to the second side wall 16, and the back side wall 17 being connected between the first side wall 15 and the second side wall 16. The air supply passage can be arranged in the back side wall 17, in this way, it helps to reduce the space position of the air supply passage in the storage compartment, and also helps to improve the utilization of the space in the back side wall 17.

[0050] For example, a refrigeration air duct can be arranged inside the rear side wall 17, and the outlet of the refrigeration air duct can connect to the rear of the refrigeration compartment 12. As another example, a variable temperature air duct can be arranged inside the rear side wall 17, and the outlet of the variable temperature air duct can connect to the rear of the variable temperature compartment 13. Similarly, a refrigeration air duct can be arranged inside the rear side wall 17, and the outlet of the refrigeration air duct can connect to the rear of the refrigeration compartment 14.

[0051] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may further include an air supply damper, which may be disposed in the air supply duct. In this way, the air supply damper can adjust the opening and closing degree of the air supply duct, so as to adjust the air volume delivered by the evaporator 20 to the storage compartment, so that the storage compartment can be better maintained at the set temperature.

[0052] For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may further include a refrigeration air supply damper, which may be disposed in the refrigeration air supply duct. In this way, the refrigeration air supply damper can adjust the air volume delivered by the evaporator 20 to the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0053] For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may also include a variable temperature air supply damper, which may be installed in a variable temperature air supply duct. In this way, the variable temperature air supply damper can adjust the air volume delivered by the evaporator 20 to the variable temperature chamber 13.

[0054] For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may also include a refrigeration air supply damper, which may be installed in the refrigeration air supply duct. In this way, the refrigeration air supply damper can adjust the air volume delivered by the evaporator 20 to the refrigeration compartment 14.

[0055] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may further include a return air duct, with its inlet connected to the storage compartment and its outlet connected to the evaporator housing 11. Thus, the return air duct facilitates the return of air from the storage compartment to the evaporator housing 11 for heat exchange via the evaporator 20, thereby enabling the air after heat exchange to be delivered back to the storage compartment via the supply air duct, thus forming a circulation.

[0056] In some embodiments, the return air duct can be located inside the side wall of the cabinet 10, or it can be located between the storage room and the evaporator housing 11. The specific location can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0057] In some implementations, there are multiple return air ducts, and different storage compartments can use different return air ducts to return air to the evaporator housing 11.

[0058] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may further include a refrigeration return air duct, the air inlet of which may connect to the refrigeration compartment 12, and the air outlet of which may connect to the evaporator housing 11. In this way, the air from the refrigeration compartment 12 can return to the evaporator housing 11 via the refrigeration return air duct and undergo heat exchange with the evaporator 20.

[0059] In some embodiments, the refrigeration return air duct may be located between the evaporator housing 11 and the refrigeration compartment 12. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the cabinet 10 may include a partition 18 separating the evaporator housing 11 and the freezer compartment 12. The partition 18 may be provided with a return air vent 181. The inlet of the return air vent 181 can be connected to the freezer compartment 12, and the outlet of the return air vent 181 can be connected to the evaporator housing 11. In this way, the return air vent 181 can serve as a freezer return air duct, allowing the air from the freezer compartment 12 to return to the evaporator housing 11 through the return air vent 181.

[0060] Because the return air vent 181 has a simple structure and a short path, it helps to simplify the return air design between the freezer compartment 12 and the evaporator housing 11 and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 20.

[0061] In some implementations, the return air vent 181 may be located in front of the evaporator 20, such that the return air vent 181 is closer to the cabinet door of the cabinet 10 than the evaporator 20.

[0062] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may further include a variable temperature return air duct, the air inlet of which may be connected to the variable temperature chamber 13, and the air outlet of which may be connected to the evaporator housing 11. In this way, the air from the variable temperature chamber 13 can return to the evaporator housing 11 through the variable temperature return air duct and undergo heat exchange with the evaporator 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may include multiple variable temperature return air ducts to allow for the use of different numbers of variable temperature return air ducts to return air according to the set temperature of the variable temperature chamber 13. For example, the refrigeration equipment 100 may include two variable temperature return air ducts, which serve as a first return air duct 30 and a second return air duct 40, respectively.

[0064] The first return air duct 30 has a first air inlet 31 and a first air outlet 32. The first air inlet 31 connects to the variable temperature chamber 13, and the first air outlet 32 ​​connects to the evaporator housing 11. The second return air duct 40 has a second air inlet 41 and a second air outlet 42. The second air inlet 41 connects to the variable temperature chamber 13, and the second air outlet 42 connects to the freezer chamber 12. The refrigeration equipment 100 may also include a damper 50, which may be disposed in the second return air duct 40.

[0065] When the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 13 is set to a high level, such as when the variable temperature compartment 13 is used as a refrigerator compartment, the variable temperature compartment 13 can return air through a variable temperature return air duct. For example, if the damper 50 is closed, the variable temperature compartment 13 can return air to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the first return air duct 30. Since the air from the variable temperature compartment 13 cannot return to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the second return air duct 40 and the freezer compartment 12 via the damper 50, it helps to reduce the frost and condensation caused by the large temperature difference between the variable temperature compartment 13 and the freezer compartment 12.

[0066] When the temperature setting of the variable temperature compartment 13 is low, such as when the variable temperature compartment 13 is used as a freezer compartment, the variable temperature compartment 13 can return air through two variable temperature return air ducts. For example, when the damper 50 is open, the variable temperature compartment 13 can return air to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the first return air duct 30, and can also return air to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the second return air duct 40 via the freezer compartment 12, which helps to ensure the return air volume of the variable temperature compartment 13. In addition, since the temperature difference between the variable temperature compartment 13 and the freezer compartment 12 is small, the air entering the freezer compartment 12 from the second return air duct 40 is less likely to cause frost or condensation after mixing with the air in the freezer compartment 12.

[0067] In some implementations, the damper 50 can be an electric damper, which can be controlled to open and close by the control panel of the refrigeration equipment 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least one of the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 may be disposed within the side wall of the cabinet 10.

[0069] For example, the first return air duct 30 can be set inside the side wall of the cabinet 10. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the first return air duct 30 in the variable temperature chamber 13 and the evaporator housing 11, and also helps to improve the utilization rate of the space inside the side wall of the cabinet 10.

[0070] For example, the second return air duct 40 can be set inside the side wall of the cabinet 10. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the second return air duct 40 in the variable temperature compartment 13 and the freezer compartment 12, and also helps to improve the utilization rate of the space inside the side wall of the cabinet 10.

[0071] For example, the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 are both located inside the side wall of the cabinet 10, which also helps to reduce the space occupied in the storage room and the evaporator housing 11, and also helps to improve the utilization rate of the space inside the side wall of the cabinet 10.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 can be respectively located in different side walls of the cabinet 10. This helps to avoid the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 being located on the same side wall, which would restrict their respective layout, and helps to distribute the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 in different locations.

[0073] For example, in some embodiments, the first return air duct 30 may be disposed within the first side wall 15, and the second return air duct 40 may be disposed within the second side wall 16. In this way, by distributing the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 in two opposite side walls, the return air of the variable temperature chamber 13 can be better realized.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first air outlet 32 ​​may be located away from the rear sidewall 17, which helps to adapt to the layout in which the air intake side 21 of the evaporator 20 faces away from the rear sidewall 17.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second air outlet 42 may be located close to the partition 18 between the evaporator housing 11 and the freezer compartment 12, which helps the return air of the variable temperature compartment 13 to enter the return air vent 181 from the second air outlet 42 with a shorter distance.

[0076] In some implementations, the damper 50 may be located at the second air inlet 41, which facilitates the installation and maintenance of the damper 50.

[0077] In some embodiments, the damper 50 may protrude at least partially from the side wall of the cabinet 10, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the damper 50 in the side wall of the cabinet 10 and avoids the insulation layer filling the side wall being too thin.

[0078] In some implementations, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The refrigeration equipment 100 may also include a protective cover 60, which can be connected to the side wall and cover the damper 50. The protective cover 60 is provided with ventilation holes 61. In this way, the protective cover 60 can provide a certain degree of protection for the damper 50 and also help to prevent the damper 50 from being blocked by items in the temperature-controlled chamber 13, thus preventing it from being unable to open. The ventilation holes 61 help the air in the temperature-controlled chamber 13 pass through the protective cover 60 and blow towards the second air inlet 41.

[0079] In some embodiments, the protective cover 60 may include a cover 62, a first side portion 63 and a second side portion 64, both of which may be connected to the cover 62, and the cover 62 may be located between the first side portion 63 and the second side portion 64.

[0080] The protective cover 60 can be snapped onto the side wall of the cabinet 10. For example, the side wall of the cabinet 10 may include a side wall connecting portion 19, and the protective cover 60 is adapted to be snapped onto the side wall connecting portion 19. The first side portion 63 may be provided with a slot 631, through which the protective cover 60 can be snapped onto the side wall of the cabinet 10. For example, the first side portion 63 can be snapped onto the side wall connecting portion 19 through the slot 631. The side wall connecting portion 19 can be the structure of the second side wall 16. The side wall connecting portion 19 can be a rib or a protrusion, etc.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first side portion 63 may be located above the second side portion 64, so that the slot 631 of the first side portion 63 can receive liquids such as soup spilled by the user due to accident, making it less likely for spilled liquids to enter the second air inlet 41 of the second return air duct 40, and also making it less likely for spilled liquids to enter the damper 50.

[0082] The phrase "the first side 63 is above the second side 64" means that, when the refrigeration equipment 100 is in normal use, the first side 63 is closer to the top of the cabinet 10 than the second side 64, and the second side 64 is closer to the bottom of the cabinet 10 than the first side 63.

[0083] In some embodiments, the two ends of the slot 631 can extend through the first side 63 along the length of the first side 63. Thus, the slot 631 is a through-slot structure, which helps to guide the liquid falling into the slot 631 to be discharged to both ends.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first side portion 63 may include a first baffle 632 and a second baffle 633, the first baffle 632 and the second baffle 633 being spaced apart, and the slot 631 may be located between the first baffle 632 and the second baffle 633.

[0085] The first baffle 632 can be located inside the second sidewall 16, and the second baffle 633 can be located outside the second sidewall 16. The height of the second baffle 633 can be greater than the height of the first baffle 632. In this way, the second baffle 633 helps to block some of the liquid spilled toward the slot 631, thus helping to reduce the amount of spilled liquid falling into the slot 631.

[0086] In some embodiments, the vent 61 may be located on the side of the cover 62 facing the second side 64. Since the cover 62 has an arcuate structure, in the direction from the first side 63 to the second side 64, the portion of the cover 62 near the first side 63 can block the portion near the second side 64, so that the portion of the cover 62 near the first side 63 can block some of the spilled liquid, which helps to reduce the amount of spilled liquid that directly enters the protective cover 60 from the vent 61.

[0087] In some implementations, seeFigure 2 The refrigeration equipment 100 may also include a refrigerated return air duct 70, the air inlet 71 of which can be connected to the refrigerated compartment 14, and the air outlet 72 of which can be connected to the evaporator housing 11. In this way, the air in the refrigerated compartment 14 can return to the evaporator housing 11 through the refrigerated return air duct 70 and undergo heat exchange through the evaporator 20.

[0088] In some embodiments, the refrigerated return air duct 70 can be located inside the side wall of the cabinet 10. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the refrigerated return air duct 70 in the refrigerated compartment 14 and the evaporator housing 11, and also helps to improve the utilization rate of the space inside the side wall of the cabinet 10.

[0089] In some embodiments, the refrigerated return air duct 70 can be disposed within the first side wall 15. Since the evaporator housing 11 is located between the refrigerated compartment 14 and the variable temperature compartment 13, and the refrigerated compartment 14 and the variable temperature compartment 13 are distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 10, the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 are also distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 10 within the first side wall 15. This results in the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 being arranged at different heights, and the interference between them within the space-constrained first side wall 15 is minimal.

[0090] In some implementations, see Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The refrigeration equipment 100 may also include a confluence structure 80, through which the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 are connected to the evaporator housing cavity 11. For example, the confluence structure 80 may be located at the intersection of the air outlet 72 and the first air outlet 32 ​​of the refrigerated return air duct 70. The air outlet 72 and the first air outlet 32 ​​of the refrigerated return air duct 70 are connected to the evaporator housing cavity 11 via the confluence structure 80, which helps to discharge the condensate generated when the air from the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 converges at the confluence structure 80 to the evaporator housing cavity 11.

[0091] In some embodiments, the refrigerated return air duct 70, the first return air duct 30, and the confluence structure 80 can be an integral structure, which can serve as an air duct assembly. For example, the air duct assembly can be a one-piece molded structure, which helps to reduce the number of parts.

[0092] In some implementations, the first return air duct 30 may be located below the refrigeration return air duct 70, so that condensate will not flow back up into the refrigeration return air duct 70 under the influence of gravity.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first air outlet 32 ​​may be located on the side of the manifold structure 80, so that the condensate at the bottom of the manifold structure 80 is not easily backflowed from the side to the first return air duct 30.

[0094] The side portion of the duct structure 80 can be a side wall of the duct structure 80. When the duct assembly 101 is in normal use, the portion of the duct structure 80 located on the left, right, front, and rear sides can all serve as the side portion of the duct structure 80.

[0095] For example in Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first air outlet 32 ​​can be understood as being located on the right side of the confluence structure 80, and connecting to the interior of the confluence structure 80 from the right side. The first air outlet 32 ​​can also be understood as being located on the rear side of the confluence structure 80, and connecting to the interior of the confluence structure 80 from the rear side.

[0096] In some embodiments, both the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 can be located within the first side wall 15. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the refrigerated return air duct 70 in the refrigerated compartment 14 and the evaporator housing 11, and also helps to reduce the space occupied by the first return air duct 30 in the variable temperature compartment 13 and the evaporator housing 11. It also helps to improve the utilization rate of the space within the first side wall 15.

[0097] Furthermore, since the evaporator housing 11 is located between the refrigeration compartment 14 and the variable temperature compartment 13, and the refrigeration compartment 14 and the variable temperature compartment 13 are distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 10, the refrigeration return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 are also distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 10 within the first side wall 15. This results in the refrigeration return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 being arranged at different heights, and the two have less interference with each other within the space-constrained first side wall 15.

[0098] In some embodiments, the manifold structure 80 may be located on the side of the first sidewall 15 away from the rear sidewall 17, which helps the manifold structure 80 to adapt to the layout of the air intake side 21 of the evaporator 20 facing away from the rear sidewall 17, so that the return air of the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 can be better drawn into the evaporator 20, which helps to improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0099] In some embodiments, the air outlet 72 of the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first air outlet 32 ​​can be located on the same side of the confluence structure 80, which helps the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 to enter the confluence structure 80 from the same side, facilitating the confluence structure 80 to deliver the converging air to the evaporator housing cavity 11. For example, in Figure 8 In this embodiment, the air outlet 72 of the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first air outlet 32 ​​are located on the right or rear side of the confluence structure 80.

[0100] In some embodiments, the air outlet 72 of the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first air outlet 32 ​​can be located on the side of the confluence structure 80 facing the rear side wall 17. This helps to reduce the space occupied on the side of the confluence structure 80 away from the rear side wall 17, so that the distance between the confluence structure 80 and the rear side wall 17 is as far as possible. This is more conducive to the confluence structure 80 being adapted to the layout of the evaporator 20 with the suction side 21 facing away from the rear side wall 17.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first air inlet 31 of the first return air duct 30 may be located on the side of the first sidewall 15 away from the rear sidewall 17, such that the first air inlet 31 of the first return air duct 30 is spaced a certain distance from the air outlet of the variable temperature chamber 13, which helps to reduce the situation where the cooling capacity supplied to the variable temperature chamber 13 is not cooled by the variable temperature chamber 13 and is directly returned to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the first return air duct 30.

[0102] In some embodiments, a water tank 81 may be provided inside the manifold 80, and the water tank 81 may be located at the bottom of the manifold 80. In this way, the water tank 81 can hold condensate, making it less likely for the condensate to flow back to the first return air duct 30.

[0103] In some implementations, see Figure 8 and 9 The manifold structure 80 may be provided with a guide section 82, which has a first end 821 and a second end 822. The first end 821 may be located at the junction of the manifold structure 80 and the first return air duct 30, and the second end 822 may face the water tank 81 and be located below the first end 821. In this way, the guide section 82 can guide the condensate to the water tank 81, making it less likely for the condensate to flow back into the first return air duct 30.

[0104] In some embodiments, the guide section 82 has a guide surface 823, and the angle α between the guide surface 823 and the horizontal plane can be greater than or equal to 3 degrees. For example, α can be 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, or other values. In this way, α is not too small, so as to better ensure that condensate does not easily flow back to the first return air duct 30.

[0105] In some embodiments, the refrigerated return air duct 70 and the first return air duct 30 may form a connecting end 84 at their intersection. The connecting end 84 may be located above the guide portion 82, and the projection of the connecting end 84 onto the guide surface 823 is located between the first end 821 and the second end 822. This helps the condensate generated in the refrigerated return air duct 70 to drip onto the guide surface 823 under the action of gravity, thereby reducing the amount of condensate dripping from the refrigerated return air duct 70 entering the first return air duct 30.

[0106] In some embodiments, the horizontal distance L between the connecting end 84 and the first end 821 can be greater than or equal to 3 mm. For example, L can be 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or other values. In this way, L is not too small, which can better ensure that condensate does not drip into the first return air duct 30.

[0107] In some implementations, see Figure 3 The refrigeration equipment 100 may also include an evaporator drip tray 90, which may be disposed within the evaporator housing cavity 11 and located below the manifold structure 80. This facilitates the drainage of condensate from the manifold structure 80 to the evaporator drip tray 90, allowing the evaporator drip tray 90 to simultaneously collect defrost water generated by the evaporator 20 and condensate from the manifold structure 80.

[0108] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 100 may further include a vacuum insulation panel (VIP), which may be disposed within the side wall of the cabinet 10, and may be located on the side of the variable temperature return air duct away from the variable temperature chamber 13. This helps to insulate the air in the variable temperature return air duct and helps to ensure that condensation does not easily occur on the outer surface of the corresponding side wall of the variable temperature return air duct.

[0109] For example, in some implementations, see Figure 2 The refrigeration equipment 100 may further include a first vacuum insulation plate 91, which may be disposed within the first side wall 15 and located on the side of the first return air duct 30 away from the variable temperature chamber 13. This helps to keep the air in the first return air duct 30 warm and helps to prevent condensation from easily occurring on the outer surface of the first side wall 15.

[0110] Furthermore, the first vacuum insulation panel 91 can also be located on the side of the refrigerated return air duct 70 away from the refrigerated compartment 14, so that the first vacuum insulation panel 91 can also insulate the air inside the refrigerated return air duct 70. The height of the first vacuum insulation panel 91 can be greater than the sum of the heights of the first return air duct 30 and the refrigerated return air duct 70.

[0111] For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device 100 may further include a second vacuum insulation plate 92, which may be disposed within the second sidewall 16 and located on the side of the second return air duct 40 away from the variable temperature chamber 13. This helps to keep the air in the second return air duct 40 warm and helps to prevent condensation from easily occurring on the outer surface of the second sidewall 16.

[0112] This invention also provides a control method, which is applied to the refrigeration device 100 of any of the above embodiments. (See attached document.) Figure 10 The control method includes steps 010 and 020.

[0113] Step 010: Obtain the controlled temperature of the variable temperature chamber.

[0114] The temperature can be set by the user for the variable temperature compartment 13. For example, if the user sets a higher temperature for the variable temperature compartment 13, such as setting it to 3 degrees Celsius for use as a refrigerator compartment, then the controlled temperature of the variable temperature compartment 13 will be 3 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, if the user sets a lower temperature for the variable temperature compartment 13, such as setting it to -15 degrees Celsius for use as a freezer compartment, then the controlled temperature of the variable temperature compartment 13 will be -15 degrees Celsius. In other embodiments, the controlled temperature can also be other temperature values.

[0115] Step 020: Control the opening and closing of the damper according to the temperature control.

[0116] When the temperature is high, the damper 50 can be closed, and the variable temperature chamber 13 can return air to the evaporator housing 11 through the first return air duct 30. Since the air in the variable temperature chamber 13 cannot return to the evaporator housing 11 through the second return air duct 40 and the freezer chamber 12 via the damper 50, it helps to reduce the frost and condensation caused by the large temperature difference between the variable temperature chamber 13 and the freezer chamber 12.

[0117] When the controlled temperature is low, the damper 50 can be opened, allowing the variable temperature compartment 13 to return air to the evaporator housing 11 via the first return air duct 30 and also via the second return air duct 40 through the freezer compartment 12, thus ensuring sufficient return air volume in the variable temperature compartment 13. Furthermore, because the temperature difference between the variable temperature compartment 13 and the freezer compartment 12 is small, the air entering the freezer compartment 12 from the second return air duct 40 is less likely to cause frost or condensation after mixing with the air in the freezer compartment 12.

[0118] See Figure 11 In some implementations, step 020 may include step 021.

[0119] Step 021: If the temperature difference between the controlled temperature and the freezer compartment is greater than the preset temperature, close the air damper.

[0120] The temperature of freezer compartment 12 can be set by the user. For example, if the user sets the temperature of freezer compartment 12 to -24 degrees Celsius, then the temperature of freezer compartment 12 will be -24 degrees Celsius. Or, for example, if the user sets the temperature of freezer compartment 12 to -20 degrees Celsius, then the temperature of freezer compartment 12 will be -20 degrees Celsius.

[0121] The temperature of the freezer compartment 12 can also be detected by a temperature sensor, which helps to reduce the error in obtaining the temperature of the freezer compartment 12.

[0122] The preset temperature can be set according to the actual product type and specifications. The preset temperature can be the factory default temperature value or a temperature set by the user.

[0123] When the temperature difference between the controlled temperature and the freezer compartment 12 is greater than the preset temperature, it indicates that the controlled temperature is high, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 13 is high, and the required cold air volume is small. Using the first return air duct 30 to return air can meet the required air volume.

[0124] For example, in one scenario, the preset temperature can be 5 degrees, the adjustable temperature can be 3 degrees, and the temperature of the freezer compartment 12 is -20 degrees. At this time, the temperature difference between the adjustable temperature and the freezer compartment 12 is 24 degrees. Since the temperature difference is greater than the preset temperature, the control damper 50 is closed, and the first return air duct 30 is used for return air.

[0125] In some implementations, step 020 may also include step 022.

[0126] Step 022: If the temperature difference between the controlled temperature and the freezer compartment is less than or equal to the preset temperature, control the air damper to open.

[0127] When the temperature difference between the controlled temperature and the freezer compartment 12 is less than or equal to the preset temperature, it indicates that the controlled temperature is low, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 13 is low, and the required cold air volume is large. Using the first return air duct 30 and the second return air duct 40 to return air can ensure the return air volume.

[0128] For example, in a scenario, the preset temperature can be 5 degrees, the adjustable temperature can be -15 degrees, and the temperature of the freezer compartment 12 is -18 degrees. At this time, the temperature difference between the adjustable temperature and the freezer compartment 12 is 3 degrees. Since the temperature difference is less than the preset temperature, the control damper 50 is opened, and the first return air duct 30 and the second air duct return air are used.

[0129] In the refrigeration equipment 100 and its control method provided in this embodiment of the invention, the first air inlet 31 of the first return air duct 30 is connected to the variable temperature chamber 13, and the first air outlet 32 ​​is connected to the evaporator housing chamber 11. The second air inlet 41 of the second return air duct 40 is connected to the variable temperature chamber 13, and the second air outlet 42 is connected to the freezer chamber 12. A damper 50 is disposed in the second return air duct 40. Thus, when the temperature set in the variable temperature chamber 13 is high, for example, when the variable temperature chamber 13 is used as a refrigerator chamber, the variable temperature chamber 13 returns air to the evaporator housing chamber 11 through the first return air duct 30, and the damper 50 is closed, which helps to reduce frost and condensation caused by the large temperature difference between the variable temperature chamber 13 and the freezer chamber 12. When the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 13 is set to a low level, such as when the variable temperature chamber 13 is used as a freezer chamber, the damper 50 is opened. The variable temperature chamber 13 returns air to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the first return air duct 30 and also returns air to the evaporator housing cavity 11 through the second return air duct 40 via the freezer chamber 12, which helps to ensure the return air volume of the variable temperature chamber 13.

[0130] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can be a mechanical connection; they can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; they can be a connection within two components; they can be merely surface contact; or a surface contact connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0131] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as referring to specific or particular structures. The description of "some embodiments" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this invention, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate different embodiments or examples described in this invention, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0132] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, include: The cabinet is divided into an evaporator housing cavity, a freezer compartment, and a variable temperature compartment, with the freezer compartment located between the evaporator housing cavity and the variable temperature compartment; The first return air duct has a first air inlet and a first air outlet. The first air inlet is connected to the temperature-changing chamber, and the first air outlet is connected to the evaporator housing cavity. The second return air duct has a second air inlet and a second air outlet. The second air inlet is connected to the variable temperature compartment, and the second air outlet is connected to the freezer compartment. as well as The damper is located in the second return air duct.

2. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first return air duct and the second return air duct is disposed inside the side wall of the cabinet.

3. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first return air duct and the second return air duct are respectively located in different side walls of the cabinet.

4. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear side wall. The first side wall is opposite to the second side wall, and the rear side wall is connected between the first side wall and the second side wall. The first return air duct is disposed in the first side wall, and the second return air duct is disposed in the second side wall.

5. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment further includes a first vacuum insulation plate and a second vacuum insulation plate. The first vacuum insulation plate is disposed inside the first side wall and is located on the side of the first return air duct away from the temperature-changing chamber. The second vacuum insulation plate is disposed inside the second side wall and is located on the side of the second return air duct away from the temperature-changing chamber.

6. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damper is located at the second air inlet.

7. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The damper is at least partially protruding from the side wall of the cabinet.

8. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet includes a partition separating the evaporator housing cavity from the freezer compartment. The partition is provided with a return air vent. The inlet of the return air vent is connected to the freezer compartment, and the outlet of the return air vent is connected to the evaporator housing cavity.

9. A control method, characterized in that, The control method, applied to the refrigeration equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprises: Obtain the controlled temperature of the variable temperature chamber; The opening and closing of the damper is controlled according to the temperature regulation.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening and closing of the damper according to the controlled temperature includes: If the temperature difference between the controlled temperature and the freezer compartment is greater than the preset temperature, the damper will be closed.

11. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening and closing of the damper according to the controlled temperature includes: If the temperature difference between the controlled temperature and the freezer compartment is less than or equal to the preset temperature, the damper is opened.

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