Refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator, which comprises a cabinet and a air supply assembly. The inner cavity of the cabinet is provided with a transverse partition plate and a vertical middle partition plate to form a first refrigeration compartment, a second refrigeration compartment and a third refrigeration compartment. The air supply assembly is arranged in the middle partition plate and comprises an air duct shell with a heat exchange cavity. A fan and an evaporator are arranged in the heat exchange cavity. The top of the air duct shell is connected with a first air duct part and a second air duct part. The first air duct part is provided with a first air outlet connected with the first refrigeration compartment. The second air duct part is provided with a second air outlet connected with the second refrigeration compartment. The side of the air duct shell is connected with a third air duct part. The third air duct part is provided with a third air outlet connected with the third refrigeration compartment. The fan is used for supplying air to the first air duct part, the second air duct part and the third air duct part. The inlet of the first air duct part is provided with a first air door. The inlet of the third air duct part is provided with a second air door. The air supply assembly of the refrigerator does not occupy the longitudinal space of the refrigerator, and the temperature distribution of the compartments is uniform.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, air-cooled refrigerators typically place the evaporator at the rear of the cabinet and deliver cold air to the freezer and refrigerator compartments through freezing and refrigeration air duct components. However, this structure occupies the space at the back of the cabinet, affecting the depth of the drawers. Furthermore, the cold air blows from the rear of the compartment to the front, and the small airflow at the front can easily lead to uneven temperature distribution inside the cabinet. Some refrigerators have a drawer-type zero-degree storage compartment in the refrigerator compartment, which further compresses the depth space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a refrigerator that can effectively increase the storage space of the refrigerator.

[0004] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet and an air supply assembly. The inner cavity of the cabinet is provided with a horizontal partition and a vertical middle partition to form a first refrigeration compartment, a second refrigeration compartment, and a third refrigeration compartment. The air supply assembly is disposed within the middle partition and includes an air duct housing with a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchange chamber is provided with a fan and an evaporator. The top of the air duct housing is connected to a first air duct component and a second air duct component. The first air duct component is provided with a first air outlet communicating with the first refrigeration compartment, and the second air duct component is provided with a second air outlet communicating with the second refrigeration compartment. The side of the air duct housing is connected to a third air duct component, and the third air duct component is provided with a third air outlet communicating with the third refrigeration compartment. The fan is used to supply air to the first air duct component, the second air duct component, and the third air duct component. The inlet of the first air duct component is provided with a first damper, and the inlet of the third air duct component is provided with a second damper.

[0005] The refrigerator according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the air supply assembly is installed inside the middle partition, which does not occupy the depth space of the refrigerator, thus increasing the storage space of the first, second, and third refrigeration compartments; the fan of the air supply assembly drives airflow, and cold air is generated through the evaporator. The cold air enters the first refrigeration compartment from the first air outlet of the first air duct component, the second refrigeration compartment from the second air outlet of the second air duct component, and the third refrigeration compartment from the third air outlet of the third air duct component. The first and second air outlets are both located on the side of the middle partition, rather than the back of the refrigerator, which helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the first and second refrigeration compartments; the airflow of the first and third air duct components is controlled by the first and second air dampers respectively, thus accurately controlling the temperature of each compartment.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first air duct component and the second air duct component are arranged side by side on the top of the air duct housing. The first air duct component is provided with a plurality of first air outlets, which are distributed vertically at intervals. The second air duct component is provided with a plurality of second air outlets, which are distributed vertically at intervals.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second return air inlet and a third return air inlet are provided at the lower end of the air duct housing. The second return air inlet is located on the side wall of the second refrigeration chamber, and the third return air inlet is located on the side wall of the third refrigeration chamber. The evaporator is located below the fan, and a return air cavity is formed below the evaporator. The second return air inlet and the third return air inlet communicate with the return air cavity.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first return air duct is provided at the lower end of the air duct housing. The first return air duct is arranged at an inclination and faces downward. The inlet end of the first return air duct is located on the side wall of the third refrigeration chamber to form the third return air inlet. The outlet end of the first return air duct is connected to the return air cavity.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first return air inlet is provided on the top of the air duct housing, the first return air inlet is located on the side wall of the first refrigeration chamber, and the first return air inlet and the first air duct component are distributed on both sides of the second air duct component.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a return air channel is formed inside the air duct housing, the upper end of the return air channel is connected to the first return air inlet, and the lower end of the return air channel is connected to the return air cavity.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second return air duct is provided on the side wall of the air duct housing, one end of the second return air duct is connected to the side wall of the first refrigeration chamber, and the other end of the second return air duct is connected to the return air channel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct housing is provided with a detachable side plate to open or close the heat exchange chamber, and the side plate is part of the side wall of the second refrigeration chamber.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower end of the side plate is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes, and the plurality of ventilation holes are closely arranged to form the second return air inlet.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third air duct component is connected to the top wall of the third refrigeration chamber, and an air supply groove is provided on the top surface of the third air duct component. One end of the air supply groove is connected to the third air outlet, and the other end of the air supply groove is connected to the second air damper.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third air duct component is connected to a transfer pipe, the second air damper is disposed inside the transfer pipe, the transfer pipe is fixed to the air duct housing and communicates with the heat exchange chamber.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air supply assembly further includes a fan cover, which is located inside the heat exchange chamber and covers the fan. The fan cover has a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet being connected to the first air duct component and the second outlet being connected to the second air duct component.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the box body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the box body according to an embodiment of the present invention (from another perspective);

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air supply assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air supply component according to an embodiment of the present invention (from another perspective);

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third air duct component in a variable temperature chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air supply component in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention (with the second door closed);

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shown is a refrigerator with the door omitted.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] Container 100, refrigerator compartment 101, freezer compartment 102, variable temperature compartment 103, second door 104, middle partition 110, and transverse partition 120;

[0028] First air supply assembly 200, heat exchange chamber 201, return air chamber 202, return air duct 203, air duct shell 210, first return air inlet 211, second return air inlet 212, third return air inlet 213, first return air duct 214, second return air duct 215, fourth return air inlet 216, fourth return air duct 217, fan 220, evaporator 230, first air duct component 240, first air outlet 241, first damper 242, second air duct component 250, second air outlet 251, third air duct component 260, third air outlet 261, second damper 262, transfer pipe 263, air supply slot 264, fan cover 270, side plate 280;

[0029] The third return air duct 300, the first opening 301, the second opening 302, the third opening 303, the straight section 310, the first bend section 320, the second bend section 330, and the third bend section 340. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "up," "down," "front," "back," 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.

[0032] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0035] The inventors discovered that in related technologies, air-cooled refrigerators typically use a rear-exhaust system, placing the freezer and refrigerator air duct components at the rear of the cabinet. This presents the following problems: the freezer and refrigerator air duct components occupy rear space, affecting drawer depth; the air cooled by the evaporator blows from the rear to the front of the cabinet, resulting in insufficient airflow at the front when storing a large amount of food, which can easily lead to temperature increases and is detrimental to food preservation. The refrigerator of this invention optimizes the layout of the first air supply component and the evaporator, eliminating the need to occupy space at the back of the cabinet, thereby increasing drawer depth and effective storage space.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator proposed in this embodiment of the invention includes a cabinet 100, and a first refrigeration compartment, a second refrigeration compartment, and a third refrigeration compartment are provided inside the cabinet 100. The first refrigeration compartment, the second refrigeration compartment, and the third refrigeration compartment can be one of a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, and a variable temperature compartment. The following description takes the first refrigeration compartment as a refrigerator compartment 101, the second refrigeration compartment as a freezer compartment 102, and the third refrigeration compartment as a variable temperature compartment 103 as an example.

[0037] The inner cavity of the cabinet 100 is provided with a central partition 110 and a transverse partition 120. The central partition 110 is arranged vertically and separates the refrigerator compartment 101 and the freezer compartment 102. The variable temperature compartment 103 is a compartment that can change the temperature, allowing for the storage of various items, such as medicines and food with special storage temperature requirements. Structurally, the variable temperature compartment 103 can be arranged below the refrigerator compartment 101 or below the freezer compartment 102. The following description uses the example of the variable temperature compartment 103 being arranged below the refrigerator compartment 101. The transverse partition 120 is located between the variable temperature compartment 103 and the refrigerator compartment 101. The refrigerator in this embodiment adopts a side-by-side door design, wherein the refrigerator compartment 101 is located on the right side of the cabinet 100 and the freezer compartment 102 is located on the left side of the cabinet 100. The cabinet 100 is also provided with a first door and a second door 104. The refrigerator compartment 101 can be opened or closed through the second door 104, and the freezer compartment 102 can be opened or closed through the first door. The middle partition 110 serves as part of the door frame of the first door and the second door 104.

[0038] The refrigerator is equipped with an air supply assembly 200, which is installed inside the middle partition 110. The middle partition 110 has a certain thickness to accommodate the air supply assembly 200 and the insulation layer. Based on the shape of the partition 110, the air supply assembly 200 is also arranged vertically. The air supply assembly 200 includes an air duct housing 210, a first air duct component 240, and a second air duct component 250. The air duct housing 210 has a heat exchange chamber 201 inside, in which a fan 220 and an evaporator 230 are arranged. The first air duct component 240 and the second air duct component 250 are connected to the top of the air duct housing 210. The first air duct component 240 has a first air outlet 241 on the side facing the refrigerator compartment 101, which is connected to the refrigerator compartment 101 to input cold air into the refrigerator compartment 101. The second air duct component 250 has a second air outlet 251 on the side facing the freezer compartment 102, which is connected to the freezer compartment 102 to input cold air into the freezer compartment 102. When the refrigerator is running, the fan 220 drives the air to flow. The air flows through the evaporator 230 and absorbs heat by evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator 230 to produce cold air. The cold air is input into the first air duct 240 and the second air duct 250, and then into the refrigerator compartment 101 from the first air outlet 241 and into the freezer compartment 102 from the second air outlet 251, so as to keep the refrigerator compartment 101 and the freezer compartment 102 at a stable low temperature for storing various items and food.

[0039] Understandably, a first damper 242 is provided at the inlet of the first air duct component 240. The first damper 242 controls the flow of cold air entering the first air duct component 240, thereby accurately controlling the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 according to its cooling capacity requirements and reducing temperature fluctuations. The first damper 242 can also be used to open or close the first air duct component 240. For example, when the freezer compartment 102 requires a large amount of cooling capacity, the first damper 242 can be used to close the first air duct component 240, allowing cold air to enter the freezer compartment 102, which helps to quickly lower the temperature of the freezer compartment 102 and achieve rapid freezing.

[0040] In addition, a third air duct component 260 is arranged on the side of the air duct housing 210. The third air duct component 260 is provided with a third air outlet 261, which connects to the variable temperature compartment 103. When the refrigerator is running, the fan 220 drives the air to flow. The air flows through the evaporator 230, where the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat to produce cold air. The cold air is input into the third air duct component 260 and then into the variable temperature compartment 103 from the third air outlet 261, so that the variable temperature compartment 103 maintains a stable low temperature for storing various items and food. A second damper 262 is provided at the inlet of the third air duct component 260. The second damper 262 is used to control the flow rate of cold air input into the third air duct component 260 and to open or close the third air duct component 260, thereby changing the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 103. The variable temperature compartment 103 has a large temperature adjustment range, which is convenient for users.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 To supply cold air to the third air duct component 260, a transfer pipe 263 is provided on the third air duct component 260. The transfer pipe 263 is fixedly connected to the air duct housing 210, and its two ends are connected to the third air duct component 260 and the heat exchange chamber 201, respectively, to achieve the delivery of cold air. A second damper 262 is installed inside the transfer pipe 263, which controls the flow rate of cold air entering the third air duct component 260 and opens or closes the third air duct component 260. To facilitate assembly and maintenance of the second damper 262, the transfer pipe 263 adopts a spliced ​​structure, allowing for easy maintenance operations by disassembling the transfer pipe 263. It can be understood that the position where the transfer pipe 263 connects to the heat exchange chamber 201 corresponds to the fan 220, allowing cold air to enter the transfer pipe 263.

[0042] It is understandable that the first air duct component 240, the second air duct component 250, and the third air duct component 260 are all connected to the heat exchange chamber 201 and are all supplied with cold air by the fan 220. By setting the first air damper 242 and the second air damper 262, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101, the freezer compartment 102, and the variable temperature compartment 103 can be precisely controlled, reducing the temperature fluctuation range. The first air damper 242 and the second air damper 262 have similar structures and are usually driven by a motor to rotate the valve plate of the damper to realize opening and closing and flow regulation. In addition, an air damper can also be set at the inlet of the second air duct component 250, so that the refrigerator compartment 101, the freezer compartment 102, and the variable temperature compartment 103 can be controlled independently.

[0043] The refrigerator of this embodiment of the invention installs the air supply assembly 200 inside the middle partition 110, without occupying the depth space of the refrigerator. This is beneficial to increasing the depth of the refrigerator compartment 101, freezer compartment 102, and variable temperature compartment 103, thereby increasing the storage space, accommodating more items, and facilitating use. The air supply assembly 200's fan 220 drives airflow, and the evaporator 230 generates cold air. The cold air is split and enters the first air duct component 240, the second air duct component 250, and the third air duct component 260. It enters the refrigerator compartment 101 from the first air outlet 241 of the first air duct component 240, the freezer compartment 102 from the second air outlet 251 of the second air duct component 250, and the variable temperature compartment 103 from the third air outlet 261 of the third air duct component 260, thereby achieving cooling of the refrigerator compartment 101, freezer compartment 102, and variable temperature compartment 103 and maintaining a low-temperature environment.

[0044] The first air outlet 241 and the second air outlet 251 are located on the side of the middle partition 110. In the longitudinal direction, they can be near the front of the refrigerator, the middle, or the back of the refrigerator. The air outlets are located on the sides of the refrigerator compartment 101 and the freezer compartment 102, which helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the refrigerator compartment 101 and the freezer compartment 102 and is beneficial for storing various items.

[0045] Reference Figure 5 It is understandable that the third air duct 260 is arranged along the depth of the variable temperature chamber 103, and the third air outlet 261 is located at the end near the second door 104. The cold air blown out from the third air outlet 261 is close to the second door 104, which is conducive to the diffusion of the cold air and makes the temperature in the variable temperature chamber 103 more uniform. In addition, the cold air will also lower the temperature of the third air duct 260. The low temperature of the third air duct 260 can help cool the air in the variable temperature chamber 103. The third air duct 260 has a large surface area, which helps to improve the uniformity of temperature distribution in the variable temperature chamber 103.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In order to deliver cold air, an air supply duct 264 is provided on the third air duct component 260. The air supply duct 264 serves as a channel for the flow of cold air. One end of the air supply duct 264 is connected to the heat exchange chamber 201, and the other end of the air supply duct 264 is connected to the third air outlet 261 to deliver cold air from the heat exchange chamber 201 to the variable temperature chamber 103. The third air outlet 261 can be arranged at various locations in the variable temperature chamber 103, which helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the variable temperature chamber 103. The air supply duct 264 extends to the third air outlet 261 to meet the needs of cold air delivery.

[0047] Understandably, considering that the third air duct component 260 is fixed to the top wall of the variable temperature chamber 103, the air supply duct 264 can be set on the top surface of the third air duct component 260. The third air duct component 260 fits against the top wall of the variable temperature chamber 103, and the top wall of the variable temperature chamber 103 seals the air supply duct 264 to prevent cold air leakage. The air supply duct 264 is an open groove, simplifying the structure of the third air duct component 260 and reducing processing costs.

[0048] Of course, the air supply duct 264 can also be placed inside the third air duct component 260 to meet the air supply requirements. In addition, the air supply duct 264 can be designed with a large volume and multiple third air outlets 261 can be provided. The multiple third air outlets 261 are arranged around the air supply duct 264 to achieve multi-way air supply, which is beneficial to improve the temperature uniformity in the variable temperature chamber 103.

[0049] In addition, there is a horizontal partition 120 between the cold storage compartment 101 and the variable temperature compartment 103. The horizontal partition 120 serves as a support and heat insulation. A third air duct component 260 can also be installed inside the horizontal partition 120. A through hole is opened in the variable temperature compartment 103 to connect to the third air outlet 261, which can realize the delivery of cold air. Alternatively, the third air duct component 260 can serve as part of the inner wall of the variable temperature compartment 103, and the third air outlet 261 can be directly connected to the variable temperature compartment 103.

[0050] Understandably, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 A third return air inlet 213 is provided at the lower end of the air duct housing 210. The third return air inlet 213 is arranged on the inner wall of the variable temperature compartment 103, and the heat exchange chamber 201 and the variable temperature compartment 103 are connected by the third return air inlet 213, so that the air in the variable temperature compartment 103 can flow back to the heat exchange chamber 201. When the refrigerator is running, the fan 220 of the air supply assembly 200 drives the air flow, draws in the air in the variable temperature compartment 103 through the third return air inlet 213, produces cold air through the evaporator 230, and then sends the cold air into the variable temperature compartment 103 for circulating cooling.

[0051] Understandably, a first return air duct 214 is provided at the lower end of the air duct shell 210. The inlet end of the first return air duct 214 extends to the inner wall of the variable temperature chamber 103 and forms a third return air inlet 213. One end of the outlet of the first return air duct 214 is connected to the heat exchange chamber 201 so that the air in the variable temperature chamber 103 can flow back to the heat exchange chamber 201. The first return air duct 214 is inclined and its inlet end faces downward, so that the third return air inlet 213 is closer to the bottom of the variable temperature chamber 103 and farther away from the third air outlet 261. Cold air enters the variable temperature chamber 103 from the third air outlet 261 and needs to flow to the bottom of the variable temperature chamber 103 before being sucked away from the third return air inlet 213. This helps the cold air to contact the items stored in the variable temperature chamber 103, helps the items to cool down, and improves the utilization rate of cold energy. In addition, the air duct housing 210 can be equipped with multiple first return air ducts 214 to form multiple return air paths, increase the air flow speed, and accelerate cooling.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 A second return air inlet 212 is provided at the lower end of the air duct housing 210. The second return air inlet 212 is arranged on the side wall of the freezer compartment 102 to connect the freezer compartment 102. When the refrigerator is running, the fan 220 of the air supply assembly 200 drives the air flow, draws the air in the freezer compartment 102 from the second return air inlet 212, generates cold air through the evaporator 230, and then sends the cold air into the freezer compartment 102 for circulating cooling.

[0053] Reference Figure 4 In the heat exchange chamber 201, the evaporator 230 is located below the fan 220, and a return air chamber 202 is provided below the evaporator 230. The second return air inlet 212 and the third return air inlet 213 are both connected to the return air chamber 202. The return air drawn in from the second return air inlet 212 and the third return air inlet 213 first enters the return air chamber 202, and then passes through the evaporator 230 to produce cold air. The cold air is delivered by the fan 220. The return air chamber 202 has an opening adapted to the evaporator 230, which helps the return air to diffuse and contact the entire evaporator 230, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0054] Understandably, the duct housing 210 can be equipped with a side plate 280. The side plate 280 is connected to the side of the duct housing 210 and can be disassembled. The side plate 280 also forms part of the side wall of the freezer compartment 102. Multiple straight vent holes are provided at the lower end of the side plate 280. These vent holes are closely arranged to form a second return air inlet 212. The second return air inlet 212 has a large fluid area to allow airflow and reduce flow resistance. Removing the side plate 280 allows for inspection and maintenance of the evaporator 230, facilitating operation.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3A first return air inlet 211 is also provided on the top of the air duct housing 210. The first return air inlet 211 is located on the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 101 to connect with the refrigerator compartment 101. When the air supply assembly 200 is running, the fan 220 draws air from the refrigerator compartment 101 through the first return air inlet 211, generates cold air through the evaporator 230, and then inputs it into the refrigerator compartment 101 to achieve the purpose of circulating cooling.

[0056] It is understandable that the first return air vent 211 and the first air duct component 240 are distributed on both sides of the second air duct component 250. The large distance between the first return air vent 211 and the first air duct component 240 is conducive to the flow of cold air in the refrigerator compartment 101, so that the cold air can come into contact with the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 101 and improve the temperature uniformity inside the refrigerator compartment 101.

[0057] Understandably, since the first return air inlet 211 is located at the top of the duct housing 210, and the return air cavity 202 is located at the bottom of the duct housing 210, a return air channel 203 is provided inside the duct housing 210. The return air channel 203 connects the first return air inlet 211 and the return air cavity 202, so that the air drawn in from the first return air inlet 211 can be transported to the return air cavity 202. The return air channel 203 can be obtained by using an independent pipe fitting, which can be installed in the heat exchange cavity 201; alternatively, a baffle can be set on the side of the evaporator 230, and the return air channel 203 can be formed by the baffle and the inner wall of the duct housing 210 to realize the transportation of return air. A small amount of air leakage from the baffle will not affect the performance, because the air leakage still contacts the evaporator 230. The assembly requirements of the baffle are low, which helps to reduce costs.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 A second return air duct 215 is also provided on the side wall of the air duct shell 210. One end of the second return air duct 215 extends to the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 101 to connect the refrigerator compartment 101. The other end of the second return air duct 215 connects to the return air channel 203. The second return air duct 215 serves as an auxiliary return air for the refrigerator compartment 101. It can also transport the air in the refrigerator compartment 101 to the return air channel 203, and then enter the evaporator 230 through the return air cavity 202 to produce cold air.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, the side-by-side refrigerator in the related art includes a cabinet 100, a first door, and a second door 104. The first door and the second door 104, which are arranged side-by-side, are pivotally mounted on the cabinet 100 to jointly open and close each of the cooling compartments. The first door is used to open and close the freezer compartment 102, and the second door 104 is used to open and close the refrigerator compartment 101 and the variable temperature compartment 103.

[0060] Reference Figures 6 to 8As shown, it can be understood that the refrigerator in this embodiment of the invention may also be provided with a third return air duct 300, which is located inside the second door 104. The air duct housing 210 is provided with a fourth return air inlet 216 that communicates with the return air chamber 202. The fourth return air inlet 216 is arranged on the inner wall of the variable temperature compartment 103, so that air can flow back to the heat exchange chamber 201. The fourth return air inlet 216 is located at the lower end of the air duct housing 210. The third return air duct 300 is provided with a first opening 301 and a second opening 302, which are connected. The first opening 301 is located above the second opening 302 and communicates with the refrigerator compartment 101. The second opening 302 communicates with the fourth return air inlet 216. When the refrigerator is running, the fan 220 drives airflow, drawing air from the refrigerator compartment 101 into the return air chamber 202 through the first opening 301, the second opening 302, and the fourth return air vent 216. The evaporator 230 then produces cold air, which is subsequently sent back into the refrigerator compartment 101 through the first air outlet 241 for circulation. By placing the third return air duct 300 inside the second door 104, the return air assembly, originally located at the back of the refrigerator body 100, is moved to the second door 104, thereby reducing the installation space required at the back of the refrigerator body 100, increasing drawer depth, and expanding usable volume.

[0061] Reference Figures 6 to 8 As shown, it can be understood that the first air duct 240 is located on the side away from the second door 104, and there is a large distance between the third return air duct 300 and the first air duct 240, which is conducive to the flow of cold air in the refrigerator compartment 101, so that the cold air can come into contact with the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 101 and improve the temperature uniformity inside the refrigerator compartment 101.

[0062] Reference Figure 6 It is understandable that the third return air duct 300 also has a third opening 303, which connects to the variable temperature compartment 103 and is also connected to the fourth return air inlet 216. The third return air duct 300 is embedded inside the second door 104. Under the action of the fan 220, the air from the refrigerator compartment 101 and the variable temperature compartment 103 can be collected through the third return air duct 300 and enter the return air chamber 202 for circulation. The refrigerator compartment 101 and the variable temperature compartment 103 share a single third return air duct 300, which saves more space, reduces the installation space required for the third return air duct 300, and improves space utilization.

[0063] Understandably, although both the third air outlet 261 and the third opening 303 are located on the front side of the variable temperature chamber 103, the air outlet 261 is directed towards the rear side of the variable temperature chamber 103, causing most of the airflow to flow towards the rear side of the variable temperature chamber 103 to cool the food before returning to the third opening 303 and entering the third return air duct 300.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 It is understood that the third return air duct 300 includes a straight section 310, a first bend 320, a second bend 330, and a third bend 340. The first bend 320, second bend 330, and third bend 340 are all connected to the straight section 310. Specifically, the first bend 320 is located at the upper end of the straight section 310 and bends towards the cold storage compartment 101, with a first opening 301 located therein. The second bend 330 is located on the left side of the straight section 310 and bends towards the variable temperature compartment 103, with a second opening 302 located therein. The third bend 340 is located at the lower end of the straight section 310 and bends towards the variable temperature compartment 103, with a third opening 303 located therein. The straight pipe section 310 is relatively long and can be installed inside the insulation layer of the second door 104 to reduce heat loss. The first bend section 320, the second bend section 330, and the third bend section 340 are relatively short and are mainly used to pass through the insulation layer of the second door 104, so that the first opening 301, the second opening 302, and the third opening 303 can communicate with the corresponding structures.

[0065] Reference Figure 8 It is understood that a fourth return air duct 217 is provided at the lower end of the air duct shell 210, and the fourth return air duct 217 passes through the insulation layer of the middle partition 110. One end of the fourth return air duct 217 extends to the side wall of the variable temperature chamber 103, and the other end of the fourth return air duct 217 is connected to the return air cavity 202. The fourth return air outlet 216 is provided on the fourth return air duct 217. The end face of the fourth return air duct 217 facing the second door 104 is flush with the side of the middle partition 110, and the end of the third return air duct 300 facing the variable temperature chamber 103 is connected to the fourth return air duct 217, thereby making the extension length of the third return air duct 300 small and reducing the air leakage between the third return air duct 300 and the fourth return air duct 217. A sealing ring can be installed between the third return air duct 300 and the fourth return air duct 217 to further improve the sealing performance and reduce air leakage. For example, a sealing ring can be installed at the end face of the fourth return air duct 217. When the second door 104 is closed, the end face of the third return air duct 300 abuts against the sealing ring. When the airflow flows from the third return air duct 300 to the fourth return air duct 217, it is not easy to leak between the third return air duct 300 and the fourth return air duct 217.

[0066] It is understandable that in some other embodiments, a return air duct can also be installed inside the first door. The function of the return air duct is similar to that of the third return air duct 300, that is, to realize the return air inside the door, reduce the installation space required at the back of the box 100, increase the depth of the drawer, and increase the usable volume.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The first air duct component 240 and the second air duct component 250 are arranged side by side and are located on the top of the air duct housing 210. Multiple first air outlets 241 are provided on the side of the first air duct component 240 facing the refrigerator compartment 101. The multiple first air outlets 241 are distributed vertically at intervals. Multiple second air outlets 251 are provided on the side of the second air duct component 250 facing the freezer compartment 102. The multiple second air outlets 251 are distributed vertically at intervals. The multiple first air outlets 241 and the multiple second air outlets 251 can be distributed at equal intervals or at non-equal intervals. The size and shape of the multiple first air outlets 241 and the multiple second air outlets 251 can be the same or different, depending on the shape and layout of the refrigerator.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 The air supply assembly 200 also includes a fan shroud 270, which is disposed in the heat exchange chamber 201 and covers the fan 220. A first outlet and a second outlet are provided at the upper end of the fan shroud 270. The first outlet communicates with the first air duct component 240, and the second outlet communicates with the second air duct component 250. When the fan 220 operates, it drives airflow, supplying cold air to the first air duct component 240 through the first outlet and simultaneously supplying cold air to the second air duct component 250 through the second outlet, thus achieving cold air distribution. The fan shroud 270 and the air duct housing 210 are typically detachably connected; removing the fan shroud 270 allows for easy maintenance of the fan 220.

[0069] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The housing has a transverse partition and a vertical central partition inside to form a first refrigeration chamber, a second refrigeration chamber, and a third refrigeration chamber. An air supply assembly is disposed within the partition plate. The air supply assembly includes a duct housing with a heat exchange chamber. A fan and an evaporator are disposed within the heat exchange chamber. A first duct component and a second duct component are connected to the top of the duct housing. The first duct component has a first air outlet communicating with the first refrigeration chamber. The second duct component has a second air outlet communicating with the second refrigeration chamber. A third duct component is connected to the side of the duct housing. The third duct component has a third air outlet communicating with the third refrigeration chamber. The fan is used to supply air to the first duct component, the second duct component, and the third duct component. A first damper is provided at the inlet of the first duct component, and a second damper is provided at the inlet of the third duct component. A return air chamber is formed below the evaporator. The duct housing has a fourth return air outlet communicating with the return air chamber. The fourth return air outlet is disposed on the inner wall of the third refrigeration chamber. The second door is pivotally mounted on the housing and is used to open and close the second refrigeration compartment and the third refrigeration compartment; The third return air duct is located inside the second door; the third return air duct has a first opening and a second opening, and the first opening and the second opening are connected. The first opening is connected to the second refrigeration chamber, and the second opening is connected to the fourth return air vent; the fan is used to drive the air in the second refrigeration chamber to flow from the first opening, the second opening and the fourth return air vent to the return air cavity.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air duct component and the second air duct component are arranged side by side on the top of the air duct housing. The first air duct component is provided with a plurality of first air outlets, which are distributed vertically at intervals. The second air duct component is provided with a plurality of second air outlets, which are distributed vertically at intervals.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the air duct housing is provided with a second return air inlet and a third return air inlet. The second return air inlet is located on the side wall of the second refrigeration chamber, and the third return air inlet is located on the side wall of the third refrigeration chamber. The evaporator is located below the fan, and the second and third return air inlets are connected to the return air cavity.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower end of the air duct housing is provided with a first return air duct. The first return air duct is arranged at an angle and faces downward. The inlet end of the first return air duct is located on the side wall of the third refrigeration chamber to form the third return air inlet. The outlet end of the first return air duct is connected to the return air cavity.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the air duct housing is provided with a first return air inlet, which is located on the side wall of the first refrigeration chamber. The first return air inlet and the first air duct component are distributed on both sides of the second air duct component.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air duct housing has a return air channel inside, the upper end of the return air channel is connected to the first return air inlet, and the lower end of the return air channel is connected to the return air chamber.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The side wall of the air duct shell is provided with a second return air duct. One end of the second return air duct is connected to the side wall of the first refrigeration chamber, and the other end of the second return air duct is connected to the return air channel.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air duct housing is provided with a detachable side plate to open or close the heat exchange chamber, and the side plate is part of the side wall of the second refrigeration chamber.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower end of the side plate is provided with multiple ventilation holes, which are arranged closely together to form the second return air inlet.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The third air duct component is connected to the top wall of the third refrigeration chamber. The top surface of the third air duct component is provided with an air supply groove. One end of the air supply groove is connected to the third air outlet, and the other end of the air supply groove is connected to the second air damper.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third air duct component is connected to a transfer pipe, and the second air damper is disposed inside the transfer pipe. The transfer pipe is fixed to the air duct shell and communicates with the heat exchange chamber.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The air supply assembly also includes a fan cover, which is located inside the heat exchange chamber and covers the fan. The fan cover has a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet being connected to the first air duct component and the second outlet being connected to the second air duct component.

Images