Refrigerators and storage devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator and a storage device thereof. The storage device is used to be arranged in the refrigeration compartment of an air-cooled refrigerator, and the inner wall of the refrigeration compartment has a cold air outlet for blowing out cold air. The storage device includes: a storage box, which defines a storage space and is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; and a guide portion, which is arranged on the outer surface of the storage box; the storage device is configured such that: when the cold air flow from the cold air outlet flows through the outer surface of the storage box, a negative pressure environment is formed at the air outlet to allow the air in the storage box to flow out; and the guide portion changes the direction of the cold air flow so that its flow path avoids the air inlet, thereby allowing the cold air in the refrigeration compartment to enter the storage box through the air inlet. The refrigerator and the storage device of the present invention can prevent cold air from blowing directly on food, and enhance the airflow exchange strength between the inner and outer spaces of the storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration and freezing device, in particular to a refrigerator and a storage device thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology, air-cooled refrigerators have replaced direct-cooled refrigerators and become the mainstream products in the market. Air-cooled refrigerators need to use air ducts to transport cold air, so that the cold air is blown into the refrigeration room through the cold air outlets opened on the inner wall of the refrigeration room.

[0003] However, when an air-cooled refrigerator is cooling, the cold air blows directly on the food in the cooling room. In severe cases, this may cause the food to lose moisture or even be dried out by the wind, seriously affecting the preservation effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one defect of the prior art and to provide a refrigerator and a storage device thereof to prevent cold air from blowing directly onto food.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is to enhance the airflow exchange between the interior and exterior spaces of the storage device.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a storage device for a refrigerator, which is arranged in a refrigeration compartment of an air-cooled refrigerator, wherein an inner wall of the refrigeration compartment has a cold air outlet for blowing out cold air, and the storage device comprises:

[0007] A storage box having a defined storage space and an air inlet and an air outlet; and

[0008] a flow guide portion, arranged on the outer surface of the storage box;

[0009] The storage device is configured such that: when the cold air flow from the cold air outlet flows through the outer surface of the storage box, a negative pressure environment is formed at the air outlet to allow the air in the storage box to flow out; and the guide portion changes the flow direction of the cold air flow so that its flow path avoids the air inlet, thereby allowing the cold air in the refrigeration compartment to enter the storage box through the air inlet.

[0010] Optionally, the air outlet is arranged behind the air inlet and is located on the top surface of the storage box; the position of the guide portion in the front-to-back direction is between the air outlet and the air inlet.

[0011] Optionally, the guide portion includes two upper guide ribs, the first ends of the two upper guide ribs are connected, and each of the upper guide ribs starts from the first end in the length direction and extends forward and gradually toward the lateral edge of the storage box.

[0012] Optionally, each of the upper guide ribs is curved with the convex side facing forward.

[0013] Optionally, the second ends of the two upper guide ribs in the length direction extend to the two lateral edges of the storage box respectively.

[0014] Optionally, the guide portion further includes: two vertical guide ribs, which are connected to the two transverse outer walls of the storage box and extend downward from the second ends of the two upper guide ribs in the length direction respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the storage device further includes:

[0016] a first damper, for opening and closing the air outlet and adjusting the opening degree of the air outlet;

[0017] a second damper, for opening and closing the air inlet and adjusting the opening degree of the air inlet; and

[0018] A driving device is used to controllably drive the first damper and the second damper so as to synchronously open, close or adjust the opening of the air outlet and the air inlet.

[0019] Optionally, the driving device includes:

[0020] a motor, mounted on the storage box and located between the first damper and the second damper;

[0021] a gear, driven to rotate by the motor; and

[0022] Two racks are connected to the first damper and the second damper respectively, and are both engaged with the gear with the gear located therebetween, so that when the gear rotates forward or reverse, the two racks drive the first damper and the second damper to move toward or in opposite directions, so as to synchronously open, close or adjust the opening of the air outlet and the air inlet.

[0023] Optionally, the storage box includes a box body with an open upper side and a cover body located on the upper side of the box body, and the air inlet and the air outlet are opened on the cover body; and

[0024] The storage box can be arranged in the refrigeration room in a manner of being pushed and pulled forward and backward.

[0025] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a refrigerator comprising:

[0026] a housing defining a refrigeration compartment therein; and

[0027] The storage device as described in any one of the above items is arranged in the refrigeration compartment.

[0028] In the refrigerator and storage device of the present invention, the storage box is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. Furthermore, the outer surface of the storage box is provided with a flow guide. When the cold air flow from the cold air outlet on the inner wall of the refrigeration compartment flows through the outer surface of the storage box, the rapid flow rate creates a negative pressure environment at the air outlet, causing the air in the storage box to flow out. This then causes the air in the refrigeration compartment to flow back into the storage box through the air inlet, completing the air circulation inside and outside the storage box, thereby cooling the food inside the storage device. Because the food inside is not directly blown by the cold air from the cold air outlet, the drying effect is minimal. Furthermore, the addition of the flow guide redirects the flow of the cold air, directing its flow path away from the air inlet of the storage box, thereby facilitating smoother entry of the cold air from the refrigeration compartment into the storage box. In other words, this prevents the cold air from the cold air outlet from forming a negative pressure at the air inlet, which could block the air intake.

[0029] Furthermore, in the refrigerator and storage device of the present invention, the air inlet and outlet are arranged on the top surface of the storage box, and the air guide portion includes two upper guide ribs and two vertical guide ribs, thereby guiding the cold air flow to the bottom of the refrigeration compartment and then returning upward to enter the air inlet in the space above it. This makes the air circulation in the storage device smoother.

[0030] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its storage device of the present invention are equipped with a drive device capable of simultaneously driving the first and second dampers to operate synchronously, thereby simultaneously opening and closing the air inlet and outlet, and synchronously adjusting the opening degrees of the air inlet and outlet. This makes control very simple. Furthermore, the refrigerator can open and close the air inlet and outlet, as well as adjust the opening degrees, based on the temperature and humidity within the storage device, thereby maintaining the temperature and humidity within the storage device within a reasonable range, further facilitating the preservation of food.

[0031] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3yes Figure 2 A schematic top view of the storage device shown;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a schematic left side view of the storage device shown;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage device shown;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of a driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention when driving a first damper and a second damper to move toward each other;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the driving device is shown in FIG. 1 , which shows the principle of driving the first damper and the second damper to move in opposite directions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 7 The following describes a refrigerator and storage device thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "lateral" indicate directions or positions based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the definition of "first", "second", etc. can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features, that is, include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may further include other features.

[0042] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," "coupled," and the like should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed or detachable connections, or integration; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. A person of ordinary skill in the art should be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a storage device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic top view of the storage device 20 is shown.

[0044] The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator and a storage device 20 thereof. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a storage device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is intended to be installed within the refrigeration compartment 101 of an air-cooled refrigerator. Specifically, the storage device 20 is a drawer structure, allowing it to be retracted and installed within the refrigeration compartment 101. Depending on the target cooling temperature, the refrigeration compartment 101 can be a refrigerator, a warming room, a freezer, or other compartments. The inner wall of the refrigeration compartment 101 has a cold air outlet 15 for blowing out the cold air generated by the refrigerator.

[0045] Specifically, the refrigerator may include an evaporator chamber and an air duct. The evaporator in the evaporator chamber generates cold air, which is transported through the air duct and connected to the cold air outlets 15 of each refrigeration compartment 101, so that the cold air flow is distributed to each refrigeration compartment 101, thereby completing the cooling of each refrigeration compartment 101. At the same time, the air in each refrigeration compartment 101 returns to the evaporator chamber through the return air duct and is cooled by the evaporator again, forming an air circuit.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage device 20 generally includes a storage box 21 and a flow guide 300. The storage box 21 defines a storage space for storing food. Furthermore, the storage box 21 is provided with an air inlet 220 and an air outlet 210. The air inlet 220 allows external cold air to enter the storage box 21 to cool the food inside. After cooling the food, the cold air rises in temperature and flows out of the air outlet 210 to the outside of the storage box 21, where it continues to cool.

[0047] The air guide 300 is provided on the outer surface of the storage box 21, and its main function is to guide the direction of airflow. The air guide 300 and the storage box 21 can be an integrally formed structure, or the air guide 300 is a separate component, which is connected to the outer surface of the storage box 21 by fastening means such as gluing or screws.

[0048] The storage device 20 is configured such that when the cold air from the cold air outlet 15 flows through the outer surface of the storage box 21, a negative pressure environment is formed at the air outlet 210 to allow the air in the storage box 21 to flow out. In addition, the flow direction of the cold air is changed by the air guide 300 so that its flow path avoids the air inlet 220, thereby allowing the cold air in the refrigeration compartment 101 to enter the storage box 21 through the air inlet 220. Figure 2 Arrows are shown to indicate the direction of airflow.

[0049] In this embodiment of the present invention, when the cold air from the cold air outlet 15 on the inner wall of the refrigeration chamber 101 flows through the outer surface of the storage box 21, the high flow rate creates a negative pressure environment at the air outlet 210, causing the air in the storage box 21 to flow out. This then forces the air in the refrigeration chamber 101 to flow back into the storage box 21 through the air inlet 220, completing the air circulation inside and outside the storage box 21, thereby cooling the food inside the storage device 20. Because the food inside is not directly blown by the cold air from the cold air outlet 15, the drying effect is not significant. Furthermore, the addition of the guide 300 redirects the cold air flow, directing its flow away from the air inlet 220 of the storage box 21, thereby facilitating smoother entry of the cold air from the refrigeration chamber 101 into the storage box 21. This prevents the cold air from the cold air outlet 15 from forming a negative pressure at the air inlet 220, which could block air from entering the air inlet 220.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the air outlet 210 is arranged behind the air inlet 220 and is located on the top surface of the storage box 21. The top surface of the storage box 21 is spaced apart from the top wall of the refrigeration compartment 101 to allow the cold air flow from the cold air outlet 15 to flow forward. The air outlet 210 can be arranged at a position on the top surface of the storage box 21 close to the rear edge, and the air inlet 220 can be arranged at a position on the top surface of the storage box 21 close to the front edge. The air guide 300 is positioned between the air outlet 210 and the air inlet 220 in the front-to-back direction. Compared to the solution in which the cold air outlet of the refrigeration compartment 101 is arranged on its rear wall, this embodiment arranges the air outlet 210 at the rear side so that it can be blown through by the cold air flow from the cold air outlet 15 immediately, thereby increasing its flow rate and thus increasing the negative pressure. Furthermore, it is preferred that both the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210 are long holes extending in the transverse direction of the storage box 21 so as to have a larger span in the transverse direction, thereby increasing the contact range with the cold air flow from the cold air outlet 15, thereby enhancing the air circulation strength of the storage box 21 and accelerating the cooling speed of the storage box 21.

[0051] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the air guide portion 300 includes two upper air guide ribs 310, with first ends a of the two upper air guide ribs 310 connected. Each upper air guide rib 310 extends forward from its first longitudinal end and gradually extends obliquely toward the lateral edge of the storage box 21 to its second longitudinal end b. In other words, the two upper air guide ribs 310 form a triangular shape, with the connecting point at the first ends of the two ribs forming a pointed tip. This splits the cold airflow from the rear into two streams, each flowing laterally along the two ribs to completely avoid the air inlet 220 in front of the two ribs.

[0052] Furthermore, each upper guide rib 310 may be curved with the convex side facing forward, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In other words, the two upper guide ribs 310 are formed into a herringbone shape. Providing the upper guide ribs 310 in this shape allows the airflow directed from the second end b of the upper guide rib 310 to be directed in a lateral direction, with no forward flow component or a smaller forward flow component, thereby better preventing the two cold air flows from directly blowing into the air inlet 220.

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic left side view of the storage device 20 is shown.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the second ends of the two upper guide ribs 310 in the longitudinal direction can be extended to the two lateral edges of the storage box 21 respectively, so as to completely guide the two streams of cold air away from the top surface of the storage box 21.

[0055] Furthermore, the air guide portion 300 may further include two vertical air guide ribs 320 connected to the two lateral outer walls of the storage box 21 and extending downward from the second ends of the lengthwise direction of the two upper air guide ribs 310. The lateral sides of the storage box 21 are spaced apart from the side walls of the refrigeration compartment 101 to allow the cold air from the cold air outlet 15 to flow therethrough.

[0056] Specifically, the two vertical guide ribs 320 and the storage box 21 can be formed as an integral part, or they can be independent parts connected and fastened by fastening means. By providing two vertical guide ribs 320, the cold air flow can be guided to the bottom of the refrigeration compartment 101, and then returned upward to enter the air inlet 220 in the space above it. Figure 2 This makes the airflow circulation of the storage device 20 more powerful.

[0057] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the storage device 20 is shown; Figure 61 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of the driving device 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention when driving the first damper 610 and the second damper 620 to move toward each other;

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The schematic diagram shows the principle of the driving device 500 when driving the first damper 610 and the second damper 620 to move in opposite directions.

[0059] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the storage device 20 may further include a first damper 610, a second damper 620, and a driving device 500. The first damper 610 is used to open and close the air outlet 210 and adjust the opening degree of the air outlet 210. The second damper 620 is used to open and close the air inlet 220 and adjust the opening degree of the air inlet 220. The driving device 500 is used to controllably drive the first damper 610 and the second damper 620 to synchronously open, close, or adjust the opening degree of the air outlet 210 and the air inlet 220.

[0060] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the driving device 500 includes a motor 510 , a gear 520 and two racks 530 .

[0061] The motor 510 is mounted on the storage box 21 and positioned between the first damper 610 and the second damper 620. The motor 510 is capable of controlled forward and reverse rotation. The gear 520 is driven by the motor 510. Two racks 530 are connected to the first damper 610 and the second damper 620, respectively, and each meshes with the gear 520, with the gear 520 positioned therebetween. When the gear 520 rotates forward or reverse, the racks 530 drive the first damper 610 and the second damper 620 to translate toward or away from each other, thereby synchronously opening, closing, or adjusting the opening of the air outlet 210 and the air inlet 220.

[0062] For example, in Figure 5 In the state shown, the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210 are both in the open state. At this time, the control motor 510 rotates forward, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 , so that the first damper 610 and the second damper 620 move toward each other, that is, the first damper 610 moves forward and the second damper 620 moves backward, which can expand the opening of the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210. Otherwise, the motor 510 is controlled to reverse, such as Figure 7 , so that the first damper 610 and the second damper 620 move in opposite directions, that is, the first damper 610 moves backward and the second damper 620 moves forward, which can reduce the opening of the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210, and can reduce the opening to 0, that is, close the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210.

[0063] The embodiment of the present invention can synchronously adjust the opening of the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210. The control is very simple. Moreover, the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210 can be opened and closed and the opening can be changed according to the temperature and humidity in the storage device 20, so that the temperature and humidity in the storage device 20 can be maintained within a reasonable range, which is more conducive to the preservation of food. Specifically, when the humidity and / or temperature in the storage box 21 are high, the opening of the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210 is increased to introduce more external cold air flow into the storage box 21, reducing the humidity and lowering the temperature. When the humidity and / or temperature in the storage box 21 are low, the opening of the air inlet 220 and the air outlet 210 is reduced to reduce the amount of external cold air flow entering the storage box 21.

[0064] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the storage box 21 includes a box body 100 with an open upper side and a cover 200 located on the upper side of the box body 100, and an air inlet 220 and an air outlet 210 are opened on the cover 200. The storage box 21 can be arranged in the refrigeration compartment 101 in a push-pull manner to form a drawer structure.

[0065] In other embodiments, the storage box 21 may also be fixedly installed inside the refrigeration compartment 101 .

[0066] Another aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator comprises a housing 10 and a storage device 20 as described above. A refrigeration compartment 101 is defined inside the housing 10, and the storage device 20 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 101.

[0067] At this point, those skilled in the art will recognize that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the present invention may be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A storage device for a refrigerator, for use in a refrigeration compartment of an air-cooled refrigerator, wherein the inner wall of the refrigeration compartment has a cold air outlet for blowing out cold air, characterized in that: The storage device comprises: A storage box having a defined storage space and an air inlet and an air outlet; and a flow guide portion, arranged on the outer surface of the storage box; The storage device is configured such that, when the cold air from the cold air outlet flows through the outer surface of the storage box, a negative pressure environment is formed at the air outlet to allow the air in the storage box to flow out; and the guide portion changes the flow direction of the cold air so that its flow path avoids the air inlet, thereby allowing the cold air in the refrigeration room to enter the storage box through the air inlet; The air outlet is arranged behind the air inlet and is located on the top surface of the storage box, and the air outlet is closer to the cold air outlet; The position of the air guide portion in the front-to-back direction is between the air outlet and the air inlet; The guide portion includes two upper guide ribs, the first ends of the two upper guide ribs are connected, and each of the upper guide ribs starts from the first end in the length direction and gradually extends obliquely toward the transverse edge of the storage box; The storage box can be arranged in the refrigeration room in a manner of being pushed and pulled forward and backward.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the upper guide ribs is curved with the convex side facing forward.

3. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second ends of the two upper guide ribs in the length direction extend to the two transverse edges of the storage box respectively.

4. The storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide portion further includes: Two vertical guide ribs are connected to the two transverse outer walls of the storage box and extend downward from the second ends of the two upper guide ribs in the length direction respectively.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a first damper, for opening and closing the air outlet and adjusting the opening degree of the air outlet; a second damper, for opening and closing the air inlet and adjusting the opening degree of the air inlet; and A driving device is used to controllably drive the first damper and the second damper so as to synchronously open, close or adjust the opening of the air outlet and the air inlet.

6. The storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The driving device comprises: a motor, mounted on the storage box and located between the first damper and the second damper; a gear, driven to rotate by the motor; and Two racks are connected to the first damper and the second damper respectively, and are both engaged with the gear with the gear located therebetween, so that when the gear rotates forward or reverse, the two racks drive the first damper and the second damper to move toward or in opposite directions, so as to synchronously open, close or adjust the opening of the air outlet and the air inlet.

7. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage box includes a box body with an open upper side and a cover body located on the upper side of the box body, and the air inlet and the air outlet are opened on the cover body.

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that include; a housing defining a refrigeration compartment therein; and The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is arranged in the refrigeration compartment.

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