Refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to a horizontal refrigerator, which comprises a box body, the box body comprising a box shell and an inner container embedded in the box shell, the inner container having a containing part, and the bottom of the inner container being recessed to form a recess towards the containing part; the recess has an arc-shaped side wall, the horizontal refrigerator further comprising an air duct plate located in the containing part and arranged on one side of the arc-shaped side wall, and the space between the air duct plate and the arc-shaped side wall forming an evaporator chamber; the horizontal refrigerator further comprising a fan set and an evaporator located in the evaporator chamber, the fan set and the evaporator being sequentially arranged on the surface of the arc-shaped side wall, and the fan set being located above the evaporator; and the arc-shaped side wall is in an inclined structure. In the horizontal refrigerator provided by the application, the occupied space of the evaporator chamber between the air duct plate and the arc-shaped side wall of the recess is reduced, and the space utilization rate of the containing part of the inner container is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically to an air-cooled horizontal freezer. Background Technology

[0002] A horizontal freezer is a refrigeration device that maintains a constant low temperature. It is a common household appliance used for preserving food or other items at low temperatures and is widely used in commercial and household applications.

[0003] Currently, based on their refrigeration principles, horizontal freezers are generally divided into direct-cooling horizontal freezers and air-cooling horizontal freezers. Direct-cooling horizontal freezers are prone to frost buildup inside, while air-cooling horizontal freezers are favored by users due to their frost-free advantage. In air-cooling horizontal freezers, cold air is blown into the interior to cool the items stored inside. However, because cold air is denser, it tends to accumulate at the bottom of the freezer. This results in uneven temperature distribution, with lower temperatures at the bottom and higher temperatures at the top, which negatively impacts the quality of the stored items.

[0004] In addition, the arrangement of the evaporator in existing air-cooled horizontal freezers also has a significant impact on the cooling effect and user experience. For example, if the evaporator is placed too close to the glass door of the air-cooled horizontal freezer, it will take up more space. On the other hand, if the top of the air duct where the evaporator is located is too close to the glass door, condensation will easily form on the outer surface of the glass door, and frost will easily form on the top of the air duct.

[0005] Horizontal freezers are generally longer in width or width. The air supply and return vents of existing air ducts are often located near the left and right sides of the freezer, which increases the air supply distance and makes it difficult to deliver air to the opposite side of the freezer. If the air supply and return vents are located on the same side (left or right side), the air volume in the middle of the freezer cavity will be smaller, resulting in uneven temperature inside the freezer.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention proposes a horizontal air-cooled freezer that overcomes the problems existing in the refrigeration of existing horizontal freezers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a horizontal freezer that, by changing the location of the evaporator and the air circulation method in the inner liner, achieves a more uniform temperature distribution and makes the glass door above the inner liner less prone to condensation.

[0008] This invention provides a horizontal freezer, including a cabinet body, which includes a cabinet shell and an inner liner embedded in the cabinet shell. The inner liner has a receiving portion, and the bottom of the inner liner is recessed towards the receiving portion to form a recess. The recess has a first sidewall, one end of which is connected to the bottom plate of the inner liner. An air duct plate is disposed adjacent to the first sidewall, and the space between the air duct plate and the first sidewall constitutes an evaporator chamber. The air duct plate is located in the receiving portion, and the air duct plate includes a first cover plate, which is parallel to and opposite to the first sidewall. A return air vent is provided on the first cover plate.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the return air vent is located on the lower edge of the first cover plate near the bottom plate.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the duct plate also includes a second cover plate, and the recess also includes a second sidewall. The second cover plate is located between the first cover plate and the first sidewall. The second cover plate is parallel to and opposite to the bottom plate, and the top surface of the second cover plate is flush with the top surface of the second sidewall.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, an evaporator is also included, which is arranged horizontally.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, a fan unit is also included, wherein the inner liner includes a first inner liner wall, and the fan unit is disposed between the evaporator chamber and the first inner liner wall.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, a support structure is also included, which is located between the evaporator and the first inner liner wall, with the evaporator located on the lower side of the support structure and the fan unit located on the upper side of the support structure. The lower side of the support structure faces the bottom plate, and the upper side of the support structure faces the second cover plate.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, a partition is also included, which is disposed on the upper side of the evaporator. The space between the partition and the second cover plate forms a third air outlet, and the space between the partition and the bottom plate is used to house the evaporator.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the second end of the evaporator near the fan unit is higher than the first end of the evaporator away from the fan unit.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, the fan unit is a centrifugal fan.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the inner liner includes a first inner liner wall and a second inner liner wall opposite to each other, a first air outlet is disposed on the first inner liner wall, and a second return air outlet is disposed on the second inner liner wall; wherein, it also includes an air outlet cover plate, the air outlet cover plate corresponding one-to-one with the first air outlet and the second air outlet, the air outlet cover plate is provided with an air outlet microstructure, the air outlet microstructure including an air outlet microhole, the air outlet microhole penetrating the air outlet cover plate.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the air outlet micro-hole extends obliquely upward from the outer surface of the air outlet cover towards the inner surface of the air outlet cover and penetrates the air duct plate, wherein the outer surface and the inner surface are opposite to each other, and the air outlet micro-hole controls the air outlet direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet to be downward.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the recess is formed by bending the base plate toward the receiving portion.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, in the horizontal freezer provided by the present invention, the evaporator chamber is located on one side of the concave part at the bottom of the inner liner; multiple air outlets are respectively provided on the inner liner wall on the opposite side of the inner liner, and a return air inlet is provided near the lower edge of the air duct plate. By adjusting the position of the evaporator chamber, air outlet and return air inlet, the distance between air outlet and return air is shortened, effectively maintaining the temperature balance in the inner liner and avoiding condensation on the glass door.

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the horizontal freezer in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the disassembled inner liner and outer shell of a horizontal freezer.

[0024] Figure 3A for Figure 1 Exploded view of a horizontal freezer.

[0025] Figure 3B for Figure 3A An enlarged schematic diagram of region a in the diagram.

[0026] Figures 4A to 4C for Figure 1 Cross-sectional diagrams of a horizontal freezer from different perspectives.

[0027] Figures 5A to 5C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the horizontal freezer in the second embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0028] Figures 6A to 6C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the horizontal freezer in the third embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0029] Figure 7A This is a top view of the horizontal freezer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7B and Figure 7CThis is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the horizontal freezer in the fourth embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0031] Figure 7D and Figure 7E This is a schematic diagram of the air duct plate of the horizontal freezer in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7F This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the evaporator of the horizontal freezer in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8A This is a top view schematic diagram of a horizontal freezer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 8B to 8D These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the horizontal freezer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Detailed Description

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the horizontal freezer in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the disassembled inner liner and outer shell of a horizontal freezer. Figure 3A for Figure 1 Exploded view of a horizontal freezer; Figure 3B for Figure 3A An enlarged schematic diagram of region a in the diagram; Figures 4A to 4C for Figure 1 Cross-sectional diagrams of a horizontal freezer from different perspectives.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 4C As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a horizontal freezer 100, particularly a wind-cooled horizontal freezer, which includes a cabinet and a door (not shown). The door is located above the cabinet and includes, for example, transparent glass, through which the user can observe the items stored inside the cabinet. The cabinet includes, for example, a shell 10, a foam layer 90, and an inner liner 20. The foam layer 90 is located between the shell 10 and the inner liner 20 and is made of thermal insulation material.

[0038] The inner liner 20 is embedded in the accommodating space 11 of the outer shell 10. The inner liner 20 has an accommodating portion 21 for storing items to be frozen or refrigerated. The bottom of the inner liner 20 is recessed towards the accommodating portion 21 to form a recess 22. The recess 22 has a first sidewall 221. One end of the first sidewall 221 is connected to the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20. In other words, the first sidewall 221 extends from the bottom plate 25 towards the accommodating portion 21. The air duct plate 30 is disposed adjacent to the first sidewall 221, and the space between the air duct plate 30 and the first sidewall 221 constitutes an evaporator chamber. The evaporator 50 is disposed in the evaporator chamber. The air duct plate 30 is located in the accommodating portion 21.

[0039] The recess 22 also includes a second sidewall 222, which is perpendicular to the first sidewall 221, i.e., the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 form a right angle structure. Preferably, the first sidewall 221 is perpendicular to the bottom plate 25, for example, one end of the first sidewall 221 is perpendicularly connected to the edge of the bottom plate 25; the second sidewall 222 is perpendicular to the third inner liner wall 26 of the inner liner 20, and one end of the second sidewall 222 is perpendicularly connected to the lower edge of the third inner liner wall 26. In this embodiment, the recess 22 can be regarded as a right-angled step structure formed by bending the bottom plate 25 toward the receiving portion 21, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first sidewall 221 of the recess 22 can be bent from the bottom plate 25 toward the receiving portion 21, and the second sidewall 222 can be bent from the third inner liner wall 26 toward the receiving portion, such that the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 meet and connect with each other in the receiving portion 21.

[0040] The air duct plate 30 includes a first cover plate 31 and a second cover plate 32. The first cover plate 31 and the second cover plate 32 are perpendicular to each other, for example. The first cover plate 31 is parallel to and opposite to the first side wall 221 of the recess 22. The top surface of the second cover plate 32 is flush with the top surface of the second side wall 222 of the recess 22. The space between the first side wall 221, the first cover plate 31, and the second cover plate 32 is the evaporator chamber, in which the evaporator 50 is disposed. The bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20 is provided with a mounting groove (not shown) corresponding to the area of ​​the evaporator chamber, so that the evaporator 50 can be positioned in the mounting groove. Of course, for the purpose of convenient installation, the evaporator 50 and the fan unit 60 can be pre-assembled onto a mounting plate (not shown). The mounting plate is fixed in the mounting groove by means of screws or other methods. The fan unit 60 is located between the evaporator chamber and the first inner liner wall 23 of the inner liner 20. The fan unit 60 may also include a housing assembly that fills the gap between the evaporator chamber and the first inner wall 23.

[0041] In this embodiment, the air duct plate 30 is provided with fixing holes, and the fixing member passes through the fixing holes to fix the air duct plate 30 to the inner liner 20, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments of the present invention, the air duct plate 30 can be integrally formed with the recess 22 of the inner liner 20, that is, the air duct plate 30 can be regarded as the second sidewall 222 of the recess 22 extending towards the receiving portion 21 and then continuing to bend towards the bottom plate 25. Preferably, the material of the air duct plate 30 can be the same as the material of the inner liner 20.

[0042] The inner liner 20 includes a first inner liner wall 23 and a second inner liner wall 24 disposed opposite to each other, extending upward from two opposite sides of the bottom plate 25 respectively; the aforementioned third inner liner wall 26 is perpendicularly connected to the first inner liner wall 23 and the second inner liner wall 24 respectively. The inner liner 20 also includes a fourth inner liner wall 27, which is opposite to the third inner liner wall 26 and extends upward from the other side of the bottom plate 25, and is perpendicularly connected to the first inner liner wall 23 and the second inner liner wall 24 respectively. The space surrounded by the first inner liner wall 23, the second inner liner wall 24, the third inner liner wall 26, the fourth inner liner wall 27, the bottom plate 25, and the first side wall 221 and the second side wall 222 of the recess 22 is the receiving portion 21 of the inner liner 20.

[0043] Multiple sets of air outlets are provided on the first inner liner wall 23, and multiple sets of return air outlets are provided on the second inner liner wall 24. The multiple sets of air outlets are used to send air processed by the evaporator 50 to the housing 21 of the inner liner 20, and the multiple sets of return air outlets are used to return the air in the housing 21 of the inner liner 20 to the evaporator chamber, where it is processed again by the evaporator 50. The above air supply and return process is regarded as the air circulation of the horizontal freezer 100.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 3AAs shown, the multiple sets of air outlets on the first inner wall 23 include a first air outlet 231, a second air outlet 232, a third air outlet 233, and a fourth air outlet 234. The first air outlet 231 is located near the upper edge of the first inner wall 23 and includes multiple air outlet openings arranged laterally along the first inner wall 23. The second air outlet 232 is located in the middle of the first inner wall 23 and also includes multiple air outlet openings arranged laterally along the first inner wall 23. The arrangement is as follows: the middle part of the first inner wall 23 is located between the upper edge and the lower edge of the first inner wall 23; the third air outlet 233 is located at the lower edge of the first inner wall 23, which is close to the bottom plate 25; the fourth air outlet 234 is located on the side of the first inner wall 23 near the third inner wall 26, and the fourth air outlet 234 is located on the upper side of the second side wall 222 of the recess 22; wherein, the above-mentioned multiple air outlets penetrate the first inner wall 23. In this embodiment, the number of air outlets in the second air outlet 232 is less than the number of air outlets in the first air outlet 231, and the number of air outlets in the third air outlet 233 and the fourth air outlet 234 is one each, but this is not a limitation.

[0045] The multiple sets of return air vents include a first return air vent 241 and a second return air vent 242. The first return air vent 241 is located in the middle of the second inner liner wall 24 and includes multiple return air openings arranged laterally along the second inner liner wall 24. The middle of the second inner liner wall 24 is located between the upper edge and the lower edge of the second inner liner wall 24. The second return air vent 242 is located at the lower edge of the second inner liner wall 24 and includes multiple return air openings arranged laterally along the second inner liner wall 24. The lower edge of the second inner liner wall 24 is close to the bottom plate 25. The multiple return air openings penetrate the second inner liner wall 24. In this embodiment, due to the presence of the recess 22, the number of return air openings in the second return air vent 242 is less than the number of return air openings in the first return air vent 241.

[0046] It should be noted that the first inner liner wall 23 and the second inner liner wall 24 are both inner liner walls extending along the width direction or laterally of the horizontal freezer 100, and the third inner liner wall 26 and the fourth inner liner wall 27 are both inner liner walls extending along the length direction or longitudinally of the horizontal freezer 100. In other words, the bottom plate 25 includes a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, with the first inner liner wall 23 and the second inner liner wall 24 respectively located on the pair of long sides, and the third inner liner wall 26 and the fourth inner liner wall 27 respectively located on the pair of short sides. Since the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20 is bent to form a recess 22, the maximum lengths of the first inner liner wall 23 and the second inner liner wall 24 are respectively greater than the lengths of the third inner liner wall 26 and the fourth inner liner wall 27. The aforementioned provision of air outlets and return air inlets on the opposite side walls extending laterally of the horizontal freezer 100 shortens the air supply distance, which is beneficial for temperature uniformity in different areas of the inner liner 20.

[0047] In addition, the horizontal freezer 100 is generally equipped with a food basket (not shown), which is placed on the upper part of the storage compartment 21. Preferably, the first air outlet 231 located at the upper part of the first inner wall 23 is higher than the upper edge of the food basket, and the second air outlet 232 located in the middle of the first inner wall 23 is parallel to or slightly lower than the lower edge of the food basket. To avoid the food basket blocking the air circulation at the return air, the first return air outlet 241 located in the middle of the second inner wall 24 is lower than the lower edge of the food basket. In order to take into account the temperature of each area in the storage compartment 21, a third air outlet 233 is added at the corner of the lower edge of the first inner wall 23 near the fourth inner wall, and a fourth air outlet 234 is added at the second side wall 222 of the first inner wall 23 near the recess 22, thereby avoiding areas with dead air outlets in the storage compartment 21.

[0048] Furthermore, an air outlet connection hole 235 is provided on the first inner wall 23, and a return air connection hole 243 is provided on the second inner wall 24. The air outlet connection hole 235 and the return air connection hole 243 are respectively connected to the evaporator chamber. The fan unit 60 is close to the air outlet connection hole 235. The fan unit 60 is, for example, a centrifugal fan or an axial fan.

[0049] An air outlet groove 85 is provided between the first inner liner wall 23 and the shell 10, and a return air groove 86 is provided between the second inner liner wall 24 and the shell 10. The air outlet groove 85 connects multiple sets of air outlets to air outlet connection holes 235, and the return air groove 86 connects multiple sets of return air inlets to return air connection holes 243. The air passage between the air outlet groove 85 and the first inner liner wall 23 is the air outlet duct, and the air passage between the return air groove 86 and the second inner liner wall 24 is the air return duct. Air delivered by the fan unit 60 enters the air outlet duct through the air outlet connection holes 235, then passes through the multiple sets of air outlets into the receiving portion 21 of the inner liner 20. Air in the receiving portion 21 of the inner liner 20 is drawn into the evaporator chamber by the fan unit 60 through the return air inlets, then through the return air duct and the return air connection holes 243. The drawn-in air is filtered by the evaporator 50 to remove moisture. In this embodiment, the air outlet duct 85 is fixed to the side of the first inner liner wall 23 facing the shell 10, the return air duct 86 is fixed to the side of the second inner liner wall 24 facing the shell 10, and the foam layer 90 is filled between the inner liner 20 and the shell 10, so that the air outlet duct 85 and the return air duct 86 exist in the foam layer.

[0050] The inner liner 20 also includes multiple sets of air outlet covers within its accommodating 21. Each set of air outlet covers corresponds to a set of air outlets. Each set of air outlet covers is equipped with a microstructure for adjusting the airflow volume and direction. These microstructures correspond to air outlet openings and include, but are not limited to, openings and slots penetrating the air outlet cover. The air outlet covers can be attached to the first inner liner wall 23 by welding, snap-fitting, screw fastening, etc., but are not limited to these methods. In other embodiments of the invention, the multiple sets of air outlet covers can be integrally formed with the inner liner wall. By hollowing out the air outlet covers (or the inner liner wall) at the locations of the corresponding air outlets to form the microstructures, the airflow volume and direction of the air outlets can be adjusted.

[0051] In this embodiment, the multiple sets of air outlet covers include a first air outlet cover 81, a second air outlet cover 82, a third air outlet cover 87, and a fourth air outlet cover 88. The first air outlet cover 81 is adapted to the first air outlet 231, the second air outlet cover 82 is adapted to the second air outlet 232, the third air outlet cover 87 is adapted to the third air outlet 233, and the fourth air outlet cover 88 is adapted to the fourth air outlet 234. The air outlet microstructure will be described in detail below using the first air outlet cover 81 as an example.

[0052] The air outlet microstructure on the first air outlet cover 81 is, for example, a plurality of air outlet micro-holes 811. These micro-holes 811 penetrate the upper first air outlet cover 81, and are obliquely inserted through it. Specifically, along the thickness direction of the first air outlet cover 81, the micro-holes 811 extend obliquely upwards from the outer surface of the first air outlet cover 81 toward the inner surface and penetrate the upper first air outlet cover 81, thereby achieving downward airflow from the upper first air outlet cover 81. The outer surface and inner surface face away from each other; the outer surface faces the second inner wall 24, and the inner surface faces the first inner wall 23. The micro-holes 811 can be hexagonal, circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, or other shapes. Of course, the aforementioned micro-holes 811 for achieving downward airflow can also be similarly provided in the second air outlet cover 82, the third air outlet cover 87, and the fourth air outlet cover 88. The downward-tilting airflow method is beneficial for delivering airflow to the bottom of the freezer, facilitating airflow circulation at the bottom of the freezer.

[0053] To achieve downward airflow, in other embodiments of the present invention, an air outlet grille can be provided at the air outlet of the aforementioned plurality of air outlet covers, with the grille blades inclined toward the bottom of the inner liner. Furthermore, the air outlet grille and the air outlet micro-holes can be simultaneously provided on the aforementioned air outlet covers.

[0054] The second inner wall 24 of the inner liner 20 is also provided with multiple sets of return air covers (not shown), each set corresponding to a set of return air inlets. The return air covers are equipped with microstructures for adjusting the return air volume and direction. These microstructures include, but are not limited to, openings and slots penetrating the return air covers. The return air covers can be attached to the second inner wall 24 by snap-fit ​​or screw fastening, but are not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the invention, the multiple sets of return air covers can be integrally formed with the inner wall. By hollowing out the return air covers (or the inner wall) at corresponding return air positions to form return air microstructures, the air volume and direction of the air outlets can be adjusted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the multiple sets of return air covers include a first return air cover 83 and a second return air cover 84. The first return air cover 83 is adapted to the first return air outlet 241, and the second return air cover 84 is adapted to the second return air outlet 242. Return air microstructures can be respectively provided on the first return air cover 83 and the second return air cover 84. The return air microstructures are similar to the outlet microstructures; the description of the return air microstructures can be referred to the description of the outlet microstructures above, and will not be repeated here. Of course, according to actual needs, the shape of the openings and slots, the inclination direction, etc., of the return air microstructures can be changed to obtain the best return air results.

[0056] Combination Figures 3A to 4AIt is known that the evaporator 50 in the horizontal freezer 100 is located in the middle of the evaporator chamber. The evaporator 50 includes a first end 51 and a second end 52. The first end 51 is close to the second inner liner wall 24, and the second end 52 is close to the fan unit 60. The fan unit 60 is close to the first inner liner wall 23. The first end 51 is lower than the second end 52. That is, the second end 52 of the evaporator 50 near the fan unit 60 is higher than the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 near the second inner liner wall 24. This allows the defrost water in the evaporator 50 to flow from the second end 52 toward the first end 51, which facilitates the discharge of the defrost water and prevents the fan unit 60 from sucking in defrost water and freezing it when it rotates, thus avoiding abnormalities.

[0057] A water collection box 70 is provided below the evaporator 50. The water collection box 70 is used to receive the defrosting water. The drain outlet 71 of the water collection box 70 is located near the first end 51. The drain outlet 71 is located on the side of the water collection box 70 away from the fan unit 60. This can prevent the fan unit 60 from sucking in air mixed with defrosting water or other water vapor directly into the fan unit 60, which would cause the fan unit 60 to freeze due to water vapor and fail to work properly.

[0058] Furthermore, a top insulation layer 41 and a bottom insulation layer 42 are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the evaporator 50. The top insulation layer 41 is disposed between the air duct plate 30 and the evaporator 50, and the shape of the top insulation layer 41 is similar to that of the air duct plate 30. The bottom insulation layer 42 is disposed between the water receiving box 70 and the bottom plate 25. The top insulation layer 41 and the bottom insulation layer 42 together support the evaporator 50. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the top insulation layer 41 and the bottom insulation layer 42 facing the evaporator 50 are both inclined structures, and the inclined structures gradually extend upward from one end near the second inner liner wall 24 to the other end near the first inner liner wall 23. The evaporator 50 is supported by the above-mentioned inclined structures so that the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 is lower than the second end 52. The inclined structures on the top insulation layer 41 and the bottom insulation layer 42 making the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 lower than the second end 52 is only a preferred embodiment, but not a limitation. In other embodiments of the present invention, a support member may be provided on the bottom plate of the inner liner, such that the second end of the evaporator near the fan unit is higher than the first end of the evaporator away from the fan.

[0059] In this embodiment, the evaporator 50 in the horizontal freezer 100 is arranged horizontally. "Horizontal arrangement" means that when air flows through the evaporator 50, the airflow direction is parallel to the fins in the evaporator 50. The evaporator 50 also includes coils inserted through multiple fins. Furthermore, heating tubes (not shown) are embedded in multiple fins of the evaporator 50, and the heating tubes provide heat to defrost the frost condensed in the evaporator 50.

[0060] The air circulation in the horizontal freezer 100 includes supply air and return air. When the fan unit 60 is activated, it draws in air from one side of the evaporator 50. The air enters the air outlet through the air outlet connection hole 235, and then is sent out through the air outlet microstructure of multiple sets of air outlets and multiple sets of air outlet covers, and enters the housing 21 of the inner liner 20. Under the suction generated by the fan unit 60, the air in the inner liner 20 returns from the return air microstructure of the return air cover through the return air opening and return air channel, and then through the return air connection hole 243 to the evaporator chamber. It flows from the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 toward the second end 52, so that the returned air is processed and then drawn in by the fan unit 60 again and sent out. In this embodiment, when the horizontal freezer 100 is in use, the first inner wall 23 is located on the side away from the user, that is, the first inner wall 23 can be regarded as the back side of the horizontal freezer 100, and the second inner wall 24 is located on the side closer to the user, that is, the second inner wall 24 can be regarded as the front side of the horizontal freezer 100. Therefore, the above-mentioned air circulation can be regarded as a circulation of air outlet from the back side and air return from the front side.

[0061] In the horizontal freezer 100 provided in the first embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator chamber is disposed on one side of the recess 22 (or the stepped portion), and the top surface of the second cover plate 32 of the air duct plate 30 constituting the evaporator chamber is flush with the top surface of the second side wall 222 of the recess 22; multiple air outlets and return air outlets are respectively disposed on the inner walls of the inner liner 20, which shortens the distance between the air outlet and the return air and can effectively maintain the temperature balance inside the inner liner; the air outlet groove 85 and the return air groove 86 are built into the foam layer 90 between the inner liner 20 and the shell 10, without occupying the storage space in the accommodating portion 21 of the inner liner 20, thus improving the space utilization rate; in addition, the evaporator 50 is horizontally disposed in the evaporator chamber, and the second end 52 of the evaporator 50 near the fan unit 60 is higher than the first end 51, which not only facilitates the discharge of defrost water outside the evaporator chamber, but also avoids the fan unit 60 from sucking in defrost water and causing abnormalities.

[0062] Figures 5A to 5C These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the horizontal freezer according to the second embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Figures 5A to 5C Zhongyu Figures 1 to 4C Components with the same designation have similar functions, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0063] The difference between the horizontal freezer 200 in the second embodiment and the horizontal freezer 100 in the first embodiment is that: 1) the structure of the air duct plate 210 in the horizontal freezer 200 is different; 2) the location of the return air vent 205 is different; 3) the air circulation is different due to the different locations of the air outlet and the return air vent.

[0064] Specifically, the bottom of the inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 200 is recessed towards the receiving portion 21 to form a recess 22 (e.g., Figure 2As shown), the recess 22 has a first sidewall 221 and a second sidewall 222 that are perpendicular to each other. The first sidewall 221 is vertically connected to the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20. The air duct plate 210 is disposed close to the first sidewall 221 and is located in the receiving part 21. The space between the air duct plate 210 and the first sidewall 221 constitutes the evaporator chamber. The evaporator 50 and the fan unit 60 are disposed in the evaporator chamber.

[0065] The air duct plate 210 includes a first cover plate 211, a second cover plate 212 and a third cover plate 213 connected in sequence. The second cover plate 212 is located between the first cover plate 211 and the third cover plate 213. The first cover plate 211 is parallel to and opposite to the first side wall 221. A return air vent 205 is provided on the first cover plate 211. Preferably, the return air vent 205 is located at the lower edge of the first cover plate 211, and the lower edge of the first cover plate 211 is close to the bottom plate 25.

[0066] In this embodiment, the height of the first cover plate 211 is less than the height of the first sidewall 221. The two opposite ends of the second cover plate 212 are connected to the first cover plate 211 and the third cover plate 213, respectively. The top surface of the third cover plate 213 is flush with the top surface of the second sidewall 222 of the recess 22. The second cover plate 212 has a bent structure, with one end connected to the first cover plate 211 and the other end connected to the third cover plate 213. The bent portion 214 of the bent structure extends towards the evaporator cavity. In this embodiment, the bent portion 214 bends towards the connection between the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222.

[0067] The bend 214 extending towards the evaporator chamber in the air duct plate 210 effectively reduces the space occupied by the evaporator chamber; that is, the space in the upper part of the evaporator chamber is compressed. The evaporator 50 in the evaporator chamber with its compressed upper space can be a flat evaporator to adapt to the aforementioned space change. Furthermore, the arrangement of the second cover plate 212 and its bend 214 significantly improves the space utilization rate of the inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 200.

[0068] The inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 200 includes a first inner liner wall 23 and a second inner liner wall 24. A first air outlet 201 is provided on the first inner liner wall 23, and a second air outlet 203 is provided on the second inner liner wall 24. The first air outlet 201 is located at the upper edge of the first inner liner wall 23, and the second air outlet 203 is located in the middle or slightly above the middle of the second inner liner wall 24, so that the first air outlet 201 and the second air outlet 203 are staggered to avoid mutual interference during airflow. The first air outlet 201 includes multiple first air outlet openings that penetrate the first inner liner wall 23 and are arranged laterally along the first inner liner wall 23. Similarly, the second air outlet 203 includes multiple second air outlet openings that penetrate the second inner liner wall 24 and are arranged laterally along the second inner liner wall 24. In addition, a first air outlet connection hole (not shown) is provided on the first inner wall 23, and a second air outlet connection hole (not shown) is provided on the second inner wall 24.

[0069] Furthermore, if a food basket (not shown) is provided in the inner liner 20, the first air outlet 201 is higher than the upper edge of the food basket; the second air outlet 203 is slightly lower than the lower edge of the food basket. Additionally, air outlet covers can be provided on the air outlet sides of the first air outlet 201 and the second air outlet 203, respectively. These air outlet covers are located in the receiving portion 21, and each air outlet cover corresponds to one of the first air outlet 201 and the second air outlet 203. Each air outlet cover includes air outlet micro-holes (refer to the description of air outlet micro-hole 811 in the first embodiment of this invention). The air outlet micro-holes extend obliquely upwards from the outer surface of the air outlet cover to the opposite inner surface of the air outlet cover, penetrating the air outlet cover. This design of air outlet micro-holes allows the downward-sloping air outlets to exit towards the bottom of the inner liner 20. Of course, the air outlet micro-holes can also be replaced with an air outlet grille design.

[0070] A first air outlet groove 202 is provided between the first inner liner wall 23 and the shell 10 (e.g., Figure 5A (As shown by the dotted line), a second air outlet groove 204 is provided between the second inner liner wall 24 and the outer shell 10 (as shown by the dotted line). Figure 5B(As shown by the dashed line), wherein the first air outlet groove 202 connects the first air outlet 201 and the first air outlet connecting hole, and the air passage between the first air outlet groove 202 and the first inner liner wall 23 is the first air outlet; the second air outlet groove 204 connects the second air outlet and the second air outlet connecting hole, and the air passage between the second air outlet groove 204 and the second inner liner wall 24 is the second air outlet; preferably, the first air outlet connecting hole is located in the middle of the first inner liner wall 23, and the second air outlet connecting hole is located at the lower edge of the second inner liner wall 24, with the lower edge of the second inner liner wall 24 close to the bottom plate 25, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first air outlet connecting hole may also be located at the lower edge of the first inner liner wall 23, with the lower edge of the first inner liner wall 23 close to the bottom plate 25; the second air outlet connecting hole may also be located in the middle of the second inner liner wall 24.

[0071] A return air duct (not shown) is, for example, installed in the evaporator chamber to connect the return air inlet 205 and the evaporator chamber, guiding the return air into the evaporator chamber so that it enters the evaporator 50. The return air is controlled to flow from the first end of the evaporator 50 towards the second end, with the first and second ends opposite each other. The air passage between the return air duct and the duct plate 210 is the return air duct.

[0072] In the horizontal freezer 200, the evaporator 50 is arranged horizontally. "Horizontal arrangement" means that when air flows through the evaporator 50, the airflow direction is parallel to the fins within the evaporator 50. Heating tubes are embedded in multiple fins of the evaporator 50, providing heat to defrost the frost condensed in the evaporator 50. In this embodiment, to facilitate the drainage of defrost water outside the evaporator chamber, the second end of the evaporator 50 near the fan unit 60 is lower than the first end of the evaporator 50 away from the fan unit 60.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figures 5A to 5C The fan unit 60 is, for example, a centrifugal fan, and is disposed between the first side wall 221 and the evaporator chamber, while the evaporator 50 is disposed between the first cover plate 211 and the fan unit 60. In one embodiment, the third cover plate 213 of the duct plate 210 can be regarded as part of the outer casing of the fan unit 60.

[0074] When the fan unit 60 supplies air, it diverts the intake air through the first diversion channel 1 to the first air outlet connection hole of the first inner liner wall 23, and through the second diversion channel 2 to the second air outlet connection hole of the second inner liner wall 24. The first diversion channel 1 and the second diversion channel 2 can be, for example, provided with corresponding first and second diversion baffles in the evaporator chamber. The space between the first diversion baffle and the first side wall 221 is the first diversion channel 1; the space between the second diversion baffle and the second side wall 222 is the second diversion channel 2, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments of the invention, the first and second diversion channels are, for example, pipe structures. The air inlet of the pipe structure communicates with the fan unit, and the air outlet of the pipe structure communicates with either the first or second air outlet connection hole.

[0075] The air circulation of the horizontal freezer 200 includes supply air and return air. After the fan unit 60 starts working, the fan unit 60 draws in air from one side of the evaporator 50 and enters the first diversion channel 1 and the second diversion channel 2, which connect the first air outlet connection hole and the second air outlet connection hole. The air then enters the first air outlet and the second air outlet respectively through the first air outlet connection hole and the second air outlet connection hole. The air is then delivered to the inner liner 20 through the corresponding first air outlet 201 and second air outlet 203. The air in the inner liner 20 is guided into the evaporator chamber through the return air inlet 205 of the first cover plate 211 and the return air channel groove. The return air channel groove guides the air in the inner liner 20 to the evaporator 50, which flows from the first end to the second end of the evaporator 50 and is drawn in again by the fan unit 60 and delivered. In the case of the horizontal freezer 200, when it is in use, the first inner wall 23 is located on the side away from the user, that is, the first inner wall 23 can be regarded as the back side of the horizontal freezer 100, the second inner wall 24 is located on the side closer to the user, that is, the second inner wall 24 can be regarded as the front side of the horizontal freezer 100, and the first cover plate 211 is close to the bottom plate 25. Therefore, the above-mentioned air circulation can be regarded as air outlet on the back and front sides and air return at the bottom.

[0076] In the second embodiment of the horizontal freezer 200 of the present invention, the second cover plate 212 of the air duct plate 210 has a bent portion 214. The bent portion 214 reduces the space occupied by the evaporator chamber between the air duct plate 210 and the first side wall 221 of the recess 22, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the accommodating portion 21 of the inner liner 20. In addition, the design of the air outlet and return air outlet also provides air circulation with simultaneous air supply to both sides of the inner liner wall and air return near the bottom of the inner liner.

[0077] Figures 6A to 6C These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the horizontal freezer according to the third embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Figures 6A to 6C Zhongyu Figures 1 to 4C Components with the same designation have similar functions, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0078] The horizontal freezer 300 provided in the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the horizontal freezer 100 provided in the first embodiment of the present invention in that: 1) the structure of the recess of the inner liner 20 is different; 2) the structure of the air duct plate 310 is different from the structure of the air duct plate 30; and 3) the air circulation in the inner liner 20 is different.

[0079] Specifically, the bottom of the inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 300 forms a recess facing the receiving portion 21. The recess is an arc-shaped sidewall 223. One end of the arc-shaped sidewall 223 is connected to the bottom plate 25, and the other end of the arc-shaped sidewall 223 is connected to the third inner liner wall 26. The air duct plate 310 is disposed on one side of the arc-shaped sidewall 223 and is located in the receiving portion 21. The space between the air duct plate 310 and the arc-shaped sidewall 223 constitutes the evaporator chamber, and the evaporator 50 is disposed in the evaporator chamber. Preferably, the arc-shaped sidewall 223 has a slope, and the evaporator 50 is attached to the slope of the arc-shaped sidewall 223.

[0080] In other words, the recess at the bottom of the inner liner 20 in the horizontal freezer 300 replaces the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 of the recess 22 at the bottom of the inner liner 20 in the horizontal freezer 100 with an arc-shaped sidewall 223. The arc-shaped sidewall 223 extends obliquely upward from the bottom plate 25 toward the third inner liner wall 26 to connect the bottom plate 25 and the third inner liner wall 26 respectively. Preferably, the arc-shaped sidewall 223 is formed, for example, by bending the bottom plate 25 toward the receiving portion 21.

[0081] The air duct plate 310 includes a first cover plate 311, a second cover plate 312, and a third cover plate 313. The first cover plate 311 is generally parallel to the obliquely extending area of ​​the arc-shaped sidewall 223. The two ends of the second cover plate 312 are respectively connected to the first cover plate 311 and the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20, and the included angle between the second cover plate 312 and the first cover plate 311 is an obtuse angle. The third cover plate 313 connects the first cover plate 311 and the third inner liner wall 26, and the included angle between the third cover plate 313 and the first cover plate 311 is also an obtuse angle. Since the first cover plate 311 is generally parallel to the obliquely extending area of ​​the arc-shaped sidewall 223, the first cover plate 311 can also be regarded as an obliquely extending cover plate.

[0082] The inner liner 20 includes a first inner liner wall 23 and a second inner liner wall 24. A first air outlet 301 is provided on the first inner liner wall 23, and a second air outlet 303 is provided on the second inner liner wall 24. The first air outlet 301 is located at the upper edge of the first inner liner wall 23, and the second air outlet 303 is located in the middle or slightly above the middle of the second inner liner wall 24, so that the first air outlet 301 and the second air outlet 303 are staggered to avoid interference caused by simultaneous airflow from both. The first air outlet 301 includes multiple first air outlet openings that penetrate the first inner liner wall 23 and are arranged laterally along the first inner liner wall 23. Similarly, the second air outlet 303 includes multiple second air outlet openings that penetrate the second inner liner wall 24 and are arranged laterally along the second inner liner wall 24. In addition, a third air outlet 307 is provided on the third inner wall 26 of the inner liner 20. The third inner wall 26 is located between the first inner wall 23 and the second inner wall 24, and the air outlet 307 is positioned slightly lower than the first air outlet 301 (e.g., Figure 6C (As shown).

[0083] Furthermore, if a food basket (not shown) is provided in the inner liner 20, the first air outlet 301 is higher than the upper edge of the food basket; the second air outlet 303 and the third air outlet 307 are slightly lower than the lower edge of the food basket. Additionally, air outlet covers can be provided on the air outlet sides of the first air outlet 301, the second air outlet 303, and the third air outlet 307. Each air outlet cover includes air outlet micro-holes (refer to the description of air outlet micro-hole 811 in the first embodiment of the present invention). The air outlet micro-holes extend obliquely upwards from the outer surface of the air outlet cover to the opposite inner surface of the air outlet cover, penetrating the air outlet cover. This design of the air outlet micro-holes allows for downward airflow from the multiple air outlets, i.e., airflow towards the bottom of the inner liner 20. Of course, the air outlet micro-holes can also be replaced with an air outlet grille design.

[0084] A first air outlet groove 302 is provided between the first inner wall 23 and the outer shell 10. Figure 6A As shown by the dashed line in the middle, a second air outlet groove 304 is provided between the second inner liner wall 24 and the outer shell 10. Figure 6B(As shown by the dashed line in the middle) A third air outlet groove 308 is provided between the third inner liner wall 26 and the shell 10. The first air outlet groove 302 to the third air outlet groove are respectively fixed on the corresponding inner liner wall of the inner liner 20, so that the first air outlet groove 302 to the third air outlet groove 308 do not occupy the space of the accommodating part 21 of the inner liner 20. Furthermore, the first air outlet groove 302 connects the first air outlet 301 with the first air outlet connection hole (not shown), and the air passage between the first air outlet groove 302 and the first inner liner wall 23 is the first air outlet; the second air outlet groove 304 connects the second air outlet 303 with the second air outlet connection hole (not shown), and the air passage between the second air outlet groove 304 and the second inner liner wall 24 is the second air outlet; the third air outlet groove 308 connects the third air outlet 307 with the third air outlet connection hole, and the air passage between the third air outlet groove 308 and the third inner liner wall 26 is the third air outlet; wherein, the first air outlet connection hole, the second air outlet connection hole and the third air outlet connection hole can be respectively provided on the first inner liner wall 23, the second inner liner wall 24 and the third inner liner wall 26, but are not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first to third air outlet connection holes can be combined into one, for example, by setting it on the third inner wall of the inner liner. In this case, the structure of the first air outlet groove, the second air outlet groove and the third air outlet groove are improved accordingly, so as to achieve the effect of one air outlet connection hole simultaneously supplying air to multiple air outlet grooves.

[0085] In addition, the airflow channel formed between the third cover plate 313 and the corresponding part of the arc-shaped sidewall 223 is used to connect the first to third air outlet connection holes.

[0086] A return air vent 305 is disposed on the second cover plate 312. Preferably, the return air vent 305 is disposed at the lower edge of the second cover plate 312, which is close to the bottom plate 25. The return air vent 305 includes, for example, multiple return air openings that penetrate the second cover plate 312 and are arranged longitudinally along the surface of the second cover plate 312. A return air duct (not shown) is disposed, for example, in the evaporator chamber to connect the return air vent and the evaporator chamber. The return air duct guides the return air entering the evaporator chamber into the evaporator 50. Preferably, the return air is controlled to flow from the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 toward the second end 52 of the evaporator 50. The airflow channel between the return air duct and the duct plate 310 is the return air duct.

[0087] In the evaporator chamber of the horizontal freezer 300, a fan unit 60 and an evaporator 50 are arranged sequentially on the surface of the arc-shaped side wall 223. The fan unit 60 is located above the evaporator 50 and is close to the air outlet connection hole provided on the inner wall of the inner liner 20. The evaporator 50 is close to the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20.

[0088] Because the curved sidewall 223 is an inclined structure, the evaporator 50 is essentially positioned based on the curved sidewall 223. The curved sidewall 223 ensures that the second end 52 of the evaporator 50, closer to the fan unit 60, is higher than the first end 51 of the evaporator 50, farther from the fan unit 60. In this case, the curved sidewall 223 functions similarly to the inclined top insulation layer 41 and bottom insulation layer 42 in the horizontal freezer 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention, i.e., maintaining the inclination of the evaporator 50. Furthermore, the combined effect of the curved sidewall 223 and the first cover plate 311, which is substantially parallel to it, further reduces the space occupied by the evaporator chamber, improving the space utilization rate of the inner liner 20.

[0089] Furthermore, the evaporator 50 in the horizontal freezer 300 is arranged horizontally. "Horizontal arrangement" means that when air flows through the evaporator 50, the airflow direction is parallel to the fins in the evaporator 50. Heating tubes are embedded in multiple fins of the evaporator 50, and the heating tubes provide heat to defrost the frost that condenses in the evaporator 50.

[0090] The air circulation of the horizontal freezer 300 includes supply air and return air. For example, after the fan unit 60 starts working, it draws in air from one side of the evaporator 50 and delivers air from the other side of the fan unit 60. The air enters the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet through the air outlet connection holes (the number of air outlet connection holes can be one or more), and then enters the inner liner 20 through the corresponding first air outlet 301, second air outlet 303, and third air outlet 307. The air in the inner liner 20 returns through the return air inlet 305, enters the evaporator chamber through the return air duct, and after the evaporator 50 processes the return air, it is drawn in again by the fan unit 60 and delivered. In this embodiment, the first inner liner wall 23 is located away from the user, at the back of the horizontal freezer 200; the second inner liner wall 24 is located near the user, at the front of the horizontal freezer 200; the third inner liner wall 26 is located on the right side of the user; and the return air vent 205 on the second cover 312 is close to the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20. The above-described air circulation process can be considered as simultaneous air supply from the back, front, and right sides, with air return from the bottom.

[0091] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal freezer 300 has an arc-shaped sidewall for the concave portion of the inner liner 20. The first cover plate of the air duct plate is approximately parallel to the arc-shaped sidewall, and the evaporator is integrated into the inclined structure of the arc-shaped sidewall. This further reduces the space occupied by the evaporator chamber between the air duct plate and the arc-shaped sidewall of the concave portion, improving the space utilization rate of the accommodating portion 21 of the inner liner 20. Furthermore, the design of the air outlet and return air outlet provides simultaneous airflow from the two sides and the right side of the inner liner wall, with air returning near the bottom of the inner liner.

[0092] Figure 7A This is a top view of the horizontal freezer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7B and Figure 7C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the horizontal freezer in the fourth embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Figure 7D and Figure 7E This is a schematic diagram of the air duct plate of the horizontal freezer in the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7F This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the evaporator of the horizontal freezer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7A to 7F Zhongyu Figures 1 to 4C Components with the same reference numeral have similar functions, which will not be elaborated further.

[0093] like Figures 7A to 7F As shown, the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a horizontal freezer 400. The difference between the horizontal freezer 400 and the horizontal freezer 100 provided in the first embodiment of the present invention is that: 1) the setting position and structure of the air duct plate 410 are different; 2) the evaporator 50' in the evaporator chamber is "vertically arranged"; 3) the assembly method of the evaporator 50' and the inner liner 20 is different.

[0094] Specifically, the horizontal freezer 400 includes an inner liner 20. The bottom of the inner liner 20 is recessed towards the receiving portion 21 of the inner liner 20 to form a recess. The recess includes a first side wall 221 and a second side wall 222 that are perpendicular to each other. One end of the first side wall 221 is perpendicularly connected to the bottom plate 25, and the second side wall 222 is perpendicularly connected to the third inner liner wall 26 of the inner liner 20. An air duct plate 410 is disposed on one side of the first side wall 221, and the space between the air duct plate 410 and the first inner liner wall 23 of the inner liner 20 constitutes an evaporator chamber. An evaporator 50' is disposed in the evaporator chamber.

[0095] In this embodiment, the air duct plate 410 includes a first cover plate 411, a second cover plate 412, a third cover plate 413, and a fourth cover plate 414. One end of the first cover plate 411 is perpendicularly connected to the second cover plate 412, and the other end of the first cover plate 411 is attached to the first inner wall 23 of the inner liner 20. The second cover plate 412 is parallel to the first inner wall 23. The third cover plate 413 and the fourth cover plate 414 are parallel and opposite to each other, and the third cover plate 413 and the fourth cover plate 414 are respectively attached to the first cover plate 411 and the second cover plate 412. The space between the first cover plate 411, the second cover plate 412, the third cover plate 413, the fourth cover plate 414 and the first inner wall 23 constitutes an evaporator chamber. The evaporator 50' is installed in the evaporator chamber. Preferably, the fan unit 60 is installed in the evaporator chamber and is installed above the evaporator 50'. The fan unit 60 being located above the evaporator 50' means that the fan unit 60 is situated between the evaporator 50' and the first cover plate 411, essentially located in the upper space of the evaporator chamber. To secure the fan unit 60, the second cover plate 412 has an extension boss 420 on the side facing the evaporator chamber, and the fan unit 60 is fixed to the extension boss 420. In this embodiment, the surface of the extension boss 420 that secures the fan unit 60 is an inclined surface, causing the upper side of the fan unit 60 to tilt towards the first inner liner wall 23. That is, the fan unit 60 is inclinedly positioned above the evaporator 50'. The inclined extension boss 420 does not affect the fan unit 60's air intake from the evaporator 50' side, i.e., it does not affect the air circulation within the entire accommodating portion 21 of the inner liner 20.

[0096] The duct plate 410 is not based on Figure 7D and Figure 7E The structure shown is a limitation. In other embodiments of the present invention, the duct plate may be, for example, a U-shaped structure, with the opening of the U-shaped structure facing the first inner liner wall. The fan unit is located on the upper side of the duct plate of the U-shaped structure. The bottom wall of the U-shaped structure is parallel to and opposite to the first inner liner wall. The outer casing of the fan unit is inclined and fixed to the bottom wall of the U-shaped structure, and is inclined towards the first inner liner wall. The outer casing of the fan unit, the U-shaped structure, and the first inner liner wall together form an airflow channel.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 7F As shown, the evaporator 50' is arranged vertically. "Vertical arrangement" means that when air flows through the evaporator 50', the airflow direction is perpendicular to the fins in the evaporator 50'. A heating tube is installed at the bottom of the evaporator 50', which provides heat to defrost the frost that condenses in the evaporator 50'.

[0098] In addition, the evaporator 50' includes a hook 501'. Corresponding to the hook 501', the first inner wall 23 of the inner liner 20 is provided with a mounting hole (not shown). By inserting the hook 501' into the mounting hole, the evaporator 50' can be directly hung on the first inner wall 23, which facilitates the assembly of the evaporator 50'.

[0099] Because the evaporator 50' in this embodiment is arranged vertically, compared to the horizontal arrangement of the evaporator 50 in the horizontal freezer 100, the longitudinal depth of the evaporator chamber between the air duct plate 410 and the first inner liner wall 23 in the horizontal freezer 400 is smaller. The smaller longitudinal depth of the evaporator chamber occupies less space, improving the space utilization of the inner liner 20. Furthermore, a preferred design is to install a fan unit 60 in the evaporator chamber with a smaller longitudinal depth, forming an extension boss 420 inside the air duct plate 410, with the fan unit 60 tilted and fixed to the extension boss 420. The extension boss 420 is not limited to protruding from the second cover plate 412 of the air duct plate 410. In other embodiments of the invention, the extension boss may protrude from the air duct plate or the first inner liner wall 23 toward the evaporator chamber.

[0100] The fan unit 60 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the fan unit 60 may also be an axial fan.

[0101] Continue to refer to Figures 7A to 7C The inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 400 includes a first inner liner wall 23, on which a first air outlet 401 is provided. A first air outlet groove (not shown) is provided between the first inner liner wall 23 and the cabinet 10. A first air outlet connection hole (not shown) communicating with the fan unit 60 is also provided on the first inner liner wall 23. The first air outlet groove connects the first air outlet 401 and the first air outlet connection hole. The airflow channel between the first air outlet groove and the first inner liner wall 23 is the first air duct. The air delivered by the fan unit 60 enters the first air outlet through the first air outlet connection hole and then enters the receiving part 21 of the inner liner 20 through the first air outlet 401.

[0102] Furthermore, if a food basket (not shown) is provided in the inner liner 20, the first air outlet 401 is higher than the upper edge of the food basket. Additionally, an air outlet cover can be provided on the air outlet side of the first air outlet 401. The air outlet cover includes air outlet micro-holes (refer to the description of air outlet micro-hole 811 in the first embodiment of the present invention). The air outlet micro-holes extend obliquely upward from the outer surface of the air outlet cover to the opposite inner surface of the air outlet cover, penetrating the air outlet cover. With the design of the aforementioned air outlet micro-holes, the first air outlet 401 can be made to tilt downwards to discharge air, that is, to discharge air towards the bottom of the inner liner 20. Of course, the air outlet micro-holes can also be replaced by an air outlet grille design.

[0103] The inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 400 includes a bottom plate 25, on which a return air inlet 402 is provided. A return air duct groove (not shown) is provided between the bottom plate 25 and the outer shell 10. Preferably, the return air inlet 402 is located on the side of the bottom plate 25 near the second inner liner wall 24. The second inner liner wall 24 and the first inner liner wall 23 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the bottom plate 25. The bottom plate 25 also has a return air duct connection hole (not shown), which is located in the area of ​​the bottom plate 25 near the evaporator 50'. Preferably, the return air duct connection hole is located inside the evaporator chamber. The return air duct groove connects the return air inlet 402 and the return air duct connection hole. The air passage between the return air duct groove and the bottom plate 25 is the return air duct. The air in the accommodating part 21 of the inner liner 20 enters the return air duct from the return air inlet, enters the evaporator 50' through the return air duct connection hole, is processed by the evaporator 50', and is then drawn back into the fan unit 60 and sent out.

[0104] As described above, the air circulation in the horizontal freezer 400 includes supply air and return air. After the fan unit 60 starts working, it draws in air from one side of the evaporator 50' and supplies air through the other side of the fan unit 60. The air enters the first air duct through the air outlet connection hole and then enters the inner liner 20 through the first air outlet 401. The air in the inner liner 20 returns through the return air inlet 402. The returned air enters the evaporator chamber through the return air duct connection hole, flows from the lower part of the evaporator 50' to the upper part, removes moisture from the evaporator 50', and is then drawn back in by the fan unit 60. In this embodiment, the first inner liner wall 23 is located away from the user, on the back side of the horizontal freezer 200; while the return air inlet 402 is close to the bottom plate 25 of the inner liner 20. The above air circulation process can be regarded as supplying air from the back side and returning air from the bottom.

[0105] In other embodiments of the present invention, the air outlet of the horizontal freezer 400 is not limited to being provided on the first inner wall 23. A second air outlet (not shown) and a third air outlet (not shown) may also be provided on the third inner wall 26 and the fourth inner wall 27, respectively. The second air outlet is connected to the first air outlet connection hole through a second air outlet groove (not shown). The third air outlet is connected to the first air outlet connection hole through a third air outlet groove (not shown). The second air outlet groove is provided between the third inner wall 26 and the shell 10. The third air outlet groove is provided between the fourth inner wall 27 and the shell 10. The air passage between the second air outlet groove and the third inner wall 26 is the second air duct. The air passage between the third air outlet groove and the fourth inner wall 27 is the third air duct. The air supplied by the fan unit 60 passes through the first air outlet connection hole, the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet, and then enters the inner liner's receiving portion through the first air outlet 401, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet, respectively. When the horizontal freezer 400 is in use, the third inner liner wall 26 is located on the user's right side, the fourth inner liner wall 27 is located on the user's left side, and the return air vent 402 remains located on the bottom plate 25 near the second inner liner wall 24. Therefore, the air supply can be considered as a circulation of air supply from the back, left, and right sides simultaneously, with return air at the bottom.

[0106] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal freezer 400 simplifies the installation steps of the evaporator 50' by hanging the vertically arranged evaporator 50' against the first inner wall 23 of the inner liner 20, reduces the longitudinal depth of the evaporator chamber, decreases the lateral space occupied by the evaporator chamber, and improves the space utilization rate of the accommodating portion 21 of the inner liner 20. Furthermore, depending on the arrangement of the evaporator 50', an air circulation system is provided that provides back-side air supply and bottom return, or back-side and left / right-side air supply and bottom return.

[0107] Figure 8A This is a top view of the horizontal freezer in the fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8B to 8D These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the horizontal freezer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Figures 8A to 8D Zhongyu Figures 1 to 4C Components with the same reference numeral have similar functions, which will not be elaborated further.

[0108] The fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a horizontal freezer 500. The horizontal freezer 500 differs from the horizontal freezer 100 provided in the first embodiment of the present invention in that: 1) the relative positions between the fan unit 60 and the evaporator 50 are different; 2) the air circulation of the horizontal freezer 500 is different from that of the horizontal freezer 100.

[0109] like Figures 8A to 8DAs shown, the bottom of the inner liner 20 of the horizontal freezer 500 is recessed towards the receiving portion 21 to form a recess. The recess includes a first side wall 221 and a second side wall 222 that are perpendicular to each other. The first side wall 221 is perpendicularly connected to the bottom plate 25, and the second side wall 222 is perpendicularly connected to the third inner liner wall 26. The air duct plate 510 is disposed on one side of the first side wall 221, and the space between the air duct plate 510 and the first side wall 221 constitutes the evaporator chamber. The evaporator 50 is disposed in the evaporator chamber. The air duct plate 510 is located in the receiving portion 21 of the inner liner 20.

[0110] The duct plate 510 includes a first cover plate 511 and a second cover plate 512 that are perpendicular to each other. The first cover plate 511 is parallel to the first side wall 221, and the second cover plate 512 is located between the first cover plate 511 and the first side wall 221, with the top surface of the second cover plate 512 flush with the top surface of the second side wall 222. In this embodiment, a return air vent 505 is provided on the first cover plate 511, near the lower edge of the first cover plate 511 near the bottom plate 25. The return air vent 505 may include multiple return air openings that penetrate the first cover plate 511 and are arranged longitudinally along the first cover plate 511, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the return air vent 505 may be, for example, a longitudinally extending elongated opening that penetrates the first cover plate 511.

[0111] A return air duct groove 506 is provided between the first cover plate 511 and the evaporator 50. A return air duct connection hole 507 is provided on the side of the return air duct groove 506 near the second inner wall 24. The return air duct groove 506 connects the return air inlet 505 and the return air duct connection hole 507. The air passage between the return air duct groove 506 and the first cover plate 511 is a return air duct.

[0112] The inner liner 20 includes a first inner liner wall 23 and a second inner liner wall 24 disposed opposite to each other. A first air outlet 501 is provided on the first inner liner wall 23, and a second air outlet 503 is provided on the second inner liner wall 24. A first air outlet groove 502 is provided between the first inner liner wall 23 and the outer shell 10 (e.g., Figure 8B (As shown by the dashed line), a second air outlet groove 504 is provided between the second inner liner wall 24 and the outer shell 10 (as shown by the dashed line). Figure 8C (As shown by the dashed line); a first air outlet connection hole (not shown) is provided on the first inner liner wall 23, and a second air outlet connection hole (not shown) is provided on the second inner liner wall 24. The first air outlet groove 502 connects the first air outlet 501 and the first air outlet connection hole respectively, and the second air outlet groove 504 connects the second air outlet 503 and the second air outlet connection hole respectively; the air passage between the first air outlet groove 502 and the first inner liner wall 23 is the first air outlet, and the air passage between the second air outlet groove 504 and the second inner liner wall 24 is the second air outlet.

[0113] To avoid airflow interference between the first air outlet 501 and the second air outlet 503, the first air outlet 501 is located on the upper side of the first inner liner wall 23, and the second air outlet 503 is located in the middle of the second inner liner wall 24. If a storage basket is placed in the inner liner 20, preferably, the first air outlet 501 is higher than the upper edge of the storage basket (not shown) in the inner liner 20, and the second air outlet 503 is slightly lower than the lower edge of the storage basket (not shown) in the inner liner 20.

[0114] The first air outlet 501 includes a plurality of first air outlet openings, which penetrate the first inner liner wall 23 and are arranged laterally along the first inner liner wall 23. Similarly, the second air outlet 503 includes a plurality of second air outlet openings, which penetrate the second inner liner wall 24 and are arranged laterally along the second inner liner wall 24. Air outlet covers can be respectively provided on the air outlet sides of the first air outlet 501 and the second air outlet 503. Each air outlet cover includes air outlet micro-holes (refer to the description of air outlet micro-holes 811 in the first embodiment of the present invention). The air outlet micro-holes extend obliquely upward from the outer surface of the air outlet cover to the opposite inner surface of the air outlet cover, penetrating the air outlet cover. By using the above-mentioned design of the air outlet micro-holes, the downward-sloping air outlets can be directed towards the bottom of the inner liner 20. Of course, the air outlet micro-holes can also be replaced by an air outlet grille design.

[0115] Furthermore, the fan unit 60 is installed in the evaporator chamber, close to the first inner wall 23, and positioned above the evaporator 50 within the evaporator chamber, i.e., the fan unit 60 is located between the second cover plate 512 and the evaporator 50 (e.g., Figure 8B and Figure 8D As shown, a support structure can be installed in the evaporator chamber. The support structure is located between the first inner wall 23 and the second end 52 of the evaporator 50. The fan unit 60 is located on the upper side of the support structure, and the evaporator 50 is located on the lower side of the support structure.

[0116] like Figure 8D As shown, the evaporator chamber also includes a partition 508, which is disposed on the upper side of the evaporator 50. The air passage between the partition 508 and the second cover plate 512 is a third air outlet, and the two ends of the third air outlet are respectively connected to the first air outlet connection hole and the second air outlet connection hole. In this embodiment, the partition 508 is located in the evaporator chamber, which essentially divides the evaporator chamber into an upper region and a lower region. The upper region is the area between the partition 508 and the second cover plate 512, which serves as the third air outlet; the lower region is the area between the partition 508 and the bottom plate 25, which serves as the storage space for the evaporator 50.

[0117] The fan unit 60 is a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan draws in air from one side of the evaporator 50 and sends the air out toward the third air outlet duct.

[0118] In the horizontal freezer 500, the evaporator 50 is arranged horizontally. "Horizontal arrangement" means that when air flows through the evaporator 50, the airflow direction is parallel to the fins in the evaporator 50. Heating tubes are embedded in multiple fins of the evaporator 50, and the heating tubes provide heat to defrost the frost that condenses in the evaporator 50.

[0119] In addition, to facilitate the discharge of defrost water from the evaporator 50, the evaporator 50 is placed at an angle in the evaporator chamber. The second end 52 of the evaporator 50 near the fan unit 60 is higher than the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 away from the fan unit 60, which prevents the defrost water in the evaporator 50 from flowing to the fan unit 60, causing the fan unit 60 to freeze after drawing in the defrost water and malfunction.

[0120] A top insulation layer may be provided between the evaporator 50 and the partition plate 508, and a water collection box and a bottom insulation layer 42 may be sequentially stacked between the evaporator 50 and the bottom plate 25. The top and bottom insulation layers are used to isolate the evaporator 50 from the external environment. Furthermore, the bottom insulation layer 42 has a sloped structure, which causes the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 to be lower than the second end 52. For a description of the top and bottom insulation layers 42 in this embodiment, please refer to the description of the top and bottom insulation layers 41 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The air circulation in the horizontal freezer 500 includes air supply and air exhaust. The fan in the fan unit 60 is a centrifugal fan. When the centrifugal fan is working, it draws in air from one side of the evaporator 50 and delivers it through the other side of the fan unit 60. The air enters the third air duct, and then enters the first and second air ducts through the first and second air duct connection holes, respectively. It then enters the inner liner 20 through the first air outlet 501 and the second air outlet 503. The air in the inner liner 20 returns to the return air duct through the return air inlet 505 on the first side wall 221 of the air duct plate 510, and enters the evaporator chamber through the return air duct connection hole 507. It flows from the first end 51 of the evaporator 50 towards the second end 52. After being processed by the evaporator 50, it is drawn in again by the fan unit 60 and sent to the aforementioned air exhaust duct. When the horizontal freezer 500 is in use, the first inner wall 23 is located on the side away from the user, which can be regarded as the back side of the horizontal freezer 500; the second inner wall 24 is located on the side closer to the user, which can be regarded as the near side of the horizontal freezer 500; and the return air vent 505 is located near the bottom plate 25 of the inner wall 20; therefore, the above-mentioned air circulation can also be regarded as a circulation of air outlet on the back and front sides and return air at the bottom.

[0122] In summary, the horizontal freezer provided by this invention achieves uniform temperature control of the inner liner by placing the air duct plate on one side of the recessed portion of the inner liner, with the space between the air duct plate and the side wall of the recessed portion or the inner liner wall serving as the evaporator chamber to house the evaporator. Furthermore, by adjusting the positions of the air outlet and return air inlet on the inner liner, the invention effectively solves the problem of condensation on the glass door of the horizontal freezer. In addition, improving the structure of the recessed portion and the air duct plate effectively reduces the space occupied by the evaporator chamber, thereby increasing the space utilization rate of the inner liner's accommodating portion.

[0123] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A horizontal refrigerator, comprising a cabinet body, the cabinet body including a shell and an inner liner, the inner liner being embedded in the shell, characterized in that, The inner liner has a receiving portion, and the bottom of the inner liner is recessed towards the receiving portion to form a recess; The recess has an arc-shaped sidewall, one end of which is connected to the bottom plate of the inner liner; the other end of which is connected to the third inner liner wall of the inner liner. The horizontal freezer also includes an air duct plate located in the housing and disposed on one side of the arc-shaped sidewall, the space between the air duct plate and the arc-shaped sidewall forming an evaporator chamber; The horizontal freezer also includes a fan unit and an evaporator located in the evaporator chamber. The fan unit and the evaporator are arranged sequentially on the surface of the arc-shaped side wall, with the fan unit located above the evaporator. The arc-shaped sidewall is an inclined structure. The evaporator is set up against the arc-shaped sidewall, and the arc-shaped sidewall makes the second end of the evaporator closer to the fan unit higher than the first end of the evaporator farther away from the fan unit. The inner liner also includes a first inner liner wall and a second inner liner wall disposed opposite to each other, wherein the aforementioned third inner liner wall is located between the first inner liner wall and the second inner liner wall; The air duct plate includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a third cover plate. The first cover plate is parallel to and opposite to the obliquely extended area of ​​the arc-shaped sidewall. The two ends of the second cover plate are respectively connected to the bottom plate of the inner liner and the first cover plate. The third cover plate is connected to the first cover plate and the third inner liner wall. The second cover plate is equipped with a return air vent; A first air outlet is provided on the first inner liner wall, a second air outlet is provided on the second inner liner wall, and a third air outlet is provided on the third inner liner wall.

2. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first air outlet is located at the upper edge of the first inner wall, and the second air outlet is located at the middle or slightly above the middle of the second inner wall. The air outlets of the first, second, and third air outlets are staggered.

3. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet are provided with air outlet covers on their air outlet sides. The air outlet covers include air outlet micro-holes. The air outlet micro-holes extend obliquely upward from the outer surface of the air outlet cover to the inner surface of the air outlet cover and penetrate the air outlet cover, so that the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet tilt downward to discharge air.

4. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first air outlet groove is provided between the first inner liner wall and the outer shell, a second air outlet groove is provided between the second inner liner wall and the outer shell, and a third air outlet groove is provided between the third inner liner wall and the outer shell. The first inner wall, the second inner wall and the third inner wall are respectively provided with a first air outlet connection hole, a second air outlet connection hole and a third air outlet connection hole; The first air outlet groove connects the first air outlet to the first air outlet connection hole, and the air passage between the first air outlet groove and the first inner liner wall is the first air outlet groove; the second air outlet groove connects the second air outlet to the second air outlet connection hole, and the air passage between the second air outlet groove and the second inner liner wall is the second air outlet groove; the third air outlet groove connects the third air outlet to the third air outlet connection hole, and the air passage between the third air outlet groove and the third inner liner wall is the third air outlet groove. When the fan unit is working, it draws in air from one side of the evaporator and sends air out from the other side of the fan unit. The air enters the first air outlet, second air outlet, and third air outlet through the first air outlet connection hole, the second air outlet connection hole, and the third air outlet connection hole, respectively. Then, it enters the inner liner through the corresponding first air outlet, second air outlet, and third air outlet. The air in the inner liner enters the evaporator chamber through the return air port.

5. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The airflow channel formed between the third cover plate and the corresponding part of the arc-shaped sidewall is used to connect the first air outlet connection hole, the second air outlet connection hole, and the third air outlet connection hole.

6. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first air outlet includes a plurality of first air outlet openings, which penetrate the first inner wall and are arranged in a transverse manner along the first inner wall. The second air outlet includes multiple second air outlet openings, which penetrate the second inner wall and are arranged laterally along the second inner wall.

7. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The return air vent is located at the lower edge of the second cover plate, which is close to the bottom plate. The return air vent includes multiple return air openings that penetrate the second cover plate and are arranged longitudinally along the surface of the second cover plate.

8. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner also includes a fourth inner liner wall disposed opposite to the third inner liner wall; Both the first inner liner wall and the second inner liner wall are inner liner walls that extend along the width direction or laterally of the horizontal freezer. Both the third inner liner wall and the fourth inner liner wall are inner liner walls that extend along the length or longitudinal direction of the horizontal freezer. The maximum lengths of the first inner liner wall and the second inner liner wall are respectively greater than the lengths of the third inner liner wall and the fourth inner liner wall.

9. The horizontal freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When air flows through the evaporator, the direction of airflow is parallel to the fins in the evaporator.

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