Refrigerator and ventilation grill assembly thereof

Abstract

The present application provides a refrigerator and a ventilation grille assembly thereof, which is used to be installed below the front side of the cabinet of the refrigerator and comprises a grille plate and a plurality of magnets, the grille plate is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes, and the plurality of magnets are arranged at the rear side of the grille plate to fix the grille plate below the front side of the cabinet, so that at least part of the ventilation holes faces the bottom space between the bottom plate of the cabinet and the ground, so as to communicate the bottom space with the external environment by the ventilation holes. The ventilation grille assembly of the present application uses the plurality of magnets to adsorb the grille plate on the cabinet, so as to dissipate heat by the ventilation holes of the grille plate, and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a refrigerator and its ventilation grille assembly. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve a better integration with cabinetry, existing built-in refrigerators have kick feet at the bottom; however, these kick feet may affect heat dissipation. To improve ventilation between the built-in refrigerator and the external environment, existing technologies use ventilation grilles at the bottom. These grilles are connected to the refrigerator (or surrounding cabinets) via fastening or welding, which is inconvenient for users to install and disassemble. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least one deficiency in the prior art and to provide a refrigerator and its ventilation grille assembly.

[0004] A further object of the present invention is to facilitate the installation of the ventilation grille assembly onto the refrigerator body.

[0005] Another further object of the present invention is to facilitate the formation of support ribs in the grid plate for supporting magnets.

[0006] In particular, the present invention provides a ventilation grille assembly for a refrigerator, for installation on the lower front side of the refrigerator body, comprising: a grille plate having a plurality of ventilation holes thereon; and a plurality of magnets disposed on the rear side of the grille plate to fix the grille plate to the lower front side of the body, thereby making at least some of the ventilation holes face the bottom space between the bottom plate of the body and the ground, so as to connect the bottom space with the external environment through the ventilation holes.

[0007] Optionally, the grating plate also includes multiple support ribs, all of which are located on the rear side of the grating plate, and their number corresponds one-to-one with the number of magnets, in order to support the magnets.

[0008] Optionally, multiple ventilation holes are distributed across multiple layers in the height direction; and support ribs are formed at the edge of the ventilation holes on the highest layer and extend backward.

[0009] Optionally, multiple ventilation holes are distributed in an array on the grille.

[0010] Optionally, the upper edge of the grid plate has a rearwardly extending top flange, which, together with the support ribs, constrains the degree of freedom of the magnet in the height direction.

[0011] Optionally, in the front-to-back direction, the width of the top flange is set to be no greater than the width of the magnet.

[0012] Optionally, a kick plate is provided at the bottom front side of the enclosure; a first snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided on the upper surface of the top flange. When the grille is attached to the enclosure, the first snap-fit ​​protrusion abuts against the inner side of the kick plate to constrain the degree of freedom of the grille in the front-back direction.

[0013] Optionally, the grating plate has a rearwardly extending side flange on one and / or both sides, and a second snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided on the outer side of the side flange. When the grating plate is attached to the box, the second snap-fit ​​protrusion abuts against the inner side of the kick plate to restrict the degree of freedom of the grating plate in the front-back direction.

[0014] Optionally, the portion of the first snap-fit ​​protrusion configured as a top flange is cut and then folded away from the grid plate; and / or, the portion of the second snap-fit ​​protrusion configured as a top flange is cut and then folded away from the grid plate.

[0015] In particular, the present invention also provides a refrigerator including a ventilation grille assembly according to any of the foregoing claims.

[0016] The ventilation grille assembly of the present invention has a grille plate installed on the lower front side of the refrigerator body. The grille plate has multiple ventilation holes and multiple magnets are set on the rear side of the grille plate to fix the grille plate to the lower front side of the body. The magnetic attraction method is simple to operate and convenient for users to install and disassemble.

[0017] Furthermore, in the ventilation grille assembly of the present invention, a plurality of support ribs are provided on the rear side of the grille plate. The support ribs are formed at the edge of the ventilation hole at the highest level and extend rearward. Therefore, stamping molds can be used to quickly realize the manufacturing process, which not only saves the cumbersome installation process and reduces the number of parts, but also makes the connection between the grille plate more secure.

[0018] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a usage scenario in which the refrigerator is installed in a cabinet;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some components in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a grille plate of a ventilation grille assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the front side of the grille plate;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a grille plate in a ventilation grille assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the rear side of the grille plate and the supporting ribs thereon;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly relationship between the ventilation grille assembly, the housing, the door, and the kick plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a grille in a ventilation grille assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the rear side of the grille and the top flange, side flange and support rib thereon;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a grille plate in a ventilation grille assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship between the ventilation grille assembly, the housing, the door, and the kick plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," and "depth," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation under normal use conditions, and can be determined with reference to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, "front" in indicating orientation refers to the side facing the user. This is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0029] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a usage scenario where the refrigerator 1 is installed in a cabinet 2. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some components of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] This invention provides a refrigerator 1, which can be used alone or as an embedded refrigerator 1 (e.g. Figure 1 (As shown). Generally, the refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 and a door 20.

[0031] The refrigerator body 10 may include an outer shell and multiple inner liners. The outer shell is located on the outermost side of the overall refrigerator 1 to protect the entire refrigerator 1. The multiple inner liners are enclosed by the outer shell, and the space between the multiple inner liners and the outer shell is filled with insulation material (forming a foam layer) to reduce heat loss from the inner liners. Each inner liner can define a forward-opening storage space, and the storage space can be configured as a refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, variable temperature compartment, etc. The specific number and function of the storage space can be configured according to pre-set needs.

[0032] The number of doors 20 can also be the same as the number of inner linings, meaning that each storage compartment of the inner lining that opens forward can be opened and closed by its corresponding door 20. The door 20 is movably set at the front of the box 10. For example, the door 20 can be hinged to one side of the front of the box 10, and the storage space can be opened and closed by pivoting.

[0033] Typically, a compressor compartment is located on the lower rear side of the cabinet 10, where the compressor and condenser of the refrigerator 1 are housed. A cooling fan is also installed in the compressor compartment to draw in ambient air and dissipate heat from the compressor and condenser within the compartment.

[0034] Since the bottom door 20 cannot completely cover the front bottom of the refrigerator body 10, and due to the support of the feet 14, the bottom space 12 between the bottom plate and the bottom surface of the refrigerator body 10 is also open to the front, a kick plate 3 is installed at the bottom of the front of the refrigerator body 1 for decoration in order to conceal the unsightly appearance and maintain a consistent style with the usage scenario of the refrigerator body 1. However, the installation of the kick plate 3 may obstruct the airflow of the compressor compartment, affecting the heat dissipation efficiency of the refrigerator body 1.

[0035] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1 may further include a ventilation grille assembly 30, which is installed on the lower front side of the refrigerator body 10 to connect the bottom space 12 of the body 10 with the external environment, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0036] See Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a grille plate 310 of a ventilation grille assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the front side of the grille plate 310. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a grille plate 310 in a ventilation grille assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the rear side of the grille plate 310 and the supporting ribs 315 thereon. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship between the ventilation grille assembly 30, the housing 10, the door 20, and the kick plate 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The ventilation grille assembly 30 may further include a grille plate 310 and a plurality of magnets 320. The grille plate 310 has a plurality of ventilation holes 314a. The plurality of magnets 320 are disposed on the rear side of the grille plate 310 to fix the grille plate 310 to the lower front side of the housing 10, thereby making at least some of the ventilation holes 314a face the bottom space 12 between the bottom plate of the housing 10 and the ground, so as to connect the bottom space 12 with the external environment through the ventilation holes 314a.

[0038] Specifically, the grille 310 may include a connecting plate segment 312 and an open plate segment 314 formed below the connecting plate segment 312, with multiple ventilation holes 314a formed on the open plate segment 314. When multiple magnets 320 are disposed on the rear side of the connecting plate segment 312, so that the connecting plate segment 312 is attracted to the front bottom surface of the housing 10, the open plate segment 314 naturally faces the bottom space 12 between the bottom plate and the ground, and thus all the ventilation holes 314a on it face the bottom space 12, resulting in better ventilation.

[0039] In the ventilation grille assembly 30 of this embodiment, when the connecting plate segment 312 of the grille plate 310 is fixed to the lower front side of the housing 10, the multiple ventilation holes 314a on the perforated plate segment 314 connect the bottom space 12 with the external environment, so that the heat dissipation airflow in the compressor chamber can exchange heat with the air in the external environment through the multiple ventilation holes 314a.

[0040] For example, the compressor compartment can be cooled from the bottom. The bottom plate of the compressor compartment (i.e., the bottom plate of housing 10) can have ventilation holes. The cooling airflow inside the compressor compartment can first be discharged downwards into the bottom environment between the bottom plate and the ground, and then forward through multiple ventilation holes 314a into the external environment. Simultaneously, air from the external environment can also enter the compressor compartment sequentially through the multiple ventilation holes 314a and the cooling holes on the bottom plate, forming a circulation with the cooling airflow.

[0041] Furthermore, in the ventilation grille assembly 30 of this embodiment, the connecting plate segment 312 of the grille plate 310 is magnetically connected to the housing 10. The grille plate 310 (or at least the connecting plate segment 312 of the grille plate 310) is made of a magnetic material (e.g., 430 stainless steel). Multiple magnets 320 are evenly arranged laterally on the rear side of the grille plate 310, so that the multiple magnets 320 can attract the grille plate 310 to the housing 10 (or the sheet metal parts of the housing 10) to achieve connection. Moreover, the magnetic connection method is simple to operate and convenient for users to install and disassemble.

[0042] See Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the grating plate 310 further includes a plurality of support ribs 315, all of which are disposed on the rear side of the grating plate 310, and their number corresponds one-to-one with the number of magnets 320, so as to support the magnets 320 and prevent the magnets 320 from leaving their original positions due to their own gravity during long-term use, thereby preventing the grating plate 310 from separating from the box 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the support rib 315 can be a rib protruding from the rear surface of the grating plate 310. It can be integrally formed with the grating plate 310, or it can be installed on the rear surface of the grating plate 310 by welding, snap-fitting, riveting and other fixing methods.

[0044] In addition, the support rib 315 can be set on the connecting plate section 312 of the grid plate 310 or on the perforated plate section 314 of the grid plate 310, as long as the magnet 320 can be supported on the rear side of the connecting plate section 312 of the grid plate 310.

[0045] The number of support ribs 315 corresponds one-to-one with the number of magnets 320. Taking two magnets 320 as an example, the two magnets 320 are respectively set on the two sides of the horizontal direction of the connecting plate segment 312. Correspondingly, there is a support rib 315 on each side of the horizontal direction of the grid plate 310 to support the corresponding magnet 320.

[0046] In some embodiments, a plurality of ventilation holes 314a are distributed across multiple layers in the height direction. For example Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple ventilation holes 314a are distributed in an array on the grille plate 310. The multiple ventilation holes 314a can be distributed in multiple layers along the height direction, with multiple ventilation holes 314a evenly distributed in each layer, and multiple ventilation holes 314a in each column arranged sequentially along the height direction.

[0047] Of course, the multiple ventilation holes 314a can also be arranged in other ways. For example, they can be staggered in the vertical direction. As long as the perforated plate segment 314 of the grille plate 310 can be fully utilized and a certain degree of aesthetics is achieved, it is acceptable.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, the porosity of the multiple ventilation holes 314a and the perforated plate segment 314 is maintained between 60% and 70%. This ensures that the ventilation efficiency meets the heat dissipation requirements of the compressor compartment, while also guaranteeing the mechanical strength of the perforated plate segment 314.

[0049] See Figure 4 and Figure 5Furthermore, the support rib 315 is formed at the edge of the ventilation hole 314a at the top layer and extends rearward. Since the ventilation hole 314a at the top layer is close to the connecting plate segment 312 of the grid plate 310, setting the support rib 315 at the edge of the ventilation hole 314a at the top layer can meet the conditions for supporting the magnet 320.

[0050] Furthermore, since the support rib 315 is formed at the edge of the ventilation hole 314a at the top layer and extends backward, it can be quickly manufactured using a stamping die. This not only saves on cumbersome installation procedures and reduces the number of parts, but also makes it more firmly connected to the grating plate 310.

[0051] Specifically, during the manufacturing process, ventilation holes 314a, for which support ribs 315 need to be installed, are first punched and cut out. The area of ​​this ventilation hole 314a is smaller than that of the other ventilation holes 314a. Then, the edge of the ventilation hole 314a is punched from front to back using a stamping die, so that part of its edge is folded over and protrudes from the rear surface of the grating plate 310. This not only forms the support ribs 315, but also ensures that the area of ​​the ventilation hole 314a is consistent with that of the other ventilation holes 314a after the second stamping.

[0052] See Figure 5 Since the bottom front side of the box body 10 is provided with a kick plate 3, when the grille 310 is attached to the box body 10 by multiple magnets 320, it can also be connected with the kick plate 3 to integrate with the box body 10 and improve the aesthetics.

[0053] See Figure 5 Furthermore, since in the above embodiment, the multiple magnets 320 are supported only by the multiple support ribs 315 and are not limited above them, when the grid plate 310 is adsorbed onto the box 10, the lower edge of the kick plate 3 can also extend into the rear side of the grid plate 310 to abut against the upper surface of the multiple magnets 320 from top to bottom, thereby constraining the degree of freedom of the multiple magnets 320 together with the support ribs 315 in the height direction, so that the magnets 320 are more stably set in the predetermined position.

[0054] See Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a grille plate 310 in a ventilation grille assembly 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the rear side of the grille plate 310 and its top flange 316, side flanges 318 and support ribs 315. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the grille plate 310 in the ventilation grille assembly 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship between the ventilation grille assembly 30, the housing 10, the door 20, and the kick plate 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In some other embodiments, the grid plate 310 may also be provided with a top flange 316 for restricting the plurality of magnets 320 above. Specifically, the top flange 316 is formed at the upper edge of the connecting plate segment 312 and extends rearward to constrain the degree of freedom of the magnets 320 in the height direction together with the support rib 315.

[0056] When selecting magnet 320 before assembly, the height of magnet 320 should be matched with the height of the installation gap between the top flange 316 and the support rib 315 as much as possible. This can effectively utilize the limiting function of the top flange 316 to keep magnet 320 in a stable state.

[0057] See Figure 8 Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction, the width of the top flange 316 should not exceed the width of the magnet 320. In some specific embodiments, the width of the top flange 316 and the width of the magnet 320 may also be consistent.

[0058] Since magnet 320 needs to contact and adhere to housing 10, if the width of top flange 316 in the front-to-back direction is greater than the width of magnet 320, magnet 320 cannot directly contact and adhere to housing 10. This would greatly reduce the adsorption force of magnet 320 on housing 10, and might even prevent grille 310 from being securely installed on housing 10. Therefore, when the width of top flange 316 is no greater than the width of magnet 320, top flange 316 will not interfere with the contact and adsorption between magnet 320 and housing 10, thus improving reliability.

[0059] See Figures 6 to 8 Furthermore, the upper surface of the top flange 316 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a. When the grille 310 is attached to the housing 10, the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a abuts against the inner side of the kick plate 3 to constrain the degree of freedom of the grille 310 in the front-back direction.

[0060] Before installing the ventilation grille assembly 30, the kick plate 3 can be fixedly connected to the refrigerator 1 or to the cabinet used to house the refrigerator 1. When installing the ventilation grille assembly 30, the magnet 320 is first pre-installed on the back of the grille plate 310, and then pushed into a predetermined area on the kick plate 3 from front to back, so that the magnet 320 is finally attracted to the front surface of the cabinet 10.

[0061] Because the top flange 316 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a, when the grille 310 is attached to the housing 10, the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a abuts against the inner side of the kick plate 3, so that the grille 310 cannot detach from the kick plate 3 from back to front, making the installation effect of the grille 310 more stable.

[0062] See Figures 6 to 8Furthermore, one and / or both edges of the grating plate 310 are provided with a rearwardly extending side flange 318, and the outer side of the side flange 318 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​protrusion 318a. When the grating plate 310 is attached to the box body 10, the second snap-fit ​​protrusion 318a abuts against the inner side of the kick plate 3 to constrain the degree of freedom of the grating plate 310 in the front-back direction.

[0063] Similarly, during the installation of the ventilation grille assembly 30, as the grille 310 is attached to the housing 10, the grille 310 is pushed from front to back into a predetermined area on the kick plate 3. The second snap-fit ​​protrusion 318a abuts against the inner surfaces of the lateral sides of the kick plate 3 to cooperate with the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a, so as to prevent the grille 310 from detaching from the kick plate 3 from back to front.

[0064] Furthermore, both the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a and the second snap-fit ​​protrusion 318a can be manufactured by stamping and folding.

[0065] See Figure 7 Taking the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a as an example, a portion of the plate can first be cut on the top flange 316 using a cutting device, but a portion still needs to be connected to the top flange 316 (for example, a square area can be selected on the top flange 316, three sides of the square area can be cut, and one side can be retained). Then, the portion of the plate is pushed out from the bottom to the top surface of the top flange 316 using a tool, forming a first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a that protrudes from the top surface of the top flange 316 in a natural state.

[0066] See Figure 7 Furthermore, the first engaging protrusion 316a can also be configured to extend from back to front and upward. This way, when the grille plate 310 is pushed towards the housing 10 from front to back, the rear end of the first engaging protrusion 316a reaches the kick plate 3 first, and since the rear end is lower, it will not affect the advancement of the grille plate 310. During continued advancement, the first engaging protrusion 316a gradually contacts the kick plate 3. After being pressed downwards by the kick plate 3, the first engaging protrusion 316a retracts into the top flange 316, generating an elastic restoring force. When the first engaging protrusion 316a has completely passed through the kick plate 3, under the action of the elastic restoring force, the first engaging protrusion 316a pops out again from the surface of the top flange 316, with its front end abutting against the inner side of the kick plate 3. At this point, the magnet 320 contacts and attracts the housing 10, completing the installation.

[0067] The manufacturing method of the second snap-fit ​​protrusion 318a is similar to that of the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 316a. The only difference is that the direction of pushing out after cutting should be horizontal and outward. This will not be described in detail here.

[0068] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A ventilation grille assembly for a refrigerator, for installation on the lower front side of the refrigerator body, characterized in that... include: The grating panel has multiple ventilation holes. and Multiple magnets are disposed on the rear side of the grille to fix the grille to the lower front side of the box, thereby making at least a portion of the ventilation holes face the bottom space between the bottom plate of the box and the ground, so as to connect the bottom space with the external environment through the ventilation holes; The grid plate also includes a plurality of support ribs, all of which are disposed on the rear side of the grid plate, and their number corresponds one-to-one with the number of magnets, so as to support the magnets; The plurality of ventilation holes are distributed in multiple layers along the height direction; and The support rib is formed at the edge of the ventilation hole at the top layer, and the support rib extends rearward; The upper edge of the grid plate has a rearwardly extending top flange, which, together with the support rib, constrains the degree of freedom of the magnet in the height direction. A kick plate is provided at the bottom front side of the box; The upper surface of the top flange is provided with a first snap-fit ​​protrusion. When the grille is attached to the box, the first snap-fit ​​protrusion abuts against the inner side of the kick plate to constrain the degree of freedom of the grille in the front-back direction. The grating plate has a rearwardly extending side flange on one and / or both sides. A second snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided on the outer side of the side flange. When the grating plate is attached to the box, the second snap-fit ​​protrusion abuts against the inner side of the kick plate to restrict the degree of freedom of the grating plate in the front-back direction.

2. The ventilation grille assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilation holes are arranged in an array on the grille.

3. The ventilation grille assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the front-to-back direction, the width of the top flange is set to be no greater than the width of the magnet.

4. The ventilation grille assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first snap-fit ​​protrusion is configured as a portion of the plate with a top flange, which is cut and then folded away from the grid plate; and / or The second snap-fit ​​protrusion is formed by cutting and folding the portion of the plate at the top flange away from the grid plate.

5. A refrigerator, characterized in that... Includes the ventilation grille assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images