Refrigerator and air duct component thereof

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator and a wind channel component thereof. The wind channel component for the refrigerator comprises a first cover plate, a second cover plate and a heat insulation foam layer. The second cover plate is buckled on the inner side of the first cover plate and defines a space with the first cover plate. The heat insulation foam layer is formed in the space between the first cover plate and the second cover plate through a foaming process and is used for defining a wind channel of the refrigerator. The wind channel component of the application has a simple and novel structure, higher assembly efficiency and lower cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to refrigeration and freezing equipment, and more particularly to a refrigerator and its air duct components. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, air-cooled refrigerators have become the mainstream product in the refrigerator market. Air-cooled refrigerators generally need to use air ducts to transport the cold air generated by the evaporator from the cooling chamber to each storage compartment to achieve cooling of the storage compartment.

[0003] The air ducts of existing refrigerators are generally assembled from various covers, insulation foam and auxiliary materials. The assembly process is complicated, the assembly efficiency is too low, and the cost is high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art and provide a duct component with a simple and novel structure, higher assembly efficiency, and lower cost.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having the above-mentioned air duct components.

[0006] On one hand, the present invention provides an air duct component for a refrigerator, comprising:

[0007] First cover plate;

[0008] The second cover plate is fastened to the inner side of the first cover plate and is spaced apart from it; and

[0009] An insulating foam layer is formed in the gap between the first cover plate and the second cover plate by a foaming process, and is used to define the air duct of the refrigerator.

[0010] Optionally, the air duct component is used to be installed inside the inner liner of the refrigerator, and the first cover plate is attached to the inner liner;

[0011] The insulating foam layer is formed on the inner side of the second cover plate.

[0012] Optionally, the inner side of the first cover plate is formed with a plurality of protruding ridges, and the plurality of protruding ridges, together with the inner side of the first cover plate and the heat insulation foam layer, form the air duct.

[0013] Optionally, the heat-insulating foam layer is formed with a groove that matches the shape of the air duct, and the groove, together with the plurality of protruding ridges and the inner side of the first cover plate, forms the air duct.

[0014] Optionally, one side of the second cover plate is connected to one side of the first cover plate via at least one connecting portion, the connecting portion being configured to allow the second cover plate and the first cover plate to be flipped to a snap-fit ​​state in which their inner surfaces face each other.

[0015] Optionally, each of the connecting portions is a strip structure connected between the first cover plate and the second cover plate;

[0016] The thickness of each of the connecting portions is less than the thickness of the sections of the first and second cover plates adjacent to the connecting portions, so as to facilitate folding.

[0017] Optionally, the first cover plate includes a first substrate and a first flange extending from the periphery of the first substrate, and the second cover plate includes a second substrate and a second flange extending from the periphery of the second substrate.

[0018] When the first cover plate and the second cover plate are in the fastening state, the first flange and the second flange are sealed and abutted together.

[0019] Optionally, the edge of the first substrate and / or the edge of the first flange has at least one first strip extending along its length and having a "U" shaped cross-section;

[0020] The edge of the second substrate and / or the edge of the second flange has at least one second locking strip extending along its length and having a "U"-shaped cross-section, so that when the first cover plate and the second cover plate are in the fastening state, the convex side of each first locking strip is inserted into the concave side of the corresponding second locking strip to achieve a snap-fit.

[0021] Optionally, the air duct component is used to be installed inside the inner liner of the refrigerator;

[0022] The inner surface of the inner liner has an inwardly recessed strip-shaped groove, and the second locking strip is also used to be inserted into the strip-shaped groove to achieve the locking and fixing of the air duct component and the inner liner.

[0023] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a refrigerator comprising an air duct component as described in any of the above claims for conveying cold air produced by the refrigerator.

[0024] The air duct component of the present invention includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a heat-insulating foam layer. The heat-insulating foam layer is directly formed in the gap between the first cover plate and the second cover plate through a foaming process, without the need for separate manufacturing or external purchase, thus reducing costs.

[0025] Furthermore, in the air duct component of the present invention, the first cover plate and the second cover plate are connected by a connecting part so that they can be flipped to a snap-fit ​​state where their inner surfaces face each other, thereby forming an air duct between them. The present invention utilizes a flipping and folding process to manufacture the air duct component, reducing or eliminating the use of fasteners such as screws, reducing splicing and installation steps, making the structure simpler, lowering costs, and improving assembly efficiency. It also results in fewer splicing gaps and better sealing performance.

[0026] Furthermore, in the air duct component of the present invention, the first cover plate and the second cover plate are fastened together by the snap-fitting of the first and second U-shaped locking strips, making assembly simple and quick. Moreover, the air duct component also cleverly utilizes the second locking strip to snap-fit ​​with the inner liner of the refrigerator, giving it a dual function. The design is very ingenious.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the inner liner and air duct components in the structure shown.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of an air duct component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the air duct component after the insulation foam layer has been concealed.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point C;

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following reference Figures 1 to 9This invention describes an air duct component for a refrigerator and a refrigerator according to embodiments of the present invention. The terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "lateral," etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and are 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the inner liner 12 and the air duct component 30 in the structure shown.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator of this embodiment generally includes a cabinet 10 and an air duct component 30.

[0044] The cabinet 10 defines a storage compartment 128 for storing food or other items. Specifically, the cabinet 10 may include an outer shell (not shown) and an inner liner 12. The inner liner 12 is disposed inside the outer shell. A foam layer is disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner 12. The outer shell forms the exterior of the refrigerator, and the inner liner 12 defines the storage compartment 128.

[0045] Based on storage temperature, storage compartments can be divided into refrigerators, freezers, and variable temperature compartments. The temperature ranges within each type of storage compartment differ. For example, the temperature in a refrigerator is generally controlled between 2°C and 10°C, preferably between 4°C and 7°C. The temperature range in a freezer is generally controlled between -22°C and -14°C. Variable temperature compartments can be adjusted between -18°C and 8°C to achieve a variable temperature effect. Different types of items have different optimal storage temperatures, and therefore require different storage compartments. For example, fruits and vegetables are suitable for storage in the refrigerator, while meat is suitable for storage in the freezer. Each storage compartment is equipped with a door or drawer (not shown) for opening and closing.

[0046] In some embodiments, the refrigerator may employ a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system to produce cold air. The vapor compression refrigeration cycle system includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, throttling device, and other refrigeration components.

[0047] The air duct component 30 is the air duct component 30 of any embodiment of the present invention. The function of the air duct component 30 is to transport the cold air produced by the refrigerator. For example, some refrigerators have a cooling compartment, in which an evaporator is disposed, for producing cold air. The air duct component 30 can be used to transport the cold air in the cooling compartment to the storage compartment. Alternatively, the air duct component 30 can be used to transport the cold air in one storage compartment to another storage compartment. Alternatively, the air duct 310 defined by the air duct component 30 is a section of the complete air duct of the refrigerator.

[0048] The air duct component 30 can be installed inside the inner liner 12. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the air duct component 30 is installed on the inner rear wall of the inner liner 12. Of course, in other embodiments, the air duct component 30 may also be installed on the transverse side wall, bottom wall, or top wall of the inner liner 12.

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of an air duct component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the air duct component after the insulation foam layer has been concealed. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point C; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D.

[0050] The following reference Figures 3 to 9 The air duct component 30 of this embodiment will be introduced.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the air duct component 30 of the present invention generally includes a first cover plate 100, a second cover plate 200 and a heat insulation foam layer 500.

[0052] The second cover plate 200 is fastened to the inside of the first cover plate 100 and defines a gap between them for accommodating the heat insulation foam layer 500.

[0053] The insulating foam layer 500 is formed in the gap between the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 through a foaming process, and is used to define the air duct 310 of the refrigerator. The air duct 310 is used to guide the cold air inside the refrigerator. In the manufacturing process, foaming is first performed on the inner side 101 of the first cover plate 100 or the inner side 201 of the second cover plate 200 to form a foam layer, and then the second cover plate 200 is fastened to the first cover plate 100.

[0054] In the air duct component 30 of the present invention, the heat insulation foam layer 500 is directly formed in the gap 200 between the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate by a foaming process, without the need for separate manufacturing or external purchase, thus reducing costs.

[0055] In some embodiments, the air duct component 30 is installed inside the inner liner 12 of the refrigerator, and the first cover plate 100 abuts against the inner liner 12, such as... Figure 1 The insulating foam layer 500 is formed on the inner surface 201 of the second cover plate 200, as shown below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first cover plate 100 is attached to the inner liner 12, and the rear side of the inner liner 12 already has a foam layer, providing good thermal insulation performance. The outer surface of the second cover plate is in direct contact with the internal environment of the storage compartment, making heat transfer easier. Therefore, in this embodiment, a thermal insulation foam layer 500 is formed on the inner surface 201 of the second cover plate 200 to enhance the thermal insulation of the second cover plate 200 near the storage compartment, thereby maintaining the temperature of the airflow inside the air duct 310. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the inner surface 101 of the first cover plate 100 has multiple protruding ridges 113, 114, and 115, which, together with the inner surface 101 of the first cover plate 100 and the heat-insulating foam layer 500, form an air duct 310. For example Figure 7As shown, the inner surface 101 of the first cover plate 100 has three protruding ridges 113, 114, and 115, namely, the protruding ridges 113 and 114 arranged laterally, and the protruding ridge 115 located above the protruding ridges 113 and 114 and extending laterally. The bottom of the protruding ridges 113 and 114 defines the main flow channel of the air outlet duct 310, the protruding ridges 113 and 115 define one branch flow channel of the air outlet duct 310, and the protruding ridges 114 and 115 define another branch flow channel of the air outlet duct 310. In this way, the air duct 310 receives air from the bottom and discharges air to the lateral sides. The lateral sides of the air duct component 30 have air outlets 303 and 304, respectively.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat insulation foam layer 500 can be formed with a groove 510 that matches the shape of the air duct 310. When the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 are in the snap-fit ​​state, the groove 510, together with the multiple protrusions 113, 114, 115 and the inner side surface 201 of the second cover plate 200, together form the air duct 310.

[0057] Furthermore, the insulating foam layer 500 may have multiple guide strips 511, which are located within the groove 510 to guide the airflow direction within the air duct 310. The length direction of the guide strips 511 may be consistent with the orientation of the air duct 310.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, one side of the second cover 200 is connected to one side of the first cover 100 via at least one connecting portion 305. The connecting portion 305 is configured to allow the second cover 200 and the first cover 100 to be flipped to a snap-fit ​​state in which their inner surfaces 101, 201 face each other, so that the gap between the first cover 100 and the second cover 200 forms an air duct 310 for guiding cold air inside the refrigerator. Figure 2 In the middle, the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 are in a snap-fit ​​state.

[0059] Specifically, before manufacturing the air duct component 30, the base material of the air duct component 30 includes a first cover plate 100 and a second cover plate 200 connected by a connecting portion 305. The base material is generally in the shape of an unfolded plate. For example, the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 can be made to be in a generally coplanar state to facilitate packaging. When manufacturing the air duct component 30, the first cover plate 100 or the second cover plate 200 is folded / flipped along the connecting portion 305, so that both are folded to the aforementioned snap-fit ​​state, and positioned to keep them in the snap-fit ​​state. At this time, the connecting portion 305 constitutes one side of the air duct component 30.

[0060] The air duct component 30 of this embodiment includes a first cover plate 100 and a second cover plate 200. The first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 are connected by a connecting part 305 so that they can be flipped to a snap-fit ​​state where their inner surfaces 101 and 201 face each other, thereby forming an air duct 310 between them. This invention utilizes a flipping and folding process to manufacture the air duct component 30, reducing or eliminating the use of fasteners such as screws, reducing splicing and installation steps, making the structure simpler, the cost lower, and the assembly efficiency improved. Furthermore, it results in fewer splicing gaps and better sealing performance.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first cover plate 100, the second cover plate 200, and the connecting portion 305 can be integrally formed by a vacuum forming process, that is, the three are three parts of a single component. When the first cover plate 100 or the second cover plate 200 is folded, the connecting portion 305 deforms due to the flexibility of its material, allowing the first cover plate 100 or the second cover plate 200 to flip. The first cover plate 100, the second cover plate 200, and the connecting portion 305 can all be made of PP material. Alternatively, the connecting portion 305 can be made of a material that is more flexible and easier to fold than the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, each connecting portion 305 can be a strip structure connecting the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200, such as... Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, there are two connecting portions 305, labeled as segments ab and cd, respectively. The thickness of each connecting portion 305 is less than the thickness of the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 in the adjacent section of the connecting portion 305, so as to facilitate folding. In other words, the connecting portion 305 is a thinned section with a thickness less than that of the adjacent section.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first cover plate 100 includes a first substrate 110 and a first flange 120 extending from the periphery of the first substrate 110, and the second cover plate 200 includes a second substrate 210 and a second flange 220 extending from the periphery of the second substrate 210. When the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 are in a snap-fit ​​state, the first flange 120 and the second flange 220 are sealed and abutted together. When the first flange 120 and the second flange 220 are abutted together, the first flange 120 can be located inside the second flange 220. In some other embodiments, the second flange 220 can also be located inside. In this way, the first flange 120 and the second flange 220 are used to enclose the gap between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figures 7 to 9As shown, the edges of the first substrate 110 and / or the first flange 120 may have at least one first clip 190 extending along their length and having a "U"-shaped cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clip 190 extends from the edge of the first substrate 110. The edges of the second substrate 210 and / or the second flange 220 have at least one second clip 290 extending along their length and having a "U"-shaped cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the second clip 290 extends from the edge of the second flange 220.

[0065] When the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 are in the snap-fit ​​state, the convex side of each first locking strip 190 is inserted into the concave side of the corresponding second locking strip 290 to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection. Since both the first locking strip 190 and the second locking strip 290 are U-shaped, they have sufficient elasticity. The outer width of the first locking strip 190 can be slightly larger than the inner width of the second locking strip 290, so that after the first locking strip 190 is inserted into the concave side of the corresponding second locking strip 290, the first locking strip 190 is compressed and narrowed, while the second locking strip 290 is stretched and widened, so that the two generate elastic force and achieve a tight snap-fit ​​under the action of mutual elasticity. This embodiment of the invention utilizes this snap-fit ​​method to achieve the positioning of the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200, making assembly simple and quick.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the air duct component 30 is installed on the inner side of the refrigerator's inner liner 12, that is, on the side defining the storage compartment 128. The inner surface of the inner liner 12 has an inwardly recessed strip-shaped groove 121, and the second locking strip 290 is also used to engage with the strip-shaped groove 121 to achieve the locking and fixing of the air duct component 30 and the inner liner 12. In this way, the concave side of the second locking strip 290 is used to engage with the first locking strip 190, and the convex side is used to engage with the inner liner 12, giving it a dual function, which is a very ingenious design.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, a damper substrate 130 extends downward from the bottom end of the first substrate 110, and the edge of the damper substrate 130 is bent to extend into a damper flange 140. A door cover substrate 230 (reference numerals) extends downward from the bottom end of the second substrate 210. Figure 6 The edge of the cover plate 230 extends to the cover flange 240. When the first cover plate 100 and the second cover plate 200 are in the snap-fit ​​state, the cover plate 230 and the damper plate 130 are snap-fitted together, and the damper flange 140 and the cover flange 240 are sealed and abutted together, forming a downward-facing guide space for installing the damper. Its bottom opening forms the inlet 301 for air intake. Cold air enters between the cover plate 230 and the damper plate 130 through the inlet 301, and then enters the air duct 310. The damper is used to control the on / off state and flow rate of the cold air.

[0068] The damper flange 140 may be provided with a first retaining strip 190, and the door cover flange 240 may also be provided with a second retaining strip 290, so as to realize the snap-fit ​​fixing of the damper flange 140 and the door cover flange 240. A heat insulation foam layer 600 may also be provided between the door cover base plate 230 and the damper base plate 130. The heat insulation foam layer 600 is formed on the inner side of the door cover base plate 230.

[0069] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A duct component for a refrigerator, characterized in that... include: First cover plate; The second cover plate is fastened to the inside of the first cover plate and is spaced apart from it; and A heat-insulating foam layer is formed in the gap between the first cover plate and the second cover plate by a foaming process, and is used to define the air duct of the refrigerator; The air duct component is used to be installed inside the inner liner of the refrigerator, and the first cover plate is attached to the inner liner; The insulating foam layer is formed on the inner side of the second cover plate; One side of the second cover plate is connected to one side of the first cover plate by at least one connecting portion, the connecting portion being configured to allow the second cover plate and the first cover plate to be flipped to a snap-fit ​​state in which their inner surfaces face each other.

2. The air duct component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the first cover plate has multiple protruding ridges, and the multiple protruding ridges, together with the inner side of the first cover plate and the heat insulation foam layer, form the air duct.

3. The air duct component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat-insulating foam layer has a groove that matches the shape of the air duct, and the groove, together with the plurality of protruding ridges and the inner side of the first cover plate, forms the air duct.

4. The air duct component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the connecting portions is a strip structure connecting the first cover plate and the second cover plate; The thickness of each of the connecting portions is less than the thickness of the sections of the first and second cover plates adjacent to the connecting portions, so as to facilitate folding.

5. The air duct component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover plate includes a first substrate and a first flange extending from the periphery of the first substrate, and the second cover plate includes a second substrate and a second flange extending from the periphery of the second substrate. When the first cover plate and the second cover plate are in the fastening state, the first flange and the second flange are sealed and abutted together.

6. The air duct component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The edge of the first substrate and / or the edge of the first flange has at least one first strip extending along its length and having a "U" shaped cross-section; The edge of the second substrate and / or the edge of the second flange has at least one second locking strip extending along its length and having a "U"-shaped cross-section, so that when the first cover plate and the second cover plate are in the fastening state, the convex side of each first locking strip is inserted into the concave side of the corresponding second locking strip to achieve a snap-fit.

7. The air duct component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air duct component is used to be installed inside the inner liner of the refrigerator; The inner surface of the inner liner has an inwardly recessed strip-shaped groove, and the second locking strip is also used to be inserted into the strip-shaped groove to achieve the locking and fixing of the air duct component and the inner liner.

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that... Includes the air duct component as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, which is used to deliver the cold air produced by the refrigerator.

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