Refrigerator and defrosting method

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a refrigerator and defrosting method, and belongs to the technical field of refrigeration. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet, a refrigeration system and a fan assembly. The cabinet has a refrigeration chamber, a refrigeration air duct and a cooling chamber. The refrigeration air duct is connected in series at the back of the refrigeration chamber. The refrigeration system is installed on the cabinet. The evaporator of the refrigeration system is located in the cooling chamber. The condensing device of the refrigeration system is located outside the refrigeration chamber. The condensing device comprises a main condenser and an auxiliary condenser. The auxiliary condenser is connected in series with the main condenser. The auxiliary condenser is located at the back of the refrigeration chamber. The fan assembly is installed on the cabinet. The fan assembly is used to drive the circulation of gas between the cooling chamber, the refrigeration chamber and the refrigeration air duct in the refrigeration mode. The refrigerator and the defrosting method have the advantages of reducing the energy consumption and cost of the refrigerator and improving the working efficiency of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator and a defrosting method. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators are used to store items at low temperatures. After prolonged use, the evaporator of a refrigerator's refrigeration system may frost up, which can affect heat exchange and necessitates defrosting. Refrigerators are energy-intensive and costly in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of this application aim to provide a refrigerator and a defrosting method to reduce energy consumption and costs.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator is cooled by air cooling, and the refrigerator includes:

[0005] The cabinet has a refrigerator compartment, a refrigerator air duct, and a cooling compartment, wherein the refrigerator air duct is connected in series at the rear of the refrigerator compartment;

[0006] A refrigeration system is installed in the cabinet. The evaporator of the refrigeration system is located in the cooling chamber, and the condenser of the refrigeration system is located outside the refrigerator. The condenser includes a main condenser and an auxiliary condenser. The auxiliary condenser is connected in series with the main condenser and is located at the rear of the refrigerator.

[0007] A fan assembly is installed in the housing, and the fan assembly is used to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber, the refrigeration chamber and the refrigeration air duct in refrigeration mode.

[0008] In one embodiment, the auxiliary condenser is located behind the refrigeration air duct.

[0009] In one embodiment, the main condenser is connected in series downstream of the compressor of the refrigeration system, and the auxiliary condenser is connected in series downstream of the main condenser.

[0010] In one embodiment, the auxiliary condenser is located inside the refrigeration air duct, or the auxiliary condenser is located outside the refrigeration air duct.

[0011] In one embodiment, the auxiliary condenser includes:

[0012] The condenser tube is connected in series with the main condenser;

[0013] A heat transfer element is installed on the outer surface of the condenser tube to transfer the heat released by the refrigerant in the condenser tube.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heat transfer element is a heat dissipation fin fitted onto the outer surface of the condenser tube, or the heat transfer element is a heat accumulator installed on the outer surface of the condenser tube, the heat accumulator being filled with heat storage material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cabinet includes a main compartment and a refrigerator door, the main compartment and the refrigerator door enclosing a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment and a cooling compartment. The refrigerator air duct is formed in the main compartment. The main compartment has a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct is used to connect the cooling compartment and the refrigerator air duct. The second air duct is used to connect the cooling compartment and the refrigerator compartment. Along the arrangement direction of the first air duct and the second air duct, the evaporator is located between the first air duct and the second air duct. The refrigerator also includes a first air damper. The first air duct is selectively opened through the corresponding first air damper and / or the second air duct is selectively opened through the corresponding first air damper.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a freezer compartment connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment and the refrigerator air duct, and the fan assembly is capable of driving gas in the cooling chamber to flow selectively to either the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fan assembly includes a first fan, which is at least used to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber, the refrigeration chamber, and the refrigeration duct in the refrigeration mode. The first fan is located in the cooling chamber and is located on the air inlet side or air outlet side of the evaporator.

[0018] A second aspect of this application provides a defrosting method applied to the aforementioned refrigerator. The refrigerator body further includes a freezer compartment connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment and the refrigerator air duct. The fan assembly is capable of driving gas in the cooling chamber to flow selectively to either the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment. The defrosting method includes:

[0019] In freezing mode, the compressor of the refrigeration system is started, and the gas in the cooling chamber flows to the freezing chamber under the drive of the fan assembly;

[0020] In refrigeration mode, the compressor is turned off, and the gas in the cooling chamber flows to the refrigeration chamber and the refrigeration air duct under the drive of the fan assembly;

[0021] When the refrigerator's operating status meets the conditions for defrosting, it enters the refrigeration mode; when the refrigerator's operating status meets the conditions for ending defrosting, it enters the freezing mode.

[0022] In one embodiment, the defrosting condition is that the compressor's running time reaches a preset duration, and / or the defrosting end condition is that the absolute value of the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartment and the refrigerator air duct is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fan assembly includes a first fan, which is at least used to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber, the refrigeration chamber, and the refrigeration air duct in the refrigeration mode. The defrosting method further includes:

[0024] In refrigeration mode, the fan blades of the first fan are rotated in the first direction for a preset time so that the gas circulates sequentially between the refrigeration duct, the cooling chamber and the refrigeration chamber.

[0025] When the blades of the first fan rotate in the first direction for a preset time, the blades of the first fan are rotated in the second direction until the defrosting end condition is met. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0026] In this refrigerator embodiment, the airflow passing through the refrigeration duct is heated by the heat released by the auxiliary condenser. The heated airflow in the refrigeration duct flows to the cooling chamber to defrost the evaporator inside. This fully utilizes the heat released by the auxiliary condenser to defrost the evaporator, eliminating the need for a separate heater or external hot air for defrosting. It also eliminates the need for bypass pipes and corresponding valves to introduce external heat sources, thus reducing energy consumption and costs. Furthermore, during the airflow circulation through the cooling chamber, refrigerator compartment, and refrigeration duct, the evaporator in the cooling chamber is cooled to cool the refrigerator compartment, thus completing defrosting during the refrigerator compartment's cooling process. This eliminates the need for additional defrosting time, improving the refrigerator's efficiency. Moreover, the heat released by the auxiliary condenser is absorbed by the airflow through the refrigeration duct, appropriately reducing the energy required for heat dissipation by the condenser, further reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application. The diagram shows the airflow circulating between the cooling chamber and the freezing chamber in freezing mode.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application. The diagram shows that in the refrigeration mode, the first fan rotates along the first direction, and the airflow circulates between the cooling chamber, the refrigeration chamber, and the refrigeration air duct.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application. The diagram shows that in the refrigeration mode, the first fan rotates in the second direction, and the airflow circulates between the cooling chamber, the refrigeration chamber, and the refrigeration air duct.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the main condenser, auxiliary condenser, refrigeration air duct, and refrigeration compartment in an embodiment of this application. In the diagram, the auxiliary condenser is located outside the refrigeration air duct, and the auxiliary condenser is a condenser tube.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the main condenser, auxiliary condenser, refrigeration air duct, and refrigeration compartment in an embodiment of this application. In the diagram, the auxiliary condenser is located outside the refrigeration air duct, and the heat transfer element of the auxiliary condenser is a heat accumulator with heat storage material.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the main condenser, auxiliary condenser, refrigeration air duct, and refrigeration compartment in an embodiment of this application. The auxiliary condenser is located inside the refrigeration air duct, and the heat transfer element of the auxiliary condenser is a heat accumulator with heat storage material.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the main condenser, auxiliary condenser, refrigeration air duct, and refrigeration compartment in an embodiment of this application. The auxiliary condenser is located inside the refrigeration air duct, and the heat transfer element of the auxiliary condenser is a heat dissipation fin.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Container 1; Main compartment 11; First air duct 111; Second air duct 112; Third air duct 113; Fourth air duct 114; Refrigerator door 12; Refrigerator compartment 1311; Refrigerator air duct 1312; Freezer compartment 132; Cooling compartment 133; Refrigeration system 2; Evaporator 21; Compressor 22; Condensing device 23; Main condenser 231; Auxiliary condenser 232; Condensing pipe 2321; Heat dissipation fins 2322; Heat accumulator 2323; Throttling device 24; First fan 31; First damper 4; Second damper 5. Detailed Implementation

[0036] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation should be understood as explanations of the purpose of this application and should not be regarded as undue limitations on this application.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments in this application, "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," orientation, or positional relationship are based on the appendix. Figure 2 The orientations or positional relationships shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. For example, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The up and down direction is the direction shown by arrow R1 in the figure.

[0038] As part of the inventive concept of this application, before describing the embodiments of this application, it is necessary to analyze the reasons why refrigerators have high energy consumption and high cost in related technologies, and obtain the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application through reasonable analysis.

[0039] In related technologies, either a heater is used to defrost the evaporator of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, or an external heated fluid is introduced through a bypass pipe to defrost the evaporator. However, heating with a heater or heating an external fluid requires additional input power, increasing energy consumption and cost. Furthermore, introducing an external heated fluid to defrost the evaporator requires additional bypass pipes and valves installed on the bypass pipes, increasing costs.

[0040] Therefore, this application provides a refrigerator. Please refer to the embodiments provided. Figures 1-3 The refrigerator uses a fan-cooled cooling system and includes a cabinet 1, a refrigeration system 2, and a fan assembly. The refrigeration system 2 and the fan assembly are installed in the cabinet 1. The refrigeration system 2 cools the space inside the cabinet 1, and the fan assembly provides power to drive the airflow within the cabinet 1.

[0041] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The housing 1 has a refrigerator compartment 1311, a refrigerator air duct 1312, and a cooling chamber 133. The refrigerator air duct 1312 is connected in series to the rear of the refrigerator compartment 1311. In this structural form, the refrigerator air duct 1312 is connected in series with the refrigerator compartment 1311, and the airflow flowing through the refrigerator compartment 1311 will flow through the refrigerator air duct 1312.

[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The direction "forward" is indicated by arrow R2 in the diagram, and the direction "backward" is indicated by arrow R3 in the diagram.

[0043] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-4 The refrigeration system 2 includes an evaporator 21, a compressor 22, a condenser 23 and a throttling device 24 connected in series. The throttling device 24 is connected in series between the condenser 23 and the evaporator 21.

[0044] It is understandable that the evaporator 21, compressor 22, condenser 23, and throttling device 24 are the four main parts of the refrigerator's refrigeration system 2. The refrigerator's refrigeration system 2 achieves the purpose of refrigeration through the interaction of these four parts. When the compressor 22 starts, it compresses the gaseous refrigerant, causing it to be compressed and condensed in the condenser 23, releasing heat. After being compressed and condensed in the condenser 23, the refrigerant flows to the throttling device 24. The refrigerant, which has expanded due to the throttling device 24, flows to the evaporator 21 to absorb heat from the area around the evaporator 21, thereby cooling the air around the evaporator 21. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat in the evaporator 21 vaporizes and flows back to the compressor 22. This cycle is repeated to achieve refrigeration in the evaporator 21.

[0045] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The evaporator 21 of the refrigeration system 2 is located inside the cooling chamber 133, and the condenser 23 of the refrigeration system 2 is located outside the refrigerator compartment 1311. The condenser 23 includes a main condenser 231 and an auxiliary condenser 232, which is connected in series with the main condenser 231 and is located behind the refrigerator compartment 1311. With this structure, the refrigerant in the main condenser 231 and the auxiliary condenser 232 is compressed and condensed under the action of the compressor 22, releasing heat. Since the auxiliary condenser 232 is located behind the refrigerator compartment 1311, its position is relatively close to the refrigerator air duct 1312. The heat released by the refrigerant in the auxiliary condenser 232 can heat the refrigerator air duct 1312, raising the gas temperature inside the refrigerator air duct 1312.

[0046] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3The fan assembly is installed in the housing 1. The fan assembly is used to drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311 and the refrigeration air duct 1312 in refrigeration mode. With this structural design, the airflow passing through the refrigeration duct 1312 is heated by the heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232. The heated airflow in the refrigeration duct 1312 flows to the cooling chamber 133 to defrost the evaporator 21 inside the cooling chamber 133. This fully utilizes the heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232 to the refrigeration duct 1312 to defrost the evaporator 21, eliminating the need for a heater to heat the evaporator 21 or the introduction of external hot air for defrosting. It also eliminates the need for bypass pipes and corresponding valves to introduce external heat sources, which helps reduce energy consumption and costs. Furthermore, during the circulation of airflow through the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311, and the refrigeration duct 1312, the airflow passing through the evaporator 21 in the cooling chamber 133 is cooled by the evaporator 21 to cool the refrigeration chamber 1311. The defrosting of the evaporator 21 is completed during the cooling process of the refrigeration chamber 1311, eliminating the need for additional defrosting time and improving the refrigerator's operating efficiency. Furthermore, the heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232 is absorbed by the airflow flowing through the refrigeration air duct 1312, which can appropriately reduce the energy required for the condenser 23 to dissipate heat, thus helping to reduce energy consumption.

[0047] In one embodiment, the throttling device 24 can be a capillary tube.

[0048] In one embodiment, the throttling device 24 can be a throttling valve.

[0049] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The fan assembly includes a first fan 31, which is used at least in refrigeration mode to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311 and the refrigeration duct 1312.

[0050] It is understandable that the first fan 31 is at least used to drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311 and the refrigeration air duct 1312. This means that the first fan 31 can definitely drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311 and the refrigeration air duct 1312. However, the first fan 31 may not necessarily be able to drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133 and other spaces. The first fan 31 may be able to drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133 and other spaces, or the first fan 31 may not be able to drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133 and other spaces.

[0051] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The cabinet 1 also has a freezer compartment 132 connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the refrigerator air duct 1312. With this structure, the air in the cooling compartment 133 flows through the freezer compartment 132 to cool the freezer compartment 132.

[0052] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The first fan 31 is located in the cooling chamber 133 and can drive the gas to flow between the cooling chamber 133 and the freezing chamber 132.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first fan 31 may not be able to drive the gas to flow between the cooling chamber 133 and the freezing chamber 132.

[0054] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The first fan 31 is located inside the cooling chamber 133, on either the air inlet or outlet side of the evaporator 21. With this configuration, the first fan 31 in the cooling chamber 133 drives airflow through the evaporator 21 within the cooling chamber 133. Air within the cooling chamber 133 can flow to the refrigerator compartment 131 and / or the freezer compartment 132 as needed, driven by the first fan 31. The location of the first fan 31 within the cooling chamber 133 allows it to not only drive airflow between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerator compartment 1311, and the refrigerator air duct 1312, but also between the cooling chamber 133 and the freezer compartment 132. The refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment 131 and the freezer compartment 132 can share the first fan 31, thereby reducing the number of fans required for refrigeration and lowering costs.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first fan 31 may be located in the cold storage compartment 1311 or the cold storage duct 1312.

[0056] In one embodiment, the fan assembly further includes a second fan for driving the airflow passing through the cooling chamber 133 to circulate between the cooling chamber 133 and the freezer chamber 132, the second fan being located within the freezer chamber 132.

[0057] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The refrigerator body 1 also has a freezer compartment 132 connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the refrigeration air duct 1312. A fan assembly can drive the gas in the cooling compartment 133 to flow selectively between the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the freezer compartment 132. This structure allows the refrigerator to enter either a refrigeration mode or a freezer mode as needed. When the fan assembly drives the gas in the cooling compartment 133 to flow into the refrigerator compartment 1311 to cool it, almost no gas from the cooling compartment 133 enters the freezer compartment 1312, and the refrigerator is in refrigeration mode. The gas flowing through the refrigerator compartment 1311 flows through the refrigeration air duct 1312 connected in series with the refrigerator compartment 1311. When the fan assembly drives the gas in the cooling compartment 133 to flow into the freezer compartment 132 to cool it, almost no gas from the cooling compartment 133 enters the refrigerator compartment 1311, and the refrigerator is in freezer mode.

[0058] It should be noted that, since both the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the refrigerator air duct 1312 are connected in parallel with the freezer compartment 132, the gas in the cooling compartment 133 flowing selectively to either the refrigerator compartment 1311 or the freezer compartment 132 means that the gas in the cooling compartment 133 either flows to the refrigerator compartment 1311 or to the freezer compartment 132. When the gas in the cooling compartment 133 flows to the refrigerator compartment 1311, the gas in the cooling compartment 133 will hardly flow to the freezer compartment 132, and when the gas in the cooling compartment 133 flows to the freezer compartment 132, the gas in the cooling compartment 133 will hardly flow to the refrigerator compartment 133.

[0059] Understandably, since the auxiliary condenser 232 is located behind the refrigerator compartment 1311 and is relatively close to the refrigerator air duct 1312, the auxiliary condenser 232 heats the refrigerator air duct 1312 but does not directly heat the cooling chamber 133 where the evaporator 21 is located. When the gas in the cooling chamber 133 flows selectively to the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the freezer compartment 132, the gas flowing through the refrigerator compartment 1311 will flow through the refrigerator air duct 1312, and the gas in the refrigerator air duct 1312 will not flow to the freezer compartment 132. The heat accumulated in the refrigerator air duct 1312 by the auxiliary condenser 232 will hardly affect the cooling of the freezer compartment 132.

[0060] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The refrigerator body 1 includes a main compartment 11 and a refrigerator door 12. The main compartment 11 and the refrigerator door 12 enclose a refrigerator compartment 1311, a freezer compartment 132, and a cooling compartment 133. A refrigerator air duct 1312 is formed in the main compartment 11. The main compartment 11 has a first air duct 111 and a second air duct 112. The first air duct 111 connects the cooling compartment 133 and the refrigerator air duct 1312, and the second air duct 112 connects the cooling compartment 133 and the refrigerator compartment 1311. Along the arrangement direction of the first air duct 111 and the second air duct 112, the evaporator 21 is located between the first air duct 111 and the second air duct 112. The refrigerator also includes a first air damper 4. The first air duct 111 is selectively opened through the corresponding first air damper 4, and / or the second air duct 112 is selectively opened through the corresponding first air damper 4. With this structure, by controlling the opening or closing of the first air damper 4, the gas in the cooling chamber 133 can flow to the refrigerator chamber 1311 or prevent the gas in the cooling chamber 133 from circulating between the refrigerator chamber 1311, the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerator air duct 1312.

[0061] For example, when both the first damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 and the first damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 are in the open state, the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigeration air duct 1312 are connected through the first air duct 111, and the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigeration chamber 1311 are connected through the second air duct 112. The airflow flowing through the cooling chamber 133 circulates between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311, and the refrigeration air duct 1312. When at least one of the first air duct 111 and the second air duct 112 is closed by the corresponding first damper 4, the flow path of the airflow circulating between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311, and the refrigeration air duct 1312 is blocked, thus restricting the airflow flowing through the cooling chamber 133 from circulating between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311, and the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0062] For example, the first damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 and the first damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 are both in the closed state. The first air duct 111 is cut off by the corresponding first damper 4, and the second air duct 112 is cut off by the corresponding first damper 4, thereby blocking the airflow path between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311 and the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first air duct 111 is selectively opened via a corresponding first damper 4, and the second air duct 112 may not have a first damper 4. The second air duct 112 connects the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerator chamber 1311. When the first damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 is open, the first air duct 111 connects the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerator air duct 1312. Since the second air duct 112 does not have a first damper 4, the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerator chamber 1311 remain connected via the second air duct 112, and the airflow through the cooling chamber 133 circulates between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerator chamber 1311, and the refrigerator air duct 1312. When the first damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 is closed, the first air duct 111 is shut off, thereby blocking the airflow path circulating between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerator chamber 1311, and the refrigerator air duct 1312.

[0064] In one embodiment, a first damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 is disposed within the first air duct 111.

[0065] In one embodiment, a first damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 is disposed at the port of the first air duct 111.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second air duct 112 is selectively opened via a corresponding first air damper 4. The first air duct 111 may not contain a first air damper 4, and it connects the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerated air duct 1312. When the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 is open, the second air duct 112 connects the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerated chamber 1311, and the airflow through the cooling chamber 133 circulates between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerated chamber 1311, and the refrigerated air duct 1312. When the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 is closed, the second air duct 112 is shut off, thereby blocking the airflow path circulating between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerated chamber 1311, and the refrigerated air duct 1312.

[0067] In one embodiment, a first damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 is disposed within the second air duct 112.

[0068] In one embodiment, a first damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 is disposed at the port of the second air duct 112.

[0069] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The first air duct 111 is selectively opened via a corresponding first air damper 4, and the second air duct 112 is selectively opened via a corresponding first air damper 4. When both the first air damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 and the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 are open, the first air duct 111 connects the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerated air duct 1312, and the second air duct 112 connects the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigerated chamber 1311. The airflow passing through the cooling chamber 133 circulates between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerated chamber 1311, and the refrigerated air duct 1312. When the first air damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 is closed, the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 is closed, or both the first air damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 and the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 are closed, the airflow circulation path between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerated chamber 1311, and the refrigerated air duct 1312 is blocked.

[0070] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3The main compartment 11 also has a third air duct 113 and a fourth air duct 114. One of the third air ducts 113 and 114 is located on the air inlet side of the evaporator 21, and the other is located on the air outlet side of the evaporator 21. Both the third air duct 113 and 114 are used to connect the cooling compartment 133 and the freezer compartment 132. The refrigerator also includes a second air damper 5, through which the third air duct 113 is selectively opened and / or the fourth air duct 114 is selectively opened. With this structure, in refrigeration mode, controlling the second air damper 5 to close at least one of the third air ducts 113 and 114 blocks the airflow path between the cooling compartment 133 and the freezer compartment 132. By controlling the second air damper 5 to open both the third air duct 113 and the fourth air duct 114, the airflow flowing through the cooling chamber 133 can circulate between the cooling chamber 133 and the freezer chamber 132.

[0071] In one embodiment, by controlling the first damper 4 and the second damper 5, the airflow in the cooling chamber 133 can flow selectively to either the refrigerator chamber 1311 or the freezer chamber 132.

[0072] In one embodiment, in refrigeration mode, the first air damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 and the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 are opened, and the second air damper 5 corresponding to the third air duct 113 and the second air damper 5 corresponding to the fourth air duct 114 are closed. The airflow flowing through the cooling chamber 133 circulates between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigeration chamber 1311 and the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0073] In one embodiment, in the freezing mode, the first air damper 4 corresponding to the first air duct 111 and the first air damper 4 corresponding to the second air duct 112 are closed, and the second air damper 5 corresponding to the third air duct 113 and the second air damper 5 corresponding to the fourth air duct 114 are opened, so that the airflow flowing through the cooling chamber 133 circulates between the cooling chamber 133 and the freezing chamber 132.

[0074] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The fan assembly is installed in the main housing 11.

[0075] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 ,as well as Figures 5-8 The refrigerator door 12 is located on the front side of the main compartment 11, and the refrigeration air duct 1312 is located behind the refrigerator compartment 1311. The refrigeration air duct 1312 is located on the side of the refrigerator compartment 1311 away from the refrigerator door 12.

[0076] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 , Figures 5-8The auxiliary condenser 232 is located behind the refrigeration air duct 1312. With this structural configuration, since the refrigeration air duct 1312 is located behind the refrigeration compartment 1311, and the auxiliary condenser 232 is located behind the refrigeration air duct 1312, the auxiliary condenser 232 is far away from the refrigeration compartment 1311, which can minimize the impact of the heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232 on the refrigeration compartment 1311.

[0077] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 The main condenser 231 is connected in series downstream of the compressor 22 in the refrigeration system 2. The auxiliary condenser 232 is connected in series downstream of the main condenser 231. With this structure, when the compressor 22 operates, the refrigerant flows to the main condenser 231 and the auxiliary condenser 232. The refrigerant is compressed and condensed in the main condenser 231 and the auxiliary condenser 232, releasing heat. The auxiliary condenser 232 is located downstream of the main condenser 231. On the one hand, the refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary condenser 232, which has a higher temperature and pressure after being condensed in the main condenser 231, has a higher temperature and pressure. This can, to some extent, prevent some refrigerant from flowing out of the auxiliary condenser 232 before it has had time to be compressed and condensed, thus facilitating the release of heat from the refrigerant to heat the refrigeration duct 1312. On the other hand, the refrigerant in the auxiliary condenser 232 is also compressed and condensed by the compressor 22, releasing heat to heat the refrigeration duct 1312. The auxiliary condenser 232, used to heat the refrigeration duct 1312, is located downstream of the main condenser 231 and can make full use of the heat released by the refrigerant to heat the refrigeration duct 1312.

[0078] In one embodiment, the auxiliary condenser 232 may be connected in series between the compressor 22 and the main condenser 231, with the main condenser 231 connected in series downstream of the auxiliary condenser 232.

[0079] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The auxiliary condenser 232 is located inside the refrigerated air duct 1312. With this structure, the auxiliary condenser 232 releases heat within the refrigerated air duct 1312, which helps to maximize the absorption of heat by the air within the refrigerated air duct 1312, thus ensuring that the heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232 can be fully utilized.

[0080] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The auxiliary condenser 232 is located outside the refrigeration air duct 1312. This structure allows the auxiliary condenser 232 to heat the refrigeration air duct 1312 without occupying its space, which facilitates smoother airflow between the refrigeration air duct 1312, the cooling chamber 133, and the refrigeration chamber 1311, reducing air resistance.

[0081] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 5-8 The auxiliary condenser 232 includes a condenser tube 2321, which is connected in series with the main condenser 231. In this structure, the refrigerant flows inside the condenser tube 2321, and the heat released by the refrigerant inside the condenser tube 2321 is used to heat the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0082] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 5-8 The condenser tube 2321 is connected in series downstream of the main condenser 231.

[0083] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 5-7 The condenser tube 2321 is attached to the wall of the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0084] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The auxiliary condenser 232 is located outside the refrigeration air duct 1312, and the condenser tube 2321 is attached to the wall of the refrigeration air duct 1312. This structure facilitates the transfer of heat from the condenser tube 2321 outside the refrigeration air duct 1312 to the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0085] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 6-8 The auxiliary condenser 232 includes a heat transfer element installed on the outer surface of the condenser tube 2321 to transfer the heat released by the refrigerant in the condenser tube 2321. With this structure, the heat released by the refrigerant in the condenser tube 2321 can be effectively transferred to the air in the refrigeration duct 1312 through the heat transfer element outside the condenser tube 2321.

[0086] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The heat transfer element is a heat dissipation fin 2322 fitted onto the outer surface of the condenser tube 2321. With this structure, the heat dissipation fin 2322 fitted onto the outer surface of the condenser tube 2321 facilitates the condenser tube 2321 to dissipate heat to the space inside the refrigerated air duct 1312 through the heat dissipation fin 2322, thereby heating the air inside the refrigerated air duct 1312. The heat dissipation fin 2322 can effectively heat the air inside the refrigerated air duct 1312.

[0087] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 2322 may be located within the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0088] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 2322 may be located outside the refrigeration air duct 1312.

[0089] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7The heat transfer element is a heat accumulator 2323 installed on the outer surface of the condenser 2321, and the heat accumulator 2323 is filled with heat storage material. With this structure, when the compressor 22 is working, the heat released by the refrigerant in the condenser 2321 is absorbed and stored by the heat storage material for defrosting the evaporator 21.

[0090] For example, in the freezing mode, the heat storage material absorbs the heat released by the condenser tube 2321. In the refrigeration mode, the airflow cooled by the evaporator 21 flows through the refrigeration air duct 1312, carrying the heat stored by the heat storage material to the evaporator 21 to defrost the evaporator 21.

[0091] This application provides a defrosting method applied to a refrigerator in the corresponding embodiment described above. The refrigerator body 1 further includes a freezer compartment 132 connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the refrigerator air duct 1312. A fan assembly can drive the gas in the cooling compartment 133 to flow selectively to either the refrigerator compartment 1311 or the freezer compartment 132. The defrosting method includes:

[0092] In freezing mode, the compressor 22 of the refrigeration system 2 is started, and the gas in the cooling chamber 133 flows to the freezing chamber 132 under the drive of the fan assembly;

[0093] In refrigeration mode, compressor 22 is turned off, and the gas in cooling chamber 133 flows to refrigeration chamber 1311 and refrigeration air duct 1312 under the drive of fan assembly;

[0094] When the refrigerator's operating status meets the defrosting conditions, it enters the refrigeration mode; when the refrigerator's operating status meets the defrosting end conditions, it enters the freezing mode.

[0095] Thus, by switching between refrigeration and freezing modes, the airflow in cooling chamber 133 selectively flows to either refrigeration chamber 1311 or freezing chamber 132. In freezing mode, compressor 22 is activated to cool evaporator 21, achieving a lower temperature in freezing chamber 132 through air cooling. The heat released by auxiliary condenser 232 heats refrigeration air duct 1312, and the air in refrigeration air duct 1312 absorbs the heat from auxiliary condenser 232. In refrigeration mode, compressor 22 is turned off, and it is in a stopped state. The residual cooling of evaporator 21 is used to cool the air flowing through evaporator 21 in cooling chamber 133. The air cooled by the residual cooling of evaporator 21 flows through refrigeration chamber 1311 to cool it, making full use of the residual cooling of evaporator 21. The air flowing through refrigeration air duct 1312 carries the heat absorbed by the air in refrigeration air duct 1312 to evaporator 21 in cooling chamber 133, achieving defrosting of evaporator 21. The refrigerator and freezer modes are executed separately, without simultaneous freezing and refrigeration. The heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232 in freezer mode can be used to defrost the evaporator 21 in refrigerator mode, and the residual coolness of the evaporator 21 in freezer mode can be used to cool the refrigerator compartment 1311 in refrigerator mode. This ensures that both the residual coolness of the evaporator 21 and the heat released by the auxiliary condenser 232 are fully utilized, reducing the refrigerator's energy consumption and cost. Defrosting the evaporator 21 in refrigerator mode eliminates the need for separate stages for refrigeration and defrosting, improving the refrigerator's efficiency.

[0096] In one embodiment, defrosting is required when the compressor 22 has been running for a preset duration. Since the compressor 22 is operating in freezing mode to cool the freezer compartment 132, the evaporator 21 is at a low temperature. When the compressor 22 has been running for the preset duration, the evaporator 21 is likely to have accumulated a thick layer of frost, requiring defrosting.

[0097] In one embodiment, the defrosting is completed when the absolute value of the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the refrigerator air duct 1312 is less than or equal to a preset value. In this way, the temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the refrigerator air duct 1312 are relatively close, and the residual cold of the evaporator 21 in the cooling chamber 133 is almost utilized, so the defrosting is basically completed.

[0098] In one embodiment, the preset value can be 0. That is, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 1311 and the temperature of the refrigerator air duct 1312 are approximately equal, the defrosting process ends and the system enters the freezing mode.

[0099] In one embodiment, the preset value may also be greater than 0.

[0100] Understandably, during the defrosting process, the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 1311 or the refrigerator air duct 1312 is relatively high. The airflow from the refrigerator compartment 1311 or the refrigerator air duct 1312 flows to the evaporator 21 in the cooling chamber 133 for cooling. The airflow temperature on the inlet side of the evaporator 21 is higher than the airflow temperature on the outlet side, resulting in a relatively better defrosting effect on the inlet side of the evaporator 21. In one embodiment, the fan assembly includes a first fan 31, which is at least used to drive the gas to circulate between the cooling chamber 133, the refrigerator compartment 1311, and the refrigerator air duct 1312. The defrosting method further includes:

[0101] In refrigeration mode, the fan blades of the first fan 31 are rotated in the first direction for a preset time so that the gas circulates sequentially between the refrigeration air duct 1312, the cooling chamber 133 and the refrigeration chamber 1311.

[0102] When the blades of the first fan 31 rotate in the first direction for a preset time, the blades of the first fan 31 are rotated in the second direction until the defrosting end condition is met. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0103] In this way, by rotating the blades of the first fan 31 in opposite directions (first and second) to change the air inlet and outlet sides of the evaporator 21, the evaporator 21 can be defrosted better on both sides of the airflow direction, thereby improving the defrosting effect.

[0104] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator uses air cooling and includes: The housing (1) has a refrigerator compartment (1311), a refrigerator air duct (1312) and a cooling compartment (133), wherein the refrigerator air duct (1312) is connected in series to the rear of the refrigerator compartment (1311); A refrigeration system (2) is installed in the housing (1). The evaporator (21) of the refrigeration system (2) is located in the cooling chamber (133). The condenser (23) of the refrigeration system (2) is located outside the refrigerator chamber (1311). The condenser (23) includes a main condenser (231) and an auxiliary condenser (232). The auxiliary condenser (232) is connected in series with the main condenser (231). The auxiliary condenser (232) is located behind the refrigerator chamber (1311). A fan assembly is installed in the housing (1) and is used to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber (133), the refrigeration chamber (1311) and the refrigeration air duct (1312) in refrigeration mode. The auxiliary condenser (232) is located behind the refrigeration air duct (1312); The main condenser (231) is connected in series downstream of the compressor (22) of the refrigeration system (2), and the auxiliary condenser (232) is connected in series downstream of the main condenser (231).

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary condenser (232) is located inside the refrigeration air duct (1312), or the auxiliary condenser (232) is located outside the refrigeration air duct (1312).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary condenser (232) includes: The condenser tube (2321) is connected in series with the main condenser (231); A heat transfer element is installed on the outer surface of the condenser tube (2321) to transfer the heat released by the refrigerant in the condenser tube (2321).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat transfer element is a heat dissipation fin (2322) sleeved on the outer surface of the condenser tube (2321), or the heat transfer element is a heat accumulator (2323) installed on the outer surface of the condenser tube (2321), and the heat accumulator (2323) is filled with heat storage material.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) includes a main box (11) and a refrigerator door (12). The main box (11) and the refrigerator door (12) enclose a refrigerator compartment (1311), a freezer compartment (132), and a cooling compartment (133). The refrigerator air duct (1312) is formed in the main box (11). The main box (11) has a first air duct (111) and a second air duct (112). The first air duct (111) is used to connect the cooling compartment (133) and the refrigerator air duct (1312). The second air duct (111) is used to connect the cooling compartment (133) and the refrigerator air duct (1312). 2) For connecting the cooling chamber (133) and the refrigerator chamber (1311), along the arrangement direction of the first air duct (111) and the second air duct (112), the evaporator (21) is located between the first air duct (111) and the second air duct (112); the refrigerator also includes a first air damper (4), the first air duct (111) is selectively opened by corresponding to the first air damper (4) and / or the second air duct (112) is selectively opened by corresponding to the first air damper (4).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) also has a freezer compartment (132) connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment (1311) and the refrigerator air duct (1312), and the fan assembly can drive the gas in the cooling chamber (133) to flow selectively to either the refrigerator compartment (1311) or the freezer compartment (132).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan assembly includes a first fan (31), which is at least used to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber (133), the refrigeration chamber (1311) and the refrigeration duct (1312) in the refrigeration mode. The first fan (31) is located in the cooling chamber (133) and is located on the air inlet side or air outlet side of the evaporator (21).

8. A defrosting method, characterized in that, Applied to the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the cabinet (1) further comprises a freezer compartment (132) connected in parallel with both the refrigerator compartment (1311) and the refrigerator air duct (1312), the fan assembly being capable of driving gas in the cooling chamber (133) to flow selectively to either the refrigerator compartment (1311) or the freezer compartment (132), the defrosting method comprising: In freezing mode, the compressor (22) of the refrigeration system (2) is started, and the gas in the cooling chamber (133) flows to the freezing chamber (132) under the drive of the fan assembly; In refrigeration mode, the compressor (22) is turned off, and the gas in the cooling chamber (133) flows to the refrigeration chamber (1311) and the refrigeration air duct (1312) under the drive of the fan assembly; When the refrigerator's operating status meets the conditions for defrosting, it enters the refrigeration mode; when the refrigerator's operating status meets the conditions for ending defrosting, it enters the freezing mode.

9. The defrosting method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The defrosting condition is that the compressor (22) runs for a preset duration, and / or the defrosting end condition is that the absolute value of the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartment (1311) and the refrigerator air duct (1312) is less than or equal to a preset value.

10. The defrosting method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fan assembly includes a first fan (31), which is at least used to drive gas to circulate between the cooling chamber (133), the refrigeration chamber (1311), and the refrigeration air duct (1312) in the refrigeration mode. The defrosting method further includes: In refrigeration mode, the blades of the first fan (31) are rotated in the first direction for a preset time so that the gas circulates sequentially between the refrigeration duct (1312), the cooling chamber (133) and the refrigeration chamber (1311). When the blades of the first fan (31) rotate in the first direction for a preset time, the blades of the first fan (31) are rotated in the second direction until the defrosting end condition is met. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

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