Refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a refrigeration appliance which is provided with a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, the second storage chamber has lower working temperature compared with the first storage chamber, the first storage chamber is separated from the second storage chamber through a first side wall of the first storage chamber, and the second storage chamber is separated from the first storage chamber through a second side wall of the first storage chamber. The refrigeration appliance is further provided with an air duct used for supplying cooling gas to the first storage chamber, the air duct is provided with a main air outlet, and the main air outlet is constructed to be capable of supplying the cooling gas into the first storage chamber in the direction intersecting with the front opening of the first storage chamber and / or in the direction parallel to the first side wall; and the lateral air outlet is constructed to be capable of supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber in the direction towards the first side wall, so that the cooling gas is blown to the first side wall. According to certain embodiments of the present application, condensation can be prevented, the structure can be simplified, and / or waste of energy can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a refrigeration appliance. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, with the improvement of people's living standards, refrigeration appliances have entered thousands of households, such as refrigerators, wine cabinets, etc. In order to make the storage room of the refrigeration appliance have a lower working temperature, cooling gas cooled by an evaporator, for example, can be supplied to the storage room. For example, an air outlet can be provided at the rear wall of the storage room, and the cooling gas can be supplied to the storage room through the air outlet in a direction from the back to the front.

[0003] During the operation of the refrigeration appliance, water vapor in the storage room may condense, resulting in water droplets or ice forming on the walls of the storage room. In order to prevent condensation, a heating device may be provided in the housing of the refrigeration appliance to heat the walls of the storage room. This will result in a complex structure of the refrigeration appliance. In addition, heating the walls with the heating device and lowering the temperature of the heated walls again with the cooling gas require additional energy consumption.

[0004] Currently, refrigeration appliances have disadvantages such as condensation easily occurring in the storage room, complex structure, and energy waste. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide an improved refrigeration appliance to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, which is provided with a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, wherein the second storage chamber has a lower operating temperature than the first storage chamber. The first storage chamber is separated from the second storage chamber by its first side wall. The refrigeration appliance is also provided with an air duct for supplying cooling gas to the first storage chamber. The air duct is provided with: a main air outlet, which is configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction intersecting with the front opening of the first storage chamber and / or in a direction parallel to the first side wall; and a lateral air outlet, which is configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction toward the first side wall so as to blow the cooling gas onto the first side wall.

[0007] With the help of the main air outlet, the cooling gas can be efficiently supplied to the first storage chamber so as to adjust the temperature in the first storage chamber. The additional lateral air outlet relative to the main air outlet is used to blow the cooling gas to the first side wall, so as to prevent the water vapor in the first storage chamber from condensing on the first side wall. The inventors noticed that when the first storage chamber is separated from the second storage chamber with a lower temperature by the first side wall, the water vapor in the first storage chamber is easily condensed on the first side wall. With the additional lateral air outlet, the water vapor in the first storage chamber can be effectively prevented from condensing on the first side wall. On the one hand, the cooling gas blown out from the lateral air outlet itself is relatively low in temperature and relatively dry, and it can form an isolation air curtain on the surface of the first side wall to separate the first side wall from the higher temperature and more humid air inside the storage chamber. On the other hand, when there is already condensed water or frost on the first side wall, the relatively dry and flowing cooling gas blown out from the lateral air outlet can dry the condensed water or frost. Compared with preventing condensation by heating the wall of the first storage chamber using a heating device, preventing condensation by means of the above-mentioned lateral air outlet can avoid wasting energy and simplify the structure.

[0008] In this concept of the present invention, the basic functions of the main air outlet and the side air outlet are different, so the two are correspondingly configured to have different characteristics (such as position, structure, air outlet direction, etc.) to better serve their respective basic functions.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet may be inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber relative to the direction perpendicular to the first side wall. Thus, the influence area of ​​the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet on the first side wall may be increased. Such an inclined air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet is particularly conducive to forming an isolation air curtain on the surface of the first side wall.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct may be configured so that the flow rate of the main air outlet can be 5 times, in particular 10 times or more, greater than the flow rate of the lateral air outlet. Thus, flow distribution can be achieved between the main air outlet and the lateral air outlet having different basic functions. This allows the first storage room to have a desired temperature while effectively preventing condensation.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the first storage chamber may have a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The air duct may be configured, for example, so that the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct to the first side wall can be greater than the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct to the second side wall. This helps to prevent condensation on the first side wall in a targeted manner. Optionally, the air duct does not have an air outlet for supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction toward the second side wall. Thereby, the cooling gas can be fully utilized to prevent condensation on the first side wall in a targeted manner.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the main air outlet may be arranged at the top wall of the first storage chamber. For example, the air outlet direction of the main air outlet may be arranged from top to bottom along the height direction of the refrigeration appliance. The lateral air outlet may be optionally arranged at the rear wall of the first storage chamber. The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet may, for example, be arranged to point to the first side wall perpendicular to the height direction of the refrigeration appliance. As described above, the position, structure, air outlet direction, etc. of the main air outlet and the lateral air outlet may be respectively arranged to better realize their respective basic functions, namely, regulating the temperature in the first storage chamber and preventing condensation. By combining the main air outlet with the lateral air outlet, it is particularly advantageous to regulate the working temperature in the first storage chamber and prevent condensation.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct may include an air pressure chamber for introducing pressurized cooling gas. The air pressure chamber may be provided with a first chamber outlet and a second chamber outlet. The cooling gas may leave the air pressure chamber via the first chamber outlet and be guided to the main air outlet. The cooling gas may leave the air pressure chamber via the second chamber outlet and be guided to the lateral air outlet. Thus, the cooling gas for adjusting the temperature in the first storage chamber and the cooling gas for preventing condensation may be diverted at the air pressure chamber.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet is larger than the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet. This helps to make the flow rate of the main air outlet larger than the flow rate of the lateral air outlet in a simple and controllable manner. For example, the flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet is more than 5 times, in particular more than 10 times, the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet. The flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet can be significantly larger than the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet, and the difference between the two can be more than one order of magnitude.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, a fan may be arranged in the wind pressure chamber to pressurize the cooling gas. The fan may be configured as a centrifugal fan, for example. Thus, the cooling gas can be pressurized efficiently. The distance between the rotation axis of the fan and the first side wall may be greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the fan and the second side wall opposite to the first side wall. This helps to enable the cooling gas supplied via the lateral air outlet to affect the first side wall over a larger area. The fan may be arranged so that the lateral air outlet is partially higher than the rotation axis of the fan and partially lower than the rotation axis of the fan. This helps to ensure that the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet has a larger flow rate.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct includes a lateral branch for connecting the second cavity outlet to the lateral air outlet. The central axis of the lateral branch may, for example, extend perpendicularly to the height direction, thereby helping to increase the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet. The lateral branch may in particular include a guide wall adjacent to the lateral air outlet. The guide wall is inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber in a direction toward the first side wall, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet points to the first side wall in a manner inclined relative to the first side wall. By using the guide wall, the influence area of ​​the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet on the first side wall can be increased.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance may include an air duct assembly for at least partially delimiting the air duct. The air duct assembly may include a front cover plate and a rear plate located behind the front cover plate, and the air duct is at least partially located between the front cover plate and the rear plate. The rear plate may be provided with a surrounding wall surrounding the air pressure cavity along a circumferential direction relative to the depth direction, and the second cavity outlet is formed in the surrounding wall.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the surrounding wall may be formed in a volute shape and include an arc section extending around the depth direction and a straight section located downstream of the arc section. The second cavity outlet may be formed in the straight section and adjacent to the arc section. This helps to guide sufficient cooling gas to flow to the lateral air outlet via the second cavity outlet. In particular, the cooling gas can be pressurized by the fan and directly enter the second cavity outlet in a centrifugal direction.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the opening length of the lateral air outlet is greater than the opening length of the second cavity outlet, and in particular, greater than 2 times the opening length of the second cavity outlet. Thus, the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet can affect the first side wall over a larger area, thereby more effectively preventing condensation.

[0020] In this document, expressions such as "opening length" and "opening width" represent dimensions based on the smallest rectangle that just completely surrounds the opening cross section. Similarly, "width of the flow cross section" represents dimensions based on the smallest rectangle that just completely surrounds the flow cross section.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct may include a buffer cavity having a buffer inlet. The opening length of the buffer inlet is less than the opening length of the lateral air outlet. The buffer cavity may be configured to guide the cooling gas entering the buffer cavity via the buffer inlet to the lateral air outlet. The cooling gas is buffered in the buffer cavity. With the aid of the buffer cavity, the cooling gas can be more evenly distributed in the length direction of the lateral air outlet.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the width of the flow cross section of the buffer cavity at least in a portion thereof is greater than the opening width of the lateral air outlet and / or the opening width of the buffer inlet. As a result, the cooling gas can be decelerated in the buffer cavity, thereby helping to distribute the cooling gas more evenly. The lateral air outlet can have a very narrow width. The buffered cooling gas can pass through the narrow lateral air outlet at a higher flow rate, thereby blowing toward the first side wall at a higher flow rate.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the opening length of the lateral air outlet is greater than the opening length of the buffer inlet, and in particular, greater than twice the opening length of the buffer inlet. The longer lateral air outlet helps the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet to affect the first side wall over a larger area. In the case where the lateral air outlet is significantly longer than the buffer inlet, the buffer cavity can still be used to evenly distribute the cooling gas in the length direction of the lateral air outlet.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the buffer cavity may be provided with a first corner portion, which is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer cavity toward the inner space of the first storage chamber, in particular, deflect at least 60°, and in particular deflect at least 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer cavity may be provided with a second corner portion, which is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer cavity toward the first side wall. The first corner portion and / or the second corner portion can be used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer cavity, thereby helping the buffer cavity to buffer the cooling gas with a compact structure.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance may be provided with an air duct cover plate, which is located between the air duct and the first storage chamber. The air duct cover plate may have a protrusion protruding toward the inner space of the first storage chamber in a direction parallel to the first side wall, and the lateral air outlet is arranged in the protrusion. By arranging the lateral air outlet in the protrusion, it is helpful to form a buffer cavity in a limited space, and it is helpful to realize the desired air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet. The spacing of the air duct cover plate from the first side wall may be greater than the spacing of the air duct cover plate from the second side wall opposite to the first side wall. Optionally, the lateral air outlet is arranged in the air duct cover plate, so that the lateral air outlet is spaced apart from the side edge of the adjacent first side wall of the air duct cover plate in the direction away from the first side wall. This helps to make the cooling gas supplied via the lateral air outlet affect the first side wall over a larger area. The lateral air outlet can prevent condensation on the first side wall in a targeted manner.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the protrusion has an inclined section that is inclined toward the direction of the inner space of the first storage chamber in the direction toward the first side wall, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the first side wall. By using the inclined section of the protrusion, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet can be obliquely directed toward the first side wall in a simple manner, so that the airflow supplied by the lateral air outlet can flow along the first side wall. In particular, by using the inclined section, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet can have a larger inclination angle.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, which is provided with a first storage chamber and an air duct for introducing cooling gas into the first storage chamber. The air duct is provided with at least one lateral air outlet structure. The lateral air outlet structure includes: a lateral air outlet, which is configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction toward one of the side walls of the first storage chamber so as to blow the cooling gas directly onto one of the side walls; and a buffer cavity, which has a buffer inlet, the opening length of the buffer inlet is smaller than the opening length of the lateral air outlet, wherein the buffer cavity is configured to guide the cooling gas entering the buffer cavity via the buffer inlet to the lateral air outlet.

[0028] This side air outlet structure allows the cooling gas to be evenly blown toward at least one of the side walls of the first storage chamber through the side air outlet. With the aid of the buffer cavity, the cooling gas can be more evenly distributed in the length direction of the side air outlet. As a result, the cooling gas can be blown onto the side wall over a larger area, thereby preventing condensation from occurring on the side wall of the first storage chamber.

[0029] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the width of the flow cross section of the buffer cavity at least in a portion thereof is greater than the opening width of the lateral air outlet and / or the opening width of the buffer inlet. As a result, the cooling gas can be decelerated in the buffer cavity, thereby helping to distribute the cooling gas more evenly. The lateral air outlet can have a very narrow width. The buffered cooling gas can pass through the narrow lateral air outlet at a higher flow rate, thereby blowing toward one of the side walls at a higher flow rate.

[0030] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the opening length of the lateral air outlet is greater than twice the opening length of the buffer inlet. The longer lateral air outlet helps the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet to affect one of the side walls over a larger area. In the case where the lateral air outlet is significantly longer than the buffer inlet, the buffer cavity can still be used to evenly distribute the cooling gas in the length direction of the lateral air outlet.

[0031] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the buffer cavity may be provided with a first corner portion, which is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer cavity toward the inner space of the first storage chamber, in particular, deflect at least 60°, and in particular deflect at least 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer cavity may be provided with a second corner portion, which is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer cavity toward one of the side walls. By using the first corner portion and / or the second corner portion, the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer cavity can be deflected, thereby helping the buffer cavity to buffer the cooling gas with a compact structure.

[0032] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the lateral air outlet may be provided at the rear wall of the first storage chamber. The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet may, for example, be arranged to point perpendicularly to the height direction of the refrigeration appliance toward one of the side walls. Optionally, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet is inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber relative to the direction perpendicular to one of the side walls. Thereby, the influence area of ​​the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet on one of the side walls can be increased. This inclined air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet is particularly conducive to forming an isolation air curtain on the surface of one of the side walls, thereby helping to prevent condensation.

[0033] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct may include a plenum chamber for introducing pressurized cooling gas. The lateral air outlet structure may be connected to the plenum chamber, so that the cooling gas in the plenum chamber can enter the buffer chamber through the buffer inlet.

[0034] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, a fan is arranged in the wind pressure chamber to pressurize the cooling gas. For example, the fan is configured as a centrifugal fan. Thus, the cooling gas can be pressurized efficiently. The distance between the rotation axis of the fan and one of the side walls can be greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the fan and the other side wall opposite to one of the side walls. This helps to enable the cooling gas supplied via the lateral air outlet to affect one of the side walls over a larger area. The fan can be arranged so that the lateral air outlet is partially higher than the rotation axis of the fan and partially lower than the rotation axis of the fan. This helps to ensure that the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet has a larger flow rate.

[0035] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct may include a lateral branch for connecting the wind pressure chamber to the lateral air outlet. The central axis of the lateral branch may, for example, extend perpendicularly to the height direction, thereby helping to increase the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet. The lateral branch may especially include a guide wall adjacent to the lateral air outlet, the guide wall being inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber in a direction toward one of the side walls, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet is directed toward one of the side walls in a manner inclined relative to one of the side walls. By using the guide wall, the area of ​​influence of the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet on one of the side walls can be increased.

[0036] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance may include an air duct assembly for at least partially delimiting the air duct. The air duct assembly may include a front cover plate and a rear plate located behind the front cover plate, and the air duct is at least partially located between the front cover plate and the rear plate. The rear plate may be provided with a surrounding wall surrounding the air pressure cavity along a circumferential direction relative to the depth direction, and a second cavity outlet is formed in the surrounding wall so that the cooling gas can leave the air pressure cavity via the second cavity outlet and be guided to the lateral air outlet.

[0037] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the surrounding wall may be formed in a volute shape and include an arc section extending around the depth direction and a straight section located downstream of the arc section. The second cavity outlet may be formed in the straight section and adjacent to the arc section. This helps to guide sufficient cooling gas to flow to the lateral air outlet via the second cavity outlet. In particular, the cooling gas can be pressurized by the fan and directly enter the second cavity outlet in a centrifugal direction.

[0038] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the buffer cavity may be adjacent to the wind pressure cavity, so that the buffer cavity is at least partially separated from the wind pressure cavity by a surrounding wall, and the buffer inlet coincides with the second cavity outlet. The pressurized cooling gas can directly enter the buffer cavity from the wind pressure cavity via the buffer inlet. After being buffered by the buffer cavity, the cooling gas can be evenly distributed and have a higher flow rate.

[0039] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the rear plate may be formed with a groove extending in the height direction, and the groove forms at least a part of the buffer cavity. By using the groove of the rear plate, the buffer cavity can have a larger volume while avoiding increasing the volume of the air duct assembly.

[0040] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance is further provided with a second storage chamber, wherein the second storage chamber has a lower operating temperature than the first storage chamber. The side wall of the first storage chamber may include a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to each other, and the first storage chamber is separated from the second storage chamber by the first side wall. The lateral air outlet may be configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction toward the first side wall. In the case where the first storage chamber is separated from the second storage chamber with a lower temperature by the first side wall, the moisture in the first storage chamber is more likely to condense on the first side wall. By using the lateral air outlet, it is possible to prevent the moisture in the first storage chamber from condensing on the first side wall in a targeted manner.

[0041] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air duct may be configured so that the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct to the first side wall can be greater than the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct to the second side wall, thereby helping to prevent condensation on the first side wall in a targeted manner.

[0042] For example, the air duct does not have a lateral air outlet structure for supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction toward the second side wall. Thus, the cooling gas can be fully utilized to specifically prevent condensation from occurring on the first side wall.

[0043] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance may be provided with an air duct cover plate, which is located between the air duct and the first storage chamber. The air duct cover plate may, for example, have a protrusion protruding toward the inner space of the first storage chamber in a direction parallel to one of the side walls, and the lateral air outlet is arranged in the protrusion. By arranging the lateral air outlet in the protrusion, it is helpful to form a buffer cavity in a limited space and to achieve a desired air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet.

[0044] The distance between the duct cover and one of the side walls can in particular be greater than the distance between the duct cover and the other side wall opposite to the one of the side walls. Optionally, the lateral air outlet can be arranged in the duct cover such that the lateral air outlet is spaced apart relative to a side edge of the duct cover adjacent to one of the side walls in a direction away from the one of the side walls. This helps the cooling gas supplied via the lateral air outlet to impact the side wall over a larger area. The lateral air outlet can prevent condensation on one of the side walls in a targeted manner.

[0045] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the protrusion has an inclined section that is inclined toward the direction of the inner space of the first storage chamber in the direction toward one of the side walls, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to one of the side walls. By using the inclined section, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet can be obliquely directed toward one of the side walls in a simple manner, so that the airflow supplied by the lateral air outlet can flow along one of the side walls. In particular, by using the inclined section, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet can have a larger inclination angle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the principles, features and advantages of the present application can be better understood. The accompanying drawings include:

[0047] Figure 1 Schematically shows a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 2 A first storage chamber of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view;

[0049] Figure 3 Partial components of an air duct assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown in an exploded view;

[0050] Figure 4Schematically shows a first storage chamber of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a first storage chamber of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 5 A magnified partial view of

[0053] Figure 7 An air duct assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0054] Reference numerals list

[0055] 1 First Storage Room

[0056] 10 Front opening

[0057] 11 First side wall

[0058] 12 Second side wall

[0059] 13 Top wall

[0060] 14 Back wall

[0061] 2 Second storage room

[0062] 3 Air duct

[0063] 31 Main air outlet

[0064] 32 Side air outlet

[0065] 33 Air pressure chamber

[0066] 331 First cavity outlet

[0067] 332 Second cavity outlet

[0068] 34 Fan

[0069] 35 Buffer chamber

[0070] 351 Buffer Entrance

[0071] 352 First Corner

[0072] 353 Second Corner

[0073] 36 Side air outlet structure

[0074] 37 Lateral branch

[0075] 371 Guide Wall

[0076] 4 Air duct cover

[0077] 41 raised part

[0078] 411 inclined section

[0079] 51 Front cover

[0080] 52 Back panel

[0081] 521 wall

[0082] 522 Arc Segment

[0083] 523 Straight line segments

[0084] 524 Grooves

[0085] 53 Insulation Board

[0086] 54 Top cover DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects to be solved by the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0088] First, for ease of understanding, let's go back to the description in the background technology section. The refrigeration appliances in the prior art have problems such as easy condensation in the storage room, complex structure, and energy waste.

[0089] In response to at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems or other possible technical problems, an exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, which is provided with a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, wherein the second storage chamber has a lower operating temperature than the first storage chamber, and the first storage chamber is separated from the second storage chamber by its first side wall, wherein the refrigeration appliance is also provided with an air duct for supplying cooling gas to the first storage chamber, and the air duct is provided with: a main air outlet, which is configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction intersecting with a front opening of the first storage chamber and / or in a direction parallel to the first side wall; and a lateral air outlet, which is configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber in a direction toward the first side wall so as to blow the cooling gas onto the first side wall.

[0090] Another exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a refrigeration appliance, which is provided with a first storage chamber and an air duct for introducing cooling gas into the first storage chamber, wherein the air duct is provided with at least one lateral air outlet structure, and the lateral air outlet structure includes: a lateral air outlet, which is configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber along a direction toward one of the side walls of the first storage chamber so as to blow the cooling gas directly onto one of the side walls; and a buffer cavity, which has a buffer inlet, and the opening length of the buffer inlet is smaller than the opening length of the lateral air outlet, wherein the buffer cavity is configured to guide the cooling gas entering the buffer cavity via the buffer inlet to the lateral air outlet.

[0091] In order to better understand the present application, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Before starting the detailed description, it should be pointed out that the directional terms used in the description process refer to the normal use state of the refrigeration appliance for the convenience of description and should not be understood as an absolute limitation on the corresponding features. In some drawings, arrows are schematically shown to indicate the height direction H, the width direction W and the depth direction D that are perpendicular to each other.

[0093] Figure 1 A refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the refrigeration appliance may be implemented as a combined refrigerator having a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is also applicable to other types of refrigerators, such as a separate refrigerator or freezer. In addition, as required, the present invention may also be applied to other refrigeration appliances other than refrigerators, such as a wine cabinet. The present invention is particularly applicable to household refrigeration appliances.

[0094] from Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the refrigeration appliance is provided with a first storage chamber 1 and a second storage chamber 2. The second storage chamber 2 has a lower operating temperature than the first storage chamber 1. For example, the first storage chamber 1 can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber, and the second storage chamber 2 can be implemented as a freezing chamber. The first storage chamber 1 is separated from the second storage chamber 2 by its first side wall 11. Here, the second storage chamber 2 is located on the left side of the first storage chamber 1, and the first side wall 11 extends between the first side wall 11 and the second storage chamber 2 in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, the second storage chamber 2 can also be arranged to overlap with the first storage chamber 1, and it is also feasible that the first side wall 11 is arranged, for example, in a horizontal direction. Figure 1 1 shows that the door for closing the first storage chamber 1 is opened so that the front opening 10 of the first storage chamber 1 (see Figure 2 ) is open, and the user can take and put the items in the first storage chamber 1 through the front opening 10. The door for closing the second storage chamber 2 is in a closed state, so the second storage chamber 2 is blocked by the door and schematically shown by dotted lines.

[0095] The refrigeration appliance is further provided with an air duct 3 for supplying cooling air to the first storage chamber 1. The air duct 3 is provided with a main air outlet 31 and a lateral air outlet 32. The main air outlet 31 is configured to supply cooling air into the first storage chamber 1 in a direction intersecting the front opening 10 of the first storage chamber 1 and / or in a direction parallel to the first side wall 11, for example, Figure 1 The lateral air outlet 32 ​​is configured to supply cooling air into the first storage chamber 1 in a direction toward the first side wall 11 so as to blow the cooling air onto the first side wall 11, for example, Figure 1 The solid arrow in .

[0096] With the help of the main air outlet 31, cooling gas can be efficiently supplied to the first storage chamber 1 so as to adjust the temperature in the first storage chamber 1. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​additional to the main air outlet 31 is used to blow cooling gas onto the first side wall 11, thereby preventing water vapor in the first storage chamber 1 from condensing on the first side wall 11.

[0097] The inventors have noticed that when the first storage chamber 1 is separated from the second storage chamber 2 with a lower temperature by the first side wall 11, the moisture in the first storage chamber 1 is easily condensed on the first side wall 11. This is because the first side wall 11 is affected by the second storage chamber 2 and has a lower temperature, especially a temperature lower than the working temperature of the first storage chamber 1. Therefore, the moisture in the first storage chamber 1 will condense on the first side wall 11 with a relatively low temperature. For example, the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 as a refrigerator may be 15°C or even 20°C higher than the temperature in the second storage chamber 2 as a freezer. Even if the first storage chamber 1 and the second storage chamber 2 are separated by an insulating wall, it is still impossible to avoid that the first side wall 11 has a lower temperature than the gas in the refrigerator chamber on the side facing the storage chamber. The humidity in the refrigerator chamber is usually high, making it easier for moisture to condense on the first side wall 11. By using the additional lateral air outlet 32, it is possible to effectively prevent the moisture in the first storage chamber 1 from condensing on the first side wall 11. On the one hand, the cooling air blown out from the side air outlet 32 ​​is relatively low in temperature and relatively dry, and can form an isolation air curtain on the surface of the first side wall 11 to separate the first side wall 11 from the high temperature and relatively humid air inside the storage compartment. On the other hand, if there is already condensed water or frost on the first side wall 11, the relatively dry and flowing cooling air blown out from the side air outlet 32 ​​can dry the condensed water or frost.

[0098] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 is mainly adjusted by the main air outlet 31. "Main air outlet" means that most of the cooling gas supplied by the air duct 3 to the first storage chamber 1 flows into the first storage chamber 1 through the main air outlet 31. The position, structure, air outlet direction, etc. of the main air outlet 31 are all configured to better achieve the working temperature in the first storage chamber 1. As described above, the air outlet direction of the main air outlet 31 may be parallel to the first side wall 11 and / or toward the front opening 10. Thus, it is possible to avoid the cooling gas flowing out of the main air outlet 31 from being concentrated near the main air outlet 31 or at the rear of the first storage chamber 1, and to avoid the cooling capacity of the cooling gas flowing out of the main air outlet 31 from being wasted on lowering the temperature of the first side wall 11 (rather than the air or items to be cooled in the first storage chamber 1), so that the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 can be efficiently and evenly lowered by means of the main air outlet 31. It is undeniable that the cooling gas flowing out of the side air outlet 32 ​​will also reduce the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 to a certain extent, however, this is not the basic function of the side air outlet 32. The design of the position, structure and other aspects of the side air outlet 32 ​​(to be further described below) is to help prevent condensation as the basic purpose. It is particularly advantageous that the side air outlet 32 ​​does not have the basic purpose of reducing the temperature in the first storage chamber 1. By additionally providing the main air outlet 31, it is possible to prevent the cooling gas flowing out of the side air outlet 32 ​​from causing the temperature of the first side wall 11 to be too low, which would make condensation more likely to occur on the first side wall 11.

[0099] In the concept of the present invention, the main air outlet 31 and the lateral air outlet 32 ​​have different basic functions, and the air outlet directions of the two are also set to be different accordingly. It should be understood that the air outlet direction of the air outlet can be determined by the orientation of the air outlet and the extension direction of the air duct 3 adjacent to the air outlet.

[0100] Obviously, compared with using a heating device to heat the wall of the first storage chamber 1 to prevent condensation, preventing condensation with the help of the above-mentioned lateral air outlet 32 ​​can avoid wasting energy and simplify the structure.

[0101] See also Figure 1 The first storage chamber 1 also has a second side wall 12 opposite to the first side wall 11. Figure 1 As shown, the second side wall 12, for example, separates the first storage chamber 1 from the external environment. The air duct 3 may be configured so that the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct 3 to the first side wall 11 is greater than the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct 3 to the second side wall 12. Generally speaking, in order to make the temperature in the storage chamber of the refrigeration appliance more uniform, the air outlet and the air volume in the storage chamber are symmetrically arranged. However, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent condensation on the first side wall 11, the air volume of the air duct 3 is intentionally set to be asymmetrical. Thereby, it helps to prevent condensation on the first side wall 11 in a targeted manner.

[0102] For example, the air duct 3 may not have an air outlet for supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber 1 in a direction toward the second side wall 12. In this way, the cooling gas can be fully utilized to prevent condensation on the first side wall 11 in a targeted manner. Figure 1 As shown, the air duct 3 may only have a main air outlet 31 for discharging air downward from the top of the first storage chamber 1 and a lateral air outlet 32 ​​for discharging air toward the first side wall 11. This prevents the cooling air in the air duct 3 from being blown directly toward the second side wall 12.

[0103] Optionally, the air duct 3 may also be provided with additional lateral air outlets 32 for supplying cooling air into the first storage chamber 1 in the direction toward the second side wall 12. Compared with the lateral air outlets 32 described above, the additional lateral air outlets 32 may be provided with a smaller number or a smaller flow rate, for example.

[0104] Figure 2 The first storage chamber 1 of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view. The refrigeration appliance may include an air duct assembly 4 for at least partially delimiting an air duct 3. The air duct assembly 4 may be arranged in an inner liner surrounding the first storage chamber 1, and delimit the first storage chamber 1 together with the inner liner. The air duct 3 may be at least partially delimited by the air duct assembly 4 and the inner liner. Optionally, the air duct 3 may also be completely formed in the air duct assembly 4.

[0105] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the main air outlet 31 can be arranged at the top wall 13 of the first storage chamber 1. The cooling gas supplied to the first storage chamber 1 via the main air outlet 31 can sink under the action of gravity, thereby helping to make the temperature distribution in the first storage chamber 1 more uniform. Optionally, the main air outlet 31 is arranged along the width direction W of the refrigeration appliance. The main air outlet 31 can be adjacent to the front opening 10 of the first storage chamber 1, for example, so as to facilitate the temperature uniformity in the first storage chamber 1, and can reduce the air entering the first storage chamber 1 from the external environment via the front opening 10. The air outlet direction of the main air outlet 31 can be roughly parallel to the direction of the first side wall 11, for example, it can be arranged from top to bottom along the height direction H of the refrigeration appliance. The air outlet direction of the main air outlet 31 can be particularly arranged to be tilted forward. For example, the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can be arranged at the rear wall 14 of the first storage chamber 1. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​can extend along the height direction H of the refrigeration appliance. The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can be set to be perpendicular to the height direction H of the refrigeration appliance and point to the first side wall 11. The combination of the main air outlet 31 and the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can particularly advantageously adjust the working temperature in the first storage chamber 1 and prevent condensation.

[0106] In another embodiment, the main air outlet 31 may also be disposed at the rear wall 14 of the first storage chamber 1 and may have an air outlet direction from the back to the front.

[0107] The air duct 3 can be configured in particular so that the flow rate of the main air outlet 31 can be greater than 5 times, especially more than 10 times, the flow rate of the lateral air outlet 32. It should be understood that this is not a simple parameter selection. Instead, the concept of the present invention is further embodied by the obvious gap between the flow rate of the main air outlet 31 and the flow rate of the lateral air outlet 32. That is, the air duct 3 is provided with a main air outlet 31 for cooling the first storage chamber 1, and a lateral air outlet 32 ​​intended to prevent condensation. Thus, flow distribution can be achieved between the main air outlet 31 and the lateral air outlet 32 ​​with different basic functions. This allows the first storage chamber 1 to have a desired temperature while effectively preventing condensation. As described above, the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is not for the basic purpose of reducing the temperature in the first storage chamber 1, and the lateral air outlet 32 ​​has a smaller flow rate accordingly, which is adapted to its basic function of preventing condensation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of cooling gas from being blown directly onto the first side wall 11 through the lateral air outlet 32 ​​, which would cause the temperature of the first side wall 11 to be too low, thereby making it easier for condensation to occur on the first side wall 11 .

[0108] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the air duct 3 may include a wind pressure chamber 33 for introducing pressurized cooling gas, and the wind pressure chamber 33 may be provided with a first chamber outlet 331 and a second chamber outlet 332. The cooling gas may leave the wind pressure chamber 33 via the first chamber outlet 331 and be guided to the main air outlet 31. The cooling gas may leave the wind pressure chamber 33 via the second chamber outlet 332 and be guided to the lateral air outlet 32. Thus, the cooling gas for adjusting the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 and the cooling gas for preventing condensation may be divided at the wind pressure chamber 33.

[0109] Optionally, the flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet 331 may be larger than the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet 332. This helps to make the flow rate of the main air outlet 31 larger than the flow rate of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​in a simple and controllable manner. For example, the flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet 331 is more than 5 times, especially more than 10 times, the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet 332. The flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet 331 is significantly larger than the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet 332, and the difference between the two may be more than one order of magnitude.

[0110] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a fan 34 may be arranged in the wind pressure chamber 33 to pressurize the cooling gas. The fan 34 may be configured as a centrifugal fan 34, for example. Figure 2As shown, the first cavity outlet 331 may be disposed directly above the fan 34, and the second cavity outlet 332 (here shown in dotted lines because it is blocked by the fan) may be opposite to the fan 34 along the width direction W. The cooling gas flowing from the second cavity outlet 332 to the lateral air outlet 32 ​​may have a greater flow rate, thereby helping to ensure the anti-condensation effect of the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet 32.

[0111] The fan 34 may be arranged, for example, so that the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is partially above the rotation axis of the fan 34 and partially below the rotation axis of the fan 34. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​is, for example, opposite to the fan 34 in the width direction W similar to the second cavity outlet 332. This helps to ensure that the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​has a large flow rate.

[0112] like Figure 2 As shown, the air duct assembly 4 may include a front cover plate 51 and a rear plate 52 located behind the front cover plate 51. The air duct 3 may be at least partially located between the front cover plate 51 and the rear plate 52. The front cover plate 51 may separate at least a portion of the air duct 3 from the first storage chamber 1. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​may be formed in the front cover plate 51, for example. Exemplarily, the air duct assembly 4 may also include a heat insulation board 53 made of a heat insulation material. The heat insulation board 53 may be arranged on the side of the front cover plate 51 facing away from the storage space, and is located between the storage spaces of the first storage chamber 1 of the air duct 3. With the aid of the heat insulation board 53, heat insulation can be achieved between the storage space and the air duct 3, thereby preventing condensation from occurring at the side of the front cover plate 51 facing the storage space. The wind pressure chamber 33 may be arranged between the front cover plate 51 and the rear plate 52, particularly between the heat insulation board 53 and the rear plate 52. The air duct assembly 4 may, for example, include a top cover plate 53, which is located at the top of the first storage chamber 1. The air duct 3 may be at least partially bounded by the top cover plate 53 and the top wall of the liner. The main air outlet 31 may, for example, be formed in the top cover plate 53, in particular, at the front end of the top cover plate 53.

[0113] Figure 3 Partial components of an air duct assembly 4 of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown in an exploded view. Figure 4 The first storage chamber 1 of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, wherein some components of the air duct assembly 4 are not shown in order to illustrate the internal structure of the air duct assembly 4 .

[0114] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rear plate 52 may be provided with a surrounding wall 521 surrounding the wind pressure cavity 33 along the circumferential direction relative to the depth direction D. The second cavity outlet 332 is formed in the surrounding wall 521. This helps to make the second cavity outlet 332 offset backward relative to the lateral air outlet 32 ​​in the depth direction D, thereby facilitating the cooling gas to be buffered and guided in the process of flowing from the second cavity outlet 332 to the lateral air outlet 32.

[0115] The surrounding wall 521 may be formed in a volute shape, and include an arc section 522 extending around the depth direction D and a straight section 523 located downstream of the arc section 522, and the second cavity outlet 332 is formed in the straight section 523 and adjacent to the arc section 522. This helps to guide sufficient cooling gas to flow to the lateral air outlet 32 ​​via the second cavity outlet 332. In particular, the cooling gas can be pressurized by the fan 34 and directly enter the second cavity outlet 332 in the centrifugal direction. In the case where a centrifugal fan 34 is provided in the wind pressure cavity 33, the structure of the surrounding wall 521 is particularly advantageous.

[0116] In this embodiment, the lateral air outlet 32 ​​may be formed on the front cover plate 51. Optionally, the opening length of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​may be greater than the opening length of the second cavity outlet 332, in particular, greater than 2 times the opening length of the second cavity outlet 332. Thus, the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can affect the first side wall 11 over a larger area, so as to more effectively prevent condensation.

[0117] Optionally, pressurized cooling gas can also be introduced into the wind pressure chamber 33 from another storage chamber, such as the second storage chamber 2. For example, the cooling gas is pressurized and blown into the air duct 3 of the first storage chamber 1, especially the wind pressure chamber 33, by a fan arranged in the second storage chamber 2.

[0118] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a first storage chamber 1 of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of .

[0119] Figure 5 It is shown that the cooling gas can be guided from the wind pressure cavity 33 to the side air outlet 32 ​​via the second cavity outlet 332. The air outlet direction of the side air outlet 32 ​​can be particularly inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber 1 relative to the direction perpendicular to the first side wall 11. In this way, the influence area of ​​the cooling gas supplied by the side air outlet 32 ​​on the first side wall 11 can be increased. This inclined air outlet direction of the side air outlet 32 ​​is particularly conducive to forming an isolation air curtain on the surface of the first side wall 11. Figure 5 As shown, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​points to the first side wall 11 and is inclined toward the front opening 10 . This helps the airflow supplied by the lateral air outlet 32 ​​to flow forward along the first side wall 11 .

[0120] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6It can be seen that the air duct 3 may include, for example, a lateral branch 37 for connecting the second cavity outlet 332 to the lateral air outlet 32. Optionally, the central axis of the lateral branch 37 may be arranged to extend perpendicularly to the height direction H, for example, see Figure 1 This helps to increase the flow rate of the cooling air flowing out of the side air outlets.

[0121] The lateral branch 37 may particularly include a guide wall 371 adjacent to the lateral air outlet 32. The guide wall 371 is inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber 1 in the direction toward the first side wall 11, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is directed toward the first side wall 11 in a manner inclined relative to the first side wall 11. With the guide wall 371, the influence area of ​​the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet 32 ​​on the first side wall 11 can be increased.

[0122] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 34 is arranged in the wind pressure chamber 33. The distance d1 between the rotation axis of the fan 34 and the first side wall 11 may be greater than the distance d2 between the rotation axis of the fan 34 and the second side wall 12. The fan 34 is offset in the direction away from the first side wall 11 relative to the center of the first storage chamber 1 in the width direction W. This helps to enable the cooling gas supplied via the side air outlet 32 ​​to affect the first side wall 11 over a larger area. By increasing the distance between the fan 34 and the first side wall 11, it helps to increase the distance between the side air outlet 32 ​​and the first side wall 11. When the side air outlet 32 ​​is too close to the first side wall 11, the cooling gas blown out by the side air outlet 32 ​​can only be blown to the rear end portion of the first side wall 11. Moreover, a too close distance is not conducive to guiding the cooling gas blown out by the side air outlet 32 ​​to flow forward along the first side wall 11.

[0123] As described above, the refrigeration appliance may be configured to prevent condensation on the first side wall 11 in a targeted manner. The refrigeration appliance may not have an air outlet for supplying cooling gas to the first storage chamber 1 in a direction toward the second side wall 12. Alternatively, the air outlet for supplying cooling gas to the first storage chamber 1 in a direction toward the second side wall 12 does not need to be configured for the purpose of preventing condensation on the second side wall 12 as the above-mentioned lateral air outlet 32. Therefore, there may be a smaller spacing d2 between the axis of rotation of the fan 34 and the second side wall 12. Based on the starting point of "targetedly preventing condensation on the first side wall 11", exemplary embodiments of the present invention propose multiple asymmetric designs (to be further described below).

[0124] See also Figure 5The air duct 3 may include a buffer chamber 35 having a buffer inlet 351. The buffer chamber 35 may be configured to guide the cooling gas entering the buffer chamber 35 through the buffer inlet 351 to the lateral air outlet 32. The opening length of the buffer inlet 351 is smaller than the opening length of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​(see Figure 3 ). The cooling gas is buffered in the buffer cavity 35. With the aid of the buffer cavity 35, the cooling gas can be more evenly distributed in the length direction of the lateral air outlet 32. Here, the length direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​extends along the height direction H of the refrigeration appliance.

[0125] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration appliance may be provided with a first storage chamber 1 and an air duct 3 for introducing cooling gas into the first storage chamber 1. The air duct 3 may be provided with at least one lateral air outlet structure 36, and the lateral air outlet structure 36 includes a lateral air outlet 32 ​​and a buffer chamber 35. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​may be configured to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber 1 in a direction toward one of the side walls of the first storage chamber 1, so as to blow the cooling gas directly onto one of the side walls. The buffer chamber 35 may have a buffer inlet 351, and the buffer chamber 35 is configured to guide the cooling gas entering the buffer chamber 35 via the buffer inlet 351 to the lateral air outlet 32, and the opening length of the buffer inlet 351 is less than the opening length of the lateral air outlet 32.

[0126] This lateral air outlet structure 36 can make the cooling gas blow evenly to at least one of the side walls of the first storage chamber 1 via the lateral air outlet 32. With the help of the buffer chamber 35, the cooling gas can be more evenly distributed in the length direction of the lateral air outlet 32. As a result, the cooling gas can be blown onto the side wall over a larger area, thereby preventing condensation from occurring on the side wall of the first storage chamber 1. As described above, the cooling gas blown out from the lateral air outlet 32 ​​itself is relatively low in temperature and relatively dry, and it can form an isolation air curtain on the surface of the side wall to separate the side wall from the higher temperature and more humid air inside the storage chamber. In the case where condensed water or frost already exists on the side wall, the relatively dry and flowing cooling gas blown out from the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can dry the condensed water or frost. In addition, by making the cooling gas more evenly distributed in the length direction of the lateral air outlet 32, it is possible to prevent the cooling gas from being concentratedly blown onto a small local part of the side wall and causing the local part to be easily condensed due to the low temperature.

[0127] In the absence of the buffer cavity 35, the side air outlet 32 ​​can often only have a relatively small opening length, so that the cooling gas supplied by the side air outlet 32 ​​can only be blown onto the side wall within a relatively small area. The local portion of the side wall where the cooling gas is concentrated and directly blown is prone to low temperature and condensation. Even if the side air outlet 32 ​​is hastily set to have a relatively large opening length, due to the uneven distribution of the cooling gas, the cooling gas is actually only concentrated on a portion of the opening length of the side air outlet 32, so the cooling gas is still only blown onto the side wall within a relatively small area. For example, see Figure 3 If the cooling gas flows directly from the smaller second cavity outlet 332 to the side air outlet 32 ​​without passing through the buffer cavity 35, the cooling gas is likely to flow out from the middle part of the side air outlet 32 ​​in a concentrated manner and cannot be evenly distributed over the opening length of the side air outlet 32. This makes the upper and lower parts of the side air outlet 32 ​​almost ineffective. If both the second cavity outlet 332 and the side air outlet 32 ​​are configured to have a longer opening length, the air volume of the side air outlet 32 ​​will be too large, or it will be difficult to accurately control the air volume of the side air outlet 32.

[0128] The features of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​described above are also applicable to the lateral air outlet 32 ​​of the lateral air outlet structure 36 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The other features described above can also be combined with each other between different embodiments, which will not be repeated here. The lateral air outlet structure 36 described herein can be used not only to supply cooling air to a refrigerating chamber, but also to supply cooling air to a freezing chamber, etc.

[0129] It should be understood that "one of the side walls" means "at least one of the side walls". Here, one of the side walls is exemplarily implemented as the first side wall 11 that separates the first storage chamber 1 from the second storage chamber 2 with a lower temperature. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​is correspondingly configured to be able to supply cooling gas into the first storage chamber 1 in the direction toward the first side wall 11. Therefore, in some descriptions herein, for the sake of brevity, "the first side wall 11" may be used to represent "one of the side walls". The air duct 3, for example, does not have a lateral air outlet structure 36 for supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber 1 in the direction toward the second side wall 12. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, one of the side walls may alternatively or additionally include other side walls, such as the second side wall 12 opposite to the first side wall 11.

[0130] Optionally, the air duct 3 is provided with another air outlet for supplying cooling air to the first storage chamber 1 in addition to the lateral air outlet 32. Alternatively, the air duct 3 may not have another air outlet, but only supply cooling air to the first storage chamber 1 through the lateral air outlet 32. In this case, the lateral air outlet structure 36 assumes the function of regulating the temperature in the first storage chamber 1.

[0131] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct 3 includes a plenum chamber 33 for introducing pressurized cooling gas. The lateral air outlet structure 36 can be connected to the plenum chamber 33 so that the cooling gas in the plenum chamber 33 can enter the buffer chamber 35 via the buffer inlet 351 .

[0132] For example, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rear plate 52 may be formed with a groove 524 extending in the height direction H, and the groove 524 forms at least a portion of the buffer cavity 35. By using the groove 524 of the rear plate 52, the buffer cavity 35 can have a larger volume while avoiding increasing the volume of the air duct assembly 4. Another portion of the buffer cavity 35 may be formed in the heat insulation board 53, for example.

[0133] The buffer chamber 35 may, for example, be adjacent to the wind pressure chamber 33, so that the buffer chamber 35 is at least partially separated from the wind pressure chamber 33 by the surrounding wall 521, and the buffer inlet 351 coincides with the second chamber outlet 332. The pressurized cooling gas can enter the buffer chamber 35 directly from the wind pressure chamber 33 via the buffer inlet 351. This helps to ensure that the cooling gas flowing into the buffer chamber 35 has a higher kinetic energy. The cooling gas flows into the buffer chamber 35 at a higher flow rate and decelerates in the buffer chamber 35. It is particularly advantageous that a fan 34 is provided in the wind pressure chamber 33, and the fan 34 is a centrifugal fan 34. The cooling gas can be pressurized by the fan 34 and directly enter the buffer chamber 35 in a centrifugal direction. The cooling gas pressurized by the centrifugal fan 34 has a higher flow rate, but its distribution is uneven. After being buffered by the buffer chamber 35, the cooling gas can be evenly distributed while having a higher flow rate.

[0134] The width of the flow cross section of the buffer cavity 35 at least in a part of its section may be greater than the opening width of the buffer inlet 351. Thus, the cooling gas can be decelerated in the buffer cavity 35, thereby facilitating a more uniform distribution of the cooling gas. After entering the buffer cavity 35, the flow velocity of the cooling gas decreases and the pressure increases. In this process, the cooling gas can be evenly distributed in the enlarged flow cross section.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, the width of the flow cross section of the buffer cavity 35 at least in its partial section may be greater than the opening width of the lateral air outlet 32. The lateral air outlet 32 ​​may have a very narrow width. The buffered cooling gas can pass through the narrow lateral air outlet 32 ​​at a higher flow rate, thereby blowing toward the first side wall 11 at a higher flow rate. Obviously, this is not a simple size selection, but an improvement of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​for the purpose of preventing condensation. In particular, when the air duct 3 has a main air outlet 31 and a lateral air outlet 32, the cooling gas supplied by the lateral air outlet 32 ​​may have a smaller flow rate and a higher flow rate.

[0136] The opening length of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​may be greater than twice the opening length of the buffer inlet 351. As described above, the longer lateral air outlet 32 ​​helps the cooling gas flowing out of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​to affect the first side wall 11 over a larger area. This is also not a simple size selection, but an improvement on the lateral air outlet 32 ​​for the purpose of preventing condensation. In particular, the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is configured to be long and narrow, which is conducive to enhancing its anti-condensation effect. For example, the aspect ratio of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​may be above 10:1. In the case where the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is significantly longer than the buffer inlet 351, the buffer cavity 35 is used to still make the cooling gas evenly distributed in the length direction of the lateral air outlet 32.

[0137] See also Figure 6 The buffer chamber 35 may be provided with a first corner portion 352, which is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 toward the direction of the internal space of the first storage chamber 1. In particular, the first corner portion 352 can deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 toward the direction of the internal space of the first storage chamber 1 by at least 60°, and in particular, by at least 90°. For example, the first corner portion 352 can deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 forward by approximately 90°, so that the flow direction is deflected from right to left along the width direction W to from back to front along the depth direction D. By utilizing the first corner portion 352, the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 can be deflected, thereby helping the buffer chamber 35 to buffer the cooling gas with a compact structure. In particular, by deflecting the flow direction of the cooling gas toward the direction of the internal space of the first storage chamber 1, it helps the buffer chamber 35 to achieve uniformity of the cooling gas in a smaller space. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer chamber 35 may be provided with a second corner portion 353, which is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 toward one of the side walls (here, the first side wall 11). For example, the second corner portion 353 can deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 toward the first side wall 11 by approximately 60°, so that the flow direction is deflected from back to front along the depth direction D to obliquely pointing to the first side wall 11. By using the second corner portion 353, the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber 35 can be deflected, thereby helping the buffer chamber 35 to buffer the cooling gas with a compact structure. In addition, using the second corner portion 353 helps to achieve the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​pointing to the first side wall 11. The combination of the first corner portion 352 and the second corner portion 353 is particularly helpful for the lateral air outlet structure 36 to evenly distribute the cooling gas in the length direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​with a compact structure.

[0138] Figure 7 An air duct assembly 4 of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0139] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that the refrigeration appliance may be provided with an air duct cover plate 4. The air duct cover plate 4 may be arranged between the air duct 3 and the first storage chamber 1. In this embodiment, the air duct cover plate 4 includes, for example, a front cover plate 51. The air duct cover plate 4 may have a protrusion 41 protruding toward the inner space of the first storage chamber 1 in a direction parallel to the first side wall 11, and the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is arranged in the protrusion 41. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the front cover plate 51 may be provided with a protrusion 41, and the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is arranged in the protrusion 41. By arranging the lateral air outlet 32 ​​in the protrusion 41, it is helpful to form a buffer cavity 35 in a limited space and to achieve the desired air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32.

[0140] Optionally, the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is arranged in the air duct cover plate 4, so that the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is spaced apart from the side edge of the air duct cover plate 4 adjacent to the first side wall 11 in a direction away from the first side wall 11. This helps to make the cooling gas supplied via the lateral air outlet 32 ​​affect the first side wall 11 over a larger area.

[0141] See also Figure 5 , the distance between the air duct cover plate 4 and the first side wall 11 can be greater than the distance between the air duct cover plate 4 and the second side wall 12. This also helps to make the cooling gas supplied through the side air outlet 32 ​​affect the first side wall 11 over a larger area. As mentioned above, the side air outlet 32 ​​can prevent condensation from occurring on the first side wall 11 in a targeted manner.

[0142] The protrusion 41 has an inclined section 411 inclined toward the direction of the inner space of the first storage chamber 1 in the direction toward the first side wall 11, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the first side wall 11. By using the inclined section 411, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can be obliquely directed toward the first side wall 11 in a simple manner, so that the airflow supplied by the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can flow forward along the first side wall 11. In particular, by using the inclined section 411, the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet 32 ​​can have a large inclination angle.

[0143] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to specific features. The feature examples provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not restrictive, unless otherwise stated. In specific implementations, multiple features may be combined with each other, depending on actual needs, where technically feasible. In particular, the features in different embodiments may also be combined with each other. Various replacements, changes, and modifications may also be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, comprising a first storage chamber (1) and a second storage chamber (2), wherein: The second storage chamber (2) has a lower operating temperature than the first storage chamber (1), and the first storage chamber (1) is separated from the second storage chamber (2) by a first side wall (11) thereof, wherein the refrigeration appliance is further provided with an air duct (3) for supplying cooling gas to the first storage chamber (1), and the air duct (3) is provided with: a main air outlet (31) configured to supply cooling air into the first storage chamber (1) in a direction intersecting the front opening (10) of the first storage chamber (1) and / or in a direction parallel to the first side wall (11); and The lateral air outlet (32) is configured to supply cooling air into the first storage chamber (1) in a direction toward the first side wall (11) so as to blow the cooling air onto the first side wall (11).

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is inclined toward the internal space of the first storage chamber (1) relative to the direction perpendicular to the first side wall (11).

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air duct (3) is configured such that the flow rate of the main air outlet (31) can be 5 times, in particular more than 10 times, greater than the flow rate of the lateral air outlet (32).

4. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first storage chamber (1) has a second side wall (12) opposite to the first side wall (11), wherein: The air duct (3) is configured so that the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct (3) to the first side wall (11) can be greater than the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct (3) to the second side wall (12); and / or The air duct (3) does not have an air outlet for supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber (1) in a direction toward the second side wall (12).

5. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The main air outlet (31) is arranged on the top wall (13) of the first storage chamber (1); and / or The air outlet direction of the main air outlet (31) is arranged from top to bottom along the height direction of the refrigeration appliance; and / or The lateral air outlet (32) is arranged on the rear wall (14) of the first storage chamber (1); and / or The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is arranged to be perpendicular to the height direction of the refrigeration appliance and point to the first side wall (11).

6. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The air duct (3) comprises an air pressure chamber (33) for introducing pressurized cooling gas, wherein the air pressure chamber (33) is provided with a first chamber outlet (331) and a second chamber outlet (332), wherein the cooling gas can leave the air pressure chamber (33) via the first chamber outlet (331) and be guided to the main air outlet (31), and the cooling gas can leave the air pressure chamber (33) via the second chamber outlet (332) and be guided to the lateral air outlet (32).

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, wherein: The flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet (331) is greater than the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet (332).

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: A fan (34) is arranged in the wind pressure chamber (33) to pressurize the cooling gas, wherein: The distance between the rotation axis of the fan (34) and the first side wall (11) is greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the fan (34) and the second side wall (12) opposite to the first side wall (11); and / or The fan (34) is arranged so that the lateral air outlet (32) is partially above the rotation axis of the fan (34) and partially below the rotation axis of the fan (34); and / or The fan (34) is configured as a centrifugal fan.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The air duct (3) comprises a lateral branch (37) for connecting the second cavity outlet (332) to the lateral air outlet (32), wherein: The central axis of the lateral branch (37) extends perpendicular to the height direction; and / or The lateral branch (37) includes a guide wall (371) adjacent to the lateral air outlet (32), and the guide wall (371) is inclined toward the internal space of the first storage chamber (1) in the direction toward the first side wall (11), so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is directed toward the first side wall (11) in a manner inclined relative to the first side wall (11).

10. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The refrigeration appliance comprises an air duct assembly for at least partially defining an air duct (3), wherein the air duct assembly comprises a front cover plate (51) and a rear plate (52) located behind the front cover plate (51), wherein the air duct is at least partially located between the front cover plate (51) and the rear plate (52), and the rear plate (52) is provided with a surrounding wall (521) surrounding the air pressure cavity (33) along a circumferential direction relative to a depth direction, and a second cavity outlet (332) is formed in the surrounding wall (521).

11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, wherein: The surrounding wall (521) is formed in a volute shape and includes an arc section (522) extending around the depth direction and a straight section (523) located downstream of the arc section (522), and the second chamber outlet (332) is formed in the straight section (523) and adjacent to the arc section (522).

12. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein: The flow area of ​​the first cavity outlet (331) is more than 5 times, in particular more than 10 times, the flow area of ​​the second cavity outlet (332); and / or The opening length of the lateral air outlet (32) is greater than the opening length of the second cavity outlet (332), and in particular is greater than twice the opening length of the second cavity outlet (332).

13. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The air duct (3) comprises a buffer chamber (35) having a buffer inlet (351), wherein the opening length of the buffer inlet (351) is smaller than the opening length of the lateral air outlet (32), wherein the buffer chamber (35) is configured to guide the cooling gas entering the buffer chamber (35) via the buffer inlet (351) to the lateral air outlet (32).

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 13, wherein: The opening length of the lateral air outlet (32) is greater than the opening length of the buffer inlet (351), in particular, greater than twice the opening length of the buffer inlet (351); and / or The width of the flow cross section of the buffer chamber (35) at least in a partial section thereof is greater than the opening width of the lateral air outlet (32) and / or the opening width of the buffer inlet (351).

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The buffer chamber (35) is provided with: A first corner portion (352) is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber (35) toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1), in particular by at least 60°, in particular by at least 90°; and / or The second corner portion (353) is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber (35) toward the first side wall (11).

16. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The refrigeration appliance is provided with an air duct cover plate (4), which is located between the air duct (3) and the first storage chamber (1), wherein: The air duct cover plate (4) has a protrusion (41) protruding toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1) in a direction parallel to the first side wall (11), and the lateral air outlet (32) is arranged in the protrusion (41); and / or The distance between the air duct cover plate (4) and the first side wall (11) is greater than the distance between the air duct cover plate (4) and a second side wall (12) opposite to the first side wall (11); and / or The lateral air outlet (32) is arranged in the air duct cover plate (4) such that the lateral air outlet (32) is spaced apart from a side edge of the air duct cover plate (4) adjacent to the first side wall (11) in a direction away from the first side wall (11).

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 16, wherein: The raised portion (41) has an inclined section (411) inclined in the direction toward the first side wall (11) and toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1), so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the first side wall (11).

18. A refrigeration appliance, comprising a first storage chamber (1) and an air duct (3) for introducing cooling gas into the first storage chamber (1), wherein: The air duct (3) is provided with at least one lateral air outlet structure (36), and the lateral air outlet structure (36) comprises: a lateral air outlet (32) configured to supply cooling air into the first storage chamber (1) in a direction toward one of the side walls of the first storage chamber (1) so as to blow the cooling air directly onto one of the side walls; and A buffer chamber (35) having a buffer inlet (351), wherein the opening length of the buffer inlet (351) is smaller than the opening length of the lateral air outlet (32), wherein the buffer chamber (35) is configured to guide cooling gas entering the buffer chamber (35) via the buffer inlet (351) to the lateral air outlet (32).

19. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 13, wherein: The opening length of the lateral air outlet (32) is greater than twice the opening length of the buffer inlet (351); and / or The width of the flow cross section of the buffer chamber (35) at least in a partial section thereof is greater than the opening width of the lateral air outlet (32) and / or the opening width of the buffer inlet (351).

20. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The buffer chamber (35) is provided with: A first corner portion (352) is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber (35) toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1), in particular by at least 60°, in particular by at least 90°; and / or The second corner portion (353) is used to deflect the flow direction of the cooling gas in the buffer chamber (35) toward one of the side walls.

21. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: The lateral air outlet (32) is arranged on the rear wall (14) of the first storage chamber (1); and / or The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is arranged to be perpendicular to the height direction of the refrigeration appliance and point to one of the side walls; and / or The air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1) relative to a direction perpendicular to one of the side walls.

22. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: The air duct (3) comprises an air pressure chamber (33) for introducing pressurized cooling gas, and the lateral air outlet structure (36) is connected to the air pressure chamber (33), so that the cooling gas in the air pressure chamber (33) can enter the buffer chamber (35) through the buffer inlet (351).

23. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 22, wherein: A fan (34) is arranged in the wind pressure chamber (33) to pressurize the cooling gas, wherein: The distance between the rotation axis of the fan (34) and one of the side walls is greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the fan (34) and the other side wall opposite to the one of the side walls; and / or The fan (34) is arranged so that the lateral air outlet (32) is partially above the rotation axis of the fan (34) and partially below the rotation axis of the fan (34); and / or The fan (34) is configured as a centrifugal fan.

24. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: The air duct (3) comprises a lateral branch (37) for connecting the air pressure chamber (33) to the lateral air outlet (32), wherein: The central axis of the lateral branch (37) extends perpendicular to the height direction; and / or The lateral branch (37) includes a guide wall (371) adjacent to the lateral air outlet (32), and the guide wall (371) is inclined toward the internal space of the first storage chamber (1) in the direction toward one of the side walls, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is directed toward one of the side walls in a manner inclined relative to one of the side walls.

25. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: The refrigeration appliance comprises an air duct assembly for at least partially limiting an air duct (3), wherein the air duct assembly comprises a front cover plate (51) and a rear plate (52) located behind the front cover plate (51), the air duct (3) is at least partially located between the front cover plate (51) and the rear plate (52), the rear plate (52) is provided with a surrounding wall (521) surrounding an air pressure cavity along a circumferential direction relative to a depth direction, a second cavity outlet (332) is formed in the surrounding wall (521) so that cooling gas can leave the air pressure cavity (33) via the second cavity outlet (332) and be guided to a lateral air outlet (32).

26. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 25, wherein: The surrounding wall (521) is formed in a volute shape and includes an arc section (522) extending around the depth direction and a straight section (523) located downstream of the arc section (522), and the second chamber outlet (332) is formed in the straight section (523) and adjacent to the arc section (522).

27. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 25, wherein: The buffer chamber (35) is adjacent to the wind pressure chamber (33), so that the buffer chamber (35) is at least partially separated from the wind pressure chamber (33) by the surrounding wall (521), and the buffer inlet (351) coincides with the second chamber outlet (332).

28. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein: The rear plate (52) is formed with a groove (524) extending in the height direction, and the groove (524) forms at least a part of the buffer cavity (35).

29. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein: The refrigeration appliance is further provided with a second storage chamber (2), wherein the second storage chamber (2) has a lower operating temperature than the first storage chamber (1), the side wall of the first storage chamber (1) comprises a first side wall (11) and a second side wall (12) which are opposite to each other, and the first storage chamber (1) is separated from the second storage chamber (2) by the first side wall (11); The lateral air outlet (32) is configured to supply cooling air into the first storage chamber (1) in a direction toward the first side wall (11).

30. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 29, wherein: The air duct (3) is configured so that the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct (3) to the first side wall (11) can be greater than the flow rate of cooling gas directly blown from the air duct (3) to the second side wall (12); and / or The air duct (3) does not have a lateral air outlet structure (36) for supplying cooling gas into the first storage chamber (1) in a direction toward the second side wall (12).

31. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein: The refrigeration appliance is provided with an air duct cover plate (4), which is located between the air duct (3) and the first storage chamber (1), wherein: The air duct cover plate (4) has a protrusion (41) protruding toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1) in a direction parallel to one of the side walls, and the lateral air outlet (32) is arranged in the protrusion (41); and / or The distance between the air duct cover plate (4) and one of the side walls is greater than the distance between the air duct cover plate (4) and another side wall opposite to the one of the side walls; and / or The lateral air outlet (32) is arranged in the air duct cover plate (4) such that the lateral air outlet (32) is spaced apart from a side edge of the air duct cover plate (4) adjacent to one of the side walls in a direction away from one of the side walls.

32. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 31, wherein: The protrusion (41) has an inclined section (411) inclined toward the inner space of the first storage chamber (1) in the direction toward one of the side walls, so that the air outlet direction of the lateral air outlet (32) is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to one of the side walls.

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