Refrigerator and defrosting control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator and a defrosting control method thereof.The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, an inner container, an evaporator, a heating piece, an air return channel and an air duct mechanism, a storage chamber and a heat exchange chamber are arranged in the inner container, the evaporator and the heating piece are arranged in the heat exchange chamber, and the air return channel communicates with the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber. The air duct mechanism comprises an air duct shell, a fan and an air door assembly, the air duct shell is arranged in the inner container, an airflow channel is formed in the air duct shell, an air inlet and a circulating air opening are formed in the side, facing the heat exchange chamber, of the air duct shell, and an air supply opening is formed in the side, facing the storage chamber, of the air duct shell; the air inlet, the circulating air port and the air supply port are sequentially communicated into the airflow channel in the airflow direction of the airflow channel, and the air door assembly is arranged in the airflow channel, located at the circulating air port and used for closing one of the circulating air port and the airflow channel and conducting the other one of the circulating air port and the airflow channel. The defrosting efficiency can be improved, and the food fresh-keeping effect is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular to a refrigerator and a defrosting control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators are household appliances that are frequently used in daily life. People not only pay attention to their cooling effect, but also have higher requirements for the refrigerator's freshness preservation effect and internal environment. After long-term use of air-cooled refrigerators, the heat from food, water vapor, and moisture caused by opening and closing the door will cause frost on the evaporator, affecting the cooling effect.

[0003] Therefore, the refrigerator will be set to enter the defrost mode at a specific time, and the frost on the evaporator will be melted by the heating wire. The melting process of the frost on the evaporator will generate hot air (the temperature of the hot air is roughly 3-5°C), which will rush into the storage room of the refrigerator through the air supply port, causing a sudden change in the temperature of the storage room, affecting the refrigeration of food and easily causing food to spoil. Summary of the invention

[0004] The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which when the evaporator is defrosted, the hot air generated will not enter the storage room, will not affect the preservation effect of food in the storage room, and the defrosting efficiency is higher.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a defrost control method applied to the above refrigerator.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A refrigerator, comprising:

[0008] Box;

[0009] An inner tank is placed in the box, and a storage chamber and a heat exchange chamber are provided inside the inner tank;

[0010] An evaporator is arranged in the heat exchange chamber;

[0011] A heating element is arranged in the heat exchange chamber;

[0012] A return air passage, the return air passage communicating with the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber;

[0013] The air duct mechanism comprises:

[0014] An air duct shell is vertically arranged in the inner liner and separates the interior of the inner liner into the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber. An air flow channel is vertically provided in the air duct shell. An air inlet and a circulating air outlet are provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the heat exchange chamber. An air supply outlet is provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the storage chamber. The air inlet, circulating air outlet and air supply outlet are sequentially connected to the air flow channel along the air flow direction of the air flow channel.

[0015] A fan, disposed in the air duct housing and located at the air inlet;

[0016] A damper assembly, arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet, for closing one of the circulating air outlet and the air flow channel and opening the other;

[0017] A controller, the controller being configured to:

[0018] When the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, the damper assembly is controlled to open the circulating air port and block the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the heat exchange chamber from the circulating air port;

[0019] When the refrigerator is in a cooling mode, the damper assembly is controlled to block the circulating air outlet and open the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the storage room from the air supply outlet.

[0020] The above technical solution has the following advantages: in the defrost mode, the heating element is running, and the damper assembly opens the circulation air outlet, so that the airflow can enter the air flow channel from the heat exchange chamber through the air inlet, and then enter the heat exchange chamber through the circulation air outlet, allowing the airflow to circulate between the heat exchange chamber and the air flow channel, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator; in the refrigeration mode, the damper assembly blocks the circulation air outlet, and allows the airflow to enter the air flow channel and then enter the storage chamber through the air supply port, allowing the airflow to circulate between the heat exchange chamber and the storage chamber for refrigeration. Therefore, the present invention can realize the switching of the airflow direction through the damper assembly, which can reduce the number of components, facilitate layout, and reduce equipment costs.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, the damper assembly includes:

[0022] A damper seat, the damper seat is arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet, the outer peripheral wall of the damper seat is sealedly connected to the inner peripheral wall of the air flow channel, and a vent is opened on the damper seat along the air flow direction;

[0023] a damper body, the damper body being disposed on the damper seat and being rotatable relative to the damper seat; and

[0024] A damper driving component is arranged on the damper seat, and an output end of the damper driving component is connected to the damper body to drive the damper body to rotate and cover the circulating air port or the vent.

[0025] The above technical solution has the following advantages: the damper body can be driven to rotate by the damper driving member to cover the circulating air port or the vent, thereby realizing the switching of the air flow direction.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, a receiving groove is provided on the damper seat, the groove opening of the receiving groove faces the air inlet, the vent is located at the groove bottom of the receiving groove, and the damper body partially extends into the receiving groove; wherein, when the damper body covers the circulating air outlet, the damper body contacts the inner side wall of the receiving groove parallel to the airflow direction; when the damper body covers the vent, the damper body covers the groove opening of the receiving groove.

[0027] The above technical solution has the following advantages: by providing a receiving groove on the damper seat, the vent is located at the bottom of the receiving groove, thereby facilitating air flow and protecting the damper body.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, a side of the damper body used for covering the circulating air outlet and a side used for covering the vent are both provided with sealing gaskets.

[0029] The above technical solution has the following advantages: by setting the sealing gasket, the sealing performance between the damper body and the circulating air outlet and the vent can be enhanced.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the heating element is located below the evaporator, and the air inlet is located above the evaporator.

[0031] The above technical solution has the following advantages: the heating element and the air inlet are located below and above the evaporator respectively, so that when the fan is running, it can drive heat through the evaporator to improve the defrosting efficiency.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, the circulation air outlet faces the evaporator, the distance between the circulation air outlet and the upper side of the evaporator is L1, and the distance between the circulation air outlet and the lower side of the evaporator is L2, wherein L1>L2.

[0033] The above technical solution has the following advantages: by placing the circulating air outlet close to the heating element, more heat can be driven to improve the defrosting efficiency.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, the distance between the upper side and the lower side of the evaporator is L, wherein L2 / L=1 / 3.

[0035] The above technical solution has the following advantages: by placing the circulating air outlet close to the heating element, more heat can be driven to improve the defrosting efficiency.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present application, the air duct mechanism also includes a drainage structure, which is in the shape of a volute, and the drainage structure is arranged inside the air duct shell. The air inlet is located in the drainage structure, and the outlet of the drainage structure is connected to the airflow channel.

[0037] The above technical solution has the following advantages: by providing a volute-shaped drainage structure, the air output can be ensured.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present application, the air flow channel includes a converging channel and an air supply channel connected together in sequence along the air flow direction, two air supply channels are provided, and the two air supply channels are correspondingly located on the left and right sides of the converging channel, the lower end of the converging channel is connected to the lower end of the air supply channel, the air inlet is located in the converging channel, the circulating air outlet is located in the converging channel or between the converging channel and the air supply channel, and the air supply outlet is provided in both of the air supply channels.

[0039] The above technical solution has the following advantages: by providing two air supply ducts, which are located correspondingly on both sides of the converging air duct, it is helpful to make the temperature in the storage room more uniform.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a defrosting control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0041] Box;

[0042] An inner tank is placed in the box, and a storage chamber and a heat exchange chamber are provided inside the inner tank;

[0043] An evaporator is arranged in the heat exchange chamber;

[0044] A heating element is arranged in the heat exchange chamber;

[0045] A return air passage, the return air passage communicating with the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber;

[0046] The air duct mechanism comprises:

[0047] An air duct shell is vertically arranged in the inner liner and separates the interior of the inner liner into the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber. An air flow channel is vertically provided in the air duct shell. An air inlet and a circulating air outlet are provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the heat exchange chamber. An air supply outlet is provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the storage chamber. The air inlet, circulating air outlet and air supply outlet are sequentially connected to the air flow channel along the air flow direction of the air flow channel.

[0048] A fan, disposed in the air duct housing and located at the air inlet;

[0049] A damper assembly, arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet, for closing one of the circulating air outlet and the air flow channel and opening the other;

[0050] The method comprises:

[0051] When the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, the damper assembly is controlled to open the circulating air port and block the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the heat exchange chamber from the circulating air port;

[0052] When the refrigerator is in a cooling mode, the damper assembly is controlled to block the circulating air outlet and open the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the storage room from the air supply outlet.

[0053] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0054] In the present invention, during the refrigeration process of the refrigerator, due to the influence of water vapor, frost will gradually form on the surface of the evaporator. When too much frost accumulates on the evaporator, the refrigeration efficiency will be affected. Therefore, in order not to affect the refrigeration efficiency of the evaporator, defrosting treatment is required. In the defrosting mode, the damper assembly first opens the circulating air port and can block the air flow from the air supply port. Then, under the action of the fan, the air flow can enter the air flow channel from the heat exchange chamber through the air inlet and then enter the heat exchange chamber through the circulating air port. Then, the heating element is operated to heat the evaporator to melt the frost on the evaporator. At this time, the air flow circulates between the heat exchange chamber and the air flow channel. The flow can make the heat in the heat exchange chamber more uniform, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator; then, after the defrosting mode ends, the refrigeration mode is entered. At this time, the damper assembly blocks the circulating air outlet and allows the airflow to pass through the damper assembly, so that the airflow in the heat exchange chamber enters the air flow channel through the air inlet and can pass through the damper assembly, and finally enters the storage chamber through the air supply port. The airflow in the storage chamber can enter the heat exchange chamber through the return air channel, allowing the airflow to circulate between the heat exchange chamber and the storage chamber for cooling. Therefore, the present invention can realize the switching of airflow direction through the damper assembly, which can reduce the number of components, facilitate layout, and reduce equipment costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of an inner container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an inner container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of the air duct mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 5 is another three-dimensional diagram of the air duct mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 6 is a rear view of the air duct mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the air duct housing and the damper assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0063] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the air duct housing and the circulating air outlet in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Fig.10 is a three-dimensional diagram of a damper assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Fig.11 is another stereoscopic view of the damper assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] In the figure, 1. box body; 2. liner; 21. storage chamber; 22. heat exchange chamber; 3. evaporator; 4. heating element; 5. return air channel; 6. air duct mechanism; 61. air duct shell; 611. confluence channel; 612. air supply channel; 613. air inlet; 614. circulation air outlet; 615. air supply outlet; 62. fan; 63. damper assembly; 631. damper seat; 632. damper body; 633. vent; 634. receiving groove; 635. sealing gasket; 64. drainage structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The specific implementation of the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0068] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the wording "comprising" used in the present specification refers to the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, parts / components and / or assemblies, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, parts / components, assemblies and / or their groups. It should be understood that when we say a part / component is "connected" to another part / component, it can be directly connected to the other part / component, or there can be intermediate parts / components. The wording "and / or" used here includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0069] As a common appliance in daily life, refrigerators are now widely used. Users can store food in refrigerators to prevent food from spoiling.

[0070] The refrigerator in this embodiment includes a box body 1, an inner container 2 and a door body.

[0071] The box body 1 is used to form the overall appearance of the refrigerator. The box body 1 is roughly in the shape of a rectangular frame. The top of the box body 1 and the bottom of the box body 1 are opposite ends. From the top of the box body 1 to the bottom of the box body 1 is the height direction of the box body 1, the left side of the box body 1 and the right side of the box body 1 are opposite sides, from the left side of the box body 1 to the right side of the box body 1 is the width direction of the box body 1, the front side of the box body 1 and the back side of the box body 1 are opposite sides, and from the front side of the box body 1 to the back side of the box body 1 is the thickness direction of the box body 1.

[0072] The inner tank 2 is placed inside the box body 1, and a storage room 21 is arranged inside the inner tank 2. The storage room 21 is divided into a refrigerating room and a freezing room. The refrigerating room and the freezing room are used to place goods. The refrigerating room and the freezing room have chamber openings, and the chamber opening direction is arranged toward the front side of the box body 1. The refrigerating room is a refrigerating temperature environment, and the freezing room is a freezing temperature environment. The door body is arranged in a straight plate shape at the front side of the box body 1, and the door body can be connected to the box body 1 to open or close the refrigerating room and the freezing room.

[0073] It can be understood that the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system and an air supply system. The refrigeration system is installed in the box 1, and the refrigeration system is used to provide cold air to the refrigerator and freezer; the refrigeration system generally refers to a closed system composed of components such as a compressor, an evaporator 3, a condenser, a drying filter, a return air pipe and a throttling device, and a refrigerant. Each component is distributed at different positions of the box 1 according to its structural characteristics to meet the requirements of its corresponding function. The working process of the refrigeration system mainly includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process and an evaporation process. The compression process is: after the power cord of the refrigerator is plugged in, when the contacts of the thermostat are connected, the compressor starts to work, and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant from the evaporator 3 is sucked into the compressor, and is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas by the action of the compressor and then discharged into the condenser. The condensation process is: the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the external environment through the condenser, the temperature drops, and is gradually cooled to a saturated refrigerant vapor at room temperature and high pressure, and then cooled to a saturated refrigerant liquid. The throttling process is as follows: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid is filtered through a drying filter to remove moisture and impurities and then flows into the throttling device, where it is throttled and depressurized, and the refrigerant becomes wet steam at room temperature and low pressure. Evaporation process: The wet steam at room temperature and low pressure enters the evaporator 3 and begins to absorb heat for gasification, which reduces the temperature of the evaporator 3 and its surroundings, achieving refrigeration, and turning the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 3 returns to the compressor, and the above process is repeated. Energy conversion is performed through the change in the state of the refrigerant, and the heat in the refrigerator is transferred to the air outside the box, thereby realizing the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator.

[0074] The air supply system is installed in the box 1 to provide power for the flow of cold air; the air supply system generally includes a fan 62 and a guide cavity. In some embodiments, the air inlet end of the guide cavity is arranged close to the fan 62, and the air outlet end of the guide cavity is arranged away from the fan 62; in other embodiments, the air outlet end of the guide cavity is arranged close to the fan 62, and the air inlet end of the guide cavity is arranged away from the fan 62. The fan 62 drives the air in the guide cavity, and the evaporator 3 is correspondingly arranged in the guide cavity. The cold air cooled by the evaporator 3 flows along the guide cavity through the driving part of the fan 62, and finally enters the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber to perform refrigeration operation on the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the present invention relates to a refrigerator, comprising a box body 1, an inner tank 2, an evaporator 3, a heating element 4, a return air channel 5 and an air duct mechanism 6, the inner tank 2 is placed in the box body 1, a storage chamber 21 and a heat exchange chamber 22 are provided inside the inner tank 2, the evaporator 3 is arranged in the heat exchange chamber 22, the heating element 4 is arranged in the heat exchange chamber 22, and the return air channel 5 connects the storage chamber 21 and the heat exchange chamber 22.

[0076] The air duct mechanism 6 includes an air duct housing 61, a fan 62 and a damper assembly 63. The air duct housing 61 is vertically arranged in the inner liner 2 and separates the interior of the inner liner 2 into the storage chamber 21 and the heat exchange chamber 22. An air flow channel is vertically provided in the air duct housing 61. An air inlet 613 and a circulation air outlet 614 are provided on the side of the air duct housing 61 facing the heat exchange chamber 22. An air supply outlet 615 is provided on the side of the air duct housing 61 facing the storage chamber 21. The air vent 613, the circulating air vent 614 and the air supply vent 615 are connected to the air flow channel in sequence along the air flow direction of the air flow channel, and the air flow direction is the gas flow direction from the heat exchange chamber 22 to the storage chamber 21. The fan 62 is arranged in the air duct housing 61 and is located at the air inlet 613. The damper assembly 63 is arranged in the air flow channel and is located at the circulating air vent 614, and is used to close one of the circulating air vent 614 and the air flow channel and make the other one conductive.

[0077] A controller, the controller being configured to:

[0078] When the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, the damper assembly 63 is controlled to open the circulating air port 614 and block the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet 613, and then flows into the heat exchange chamber 22 from the circulating air port 614;

[0079] When the refrigerator is in cooling mode, the damper assembly 63 is controlled to block the circulating air outlet 614 and open the air flow channel, and the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet 613 , and then flows into the storage chamber 21 from the air supply outlet 615 .

[0080] In the present invention, during the refrigeration process of the refrigerator, due to the influence of water vapor, frost will gradually form on the surface of the evaporator. When too much frost accumulates on the evaporator 3, the refrigeration efficiency will be affected. Therefore, in order not to affect the refrigeration efficiency of the evaporator 3, defrosting is required. In the defrosting mode, the damper assembly 63 first opens the circulating air port 614 and can block the air flow toward the air supply port 615. Then, under the action of the fan 62, the air flow can enter the air flow channel from the heat exchange chamber 22 through the air inlet 613, and then enter the heat exchange chamber 22 through the circulating air port 614. Then, the heating element 4 is operated to heat the evaporator 3 to melt the frost on the evaporator 3. Since the air flow circulates between the heat exchange chamber 22 and the air flow channel at this time, the flow of the air flow It can make the heat in the heat exchange chamber 22 more uniform, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator 3; then, after the defrost mode ends, it enters the refrigeration mode. At this time, the damper assembly 63 blocks the circulating air outlet 614 and allows the airflow to pass through the damper assembly 63, so that the airflow in the heat exchange chamber 22 enters the air flow channel through the air inlet 613 and can pass through the damper assembly 63, and finally enter the storage chamber 21 through the air supply port 615. The airflow in the storage chamber 21 can enter the heat exchange chamber 22 through the return air channel 5, allowing the airflow to circulate between the heat exchange chamber 22 and the storage chamber 21 for cooling. Therefore, the present invention can realize the switching of the airflow direction through the damper assembly 63, which can reduce the number of components, facilitate layout, and reduce equipment costs.

[0081] In some embodiments, the heating element 4 is a heating wire, which can be in contact with the evaporator 3 to directly transfer heat to perform defrosting. The heating wire can also be spaced apart from the evaporator 3 to perform defrosting by heat radiation.

[0082] In some embodiments, the return air channel 5 can be directly opened on the air duct shell 61 to allow the return air channel 5 to connect the heat exchange chamber 22 and the storage chamber 21, and the return air channel 5 is not connected to the interior of the air duct shell 61; or, the return air channel 5 is formed between the air duct shell 61 and the inner wall of the inner tank 2.

[0083] Combination Figures 7 to 11As shown, in some embodiments, the damper assembly 63 includes a damper seat 631, a damper body 632 and a damper driving member, the damper seat 631 is arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet 614, the outer peripheral wall of the damper seat 631 is sealedly connected to the inner peripheral wall of the air flow channel, and a vent 633 is opened on the damper seat 631 along the air flow direction of the air flow channel, the damper body 632 is arranged on the damper seat 631, and the damper body 632 can rotate relative to the damper seat 631, the damper driving member is arranged on the damper seat 631, and the output end of the damper driving member is connected to the damper body 632 to drive the damper body 632 to rotate and cover the circulating air outlet 614 or the vent 633.

[0084] The damper driving member may be a motor, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the damper body 632, so that the damper body 632 can be driven to rotate. When the damper body 632 rotates and covers the circulating air port 614, the vent 633 is in an open state. Therefore, after the airflow is sucked into the air duct housing 61 from the air inlet 613 by the fan 62, the airflow can enter the storage chamber 21 from the air supply port 615 through the air flow channel. When the damper body 632 rotates and covers the vent 633, the circulating air port 614 is in an open state. At this time, the airflow entering the air flow channel will enter the heat exchange chamber 22 through the circulating air port 614. Therefore, the present invention can complete the switching of two airflow directions through the setting of a damper assembly 63, thereby reducing the use of components, reducing equipment costs, and reducing the occupation of the internal space of the air duct housing 61, which is beneficial to reducing the size of the air duct housing 61, thereby increasing the storage space in the storage chamber 21.

[0085] In some embodiments, a receiving groove 634 is provided on the damper seat 631, the notch of the receiving groove 634 faces the air inlet 613, the vent 633 is located at the bottom of the receiving groove 634, the damper body 632 partially extends into the receiving groove 634, and the output end of the damper driving member is connected to the position of the damper body 632 located in the receiving groove 634. When the damper body 632 covers the circulating air outlet 614, the damper body 632 contacts the inner side wall of the receiving groove 634 parallel to the air flow direction of the air flow channel; when the damper body 632 covers the vent 633, the damper body 632 covers the notch of the receiving groove 634.

[0086] A receiving groove 634 is provided on one side of the damper seat 631 facing the air inlet 613, with the notch of the receiving groove 634 facing the air inlet 613, and the vent 633 is located at the bottom of the notch of the receiving groove 634, so that after the airflow passes through the airflow channel and is poured into the receiving groove 634 of the damper seat 631, the airflow can better pass through the vent 633 under the guidance of the receiving groove 634, and finally enter the storage chamber 21 through the air supply port 615. In addition, when the damper body 632 covers the notch of the receiving groove 634, the damper body 632 also covers and blocks the vent 633. Since the damper body 632 partially enters the receiving groove 634, it can also protect the damper body 632 and make its position more stable.

[0087] In some embodiments, the damper body 632 is provided with a sealing gasket 635 on one side for covering the circulating air outlet 614 and on the other side for covering the vent 633. The sealing gasket 635 may be made of rubber or silicone to enhance the sealing between the damper body 632 and the circulating air outlet 614 or the vent 633, so as to reduce air leakage and avoid adverse effects on the refrigeration mode and defrosting mode of the refrigerator.

[0088] In some embodiments, the heating element 4 is located below the evaporator 3 , and the air inlet 613 is located above the evaporator 3 .

[0089] That is, the air inlet 613 and the heating element 4 are correspondingly located above and below the evaporator 3, so that when the fan 62 is running, the heat of the heating element 4 can enter the air inlet 613 from bottom to top after passing through the evaporator 3 with the air flow, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency, thereby helping to improve the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator 3.

[0090] Combination Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the circulation air outlet 614 faces the evaporator 3, the distance between the circulation air outlet 614 and the upper side of the evaporator 3 is L1, and the distance between the circulation air outlet 614 and the lower side of the evaporator 3 is L2, wherein L1>L2.

[0091] That is, the circulating air outlet 614 is facing the area of ​​the evaporator 3 close to the heating element 4, so that when the air flow circulates between the heat exchange chamber 22 and the air flow channel, the heat of the heating element 4 can be better brought to the area of ​​the evaporator 3 away from the heating element 4, so as to improve the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator 3.

[0092] In some embodiments, the distance between the upper side and the lower side of the evaporator 3 is L, wherein L2 / L=1 / 3.

[0093] Since the area of ​​the evaporator 3 close to the heating element 4 has more heat, the accumulated frost in the area of ​​the evaporator 3 close to the heating element 4 melts faster, so this area does not need to be melted by hot air flow. Therefore, setting L2 / L=1 / 3 can allow the air flow to send heat to the area that is difficult to radiate from the heating element 4, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator 3.

[0094] In some embodiments, the left end of the circulating air outlet 614 extends toward the left side of the evaporator 3, and the right end of the circulating air outlet 614 extends toward the right side of the evaporator 3, so that the circulating air outlet 614 can cover a larger area of ​​the evaporator 3, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator 3. Specifically, the circulating air outlet 614 is in a long strip shape, the length of the circulating air outlet 614 is 180 mm, and the size of the circulating air outlet 614 in the direction from the air inlet 613 to the heating element 4 is 80 mm.

[0095] Combination Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the air duct mechanism 6 also includes a drainage structure 64, which is in the shape of a volute. The drainage structure 64 is arranged inside the air duct shell 61, and the air inlet 613 is located in the drainage structure 64. The outlet of the drainage structure 64 is connected to the air flow channel.

[0096] Since the airflow entering from the air inlet 613 is gathered in the airflow channel, it will affect the overall air output. In this regard, a volute-shaped drainage structure 64 is provided in the air duct shell 61. The involute structure of the drainage structure 64 can moderately reduce the airflow velocity, convert the kinetic energy of the airflow into static pressure energy of the airflow, and guide the airflow to flow out of the outlet of the drainage structure 64 to ensure the air output.

[0097] In some embodiments, the air flow channel includes a converging channel 611 and an air supply channel 612 which are connected in sequence along the air flow direction. Two air supply channels 612 are provided, and the two air supply channels 612 are correspondingly located on the left and right sides of the converging channel 611. The lower end of the converging channel 611 is connected to the lower end of the air supply channel 612. The air inlet 613 is located in the converging channel 611. The circulating air outlet 614 is located in the converging channel 611 or between the converging channel 611 and the air supply channel 612. The air supply outlet 615 is provided in both of the two air supply channels 612.

[0098] By setting up two air supply channels 612, and the two air supply channels 612 are correspondingly located on both sides of the converging channel 611, and the two air supply channels 612 are both provided with the air supply ports 615, so that in the cooling mode, the air flow can enter the storage chamber 21 from different positions to make the temperature in the storage chamber 21 more uniform.

[0099] The present invention also relates to a defrost control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet 1, an inner tank 2, an evaporator 3, a heater 4, a return air channel 5 and an air duct mechanism 6, the inner tank 2 being placed in the cabinet 1, a storage chamber 21 and a heat exchange chamber 22 being provided inside the inner tank 2, the evaporator 3 being arranged in the heat exchange chamber 22, the heater 4 being arranged in the heat exchange chamber 22, and the return air channel 5 connecting the storage chamber 21 and the heat exchange chamber 22.

[0100] The air duct mechanism 6 includes an air duct housing 61, a fan 62 and a damper assembly 63. The air duct housing 61 is vertically arranged in the inner liner 2 and separates the interior of the inner liner 2 into the storage chamber 21 and the heat exchange chamber 22. An air flow channel is provided in the air duct housing 61 along the vertical direction. An air inlet 613 and a circulating air outlet 614 are provided on the side of the air duct housing 61 facing the heat exchange chamber 22. An air supply outlet 615 is provided on the side of the air duct housing 61 facing the storage chamber 21. The air inlet 613, the circulating air outlet 614 and the air supply outlet 615 are sequentially connected to the air flow channel along the air flow direction of the air flow channel. The fan 62 is arranged in the air duct housing 61 and located at the air inlet 613. The damper assembly 63 is arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet 614, and is used to close one of the circulating air outlet 614 and the air flow channel and make the other one conductive.

[0101] The defrosting control method of the refrigerator comprises:

[0102] When the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, the damper assembly 63 is controlled to open the circulating air port 614 and block the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet 613, and then flows into the heat exchange chamber 22 from the circulating air port 614;

[0103] When the refrigerator is in cooling mode, the damper assembly 63 is controlled to block the circulating air outlet 614 and open the air flow channel, and the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet 613 , and then flows into the storage chamber 21 from the air supply outlet 615 .

[0104] In the present invention, when the defrost mode is required, the damper assembly 63 needs to be first allowed to open the circulating air outlet 614 and block the air flow from flowing toward the air supply outlet 615, so that the air flow can circulate between the air flow channel and the heat exchange chamber 22. After 5 minutes, the heating element 4 is controlled to operate for heating to perform the defrost operation. The damper assembly 63 is first controlled to open the circulating air outlet 614 and then the heating element 4 is controlled to operate for heating, so as to avoid the heat from affecting the damper assembly 63 and ensure the normal operation of the damper assembly 63. After the temperature sensor detects that the evaporator 3 has risen to the preset temperature, , it can be determined that the frost on the evaporator 3 has melted, and then the heating element 4 is controlled to be turned off. After the fan 62 continues to run for 5 minutes, the evaporator 3 is controlled to run for cooling. After the fan 62 continues to run for 5 minutes, the temperature of the heat exchange chamber 22 and the air flow channel is allowed to drop, and the damper assembly 63 is controlled to close the circulating air outlet 614, so that the cooled air flow can pass through the damper assembly 63 and then enter the storage chamber 21 through the air supply outlet 615, so that the refrigerator enters the cooling mode. The above method can prevent heat from entering the storage chamber 21 and ensure the preservation of food.

[0105] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and substitutions should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: Box; An inner tank is placed in the box, and a storage chamber and a heat exchange chamber are provided inside the inner tank; an evaporator, disposed in the heat exchange chamber; A heating element is arranged in the heat exchange chamber; A return air passage, the return air passage communicating with the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber; The air duct mechanism comprises: An air duct shell is vertically arranged in the inner liner and separates the interior of the inner liner into the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber. An air flow channel is vertically provided in the air duct shell. An air inlet and a circulating air outlet are provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the heat exchange chamber. An air supply outlet is provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the storage chamber. The air inlet, circulating air outlet and air supply outlet are sequentially connected to the air flow channel along the air flow direction of the air flow channel. A fan, disposed in the air duct housing and located at the air inlet; A damper assembly, arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet, for closing one of the circulating air outlet and the air flow channel and opening the other; A controller, the controller being configured to: When the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, the damper assembly is controlled to open the circulating air port and block the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the heat exchange chamber from the circulating air port; When the refrigerator is in a cooling mode, the damper assembly is controlled to block the circulating air outlet and open the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the storage room from the air supply outlet.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damper assembly comprises: A damper seat, the damper seat is arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet, the outer peripheral wall of the damper seat is sealedly connected to the inner peripheral wall of the air flow channel, and a vent is opened on the damper seat along the air flow direction; a damper body, the damper body being disposed on the damper seat and being rotatable relative to the damper seat; and A damper driving component is arranged on the damper seat, and an output end of the damper driving component is connected to the damper body to drive the damper body to rotate and cover the circulating air port or the vent.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: A receiving groove is provided on the damper seat, the groove opening of the receiving groove faces the air inlet, the vent is located at the groove bottom of the receiving groove, and the damper body partially extends into the receiving groove; wherein, when the damper body covers the circulating air outlet, the damper body contacts the inner side wall of the receiving groove parallel to the airflow direction; when the damper body covers the vent, the damper body covers the groove opening of the receiving groove.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The side of the damper body used for covering the circulating air outlet and the side used for covering the vent are both paved with sealing pads.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element is located below the evaporator, and the air inlet is located above the evaporator.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The circulation air inlet faces the evaporator, the distance between the circulation air inlet and the upper side of the evaporator is L1, and the distance between the circulation air inlet and the lower side of the evaporator is L2, wherein L1>L2.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The distance between the upper side and the lower side of the evaporator is L, wherein L2 / L=1 / 3.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air duct mechanism also includes a drainage structure, which is in the shape of a volute and is arranged inside the air duct housing. The air inlet is located in the drainage structure, and the outlet of the drainage structure is connected to the air flow channel.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air flow channel includes a converging channel and an air supply channel which are connected in sequence along the air flow direction. There are two air supply channels, and the two air supply channels are correspondingly located on the left and right sides of the converging channel. The lower end of the converging channel is connected to the lower end of the air supply channel. The air inlet is located in the converging channel, and the circulating air outlet is located in the converging channel or between the converging channel and the air supply channel. The air supply outlet is provided in both of the air supply channels.

10. A defrosting control method for a refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: Box; An inner tank is placed in the box, and a storage chamber and a heat exchange chamber are provided inside the inner tank; an evaporator, disposed in the heat exchange chamber; A heating element is arranged in the heat exchange chamber; A return air passage, the return air passage communicating with the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber; The air duct mechanism comprises: An air duct shell is vertically arranged in the inner liner and separates the interior of the inner liner into the storage chamber and the heat exchange chamber. An air flow channel is vertically provided in the air duct shell. An air inlet and a circulating air outlet are provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the heat exchange chamber. An air supply outlet is provided on a side of the air duct shell facing the storage chamber. The air inlet, circulating air outlet and air supply outlet are sequentially connected to the air flow channel along the air flow direction of the air flow channel. A fan, disposed in the air duct housing and located at the air inlet; A damper assembly, arranged in the air flow channel and located at the circulating air outlet, for closing one of the circulating air outlet and the air flow channel and opening the other; The method comprises: When the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, the damper assembly is controlled to open the circulating air port and block the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the heat exchange chamber from the circulating air port; When the refrigerator is in a cooling mode, the damper assembly is controlled to block the circulating air outlet and open the air flow channel, so that the air flows into the air flow channel from the air inlet, and then flows into the storage room from the air supply outlet.

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