A refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of food thawing, and discloses a refrigerator comprising: a functional area, wherein a first fan is disposed within the functional area; and a thawing device, the thawing device being spaced apart from the functional area, the thawing device comprising a humidifying device, a humidifying fan, and an air duct assembly. The humidifying device is configured to generate a humidified airflow, and the air duct assembly forms a thawing air duct. The humidifying device and the humidifying fan are mounted within the air duct assembly, and the outlet of the thawing air duct is connected to the functional area. The present invention relies on the thawing fan to generate a high-speed airflow, shortening the thawing time, improving the thawing efficiency, ensuring uniform thawing, and avoiding localized ripening. Simultaneously, an evaporator increases humidity in the functional area for thawing, preserving the juice of the food to the greatest extent possible, and improving the quality and taste of the thawed food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food thawing, in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Currently, food is typically thawed naturally, which involves placing frozen food at room temperature and letting the surrounding temperature thaw it. However, this method is slow and incomplete. Because food is exposed to air, it is susceptible to bacterial contamination, leading to spoilage.

[0003] To improve thawing speed and quality, various thawing methods have emerged in the prior art, including electric heating, hot water, running water, air thawing, and refrigeration. However, these methods all have drawbacks and negative consequences, such as uneven heating leading to localized ripening and reduced taste, water immersion leading to juice loss and microbial contamination, and long thawing times resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator to solve the problems of local ripening and long thawing time in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising: a functional area, wherein a first fan is provided in the functional area;

[0006] A thawing device is arranged separately from the functional area, and the thawing device includes a humidifying device, a humidifying fan and an air duct assembly. The humidifying device is used to generate a humidified air flow, and the air duct assembly constructs a thawing air duct. The humidifying device and the humidifying fan are installed in the air duct assembly, and the outlet of the thawing air duct is connected to the functional area.

[0007] This refrigerator has the advantage over existing technologies in that the defrosting fan continuously blows air onto the food being thawed, removing a significant amount of moisture from the food, which can affect its taste. Conventional refrigerators typically incorporate a humidifier to maintain moisture in the food being thawed. However, the refrigerator of this invention does not incorporate additional humidification components, but instead relies on the evaporator itself to humidify the food. Consequently, relying solely on the refrigerator's own evaporator and other related components, the humidity in the thawing zone is maintained, ensuring that the food being thawed maintains its humidity throughout the thawing process, preventing moisture loss that could affect its taste.

[0008] According to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, the functional area has a bottom wall, the bottom wall includes a thawing table for carrying objects to be thawed, and the air outlet end of the first fan faces the thawing table.

[0009] According to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, the first fan is installed above the thawing table, and the axial direction of the first fan forms an angle with the horizontal direction.

[0010] According to the refrigerator of an embodiment of the present invention, the functional area has a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite to each other, the air outlet of the thawing air duct is arranged on the second side wall, and the air outlet direction of the first fan is from the second side wall to the first side wall.

[0011] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention is further provided with a return air vent, and the return air vent is provided on the first side wall or the bottom wall.

[0012] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is further provided with a return air vent, at least a portion of the bottom wall is recessed to form the thawing table and a bottom wall flange higher than the thawing table, and the return air vent is provided on the bottom wall flange.

[0013] According to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, the air duct axis of the thawing air duct intersects with the plane where the thawing table is located.

[0014] According to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, the first fan is rotatably installed in the functional area.

[0015] According to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, the air outlet of the defrosting air duct is spaced apart from the air outlet of the fan in the horizontal direction.

[0016] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a sealing structure, which is installed on the wall of the functional area, and the air outlet of the defrosting air duct and the first fan are installed in the sealing structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a thawing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a defrosting air duct according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure numerals: 1. functional area; 2. evaporator; 3. humidifying fan; 4. defrosting air duct; 5. first fan; 51. fixed sealing assembly; 6. first side wall; 7. second side wall; 8. defrosting table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In order to solve the problems in the prior art such as uneven heating resulting in a decrease in the quality and taste of localized ripening, water immersion resulting in juice loss and microbial contamination, and long thawing time resulting in a poor user experience, the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising a functional area 1 and a thawing device.

[0025] Functional zone 1 houses a first fan 5, a defrosting fan. Its primary function is to blow air directly onto the frozen food within functional zone 1, accelerating the flow of refrigerated air within the zone and thawing the food through high-pressure air. This high-speed airflow quickly transfers heat from the refrigerator to the surface of the food and removes any remaining cold air, significantly shortening the thawing time. The fan's circulating airflow reduces thawing dead zones, preventing localized overheating or unthawed areas. This is particularly suitable for large items, such as whole meats. Compared to microwave thawing, it provides more uniform thawing, avoiding edge-cooking issues.

[0026] The thawing device is separated from the functional area 1 and cannot directly affect each other. The thawing device includes a humidifying device, a humidifying fan and an air duct component.

[0027] The humidifying device is used to generate a humidified airflow. The humidifying device includes an evaporator 2 or the humidifying device is an evaporator 2. Specifically, when the functional area 1 of the refrigerator is in a slightly frozen condition (when the functional area 1 is not thawed, it is in a slightly frozen condition. Food in the slightly frozen condition can be preserved for a long time without being completely frozen and can be taken out and used at any time), the evaporator 2 is in a normal working state and continues to refrigerate. During this process, its surface temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the air, causing the water vapor in the flowing air to condense into liquid water when it is cold, and quickly freeze into frost below 0°C. The frost layer gradually thickens and accumulates on the surface of the evaporator 2. When functional zone 1 of the refrigerator is in defrosting mode, evaporator 2 is initially controlled to stop cooling. For example, a solenoid valve or other means can be used to stop the evaporation of refrigerant in evaporator 2. Then, the humidifying fan 3 rotates at high speed, bringing the hot air in functional zone 1 to evaporator 2. At this time, the frost on the surface of evaporator 2 begins to melt, and the air humidity rises rapidly. The humidifying fan 3 then acts as a humidifier, conveying the moist air in evaporator 2 into functional zone 1 via the airflow, thereby humidifying the food to be thawed. When the surface temperature of evaporator 2 reaches between 0-8°C, the relative humidity in functional zone 1 can be raised to above 90%.

[0028] This refrigerator has the advantage over existing technologies in that, because first fan 5 continuously blows air onto the food to be thawed, this process removes a significant amount of moisture, causing moisture loss in the food and affecting its taste. Conventional refrigerators typically incorporate a humidifier to moisturize the food to be thawed, but the refrigerator of the present invention does not incorporate an additional humidifying component. Instead, it relies solely on the evaporator 2 to humidify the food to be thawed. Thus, relying solely on the refrigerator's own evaporator 2 and other related components, the humidity within the thawing zone is stabilized, ensuring that the food to be thawed maintains its humidity throughout the thawing process, preventing moisture loss that could affect its taste.

[0029] The duct assembly is constructed with a defrost duct 4, the outlet of which is connected to the functional area 1. Specifically, when the evaporator 2 is operating, it generates cooling air, forming cold air within the duct assembly. A humidifying fan 3 is installed within the duct assembly, which blows air to form a flow, bringing the cold air within the duct assembly into the functional area 1, thereby cooling the functional area 1. The two ends of the duct assembly are connected to the defrost device and the functional area 1, respectively. On one side of the evaporator 2 is the defrost duct 4, through which the humidifying fan 3 delivers the cold air within the duct assembly into the functional area 1. On the other side of the evaporator 2 is the return air port, which is connected to the functional area 1.

[0030] In some embodiments, the functional area 1 has a bottom wall, which includes a thawing table 8 for carrying objects to be thawed, and the air outlet end of the first fan 5 faces the thawing table 8.

[0031] In one embodiment, the thawing table 8 may be provided with a plurality of grooves extending along the direction of the wind flow, for example Figure 1 The grooves extend in a left-right direction, and are spaced perpendicular to the direction of airflow. Specifically, the grooves are located below the food to be thawed, forming multiple channels beneath the food, leaving the food partially hollowed out. As a result, when airflow passes over the food, some of the airflow can flow through the bottom of the food, thawing the bottom of the food, preventing uneven thawing and avoiding partial thawing.

[0032] In one embodiment, the bottom wall and side walls of the functional area 1 are made of plastic. The advantage of using plastic material is that plastic has low thermal conductivity, which reduces heat exchange between the side wall and the outside world, prevents condensation water from frosting on the inner wall of the first functional area 1, and reduces the overall weight, making pushing and pulling smoother.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first fan 5 is installed above the thawing station 8, and the axial direction of the first fan 5 is at an angle to the horizontal direction. The first fan 5 is used for thawing. The first fan 5 is tilted. On the one hand, the first fan 5 can be placed directly above the food to be thawed, and the air blown out can blow directly towards the food to be thawed. On the other hand, the air blown out by the first fan 5 can form an air flow within the functional area 1. The air flow circulation can accelerate the thawing speed of the food to be thawed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the functional area 1 has a first side wall 6 and a second side wall 7 that are arranged opposite to each other, the air outlet of the thawing air duct 4 is arranged on the second side wall 7, and the air outlet direction of the first fan 5 is in the direction from the second side wall 7 to the first side wall 6. In one embodiment, the second side wall 7 is constructed as an inclined wall surface, and the angle between the inclined wall surface and the bottom wall of the functional area 1 is formed into an acute angle. As a result, the wind blown out of the thawing air duct 4 forms an airflow. When passing through the inclined wall surface, the inclined wall surface can play a role in guiding the wind, making it easier for the airflow to flow through the food to be thawed. In addition, the inclined wall surface forms an acute angle with the bottom wall of the functional area 1. When the airflow flows through the inclined wall surface to the bottom wall, the backflow wind force generated by the right angle is smaller, which is convenient for increasing the airflow velocity, that is, improving the thawing efficiency.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first fan 5 can be arranged above the side close to the second side wall 7, thereby allowing the wind blown out of the thawing air duct 4 to be in the same air flow as the wind blown out of the first fan 5, further increasing the wind speed.

[0036] In one embodiment, the return air vent is located on the first side wall 6 or the bottom wall. Thus, the thawing air duct 4 outlet and / or the first fan 5 are located above the second side wall 7, and the return air vent is located on the first side wall 6 or the bottom wall. This allows airflow to be blown out from above the second side wall 7, slanting downward and directly toward the food to be thawed. After exchanging heat with the food to be thawed, it is discharged from the first side wall 6 or the bottom wall. The discharged air then flows back through the refrigerator's internal channel to the evaporator 2 for renewed heat exchange, repeating the cycle. In other words, the coordination of the air outlet and return air vent creates airflow within the functional area 1, accelerating the thawing efficiency of food.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom wall is recessed to form a thawing platform 8 and a bottom wall flange that is higher than the thawing platform 8, and a return air vent is provided on the bottom wall flange. Similarly, an air outlet of the thawing air duct 4 and / or a first blower 5 are provided above the second side wall 7, and a return air vent is provided on the bottom wall flange. This allows the airflow to blow out from above the second side wall 7, tilted downward and blow directly toward the food to be thawed. After exchanging heat with the food to be thawed, the air is discharged from the bottom wall flange. The discharged gas passes through the internal channel of the refrigerator and returns to the evaporator 2 for reheating, and the cycle continues. Compared to directly setting the return air vent on the first side wall 6 or the bottom wall, providing a recessed thawing platform 8 can gather cold air, concentrate heat exchange, improve heat exchange efficiency, and improve thawing efficiency from another perspective.

[0038] In some embodiments, the duct axis of the thawing duct 4 intersects the plane of the thawing station 8. In other words, the air blown out of the thawing duct 4 is also blown out at an angle. This allows the air outlet of the thawing duct 4 to be directed directly toward the food to be thawed. Furthermore, the air blown out of the thawing duct 4 forms an airflow within the functional area 1, and the airflow circulation can accelerate the thawing of the food to be thawed.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first fan 5 is rotatably mounted on the functional area 1 .

[0040] Specifically, the food to be thawed is placed in the functional area 1, and the first fan 5 is blowing air to thaw the food to be thawed. Due to the different volumes and placement of the food, if it is necessary to ensure that the first fan 5 can face the thawed food, the direction of the first fan 5 needs to be adjustable to ensure that the first fan 5 is always blowing air towards the food to be thawed, thereby improving the thawing efficiency.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first fan 5 is sealed and installed in the functional area 1 by fixing the sealing assembly 51, and the first fan 5 cannot rotate.

[0042] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a sealing structure, which is installed on the wall of the functional area 1, and the air outlet of the defrosting air duct 4 and the first fan 5 are installed in the sealing structure.

[0043] Specifically, the refrigerator has a refrigerated area, and the sealed structure is a sealed partition. Functional area 1 is separated from the refrigerated area by the sealed partition. At least part of the sealed partition has an interlayer filled with insulation material. The advantage of the sealed partition is that it blocks interference from cold air between the refrigerated area and functional area 1, maintaining a constant temperature in the thawing area (e.g., 0-4°C), preventing food spoilage caused by repeated freezing and thawing. In addition, when combined with fan circulation, the sealed environment can concentrate airflow heat, accelerating thawing (more than 30% efficiency improvement compared to open areas).

[0044] In one embodiment, the sealed partition includes a fully sealed partition and a semi-sealed partition. The fully sealed partition adopts a completely enclosed structure to strictly isolate the functional area 1 from the other compartments of the refrigerator. The advantage is that it is conducive to precise temperature control, isolates external cold and heat interference, maintains a stable thawing temperature (such as 0~4°C), and is suitable for temperature-sensitive ingredients. The semi-sealed partition is partially enclosed (such as a sliding drawer design without a sealing ring), and there is limited air exchange with other areas of the refrigerator. The advantage is that it has a simple structure, is easy to push and pull, does not need to be deliberately closed tightly, is commonly used in popular refrigerators, and the sealing is less affected by frequent opening and closing.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first fan 5 is connected to the thawing air duct 4, and the thawing air duct 4 directly leads to the air inlet end of the first fan 5. The first fan 5 has the effect of accelerating the wind speed. The cold and humid air in the air duct assembly enters the air inlet end of the first fan 5 under the action of the humidifying fan 3 and is blown out by the first fan 5, simultaneously defrosting and humidifying.

[0046] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 The first fan 5 is not connected to the defrosting air duct 4. Its air inlet is not connected to the defrosting air duct 4 but can be connected to the refrigerator compartment, delivering cold air from the refrigerator compartment into the functional area 1. The first fan 5 uses high-speed airflow to defrost the food. The moist, cold air in the defrosting air duct 4 enters the functional area 1 directly, providing humidity for the food to be thawed. The first fan 5 can be positioned close to the defrosting air duct 4. Thus, when the first fan 5 is blowing air to thaw the food, it can also cover the surface of the food to be thawed with moist air.

[0047] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative uses of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: a functional area, wherein a first fan is provided in the functional area; a thawing device, the thawing device being spaced apart from the functional area, the thawing device comprising an evaporator, a humidifying fan, and an air duct assembly, the evaporator being used to generate a humidified air flow, the air duct assembly constituting a thawing air duct, the evaporator and the humidifying fan being installed in the air duct assembly, and the outlet of the thawing air duct being in communication with the functional area; When the functional area is in a slightly frozen state, the evaporator is in a refrigeration state; When the functional area is in a defrosting state, the evaporator is in a non-refrigerating state; A return air vent is also provided, the functional area has a bottom wall, at least a portion of the bottom wall is recessed to form a thawing platform and a bottom wall flange higher than the thawing platform, and the return air vent is provided at the bottom wall flange; The thawing table is provided with a plurality of grooves, the grooves extending along the direction of air flow, and the plurality of grooves are spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to the direction of air flow; The air flow blown out by the humidifying fan passes through the thawing table and is discharged from the functional area through the return air port.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall includes a thawing platform for carrying objects to be thawed, and the air outlet end of the first fan faces the thawing platform.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that The first fan is installed above the thawing table, and the axial direction of the first fan forms an angle with the horizontal direction.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The functional area has a first side wall and a second side wall that are arranged opposite to each other. The air outlet of the thawing air duct is arranged on the second side wall. The air outlet direction of the first fan is from the second side wall to the first side wall.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that The air duct axis of the thawing air duct intersects with the plane where the thawing table is located.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The first fan is rotatably installed in the functional area.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The air outlet of the defrosting air duct is spaced apart from the air outlet of the first fan in the horizontal direction.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a sealing structure, which is installed on the wall of the functional area, and the air outlet of the thawing air duct and the first fan are installed in the sealing structure.

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