Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator which comprises a refrigerator body and a packaging device, the refrigerator body comprises an inner container forming a first chamber and an air duct cover plate connected with the inner container, the first chamber comprises a refrigeration air duct formed between the inner container and the air duct cover plate, and the packaging device is arranged in the first chamber. The packaging device comprises a shell forming a second chamber, the shell comprises a cold conduction piece exposed in the second chamber, the cold conduction piece forms at least part of the outer wall of the shell, and at least part of the cold conduction piece is located in the refrigeration air duct; when cold energy formed in the refrigeration air duct supplies cold to the first chamber, at least part of the cold conduction piece is arranged in the refrigeration air duct, so that the cold conduction piece obtains the cold energy and radiates the cold energy to the second chamber, the requirement for the cold energy needed by all the chambers is met, and meanwhile the situation that odor tainting occurs between all the chambers is avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigeration devices, and in particular to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to meet market demand, the inner container with an integrated structure is often divided into different functional compartments by a thermal insulation partition, for example, the freezing inner container is divided into a freezing compartment and an ice making compartment by a thermal insulation partition. Moreover, each compartment is equipped with an independent air outlet and shares an air return port to exchange heat with an evaporator in the air duct. However, since each compartment is communicated with the inside of the same air duct, the cross-contamination between the compartments occurs. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application aims to provide a refrigerator which avoids cross-contamination between the compartments.

[0004] To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] a cabinet, the cabinet comprising an inner container forming a first compartment and an air duct cover plate connected to the inner container, the first compartment comprising a refrigeration air duct formed between the inner container and the air duct cover plate;

[0006] an encapsulation device, the encapsulation device being arranged in the first compartment;

[0007] the encapsulation device comprising a shell forming a second compartment, the shell comprising a cold guide exposed in the second compartment, the cold guide forming at least part of the outer wall of the shell, and at least part of the cold guide being located in the refrigeration air duct.

[0008] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the refrigerator further comprises an evaporator arranged in the refrigeration air duct, and the cold guide has a cold guiding portion located in the refrigeration air duct, the cold guiding portion being arranged opposite to the evaporator.

[0009] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the air duct cover plate has a mating port communicating with the refrigeration air duct, and the cold guide comprises a guiding portion matched with the mating port, the outer diameter of the guiding portion gradually increasing from one end close to the cold guiding portion to the other end away from the cold guiding portion.

[0010] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the encapsulation device further comprises a sealing strip connected to the cold guide and matched with the mating port, the sealing strip being arranged around the cold guiding portion and abutting against the air duct cover plate.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling component is integrally formed and also includes a connecting portion connecting the shell body and the guide portion, wherein the cooling component, the guide portion, and the connecting portion together form any sidewall of the shell.

[0012] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing device further includes a heat exchanger connected to the cooling conductor, the heat exchanger being connected to the cooling section, and at least a portion of the heat exchanger being located within the guide section.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator further includes an installation structure, the installation structure including a slider disposed on one of the outer shell and the inner liner and a groove disposed on the other of the outer shell and the inner liner, wherein the cooperation direction of the slider and the groove is parallel to the cooperation direction of the guide portion and the interface.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment is configured as a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment, the second compartment is configured as an ice-making compartment, the refrigerator further includes a water injection mechanism connected to the inner liner, the outer shell has a water injection port, and the water injection port is located below the water injection mechanism.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell includes a shell body, the shell body includes a drain outlet communicating with a second compartment and a drain plate connected to a connecting portion, the drain plate is located at the bottom of the guide portion, and the horizontal height of the drain plate gradually increases from the end near the drain outlet toward the end away from the drain outlet.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the second compartment includes a cooling air duct and a storage cavity. The sealing device includes an air duct assembly connected to the outer shell. The air duct assembly has an air inlet and an air outlet connecting the cooling air duct and the storage cavity. The cooling guide is exposed inside the cooling air duct and is disposed opposite to the air inlet.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiments of the present invention, when the cold energy generated in the refrigeration duct is used to cool the first room, at least a portion of the cold-conducting element is disposed in the refrigeration duct, so that the cold-conducting element obtains cold energy and radiates it to the second room, thereby satisfying the required cooling energy of each room while avoiding the cross-contamination of odors between the rooms. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the refrigerator;

[0020] Figure 3 yesFigure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at point AA in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central sealing device;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the central sealing device;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic plan view of the cross-section at point BB;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view of the middle shell;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at point CC;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An exploded view of the refrigerator;

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A partial schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at point DD;

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central sealing device;

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic plan view of the cross-section at EE. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0033] It should be understood that terms such as "upper," "lower," "outer," and "inner," used herein to indicate spatial relative position, are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms "spatial relative position" may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0034] The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly. For ease of description, in the present invention, when the refrigerator is in normal use, the direction facing the ground is downward, and the direction away from the ground is upward; the direction parallel to the ground is horizontal, and the direction perpendicular to the ground is vertical; the side closer to the user is the front side, and the side farther from the user is the rear side.

[0035] refer to Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet 10 and a sealing device 20. In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 and the sealing device 20 respectively define different cooling compartments, and the respective cooling compartments are independent of each other. The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system that supplies cooling capacity to at least one cooling compartment. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube, an evaporator, etc., and these components are connected by pipes to form a refrigeration circuit.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the cabinet 10 includes an inner liner 12 forming a first compartment 11, and the sealing device 20 is disposed within the first compartment 11. In this embodiment, the sealing device 20 is detachably connected to the cabinet 10, that is, detachably disposed within the first compartment 11, so that the sealing device 20 can be adapted to different refrigerators.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator further includes an installation structure for positioning and engaging the sealing device 20 with the cabinet 10. The sealing device 20 includes a shell 22 forming the second compartment 21. In this embodiment, the installation structure facilitates the positioning and assembly of the sealing device 20 with the cabinet 10, enabling the sealing device 20 to be modularized and thus adaptable to more refrigeration compartments. The first compartment 11 and the second compartment 21 can be configured as different functional compartments as needed.

[0038] Reference Figure 4As shown, further, the outer casing 22 includes a cooling conductor 221 exposed within the second compartment 21, the cooling conductor 221 forming at least a portion of the outer wall of the outer casing 22. In this embodiment, since the cooling conductor 221 is exposed within the second compartment 21, it can exchange heat with the interior of the second compartment 21. Because the cooling conductor 221 serves as at least a portion of the outer wall of the outer casing 22, it can exchange heat with the exterior of the outer casing 22, while the outer casing 22 is located within the first compartment 11, thus allowing the cooling conductor 221 to exchange heat with the interior of the first compartment 111. Subsequently, the cooling conductor 221 can exchange heat with both the interior of the second compartment 21 and the interior of the first compartment 111, thereby achieving heat transfer between the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 21 while preventing odor cross-contamination between the two compartments.

[0039] In addition, to prevent frost from forming between the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 21 due to excessive temperature difference, an insulation layer can be provided on part of the outer wall of the sealing device 20 (e.g., the upper, lower, left, and right side walls), that is, an insulation layer can be provided on the outer wall of the sealing device 20 except for the cooling component 221.

[0040] Since the outer shell 22 forming the second compartment 21 is located inside the first compartment 11, and the heat-conducting element 221, which is at least part of the outer wall of the outer shell 22, is exposed inside the second compartment 21, the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 21 can transfer cold energy through the heat-conducting element 221, which satisfies the required cold energy of each compartment while avoiding the cross-contamination of odors between the compartments.

[0041] Furthermore, the cooling conductive element 221 forms at least a portion of any sidewall of the outer casing 22. In this embodiment, the cooling conductive element 221 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as a metal material. Preferably, the cooling conductive element 221 forms a portion of any one sidewall of the outer casing 22, that is, a portion of one sidewall of the outer casing 22 (e.g., the upper, lower, left, right, or rear sidewall) is the cooling conductive element 221, while the other portions of the sidewall are made of a different material (e.g., plastic material). The two parts are separate but together constitute one sidewall of the outer casing 22, reducing the frost area and facilitating subsequent defrosting.

[0042] Specifically, the housing 10 also includes a duct cover 13 connecting the inner liner 12. The duct cover 13 divides the first chamber 11 into a cooling duct 111 and a storage space 112, and has an air inlet 131 connecting the cooling duct 111 and the storage space 112. In this embodiment, the duct cover 13 also has a return air inlet connecting the cooling duct 111 and the storage space 112. The air inlet 131 and the return air inlet can form a circulating air path between the cooling duct 111 and the storage space 112. Thus, the cooling energy generated by the evaporator is transferred to the cooling duct 111 and then to the storage space 112, thereby cooling the storage space 112.

[0043] Furthermore, the air inlet 131 is positioned opposite to the cooling conductor 221. In this embodiment, the airflow that has exchanged heat with the evaporator in the cooling duct 111 enters the first chamber 11 through the air inlet 131. Since the air inlet 131 is opposite to the cooling conductor 221, the airflow flowing out of the cooling duct 111 directly blows onto the cooling conductor 221, thereby rapidly cooling the cooling conductor 221 and simultaneously cooling both the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 21.

[0044] Preferably, the air inlet 131 is located on the rear side of the first chamber 11, that is, on the side away from the opening of the first chamber 11. At this time, the air inlet 131 and the cooling conductor 221 are opposite each other in the front-back direction, which can prevent the air inlet 131 and the cooling conductor 221 from being close to the opening of the first chamber 11 and causing the loss of cold energy.

[0045] Furthermore, since the cooling component 221 is part of any sidewall of the housing 22, the number and inner diameter of the air inlets 131 can be reduced.

[0046] In an embodiment not shown, the duct cover 13 may also be provided with a plurality of air inlets 131 opposite to the cooling element 221.

[0047] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, specifically, the outer shell 22 includes a shell body 222 that cooperates with the cooling conductor 221. The shell body 222 includes a drain outlet 2221 that communicates with the second chamber 21, a shell sidewall 2222 that connects to the cooling conductor 221, and a drain plate 2223 that connects to the shell sidewall 2222.

[0048] In this embodiment, the water (e.g., defrost water) accumulated in the second compartment 21 can be discharged through the drain port 2221. After the cooling conductor 221 is connected to the shell sidewall 2222, a sealed fit between the cooling conductor 221 and the shell body 222 is ensured. The drain plate 2223 is connected to the side of the shell sidewall 2222 facing the second compartment 21, and is used to guide the defrost water or condensate formed on the cooling conductor 221 to the drain port 2221, thereby discharging it from the second compartment 21. Since frost easily forms on the end face of the cooling conductor 221 exposed inside the second compartment 21, connecting the drain plate 2223 to the side of the shell sidewall 2222 facing the second compartment 221 ensures that the drain plate 2223 can smoothly receive defrost water. The shell sidewall 2222 is preferably located on the rear side of the shell body 222.

[0049] Specifically, the sealing device 20 also includes a hose 24 that is connected to the drain outlet 2221 (e.g., the hose 24 is secured by a cable tie), and the refrigerator also includes a drain pipe 70 that is connected to the hose 24. The drain pipe 70 is located within the foam layer and directs defrost water to the evaporation dish.

[0050] In addition, the cooling component 221 and the shell body 222 are set separately, so that the cooling component 221 can be disassembled. When the two are connected, they together form the shell 22, which is conducive to the maintenance and replacement of the shell 22.

[0051] Reference Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal height of the drainage plate 2223 gradually increases from the end near the drain outlet 2221 towards the end away from the drain outlet 2221. In this embodiment, the shell sidewalls 2222 (e.g., the left, right, and rear sidewalls of the shell body 222) extend vertically. The drainage plate 2223 is inclined toward the drain outlet 2221, so that the defrosting water formed after the cooling conductor 221 defrosts flows through the drainage plate 2223 and the drain outlet 2221 before flowing out of the second chamber 21.

[0052] Furthermore, the horizontal height of the drain plate 2223 gradually increases from the end connected to the shell sidewall 2222 towards the end away from the shell sidewall 2222. That is, the drain plate 2223 is inclined towards the shell sidewall 2222, ensuring that defrosting water flows smoothly along the drain plate 2222 to the drain outlet 2221, and preventing water from flowing to the bottom of the second compartment 21 and causing ice to form below the drain plate 2223. In addition, it can also divert defrosting water on the first air plate to the drain outlet 2221.

[0053] Furthermore, the sealing device 20 also includes a first heating element 23 and a second heating element connected to the outer casing 22. In this embodiment, the first heating element 23 is preferably configured as an aluminum foil heating wire, and the second heating element is preferably configured as an aluminum tube heating wire.

[0054] Furthermore, the shell body 222 has a defrosting cavity 2224 located at the bottom of the drainage plate 2223. In this embodiment, as...Figure 5 The shell body 222 also includes a partition plate connecting the lower side wall and the drainage plate 2223. The defrosting chamber 2224 is formed by the drainage plate 2223, the shell side wall 2222, and the partition plate, and is located directly below the drainage plate 2223.

[0055] Specifically, at least a portion of the first heating element 23 is located on the side of the cooling element 221 facing away from the second chamber 21, and at least a portion of the second heating element is located within the defrosting chamber 2224. In this embodiment, the first heating element 23 is fixed to the cooling element 221 by adhesive bonding, thereby better heating and defrosting the cooling element 221. The second heating element is disposed in the defrosting chamber 2224, and the heat generated is transferred upward to the drain plate 2223, thereby defrosting and thawing the drain plate 2223, facilitating drainage from the drain plate 2223.

[0056] Specifically, the cooling conductor 221 is configured as a flat plate structure. In this embodiment, the entire cooling conductor 221 adopts a flat plate structure, which is simple in structure and has a low manufacturing cost.

[0057] Furthermore, the extending direction of the lower edge of the cooling guide 221 is the same as the extending direction of the drainage plate 2223. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the extending direction of the lower edge of the cooling guide 221 is the same as the extending direction of the drainage plate 2223, that is, the lower edge of the cooling guide 221 and the drainage plate 2223 are parallel to each other. Figure 5 At this time, the cooling conductor 221 is trapezoidal, which maximizes the area of ​​the cooling conductor 221, that is, increases the ratio of the area of ​​the cooling conductor 221 to the area of ​​the rear side wall of the outer shell 22, thereby transferring the cold energy more quickly.

[0058] Specifically, the lower edge of the cooling guide 221 is located above the drain plate 2223, that is, the drain plate 2223 is located entirely at the bottom or directly below the cooling guide 221, so as to receive all the defrosting water flowing down from the cooling guide 221.

[0059] Furthermore, the sealing device 20 also includes a heat exchanger connected to the cooling conductor 221. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger increases the heat exchange area of ​​the cooling conductor 221 and also increases the frosting area. The heat exchanger is connected to the side of the cooling conductor 221 facing the second chamber 21. The heat exchanger can be a nail, a columnar protrusion, or a finned structure. When the heat exchanger uses fins, the extension direction of the fins is parallel to the extension direction of the drain plate 2223, facilitating the defrosting water on the fins to fall down and onto the drain plate 2223 and the drain outlet 2221.

[0060] Specifically, the shell body 222 further includes an exposure opening 2225 communicating with the second compartment 21 and a positioning groove 2226 recessed along the edge of the exposure opening 2225 into the end face of the shell body 222. In this embodiment, the exposure opening 2225 is preferably disposed on the shell sidewall 2222, and the positioning groove 2226 is disposed on the outer end face of the shell sidewall 2222.

[0061] Furthermore, at least a portion of the cooling guide 221 extends into the positioning groove 2226, and the cooling guide 221 shields the exposed opening 2225. In this embodiment, after the cooling guide 221 extends into the positioning groove 2226 in the front-to-back direction, it shields the exposed opening 2225, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the outer shell 22. Moreover, the positioning groove 2226 enables the guide 221 to be positioned and connected with the shell body 222, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the outer shell 22.

[0062] In addition, by providing a sealing gasket between the bottom surface of the cooling guide 221 and the positioning groove 2226, the sealing performance between the cooling guide 221 and the shell body 222 can be improved.

[0063] Specifically, the sealing device 20 also includes an airflow assembly connecting the outer casing 22. The cooling guide 221, the casing sidewall 2222, and the airflow assembly (i.e., the first air deflector 251) are fixed together with screws to improve the overall connection strength. The first air deflector 251 abuts against the partition plate to prevent defrost water from flowing from the drain plate 2223 to the bottom surface of the casing body 222, ensuring that the defrost water flows smoothly along the drain plate 2223 to the drain outlet 2221.

[0064] In addition, a positioning rib can be connected to the side of the first air plate 251 facing the cooling guide 221. The extension direction of the positioning rib is parallel to the extension direction of the drain plate 2223. So when the first air plate 251 abuts against the partition plate, the positioning rib abuts against the upper end of the drain plate 2223, which plays a positioning role in the assembly of the first air plate 251 and at the same time prevents defrosting water from flowing from the drain plate 2223 to the bottom surface of the shell body 222.

[0065] Specifically, the installation structure includes a support block 31 connecting the inner liner 12 and a positioning block 32 connecting the support block 31. The bottom of the outer shell 22 abuts against the support block 31, and the side of the outer shell 22 is disposed opposite to the positioning block 32. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 The support block 31 abuts against the bottom of the outer casing 22 to support the sealing device 20 and prevent downward displacement. The positioning block 32 is located on the side of the outer casing 22 (e.g., left, right, or rear side) and can position the sealing device 20 horizontally during installation. Preferably, the positioning block 32 is located on the rear side of the outer casing 22 to prevent the sealing device 20 from over-extending and causing damage when it extends into the first compartment 11.

[0066] Specifically, the first compartment 11 is configured as a freezer or refrigerator, and the second compartment 21 is configured as an ice-making compartment. In this embodiment, the first compartment can also be a variable temperature compartment. Similarly, the second compartment 21 can also be configured as other functional compartments.

[0067] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes an ice maker bracket 40 connected to the inner liner 12, and the outer shell 22 has a mounting opening 223 that matches the ice maker bracket 40. In this embodiment, the mounting opening 223 is located at the top of the outer shell 22. The ice maker bracket 40 is pre-installed on the inner liner 12 using foam material. When the sealing device 20 is assembled with the cabinet 10, it first inserts the outer shell 22 into the first compartment 11 and aligns the ice maker bracket 40 with the mounting opening 223, and then inserts the ice maker into the second compartment 21 and aligns it with the ice maker bracket 40.

[0068] Furthermore, during the process of aligning the ice maker hanger 40 with the mounting port 223, the bottom of the outer casing 22 can be placed against the support block 31 and rotated around the support block 31 for adjustment, facilitating accurate alignment between the ice maker hanger 40 and the mounting port 223.

[0069] Furthermore, the sealing device 20 also includes a sealing element that connects to the outer shell 22 and matches the mounting opening 223, with the ice maker bracket 40 abutting against the sealing element. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the mounting opening 223 is provided with a flange, and the sealing element is connected to the flange. The sealing element is configured as sealing cotton or a sealing ring. By attaching the sealing element to the surface of the flange and having the ice maker bracket 40 abut against the sealing element, the sealing performance after the ice maker bracket 40 is connected to the mounting opening 223 is guaranteed.

[0070] Continue to cooperate with reference Figure 6 As shown, the sealing device 20 further includes an air duct assembly connected to the outer shell 22. The second compartment 21 includes a cooling air duct 211 and a storage cavity 212. The air duct assembly has an air inlet 251 and an air outlet 252 connecting the cooling air duct 211 and the storage cavity 212. In this embodiment, the air inlet 251 and the air outlet 252 can form a circulating air duct between the cooling air duct 211 and the storage cavity 212, thereby transferring the cold energy in the cooling air duct 211 to the storage cavity 212, thus achieving cooling of the storage cavity 212.

[0071] Furthermore, the air inlet 251 and the air outlet 252 are located on different sides of the outer casing 22. In this embodiment, the air inlet 251 and the air outlet 252 connecting the cooling air passage 211 are located on different sides of the outer casing 22, which improves the air cooling effect in the storage cavity 212 and also improves the cooling efficiency in the storage cavity 212.

[0072] Heat exchange is achieved between the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 21 using a heat-conducting component 221. Only one compartment 11 needs to be cooled, thus eliminating the need for each compartment to be equipped with an independent evaporator for cooling, thereby increasing the usable space of the refrigerator.

[0073] Furthermore, the cooling conductor 221 is exposed within the cooling air passage 211. In this embodiment, since the cooling conductor 221 is exposed within the cooling air passage 211, the cooling conductor 221 first transfers the cold energy in the first compartment 11 to the cooling air passage 211, and then the cooling air passage 211 transfers it to the storage cavity 212.

[0074] Furthermore, the cooling guide 221 is positioned opposite to the air inlet 251. In this embodiment, the cooling capacity transferred from the cooling guide 221 to the cooling air path 211 is directly transferred to the storage cavity 212 through the air inlet 251, ensuring the cooling effect within the storage cavity 212. Because the air inlet 251 and the cooling guide 221 are opposite each other, the temperature at the air inlet 251 is lower than the temperature at the air return port 252, preventing frost formation due to a large temperature difference when the air return port 252 and the cooling guide 221 are opposite each other.

[0075] Furthermore, the cooling air passage 211 includes a first air passage 2111 and a second air passage 2112 that are interconnected. In this embodiment, the airflow in the storage cavity 212 flows into the second air passage 2112 through the return air port 252, then flows into the first air passage 2111 from the second air passage 2112, and finally flows back into the storage cavity 212 through the air inlet 251, thereby forming a circulating air passage between the storage cavity 212 and the cooling air passage 211.

[0076] Furthermore, the extension direction of the first air passage 2111 is set at a certain angle to the extension direction of the second air passage 2112. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the first air passage 2111 refers to the flow direction of the airflow within the first air passage 2111, and similarly, the extension direction of the second air passage 2112 refers to the flow direction of the airflow within the second air passage 2112. When the airflow flows from the second air passage 2112 into the first air passage 2111, the flow direction changes, that is, the airflow changes direction, increasing the heat exchange time of the airflow within the cooling air passage 211 and improving the cooling efficiency. Preferably, the extension directions of the first air passage 2111 and the second air passage 2112 are perpendicular to each other.

[0077] Specifically, the airflow assembly includes a first air plate 253 forming an air inlet 251 and an airflow structure 254 forming a second airflow 2112. The airflow structure 254 includes a second air plate 2541 forming an air return port 252. The first air plate 253 and the second air plate 2541 are respectively disposed opposite to different side walls of the outer casing 22.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first air vane 253 and the second air vane 2541 are respectively opposite to the adjacent sidewalls of the outer casing 22, which can make reasonable use of the internal space of the second chamber 21. At this time, the first air passage 2111 and the second air passage 2112 extend along different sidewalls of the outer casing 22, maximizing the proportion of the storage cavity 212 in the second chamber 21 and maximizing the usable space in the second chamber 21. The air return port 252 is provided with an air inlet grille to ensure smooth air intake while meeting safety requirements.

[0079] Preferably, the first air deflector 253 is opposite to the rear side wall (i.e., formed by the shell side wall 2222 and the cooling conductor 221), and the second air deflector 2541 is opposite to the right side wall (or the left side wall, upper side wall, or lower side wall). When the extension direction of the first air passage 2111 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second air passage 2112, the outer shell 22 has a rectangular three-dimensional structure, which is adapted to the storage space 112 in the first compartment 11.

[0080] In embodiments not shown, the first air deflector 253 and the second air deflector 2541 may not extend along the side wall of the housing, as long as the extension direction of the first air passage 2111 and the extension direction of the second air passage 2112 are at a certain angle.

[0081] Specifically, the outer casing 22 includes a casing body 222 connected to the air duct structure 254 and a drawer 224 that slides in conjunction with the casing body 222. In this embodiment, the drawer 224 and the casing body 222 are slidably fitted together using a slide rail assembly.

[0082] Specifically, the front of the shell body 222 has an access port that connects to the second compartment 21. The access port mates with the front cover of the drawer 224. The drawer 224 and the shell body 222 are sealed with a sealing strip to ensure the second compartment 21 is sealed at the access port. The sealing strip is fixed to one of the drawer 224 and the shell body 222, and abuts against the other of the drawer 224 and the shell body 222.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 As shown, specifically, the sealing device 20 includes an assembly structure for positioning and engaging the shell body 222 with the air duct structure 254. The assembly structure includes a mating portion 261 disposed on one of the shell body 222 and the air duct structure 254, and a mating groove 262 disposed on the other of the two structures. In this embodiment, it is preferable that mating grooves 262 are formed on both the upper and lower sides of the shell body 222, i.e., mating grooves 262 are formed by using a stop block and the sidewall of the shell body 222. The mating portions 261 are respectively formed at the upper and lower ends of the air duct structure 254, i.e., the upper and lower ends of the air duct structure 254 match the groove width of the mating groove 262.

[0084] Specifically, the mating direction of the mating part 261 and the mating groove 262 is parallel to the mating direction of the drawer 224 and the shell body 222. In this embodiment, when the air duct structure 254 is assembled with the shell body 222 as a whole, the assembly structure is used to achieve positioning and mating, and then fasteners are used to fix the air duct structure 254 and the shell body 222 to ensure that the air duct structure 254 is accurately installed and to avoid interference with the sliding of the drawer 224.

[0085] Furthermore, taking the air duct structure 254 fixed to the left or right side wall of the shell body 222 as an example, if the drawer 224 and the shell body 222 are to be slidably fitted together using the slide rail assembly, one of the slide rails on the left and right sides of the drawer 224 needs to be fixed to the air duct structure 254. At this time, the mating direction of the mating part 261 and the mating groove 262 is parallel to the mating direction of the drawer 224 and the shell body 222, which can ensure that the drawer 224 is accurately installed and slides stably.

[0086] Specifically, the first air deflector 253 is connected to the cooling guide 221. In this embodiment, the first air deflector 253, the shell body 222, and the cooling guide 221 are interconnected by fasteners, improving the installation strength of the cooling guide 221 and the first air deflector 253. Alternatively, the first air deflector 253 and the cooling guide 221 are interconnected and abut against the shell body 222, resulting in a simple structure that is easy to manufacture. The first air passage 2111 is formed between the first air deflector 253 and the rear sidewall of the shell 22 (i.e., it is jointly formed by the shell sidewall 2222 and the cooling guide 221).

[0087] Furthermore, the first air deflector 253 abuts against the second air deflector 2541. In this embodiment, the first air deflector 253 and the second air deflector 2541 abut against each other to ensure the sealing at the connection between the first air passage 253 and the second air passage 2541, and the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0088] Specifically, the airflow structure 254 includes a mounting plate 2542 connecting the second air plate 2541, and the sealing device 20 further includes a fan 27 connected to the mounting plate 2542. In this embodiment, after the fan 27 is fixed to the mounting plate 2542, the second air plate 2541 is fixed to the mounting plate 2542, thereby forming the airflow structure 254, so that the airflow structure 254 can be fixed as a whole to the shell body 222. The sealing device 20 also includes a sterilization module connected to the mounting plate 2542 to ensure the cleanliness of the second compartment 21. The second airflow 2112 is formed between the mounting plate 2542 and the second air plate 2541.

[0089] Furthermore, the intake port and return port 252 of the fan 27 are arranged opposite each other. In this embodiment, the fan 27 is a centrifugal fan and is located between the mounting plate 2542 and the second air plate 2541. The intake port and return port 252 of the fan 27 are opposite each other, which saves the space occupied by the air duct structure 254 in the left and right directions and helps to maximize the proportion of the storage cavity 212 in the second compartment 21.

[0090] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes an ice maker 50 disposed within the storage cavity 212, with the air inlet 251 positioned opposite to the ice maker 50. In this embodiment, the drawer 224 is located within the storage cavity 212 and at the bottom of the ice maker 50, for storing ice cubes. The airflow in the cooling air path 211 flows into the storage cavity 212 through the air inlet 251 and then directly flows to the ice maker 50 (i.e., the air inlet of the ice maker 50), thereby accelerating ice making and simultaneously cooling the ice cubes in the bottom drawer 224 of the ice maker 50, preventing the ice cubes from melting and sticking together.

[0091] refer to Figures 9 to 13 As shown, another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator in which the position of the cold-conducting element 22 is different from that of the above embodiment, thereby improving the cooling rate of the second compartment 21. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals represent the same components with similar functions and will not be described further.

[0092] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, specifically, at least a portion of the cooling element 221 is located within the cooling duct 111. In this embodiment, compared to the scheme where the cooling element 221 is located within the storage space 112, placing part or all of the cooling element 221 within the cooling duct 111 allows the cooling element 221 to obtain cooling energy more efficiently, thereby accelerating the cooling of the second compartment 21.

[0093] When the cold air generated in the cooling duct 111 cools the first room 11, at least a portion of the cooling conductor 221 is disposed in the cooling duct 111, so that the cooling conductor 221 obtains cold air and radiates it to the second room 21, thereby satisfying the cooling requirements of each room and avoiding cross-contamination of odors between the rooms.

[0094] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes an evaporator 60 disposed within the cooling duct 111. In this embodiment, the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 21 share a single evaporator 60 to obtain cooling capacity, thus eliminating the need for an additional evaporator in the second compartment 21 and saving space in the second compartment 21.

[0095] In embodiments not shown, a separate evaporator or direct cooling pipe can be provided for the cooling element 221, so that it does not need to share the evaporator 60 with the first compartment 11, which also enables the cooling element 221 to obtain cooling capacity more efficiently.

[0096] Furthermore, the cooling guide 221 has a cooling guide portion 2211 located within the cooling duct 111. In this embodiment, it is preferable to place a portion of the cooling guide 221 within the cooling duct 111, while other portions of the cooling guide 221 may be placed in other locations within the first compartment 11, such as the storage space 112 or other functional compartments.

[0097] In an embodiment not shown, all the cooling elements 221 can be disposed within the cooling duct 111 to further improve the efficiency of the cooling elements 221 in obtaining cooling capacity.

[0098] Furthermore, the cooling guide section 2211 is disposed opposite to the evaporator 60. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the cooling guide section 2211 and the evaporator 60 are disposed opposite to each other along the front-to-back direction. The opposite disposal includes cases where the cooling guide section 2211 and the evaporator 60 are spaced apart from each other and cases where the cooling guide section 2211 and the evaporator 60 are in contact with each other. It is even more preferable that the cooling guide section 2211 is in contact with the fins of the evaporator 60 to improve the heat transfer efficiency of the cooling guide section 221.

[0099] Furthermore, compared to the solution where the cooling element 221 is located within the storage space 112, the cooling element 221 in this solution can be defrosted via the heating wire provided on the evaporator 60, thus eliminating the need for an additional heating element (such as the first heating element 23) and reducing manufacturing and usage costs. When the heating wire provided on the evaporator 60 heats the evaporator 60 for defrosting, heat is transferred to the cooling section 2211, and the defrosting water eventually falls into the drip tray at the bottom of the evaporator 60 and is discharged.

[0100] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the duct cover 13 further includes an interface 133 communicating with the cooling duct 111, and the cooling guide 221 includes a guide portion 2212 that matches the interface 133. In this embodiment, the cooling guide portion 2211 extends into the cooling duct 111 through the interface 133, and a portion of the interface 133 is also located within the cooling duct 111, improving the efficiency of the cooling guide 221 in transferring cold energy. The maximum outer diameter of the guide portion 2212 is not greater than the inner diameter of the interface 133.

[0101] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the guide portion 2212 gradually increases from the end near the cooling conduction portion 2211 towards the end away from the cooling conduction portion 2211. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the guide portion 2212 near the cooling conduction portion 2211 is smaller than the inner diameter of the interface 133, and the outer diameter of the guide portion 2212 away from the cooling conduction portion 2211 is not larger than the inner diameter of the interface 133. The guide portion 2212 is tapered, which facilitates the positioning and insertion between the cooling conduction component 221 and the air duct cover 13. Thus, after the two are inserted into place, it ensures that the cooling conduction portion 2211 is in the designated position within the cooling air duct 111.

[0102] Specifically, the guide part 2212 is in the shape of a four-sided pyramid. The height of the guide part 2212 is equal to the distance between the front end of the air duct cover plate 13 and the front end of the evaporator 60, so that after the guide part 2212 is inserted into the interface 133, the cooling part 2211 just contacts the evaporator 60.

[0103] Furthermore, the sealing device 20 also includes a sealing strip 28 that connects to the cooling conductor 221 and matches the interface 133. In this embodiment, the sealing strip 28 is connected to the cooling conductor 221 by adhesive bonding. The sealing strip 28 surrounds the interface 133.

[0104] Specifically, the sealing strip 28 surrounds the cooling guide portion 2211 and abuts against the air duct cover plate 13. In this embodiment, the sealing strip 28 surrounds both the interface 133 and the cooling guide portion 2211, connects to the cooling guide component 211, and abuts against the air duct cover plate 13, thereby improving the sealing performance at the interface 133 and preventing cold leakage between the air duct cover plate 13 and the cooling guide component 221.

[0105] Furthermore, the cooling conductive component 221 is integrally formed. In this embodiment, the entire cooling conductive component 221 is made of the same material, such as metal, and is constructed by integral forming, thereby facilitating the manufacturing of the cooling conductive component 221.

[0106] Specifically, the outer casing 22 includes a casing body 222, and the cooling guide 221 further includes a connecting portion 2213 connecting the casing body 222 and the guide portion 2212. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the connecting portion 2213 and the cooling guide portion 2211 are parallel to each other, so that when the cooling guide portion 2211 contacts the evaporator 60, the connecting portion 2213 fits against the air duct cover 13. Moreover, after attaching the sealing strip 28 to the connecting portion 2213, the sealing strip 28 on the connecting portion 2213 fits more closely to the air duct cover 13, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0107] Specifically, the shell body 222 includes a drain plate 2223 connected to the connecting portion 2213, and the drain plate 2223 is located at the bottom of the guide portion 2212. In this embodiment, defrosting water generated by the cooling element 221 on the side facing the second compartment 21 can be discharged from the second compartment 21 through the drain plate 2223. Figure 13 The bottom of the tapered guide section 2212 is inclined, which can smoothly guide the defrosting water on the inner wall of the cooling section 2211 to the drain plate 2223.

[0108] Specifically, the cooling conductive part 2211, the guide part 2212, and the connecting part 2213 together form any sidewall of the outer shell 22. In this embodiment, the cooling conductive part 2211, the guide part 2212, and the connecting part 2213 are integrally formed to form the rear sidewall of the outer shell 22, that is, the entire rear sidewall of the outer shell 22 is composed of the cooling conductive part 221, which increases the heat exchange area of ​​the cooling conductive part 221 and accelerates the cooling rate of the second chamber 21.

[0109] Furthermore, the sealing device 20 also includes a heat exchanger 29 connected to the cooling conductor 221, the heat exchanger 29 being connected to the cooling conductor 2211. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 29 is connected to the cooling conductor 2211 on the side facing the second compartment 21.

[0110] Furthermore, at least a portion of the heat exchanger 29 is located within the guide portion 2212. In this embodiment, compared to a solution where the heat exchanger 29 adopts a flat plate structure, as... Figure 13 The space formed by the guide portion 2212 protruding from the connection portion 2213 provides installation space for the heat exchanger 29 without affecting the usable space of the second chamber 21.

[0111] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a mounting structure, which includes a slider 33 disposed on one of the outer shell 22 and the inner liner 12, and a groove 34 disposed on the other of the outer shell 22 and the inner liner 12. In this embodiment, as... Figure 10 As shown, the chute 34 is formed within the first chamber 11, i.e., by installing a corresponding molding block on the inner liner 12. This molding block can be made of insulating material. Figure 12 The slider 33 is disposed on the lower side wall of the housing 22.

[0112] Furthermore, the mating direction of the slider 33 and the slide groove 34 is parallel to the mating direction of the guide portion 2212 and the interface 133. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the slider 33 and the slide groove 34 slide in a front-back direction. When the sealing device 20 is assembled with the box 10, the slider 33 and the slide groove 34 slide in a sliding engagement. During this process, the guide portion 2212 also simultaneously engages with the interface 133, achieving accurate docking between the two and facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the sealing device and the box 10.

[0113] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a water injection mechanism connected to the inner liner 12, and the outer shell 22 has a water inlet 225. In this embodiment, the water injection mechanism is fixed to the inner liner 12 using foam material, thereby providing the ice maker 50 with the water required for ice making.

[0114] Furthermore, the water inlet 225 is located below the water injection mechanism. In this embodiment, the water output by the water injection mechanism flows into the ice maker 50 through the water inlet 225 on the top of the outer casing 22 (i.e., the top of the casing body 222).

[0115] Furthermore, compared to the above-described embodiments, pre-installing the ice maker bracket within the second compartment 21, i.e., fixing it to the main body 222, thereby enabling the installation of the ice maker 50, results in a higher degree of integration of the sealing device 20. This eliminates the need to install the ice maker 50 after the ice maker bracket 40 and the mounting port 223 are in place. Moreover, the top of the outer casing 22 only has a water inlet 225, which, compared to the design where the mounting port 223 is located on the top of the outer casing 22, results in a smaller opening and a better sealing effect.

[0116] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0117] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The housing (10) includes an inner liner (12) forming a first compartment (11) and an air duct cover (13) connecting the inner liner (12). The first compartment (11) includes a cooling air duct (111) formed between the inner liner (12) and the air duct cover (13). A sealing device (20) is provided in the first compartment (11); The sealing device (20) includes a housing (22) forming a second chamber (21), the housing (22) including a cooling element (221) exposed in the second chamber (21), the cooling element (221) forming at least a portion of the outer wall of the housing (22), and at least a portion of the cooling element (221) being located in a cooling duct (111).

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes an evaporator (60) disposed in the refrigeration duct (111), and the cooling guide (221) has a cooling guide section (2211) located in the refrigeration duct (111), the cooling guide section (2211) being disposed opposite to the evaporator (60).

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The duct cover (13) has a connection interface (133) that connects to the cooling duct (111), and the cooling guide (221) includes a guide portion (2212) that matches the connection interface (133). The outer diameter of the guide portion (2212) gradually increases from the end near the cooling guide portion (2211) toward the end away from the cooling guide portion (2211).

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing device (20) further includes a sealing strip (28) that connects to the cooling guide (221) and matches the interface (133), the sealing strip (28) surrounding the cooling guide (2211) and abutting against the air duct cover (13).

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer shell (22) includes a shell body (222), the cooling component (221) is integrally formed, and also includes a connecting part (2213) connecting the shell body (222) and the guide part (2212). The cooling component (2211), the guide part (2212), and the connecting part (2213) together form any side wall of the outer shell (22).

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing device (20) further includes a heat exchanger (29) connected to the cooling conductor (221), the heat exchanger (29) being connected to the cooling conductor (2211), and at least a portion of the heat exchanger (29) being located within the guide section (2212).

7. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes an installation structure, which includes a slider (33) disposed on one of the outer shell (22) and the inner liner (12) and a groove (34) disposed on the other of the outer shell (22) and the inner liner (12). The cooperation direction of the slider (33) and the groove (34) is parallel to the cooperation direction of the guide (2212) and the interface (133).

8. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first compartment (11) is configured as a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment, the second compartment (21) is configured as an ice-making compartment, the refrigerator also includes a water injection mechanism connected to the inner liner (12), the outer shell (22) has a water inlet (225), and the water inlet (225) is located below the water injection mechanism.

9. The refrigerator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The outer shell (22) includes a shell body (222), which includes a drain outlet (2221) communicating with the second chamber (21) and a drain plate (2223) connected to the connecting part (2213). The drain plate (2223) is located at the bottom of the guide part (2212), and the horizontal height of the drain plate (2223) gradually increases from the end near the drain outlet (2221) toward the end away from the drain outlet (2221).

10. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second compartment (21) includes a cooling air duct (211) and a storage cavity (212). The sealing device (20) includes an air duct assembly connected to the outer shell (22). The air duct assembly has an air inlet (251) that connects the cooling air duct (211) and the storage cavity (212). The cooling guide (221) is exposed in the cooling air duct (211). The cooling guide (221) is arranged opposite to the air inlet (251).

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