refrigerator

Abstract

This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. In the refrigerator of this embodiment, under the action of a first fan, cold air from the evaporator chamber enters the first refrigerator compartment through the air supply duct; a portion of the air in the first refrigerator compartment enters the return air duct through the second return air inlet, and then returns to the evaporator chamber, utilizing air convection to lower the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment. By setting an air outlet on the middle partition, another portion of the air from the first refrigerator compartment enters the second refrigerator compartment through the air outlet; the air in the second refrigerator compartment enters the return air duct through the first return air inlet, and then returns to the evaporator chamber. Utilizing the return air from the first refrigerator compartment to the second refrigerator compartment causes cold air to circulate, achieving convective cooling. Moreover, the return air duct is formed within the duct assembly inside the refrigerator compartment, eliminating the need for an additional return air duct on the outside of the refrigerator compartment, thereby reducing the thickness of the insulation layer at the rear of the refrigerator compartment. This allows for an increase in the refrigerator's volumetric efficiency without changing the overall dimensions of the refrigerator.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention application CN202511588722.8 (2025-10-31), entitled "Refrigerator". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0003] A refrigerator is a refrigeration device that maintains a constant low temperature, keeping food or other items at a constant low temperature. During operation, the evaporator exchanges heat with the air inside the refrigerator via refrigerant, achieving cooling. Some refrigerators have an independent evaporator in the refrigerator compartment to cool the space within that compartment.

[0004] In related technologies, some refrigerators have a refrigerator compartment divided into a regular refrigerator compartment and a fresh produce compartment. The temperature in the fresh produce compartment is higher than that in the regular refrigerator compartment, providing a suitable storage environment for fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. A freezer air duct component is installed inside the refrigerator compartment. The front of the freezer air duct component forms the fresh produce compartment and the regular refrigerator compartment, while the rear of the freezer air duct component forms the chamber where the evaporator is installed. The freezer air duct component forms an air supply duct that transports cold air from the evaporator chamber to the fresh produce compartment. Furthermore, a return air duct is installed within the insulation layer outside the refrigerator compartment to allow air from the fresh produce compartment to return to the evaporator chamber.

[0005] However, the return air duct is located inside the insulation layer outside the refrigerator compartment, resulting in a larger insulation layer thickness, which affects the refrigerator's volume ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a refrigerator to increase the refrigerator's volume ratio.

[0007] This application provides a refrigerator, which includes: A refrigerator liner, with a front opening on the refrigerator liner; A middle partition is installed inside the refrigerator liner, forming a first refrigerator compartment above the middle partition and a second refrigerator compartment below it; the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment is lower than the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment. An air duct assembly is installed inside the refrigerator liner on the rear side, located behind the middle partition; the air duct assembly and the refrigerator liner together form: An evaporation chamber is located at the rear of the second refrigerator compartment, and a refrigerator evaporator is installed inside the evaporation chamber; An air supply duct connects the evaporation chamber and the first refrigerator compartment, and a first fan is installed inside the air supply duct; The air duct assembly is constructed as follows: A return air duct is located on the front side of the evaporation chamber and is connected to the evaporation chamber; The first return air vent connects the second cold storage compartment and the return air duct. The second return air vent connects the first refrigerator compartment and the return air duct. The intermediate partition is constructed as follows: An air outlet, which connects the first refrigerator compartment and the second refrigerator compartment; Under the action of the first fan, the cold air in the evaporation chamber enters the first cold storage chamber through the air supply duct; part of the air in the first cold storage chamber enters the return air duct through the second return air inlet and then returns to the evaporation chamber. The remaining air from the first refrigerator compartment enters the second refrigerator compartment through the air outlet, and the air from the second refrigerator compartment enters the return air duct through the first return air inlet and then returns to the evaporation chamber.

[0008] With the above configuration, the refrigerator compartment of this embodiment is provided with a middle partition, which divides the space inside the refrigerator compartment into an upper first refrigerator compartment and a lower second refrigerator compartment. The temperature of the second refrigerator compartment is higher than that of the first refrigerator compartment.

[0009] Under the action of the first fan, the cold air in the evaporation chamber enters the first cold storage chamber through the air supply duct; part of the air in the first cold storage chamber enters the return air duct through the second return air inlet and then returns to the evaporation chamber, using air convection to reduce the temperature of the first cold storage chamber.

[0010] By installing air outlets on the intermediate partition, a portion of the air from the first refrigerator compartment enters the second refrigerator compartment through these outlets. Air from the second refrigerator compartment then enters the return air duct through the first return air inlet and returns to the evaporator chamber. This return air from the first refrigerator compartment circulates through the second refrigerator compartment, creating convective cooling. Furthermore, since the temperature in the first refrigerator compartment is lower than that in the second refrigerator compartment, the intermediate partition can transfer the cooling energy from the first refrigerator compartment to the second refrigerator compartment, thus cooling the second refrigerator compartment as well.

[0011] Moreover, in this embodiment, the return air duct is formed in the air duct assembly inside the refrigerator liner, eliminating the need to install a return air duct on the outside of the refrigerator liner. This reduces the thickness of the insulation layer on the back of the refrigerator liner, which helps to increase the volume ratio of the refrigerator without changing the external dimensions of the refrigerator.

[0012] The return air duct is located within the air duct assembly, eliminating the need for additional space within the refrigerator compartment. Since the air in the return air duct comes from both the first and second refrigerator compartments and is above freezing, air insulation can be utilized to prevent the low temperature of the evaporator chamber from affecting the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the portion of the air duct assembly located below the intermediate partition includes: The first plate portion forms the evaporation chamber between the first plate portion and the rear wall of the refrigerator liner; The first cover plate is fixed to the front side of the first plate. The first plate portion is partially thinned and, together with the first cover plate portion, forms the return air duct.

[0014] This design creates a return air duct inside the refrigerator compartment, eliminating the need to occupy space within the compartment and ensuring sufficient storage capacity. Simultaneously, the air within the return air duct provides insulation, preventing the low temperature of the evaporator chamber from affecting the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a return air duct at the rear of the refrigerator compartment, allowing for a reduction in the thickness of the insulation layer at the rear.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first plate portion includes: The main body portion abuts against the first cover plate portion; A thinning section, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the main body, and a gap between the thinning section and the first cover plate to form the return air duct; The first fan is fixedly connected to the first cover plate, and the fixed connection position is located in the main body.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first plate portion has a thinned section with a small thickness, creating an intermittent return air duct between it and the first cover plate portion. The return air duct is sealed by the contact between the first cover plate portion and the main body portion. The structure is simple and easy to implement. While forming the return air duct, there is no need to occupy additional internal space of the refrigerator liner.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, along the height direction of the refrigerator liner, the bottom end of the thinned portion is higher than the bottom end of the main body portion, so as to form a return air gap at the bottom end of the thinned portion; Along the height direction of the refrigerator liner, the bottom end of the refrigerator evaporator is higher than the bottom end of the thinned portion.

[0018] In this way, there is a large gap between the bottom of the thinned section and the bottom wall of the refrigerator liner, which facilitates the connection between the return air duct and the evaporation chamber through the return air gap, thereby improving the smoothness of the return airflow.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a second fan located in the first refrigerator compartment and fixed to the air duct assembly; the second fan is configured to drive air from the first refrigerator compartment into the second return air vent. The second fan is configured to selectively start when the first fan starts.

[0020] In this embodiment, by setting a second fan at the second return air vent, the second fan can be selectively activated. This can increase the return air speed and improve the air circulation speed when needed, thereby accelerating the cooling of the refrigerator compartment. Alternatively, the second fan can be left unused, increasing the flexibility of the refrigerator's usage scenarios and helping to enhance the user experience.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes an air guide hood, which is configured to form an air guide channel. One end of the air guide channel is connected to the air outlet of the second fan, and the other end of the air guide channel is partially opposite to the second return air inlet. The remaining portion of the second return air vent is exposed in the first refrigerator compartment.

[0022] In this embodiment of the application, by setting an air guide hood, some of the air in the first refrigerator compartment can be guided into the second return air inlet by the air guide hood under the action of the second fan, and then enter the return air duct.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the first return air vent is connected to the top of the return air duct. This helps cold air in the second refrigerator compartment to quickly enter the return air duct, avoiding the cold airflow from staying for too long, which would negatively impact the storage effect of fruits and vegetables in the second refrigerator compartment.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the second return air inlet is connected to the top of the return air duct; along the height direction of the refrigerator liner, there is a gap between the second return air inlet and the first return air inlet. This allows for sufficient arrangement space for the first and second return air inlets, and also avoids mutual interference between them.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom end of the return air duct is connected to the evaporation chamber. This increases the flow path of the return airflow within the duct, providing sufficient area to transfer cooling to the second refrigerator compartment via heat conduction. Furthermore, the return air duct isolates the evaporation chamber from its low temperature, preventing frost damage to stored items in the second refrigerator compartment.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the air outlets are respectively provided on both sides of the second return air inlet along the width direction of the refrigerator liner.

[0027] This configuration ensures sufficient cold air volume entering the second refrigerator compartment to maintain its temperature. Furthermore, the two air outlets are positioned on either side of the second return air inlet, which helps improve the uniformity of cold air distribution within the second refrigerator compartment, thereby enhancing the uniformity of temperature within the compartment.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the first cover plate portion includes: A front panel portion, wherein the front panel portion is located in front of the first panel portion; The top plate is connected to the top of the front plate; along the height direction of the refrigerator liner, a portion of the top plate is opposite to the return air duct and is provided with a second return air inlet.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first cover plate portion is provided with a top plate portion located above the first plate portion, which facilitates the provision of a second return air vent in the top plate portion to achieve communication with the return air duct.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a freezer compartment and a freezer evaporator for cooling the freezer compartment; The freezer chamber is equipped with a freezer air duct component, which is installed on the rear side of the freezer chamber, and the front side of the freezer air duct component forms a freezer compartment; The refrigeration evaporator is located at the rear of the refrigeration duct component; A refrigeration return air inlet is formed between the refrigeration duct component and the refrigeration chamber. The refrigeration return air inlet connects the refrigeration compartment and the space where the refrigeration evaporator is located. A third fan is installed at the refrigeration return air inlet.

[0031] In this embodiment, by setting a third fan at the freezer return air vent, the third fan can be selectively activated. This can increase the return air speed and improve the air circulation speed when needed, thereby accelerating the cooling of the freezer compartment. Alternatively, the third fan can be omitted, increasing the flexibility of the refrigerator's usage scenarios and helping to enhance the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This application provides schematic diagrams of the structure of a refrigerator for some embodiments. Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view in the middle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the refrigerator; Figure 4 A front view of the refrigerator's crisper compartment provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 BB section view in the middle; Figure 6 for Figure 4 CC section view in the middle; Figure 7 for Figure 4 DD section view in the middle; Figure 8 for Figure 4 EE section view; Figure 9 Exploded views of air duct components provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first plate section; Figure 11 for Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of region P in the diagram; Figure 12 A front view of the freezer compartment of a refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 13 for Figure 12 FF section view in the image.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100: Cabinet body; 110: Refrigerated compartment; 111: First refrigerated compartment; 112: Second refrigerated compartment; 120: Freezer compartment; 121: Ice maker; 122: First freezer compartment; 123: Second freezer compartment; 130: Cabinet shell; 140: Refrigerated cabinet liner; 150: Freezer cabinet liner; 160: Insulation layer; 170: Middle partition; 171: Air vent; 172: Notch; 210: Refrigerated evaporator; 220: Frozen evaporator; 300: Air duct assembly; 301: Evaporation chamber; 302: Supply air duct; 303: Air outlet; 305: First return air outlet; 306: Second return air outlet; 307: Return air duct; 310: Air duct plate; 311: First plate section; 3111: Main body section; 3112: Thinned section; 3113: Return air notch; 3114: Side section; 3115: Fixing section; 3116: Through section 3117: Notch; 3118: Inclined guide surface; 312: Second plate; 320: Air duct cover; 321: First cover plate; 3211: Front plate; 3212: Top plate; 3213: Side plate; 3214: Bending connection; 322: Second cover plate; 330: First fan; 340: Second fan; 350: Air guide hood; 351: Air guide channel; 400: Refrigeration air duct component; 401: Evaporator compartment; 402: Refrigeration air duct; 403: Refrigeration air outlet; 404: Refrigeration return air outlet; 410: Third fan; 411: Return air duct; 420: Fourth fan. Detailed Implementation

[0034] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0035] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar or related objects or entities, and do not necessarily imply a specific order or sequence, unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate.

[0036] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device that includes a range of components is not necessarily limited to all of the components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0037] Some refrigerators feature horizontally arranged partitions inside the refrigerator compartment to divide the storage space into a regular refrigerator compartment and a crisper compartment. The crisper compartment has a higher temperature than the regular refrigerator compartment, providing a suitable storage environment for fresh produce. A freezer air duct component is installed inside the refrigerator compartment. The front of the freezer air duct component forms the crisper compartment and the regular refrigerator compartment, while the rear of the component forms the chamber where the evaporator is installed. The freezer air duct component forms an air supply duct that allows cold air from the evaporator chamber to enter the crisper compartment. Furthermore, a return air duct is installed within the insulation layer outside the refrigerator compartment to allow air from the crisper compartment to return to the evaporator chamber.

[0038] However, the return air ducts of the refrigerator compartment and the fruit and vegetable compartment are arranged inside the insulation foam layer outside the refrigerator liner. The thickness of the insulation foam layer between the return air duct and the liner needs to be considered, as well as the thickness between the return air duct and the refrigerator outer shell. This results in a larger insulation foam layer thickness, which affects the effective volume of the refrigerator.

[0039] Based on this, the researchers considered placing the return air channel inside the refrigerator liner, which would reduce the thickness of the insulation foam layer. However, simply placing the return air channel inside the liner would occupy space within the liner, which is detrimental to the effective volume of the refrigerator. Therefore, the research team sought a way to arrange the return air channel without increasing the number of internal structural components.

[0040] The researchers of this application studied the structural components inside the refrigerator liner. A groove was constructed on the side of the refrigeration air duct component facing the rear wall of the liner. When the refrigeration air duct component is installed inside the liner, it and the liner enclose an air supply duct. An air outlet is provided on the refrigeration air duct component to supply air towards the refrigerator compartment. A first return air vent is provided on the partition between the fruit and vegetable compartment and the refrigerator compartment, connecting the two compartments and utilizing air from the refrigerator compartment to cool the fruit and vegetable compartment.

[0041] The evaporator is usually located at the rear of the fruit and vegetable compartment. Therefore, the refrigeration duct components at the rear of the fruit and vegetable compartment are equipped with thicker duct foam to insulate the temperature between the fruit and vegetable compartment and the evaporator chamber.

[0042] In view of this, this application reduces the thickness of the air duct foam to form a return air duct between the front side of the air duct foam and the first cover plate of the air duct. The return air duct is connected to the cold storage compartment and the fruit and vegetable compartment respectively, so as to realize the return air of the cold storage compartment and the fruit and vegetable compartment.

[0043] Furthermore, since the air temperature in the return air duct is the same as that in the fruit and vegetable compartment and the refrigerator compartment, which is higher than the temperature of the evaporator chamber, using air for insulation can prevent the low temperature of the evaporator chamber from affecting the fruit and vegetable compartment.

[0044] In other words, the refrigerator in this application embodiment, by reducing the thickness of the air duct foam, reserves space for the arrangement of the return air duct, which not only does not increase the space occupied inside the cabinet, but also uses the air in the return air duct to achieve heat insulation, and there is no need to set up a return air pipe inside the insulation foam layer, thereby reducing the thickness of the insulation foam layer and improving the effective volume of the refrigerator.

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] Combination Figure 1 This application provides a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet 100, which can be configured to form a storage compartment for storing items.

[0047] The storage compartments can be multiple to expand storage space. Depending on the storage temperature, the storage compartments can include at least one refrigerated compartment 110 and at least one frozen compartment 120. The internal temperature of the refrigerated compartment 110 can be maintained between approximately 0°C and 5°C for storing items in refrigerated mode; the internal temperature of the frozen compartment 120 can be maintained between approximately -30°C and 0°C for storing items in frozen mode.

[0048] In some possible implementations, at least one of the storage compartments may also be configured as a vacuum chamber or a variable temperature chamber, etc.

[0049] For example, there may be two storage compartments, which may be stacked vertically or arranged side by side horizontally. One of them may be a refrigerator compartment 110 and the other may be a freezer compartment 120.

[0050] The cold storage room 110 can be configured to form different storage environments according to different partitioning methods. For example, the cold storage room 110 can be equipped with drawers to form a variable temperature room, a fruit and vegetable room, a fresh food preservation room, etc.

[0051] The freezer compartment 120 can be divided into different storage environments according to different partitioning methods, such as ice making compartment 121, low temperature freezer compartment, deep low temperature freezer compartment, etc.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in some possible implementations, the housing 100 is configured to form five storage compartments, of which two compartments are used for refrigeration and the other three compartments are used for freezing. Exemplarily, the five storage compartments are a first refrigeration compartment 111, a second refrigeration compartment 112, an ice-making compartment 121, a first freezer compartment 122, and a second freezer compartment 123.

[0053] The first refrigerator compartment 111 has a drawer at its bottom, forming a variable temperature compartment. The second refrigerator compartment 112 can be used to store fruits and vegetables, etc. The temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 is higher than that of the first refrigerator compartment 111. For example, the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment 111 can be 2℃ to 8℃, and the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 can be 3℃ to 10℃.

[0054] The ice-making chamber 121 is used to make ice. The first freezer chamber 122 is a small freezer chamber, and the first freezer chamber 122 and the ice-making chamber 121 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the cabinet 100, with the second freezer chamber 123 located below the first freezer chamber 122 and the ice-making chamber 121. The temperature of the second freezer chamber 123 can be lower than the temperature of the first freezer chamber 122. For example, the temperature of the second freezer chamber 123 can be lower than 18°C, and the temperature of the first freezer chamber 122 can be -12°C to -7°C.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cabinet 100 may include a cabinet liner and a cabinet shell 130, the cabinet liner defining a storage compartment forming a front opening, and the cabinet shell 130 being connected to the outside of the cabinet liner to form the appearance of a refrigerator.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the width direction of the refrigerator, the cabinet 100, and the inner liner all correspond to... Figure 3 In the X-axis direction, the depth of the refrigerator, the cabinet 100, and the inner liner all correspond to... Figure 3In the Y-axis direction, the height of the refrigerator, the cabinet 100, and the inner liner all correspond to... Figure 3 In the Z-axis direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, two refrigerator compartments may be provided, namely a refrigerator compartment 140 and a freezer compartment 150. The refrigerator compartment 140 is used to form a refrigerator compartment 110, and the freezer compartment 150 is used to form a freezer compartment 120. Exemplarily, the freezer compartment 150 is configured to form an ice-making compartment 121, a first freezer compartment 122, and a second freezer compartment 123; the refrigerator compartment 140 is configured to form a first refrigerator compartment 111 and a second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0058] The cabinet 100 may also include an insulation layer 160, which can be disposed between the liner and the outer shell 130. The insulation layer 160 can insulate the cooling compartment to minimize heat exchange between the storage compartment and the outside of the refrigerator, thus helping to ensure the cooling effect of the refrigerator. The insulation layer 160 can be formed by foaming, such as polyurethane foam.

[0059] The refrigerator in this embodiment may also include a door, which is connected to the cabinet 100 to open or close the storage compartment.

[0060] For example, the door and the cabinet 100 are hinged together, so that the door can rotate relative to the cabinet 100 to open or close the storage room.

[0061] For example, the drawer has a door at its outer end, and the door and drawer are simultaneously pulled out 100 degrees relative to the cabinet to open or close the storage compartment.

[0062] A storage compartment can have one door, or a storage compartment can have multiple doors. In some implementations, the variable temperature drawer in the first refrigerator compartment 111, the first refrigerator compartment 111, the second refrigerator compartment 112, the ice maker 121, the first freezer compartment 122, and the second freezer compartment 123 are each equipped with independent doors, forming a refrigerator with six doors.

[0063] The refrigerator of this application embodiment may further include a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to the storage compartment. Exemplarily, the refrigeration system may be disposed within the cabinet 100. (In conjunction with...) Figure 5 A refrigeration system may include a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, and an evaporator that are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation path.

[0064] During refrigeration system operation, the compressor compresses refrigerant vapor to generate high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, which is then transported to the condenser. The condenser liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, generating high-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid, which is then transported to the throttling element. The throttling element reduces the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, transforming it from a high-pressure, low-temperature liquid into a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid, which is then transported to the evaporator. The evaporator receives the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid and boils it under isobaric conditions, absorbing heat and vaporizing to form refrigerant vapor, thereby lowering the temperature inside the storage room.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator has both a refrigerator compartment 110 and a freezer compartment 120, an evaporator is provided, which is arranged on the rear side of the freezer compartment 120 and cools both the freezer compartment 120 and the refrigerator compartment 110.

[0066] In some other embodiments, when the refrigerator has both a refrigerator compartment 110 and a freezer compartment 120, there are two evaporators, one of which cools the refrigerator compartment 110 and is defined as the refrigerator evaporator 210; the other evaporator cools the freezer compartment 120 and is defined as the freezer evaporator 220.

[0067] Combination Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator liner 140 is a shell structure with an opening on the front side, used to form a refrigerator compartment 110.

[0068] The refrigerator compartment 140 is provided with a middle partition 170, which divides the space inside the refrigerator compartment 140 into a first refrigerator compartment 111 and a second refrigerator compartment 112. The first refrigerator compartment 111 is located above the second refrigerator compartment 112, and the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment 111 is lower than the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The refrigerator in this embodiment of the application also includes an air duct assembly 300, which is installed on the rear side inside the refrigerator compartment 140 and located on the rear side of the middle partition 170. The portion of the air duct assembly 300 above the middle partition 170 forms a first refrigerator compartment 111 on its front side; the portion of the air duct assembly 300 below the middle partition 170 forms a second refrigerator compartment 112 on its front side.

[0070] The air duct assembly 300 and the refrigerator liner 140 enclose each other to form an evaporation chamber 301. The evaporation chamber 301 is located on the rear side of the second refrigerator compartment 112, and a refrigerator evaporator 210 is installed inside the evaporation chamber 301.

[0071] The air duct assembly 300 and the refrigerator liner 140 also enclose each other to form an air supply duct 302, which connects the evaporation chamber 301 and the first refrigerator compartment 111, so that the cold air in the evaporation chamber 301 after exchanging heat with the refrigerator evaporator 210 enters the first refrigerator compartment 111 through the air supply duct 302.

[0072] The portion of the air duct assembly 300 located within the first refrigerator compartment 111 is equipped with an air outlet 303, which connects the air supply duct 302 and the first refrigerator compartment 111. Cold air from the air supply duct 302 enters the first refrigerator compartment 111 through the air outlet 303.

[0073] To improve the uniformity and efficiency of air supply, multiple air outlets 303 can be provided, and the multiple air outlets 303 are arranged in a rectangular matrix in the air duct assembly 300.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, along the height direction of the housing 100, the minimum distance between the air outlet 303 and the middle partition 170, i.e., the distance between the bottommost air outlet 303 and the middle partition 170, is greater than half the height of the first refrigerator compartment 111, so that the air outlets 303 are all arranged in the area above the middle position of the height of the first refrigerator compartment 111. In this way, the temperature of the entire first refrigerator compartment 111 can be reduced by utilizing the natural sinking of cold air, and it is also convenient to form a return air structure at the bottom of the first refrigerator compartment 111.

[0075] The second refrigerator compartment 112 can be cooled by heat convection. For example, the cold air in the second refrigerator compartment 112 can be transported by an air duct defined by the air duct assembly 300; or, for example, the cold air in the second refrigerator compartment 112 can be transported by the first refrigerator compartment 111. Alternatively, the second refrigerator compartment 112 can be cooled by heat conduction, for example, by using the heat conduction of the intermediate partition 170 to conduct the cold air of the first refrigerator compartment 111 to the second refrigerator compartment 112, thereby lowering the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0076] The temperature of the evaporator chamber 301 is generally below zero, for example, -20°C; while the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 is above zero. In this embodiment, since the evaporator chamber 301 is located behind the second refrigerator compartment 112, the thickness of the portion of the air duct assembly 300 below the intermediate partition 170 is greater than the thickness of the portion of the air duct assembly 300 above the intermediate partition 170. This provides good insulation for the evaporator chamber 301 and the second refrigerator compartment 112, preventing the low-temperature air in the evaporator chamber 301 from affecting the storage effect of the second refrigerator compartment 112. The greater thickness of the portion of the air duct assembly 300 below the intermediate partition 170 provides space for the subsequent installation of the return air duct.

[0077] The thickness of the air duct assembly 300 is the dimension of the air duct assembly 300 along the depth direction of the housing 100.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, the freezer liner 150 is a shell structure with a front opening, used to form the freezer compartment 120. The freezer liner 150 is located below the refrigerator liner 140.

[0079] A refrigeration air duct component 400 is provided inside the freezer chamber 150. The refrigeration air duct component 400 is located on the rear side inside the freezer chamber 150. The refrigeration air duct component 400 divides the space inside the freezer chamber 150 into a front freezer compartment 120 and a rear evaporation chamber 401. A refrigeration evaporator 220 is installed in the evaporation chamber 401, so that the refrigeration evaporator 220 is located on the rear side of the refrigeration air duct component 400.

[0080] The refrigeration air duct component 400 is configured to form a refrigeration air duct 402, which connects the evaporation chamber 401 and the refrigeration chamber 120, so that the cold air in the evaporation chamber 401 enters the refrigeration chamber 120 through the refrigeration air duct 402.

[0081] The refrigeration air duct component 400 is provided with a refrigeration air outlet 403, which connects the refrigeration chamber 120 and the refrigeration air duct 402 so that the cold air in the refrigeration air duct 402 enters the refrigeration chamber 120 through the refrigeration air outlet 403.

[0082] For example, the ice-making chamber 121, the first freezer chamber 122 and the second freezer chamber 123 are respectively provided with freezer air vents 403 to ensure the cooling effect of each chamber.

[0083] A refrigeration return air vent 404 is formed between the refrigeration air duct component 400 and the refrigeration chamber 150. The refrigeration return air vent 404 connects the refrigeration compartment 120 and the evaporation chamber 401 where the refrigeration evaporator 220 is located, so that the air in the refrigeration compartment 120 can return to the evaporation chamber 401 through the refrigeration return air vent 404.

[0084] The refrigeration return air vent 404 can be located in the second refrigeration chamber 123, and air from the first refrigeration chamber 122 and the ice-making chamber 121 can enter the refrigeration return air vent 404 through the second refrigeration chamber 123.

[0085] Therefore, the cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator 220 in the evaporator chamber 401 enters the ice-making chamber 121, the first freezing chamber 122, and the second freezing chamber 123 through the freezing air duct 402 and the freezing air vent 403, respectively; the air in the ice-making chamber 121 and the first freezing chamber 122 enters the second freezing chamber 123, and the air in the second freezing chamber 123 returns to the evaporator chamber 401 through the freezing return air vent 404. This cycle repeats to cool the space inside the freezer liner 150.

[0086] The airflow structure and direction within the refrigerator liner 140 in this embodiment are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment of the application, the evaporation chamber 301 is located on the rear side of the second refrigerator compartment 112. It can be understood that the part of the air duct assembly 300 located below the middle partition 170 divides the space of the refrigerator liner 140 located below the middle partition 170 into the second refrigerator compartment 112 and the evaporation chamber 301, and the evaporation chamber 301 is located on the rear side of the air duct assembly 300.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the air duct assembly 300 is configured to form a return air duct 307. The portion of the air duct assembly 300 located below the intermediate partition 170 forms the return air duct 307, which is situated in front of and communicates with the evaporator chamber 301. Air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 and the second refrigerator compartment 112 can return to the evaporator chamber 301 through the return air duct 307 and exchange heat with the refrigerator evaporator 210 within the evaporator chamber 301.

[0089] Combination Figure 6 The air duct assembly 300 is also configured to form a first return air vent 305. The portion of the air duct assembly 300 located below the intermediate partition 170 is also configured to form a first return air vent 305. The first return air vent 305 connects the second refrigerator compartment 112 and the return air duct 307. Thus, the second refrigerator compartment 112 is connected to the return air duct 307 through the first return air vent 305.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the first return air vent 305 is connected to the top of the return air duct 307, which helps the cold air in the second refrigerator compartment 112 to quickly enter the return air duct 307 and avoids the cold airflow from staying for too long, thus affecting the storage effect of fruits and vegetables in the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0091] In some embodiments of this application, combined with Figure 6 Along the width direction of the cabinet 100, the portion of the air duct assembly 300 located below the middle partition 170 is spaced apart from the refrigerator liner 140. The first return air vents 305 are located on both sides of the air duct assembly 300 along the width direction of the cabinet 100. This arrangement not only improves return air efficiency but also allows the first return air vents 305 to be located on the side, thus concealing them.

[0092] The bottom end of the return air duct 307 is connected to the evaporator chamber 301. On the one hand, this increases the flow path of the return air in the return air duct 307, giving the return air duct 307 sufficient area. This allows the airflow in the return air duct 307 to transfer cold energy to the second refrigerator compartment 112 through heat conduction. On the other hand, the return air duct 307 can also insulate the low temperature of the evaporator chamber 301, preventing the low temperature of the evaporator chamber 301 from causing frost damage to the stored items in the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0093] Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the return air duct 307 are connected to the first return air inlet 305 and the evaporator chamber 301, respectively, providing a certain flow path between the first return air inlet 305 and the evaporator chamber 301. This prevents the low-temperature air in the evaporator chamber 301 from directly affecting the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112, thus preventing the second refrigerator compartment 112 from becoming too cold. It also insulates against defrosting heat, preventing defrosting heat from directly affecting the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 through the first return air inlet 305 during defrosting of the refrigerator evaporator 210, thereby reducing the impact of the defrosting heat from the refrigerator evaporator 210 on the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0094] The air duct assembly 300 also forms a second return air inlet 306, which connects the first refrigerator compartment 111 and the return air duct 307. The portion of the air duct assembly 300 exposed within the first refrigerator compartment 111 forms the second return air inlet 306. Thus, air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 can enter the return air duct 307 via the second return air inlet 306.

[0095] The second return air vent 306 is connected to the top of the return air duct 307. Furthermore, there is a gap between the second return air vent 306 and the first return air vent 305 along the height direction of the refrigerator liner 140. This allows for sufficient arrangement space for the first return air vent 305 and the second return air vent 306, and also prevents mutual interference between the first return air vent 305 and the second return air vent 306.

[0096] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The intermediate partition 170 is constructed with an air outlet 171, which connects the first refrigerator compartment 111 and the second refrigerator compartment 112. In this way, air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 can enter the second refrigerator compartment 112, lowering its temperature. Thus, by utilizing the return air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 to cool the second refrigerator compartment 112, the storage temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 can be maintained, while also preventing the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 from becoming too low and affecting storage quality.

[0097] Therefore, some air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 can enter the second refrigerator compartment 112 through the air outlet 171, and then enter the return air duct 307 through the first return air inlet 305; the remaining air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 can enter the return air duct 307 through the second return air inlet 306. Since the return air duct 307 is connected to the evaporator chamber 301, the air in the return air duct 307 can return to the evaporator chamber 301.

[0098] Combination Figure 7 A first fan 330 is installed inside the air supply duct 302. Under the action of the first fan 330, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The cold air from the evaporator 301 enters the first cold storage compartment 111 through the supply air duct 302; a portion of the air in the first cold storage compartment 111 enters the return air duct 307 through the second return air inlet 306, and then returns to the evaporator 301. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The remaining air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 enters the second refrigerator compartment 112 through the air outlet 171. The air from the second refrigerator compartment 112 enters the return air duct 307 through the first return air inlet 305 and then returns to the evaporator chamber 301.

[0099] exist Figures 5 to 7 In the diagram, straight lines with arrows indicate the direction of airflow. Specifically, the blue line indicates the direction of the cold air after heat exchange with the refrigeration evaporator 210; the solid red line indicates the direction of airflow in the first refrigeration compartment 111 as it enters the return air duct 307 through the second return air inlet 306; and the dashed red line indicates the direction of airflow in the first refrigeration compartment 111 as it enters the second refrigeration compartment 112 through the air outlet 171 and then enters the return air duct 307 through the first return air inlet 305.

[0100] In some embodiments, a first fan 330 is located above the refrigeration evaporator 210 to power the circulation of cold air between the refrigeration compartment 110 and the evaporation chamber 301.

[0101] The first fan 330 is fixed to the air duct assembly 300, ensuring stable and reliable installation. The first fan 330 can be fixed to the portion of the air duct assembly 300 located below the intermediate partition 170, with ample space for its installation.

[0102] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 8 Along the width of the refrigerator liner 140, air outlets 171 are respectively provided on both sides of the second return air vent 306. This arrangement ensures sufficient cold air volume entering the second refrigerator compartment 112 to maintain the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112; moreover, the two air outlets 171 are respectively located on both sides of the second return air vent 306, which helps to improve the uniformity of cold air distribution in the second refrigerator compartment 112, thereby improving the uniformity of temperature in the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 8 The air outlet 171 and the second return air outlet 306 are arranged side by side along the width of the refrigerator liner 140. This arrangement allows some air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 to enter the second refrigerator compartment 112 only through the air outlet 171, while the rest of the air enters the return air duct 307 through the second return air outlet 306. Moreover, it provides sufficient space for the arrangement of the air outlet 171 and the second return air outlet 306, reducing the space occupied by the air outlet 171 and the second return air outlet 306 in the depth direction of the refrigerator liner 140.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, the air outlet 171 and the second return air outlet 306 can be at the same height as the refrigerator liner 140. This arrangement allows the air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 to simultaneously enter the second refrigerator compartment 112 and the return air duct 307, avoiding airflow turbulence and diversion problems caused by the height difference between the air outlet 171 and the second return air outlet 306.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second return air vent 306 may be lower than the air outlet 171, thus facilitating the installation of the second fan 340 and the air deflector, which will be described later, at the second return air vent 306.

[0106] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of this application, the air duct assembly 300 below the intermediate partition 170 is thicker than the portion above the intermediate partition 170, and the front side of the air duct assembly 300 below the intermediate partition 170 protrudes forward relative to the front side of the air duct assembly 300 above the intermediate partition 170. Thus, the top of the air duct assembly 300 below the intermediate partition 170 forms a second return air inlet 306, resulting in a larger gap between the second return air inlet 306 and the air supply outlet 303. This facilitates the sufficient flow of cold air within the first refrigerator compartment 111 before it enters the return air duct 307 through the second return air inlet 306.

[0107] Reference Figure 9 The rear end of the intermediate partition 170 forms a notch 172, which is located between the two air outlets 171. The notch 172 exposes the portion of the air duct assembly 300 located below the intermediate partition 170 into the first refrigerator compartment 111, thereby exposing the second return air vent 306 into the first refrigerator compartment 110, thus connecting the first refrigerator compartment 110 and the return air duct 307.

[0108] With the above configuration, the refrigerator compartment 140 of this application embodiment is provided with a middle partition 170, which divides the space inside the refrigerator compartment 140 into an upper first refrigerator compartment 111 and a lower second refrigerator compartment 112. The temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112 is higher than the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment 111.

[0109] Under the action of the first fan 330, the cold air in the evaporator 301 enters the first cold storage chamber 111 through the air supply duct 302; part of the air in the first cold storage chamber 111 enters the return air duct 307 through the second return air inlet 306, and then returns to the evaporator 301, using air convection to reduce the temperature of the first cold storage chamber 111.

[0110] By providing an air outlet 171 on the intermediate partition 170, a portion of the air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 enters the second refrigerator compartment 112 through the air outlet 171; the air from the second refrigerator compartment 112 enters the return air duct 307 through the first return air inlet 305, and then returns to the evaporator chamber 301. Utilizing the return air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 to the second refrigerator compartment 112 creates airflow, achieving convective cooling. Furthermore, since the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment 111 is lower than that of the second refrigerator compartment 112, the intermediate partition 170 can conduct the cooling energy from the first refrigerator compartment 111 to the second refrigerator compartment 112, thus cooling the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0111] Moreover, in this embodiment, the return air duct 307 is formed in the air duct assembly 300 inside the refrigerator liner 140, eliminating the need to additionally install a return air duct on the outside of the refrigerator liner 140. This allows for a reduction in the thickness of the insulation layer 160 on the rear side of the refrigerator liner 140, which helps to increase the effective volume of the refrigerator without changing the external dimensions of the refrigerator.

[0112] The return air duct 307 is located within the air duct assembly 300, without requiring additional space within the refrigerator liner 140. Since the air in the return air duct 307 is the air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 and the second refrigerator compartment 112, and its temperature is above zero degrees Celsius, air insulation can be used to prevent the low temperature of the evaporator chamber 301 from affecting the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112.

[0113] Continue to refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments of this application, the air duct assembly 300 includes an air duct plate 310 and an air duct cover 320. The air duct cover 320 is fixed to the front side of the air duct plate 310, forming the exterior appearance of the cold storage compartment 110 facing the user. The air duct plate 310 can be a foam board, which facilitates the formation of the air supply duct 302 and is beneficial for heat insulation.

[0114] The air duct plate 310 is a single, integral component, partially located at the rear of the first refrigerator compartment 111 and partially located at the rear of the second refrigerator compartment 112. Alternatively, it can be combined with... Figure 9 The air duct plate 310 includes a first plate portion 311 and a second plate portion 312. The first plate portion 311 is located on the rear side of the second refrigerator compartment 112, and the second plate portion 312 is located above the first plate portion 311 and on the rear side of the first refrigerator compartment 111, which facilitates the separate forming of the first plate portion 311 and the second plate portion 312.

[0115] The air duct cover 320 can be a single piece, partially located at the rear of the first refrigerator compartment 111 and partially located at the rear of the second refrigerator compartment 112. Alternatively, it can be combined with... Figure 9 The duct cover 320 includes a first cover portion 321 and a second cover portion 322. The first cover portion 321 is fixed to the front side of the first plate portion 311, and the second cover portion 322 is fixed to the front side of the second plate portion 312. This facilitates the separate forming of the first cover and the second cover.

[0116] Thus, the portion of the air duct assembly 300 above the intermediate partition 170 includes a second plate portion 312 and a second cover portion 322; the portion of the air duct assembly 300 below the intermediate partition 170 includes a first plate portion 311 and a first cover portion 321.

[0117] An evaporation chamber 301 is formed between the first plate portion 311 and the rear wall of the refrigerator liner 140. The first cover portion 321 forms the exterior part of the second refrigerator compartment 112 facing the user.

[0118] In this section, the first plate portion 311 is partially thinned and enclosed with the first cover plate portion 321 to form a return air duct 307.

[0119] This design creates a return air duct 307 inside the refrigerator compartment 140, eliminating the need to occupy space within the refrigerator compartment 140 and ensuring sufficient storage capacity. Simultaneously, the air within the return air duct 307 provides insulation, preventing the low temperature of the evaporator chamber 301 from affecting the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 112. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a return air duct at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 140, allowing for a reduction in the thickness of the insulation layer 160 at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 140.

[0120] The top of the first cover plate portion 321 is exposed in the first refrigerator compartment 111 through a notch 172, forming a second return air vent 306; the first cover plate portion 321 forms first return air vents 305 on both sides along the width direction of the refrigerator compartment 140. The thinned portion 3112 of the first plate portion 311 extends to the portion opposite to the first return air vent 305 and the second return air vent 306, thereby allowing the first return air vent 305 and the second return air vent 306 to communicate with the return air duct 307 respectively.

[0121] Reference Figure 10 In some embodiments of this application, the first plate portion 311 includes a body portion 3111, which abuts against the first cover portion 321. This body portion 3111 can provide support for the first cover portion 321 and also improve the sealing performance of the return air duct 307 by utilizing the abutment seal between the first cover portion 321 and the body portion 3111.

[0122] The first plate portion 311 also includes a thinning portion 3112, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the main body portion 3111. The thinning portion 3112 and the first cover plate portion 321 are spaced apart to form a return air duct 307.

[0123] The thickness of the thinning portion 3112 is the dimension of the thinning portion 3112 along the depth direction of the refrigerator liner 140, and the thickness of the body portion 3111 is the dimension of the body portion 3111 along the depth direction of the refrigerator liner 140.

[0124] The thinning portion 3112 extends to the top of the first plate portion 311 and is opposite to the top of the first cover plate portion 321, so that the return air duct 307 is opposite to the second return air inlet 306 provided at the top of the first cover plate portion 321, thereby achieving communication.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first plate portion 311 has a thinned portion 3112 with a smaller thickness, and a spaced return air duct 307 between it and the first cover plate portion 321. The return air duct 307 is sealed by the contact between the first cover plate portion 321 and the main body portion 3111. The structure is simple and easy to implement. While forming the return air duct 307, there is no need to occupy additional internal space of the refrigerator liner 140.

[0126] Combination Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first fan 330 is fixedly connected to the first cover plate 321, and the fixed connection position is located in the main body 3111.

[0127] The main body 3111 has a through-hole 3116, which serves as a clearance point for the fixed connection between the first fan 330 and the first cover plate 321. Furthermore, since the fixed connection point is located in the main body 3111, the contact and sealing between the main body 3111 and the first cover plate 321 can prevent airflow from the first fan 330 from entering the return air duct 307.

[0128] In some implementations, the main body 3111 may include two side portions 3114 and a fixing portion 3115. The side portions 3114 extend along the height direction of the first plate portion 311 and are located on both sides of the first plate portion 311 in the width direction. The fixing portion 3115 is located between the two side portions 3114 and is provided with a through opening 3116 so that the first fan 330 is fixedly connected to the first cover plate portion 321 through the through opening 3116. The top of the side portion 3114 is provided with a notch 3117, which is opposite to the first return air inlet 305 provided in the first cover plate portion 321, so as to realize the connection between the first return air inlet 305 and the return air duct 307.

[0129] Continue to refer to Figure 10Along the height direction of the first plate portion 311, from top to bottom, the bottom ends of the two side portions 3114 are inclined towards each other to form an inclined guide surface 3118. The inclined guide surface 3118 is located above the notch portion 3117. In this way, the bottom end of the return air duct 307 forms a constricted structure, which facilitates the return airflow to converge towards the center and enter the evaporation chamber 301, thereby improving the adequacy of heat exchange.

[0130] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 10 The bottom end of the thinned portion 3112 is higher than the bottom end of the main body 3111, so as to form a return air gap 3113 at the bottom end of the thinned portion 3112. In this way, there is a large gap between the bottom end of the thinned portion 3112 and the bottom wall of the refrigerator liner 140, which facilitates the connection between the return air duct 307 and the evaporator chamber 301 through the return air gap 3113, thereby improving the smoothness of the return airflow.

[0131] Combination Figure 5 Along the height direction of the refrigerator liner 140, the bottom end of the evaporator 210 is higher than the bottom end of the thinned section 3112. Thus, the distance between the bottom end of the evaporator 210 and the bottom wall of the refrigerator liner 140 is greater than the distance between the bottom end of the thinned section 3112 and the bottom wall of the refrigerator liner 140. Consequently, the return airflow, after passing through the return air gap 3113, tends to flow upwards before contacting the evaporator 210 for heat exchange, helping to ensure sufficient heat exchange.

[0132] Continue to refer to Figure 11 In some embodiments of this application, the first cover plate portion 321 includes a front plate portion 3211, which is located on the front side of the first plate portion 311.

[0133] The first cover plate portion 321 also includes a top plate portion 3212, which is connected to the top of the front plate portion 3211. Along the height direction of the refrigerator liner 140, a portion of the top plate portion 3212 is opposite to the return air duct 307 and is provided with a second return air inlet 306.

[0134] The first cover plate portion 321 also includes two side plate portions 3213, which are respectively connected to both sides of the front plate portion 3211 along the width direction, and the two side plate portions 3213 are provided with a first return air vent 305.

[0135] In this embodiment of the application, the first cover plate portion 321 is provided with a top plate portion 3212 located above the first plate portion 311, which facilitates the provision of a second return air inlet 306 in the top plate portion 3212 to achieve communication with the return air duct 307.

[0136] Combination Figure 9The first cover plate portion 321 may further include a bent connecting portion 3214, which is disposed above the top plate portion 3212 and located on the rear side of the top plate portion 3212. The bent connecting portion 3214 abuts against the top end of the first plate portion 311. The bent connecting portion 3214 is connected to the bottom end of the second cover plate portion 322. In this way, by providing the bent connecting portion 3214, the first plate portion 311 is inclined towards the second plate portion 312, realizing the connection between the two, and also avoiding the first plate portion 311 being too thick in the bent connecting portion 3214, which would be inconvenient for molding.

[0137] Combination Figure 5 In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a second fan 340, which is located within the first refrigerator compartment 111 and is fixed to the air duct assembly 300. Exemplarily, the second fan 340 is fixed to the second plate portion 312 of the air duct plate 310.

[0138] The second fan 340 is configured to drive air from the first refrigerator compartment 111 into the second return air vent 306 to increase the return air speed, improve the air circulation speed, and accelerate the cooling of the first refrigerator compartment 111. The air inlet of the second fan 340 is connected to the first refrigerator compartment 111, and the air outlet of the second fan 340 is opposite to the second return air vent 306. Under the action of the second fan 340, the amount of air entering the second return air vent 306 from the first refrigerator compartment 111 can be increased, which helps to increase the return air efficiency.

[0139] For example, the second fan 340 can be a turbine fan.

[0140] The second fan 340 is configured to selectively start when the first fan 330 starts.

[0141] When the first fan 330 starts, that is, when the refrigeration system starts cooling, the second fan 340 can be selectively started or stopped.

[0142] The cold storage compartment 110 of this application embodiment can have a rapid cooling mode and a normal cooling mode. In the rapid cooling mode, the second fan 340 is configured to start to increase the return air rate. In the normal cooling mode, the second fan 340 is configured to be turned off, and under the action of the first fan 330, cold air circulates between the evaporation chamber 301 and the cold storage compartment 110.

[0143] In this embodiment of the application, by setting a second fan 340 at the second return air vent 306, the second fan 340 can be selectively started. This can increase the return air speed and improve the air circulation speed when needed, thereby accelerating the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 110. Alternatively, the second fan 340 can be left unused, increasing the flexibility of the refrigerator's usage scenarios and helping to improve the user experience.

[0144] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The refrigerator in this embodiment of the application also includes an air guide hood 350, which is configured to form an air guide channel 351. One end of the air guide channel 351 is connected to the air outlet of the second fan 340, and the other end of the air guide channel 351 is partially opposite to the second return air vent 306.

[0145] The air guide hood 350 extends along the width of the refrigerator liner 140. One end of the air guide hood 350 is connected to the air outlet of the second fan 340, and the other end of the air guide hood 350 is partially opposite to the second return air vent 306, thus achieving communication.

[0146] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the air guide hood 350, a portion of the air in the first refrigerator compartment 111 can be guided by the air guide hood 350 into the second return air inlet 306 by the action of the second fan 340, and then into the return air duct 307.

[0147] The remaining portion of the second return air vent 306 is exposed in the first refrigerator compartment 111, allowing the air in the first refrigerator compartment 111 to directly enter the return air duct 307 through the second return air vent 306 without passing through the air guide hood 350.

[0148] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 A fourth fan 420 is installed inside the refrigeration air duct 402, located above the evaporator 220. Under the action of the fourth fan 420, cold air from the evaporator chamber 401 enters the ice-making chamber 121, the first freezer chamber 122, and the second freezer chamber 123 through the refrigeration air duct 402. Air from the ice-making chamber 121 and the first freezer chamber 122 enters the second freezer chamber 123, and air from the second freezer chamber 123 returns to the evaporator chamber 401 through the refrigeration return air vent 404. This cycle repeats continuously, achieving refrigeration within the freezer compartment 150.

[0149] In some embodiments of this application, a third fan 410 is provided at the refrigeration return air vent 404 of the second refrigeration chamber 123. The third fan 410 is configured to be selectively activated when the fourth fan 420 is activated.

[0150] When the fourth fan 420 starts, that is, when the refrigeration system starts cooling, the third fan 410 can be selectively started or stopped.

[0151] The freezer compartment 120 of this application embodiment can have a rapid cooling mode and a normal cooling mode. In the rapid cooling mode, the third fan 410 is configured to start to increase the return air rate. In the normal cooling mode, the third fan 410 is configured to be turned off, and under the action of the fourth fan 420, cold air circulates between the evaporator 401 and the freezer compartment 120.

[0152] In this embodiment of the application, by setting a third fan 410 at the freezer return air vent 404, the third fan 410 can be selectively started. It can increase the return air speed and improve the air circulation speed when needed, thereby speeding up the cooling of the freezer compartment 120. Alternatively, the third fan 410 can be left unused, increasing the flexibility of the refrigerator's usage scenarios and helping to improve the user experience.

[0153] For example, the third fan 410 can be a turbine fan.

[0154] The air inlet of the third fan 410 is exposed in the second freezer compartment 123, and the air outlet of the third fan 410 is connected to the bottom of the evaporator compartment 401 through the return air channel 411.

[0155] Thus, on the one hand, the air in the second freezer compartment 123 can enter the return air duct 411 through the third fan 410 and then return to the evaporator compartment 401; on the other hand, the air in the second freezer compartment 123 can enter the evaporator compartment 401 through the freezer return air vent 404.

[0156] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0157] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: The application relates to a refrigeration box, which comprises the following parts: a refrigeration box body (140) with an open front side; an air duct assembly (300) installed at the back side of the refrigeration box body (140) and surrounded by the refrigeration box body (140) to form an evaporation cavity (301), wherein a refrigeration evaporator (210) is arranged in the evaporation cavity (301); an air supply air duct (302) formed by the air duct assembly (300) and connected with the evaporation cavity (301) and a refrigeration compartment in the refrigeration box body (140), wherein a first fan (330) is arranged in the air supply air duct (302). The air duct assembly (300) comprises a first plate part (311) and a first cover plate part (321) fixed to the front side of the first plate part (311), and the first plate part (311) and the back wall of the refrigeration box body (140) surround the evaporation cavity (301). The first plate part (311) comprises a body part (3111) and a thinning part (3112), the thickness of the thinning part (3112) is smaller than that of the body part (3111), and the thinning part (3112) and the first cover plate part (321) form a return air duct (307) which extends in the height direction and has a bottom end connected with the evaporation cavity (301). In the height direction of the refrigeration box body (140), the bottom end of the thinning part (3112) is higher than that of the body part (3111), so that a return air gap (3113) is formed at the bottom end of the thinning part (3112), and the return air gap (3113) connects the bottom end of the return air duct (307) with the evaporation cavity (301). In the height direction of the refrigeration box body (140), the bottom end of the refrigeration evaporator (210) is higher than that of the thinning part (3112). The first fan (330) is fixed to the first cover plate part (321), and the fixed connection position of the first fan (330) is located in the corresponding area of the body part (3111), and the body part (3111) and the first cover plate part (321) abut at the corresponding area of the first fan (330) to close the return air duct (307).

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body part (3111) is provided with a through hole (3116), and the first fan (330) is fixedly connected with the first cover plate part (321) through the through hole (3116).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The body part (3111) comprises two side edge parts (3114) arranged at intervals in the width direction and a fixed part (3115) connected between the two side edge parts (3114), and the through hole (3116) is arranged in the fixed part (3115).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the side edge part (3114) is provided with a gap part (3117) to form a return air communication opening.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, From top to bottom in the height direction, the bottom ends of the two side edge parts (3114) are inclined towards each other to form an inclined guide surface (3118), so that the return air flow converges towards the evaporation cavity (301) and enters the evaporation cavity (301) through the return air gap (3113).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover plate portion (321) includes a front plate portion (3211) covering the thinned portion (3112) and a top plate portion (3212) connected to the top of the front plate portion (3211). A second return air inlet (306) communicating with the return air duct (307) is formed on the top plate portion (3212).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that The first cover plate portion (321) also includes two side plate portions (3213) connected to both sides of the front plate portion (3211), and the two side plate portions (3213) are respectively provided with a first return air port (305) communicating with the return air duct (307).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A middle partition (170) is installed inside the refrigerator liner (140) to divide the refrigerator liner (140) into an upper first refrigerator compartment (111) and a lower second refrigerator compartment (112). The middle partition (170) has a notch (172) on its rear side, and the top plate (3212) is exposed to the first cold storage compartment (111) through the notch (172). The second return air vent (306) is located in the exposed part.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first return air vent (305) connects the second cold storage compartment (112) and the return air duct (307).

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, An air outlet (171) is provided between the first refrigerator compartment (111) and the second refrigerator compartment (112) to allow air from the first refrigerator compartment (111) to enter the second refrigerator compartment (112).

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