Air duct assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides an air duct assembly and a refrigerator. The air duct assembly comprises an air duct layer and a magnetic field generator. The air duct layer is provided with an air duct, and the air duct layer is made of a variable magnetic material; the magnetic field generator is arranged on the side portion of the air duct layer and used for emitting a magnetic field covering the air duct layer, and the magnetic field intensity emitted by the magnetic field generator is adjustable. The air duct assembly can reduce the temperature of cold air passing through the air duct, and energy conservation and consumption reduction are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration devices, and more particularly, to an air duct assembly and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] As a refrigeration device that maintains a constant low temperature, a refrigerator plays an indispensable role in modern families. A refrigerator can maintain a constant low temperature and is a civilian product that keeps food or other items in a constant low-temperature state. Components such as a compressor and a heat exchanger are provided inside the box to achieve refrigeration. A refrigerator usually includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, and can hold items with different low-temperature requirements.

[0003] The evaporator and air duct of a refrigerator are both key components in the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator transports the cold generated by the evaporator to the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment respectively through the air duct structure. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] This application provides an air duct assembly and a refrigerator, which can reduce the temperature of the cold air passing through the air duct and achieve energy conservation and consumption reduction.

[0005] Specifically, this application is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0006] One aspect of this application provides an air duct assembly, including:

[0007] An air duct layer, the air duct layer is provided with an air duct, and the material of the air duct layer is a variable magnetic material;

[0008] A magnetic field generator, provided on the side of the air duct layer, for generating a magnetic field covering the air duct layer, and the magnetic field intensity generated by the magnetic field generator is adjustable.

[0009] Optionally, the material of the air duct layer is a praseodymium nickel alloy material.

[0010] Optionally, the magnetic field generator includes a first magnetic field generating layer and a second magnetic field generating layer, and the first magnetic field generating layer and the second magnetic field generating layer are respectively arranged on both sides of the air duct layer.

[0011] Optionally, the first magnetic field generating layer is provided with a first coil, and the second magnetic field generating layer is provided with a second coil, and the first coil and the second coil are used for passing an electric current.

[0012] Optionally, the first magnetic field generating layer, the air duct layer, and the second magnetic field generating layer are arranged parallel to each other.

[0013] Optionally, the first coil is a copper coil; and / or the second coil is a copper coil.

[0014] Another aspect of the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising the air duct assembly and the compartment described in any one of the above, wherein the air duct assembly is configured to introduce cold air into the compartment.

[0015] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises a heat insulation layer disposed between the compartment and the air duct assembly.

[0016] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises a controller. The air duct assembly includes a first magnetic field generating layer provided with a first coil and a second magnetic field generating layer provided with a second coil. The first magnetic field generating layer and the second magnetic field generating layer are respectively disposed on both sides of the air duct layer.

[0017] The controller is electrically connected to the first coil and the second coil and is configured to control the current flowing through the first coil and the second coil.

[0018] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises a temperature sensor disposed in the compartment. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller and outputs a temperature signal to the controller. The controller controls the current of the first coil and the second coil according to the temperature signal.

[0019] An air duct assembly and a refrigerator provided by the present application. The air duct assembly of the present application includes an air duct layer and a magnetic field generator. The air duct layer is provided with an air duct for transporting the cold air generated by the evaporator to the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. The material of the air duct layer is a variable magnetic material. Here, the variable magnetic material refers to a material whose magnetism can change according to the change of the external magnetic field intensity. According to the magnetocaloric effect, when the external magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator changes, since the air duct layer is a magnetic material, the ordered arrangement of its magnetic moments changes, that is, the magnetic entropy changes, resulting in the phenomenon of heat absorption and heat release of the material itself. Since the air duct is provided on the air duct layer and the air duct layer is made of a magnetic material, when the magnetic field generator applies a magnetic field with a decreasing magnetic field intensity to the air duct layer, the temperature of the air duct layer made of the magnetic material will decrease. Through the temperature transfer of the cold air in the air duct on the air duct layer, the temperature will also decrease. When the air duct can also reduce the temperature of the cold air, a part of the refrigeration power of the evaporator can be reduced. While achieving the same refrigeration effect, the present application can reduce a part of the energy consumption of the refrigerator and is more energy-efficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air duct shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air duct shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an air duct shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of magnetic induction lines of a first coil and a second coil shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of an air duct assembly and a plate layer shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator control logic shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a partial schematic diagram of a refrigerator shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementation manners") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The present application provides an air duct assembly 10, and the air duct assembly 10 includes an air duct layer 100 and a magnetic field generator 200. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the air duct layer 100. The air duct layer 100 is provided with an air duct 101, and the air duct 101 is used to transport the cold air generated by the evaporator to the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the air duct 101. The material of the air duct layer 100 is a variable magnetic material. Here, the variable magnetic material refers to a material whose magnetism can change according to the change of the external magnetic field intensity. For example, elements or alloys such as rare earth metals gadolinium and dysprosium, manganese-based alloys, and iron-based alloys. The air duct layer 100 is a magnetic material. It may be that the air duct layer 100 itself is made of a magnetic material, or a magnetic coating or magnetic particles are coated on the surface of the air duct layer 100. The magnetic field generator 200 is arranged on the side of the air duct layer 100 and is used to emit a magnetic field covering the air duct layer 100, and the magnetic field intensity emitted by the magnetic field generator 200 is adjustable.

[0030] In the magnetocaloric effect, when a strong magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, its temperature will rise. This is because the tiny magnets (i.e., magnetic moments) in its molecules or atoms will align in the direction of the externally applied magnetic field, thereby reducing the disorder (i.e., decreasing the magnetic entropy). According to the principle of conservation of energy, the energy of the system remains unchanged, so the temperature rises. Conversely, when the magnetic field strength is reduced, the temperature of the magnetic material will drop. This is because the tiny magnets (i.e., magnetic moments) of the magnetic material will become disordered, that is, the magnetic entropy increases. According to the principle of conservation of energy, the energy of the system remains unchanged, so the temperature of the magnetic material will decrease.

[0031] According to the magnetocaloric effect, when the externally applied magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200 changes, since the air duct layer 100 is a magnetic material, the orderly arrangement of its magnetic moments changes, that is, the magnetic entropy changes, resulting in the phenomenon of heat absorption and heat release of the material itself.

[0032] Since the air duct layer 100 is provided with an air duct 101 and is made of a magnetic material, when the magnetic field generator 200 applies a magnetic field with a reduced magnetic field strength to the air duct layer 100, the temperature of the air duct layer 100 made of the magnetic material will decrease. Through the temperature transfer of the cold air in the air duct 101 on the air duct layer 100, the temperature will also decrease. When the air duct 101 can also reduce the temperature of the cold air, the refrigeration power of a part of the evaporator can be reduced. When achieving the same refrigeration effect, the present application can reduce the energy consumption of a part of the refrigerator and is more energy-efficient.

[0033] In one embodiment, the material of the air duct layer 100 is a praseodymium-nickel alloy material. In the praseodymium-nickel alloy, nickel ions have no magnetism, and the magnetism of the alloy mainly comes from the complex exchange interaction between praseodymium ions and magnetic ions. This alloy has good magnetocaloric performance.

[0034] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , in this embodiment, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of convenient description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The magnetic field generator 200 includes a first magnetic field generating layer 210 and a second magnetic field generating layer 220, and the first magnetic field generating layer 210 and the second magnetic field generating layer 220 are respectively arranged on both sides of the air duct layer 100. The first magnetic field generating layer 210 and the second magnetic field generating layer 220 are used to generate a magnetic field and can cover the generated magnetic field on the air duct layer 100. The structure of this embodiment is simple and convenient for the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200 to cover the air duct layer 100.

[0035] In one embodiment, in combination with Figure 3 and Figure 4, the first magnetic field generating layer 210 is provided with a first coil 211, and the second magnetic field generating layer 220 is provided with a second coil 221. The first coil 211 and the second coil 221 are used to pass an electric current. Passing an electric current can generate a magnetic field. By controlling the current intensity passing through the first coil 211 and the second coil 221, the control of the magnetic field intensity can be achieved, and further the temperature change of the air duct layer 100 can be controlled. Figure 4 In it, B represents magnetic induction lines, and I represents current.

[0036] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the first magnetic field generating layer 210, the air duct layer 100, and the second magnetic field generating layer 220 are arranged parallel to each other. A magnetic field perpendicular to the air duct layer 100 can be generated between the first magnetic field generating layer 210 and the second magnetic field generating layer 220 arranged parallel to each other. When the air duct layer 100 is perpendicular to the magnetic induction lines, each part on the air duct layer 100 will receive an equal force, and these forces cancel each other out in space, so that the air duct layer 100 remains in a relatively balanced and stable position. This balanced state helps to reduce unnecessary vibrations and noises and improve the operating stability of the device. In contrast, if the coil is not perpendicular to the magnetic induction lines (such as parallel), a torque will be generated, causing the coil to continue to rotate or shift until it reaches the balanced position of the magnetic field. This rotation or shift will not only increase energy consumption, but may also generate abnormal noises, affecting the user experience.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first coil 211 is a copper coil, and / or the second coil 221 is a copper coil. The copper coil has excellent electrical conductivity, and its electrical conductivity is far superior to other metals such as iron. High electrical conductivity means that the current can pass through the coil more smoothly, reducing resistance loss and improving energy conversion efficiency. Due to the high electrical conductivity of copper, a stronger magnetic field can be generated, a greater change in magnetic field intensity can be produced, the cooling range of the air duct layer 100 can be made larger, and the energy consumption of the refrigerator can be further reduced.

[0038] Combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the present application also provides a refrigerator, including the above-mentioned air duct assembly 10 and the compartment 20. The compartment 20 may include a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. The air duct assembly 10 is used to introduce cold air into the compartment. The air duct 101 in the air duct assembly 10 is communicated with the evaporator of the refrigerator, and the cold air generated by the evaporator is transported into the compartment of the refrigerator through the air duct 101, ensuring that the compartment of the refrigerator is in a low-temperature state. The air duct 101 and the compartment 20 are closely communicated, and can be connected by plugging, or using a sealing ring, or integrally formed, etc. The sealed connection is to prevent cold air leakage and ensure good refrigeration effect. The refrigerator can be a double-door refrigerator, a single-door refrigerator, etc. For the refrigerator of the present application, by using the above-mentioned air duct assembly 10, the air duct 101 is made of a magnetic material, and the energy consumption of the refrigerator can be reduced.

[0039] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 , the refrigerator further includes a heat insulation layer 310 disposed between the compartment 20 and the air duct assembly 10. The heat insulation layer 310 is used to create an adiabatic environment for the air duct assembly 10, prevent heat exchange between the air duct layer 100 and the outside, thereby losing cold energy and being unable to effectively cool the cold air flowing inside the air duct 101, resulting in energy consumption loss. The heat insulation layer 310 can be an adiabatic material filled around the air duct assembly 10, such as polyurethane heat insulation material, polystyrene, aerogel, etc. The heat insulation layer 310 can also be a vacuum insulation panel, which can effectively avoid heat transfer caused by air convection and greatly reduce the thermal conductivity coefficient.

[0040] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 , the refrigerator further includes a plastic plate layer 320 and a metal plate layer 330. The plastic plate layer 320 and the metal plate layer 330 can serve as supports for the refrigerator structure, improving the overall stability of the refrigerator. And they can shield and protect the air duct assembly 10 to prevent the user from directly seeing or damaging the air duct assembly 10 when taking items in the compartment 20.

[0041] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 The refrigerator further includes a controller 30. The air duct assembly 10 includes a first magnetic field generating layer 210 provided with a first coil 211 and a second magnetic field generating layer 220 provided with a second coil 221. The first magnetic field generating layer 210 and the second magnetic field generating layer 220 are respectively disposed on both sides of the air duct layer 100. The controller 30 of this embodiment is electrically connected to the first coil 211 and the second coil 221 and is used to control the current flowing into the first coil 211 and the second coil 221. For example, controlling the current to decrease from large to small, thereby making the magnetic field intensities generated by the first coil 211 and the second coil 221 decrease. According to the magnetocaloric effect, the temperature of the air duct layer 100 is controlled to decrease. In addition, the controller 30 can control the specific value of the current decrease, and thus the amplitude of the magnetic field decrease, to accurately control the temperature of the air duct layer 100.

[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the refrigerator further includes a temperature sensor 40 disposed in the compartment 20. The temperature sensor 40 is electrically connected to the controller 30 and outputs a temperature signal to the controller 30. Here, the temperature signal is the temperature value of the compartment 20 measured by the temperature sensor 40. The controller 30 controls the current of the first coil 211 and the second coil 221 according to the temperature signal. Specifically, it can be to control the change amplitude of the current, and then control the temperature of the air duct 201. Multiple temperature sensors 40 can be provided and are respectively arranged in different areas of the refrigerator, such as the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. The air duct 101 is respectively communicated with the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. The control logic of the controller 30 can be that when the detected temperature information is higher than the set temperature and the compartment needs to be cooled down, according to the temperature information, the controller 30 increases the amplitude of the current reduction in the coil, thereby reducing the temperature of the air duct 101 and further reducing the temperature of the cold air passing through the air duct 101.

[0043] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the drawings; all modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An air duct assembly, characterized in that: include: An air duct layer, wherein the air duct layer is provided with an air duct, and the material of the air duct layer is a variable magnetic material; The magnetic field generator is arranged on the side of the wind duct layer and is used to emit a magnetic field covering the wind duct layer. The intensity of the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field generator is adjustable.

2. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the air duct layer is praseodymium-nickel alloy material.

3. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic field generator includes a first magnetic field generating layer and a second magnetic field generating layer, and the first magnetic field generating layer and the second magnetic field generating layer are respectively arranged on both sides of the wind duct layer.

4. The air duct assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first magnetic field generating layer is provided with a first coil, and the second magnetic field generating layer is provided with a second coil. The first coil and the second coil are used to pass current.

5. The air duct assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first magnetic field generating layer, the wind channel layer and the second magnetic field generating layer are arranged parallel to each other.

6. The air duct assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first coil is a copper coil; and / or the second coil is a copper coil.

7. A refrigerator, characterized in that: It comprises a compartment and the air duct assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air duct assembly is used to introduce cold air into the compartment.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises a heat insulating layer, and the heat insulating layer is arranged between the compartment and the air duct assembly.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The refrigerator further includes a controller, the air duct assembly includes a first magnetic field generating layer provided with a first coil, and a second magnetic field generating layer provided with a second coil, the first magnetic field generating layer and the second magnetic field generating layer are respectively arranged on both sides of the air duct layer; The controller is electrically connected to the first coil and the second coil, and is used to control the current flowing into the first coil and the second coil.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The refrigerator further includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed in the compartment. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller and outputs a temperature signal to the controller. The controller controls the current of the first coil and the second coil according to the temperature signal.

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