Three-axis rotary composite air door, fresh-keeping air duct structure and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of food fresh-keeping, in particular to a three-axis rotating composite air door, a fresh-keeping air duct structure for a refrigerator, the refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator. The three-shaft rotating composite air door comprises a connecting channel, an odor removing device, a heat insulation device and a heat conduction device, and the odor removing device is configured to rotate around a first shaft arranged at one end of the odor removing device and used for purifying airflow penetrating through the odor removing device; the heat insulation device is configured to rotate around a second shaft arranged at one end of the heat insulation device and used for blocking airflow and heat exchange. The heat conduction device is configured to rotate around a third shaft arranged at one end of the heat conduction device and used for blocking airflow and achieving heat exchange. The three-axis rotating composite air door and fresh-keeping air duct structure is applied to the refrigerator, so that the refrigerator can provide a multi-circulation effect through a single refrigerating system, the storage effect of food in a refrigerating chamber is improved, the water content loss of the food is reduced, the storage freshness of the food is increased, and the rapid odor removing function of the refrigerator can be increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of food preservation, and in particular to a three-axis rotating composite air door, a fresh-keeping air duct structure for a refrigerator, and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] In a single-system refrigerator, the air from the refrigerator compartment participates in the overall air circulation and passes through the freezer evaporator, thus taking away a certain amount of moisture, causing a partial loss of moisture and lowering the air humidity. This results in lower humidity in the refrigerator compartment, which is not conducive to preserving food freshness. This is also detrimental to the preservation of food placed on the refrigerated shelves, which will quickly lose a large amount of moisture. Furthermore, the airflow that continuously circulates between the freezer and refrigerator compartments will accumulate odors. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present application provides a three-axis rotating composite air door, a fresh-keeping air duct structure for a refrigerator, and a refrigerator to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a three-axis rotary composite damper, comprising:

[0005] The connecting channel has openings at both ends of the axial direction;

[0006] an odor-purifying device configured to rotate about a first axis provided at one end thereof, the odor-purifying device being used to purify airflow passing therethrough;

[0007] a heat insulating device configured to rotate around a second axis provided at one end thereof, the heat insulating device being used to block airflow and heat exchange;

[0008] a heat conducting device configured to rotate about a third axis provided at one end thereof, the heat conducting device being used to block airflow and achieve heat exchange;

[0009] The first driving assembly is configured to drive the deodorizing device, the heat insulating device and the heat conducting device to rotate, and at the same time, at most one of the deodorizing device, the heat insulating device and the heat conducting device is in a state of closing the connecting channel.

[0010] Optionally, the three-axis rotary composite damper has an odor-free state. In the odor-free state, both the heat insulation device and the heat conduction device open the connecting channel, and the odor-free device closes the connecting channel.

[0011] Optionally, the three-axis rotary composite damper has a heat-insulating state; in the heat-insulating state, the deodorizing device and the heat-conducting device both open the connecting channel, and the heat-insulating device closes the connecting channel.

[0012] Optionally, the three-axis rotary composite damper has a heat-conducting state; in the heat-conducting state, the odor-purifying device and the heat-insulating device both open the connecting channel, and the heat-conducting device closes the connecting channel.

[0013] Optionally, the three-axis rotary composite damper has a ventilation state; in the ventilation state, the deodorizing device, the heat insulating device and the heat conducting device all open the connecting channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the three-axis rotary composite damper also includes a limit member, the extension direction of the limit member is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting channel, the first axis and the third axis are respectively located on both sides of the limit member, and the third axis is located on the extension line of the limit member.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further discloses a fresh-keeping air duct structure for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising an evaporator cavity, an evaporator, a refrigeration compartment, and a freezer compartment, the evaporator being located in the evaporator cavity, and the fresh-keeping air duct structure comprising:

[0016] a refrigeration air duct, the refrigeration air duct being connected to the evaporator chamber, the refrigeration air duct being provided with an air outlet and a first air return outlet both of which are in communication with the refrigeration compartment;

[0017] a return air duct connecting the refrigerated compartment and the evaporator cavity;

[0018] a heat exchange component, arranged in the refrigeration air duct;

[0019] The three-axis rotary composite damper provided in the first aspect of the present application has an opening at one end of the connecting channel connected to the evaporator cavity, and an opening at the other end of the connecting channel connected to the refrigeration air duct.

[0020] Furthermore, the fresh-keeping air duct structure also includes:

[0021] a first fan, configured to drive airflow to circulate within the evaporator cavity, the refrigerated air duct, the refrigerated compartment, and the return air duct;

[0022] The second fan is used to drive the air flow to circulate in the refrigeration air duct and the refrigeration compartment.

[0023] Furthermore, the fresh-keeping air duct structure further includes a second drive assembly, which is used to drive the heat exchange element to reciprocate in a direction close to or away from the three-axis rotary composite air door;

[0024] The three-axis rotating composite damper has a heat-conducting state. In the heat-conducting state, the deodorizing device and the heat-insulating device both open the connecting channel, the heat-conducting device closes the connecting channel, and the second driving component drives the heat exchange element to approach and abut against the heat-conducting device.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a refrigerator comprising an evaporator cavity, an evaporator, a refrigeration compartment, a freezing compartment and the fresh-keeping air duct structure provided in the second aspect of the present application, wherein the evaporator is located in the evaporator cavity.

[0026] The above-mentioned technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages compared with the prior art: the three-axis rotating composite air door and fresh-keeping air duct structure provided in the embodiment of the present application are applied to the refrigerator, which can enable the refrigerator to provide a multi-cycle effect with a single refrigeration system, improve the preservation effect of food in the cold storage room, reduce the water content loss of food, increase the freshness of food, and increase the rapid deodorization function of the refrigerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0029] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the refrigeration cycle structure in a refrigerator in the related art;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-axis rotary composite damper provided in an embodiment of the present application in a heat-insulated state;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-axis rotary composite damper provided in an embodiment of the present application in the odor-free state;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-axis rotary composite damper provided in an embodiment of the present application in a heat conduction state;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-axis rotary composite damper provided in an embodiment of the present application in a ventilation state;

[0035] Figure 6A schematic diagram of the airflow circulation path of the fresh-keeping air duct structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in a ventilation state or an odor-free state;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the airflow circulation path of the fresh-keeping air duct structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in a heat-conducting state;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a front view of the refrigeration compartment in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 101. Freezer compartment; 102. Refrigerator compartment; 103. Insulation foam layer; 104. Evaporator chamber; 105. Evaporator; 106. Refrigerator air duct mask; 107. Refrigerator liner; 2. Circulation duct; 3. Refrigeration duct; 301. Air outlet; 302. First return air outlet; 4. Return air duct; 401. Second return air outlet; 5. Heat exchange element; 501. Fin; 6. Three-axis rotary composite damper; 601. Connecting channel; 602. Deodorizing device; 603. Heat insulation device; 604. Heat conducting device; 605. First axis; 606. Second axis; 607. Third axis; 608. Limiting member; 7. First fan; 8. Second fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and configurations of specific examples are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0042] In related art, the basic structure of a refrigerator includes at least a cabinet, a storage compartment, a compressor, an evaporator, and an air cooling system. The storage compartment can be at least one of a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment, a soft freezer compartment, and a ripening compartment. Here, the storage compartment includes a freezer compartment 101 and a refrigerator compartment 102 as an example. Refrigerator compartment 102 contains a refrigerated space, which can be equipped with drawers or shelves, and includes a refrigerator door for opening and closing the refrigerated space. Freezer compartment 101 contains a frozen space, which can be equipped with drawers or shelves, and includes a freezer door for opening and closing the frozen space. Refrigerator compartment 102 and freezer compartment 101 are separated by an insulating foam layer 103.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the evaporator 105 is located in the evaporator chamber 104. The evaporator 105 is connected to the compressor via a refrigerant circulation pipeline. The temperature of the evaporator 105 is reduced by the action of the compressor and the refrigerant in the circulation pipeline. It serves as a cold source for temperature regulation of the freezer compartment 101 and the refrigerator compartment 102. The air cooling system is used to transport the cold energy of the evaporator 105 to the various storage compartments. The air cooling system includes the interconnected evaporator chamber 104, a fan, and a circulation duct 2. The circulation duct 2 is used to transport the cold energy generated by the evaporator 105 in the evaporator chamber 104 to the refrigeration points via airflow, and to transport the airflow that has completed heat exchange at the refrigeration points back to the evaporator chamber 104. Specifically, an evaporator 105 is provided in the evaporator chamber 104. The airflow in the evaporator chamber 104 forms a refrigerated airflow after heat exchange with the evaporator 105. The fan can drive the airflow in the evaporator chamber 104 to flow into the circulating air duct 2, and then drive the airflow to flow in the circulating air duct 2. The refrigerated airflow in the circulating air duct 2 exchanges heat with each storage room to reduce the temperature in the storage room. After heat exchange, the airflow enters the circulating air duct 2 and finally enters the evaporator chamber 104, completing the airflow cycle.

[0044] In the single-system air-cooled refrigerator described above, all air within the refrigerator compartment 102 circulates through the evaporator 105. The moisture contained in the airflow encounters the cold evaporator 105 and freezes, reducing the humidity in the airflow. However, the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 102 are mostly fruits and vegetables, and their temperatures are all above 0°C. Therefore, the low humidity created by the single-system refrigeration system is not conducive to preserving food freshness, especially for foods with high moisture content. Furthermore, the constant circulation of air between the freezer and refrigerator compartments accumulates odors, which over time makes the refrigerator odorous and easily contaminates food.

[0045] Based on this, Figure 2-5As shown, the embodiment of the present invention provides a three-axis rotating composite damper 6, which includes a connecting channel 601, an odor-purifying device 602, a heat-insulating device 603, and a heat-conducting device 604. The connecting channel 601 has openings at both ends of its axial direction. The odor-purifying device 602 is configured to rotate around a first axis 605 provided at one end thereof, and is used to purify the airflow passing therethrough. The heat-insulating device 603 is configured to rotate around a second axis 606 provided at one end thereof, and is used to block airflow and heat exchange. The heat-conducting device 604 is configured to rotate around a third axis 607 provided at one end thereof, and is used to block airflow and enable heat exchange. A first drive assembly is configured to drive the odor-purifying device 602, the heat-insulating device 603, and the heat-conducting device 604 to rotate. At the same time, at most one of the odor-purifying device 602, the heat-insulating device 603, and the heat-conducting device 604 is in a state of closing the connecting channel 601.

[0046] In the above embodiment, a three-axis rotating composite damper 6 is used in a refrigerator, specifically disposed between the evaporator chamber and the refrigeration duct. The openings formed at both axial ends of a connecting channel 601 connect to the evaporator chamber and the refrigeration duct, respectively. The odor removal device 602, the heat insulation device 603, and the heat conduction device 604 selectively close the connecting channel 601, thereby achieving appropriate airflow control. When the odor removal device 602 closes the connecting channel 601, airflow entering the connecting channel 601 from the evaporator chamber passes through the odor removal device 602 and enters the refrigeration duct, thereby removing odors from the refrigerator compartment. When the heat conducting device 604 closes the connecting channel 601, the airflow entering the connecting channel 601 from the evaporator cavity cannot enter the refrigeration air duct. However, the heat conducting device 604 can transfer the cold air from the evaporator cavity to the refrigeration air duct, thereby lowering the temperature inside the refrigeration compartment to the target temperature. At this time, the refrigeration inside the refrigeration compartment is provided by the refrigeration airflow from the evaporator cavity through heat conduction. The airflow inside the refrigeration compartment does not pass through the low-temperature evaporator, thereby not lowering the humidity inside the refrigeration compartment.

[0047] This embodiment describes a three-axis rotating composite damper 6 device in a refrigerator, which includes a deodorizing device 602, a heat insulating device 603, and a heat conducting device 604, and can rotate independently around three independent axes to achieve multiple functional state switching, thereby optimizing the airflow regulation and temperature and humidity management inside the refrigerator. The three-axis rotating composite damper 6 is installed between the refrigeration air duct and the evaporator cavity, and is intended to close or open the connecting channel 601 through different devices to achieve multiple functional switching such as deodorizing, heat insulating, and heat conducting. The three-axis rotating composite damper 6 includes a deodorizing device 602, a heat insulating device 603, and a heat conducting device 604. Each device is connected to the drive assembly through an independent shaft and can rotate around the axis of each rotating shaft to adjust the opening and closing state of the deodorizing device 602, the heat insulating device 603, and the heat conducting device 604 in the connecting channel 601. The first drive assembly may include a micro motor arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first shaft 605, the second shaft 606, and the third shaft 607.

[0048] Alternatively, as Figure 3 As shown, the three-axis rotating composite damper 6 has an odor-purifying state. In this state, the heat insulation device 603 and the heat conduction device 604 both open the connecting channel 601, while the odor-purifying device 602 closes the connecting channel 601. The odor-purifying device 602 is controlled by the first drive assembly driving the rotation of the first shaft 605 to open and close. The odor-purifying component of the odor-purifying device 602 may include activated carbon, photocatalyst, or other odor-purifying materials, which can absorb or decompose odors within the refrigerator. In the odor-purifying state, the odor-purifying device 602 closes the connecting channel 601, while the heat insulation device 603 and the heat conduction device 604 both open the connecting channel 601. Airflow from the evaporator cavity passes through the odor-purifying device 602 and enters the refrigerated air duct, achieving airflow purification and deodorization. This is applicable in the following scenarios: When an odor is generated in the refrigerator compartment, this state can be used to direct the odorous gas to the odor-purifying device 602 for purification, removing the odor and maintaining a fresh and clean refrigerator interior.

[0049] Alternatively, as Figure 2As shown, the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is in an insulating state. In this state, the odor removal device 602 and the heat conduction device 604 both open the connecting channel 601, while the heat insulation device 603 closes the connecting channel 601. The heat insulation device 603 drives the second shaft 606 to rotate via the first drive assembly to control its opening and closing. The heat insulation device 603 is preferably made of a high-efficiency thermal insulation material, such as polyurethane foam or a multi-layer insulation film, which can prevent airflow and heat transfer. In the insulating state, the heat insulation device 603 closes the connecting channel 601, while the odor removal device 602 and the heat conduction device 604 both open the connecting channel 601. At this time, the heat insulation device 603 blocks airflow and heat exchange between the evaporator chamber and the refrigeration air duct. The applicable scenario is as follows: When the temperature of the refrigerated compartment reaches the set value and further cooling is no longer required, the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 can be switched to the insulating state, effectively preventing heat loss from the refrigerated compartment, thereby improving the refrigerator's thermal insulation performance, reducing the frequency of compressor startup, and reducing energy consumption.

[0050] Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, the three-axis rotating composite damper 6 has a heat conduction state. In this state, the odor removal device 602 and the heat insulation device 603 both open the connecting channel 601, while the heat conduction device 604 closes the connecting channel 601. The heat conduction device 604 is controlled by the rotation of the third shaft 607 via the first drive assembly to open and close it. The heat conduction device 604 is preferably made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloy, and has a sufficient heat conduction area to enable heat transfer within the refrigerator without the need for airflow. In the heat conduction state, the heat conduction device 604 closes the connecting channel 601, while the odor removal device 602 and the heat insulation device 603 both open the connecting channel 601. The cooling energy from the evaporator chamber does not enter the refrigeration air duct directly through the airflow, but is instead transferred through the heat conduction device 604. Its application scenarios include: Using the heat conduction state in low humidity mode maintains a high humidity level in the refrigerated compartment, preventing food from drying out due to low humidity. This is particularly suitable for preserving fruits and vegetables.

[0051] Alternatively, as Figure 5 As shown, the three-axis rotating composite damper 6 has a ventilation state; in the ventilation state, the deodorizing device 602, the heat insulating device 603, and the heat conducting device 604 all open the connecting channel 601. In the ventilation state, the cold air in the evaporator cavity can directly enter the refrigeration air duct, achieving rapid cooling of the refrigerated compartment. Applicable scenarios are as follows: When the refrigerated compartment needs to be cooled quickly or the gas in the refrigerated compartment needs to be quickly exchanged, such as when a large amount of food is placed in the refrigerated compartment, causing the temperature to rise, switching to the ventilation state can quickly reduce the temperature to a suitable temperature for storing food.

[0052] Compared with the traditional single refrigeration system and fixed damper structure, this structure has the following advantages: flexible and changeable airflow control, four different working states can flexibly select the appropriate state according to the actual needs of the refrigerator, thereby optimizing the environment inside the refrigerator; by reasonably adjusting the cold transfer method, the appropriate humidity in the cold storage room can be maintained under the premise of ensuring low-temperature storage, avoiding water loss of vegetables, fruits and other ingredients due to insufficient humidity; when continuous refrigeration is not required, the flexible switching between the insulation state and the heat conduction state can reduce energy loss and effectively reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator.

[0053] In some embodiments, as Figure 2-5 As shown, the three-axis rotating composite damper 6 also includes a stopper 608, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting channel 601. The first axis 605 and the third axis 607 are respectively located on either side of the stopper 608, and the third axis 607 is located on the extension line of the stopper 608. This embodiment describes a structure of a three-axis rotating composite damper 6 with a stopper 608. Through a reasonable stopper design, it can achieve convenient switching between different damper states, avoid airflow leakage or functional failure caused by rotation angles exceeding the specified range, and thus improve the refrigerator's airflow management and temperature and humidity control capabilities.

[0054] In order to accurately control the rotation angle of each device during the switching process and avoid abnormal flow of airflow or insufficient airtightness in the connecting channel 601 due to misoperation of the device, this embodiment adds a limiter 608 structure. The first axis 605, the second axis 606 and the third axis 607 extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side, preferably perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting channel 601. The first axis 605, the second axis 606, the third axis 607 and the limiter 608 are arranged close to a side wall of the connecting channel 601 as a whole. As shown in the figure, the axial direction of the connecting channel 601 is used as an example to illustrate, and the extension direction of the limiter 608 is the left and right direction in the figure. The deodorizing device 602 and the first axis 605 are located directly above the limiter 608, and the extension direction of the heat conducting device 604 and the second axis 606 is located directly below the limiter 608. The first axis 605 and the second axis 606 are both arranged close to the limiter 608. With such arrangement, when the odor-purifying device 602 rotates counterclockwise to a direction generally in the up-down direction, it is restricted by the side wall of the connecting channel 601 and reaches a limit in one direction. At this time, the odor-purifying device 602 is in a state of opening the connecting channel 601. When the odor-purifying device 602 rotates clockwise to a direction generally in the left-right direction, it is restricted by the limit piece 608 and reaches a limit in the other direction. At this time, the odor-purifying device 602 is in a state of closing the connecting channel 601, and its rotation angle range is roughly 90°; similarly, when the heat-conducting device 604 rotates clockwise to a direction generally in the up-down direction, it is restricted by the side wall of the connecting channel 601 and reaches a limit in one direction. At this time, the heat-conducting device 604 is in a state of opening the connecting channel 601. When the heat-conducting device 604 rotates counterclockwise to a direction generally in the left-right direction, it is restricted by the limit piece 608 and reaches a limit in the other direction. At this time, the heat-conducting device 604 is in a state of closing the connecting channel 601, and its rotation angle range is roughly 90°. For the heat insulation device 603, the third axis 607 is located on the extension line of the limit member 608. The heat insulation device 603 will not be restricted by the limit member 608 during the rotation around the third axis 607. When the heat insulation device 603 is roughly in the left and right direction, it is coplanar with the limit member 608. At this time, the heat insulation device 603 is in a state of closing the connecting channel 601. When the heat insulation device 603 rotates clockwise to roughly in the up and down direction, it is restricted by the side wall of the connecting channel 601 and reaches one direction limit. At this time, the heat insulation device 603 is in a state of opening the connecting channel 601. When the heat insulation device 603 rotates counterclockwise to roughly in the up and down direction, it is restricted by the side wall of the connecting channel 601 and reaches another direction limit. At this time, the heat insulation device 603 is in a state of opening the connecting channel 601, and its rotation angle range is roughly 180°. The design of the limiter 608 ensures that the rotation angles of the deodorizing device 602, the heat insulating device 603 and the heat conducting device 604 in different states will not exceed a predetermined range, thereby preventing loose sealing, poor airflow or abnormal function switching caused by rotation angle deviation.

[0055] Limiter 608 is preferably made of a high-strength, wear-resistant material, such as stainless steel, engineering plastic, or a composite material. The surface of limiter 608 undergoes an anti-corrosion treatment to withstand the humidity and low temperatures that may exist within the refrigerator. With the addition of limiter 608, the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 can better adapt to the requirements of different operating modes, achieving better airflow control and a longer service life.

[0056] like Figure 6 and 7 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a fresh-keeping air duct structure for a refrigerator. The fresh-keeping air duct structure includes a refrigeration air duct 3, a return air duct 4, a heat exchanger 5, and the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 provided in the aforementioned embodiment. The refrigeration air duct 3 is connected to the evaporator cavity 104, and the refrigeration air duct 3 is provided with an air outlet 301 and a first return air duct 302 both connected to the refrigeration compartment 102; the return air duct 4 connects the refrigeration compartment 102 and the evaporator cavity 104; the heat exchanger 5 is arranged in the refrigeration air duct 3; the opening at one end of the connecting channel 601 is connected to the evaporator cavity, and the opening at the other end of the connecting channel 601 is connected to the refrigeration air duct. The three-axis rotary composite damper 6 has a deodorizing state, a heat-insulating state, a heat-conducting state, and a ventilation state.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, when the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is in the ventilation state, the evaporator chamber 104 is connected to the refrigeration air duct 3. The working mode of the fresh-keeping air duct structure is as follows: the air outlet 301 on the refrigeration air duct 3 is opened, the first return air outlet 302 is closed, the refrigeration compartment 102 is connected to the evaporator chamber 104 through the return air duct 4, and an evaporator 105 is provided in the evaporator chamber 104. The airflow in the evaporator chamber 104 exchanges heat with the evaporator 105 to form a refrigeration airflow, driving the refrigeration airflow in the evaporator chamber 104 to flow into the refrigeration air duct 3, and then driving the airflow to flow in the refrigeration air duct 3. The refrigeration airflow in the refrigeration air duct 3 enters the refrigeration compartment 102 for heat exchange, thereby reducing the temperature in the refrigeration compartment 102 to the target temperature. The airflow in the refrigeration compartment 102 will continue to pass through the return air duct 4 and finally return to the evaporator chamber 104, completing the airflow cycle. At this time, the refrigeration method in the refrigerated compartment 102 is directly provided by the refrigeration airflow from the evaporator cavity 104, which has a faster refrigeration rate and is preferably used when the preservation requirement is low or when there is a need for rapid cooling.

[0058] like Figure 7As shown, when the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is in the heat conduction state, the air path between the evaporator cavity 104 and the refrigeration air duct 3 is isolated, and the gas in the evaporator cavity 104 forms direct or indirect heat conduction with the heat exchange element 5. The working mode of the fresh-keeping air duct structure is: the air outlet 301 on the refrigeration air duct 3 is opened, the first return air outlet 302 is opened, the return air duct 4 is closed, the refrigeration compartment 102 is not connected to the evaporator cavity 104 through the return air duct 4, and an evaporator 105 is provided in the evaporator cavity 104. The airflow in the evaporator cavity 104 forms a refrigeration airflow after heat exchange with the evaporator 105. The refrigeration airflow cannot flow into the refrigeration air duct 3, but the refrigeration airflow The evaporator chamber 104 can directly or indirectly conduct heat to the heat exchange element 5 in the refrigerated air duct 3, thereby transferring the cold energy in the evaporator chamber 104 to the heat exchange element 5, lowering the temperature of the heat exchange element 5. This drives the airflow in the refrigerated compartment 102 into the refrigerated air duct 3 through the first return air port 302. After this, the airflow exchanges heat with the heat exchange element 5 in the refrigerated air duct 3 to form a refrigerated airflow. The refrigerated airflow then flows through the air outlet 301 into the refrigerated compartment 102 for heat exchange, lowering the temperature in the refrigerated compartment 102 to the target temperature. The airflow in the refrigerated compartment 102 then returns to the refrigerated air duct 3 through the first return air port 302, completing the airflow cycle in the refrigerated compartment 102. At this point, the refrigerated compartment 102 is cooled by the refrigerated airflow from the evaporator chamber 104 through heat conduction. The airflow in the refrigerated compartment 102 does not pass through the low-temperature evaporator 105, thereby preventing the humidity in the refrigerated compartment 102 from decreasing. This is the preferred method for maintaining freshness.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, when the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is in the odor-free state, the evaporator cavity 104 is connected to the refrigeration air duct 3. The working mode of the fresh-keeping air duct structure is as follows: the air outlet 301 on the refrigeration air duct 3 is opened, the first return air duct 302 is closed, the refrigeration compartment 102 is connected to the evaporator cavity 104 through the return air duct 4, and the evaporator 105 is provided in the evaporator cavity 104. The airflow in the evaporator cavity 104 exchanges heat with the evaporator 105 to form a cooling airflow, which drives the evaporator cavity 104 to cool. The cooling airflow from 04 passes through the deodorizing device 602 of the three-axis rotating composite damper 6 and flows into the refrigeration duct 3. The deodorizing device 602 reduces odors, and then drives the airflow through the refrigeration duct 3. The cooling airflow in the refrigeration duct 3 enters the refrigeration compartment 102 for heat exchange, lowering the temperature in the refrigeration compartment 102 to the target temperature. The airflow in the refrigeration compartment 102 continues through the return air duct 4 and finally returns to the evaporator chamber 104, completing the airflow cycle. This is the preferred choice when deodorization is required.

[0060] It can be seen that the fresh-keeping air duct structure provided in the embodiment of the present application can enable the refrigerator to provide a multi-circulation effect with a single refrigeration system, thereby improving the preservation of food in the refrigerated compartment 102, reducing water loss in the food, and increasing the freshness of the food. It can also achieve the function of removing odors in the refrigerator compartment.

[0061] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the fresh-keeping air duct structure further includes a first fan 7, wherein the first fan 7 is used to drive airflow to circulate within the evaporator cavity 104, the refrigeration air duct 3, the refrigeration compartment 102, and the return air duct 4. The first fan 7 is preferably disposed in the evaporator cavity 104. In a refrigerator in which the fresh-keeping air duct structure is applied, the freezer compartment 101 and the evaporator cavity 104 can be separated by a freezing air duct mask 106. When cooling the freezer compartment 101, the first fan 7 can be used to drive airflow in the evaporator cavity 104 into the freezer compartment 101 for circulation. In addition, when the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is in the ventilation state, the evaporator cavity 104 and the refrigerated air duct 3 are connected in an air path, the air outlet 301 on the refrigerated air duct 3 is opened, and the first return air outlet 302 is closed. The airflow in the evaporator cavity 104 exchanges heat with the evaporator 105 to form a refrigerated airflow. The first fan 7 drives the refrigerated airflow in the evaporator cavity 104 to flow into the refrigerated air duct 3, and then continues to drive the airflow to flow in the refrigerated air duct 3, enters the refrigerated compartment 102 from the air outlet 301 for heat exchange, and continues to drive the airflow in the refrigerated compartment 102 through the return air duct 4 and finally returns to the evaporator cavity 104, completing the airflow cycle.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fresh-keeping air duct structure further includes a second fan 8 , which is used to drive the air flow to circulate in the refrigeration air duct 3 and the refrigeration compartment 102 . The second fan 8 is preferably arranged in the refrigerated air duct 3. When the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is in the heat conduction state, the air path between the evaporator chamber 104 and the refrigerated air duct 3 is isolated, and the gas in the evaporator chamber 104 forms direct or indirect heat conduction with the heat exchange element 5. The air outlet 301 and the first return air outlet 302 on the refrigerated air duct 3 are both opened, and the return air duct 4 is closed. The cold energy in the evaporator chamber 104 is transferred to the heat exchange element 5, so that the temperature of the heat exchange element 5 is reduced. After the second fan 8 drives the air flow in the refrigerated compartment 102 into the refrigerated air duct 3 through the first return air outlet 302, the air exchanger 5 in the refrigerated air duct 3 exchanges heat to form a refrigerated air flow. The second fan 8 continues to drive the refrigerated air flow through the air outlet 301 into the refrigerated compartment 102 for heat exchange, and then drives the air flow in the refrigerated compartment 102 back to the refrigerated air duct 3 through the first return air outlet 302, completing the circulation of the air flow in the refrigerated compartment 102.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fresh-keeping air duct structure also includes a second drive component, which is used to drive the heat exchange element to move back and forth in a direction close to or away from the three-axis rotating composite air door 6; when the three-axis rotating composite air door 6 is in a heat conduction state, the deodorizing device 602 and the heat insulation device 603 both open the connecting channel 601, and the heat conduction device 604 closes the connecting channel 601, and the second drive component drives the heat exchange element to approach and abut against the heat conduction device 604. When the three-axis rotating composite damper 6 is in the heat conduction state, the working mode of the fresh-keeping air duct structure is as follows: the heat conducting device 604 is connected to the heat exchange element 5, so that the air path between the evaporator cavity 104 and the refrigeration air duct 3 cannot be connected, and the air flow in the evaporator cavity 104 can form heat conduction with the heat exchange element 5 through the heat conducting device 604. At this time, the air path between the evaporator cavity 104 and the refrigeration air duct 3 is isolated; the air outlet 301 on the refrigeration air duct 3 is opened, the first return air outlet 302 is opened, and the return air duct 4 is closed. The refrigeration compartment 102 will not be connected to the evaporator cavity 104 through the return air duct 4, and the air flow in the evaporator cavity 104 exchanges heat with the evaporator 105 to form a system The refrigerated air flow cannot flow into the refrigerated air duct 3, but the refrigerated air flow can directly contact the heat exchange element 5 in the refrigerated air duct 3 through the heat conducting device 604 to form heat conduction, thereby transferring the cold energy in the evaporator cavity 104 to the heat exchange element 5, so that the temperature of the heat exchange element 5 is reduced; after the second fan 8 drives the air flow in the refrigerated compartment 102 into the refrigerated air duct 3 through the first return air port 302, it exchanges heat with the heat exchange element 5 in the refrigerated air duct 3 to form a refrigerated air flow, and the refrigerated air flow continues to enter the refrigerated compartment 102 through the air outlet 301 for heat exchange, thereby reducing the temperature in the refrigerated compartment 102 to the target temperature, and completing the circulation of the air flow in the refrigerated compartment 102.

[0064] In the fresh-keeping air duct structure of this embodiment, when the heat exchanger 5 contacts the heat conducting device 604, the heat conducting device 604 can efficiently transfer the cold in the evaporator cavity to the heat exchanger 5, thereby achieving a more ideal temperature regulation effect. The heat conduction efficiency of this contact state is significantly better than the state where the heat exchanger 5 and the heat conducting device 604 are not in contact. First, when the heat exchanger 5 and the heat conducting device 604 are in direct contact, the heat transfer path between the two is significantly shortened, reducing the presence of the medium layer during the heat transfer process. At this time, the cold in the evaporator cavity 104 can be directly transferred to the surface of the heat exchanger 5 with a lower thermal resistance, thereby significantly improving the heat conduction efficiency. In contrast, in the non-contact state, there is air or other gas medium as an interlayer between the evaporator cavity 104 and the heat exchanger 5, and the thermal conductivity of the gas medium is low, which will lead to a decrease in heat transfer efficiency and an increase in cold loss. Specifically, the contact surface between the heat conducting device 604 and the heat exchanger 5 in the direct contact state is equivalent to an efficient heat conduction channel, which enables the cold to be quickly transferred from the evaporator cavity 104 to the inside of the refrigeration duct, effectively shortening the refrigeration time and improving the refrigeration efficiency. At the same time, it reduces unnecessary cold loss and heat transfer lag effect during the refrigeration process, helping to maintain the stability of the indoor temperature of the cold storage room. Secondly, when the heat exchanger is in contact with the heat conducting device 604, the cold in the evaporator cavity no longer relies on the convection exchange of the airflow for transfer, but is transferred through direct heat conduction between the heat conducting device 604 and the heat exchanger. This heat transfer method can effectively avoid the influence of airflow interference on the cold transfer process. In the non-contact state, the cold transfer between the evaporator cavity and the heat exchanger needs to rely on the circulation and convection of the airflow to achieve, and the flow process of the airflow is easily affected by various factors such as wind speed, air duct design, and ambient temperature, resulting in unstable heat transfer efficiency and more serious cold loss. In addition, the heat exchange element and the heat conducting device 604 in the contact state can more effectively utilize the cold energy generated in the evaporator cavity, because the cold energy can be directly transferred to the surface of the heat exchange element through efficient heat conduction, rather than being transferred back and forth through airflow in a non-contact state, thereby reducing the loss of cold energy and the waste of energy during the transfer process. This means that the overall energy efficiency of the refrigerator is improved, which helps to reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator during the refrigeration process, thereby achieving better energy-saving effects.

[0065] In some embodiments, as Figure 6-8As shown, the return air channel is connected to the cold storage compartment 102 through the second return air outlet 401. In order to facilitate the switching of the heat conduction state and the ventilation state of the three-axis rotating composite air door 6, a first air door for controlling the opening and closing of the first return air outlet 302 is provided at the first return air outlet 302, and a second air door for controlling the opening and closing of the second return air outlet 401 is provided at the second return air outlet 401. When the three-axis rotating composite air door 6 is in the ventilation state or the deodorization state, the first air door is controlled to close the first return air outlet 302 and the second air door is controlled to open the second return air outlet 401; when the three-axis rotating composite air door 6 is in the heat conduction state, the first air door is controlled to open the first return air outlet 302 and the second air door is controlled to close the second return air outlet 401. Preferably, as Figure 7 As shown, the refrigerating compartment 102 and the refrigerating air duct 3 of the refrigerator are separated by a refrigerating box liner 107 , and the air outlet 301 and the first air return port 302 are both provided on the refrigerating box liner 107 .

[0066] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 5 is provided with a plurality of fins 501. The heat exchanger 5 is preferably made of a material that is a good thermal conductor, preferably metal. The configuration of the heat exchanger 5 with the plurality of fins 501 increases the heat exchange area between the heat exchanger 5 and the air, thereby improving the heat exchange effect. Optionally, the heat exchanger 5 has a similar external structure to the evaporator 105 in the evaporator chamber 104, but without the hollow pipe passing through it.

[0067] The present invention also provides a control method for a refrigerator having the fresh-keeping air duct structure of the aforementioned embodiment. The control method is described in detail as follows.

[0068] When the user selects the quick odor removal function on the refrigerator display panel and there is a cooling request in the refrigerated compartment, the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 switches to the odor removal state, maintains the state for a first preset time, and then switches the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 to another state. The first preset time can be set according to the size of the compartment in the refrigerator and the concentration of odor.

[0069] When the refrigerator compartment requires cooling, if the humidity inside the refrigerator compartment meets the preset humidity range, the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is controlled to switch to the ventilation state, allowing the refrigerated airflow from the evaporator chamber to directly enter the refrigerator compartment, rapidly cooling the refrigerator compartment. If the humidity inside the refrigerator compartment falls below the preset humidity range, the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 is controlled to switch to the heat transfer state. The heat transfer device 604 is connected to the heat exchange structure, and the cold energy from the evaporator chamber is transferred to the heat exchange element in the refrigerator compartment through the heat transfer device 604, preventing cold air from blowing directly into the refrigerator compartment and causing the humidity in the refrigerator compartment to be too low.

[0070] In the above control method, when the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 switches to the heat conduction state, the cooling method of the refrigerated compartment 102 will reduce the cooling efficiency. Further optimization can be performed as follows. The refrigerated compartment cooling time is defined as the cooling time of the refrigerated compartment within a compressor cycle. A compressor cycle can include one or more compressor on / off intervals. As the refrigerator ages, the insulation performance of the refrigerator body deteriorates and the refrigerant decreases. The time from the refrigerated compartment sending a cooling request to the refrigerated compartment stopping cooling when the compartment temperature requirement is met will become longer and longer. As a result, if the air from the freezer compartment directly enters the refrigerated compartment for cooling, the humidity in the refrigerated compartment will become lower and lower. When a cooling request is made to the cold storage compartment, if the humidity sensor in the cold storage compartment detects that the humidity in the cold storage compartment meets the first preset humidity level (i.e., the maximum humidity range for fresh food storage), the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 switches to the ventilation state. At this point, to speed up the cooling process, the voltage of the first fan is automatically increased to the first preset voltage, accelerating the cooling of the cold storage compartment. The voltage increase time of the first fan is automatically calculated based on the cold storage compartment cooling time in the previous cycle. The voltage increase time of the first fan is automatically calculated based on the cold storage compartment cooling time in the previous cycle. When the cold storage compartment humidity reaches the second preset humidity level (the minimum humidity range for fresh food storage), the voltage of the first fan is automatically decreased to its original state, and the three-axis rotary composite damper 6 switches to the heat conduction state, continuing to cool the cold storage compartment until the desired temperature is reached. It should be noted that the combined cooling time in the ventilation state and the heat conduction state does not exceed the cold storage time of the compressor in the previous cycle.

[0071] It should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" as used herein may also be meant to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order described or illustrated, unless the order of execution is clearly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0072] The foregoing description is intended only to provide specific embodiments of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to be construed in the broadest manner consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A three-axis rotary composite damper, characterized in that: include: The connecting channel has openings at both ends of the axial direction; an odor-purifying device configured to rotate about a first axis provided at one end thereof, the odor-purifying device being used to purify airflow passing therethrough; a heat insulating device configured to rotate around a second axis provided at one end thereof, the heat insulating device being used to block airflow and heat exchange; a heat conducting device configured to rotate about a third axis provided at one end thereof, the heat conducting device being used to block airflow and achieve heat exchange; The first driving assembly is configured to drive the deodorizing device, the heat insulating device and the heat conducting device to rotate, and at the same time, at most one of the deodorizing device, the heat insulating device and the heat conducting device is in a state of closing the connecting channel.

2. The three-axis rotary composite damper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-axis rotary composite damper has an odor-free state; in the odor-free state, the heat insulation device and the heat conduction device both open the connection channel, and the odor-free device closes the connection channel.

3. The three-axis rotary composite damper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-axis rotary composite damper has a heat-insulating state; in the heat-insulating state, the odor-purifying device and the heat-conducting device both open the connecting channel, and the heat-insulating device closes the connecting channel.

4. The three-axis rotary composite damper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-axis rotary composite damper has a heat-conducting state; in the heat-conducting state, the odor-purifying device and the heat-insulating device both open the connecting channel, and the heat-conducting device closes the connecting channel.

5. The three-axis rotary composite damper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-axis rotary composite damper has a ventilation state; in the ventilation state, the deodorizing device, the heat insulating device and the heat conducting device all open the connection channel.

6. The three-axis rotary composite damper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-axis rotary composite damper also includes a limiting member, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting channel, the first axis and the third axis are respectively located on both sides of the limiting member, and the third axis is located on the extension line of the limiting member.

7. A fresh-keeping air duct structure for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising an evaporator cavity, an evaporator, a refrigeration compartment and a freezing compartment, the evaporator being located in the evaporator cavity, characterized in that: The fresh-keeping air duct structure includes: a refrigeration air duct, the refrigeration air duct being connected to the evaporator chamber, the refrigeration air duct being provided with an air outlet and a first air return outlet both of which are in communication with the refrigeration compartment; a return air duct connecting the refrigerated compartment and the evaporator cavity; a heat exchange component, arranged in the refrigeration air duct; The three-axis rotary composite damper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening at one end of the connecting channel is connected to the evaporator chamber, and the opening at the other end of the connecting channel is connected to the refrigeration air duct.

8. The fresh-keeping air duct structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: a first fan, configured to drive airflow to circulate within the evaporator cavity, the refrigerated air duct, the refrigerated compartment, and the return air duct; The second fan is used to drive the air flow to circulate in the refrigeration air duct and the refrigeration compartment.

9. The fresh-keeping air duct structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a second drive assembly, the second drive assembly is used to drive the heat exchange element to reciprocate in a direction close to or away from the three-axis rotary composite damper; The three-axis rotating composite damper has a heat-conducting state. In the heat-conducting state, the deodorizing device and the heat-insulating device both open the connecting channel, the heat-conducting device closes the connecting channel, and the second driving component drives the heat exchange element to approach and abut against the heat-conducting device.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The invention comprises an evaporator cavity, an evaporator, a refrigeration compartment, a freezing compartment and a fresh-keeping air duct structure as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the evaporator is located in the evaporator cavity.

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