Unfreezing device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses an unfreezing device and a refrigerator, and the unfreezing device comprises an unfreezing chamber which is divided into an unfreezing area and a humidity compensation area; unfreezing equipment and flow guide equipment are arranged in the unfreezing area, the unfreezing equipment is used for unfreezing frozen articles, and the flow guide equipment is used for guiding unfrozen water generated in the unfreezing process to the humidity compensation area; the humidity compensation area is connected with the unfreezing area and is used for storing the unfreezing water and performing humidity compensation on the unfreezing area in the unfreezing process. The refrigerator defrosting device solves the problem that defrosting water generated by a defrosting device in the prior art is accumulated in a refrigerator, effectively leads out and utilizes the defrosting water, avoids the accumulation problem, meanwhile avoids the situation that the appearance and quality are affected by air drying of articles in the defrosting process, and improves the defrosting effect of the articles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more specifically, to a defrosting device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Frozen foods are a common sight in daily life. Freezing food not only extends its shelf life but also facilitates transportation, offering numerous advantages. However, thawing frozen foods often causes headaches, taking a long time and producing a lot of thawing liquid. Furthermore, the increased temperature can lead to bacterial growth and a decrease in quality.

[0003] Existing technology already includes refrigerators capable of defrosting, such as CN118009616A which provides a small refrigerator and its defrosting control method. This patent sets up a freezer drawer and a defrosting drawer, with the two drawers separated by a heat insulation plate. With this patent, users can defrost inside the refrigerator without having to take it out for separate defrosting. However, this patent does not solve the problem of defrosting water. The accumulation of defrosting water is not conducive to further defrosting and is prone to bacterial growth.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of defrosting water generated by the defrosting device accumulating inside the refrigerator in related technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a defrosting device and a refrigerator to at least solve the problem of defrosting water generated by the defrosting device accumulating inside the refrigerator in the prior art.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, according to one aspect of this utility model, a defrosting device is provided, comprising: a defrosting chamber divided into a defrosting zone and a humidity compensation zone; a defrosting device and a flow guiding device are provided in the defrosting zone, the defrosting device being used to defrost frozen items, and the flow guiding device being used to guide the defrosting water generated during the defrosting process to the humidity compensation zone; the humidity compensation zone is connected to the defrosting zone, used to store the defrosting water, and to perform humidity compensation in the defrosting zone during the defrosting process.

[0007] Furthermore, the humidity compensation zone includes: a defrost water storage zone, including a defrost water inlet connected to the flow guiding device, for receiving and storing the defrost water discharged by the flow guiding device; and a humidification zone, one end of which is connected to the defrost water storage zone and the other end of which is connected to the defrost zone, for introducing humid air generated by the defrost water into the defrost zone to compensate for humidity in the defrost zone during the defrosting process.

[0008] Furthermore, the humidification zone is connected to the defrosting zone via a vacuum pump, which is turned on during the defrosting process to draw humid air from the humidification zone into the defrosting zone.

[0009] Furthermore, the vacuum pump integrates a sterilization device for sterilizing the humid air entering the thawing zone and the thawing zone itself.

[0010] Furthermore, the defrosting water storage area is also equipped with a water level monitor to detect the water level in the defrosting water storage area and to remind the user to add water when the water level in the defrosting water storage area is lower than a preset water level; the defrosting device also includes a display panel to display the water addition reminder to the user.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes: a thawing shelf for placing frozen items; the flow guiding device is located below the thawing shelf for receiving the thawing water generated during the thawing process and guiding it to the thawing water storage area; wherein the flow guiding device has an inclined surface, and the lower end of the inclined surface is connected to the thawing water inlet of the thawing water storage area.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes: a fan, disposed at the top of the defrosting zone; wherein, the defrosting device is disposed between the fan and the defrosting shelf for defrosting frozen items, and the defrosting device includes at least one of the following: a heater, a microwave generator; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the defrosting zone; a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the defrosting zone; and a weight sensor located on the defrosting shelf for detecting the weight of the frozen items.

[0013] Furthermore, the defrosting zone also includes an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the evaporator of the refrigerator, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are closed during the defrosting process and opened when defrosting is not required, and the defrosting zone is used as a refrigerator compartment when defrosting is not required.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, including the defrosting device as described above.

[0015] This invention provides a defrosting device comprising a defrosting chamber, which defines a defrosting zone and a humidity compensation zone. The defrosting zone is equipped with defrosting equipment and a flow guiding device. The defrosting equipment defrosts frozen items, and the flow guiding device directs the defrosted water generated during the defrosting process to the humidity compensation zone. The humidity compensation zone stores the defrosted water and provides humidity compensation during the defrosting process. In this solution, the humidity compensation zone collects and stores the defrosted water, preventing its accumulation in the defrosting zone, which could affect defrosting or promote bacterial growth. Furthermore, the humid air generated by the defrosted water in the humidity compensation zone replenishes the humidity of the defrosting zone. This effectively removes and utilizes the defrosted water, avoiding accumulation, and humidifies the defrosting zone, improving defrosting efficiency. It also prevents items from drying out during defrosting, affecting their appearance and quality, thus improving the defrosting effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the defrosting device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0019] 1. Fan; 2. Thawing equipment; 3. Air inlet; 4. Vacuum pump; 5. Shelf; 6. Air outlet; 7. Air diversion device; 8. Thawing device; 9. Display panel; 10. Water level monitor; 11. Frozen items; 12. Temperature sensor; 13. Humidity sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] The terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the utility model. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this utility model and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, and “multiple” generally includes at least two unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0023] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe controllers in the embodiments of this utility model, these controllers should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish controllers connected to different devices. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this utility model, a first controller may also be referred to as a second controller, and similarly, a second controller may also be referred to as a first controller.

[0024] Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used here can be interpreted as “when” or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination” or “if detection (of the stated condition or event)” can be interpreted as “when determination” or “in response to determination” or “when detection (of the stated condition or event)” or “in response to detection (of the stated condition or event).”

[0025] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or device that includes said element.

[0026] The optional embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] In a preferred embodiment 1 of this utility model, a defrosting device is provided, specifically, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one possible structure of the defrosting device is shown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the defrosting device includes:

[0029] The thawing room is divided into a thawing zone and a humidity compensation zone.

[0030] The defrosting zone is equipped with defrosting equipment 2 and diversion equipment 7. The defrosting equipment 2 is used to defrost frozen items, and the diversion equipment 7 is used to divert the defrosting water generated during the defrosting process to the humidity compensation zone.

[0031] The humidity compensation zone is also connected to the thawing zone, where it is used to store thawing water and to compensate for humidity in the thawing zone during the thawing process.

[0032] In the above embodiments, a defrosting device is provided, comprising a defrosting chamber defining a defrosting zone and a humidity compensation zone. The defrosting zone is equipped with defrosting equipment and a diversion device. The defrosting equipment is used to defrost frozen items, and the diversion device is used to divert the defrost water generated during the defrosting process to the humidity compensation zone. The humidity compensation zone stores the defrost water and provides humidity compensation during the defrosting process. In this solution, the humidity compensation zone collects and stores the defrost water, preventing its accumulation in the defrosting zone, which could affect defrosting or promote bacterial growth. Furthermore, the humid air generated by the defrost water in the humidity compensation zone replenishes the humidity of the defrosting zone. This effectively removes and utilizes the defrost water, avoiding accumulation, and also humidifies the defrosting zone, improving defrosting efficiency. Simultaneously, it prevents items from drying out during defrosting, affecting their appearance and quality, thus improving the defrosting effect.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the defrosting device includes three chambers: chamber I, chamber II, and chamber III. Chamber III is the defrosting zone, while chambers I and II are humidity compensation zones. Further, the humidity compensation zone includes: a defrost water storage zone, i.e., chamber II, which includes a defrost water inlet connected to a flow guide device 7 for receiving and storing the defrost water discharged from the flow guide device 7; and a humidification zone, i.e., chamber I, which is connected at one end to the defrost water storage zone and at the other end to the defrosting zone, for introducing humid air generated by the defrost water into the defrosting zone to compensate for humidity during the defrosting process. The compact arrangement of these three chambers not only reduces the overall space of the defrosting device but also makes the layout more rational, facilitating communication and interaction between the chambers and further improving the defrosting effect.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the humidification zone is connected to the defrosting zone via a vacuum pump 4. The vacuum pump 4 is activated during the defrosting process, drawing humid air from the humidification zone into the defrosting zone. The vacuum pump 4 integrates a sterilization device to sterilize the humid air entering the defrosting zone and the defrosting zone itself. A vacuum pump 4, with its integrated sterilization device, is positioned between chambers I and II. Chambers I and II are connected by a pipe or have a through-hole. When the vacuum pump 4 operates, it draws humid air from chamber I into chamber III through the sterilization device, while the defrosted water in chamber II is forced back into chamber I by atmospheric pressure. This automatic water replenishment maintains the humidification effect.

[0035] In addition, the defrosting water storage area is equipped with a water level monitor 10 to detect the water level in the defrosting water storage area and to remind the user to add water when the water level in the defrosting water storage area is lower than the preset water level; the defrosting device also includes a display panel 9 to display the water addition reminder to the user. Among them, a water level monitor 10 is installed in compartment II. When the water level in compartment II is not higher than the warning value "U", the display panel 9 will remind the user to add water; if it is higher than the warning value "U", the defrosting process can be started.

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an alternative structure of a refrigerator with this defrosting device is shown, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator is equipped with a defrosting device 8, and the defrosting device 8 is equipped with a display panel 9, which is used to display a water replenishment reminder or to remind the user that defrosting is complete.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the thawing zone is also equipped with a thawing shelf 5 for placing frozen items; a diversion device is located below the thawing shelf 5 to receive the thawing water generated during the thawing process and guide it to the thawing water storage area; wherein, the diversion device 7 has an inclined surface, the lower end of which is connected to the thawing water inlet of the thawing water storage area. Water from thawing food flows down through the thawing shelf 5 and along the slope of the diversion device 7 into compartment II. Figure 1 As shown, the flow guiding device is a triangular block. Alternatively, a slanted flow guide plate can be used to guide the defrost water to the defrost water storage area. Other shapes of flow guide plates can also be used, as long as they can effectively guide the defrost water to the defrost water storage area and prevent defrost water from accumulating in the thawing area.

[0038] Furthermore, the defrosting device also includes: a fan 1, located at the top of the defrosting zone; a defrosting device 2, located between the fan 1 and the defrosting shelf 5, used to defrost frozen items. The defrosting device 2 includes at least one of the following: a heater, a microwave generator; a temperature sensor 12, used to detect the temperature of the defrosting zone; a humidity sensor 13, used to detect the humidity of the defrosting zone; and a weight sensor located on the defrosting shelf 5, used to detect the weight of the frozen items. A humidity sensor 13 is installed in compartment III to detect humidity. If the humidity is too high, the vacuum pump is turned off to prevent excessive humidity. A defrosting shelf 5 is also installed in compartment III to hold thawed food, and it integrates a weight sensor to detect whether the food has finished defrosting. When the user needs to defrost, the fan 1 and the defrosting device 2 are turned on, blowing humid hot air onto the frozen items to prevent the food from drying out during defrosting, affecting its appearance and taste. A temperature sensor 12 is also installed in compartment III to prevent the temperature inside the compartment from becoming too high, which could damage the food.

[0039] In addition, the defrosting zone also includes an air inlet 3 and an air outlet 6 connected to the refrigerator's evaporator. The air inlet 3 and air outlet 6 are closed during defrosting and open when defrosting is not required. When defrosting is not needed, the defrosting zone functions as a refrigerator compartment. The air inlet 3 and air outlet 6 are connected to the evaporator. When the user does not need to defrost, compartment III can act as a refrigerator compartment. When the user needs to defrost, the air inlet 3 and air outlet 6 automatically close, and the defrosting process begins.

[0040] This invention incorporates an automated freezing and moisture-preserving device within a refrigerator. Compared to existing technologies, this invention allows food to thaw quickly without being removed from the refrigerator, eliminating concerns about bacterial growth and moisture loss during the thawing process. The invention also features air inlets and outlets. When thawing is not required, the device functions as an independent moisture-preserving compartment, i.e., a defrosting unit. Users can store refrigerated food in this compartment, and automatically thaw by pressing a defrost button, enriching the refrigerator's functionality and increasing its practicality. Furthermore, the vacuum pump and sterilization device contribute to moisture preservation, not only providing convenience and shortening thawing time, but also reducing bacterial growth and improving product performance, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] In a preferred embodiment 2 of this utility model, a refrigerator is provided, including the defrosting device as described above.

[0043] Specifically Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one possible structure of the refrigerator is shown, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator is equipped with a defrosting device 8, and the defrosting device 8 is equipped with a display panel 9, which is used to display a water replenishment reminder or to remind the user that defrosting is complete.

[0044] In the above embodiments, a defrosting device is provided, comprising a defrosting chamber defining a defrosting zone and a humidity compensation zone. The defrosting zone is equipped with defrosting equipment and a diversion device. The defrosting equipment is used to defrost frozen items, and the diversion device is used to divert the defrost water generated during the defrosting process to the humidity compensation zone. The humidity compensation zone stores the defrost water and provides humidity compensation during the defrosting process. In this solution, the humidity compensation zone collects and stores the defrost water, preventing its accumulation in the defrosting zone, which could affect defrosting or promote bacterial growth. Furthermore, the humid air generated by the defrost water in the humidity compensation zone replenishes the humidity of the defrosting zone. This effectively removes and utilizes the defrost water, avoiding accumulation, and also humidifies the defrosting zone, improving defrosting efficiency. Simultaneously, it prevents items from drying out during defrosting, affecting their appearance and quality, thus improving the defrosting effect.

[0045] The sequence numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0046] In the above embodiments of this utility model, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0047] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units can be a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules may be electrical or other forms.

[0048] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0049] Furthermore, in the various embodiments of this utility model, the functional units can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0050] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this utility model, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this utility model. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0051] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not covered by the invention. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0052] It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A defrosting device, characterized in that, include: The thawing chamber is divided into a thawing zone and a humidity compensation zone. The thawing zone is equipped with thawing equipment and a diversion device. The thawing equipment is used to thaw frozen items, and the diversion device is used to divert the thawing water generated during the thawing process to the humidity compensation zone. The humidity compensation zone is connected to the thawing zone and is used to store the thawed water, and to perform humidity compensation in the thawing zone during the thawing process.

2. The defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidity compensation zone includes: The defrost water storage area includes a defrost water inlet, which is connected to the diversion device and is used to receive and store the defrost water discharged by the diversion device. The humidification zone is connected at one end to the defrost water storage zone and at the other end to the defrost zone. It is used to introduce the humid air generated by the defrost water into the defrost zone to compensate for the humidity of the defrost zone during the defrost process.

3. The defrosting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The humidification zone is connected to the defrosting zone via a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is turned on during the defrosting process to draw humid air from the humidification zone into the defrosting zone.

4. The defrosting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vacuum pump integrates a sterilization device for sterilizing the humid air entering the thawing zone and the thawing zone itself.

5. The defrosting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The defrost water storage area is also equipped with a water level monitor to detect the water level in the defrost water storage area and to remind the user to add water when the water level in the defrost water storage area is lower than the preset water level. The defrosting device also includes a display panel for showing users a water-addition reminder.

6. The defrosting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Defrost rack, used to store frozen items; The flow guiding device is located below the thawing shelf and is used to receive the thawing water generated during the thawing process and guide it to the thawing water storage area; wherein, the flow guiding device has an inclined surface, and the lower end of the inclined surface is connected to the thawing water inlet of the thawing water storage area.

7. The defrosting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A fan is installed at the top of the defrosting zone; wherein, the defrosting device is installed between the fan and the defrosting shelf for defrosting frozen items, and the defrosting device includes at least one of the following: a heater and a microwave generator; A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the thawing zone; A humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity of the thawing zone; A weight sensor, located on the defrosting shelf, is used to detect the weight of frozen items.

8. The defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thawing zone also includes: An air inlet and an air outlet are connected to the evaporator of the refrigerator, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are closed during the defrosting process and opened when defrosting is not required, and the defrosting zone is used as a refrigerator compartment when defrosting is not required.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The defrosting device includes any one of claims 1 to 8.

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