Separation structure of refrigeration appliance and refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of refrigerating appliances, in particular to a separating structure of a refrigerating appliance, which is used for separating the accommodating space of an inner container (10) of the refrigerating appliance into a first chamber (100) and a second chamber (200), and the separating structure (1) comprises a reinforcing part (14) at least partially positioned in the separating structure (1), the reinforcing piece (14) is configured to be suitable for being connected with the hinge (17) so as to at least support a door body used for selectively opening or closing the second compartment (200), the reinforcing piece (14) comprises a first part (141), a second part (142) and a third part (143), the first part is configured to be suitable for connecting the hinge (17) to the front wall (112) of the separation structure (1), the second part is configured to be suitable for connecting the first part (141) and the third part (143), and the third part (143) is configured to be suitable for connecting the hinge (17) to the front wall (112) of the separation structure (1). The third portion is configured to be adapted to connect the side wall (113) of the partition structure (1) to the liner (10). Through some embodiments of the invention, the separation structure can be optimized and improved, the compartment forming problem is solved, and the supporting stability of the door body is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration appliances, specifically to a partition structure for a refrigeration appliance and a refrigeration appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In modern homes, refrigeration appliances, especially refrigerators, have become indispensable. Refrigeration appliances typically have a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, and an intermediate compartment, such as a crisper compartment or a variable-temperature compartment. The refrigerator compartment is generally set at 0-10℃, suitable for storing fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and beverages, keeping the food moist and fresh, and extending its shelf life. The freezer compartment is usually below -18℃, where meat and frozen foods can be stored for extended periods. The low temperature effectively inhibits bacterial growth and locks in nutrients. The crisper compartment has a temperature between the refrigerator and freezer compartments, generally between 0-4℃, mainly used for storing meat and fish for short-term consumption. It keeps the food in a slightly frozen state, ensuring that its taste and nutritional components are not significantly affected. The variable-temperature compartment is similar to the crisper compartment but offers a wider temperature range, such as -18℃ to 8℃. For this purpose, insulation structures are installed between adjacent compartments to prevent heat transfer. These different functional zones provide users with refined food storage solutions.

[0003] Currently, there is still room for improvement in the manufacturing and functional implementation of the intermediate compartments in existing refrigeration appliances. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a partition structure for a refrigeration appliance is provided for dividing the accommodating space of the appliance's inner liner into a first compartment and a second compartment. The partition structure includes a reinforcement at least partially located therein, the reinforcement being configured to be connected to a hinge to at least support a door for selectively opening or closing the second compartment. The reinforcement includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion being configured to connect the hinge to a front wall of the partition structure, the second portion connecting the first portion and the third portion, and the third portion being configured to connect a side wall of the partition structure to the inner liner.

[0005] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion extend perpendicularly to each other.

[0006] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, one end of the first portion of the reinforcement extends out of the sidewall of the partition structure, the end being configured to be connected to the housing of the refrigeration appliance.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the second part and the third part have reinforcing ribs at the connection.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the inner surface of the front wall of the partition structure is provided with a recessed receiving portion, and the reinforcing member is disposed within the receiving portion.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first portion has a positioning hole through which the reinforcement is pre-positioned relative to the front wall of the partition structure.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the inner surface of the front wall of the partition structure is provided with upper and lower opposing hooks, and the first part of the reinforcing member is engaged with the hooks and pre-fixed between the hooks.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the partition structure has two corresponding reinforcements and two receiving portions, wherein the two reinforcements have the same structure and are oriented oppositely to the front wall.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the receiving portion forms a corresponding boss on the outer surface of the front wall, the boss being configured to receive the tube.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the first portion of the reinforcing member engages or adheres within the receiving portion.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first portion of the reinforcement is implemented in a U-shape.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the partition structure further includes a shielding cover disposed on the front surface of the front wall.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first portion has a connecting portion that engages with the hook and a recess adjacent to the connecting portion, the recess providing the reinforcement with elastic deformation capability to be installed in place.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the positioning hole defines the extent to which the end of the first portion extends beyond the sidewall of the partition structure.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the portion of the hook that mates with the first portion is formed to be generally concave.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the reinforcement further includes an extension portion that extends from the first portion toward the second portion or the third portion to provide a larger contact area with the foam material.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the reinforcing member is a stamped part manufactured by a stamping process.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of this application, at least one of the first part, the second part, and the third part has at least one material outlet, through which the foamed material permeates between the corresponding at least one of the first part, the second part, and the third part and the separation structure.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the partition structure defines a closed internal space, a foamed material is filled into the internal space and forms a heat insulation layer after curing, and the reinforcement is located in the internal space and is bonded to the foamed material.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the partition structure further includes a valve structure configured to selectively close or open the inlet of the partition structure for the foaming material.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the extension portion and the second portion are opposite to each other.

[0025] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the extension portion is implemented in a stepped shape.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the width of the partition structure at the first portion is smaller than the width between the second portion and the extension portion.

[0027] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the distance between the sidewalls of the partition structure first increases and then decreases along the direction from the rear wall to the front wall.

[0028] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the sidewall has a rear portion away from the front wall and a front portion adjacent to the front wall, the rear portion and the front portion being connected by a curved portion.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the front portions of the sidewalls extend at an angle close to each other toward the front wall.

[0030] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the partition structure further includes a mating rib located on the front outer side of the sidewall, the mating rib being configured to form a shape fit with the inner liner.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the length of the front portion is approximately in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm.

[0032] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the partition structure includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which are connected to each other to form the enclosed internal space.

[0033] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the front wall is integrally formed with the top cover.

[0034] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the upper cover and the lower cover are connected to each other by the engagement of the engaging portion.

[0035] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the upper cover and the lower cover form a labyrinthine mating structure at their mating surfaces.

[0036] According to a second aspect of this application, a refrigeration appliance is provided, the refrigeration appliance including an inner liner and any of the partition structures according to this application, the inner liner having a circumferentially extending groove, the partition structure being supported in the groove to thermally divide the accommodating space of the inner liner into a first compartment and a second compartment.

[0037] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the first compartment is a refrigerator compartment, and the second compartment is a fresh-keeping compartment or a variable-temperature compartment.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the groove is provided with a plurality of through holes to allow foaming material to be filled from the outside of the inner liner into the gap between the partition structure and the inner liner through the through holes, the through holes having geometric features associated with their relative position to the foaming material injection port of the refrigeration appliance.

[0039] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the refrigeration appliance further includes a connector and an inner liner reinforcing member, the connector passing through the inner liner reinforcing member disposed in the inner liner and connecting to a third part of the partition structure.

[0040] Through certain embodiments of this application, different compartments can be partitioned, particularly insulated, by a partition structure to provide different food storage environments, solving the molding problem in the manufacturing process of intermediate compartments in existing refrigeration appliances; and by improving the reinforcing members, the support stability of the partition structure, inner liner, and cabinet components of the refrigeration appliance for the door and corresponding door hinges is improved.

[0041] It is worth noting that the advantages and beneficial effects of this application are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can understand other advantages and beneficial effects not mentioned in this application through the following detailed embodiments and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 A perspective view of the inner liner of a refrigeration appliance according to one embodiment of this application is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the inner liner that mates with the partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0046] Figure 4 A perspective view of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0047] Figure 5 A bottom view of the top cover of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0048] Figure 6 A top view of the lower cover of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0049] Figure 7 A view showing the engaging connection of the upper and lower covers of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0050] Figure 8 A view of a valve structure with a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0051] Figure 9 A partial view of the sidewall of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0052] Figure 10 A view of the reinforcing member of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0053] Figure 11 A view showing the mounting method of the reinforcing member of the partition structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 12 Another view showing the mounting method of the reinforcing member of the partition structure according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0055] Figure 13 Another view shows the mounting method of the reinforcement of the partition structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0056] List of reference numerals

[0057] 100 First Room

[0058] 200 Second Room

[0059] 300 Third Room

[0060] 10 Inner Liner

[0061] 101 Groove

[0062] 102 Through Hole

[0063] 103 gap

[0064] 20 enclosures

[0065] 21 Side panels

[0066] 1. Separation structure

[0067] 11. Top Cover

[0068] 111 Main body of the upper cover

[0069] 112 Anterior wall

[0070] 1121, 1122 Reception Sections

[0071] 1123, 1124 convex surfaces

[0072] 1125 Hook

[0073] 113 Sidewall

[0074] 1131 Bend

[0075] 1132 Reinforcing bars

[0076] 1133 Rear

[0077] 1134 Front

[0078] 114 Rear wall

[0079] 115 Inner Liner Reinforcing Components

[0080] 12. Bottom Cover

[0081] 13. Cover

[0082] 131 Flip-edge

[0083] 14 Reinforcing components

[0084] 141 Part One

[0085] 1411 end

[0086] 1412 Connecting part

[0087] 1413 concave part

[0088] 142 Part Two

[0089] 143 Part Three

[0090] 144 Extension

[0091] P1 Connecting Hole

[0092] P2 positioning hole

[0093] P3 and P4 feed holes

[0094] R Reinforcing Rib

[0095] S connector

[0096] 151, 152 Card-fitting section

[0097] 1521 Receiving opening

[0098] 16 Valve Structure

[0099] 160 Entrance

[0100] 161 Restriction Unit

[0101] 1611 First Restriction Section

[0102] 1612 Second Restriction Section

[0103] 162 Valve Cover

[0104] 1621 Valve cover body

[0105] 1622 Valve cover base

[0106] 17. Hinges

[0107] 171 Hinge pin

[0108] 18 tubes Detailed Implementation

[0109] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In the various drawings of this application, features with the same structure or similar function are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0110] According to embodiments of this application, there is a partition structure for a refrigeration appliance, and also a corresponding refrigeration appliance. Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown, wherein the refrigeration appliance shown exemplary includes a first compartment 100, a second compartment 200, and a third compartment 300, with the doors of each compartment removed. In particular, the first compartment 100 is, for example, a refrigerator compartment, the second compartment 200 is, for example, a fresh-keeping compartment or a variable-temperature compartment, and the third compartment 300 is, for example, a freezer compartment. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1Part of the refrigeration equipment, including the first compartment 100 and the second compartment 200, but Figure 1 The partition structure 1 has been removed, revealing only the inner liner 10 forming the first compartment 100 and the second compartment 200. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In particular, the partition structure 1 in this application embodiment is used to divide the accommodating space of the inner liner 10 of the refrigeration appliance into a first compartment 100 and a second compartment 200.

[0111] In existing technologies, the inner liner of each compartment in a refrigeration appliance is typically manufactured individually using a vacuum forming process. These formed inner liners are then stacked and assembled, with effective insulation between the compartments achieved through a thermal insulation structure. During assembly, each inner liner is first installed into the cabinet, followed by the injection of foaming material (e.g., polyurethane) to fill all gaps between the inner liner and the cabinet, thereby improving overall thermal insulation performance and structural stability, while also enhancing the refrigeration appliance's sealing and energy efficiency. However, for the second compartment located in the middle, its dimensions (e.g., height, depth, aspect ratio) can hinder the smooth implementation of the vacuum forming process, posing manufacturing difficulties. For example, the inner liner of a short and deep compartment is difficult to vacuum form.

[0112] Advantageously, according to embodiments of this application, a single inner liner can be used instead of multiple individual inner liners, and the accommodating space of the single inner liner can be divided into different areas by means of the partition structure 1, thereby creating different compartments, making it easier to form each compartment, especially the middle second compartment.

[0113] Optionally, to provide thermal insulation, the partition structure 1 can define a closed internal space into which foamed material can be filled and, after curing, form a thermal insulation layer. That is, the partition structure 1 is pre-foamed. Thus, the partition structure 1 itself can thermally separate the first chamber 100 and the second chamber 200. Optionally, for filling with foamed material, the partition structure 1 may include, for example... Figure 6 The valve structure 16 shown is configured to selectively close or open the inlet 160 for the foaming material of the partition structure 1.

[0114] Figure 6 and Figure 8 An exemplary valve structure 16 is shown. Figure 8As shown, the valve structure 16 may include a limiting unit 161 and a valve cover 162. The valve cover 162 may include a valve cover body 1621 and a valve cover base 1622. The valve cover body 1621 may be deflected relative to the valve cover base 1622 to close and open the inlet 160 on the sidewall 113; for example, the valve cover 162 may be configured to narrow in the region between the valve cover base 1622 and the valve cover body 1621. The valve cover 162 may be, for example, a plastic part or a thin metal sheet with a certain degree of elasticity.

[0115] The limiting unit 161 fixes the valve cover base 1622 to the side wall 113 of the partition structure 1. For example, the valve cover base 1622 can be fixed by being sandwiched between the limiting unit 161 and the side wall 113. Further, the limiting unit 161 may include a first limiting portion 1611 and a second limiting portion 1612, wherein the first limiting portion 1611 can be configured to limit the deflection range of the valve cover body 1621, and the second limiting portion 1612 can be configured to limit the deflection direction of the valve cover body 1621. For example, in... Figure 8 In the example shown, the first limiting portion 1611 may include at least one web, and the height of the narrowed region of the valve cover 162 may be slightly higher than the height of the first limiting portion 1611, allowing the valve cover 162 to deflect around the narrowed region. Therefore, when a device for filling foam material is inserted into the inlet 160, forcing the valve cover body 1621 to deflect downwards, the valve cover body 1621 can be supported on top of the web, which serves as the first limiting portion 1611, and thus deflected by the first limiting portion 1611. Additionally or alternatively, the first limiting portion 1611 and the second limiting portion 1612 may extend parallel to each other, and the second limiting portion 1612 may include two webs extending parallel to each other and located on either side of the first limiting portion 1611, to limit the deflection of the valve cover body 1621 between these two webs, which serve as the second limiting portion 1612. When the device for filling the foam material is removed from the inlet 160, the valve cover body 1621 can deflect in the opposite direction on its own (or under the action of the foam material) to close the inlet 160, thereby preventing the foam material from overflowing.

[0116] Alternatively, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the partition structure 1 may include an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12, wherein the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are connected to each other to form the aforementioned enclosed internal space. Further, the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 may preferably be connected by means of, respectively, as shown in... Figure 5 and Figure 6The engaging portions 151 and 152 shown are connected to each other by their engagement. This engagement also additionally prevents the partition structure from becoming too large during pre-foaming. Exemplarily, the upper cover 11 and lower cover 12 may each be provided with a plurality of engaging portions 151 and 152 circumferentially, with each engaging portion 151 and 152 corresponding to the previous one. The engaging portions 151 and 152 may be, for example, a buckle and a hook, respectively, and may optionally be arranged alternately on the upper cover 11 or the lower cover 12. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the engaging portion 151 can partially extend into the receiving opening 1521 of the engaging portion 152 and be engaged and fixed. Furthermore, the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 can preferably be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, a labyrinthine mating structure is formed at the mating surfaces. This allows for precise positioning of the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 during assembly and also prevents leakage of foam material during the pre-foaming of the partition structure 1.

[0117] The pre-foamed partition structure 1 can be assembled into the inner liner 10. To receive the partition structure 1, as follows... Figure 2 As shown, the inner liner 10 of the refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of this application has a front opening that can be selectively opened or closed by a door. The inner liner 10 may have a circumferentially extending groove 101, in which a partition structure 1 can be supported to divide the accommodating space of the inner liner 10 into a first compartment 100 and a second compartment 200. Figure 3 (a) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the groove 101 of the inner liner 10, and (b) shows the partition structure 1 supported in the groove 101. As shown, the groove 101 is recessed towards the outside of the inner liner, thereby forming a supporting protrusion on the inside of the inner liner to allow the partition structure 1 to be held vertically. Preferably, the circumferential end of the partition structure 1 can be coupled to the inner liner 10 in a form-fit manner.

[0118] After placing the partition structure 1 in the groove 101, the inner liner 10 can be assembled into the box body 20, and then the entire box body is filled with foam material (i.e., box body foaming). For this purpose, optionally, as follows... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the groove 101 can be provided with multiple through holes 102 to allow the foaming material to be filled from the outside of the inner liner 10 into the gap 103 between the partition structure 1 and the inner liner 10 through the through holes 102. Therefore, during the foaming process, the foaming material can fill all the gaps between the partition structure 1 and the inner liner, thereby bonding them together to achieve a seal and preventing heat exchange between the first and second compartments through these gaps. This achieves a simple and convenient one-time foaming filling process.

[0119] Specifically, the through-hole 102 may have geometric features associated with its relative position to the foam material inlet of the refrigeration appliance. Here, the geometric features may include at least one of location, shape, size, number, etc. For example, the foam material inlet for the entire refrigeration appliance may be arranged in the housing 20 of the refrigeration appliance (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown) at the bottom, top, or back. The through-hole 102 in the groove 101, away from the injection port, can have a relatively large size. This allows for optimization of the flow path of the foaming material within the housing 20 to achieve good filling.

[0120] According to an embodiment of this application, the refrigeration appliance may include a door (not shown) for selectively opening or closing the second compartment 200. Specifically, as... Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the partition structure 1 according to an embodiment of this application may further include a reinforcement 14 at least partially located within it, the reinforcement 14 being configured to connect with a hinge 17 to at least support a door for selectively opening or closing the second compartment 200. That is, the door can be pivotally connected to the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1 via the hinge 17, and the door can be pivotally connected around the hinge axis 171 of the hinge 17 (e.g., ...). Figure 13 The second compartment 200 is rotated relative to the partition structure 1 or the inner liner 10 by the axis of rotation defined (as shown) to open or close. Although Figure 1 An example of two hinges 17 for a door body is shown, but this application is not limited to this; the door body can also be connected by only one hinge 17. Each hinge 17 corresponds to a reinforcement 14.

[0121] like Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the reinforcing member 14 is characterized by comprising a first portion 141, a second portion 142, and a third portion 143. The first portion 141 is configured to connect the hinge 17 to the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1. The second portion 142 connects the first portion 141 and the third portion 143. The third portion 143 is configured to connect the side wall 113 of the partition structure 1 to the inner liner 10. Thus, the force transmitted from the door body to the reinforcing member 14 via the hinge 17 can be further transmitted to the inner liner 10, thereby improving the support stability of the hinge 17 and the door body.

[0122] Preferably, the reinforcing member 14 can be a stamped part manufactured by a stamping process, i.e., a one-piece part. Additionally or alternatively, the first part 141, the second part 142, and the third part 143 can extend perpendicularly to each other. These features can all improve the structural strength of the reinforcing member 14 itself.

[0123] Optionally, such as Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, one end 1411 of the first portion 141 of the reinforcing member 14 can extend out of the sidewall 113 of the partition structure 1, said end 1411 being configured to be connected to the housing 20 of the refrigeration appliance. For example, as Figure 13 As shown, the end 1411 of the reinforcing member 14 extending from the side wall 113 of the partition structure 1 can be used to connect the hinge 17 to the side plate 21 of the housing 20 via screws or other connectors. In one example, the hinge 17, the flange 131 of the cover 13 (described below), the side plate 21, and the end 1411 can be connected together via connectors. A plurality of connection holes P1 (such as...) are provided in the first part 141. Figure 10 (as shown), to allow the connector to pass through and connect the hinge 17 to the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1.

[0124] Except for the protruding end 1411, the reinforcing member 14 is located within the internal space of the partition structure 1 and, in embodiments filled with foamed material, is bonded to the foamed material. For this purpose, optionally, at least one of the first portion 141, the second portion 142, and the third portion 143 of the reinforcing member 14 may have at least one flow hole P3, P4 through which the foamed material can permeate between the respective at least one of the first portion 141, the second portion 142, and the third portion 143 and the partition structure 1. This improves the bonding between the reinforcing member 14 and the foamed material, and enhances the fixing stability and load-bearing capacity of the reinforcing member 14 by means of the foamed material.

[0125] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1 may be provided with recessed receiving portions 1121 and 1122, and the reinforcing member 14 is disposed within the receiving portions 1121 and 1122. Here, the receiving portions 1121 and 1122 are recessed from the inside to the outside of the front wall 112, thereby allowing the reinforcing member 14 to be disposed inside the partition structure 1. In an alternative example, the receiving portions 1121 and 1122, which are recessed from the inside to the outside of the front wall 112, may correspondingly form bosses 1123 and 1124 on the outer surface of the front wall 112, i.e., the receiving portions and bosses are formed through the same wall. The bosses 1123 and 1124 may be configured to be suitable for receiving the pipe 18, such as a refrigerant pipe. Thus, a simple, compact, and easy-to-manufacture structure can be achieved.

[0126] Preferably, the partition structure 1 may have two corresponding reinforcing members 14 and two receiving portions 1121, 1122, that is, each receiving portion is provided with one reinforcing member 14. Preferably, the two reinforcing members 14 have the same structure and are oriented in opposite directions relative to the front wall 112. That is, identical reinforcing members 14 can be inverted and placed in the corresponding receiving portions, thereby extending the two side walls 113 of the partition structure 1 in opposite directions. This achieves versatility of the reinforcing members 14. Specifically, the first portion 141 of the reinforcing member 14 can be engaged or adhered within the receiving portions 1121, 1122. Accordingly, the first portion 141 of the reinforcing member 14 can be U-shaped.

[0127] Optionally, such as Figure 12 As shown, the inner surface of the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1 can be provided with vertically opposed hooks 1125, and the first part 141 of the reinforcing member 14 can be engaged with the hooks 1125 and pre-fixed between them. Thus, the reinforcing member 14 can be stably placed at the front wall 112. Exemplarily, when placing or assembling the reinforcing member 14, the end 1411 of its first part 141 can first extend from the gap between the side wall 113 and the front wall 112 as shown by the arrow in the figure, and then the other end of the first part 141 opposite to the end 1411 can be engaged with the hooks 1125. Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the first portion 141 may optionally have a positioning hole P2 through which the reinforcement 14 is pre-positioned relative to the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1. Further optionally, the positioning hole P2 may define the extent to which the end portion 1411 of the first portion 141 extends beyond the side wall 113 of the partition structure 1. That is, the pre-positioning via the positioning hole P2 facilitates the placement or engagement of the reinforcement 14 into or into the receiving portions 1121, 1122, particularly along the... Figure 12 The movement cutoff point is defined during the process of extending the end 1411 of the first part 141 out of the side wall 113 as indicated by the middle arrow.

[0128] The hooks 1125 can be arranged opposite each other on the upper and lower sides of the receiving portions 1121 and 1122. Further, as... Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, the first part 1 (the other end opposite to end 1411) may have a connecting portion 1412 that mates with the hook 1125 and a recess 1413 adjacent to the connecting portion, wherein the recess 1413 provides the reinforcement 14 with elastic deformation capability to be installed in place. Therefore, the engagement with the hook 1125 can be achieved by the local micro-elastic deformation of the reinforcement 14. In addition, the portion of the hook 1125 that mates with the first part 1 may be formed as generally concave (the opening points outward in opposite vertical directions) to receive and confine the connecting portion 1412 of the first part 1 within the concave shape.

[0129] The aforementioned front wall 112 can preferably be integrally formed with the aforementioned upper cover 11, that is, the front wall 112 can be a part of the upper cover 11, which facilitates the snap-fit ​​assembly of the upper and lower covers. However, alternatively, the front wall 112 can also be a part of the lower cover 12. Alternatively, as... Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the partition structure 1 may also include a cover 13 disposed on the front surface of the front wall 112, the cover 13 being made of, for example, metal.

[0130] return Figure 10 The reinforcing member 14 may optionally include an extension 144 extending from the first portion 141 toward the second portion 142 or the third portion 143 to provide a larger contact area with the foamed material. That is, after the foamed material is filled into the partition structure 1 and cured, the reinforcing member 14 is tightly bonded to the foamed material, and the extension 144 further increases the contact area between the reinforcing member 14 and the foamed material, thereby achieving better bonding with the foamed material and enhancing the fixing effect of the foamed material on the reinforcing member 14. Optionally, the extension 144 may be opposite to the second portion 142, i.e., the extension 144 and the second portion 142 may extend away from the first portion 141 from two opposite sidewalls of the concave first portion 141, respectively. When the first portion 141 is mounted to the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1, the extension 144 and the second portion 142 are generally opposite to each other in the vertical direction of the partition structure 1. Additionally or alternatively, the extension 144 may be implemented as a stepped shape as shown, but other shapes are also conceivable, such as planar, wavy, or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, such as Figure 10 As shown, the width W1 of the partition structure 1 at the first part 141 can be smaller than the width W2 between the second part 142 and the extension 144. This feature can also help improve the fixing stability of the reinforcement 14 and its support capacity for the hinges and the door body.

[0131] Optionally, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the second part 142 and the third part 143 may have a reinforcing rib R at the connection. Here, the reinforcing rib R may be, in particular, a triangular rib. This is especially advantageous for the mutually perpendicular second part 142 and third part 143, as it allows the various parts of the reinforcing member 14 to be subjected to reasonable stress, ensuring structural stability.

[0132] like Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the refrigeration appliance may optionally include a connector S and an inner liner reinforcing member 115, wherein the connector S (e.g., a screw) can pass through the inner liner reinforcing member 115 disposed in the inner liner 10 and connect to the third part 143 of the partition structure 1. By providing the inner liner reinforcing member 115, the connection stability between the reinforcing member 14 and the inner liner 10 can be further improved.

[0133] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, the distance between the two sidewalls 113 of the partition structure 1 can increase and then decrease along the direction from the rear wall 114 to the front wall 112 of the partition structure 1. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewalls 113 can have a rear portion 1133 away from the front wall 112 and a front portion 1134 adjacent to the front wall 112, with the rear portion 1133 and the front portion 1134 transitionally connected by a bend 1131. That is, the front portion 1134 and the rear portion 1133 can be defined by the bend 1131, changing their extension direction. Preferably, the front portions 1134 of the sidewalls 113 extend obliquely towards each other in the direction toward the front wall 112. In other words, in the front portion 1134, the two sidewalls 113 extend relative to each other at a certain angle of inclination, such that the front portion 1134 of the partition structure 1 is formed to gradually narrow in width towards the front wall 112. Here, the angle of inclination can be, for example, about 1°. This facilitates the manufacturing of the partition structure 1, particularly the demolding of its components, including the sidewalls 113 (such as the aforementioned top cover 11), during the corresponding molding process. Here, the length of the front portion 1134 can preferably be approximately in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm. Additionally or alternatively, such as Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the partition structure 1 may optionally include a mating rib 1132 located on the outer side of the front portion 1134 of the sidewall 113. The mating rib 1132 can be configured to form a shape fit with the inner liner 10, thereby facilitating the positioning and assembly of the partition structure 1 into the inner liner 10. In addition, the outer side of the front portion 1134 and the inner liner 10 can cooperate to form a positioning structure.

[0134] Through certain embodiments of this application, different compartments can be partitioned, particularly insulated, by a partition structure to provide different food storage environments, solving the molding problem in the manufacturing process of intermediate compartments in existing refrigeration appliances; and by improving the reinforcing members, the support stability of the partition structure, inner liner, and cabinet components of the refrigeration appliance for the door and corresponding door hinges is improved.

[0135] It is worth noting that although the above description, in conjunction with various exemplary embodiments, describes the reinforcement used to support the door of the second compartment, which is an intermediate compartment, a fresh-keeping compartment, or a variable-temperature compartment, according to the embodiments of this application, the corresponding reinforcement can also be used to support the door of other compartments. That is, in some embodiments of the partition structure of refrigeration appliances, the second compartment is not an intermediate compartment, a fresh-keeping compartment, or a variable-temperature compartment.

[0136] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features specified with "first," "second," or "third" may expressly or implicitly indicate that at least one of those features is included.

[0137] It should also be understood that in this specification, terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "inner," and "outer," which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are used to describe the positional relationship of the corresponding components with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on the orientation of the refrigeration appliance during actual use. They are only for the convenience of describing this specification and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the corresponding components have a specific orientation, or are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0138] Furthermore, in the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0139] Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A partition structure of a refrigeration appliance for partitioning a containing space of an inner container (10) of the refrigeration appliance into a first compartment (100) and a second compartment (200), characterized in that the partition structure (1) comprises a reinforcing member (14) located at least partially inside the partition structure (1), the reinforcing member (14) being configured to be connected with a hinge (17) to support at least a door body for selectively opening or closing the second compartment (200), the reinforcing member (14) comprises a first portion (141) configured to connect the hinge (17) to a front wall (112) of the partition structure (1), a second portion (142) connecting the first portion (141) and a third portion (143) configured to connect a side wall (113) of the partition structure (1) to the inner container (10).

2. The partition structure of the refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the first portion (141), the second portion (142) and the third portion (143) extend perpendicularly to each other; and / or one end (1411) of the first portion (141) of the reinforcing member (14) extends out of the side wall (113) of the partition structure (1), the end (1411) being configured to be connected to a cabinet (20) of the refrigeration appliance; and / or the second portion (142) and the third portion (143) have reinforcing ribs (R) at the connection; and / or an inner surface of the front wall (112) of the partition structure (1) is provided with recessed receiving portions (1121, 1122) in which the reinforcing member (14) is arranged; and / or the first portion (141) has a positioning hole (P2) through which the reinforcing member (14) is pre-positioned relative to the front wall (112) of the partition structure (1); and / or an inner surface of the front wall (112) of the partition structure (1) is provided with upper and lower opposing hooks (1125), the first portion (141) of the reinforcing member (14) is pre-fixed between the hooks (1125) by being clamped with the hooks (1125).

3. The partition structure of the refrigeration appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the partition structure (1) has one-to-one two reinforcing members (14) and two receiving portions (1121, 1122), wherein the two reinforcing members (14) are structurally identical and opposite in orientation relative to the front wall (112); and / or the receiving portions (1121, 1122) form corresponding bosses (1123, 1124) on the outer surface of the front wall (112), the bosses being configured to receive pipes (18); and / or the first portion (141) of the reinforcing member (14) is clamped or fitted in the receiving portions (1121, 1122); and / or the reinforcing member (14) is configured to be connected with the hinge (17) to support at least a door body for selectively opening or closing the second compartment (200), the reinforcing member (14) comprises a first portion (141) configured to connect the hinge (17) to a front wall (112) of the partition structure (1), a second portion (142) connecting the first portion (141) and a third portion (143) configured to connect a side wall (113) of the partition structure (1) to the inner container (10). The first portion (141) of the reinforcing member (14) is implemented in a U shape; and / or The partition structure (1) further comprises a cover (13) arranged at the front surface of the front wall (112); and / or The first portion (1) has a connecting part (1412) cooperating with the hook (1125) and a recess (1413) adjacent to the connecting part, the recess (1413) providing the reinforcing member (14) with elastic deformation capability capable of being mounted in place; and / or The positioning hole (P2) defines the extent of the end portion (1411) of the first portion (141) extending out of the side wall (113) of the partition structure (1); and / or The portion of the hook (1125) cooperating with the first portion (1) is formed in a substantially concave shape.

4. The partition structure of a refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein The reinforcing member (14) further comprises an extension part (144) extending from the first portion (141) towards the direction of the second portion (142) or the third portion (143) to provide a larger contact area with the foaming material; and / or The reinforcing member (14) is a stamping member made by a stamping process; and / or At least one of the first portion (141), the second portion (142) and the third portion (143) has at least one material passing hole (P3, P4) through which the foaming material penetrates between the corresponding at least one of the first portion (141), the second portion (142) and the third portion (143) and the partition structure (1); and / or The partition structure (1) defines a closed internal space, the foaming material is filled into the internal space and forms a thermal insulation layer after solidification, and the reinforcing member (14) is located in the internal space and combined with the foaming material; and / or The partition structure (1) further comprises a valve structure (16) configured to selectively close or open an inlet (160) of the partition structure (1) for the foaming material.

5. The partition structure of a refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, wherein The extension part (144) and the second portion (142) are opposite to each other; and / or The extension part (144) is implemented in a stepped shape; and / or The width (W1) of the partition structure (1) at the first portion (141) is smaller than the width (W2) between the second portion (142) and the extension part (144).

6. The partition structure of a refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, wherein The distance between the side walls (113) of the partition structure (1) first increases and then decreases along the direction from the rear wall (114) to the front wall (112); and / or The side wall (113) has a rear portion (1133) away from the front wall and a front portion (1134) adjacent to the front wall, and the rear portion (1133) and the front portion (1134) are transitionally connected by a curved portion (1131).

7. The partition structure of the refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, the front portions (1134) of the side walls (113) are inclinedly extended towards each other in the direction of the front wall (112); and / or the partition structure (1) further comprises a matching rib (1132) located outside the front portions (1134) of the side walls, the matching rib (1132) is configured to be adapted to form a shape fit with the inner liner (10); and / or the length of the front portions (1134) is substantially within the range of 70mm to 100mm.

8. The partition structure of the refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, the partition structure (1) comprises an upper cover (11) and a lower cover (12), the upper cover (11) and the lower cover (12) are connected to each other to form the closed internal space, wherein, the front wall (112) is integrally formed with the upper cover (11); and / or the upper cover (11) and the lower cover (12) are connected to each other by the clamping of the clamping portions (151, 152); and / or the upper cover (11) and the lower cover (12) form a labyrinth fit structure at the matching face.

9. A refrigeration appliance characterized in that, the refrigeration appliance comprises: the partition structure (1) according to any one of claims 1-8; and an inner liner (10) having a groove (101) extending in the circumferential direction, the partition structure (1) is supported in the groove (101) to thermally insulate the accommodation space of the inner liner (10) into a first compartment (100) and a second compartment (200).

10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, the first compartment (100) is a refrigeration compartment, and the second compartment (200) is a fresh-keeping compartment or a variable-temperature compartment; and / or a plurality of through holes (102) are provided in the groove (101) to allow the foaming material to pass through the through holes (102) from the outside of the inner liner (10) to fill into the gap (103) between the partition structure (1) and the inner liner (10), the through holes (102) have geometric features associated with their relative positions with respect to the foaming material injection port of the refrigeration appliance; and / or the refrigeration appliance further comprises a connecting piece (S) and an inner liner reinforcing member (115), the connecting piece (S) is connected to the third portion (143) of the partition structure (1) through the inner liner reinforcing member (115) provided in the inner liner (10).

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