Air duct device for adjusting storage environment and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air duct device for adjusting a storage environment and a refrigerator, a fan is integrated in a first air duct, an air inlet of the first air duct is connected with a cavity where a refrigeration assembly is located, a first air outlet of the first air duct is connected with a first storage space, and wet and cold air in the refrigeration assembly enters the first storage space through the first air duct; a second air outlet of the first air duct is connected with an air inlet of the second air duct through an air door, an air outlet of the second air duct is connected with the second storage space, and wet and cold air enters the second storage space through the second air duct; the dehumidification assembly is integrated in the second air duct to dry wet and cold air, differential control over the temperature and humidity of the two storage spaces through one refrigerating system is achieved, and the problem that in the prior art, the temperature and humidity control cost of storage equipment is high is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of temperature and humidity control technology, and in particular to an air duct device and a refrigerator for regulating the storage environment. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, refrigerators have become essential storage devices for refrigeration and freezing in homes. A wide variety of foods have different requirements for their storage environment; for example, tropical fruits, red wine, tea, and dried goods require different temperature and humidity conditions. To better preserve the quality of food, higher demands are placed on the design of refrigerator storage space.

[0003] In existing refrigerators, in order to achieve the design of storage spaces with different temperatures and humidity, each insulated storage compartment is usually equipped with a separate refrigeration component, humidifier, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor. In this way, the temperature and humidity of each insulated storage compartment can be independently controlled by the control circuit board, so as to achieve differentiated adjustment and facilitate the storage of items with different temperature and humidity requirements in different insulated storage compartments.

[0004] However, the repeated installation of cooling components and humidifiers in each insulated storage compartment increases system power consumption and occupies more storage space, resulting in a significant increase in the hardware cost and energy consumption of the storage equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] This embodiment provides an air duct device and a refrigerator for regulating the storage environment, in order to solve the problems of high hardware cost and energy consumption in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, this embodiment provides an air duct device for regulating the storage environment, including: a fan, a first air duct, a damper, a second air duct, and a dehumidification component;

[0007] The fan is integrated inside the first air duct. The air inlet of the first air duct is connected to the cavity where the refrigeration component is located. The first air outlet of the first air duct is connected to the first storage space. When the fan is turned on, the humid and cold gas generated by the refrigeration component enters the first storage space.

[0008] The second air outlet of the first air duct is connected to the air inlet of the second air duct through the damper, and the air outlet of the second air duct is connected to the second storage space. After the fan and the damper are turned on, the humid and cold gas generated by the refrigeration component enters the second storage space.

[0009] The dehumidification component is integrated inside the second air duct to dry the humid and cold gas.

[0010] In some of these embodiments, the dehumidification component includes a semiconductor integrated component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the dehumidification component is located at the air inlet of the second air duct.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second air duct is provided with multiple air outlets, each facing a different storage area in the second storage space.

[0013] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are also included; the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are disposed in the second air duct.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fan is located at the air inlet of the first air duct.

[0015] Secondly, this embodiment provides a refrigerator, including: an air duct device for adjusting the storage environment as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0016] In some embodiments, an evaporator, a first compartment, and a second compartment are also included;

[0017] The first air duct is installed on the inner liner of the first compartment; the first air duct and one side of the inner liner of the first compartment form a cooling cavity, and the evaporator is installed in the cooling cavity; the first air duct and the other side of the inner liner of the first compartment form a first storage space.

[0018] The second air duct and the second storage space are located in the second room.

[0019] In some of these embodiments, air supply foam is also included;

[0020] The second air outlet of the first air duct is sealed to the side wall opening of the first chamber through the air supply foam; the air inlet of the second air duct is sealed to the side wall opening of the second chamber through the air supply foam.

[0021] The air supply foam is provided with an air supply channel, and an air damper is set in the air supply channel of the air supply foam to connect the first air duct and the second air duct.

[0022] In some embodiments, a return air vent is also provided on the second compartment, and the return air vent is connected to the cooling cavity.

[0023] Compared with related technologies, the air duct device and refrigerator for adjusting the storage environment provided in this embodiment integrate a fan inside the first air duct. The air inlet of the first air duct is connected to the cavity where the refrigeration component is located, and the first air outlet of the first air duct is connected to the first storage space. After the fan is turned on, the humid and cold gas in the refrigeration component will enter the first storage space through the first air duct. The second air outlet of the first air duct is connected to the air inlet of the second air duct through a damper, and the air outlet of the second air duct is connected to the second storage space. After the fan and damper are turned on, the humid and cold gas will enter the second storage space through the second air duct. The dehumidification component is integrated inside the second air duct to dry the humid and cold air. This achieves differentiated control of the temperature and humidity of the two storage spaces through a single refrigeration system. The fan controls the low temperature of the first storage space, and the damper and dehumidification component work together to control the low humidity of the second storage space, solving the problem of high cost of temperature and humidity control in existing storage devices.

[0024] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct device for adjusting the storage environment in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air inlet side of an air duct device for adjusting the storage environment in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet side of the air duct device for adjusting the storage environment in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first compartment in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Reference numerals: 100, refrigerator; 110, air duct device for regulating storage environment; 111, fan; 112, first air duct; 113, damper; 114, second air duct; 115, dehumidification component; 120, evaporator; 130, first compartment; 131, refrigeration cavity; 132, first storage space; 140, second compartment; 150, supply air foam; 160, return air foam. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To better understand the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the application is described and explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the general meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Words such as “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “these,” used in this application, do not indicate quantitative limitation and may be singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or modules (units) but may include steps or modules (units) not listed, or may include other steps or modules (units) inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” and “coupled,” used in this application, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The term “multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. The "and / or" operator describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Typically, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in this application are merely for distinguishing similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0034] This embodiment provides an air duct device 110 for regulating the storage environment, which is used in low-temperature storage equipment such as refrigerators 100, including but not limited to household appliances, medical research and industrial production. Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct device 110 for regulating the storage environment in this embodiment. See also: Figures 1 to 3 The air duct device 110 for regulating the storage environment includes: a fan 111, a first air duct 112, a damper 113, a second air duct 114, and a dehumidification component 115.

[0035] A fan 111 is integrated inside a first air duct 112. The air inlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the cavity containing the refrigeration components, and the first air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the first storage space. When the fan 111 is turned on, the humid and cold gas generated by the refrigeration components enters the first storage space to lower the temperature within it. For example, when the fan 111 is constantly on, the first storage space achieves a freezer-like effect of -18 degrees Celsius. The temperature change within the first storage space can also be adjusted by controlling the on-time of the fan 111 or by changing the cooling capacity of the refrigeration components to meet the storage requirements for low temperatures or varying temperatures.

[0036] The second air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the air inlet of the second air duct 114 via a damper 113. The air outlet of the second air duct 114 is connected to the second storage space. After the fan 111 and the damper 113 are turned on, the humid and cold air generated by the cooling component enters the second storage space to lower the temperature and increase the humidity in the first storage space. The dehumidification component 115 is integrated inside the second air duct 114 to dry the humid and cold air entering the second storage space from the second air duct 114. By controlling the opening and closing times of the damper 113 and the dehumidification component 115, a controllable humidity storage environment is achieved, maintaining the second storage space within a certain humidity range.

[0037] Specifically, the fan 111, damper 113, and dehumidification assembly 115 can be connected to the controller and controlled by the controller to switch them on and off.

[0038] In this embodiment, a fan 111 is integrated inside the first air duct 112. The air inlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the cavity where the cooling component is located, and the first air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the first storage space. When the fan 111 is turned on, the humid and cold gas in the cooling component will enter the first storage space through the first air duct 112. The second air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the air inlet of the second air duct 114 through a damper 113, and the air outlet of the second air duct 114 is connected to the second storage space. When the fan 111 is turned on... After the damper 113, the humid and cold air will enter the second storage space through the second air duct 114; the dehumidification component 115 is integrated inside the second air duct 114 to dry the humid and cold air, realizing differentiated control of temperature and humidity of the two storage spaces through a single refrigeration system. The fan 111 controls the low temperature of the first storage space, and the damper 113 and the dehumidification component 115 work together to control the low humidity of the second storage space, solving the problem of high cost of temperature and humidity control of storage devices in the prior art.

[0039] In some embodiments, the dehumidification component 115 includes a semiconductor integrated circuit. Specifically, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the second air duct 114 or the gas in the second storage space is higher than a preset humidity level, the semiconductor integrated circuit is activated. Through the thermoelectric effect of the semiconductor integrated circuit, heat exchange is achieved to condense water vapor in the air into water droplets, which are then discharged through the air duct, thus achieving a drying effect. Specifically, when current passes through the PN junction formed by two different types of semiconductor materials in the semiconductor integrated circuit, namely P-type and N-type semiconductor materials, electrons and holes migrate on one side of the junction, causing one side to absorb heat and become cooler, while the other side releases heat and becomes hotter. This is because electrons lose energy when crossing the PN junction from the N-type material to the P-type material, and this energy is released as heat, while the P-type side absorbs heat, thereby achieving a cooling effect. Furthermore, by controlling the direction and magnitude of the current, the degree of cooling or heating can be precisely controlled. The above process effectively reduces the humidity in the air, achieving the purpose of reducing moisture, until the humidity reaches a preset value, at which point the semiconductor integrated circuit is shut off. It is restarted when the humidity does not meet the requirements.

[0040] In this embodiment, the semiconductor integrated device is small in size, saves space, and has low power consumption.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dehumidification component 115 is disposed at the air inlet of the second air duct 114, thereby drying the incoming space in a timely manner.

[0042] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 3 The second air duct 114 is provided with multiple air outlets, each facing a different storage area in the second storage space. The first air duct 112 is provided with multiple air outlets, each facing a different storage area in the first storage space.

[0043] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are also included; the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are disposed in the second air duct 114.

[0044] Specifically, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor are connected to the controller, which runs the existing control algorithm to determine whether the dehumidification component 115 and the damper 113 need to be turned on, thereby improving control efficiency. Integrating both the temperature and humidity sensors into the air duct and placing them between the dehumidification component 115 and the air outlet facilitates the acquisition of accurate temperature and humidity information after drying.

[0045] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 2The fan 111 is located at the air inlet of the first air duct 112. Specifically, the fan 111 effectively introduces outside air into the first air duct 112 at the air inlet and distributes it through the first air duct 112. This ensures that the air enters the first storage space at a high speed and with a large flow rate, thereby improving the overall ventilation efficiency.

[0046] This embodiment provides a refrigerator 100. Figure 4 A refrigerator 100 is provided for this embodiment, which includes: an air duct device 110 for adjusting the storage environment as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0047] Specifically, the refrigeration component of refrigerator 100 is evaporator 120. Refrigerator 100 also includes a compressor, condenser, and a throttling device. The compressor inlet is connected to the outlet of evaporator 120, compressing the refrigerant that has absorbed heat in evaporator 120 into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged into the condenser, where it releases heat. After passing through the throttling device, the refrigerant is reduced in pressure and released heat, forming a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. It then enters evaporator 120, absorbing the temperature of the gas inside the cavity to cool it. Subsequently, the heat-absorbing refrigerant enters the compressor, where it circulates under the action of the compressor. The throttling device can be at least one of an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0048] In this embodiment, a fan 111 is integrated inside the first air duct 112. The air inlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the cavity where the cooling component is located, and the first air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the first storage space. When the fan 111 is turned on, the humid and cold gas in the cooling component will enter the first storage space through the first air duct 112. The second air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the air inlet of the second air duct 114 through a damper 113, and the air outlet of the second air duct 114 is connected to the second storage space. When the fan 111 is turned on... After the damper 113, the humid and cold air will enter the second storage space through the second air duct 114; the dehumidification component 115 is integrated inside the second air duct 114 to dry the humid and cold air, realizing differentiated control of temperature and humidity of the two storage spaces through a single refrigeration system. The fan 111 controls the low temperature of the first storage space, and the damper 113 and the dehumidification component 115 work together to control the low humidity of the second storage space, solving the problem of high cost of temperature and humidity control of storage devices in the prior art.

[0049] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerator 100 also includes an evaporator 120, a first compartment 130, and a second compartment 140.

[0050] Specifically, the first compartment 130 and the second compartment 140 are two independent spaces within the refrigerator 100, connected by foam to achieve a sealed effect. The foam contains air ducts to allow air circulation between the two compartments. The first compartment 130 and the second compartment 140 are respectively configured as a first storage space and a second storage space, allowing for separate control of the storage environment in each space.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first chamber 130 in one embodiment. The shaded area in the figure shows the cavity of the first air duct 112, and the arrows in the figure indicate the direction of airflow within the first air duct 112. Figure 5 As shown, the first air duct 112 is installed on the inner liner of the first compartment 130, and the sponge strip of the first air duct 112 seals it to the inner liner. The upper width of the first air duct 112 is greater than the lower width of the first air duct 112, and the protrusion at the upper end of the first air duct 112 is used to install the fan 111. The first air duct 112 and one side of the inner liner of the first compartment 130 form a cooling cavity 131, and an evaporator 120 is installed in the cooling cavity 131, located at the lower end of the first air duct 112; the first air duct 112 and the other side of the inner liner of the first compartment 130 form a first storage space 132. The first compartment 130 can be a drawer compartment, and multiple pull-out drawers can be provided as different storage areas. Correspondingly, multiple first air outlets are also provided on the first air duct 112, each facing a different storage area.

[0052] The second air duct 114 and the second storage space are located within the second compartment 140, providing a storage environment with controllable humidity for the second compartment 140.

[0053] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes an air supply foam 150; the second air outlet of the first air duct 112 is sealed to the side wall opening of the first compartment 130 through the air supply foam 150; the air inlet of the second air duct 114 is sealed to the side wall opening of the second compartment 140 through the air supply foam 150; the air supply foam 150 is provided with an air supply channel, and the air damper 113 is disposed in the air supply channel of the air supply foam 150 to connect the first air duct 112 and the second air duct 114.

[0054] In some of these embodiments, a return air vent is also provided on the second chamber 140, and the return air vent is connected to the cooling chamber 131.

[0055] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 also includes a return air foam 160 with a built-in return air channel; the return air vent on the second compartment 140 is connected to the cooling cavity 131 through the return air foam 160.

[0056] Specifically, between the first compartment 130 and the second compartment 140 of the refrigerator 100, a circulation system is formed through the damper 113 and the return air vent. The dried air can return to the refrigeration components, which helps to alleviate the frost buildup on the refrigeration components.

[0057] The present embodiment will now be described and illustrated through preferred embodiments. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5 This preferred embodiment provides a refrigerator 100, which includes a first compartment 130, a second compartment 140, an air duct device 110 for regulating the storage environment, an evaporator 120, a supply air foam 150, a return air foam 160, and a controller.

[0058] The first compartment 130 is connected to the second compartment 140 via an air duct device 110 for regulating the storage environment, and the connection is sealed by an air supply foam 150. The air duct device 110 for regulating the storage environment includes: a fan 111, a first air duct 112, an air damper 113, a second air duct 114, a dehumidification component 115, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.

[0059] The first air duct 112 is located in the first chamber 130, dividing the space in the first chamber 130 into a refrigeration chamber 131 and a first storage space 132. The evaporator 120 is located in the refrigeration chamber 131. The second air duct 114 is located in the second chamber 140, and the second chamber 140 is provided with a second storage space.

[0060] The fan 111 is integrated inside the first air duct 112. The air inlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the cavity where the cooling component is located. The first air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the first storage space 132. After the fan 111 is turned on, the humid and cold gas generated by the cooling component enters the first storage space 132.

[0061] The second air outlet of the first air duct 112 is connected to the air inlet of the second air duct 114 through the air supply foam 150. The air supply foam 150 has a through air supply channel, and the air supply channel is equipped with a damper 113. The air outlet of the second air duct 114 is connected to the second storage space. After the fan 111 and the damper 113 are turned on, the humid and cold gas generated by the refrigeration component enters the second storage space.

[0062] The dehumidification component 115 uses a semiconductor integrated device and is located at the air inlet of the second air duct 114 to dry the humid and cold gas.

[0063] Temperature and humidity sensors are installed in the second air duct 114 to collect temperature and humidity information in the second room 140.

[0064] The controller is connected to the fan 111, damper 113, dehumidification assembly 115, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor, respectively. It receives temperature and humidity detection signals from the temperature and humidity sensors, analyzes these signals using existing algorithms, and outputs adjustment signals to the damper 113 or dehumidification assembly 115 to control their on / off states. When the humidity in the second chamber 140 exceeds a preset humidity level, the semiconductor integrated circuit is activated, using its thermoelectric effect to dry other components. When the humidity in the second chamber 140 is lower than the preset value, the defrosting process in the first chamber 130 can be used to increase the humidity in the evaporator 120 section. The fan 111 and the damper 113 are turned on to send the humid air in the first chamber 130 into the second chamber 140 to quickly increase the humidity until it reaches the preset humidity range. When the humidity reaches the preset value range, the damper 113 of the second chamber 140 can be closed. If it does not reach the preset value range, the above operation can be repeated until the humidity is within the preset value range.

[0065] The second chamber 140 is also equipped with a return air vent, which is connected to the cooling chamber 131 through a return air foam 160. The return air foam 160 has a through return air channel to achieve air circulation.

[0066] In this preferred embodiment, differentiated control of temperature and humidity of two storage spaces is achieved through a single refrigeration system. Temperature of the first storage space 132 is controlled by the evaporator 120 and the fan 111, and humidity of the second storage space is controlled by the cooperation of the damper 113 and the dehumidification component 115. This solves the problem of high cost of temperature and humidity control in storage devices in the prior art.

[0067] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] Obviously, the accompanying drawings are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar situations based on these drawings without any creative effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the work done in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art, certain design, manufacturing, or production modifications made based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be considered as insufficient disclosure of this application.

[0069] The term "embodiment" in this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily imply the same embodiment, nor does it imply that it is mutually exclusive with or independent of other embodiments. It will be clearly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0070] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent protection. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plenum device for regulating a storage environment, characterized by, Comprising: a fan, a first air duct, an air door, a second air duct, and a dehumidification assembly; the fan is integrated inside the first air duct, an air inlet of the first air duct is connected with a cavity where a refrigeration assembly is located, a first air outlet of the first air duct is connected with a first storage space, after the fan is turned on, humid and cold gas generated by the refrigeration assembly enters the first storage space; a second air outlet of the first air duct is connected with an air inlet of the second air duct through the air door, an air outlet of the second air duct is connected with a second storage space, after the fan and the air door are turned on, the humid and cold gas generated by the refrigeration assembly enters the second storage space; the dehumidification assembly is integrated inside the second air duct to dry the humid and cold gas.

2. A ductwork arrangement for regulating a storage environment according to claim 1, characterised in that, the dehumidification assembly comprises a semiconductor integrated assembly.

3. The ductwork arrangement for regulating a storage environment according to claim 1, wherein, the dehumidification assembly is arranged at the air inlet of the second air duct.

4. The ductwork arrangement for regulating a storage environment according to claim 1, wherein, the second air duct is provided with multiple air outlets respectively facing different storage areas in the second storage space.

5. The ductwork arrangement for regulating a storage environment according to claim 1, wherein, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are further included; the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are arranged in the second air duct.

6. The ductwork arrangement for regulating a storage environment of claim 1, wherein, the fan is arranged at the air inlet of the first air duct.

7. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: Comprising: the air duct device for adjusting storage environment according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, a first chamber and a second chamber are further included; the first air duct is mounted on an inner container of the first chamber; the first air duct and one side inner container of the first chamber form a refrigeration cavity, the refrigeration cavity is provided with the evaporator; the first air duct and another side inner container of the first chamber form a first storage space; the second air duct and a second storage space are arranged in the second chamber.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, a supply air foam is further included; a second air outlet of the first air duct is sealingly connected with a side wall opening of the first chamber through the supply air foam; an air inlet of the second air duct is sealingly connected with a side wall opening of the second chamber through the supply air foam; a supply air passage is arranged in the supply air foam, and an air door is arranged in the supply air passage of the supply air foam to connect the first air duct and the second air duct.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, a return air outlet is further arranged on the second chamber, and the return air outlet is connected with the refrigeration cavity.

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