Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a refrigerator, and belongs to the technical field of refrigeration equipment. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, the refrigerator body is provided with a refrigerating chamber, and the refrigerating chamber is provided with an air return opening; the evaporator is arranged in the box body; the air return pipe is communicated with the air return opening, and an air outlet of the air return pipe is located in the center of the bottom of the evaporator. According to the refrigerator, the air return pipe communicates with the air return opening, the air outlet of the air return pipe is located in the center of the bottom of the evaporator, and return air flows to the bottom of the evaporator along the air return pipe and then diffuses from the middle to all positions of the evaporator; therefore, the air return speeds of the left side and the right side of the evaporator are approximately consistent, the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is improved, the phenomenon that local frosting of the evaporator is serious due to uneven air return speeds can be avoided, and long-time stable operation of the refrigerator is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more specifically, relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In refrigerator refrigeration systems, the evaporator is typically located at the rear of the freezer compartment and uses a fan to force airflow to achieve a uniform temperature distribution within the refrigerator. However, in existing refrigerators, the return air duct is often located on one side of the evaporator, resulting in uneven distribution of cold air as it flows through the evaporator. Specifically, the airflow velocity is higher on the side closer to the return air duct and lower on the side farther away, causing inconsistent heat exchange efficiency across different parts of the evaporator and reducing overall cooling performance. This uneven airflow distribution not only affects the evaporator's heat exchange efficiency, leading to slower cooling and increased energy consumption, but may also affect the long-term stability of the system due to increased localized frost buildup, thus degrading the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigerator to solve the technical problems of poor heat exchange efficiency and severe local frost formation in existing refrigerators.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] The cabinet has a refrigerator compartment, and the refrigerator compartment is equipped with a return air vent;

[0006] The evaporator is installed inside the casing;

[0007] The return air duct is connected to the return air inlet, and the air outlet of the return air duct is located at the bottom center of the evaporator.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the refrigerator provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, in the refrigerator of this application, the air outlet of the return air duct connected to the return air inlet is located at the bottom center of the evaporator. After the return air flows along the return air duct to the bottom of the evaporator, it is discharged from the air outlet and diffuses from the bottom center of the evaporator to various parts of the evaporator surface. The distance between the left and right sides of the evaporator and the air outlet is roughly the same, thereby making the return air speed on the left and right sides of the evaporator basically the same, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and avoiding the phenomenon of severe local frost on the evaporator, which is conducive to achieving long-term stable operation of the refrigerator.

[0009] Optionally, the width of the air outlet of the return air duct gradually increases along the direction of return air flow.

[0010] By adopting the above solution, the air outlet area at the air outlet end of the return air duct is increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] Optionally, the return air inlet includes a first return air inlet and a second return air inlet; the return air duct includes a first return air branch duct, a second return air branch duct and a main return air duct, one end of the first return air branch duct is connected to the first return air inlet, the other end of the first return air branch duct is connected to the main return air duct, one end of the second return air branch duct is connected to the second return air inlet, the other end of the second return air branch duct is connected to the main return air duct, and the main return air duct is located in the middle of the evaporator.

[0012] By adopting the above scheme, the return air in the first and second return air branch pipes converges in the main return air pipe, avoiding uneven air velocity caused by unilateral air supply to the main return air pipe; in addition, if one of the return air inlets is blocked, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment can be adjusted by using the other return air inlet.

[0013] Optionally, at least one of the first return air vent and the second return air vent is disposed on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment.

[0014] By adopting the above solution, the air return vents are prevented from being blocked by items stored in the refrigerator, ensuring the normal operation of the airflow system in the refrigerator compartment.

[0015] Optionally, the refrigerator compartment is provided with an air outlet, the refrigerator compartment is provided with a refrigerator air duct, the refrigerator air duct is connected to the air outlet, and the refrigerator also includes an air supply pipe, the air supply pipe is connected to the refrigerator air duct.

[0016] By adopting the above solution, the refrigeration air duct is located outside the refrigerator compartment, which does not occupy the internal space of the refrigerator compartment, thus helping to increase the usable space of the refrigerator compartment and improve the refrigerator's capacity.

[0017] Optionally, the air outlet is located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment.

[0018] By adopting the above solution, the length of the refrigerated air duct and air supply pipe can be shortened, thereby reducing the loss of cooling capacity.

[0019] Optionally, the walls of the refrigerator compartment are divided into a left wall and a right wall, and the air outlets include a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The first air outlet is located on the left wall and the second air outlet is located on the right wall. The refrigerator air ducts include a first refrigerator air duct and a second refrigerator air duct that are independent of each other. The first air outlet is connected to the first refrigerator air duct and the second air outlet is connected to the second refrigerator air duct.

[0020] By adopting the above solution, air can be supplied to both the left and right sides of the refrigerator, making temperature regulation in the refrigerator compartment more efficient.

[0021] Optionally, the air supply duct has a first air supply branch pipe and a second air supply branch pipe. The first air supply branch pipe is connected to the first refrigerated air duct to form a first air duct, and the second air supply branch pipe is connected to the second refrigerated air duct to form a second air duct. A first air damper is installed in the first air duct, and a second air damper is installed in the second air duct.

[0022] By adopting the above solution, the first and second air dampers enable the left and right sides of the refrigerator to be simultaneously or individually controlled, providing multiple adjustment modes, reducing unnecessary cooling consumption, and lowering the refrigerator's energy consumption.

[0023] Optionally, the refrigerator compartment is equipped with a drawer, and at least one of the first air door and the second air door is a double-layer air door, with the air outlet corresponding to the drawer located between the inner and outer air doors of the corresponding double-layer air door.

[0024] By adopting the above solution, individual temperature control of the drawer can be achieved with the help of double-layer air dampers.

[0025] Optionally, the refrigerator further includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor being disposed on the left side wall and the second temperature sensor being disposed on the right side wall;

[0026] The first damper is communicatively connected to at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and the second damper is communicatively connected to at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0027] By adopting the above scheme, the hardware for controlling the internal temperature of the refrigerator's cold compartment is built, providing temperature data for precise control of the internal temperature of the cold compartment.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the refrigerator provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, in the refrigerator of this application, the air outlet of the return air duct connected to the return air inlet is located at the bottom center of the evaporator. After the return air flows along the return air duct to the bottom of the evaporator, it is discharged from the air outlet and diffuses from the bottom center of the evaporator to various parts of the evaporator surface. The distance between the left and right sides of the evaporator and the air outlet is roughly the same, thereby making the return air speed on the left and right sides of the evaporator basically the same, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and avoiding the phenomenon of severe local frost on the evaporator, which is conducive to achieving long-term stable operation of the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the refrigerator is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the refrigerator in the freezer compartment area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A rear view schematic diagram of the local structure shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the return air duct provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the return air duct and the evaporator in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A rear view schematic diagram of the structure shown.

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the layout of the first return air inlet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the layout structure of the second return air inlet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a front view of a partial structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the refrigerator compartment, air duct, and refrigeration air passage in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A rear view schematic diagram of the structure shown.

[0042] Figure 13 A partial structural schematic diagram of the air supply duct and refrigerated air duct provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 14 for Figure 13 The diagram shows a structural schematic from another perspective;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator compartment provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] The three-dimensional structural diagram of the cold storage compartment provided in this application embodiment.

[0046] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0047] 10. Cabinet; 11. Refrigerator compartment; 12. Freezer compartment; 13. Recess; 14. Recessed area; 20. Return air vent; 21. First return air vent; 22. Second return air vent; 30. Evaporator; 40. Return air duct; 41. First return air branch duct; 42. Second return air branch duct; 43. Main return air duct; 50. Air supply vent; 51. First air supply vent; 52. Second air supply vent; 53. Third air supply vent; 60. Air supply duct; 61. First air supply branch duct; 62. Second air supply branch duct; 70. Refrigeration air duct; 71. First refrigeration air duct; 72. Second refrigeration air duct; 73. Sealing structure; 74. Sealing section; 75. Pipe section; 76. Air outlet; 81. First damper; 82. Second damper; 91. Freezer air duct; 92. Fan; 100. Drawer. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0049] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0050] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0052] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 15 The refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described. (See also...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator includes a cabinet 10, an evaporator 30, and a return air duct 40. (See also...) Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The cabinet 10 has a refrigerator compartment 11, and the refrigerator compartment 11 is equipped with a return air vent 20. An evaporator 30 is installed inside the cabinet 10. A return air duct 40 is connected to the return air vent 20. (See reference...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The air outlet of the return air duct 40 is located at the bottom center of the evaporator 30.

[0053] The return air vent 20 can be installed on the bottom or side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cabinet 10 also includes a freezer compartment 12, with an evaporator 30 disposed on the rear wall of the freezer compartment 12. Return air flows along the return air duct 40 to the bottom of the evaporator 30, where it exchanges heat with the evaporator 30. The center of the bottom of the evaporator 30 refers to the central area of ​​the bottom of the evaporator 30 along the width of the refrigerator, and the air outlet of the return air duct 40 being located at the center of the bottom of the evaporator 30 means that the air outlet of the return air duct 40 at least partially covers the central area. In some embodiments, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 7 The air outlet of the return air duct 40 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the evaporator 30 along the axis of symmetry in the width direction of the refrigerator. In some embodiments, the air outlet of the return air duct 40 crosses the axis of symmetry of the evaporator 30 along the width direction of the refrigerator and is offset to one side.

[0054] Understandably, in some embodiments, there is one return air inlet 20, the air inlet of the return air duct 40 is connected to the return air inlet 20, and the air outlet of the return air duct 40 is located at the bottom center of the evaporator 30. There are no specific limitations on the setting position and channel shape of the return air duct 40. In some embodiments, there are multiple return air inlets 20, and multiple return air inlets 20 are all connected to the air inlet of the return air duct 40.

[0055] In traditional refrigerators, the return air duct 40 is installed along one side of the evaporator 30. This results in a significant difference in the impact of return air on the side of the evaporator 30 with the return air duct 40 and the side away from the return air duct 40, leading to uneven frost formation on the evaporator 30 and affecting heat exchange efficiency. In the refrigerator provided in this embodiment, the return air flows along the return air duct 40 to the bottom of the evaporator 30 and then diffuses from the center to all parts of the evaporator 30. Because the air outlet of the return air duct 40 is located at the bottom center of the evaporator 30, the distance from the air outlet to the left and right sides of the evaporator 30 is basically the same. This ensures that the return air velocity on the left and right sides of the evaporator 30 is basically consistent, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 30 and preventing severe local frost formation due to uneven air velocity. This is beneficial for achieving stable long-term operation of the refrigerator.

[0056] In some embodiments, see also Figures 1 to 7 The width of the air outlet of the return air duct 40 gradually increases along the direction of return air flow, increasing the contact area between the air outlet of the return air duct 40 and the evaporator 30, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The width of the air outlet of the return air duct 40 gradually increases along the direction of return air flow, exhibiting a gradually expanding shape.

[0057] In some embodiments, the width of the outlet end of the return air duct 40 gradually changes linearly along the return air flow direction. For example, at least one of the side walls of the return air duct 40 near the outlet end is an outwardly flared flat plate. Optionally, the outlet end of the return air duct 40 is trapezoidal. In some embodiments, the width of the outlet end of the return air duct 40 gradually changes arcuately along the return air flow direction. For example, at least one of the side walls of the return air duct 40 near the outlet end is arcuate. Optionally, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 7 The air outlet of return air duct 40 is funnel-shaped. (See also...) Figure 5 The air outlet of the return air duct 40 is strip-shaped and extends along the width of the refrigerator.

[0058] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The return air vent 20 includes a first return air vent 21 and a second return air vent 22. (See also...) Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The return air duct 40 includes a first return air branch duct 41, a second return air branch duct 42, and a main return air duct 43. One end of the first return air branch duct 41 is connected to the first return air inlet 21, and the other end of the first return air branch duct 41 is connected to the main return air duct 43. One end of the second return air branch duct 42 is connected to the second return air inlet 22, and the other end of the second return air branch duct 42 is connected to the main return air duct 43. The main return air duct 43 is located in the middle of the evaporator 30.

[0059] The first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 can be located on either the rear wall or the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. Understandably, the locations of the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 can be the same or different. For example, both the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 can be located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11; or both can be located on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. Another example is that the first return air vent 21 is located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11, and the second return air vent 22 is located on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. The first return air branch pipe 41 connects the first return air vent 21 and the main return air pipe 43, and the second return air branch pipe 42 connects the second return air vent 22 and the main return air pipe 43. (See reference...) Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 7 The first return air branch pipe 41, the second return air branch pipe 42, and the return air main pipe 43 are connected in a Y-shape. Alternatively, the first return air branch pipe 41, the second return air branch pipe 42, and the return air main pipe 43 can also be connected in a T-shape, as long as the first return air branch pipe 41 is connected to the first return air outlet 21 and the return air main pipe 43, and the second return air branch pipe 42 is connected to the second return air outlet 22 and the return air main pipe 43.

[0060] If only one return air inlet 20 is provided and the return air duct 40 is bent so that the outlet of the return air duct 40 is located at the bottom center of the evaporator 30, the airflow velocity on the left and right sides of the return air duct 40 will be uneven after passing through the bend. In some embodiments, see [reference]. Figure 4 and Figure 7 The first return air branch pipe 41 and the second return air branch pipe 42 are symmetrically arranged about the pipe axis of the main return air pipe 43. The main return air pipe 43 is located in the middle of the evaporator 30. The connection between the first return air branch pipe 41 and the second return air branch pipe 42 and the main return air pipe 43 is bent. Air returns from the first return air port 21 and the second return air port 22. The airflow on both sides converges at the bend, forming a countercurrent to ensure that the airflow velocity on the left and right sides of the main return air pipe 43 is uniform.

[0061] Compared to setting only one return air vent 20, by setting at least two return air vents 20, such as the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22, if one of the return air vents 20 is accidentally blocked by items stored in the refrigerator, the other return air vent can continue to return air without affecting the airflow circulation in the refrigerator compartment.

[0062] The evaporator 30 is divided into two symmetrical areas by the return air main pipe 43. The airflow in the refrigerator compartment 11 converges at the return air main pipe 43 along the first return air branch pipe 41 and the second return air branch pipe 42. By dissipating energy to the opposite sides of the return air main pipe 43, the return air velocity is made uniform throughout the evaporator 30, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 30.

[0063] The first return air branch pipe 41 is connected to the first return air outlet 21, and the second return air branch pipe 42 is connected to the second return air outlet 22. The return air converges along the first return air branch pipe 41 and the second return air branch pipe 42 into the return air main pipe 43. The return air main pipe 43 is located at the bottom center of the evaporator 30, which makes the return air pipe 40 path smooth. The return air diffuses to all parts of the evaporator 30 along the air outlet of the return air main pipe 43. Since the air outlet is located at the bottom center of the evaporator 30, the distance between the left and right sides of the evaporator 30 and the air outlet is basically the same. Therefore, the return air on the left and right sides of the evaporator 30 is uniform, avoiding local frost formation on the evaporator 30 due to uneven air velocity, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 30, and helping to achieve long-term stable operation of the refrigerator.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one of the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 is disposed on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, only one of the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 is located on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. For example, the first return air vent 21 is located on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11, and the second return air vent 22 is located on the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. In yet another alternative embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 are both located on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. Usually, a drawer 100 is installed at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 11. The return air vent 20 is located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 and is positioned opposite to the drawer 100. When items are placed in the drawer 100, the return air vent 20 is easily blocked, which affects the normal cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0066] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 has a recessed region 14, and the return air vent 20 is located within the recessed region 14. See also Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 protrudes outward to form a recessed area 14. This recessed area 14 increases the distance between the inner side of the bottom wall and the bottom of the drawer 100, making the return air flow smoother and reducing the risk of it being blocked by stored items. When the return air vent 20 includes a first return air vent 21 and a second return air vent 22, both the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 are located within the recessed area 14.

[0067] By ensuring that at least one of the first return air vent 21 and the second return air vent 22 is located on the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11, even if items are placed in the drawer 100, the return air vent 20 will not be affected, thus ensuring that the refrigerator compartment 11 can always circulate air normally and avoid affecting the refrigeration.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10The refrigerator compartment 11 is equipped with an air outlet 50, and a refrigerator air duct 70 is provided outside the refrigerator compartment 11, which is connected to the air outlet 50. The refrigerator also includes an air duct 60, which is connected to the refrigerator air duct 70.

[0069] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The refrigerator also includes a freezer air duct 91, with one end of the air supply duct 60 connected to the freezer air duct 91 and the other end connected to the refrigerator air duct 70. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a fan 92 is installed on the freezer air duct 91. The fan 92 is used to send outside air into the freezer air duct 91. The cold air in the freezer air duct 91 enters the refrigerator air duct 70 along the air supply pipe 60, and is sent into the refrigerator compartment 11 through the air supply port 50, thereby regulating the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11. In traditional refrigerators, the refrigerator air duct 70 is located inside the refrigerator compartment 11, which occupies more refrigerator space and reduces the usable volume of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0070] In some embodiments, the refrigerated air duct 70 and the air supply duct 60 are an integral structure. In some embodiments, the refrigerated air duct 70 and the air supply duct 60 are separately provided, which facilitates the installation of a damper or other switch structure for controlling the opening and closing of the air duct at the connection point.

[0071] By placing the refrigeration air duct 70 outside the refrigeration compartment 11, it helps to increase the usable volume of the refrigeration compartment 11. The air inlet of the air supply duct 60 is installed in the middle of the refrigeration air duct 91, so that the air supply duct 60 and the refrigeration air duct 91 are connected.

[0072] The air outlet 50 can be located on either the side wall or the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. If multiple air outlets 50 are provided, all of them can be located on the side wall, or all of them can be located on the rear wall; alternatively, some can be located on the side wall and some on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. In an optional embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 and Figure 10 The air outlet 50 is located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0073] The refrigerator compartment 11 has a relatively long vertical height. To ensure a uniform temperature throughout the refrigerator compartment 11, multiple air outlets 50 are typically provided, spaced apart along the height of the refrigerator compartment 11. These air outlets 50 can be arranged in one or more longitudinal rows. For example, the multiple air outlets 50 can form two rows, located on two opposite side walls of the refrigerator compartment 11. Alternatively, both rows of air outlets 50 can be located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. In one embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11 has partitions that divide it into multiple compartments, with at least one air outlet 50 corresponding to each compartment. For example, the refrigerator compartment 11 has two partitions that divide it into three compartments. At least three air outlets 50 are provided, corresponding to each compartment, allowing for simultaneous temperature adjustment in all three compartments during air supply.

[0074] In some embodiments, the walls of the refrigerator compartment 11 are divided into a left side wall and a right side wall. Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 9 and picture Figure 10 The air outlet 50 includes a first air outlet 51 and a second air outlet 52. The first air outlet 51 is located on the left side of the box wall, and the second air outlet 52 is located on the right side of the box wall. The refrigerated air duct 70 includes a first refrigerated air duct 71 and a second refrigerated air duct 72 that are independent of each other. The first air outlet 51 is connected to the first refrigerated air duct 71, and the second air outlet 52 is connected to the second refrigerated air duct 72.

[0075] The walls of the refrigerator compartment 11 are divided into a left wall and a right wall along a longitudinal symmetrical plane. The first air outlet 51 is located on the left wall, providing concentrated cold air to the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11. The second air outlet 52 is located on the right wall, providing concentrated cold air to the right side of the refrigerator compartment 11 via the second refrigerated air duct 72. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 10 Multiple air outlets 50 arranged in two rows are located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11. To facilitate compensation for the effect of the door opening and closing on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11, a third air outlet 53 is provided on the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 near the door, and the air supply duct 60 is connected to the third air outlet 53.

[0076] There are multiple first air outlets 51 and multiple second air outlets 52. Each compartment is provided with at least one first air outlet 51 and at least one second air outlet 52. When the refrigerator compartment 11 is equipped with drawers 100, each drawer 100 can be provided with only one first air outlet 51 or one second air outlet 52, or both first air outlets 51 and second air outlets 52 can be provided. That is, the compartment where the drawer 100 is located can be provided with only one air outlet 50 or at least two air outlets 50 to achieve air supply from both sides.

[0077] In one embodiment, the air supply duct 60 is a straight pipe with only one air inlet and one air outlet. The air outlet of the air supply duct 60 is connected to the first refrigeration air duct 71, and the second refrigeration air duct 72 is connected to the first refrigeration air duct 71. When it is necessary to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment 11 for cooling, the air supply duct 60 is in a conductive state, and the cold air enters the first refrigeration air duct 71 along the air supply duct 60 and is diverted to the second refrigeration air duct 72. The first air outlet 51 and the second air outlet 52 simultaneously discharge air to regulate the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11. When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 reaches the preset temperature, the air supply duct 60 is in a disconnected state, and both the first air outlet 51 and the second air outlet 52 are in a no-airflow state. Usually, the refrigerator door is hinged on the left or right side of the refrigerator compartment 11, and the refrigerator compartment 11 can be opened by pulling the door outward. Frequent opening and closing of the door will cause a temperature difference between the left and right sides of the refrigerator compartment 11. Therefore, in some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The air supply duct 60 has a first air supply branch duct 61 and a second air supply branch duct 62. The first air supply branch duct 61 is connected to the first refrigerated air duct 71 to form a first air duct, and the second air supply branch duct 62 is connected to the second refrigerated air duct 72 to form a second air duct. A first air damper 81 is installed in the first air duct, and a second air damper 82 is installed in the second air duct. Independent temperature control of the left and right sides of the refrigerated compartment 11 is achieved by controlling the opening and closing of the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82. Specifically, the first air damper 81 is located at the connection between the first air supply branch duct 61 and the first refrigerated air duct 71, and the second air damper 82 is located at the connection between the second air supply branch duct 62 and the second refrigerated air duct 72.

[0078] The air supply duct 60 has a first air supply branch duct 61 and a second air supply branch duct 62. The first air supply branch duct 61 is used to introduce cold air from the refrigeration air duct 91 into the first refrigeration air duct 71, and the second air supply branch duct 62 is used to introduce cold air from the refrigeration air duct 91 into the second refrigeration air duct 72. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air supply duct 60 is Y-shaped. Alternatively, the air supply duct 60 can also be T-shaped.

[0079] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 The air supply duct 60 is centrally located at the back of the refrigerator compartment 11. Specifically, the first air supply branch duct 61 and the second air supply branch duct 62 are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal central axis of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0080] Specifically, when the temperature on the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11 is lower than the temperature on the right side, or when the temperature on the left side is higher than the preset target temperature, the first damper 81 opens, and cold air enters the first refrigerated air duct 71 along the first air supply branch pipe 61, passes through the first air outlet 51, and enters the left side area of ​​the refrigerator compartment 11, centrally regulating the temperature of the left side area. Once the temperature in this area reaches the target temperature, the first damper 81 closes. Similarly, when the temperature on the right side of the refrigerator compartment 11 is higher than the temperature on the left side, or when the temperature on the left side is lower than the preset target temperature, the second damper 82 opens, and cold air enters the second refrigerated air duct 72 along the second air supply branch pipe 62, passes through the second air outlet 52, and enters the right side area of ​​the refrigerator compartment 11, centrally regulating the temperature of the right side area. Once the temperature in this area reaches the target temperature, the second damper 82 closes. If the temperatures on both the left and right sides of the refrigerator compartment 11 are higher than the preset target temperature, then both the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 will open, and the first air outlet 51 and the second air outlet 52 will simultaneously discharge air to adjust the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11. Once the temperatures on both sides of the refrigerator compartment 11 reach the target temperature, the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 will be closed. Therefore, by controlling the opening and closing of the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82, independent temperature control of the left and right areas of the refrigerator compartment 11 can be achieved, making temperature control more precise and avoiding inconsistent temperatures on both sides of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0081] In one optional embodiment, both the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 are single air dampers. In yet another optional embodiment, a drawer 100 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 11, and at least one of the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 is a double-layered air damper. The air outlet 50 corresponding to the drawer 100 is located between the outer and inner air dampers of the double-layered air damper. Specifically, a first air outlet 51 is provided corresponding to the drawer 100, the first air damper 81 is a double-layered air damper, and the first air outlet 51 corresponding to the drawer 100 is located between the outer and inner air dampers of the first air damper 81. Alternatively, a second air outlet 52 is provided corresponding to the drawer 100, the second air damper 82 is a double-layered air damper, and the second air outlet 52 corresponding to the drawer 100 is located between the outer and inner air dampers of the second air damper 82. Alternatively, the drawer 100 may be provided with both a first air outlet 51 and a second air outlet 52, and both the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 may be double-layered dampers or only one of them may be a double-layered damper.

[0082] The outer damper of a double-layer damper refers to the damper that the gas first contacts during the gas flow process, while the inner damper refers to the damper that the gas last contacts during the gas flow process. When only the first damper 81 is a double-layer damper and the corresponding drawer 100 is provided with only a first air outlet 51 or both a first air outlet 51 and a second air outlet 52, if the drawer 100 needs to be cooled separately, the outer damper of the first damper 81 opens, the inner damper closes, and the cold air flows along the first air supply branch pipe 61 through the first air outlet 51 corresponding to the drawer 100 into the refrigerator compartment 11 area where the drawer 100 is located, thereby regulating the temperature inside the drawer 100. Similarly, when only the second air damper 82 is a double-layered damper and the corresponding drawer 100 is only provided with a second air outlet 52, or when the corresponding drawer 100 is provided with both a first air outlet 51 and a second air outlet 52, if the drawer 100 needs to be cooled separately, the outer damper of the second air damper 82 opens and the inner damper closes. The cold air flows along the second air supply branch pipe 62 through the second air outlet 52 corresponding to the drawer 100 and enters the refrigerator compartment 11 area where the drawer 100 is located, thereby regulating the temperature inside the drawer 100. When the corresponding drawer 100 is provided with both a first air outlet 51 and a second air outlet 52, and both the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 are double-layered dampers, if the drawer 100 needs to be cooled separately, only the outer damper of one of the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 can be opened, or both the outer dampers of the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 can be opened simultaneously.

[0083] It should be noted that when only the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11 needs temperature adjustment, if the first air damper 81 is a double-layered damper, both the outer and inner air dampers of the second air damper 82 will be opened, allowing cold air to enter the refrigerator compartment 11 from each of the first air outlets 51. Similarly, when only the right side of the refrigerator compartment 11 needs temperature adjustment, if the second air damper 82 is a double-layered damper, both the outer and inner air dampers of the second air damper 82 will be opened, ensuring that cold air can enter the refrigerator compartment 11 from each of the second air outlets 52.

[0084] In one specific embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, with the first temperature sensor disposed on the left side of the refrigerator wall and the second temperature sensor disposed on the right side of the refrigerator wall. A first air damper 81 is communicatively connected to at least one of the first and second temperature sensors, and a second air damper 82 is also communicatively connected to at least one of the first and second temperature sensors.

[0085] The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are located on the left and right sides of the refrigerator, respectively. They can collect the temperature of different areas of the refrigerator and control the opening and closing of the first air damper 81 and the second air damper 82 based on the temperature collected by the two sensors to avoid uneven temperature distribution in the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0086] Optionally, the first damper 81 switches between open and closed states solely based on the temperature collected by the first temperature sensor. Specifically, if the difference between the temperature value collected by the first temperature sensor and the target temperature is greater than a preset value, it indicates that the temperature in the left area of ​​the refrigerator compartment 11 does not meet expectations. In this case, the first damper 81 opens, and the first air outlet 51 delivers cold air to the left area of ​​the refrigerator compartment 11. When the temperature value collected by the first temperature sensor reaches the target temperature, it indicates that the temperature in the left area of ​​the refrigerator compartment 11 meets expectations. At this point, the first damper 81 closes, and the first air outlet 51 stops delivering air.

[0087] Optionally, the first damper 81 switches between open and closed states based on the temperature difference collected by the first and second temperature sensors. Specifically, if the difference between the temperature values ​​collected by the first and second temperature sensors is greater than a preset value, it indicates that the temperature on the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11 is higher than the temperature on the right side. In this case, the first damper 81 opens, and the first air outlet 51 delivers cold air to the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11, lowering the temperature in the left side. If the difference between the temperature values ​​collected by the first and second temperature sensors is not greater than the preset value, it indicates that the temperatures in the left and right sides of the refrigerator compartment 11 are basically the same. In this case, the first damper 81 is closed. Of course, the opening and closing of the first damper 81 can also be controlled based on the difference between the average temperature value collected by the first and second temperature sensors and the target temperature.

[0088] Alternatively, the first damper 81 can also be controlled based solely on the temperature value collected by the second temperature sensor. Specifically, if the difference between the temperature value collected by the second temperature sensor and the target temperature is greater than a preset value, it indicates that the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 does not meet expectations. In this case, the first damper 81 opens, and the first air outlet 51 delivers cold air to the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11, thereby lowering the temperature of the right side by moving the cold air through the refrigerator compartment 11. If the difference between the temperature value collected by the second temperature sensor and the target temperature does not exceed the preset value, it indicates that the temperature of the right side of the refrigerator compartment 11 meets expectations, and the first damper 81 remains closed.

[0089] The second damper 82 can communicate with the second temperature sensor alone or with the first temperature sensor alone. Of course, it can also communicate with both the first and second temperature sensors simultaneously. The process of the second damper 82 communicating with at least one of the first and second temperature sensors to achieve switching of the on / off state is similar to that of the first damper 81, and will not be described again.

[0090] In the case where at least one of the first damper 81 and the second damper 82 is a double-layer damper, the refrigerator also includes a third temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the drawer 100. The double-layer damper is communicatively connected to the third temperature sensor to determine which area within the refrigerator compartment 11—the left-side area, the right-side area, or the drawer area—requires temperature adjustment.

[0091] Taking a double-layered damper 81 as an example, the first damper 81 is communicatively connected to at least one of the first and second temperature sensors, and also to a third temperature sensor. If the temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor does not deviate from the target temperature preset value, but the temperature value detected by the third temperature sensor deviates from the preset temperature, the outer damper of the first damper 81 is opened, adjusting only the temperature of the drawer area. If the temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor deviates from the target temperature preset value, it indicates that the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11 needs cooling. The first damper 81 is fully opened, and cold air enters the left side of the refrigerator compartment 11 along each of the first air outlets 51.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, see [reference] Figures 13 to 15 The wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 has grooves 13, and the openings of the grooves 13 are sealed to form a refrigerated air duct 70. (See also...) Figure 2 and Figure 15 The air outlets 50 are located at the bottom of the groove 13, allowing the refrigeration air duct 70 to communicate with the interior of the refrigerator compartment 11. At least some of the air outlets 50 are spaced apart along the extending direction of the groove 13. In some embodiments, all the air outlets 50 are located at the bottom of the groove 13. In some embodiments, see [reference needed]. Figure 15 A portion of the multiple air outlets 50 are located at the bottom of the groove 13, while the others are located outside the groove 13, as long as the air supply duct 60 can connect to each air outlet 50. In the case where the refrigerated air duct 70 includes an independent first refrigerated air duct 71 and a second refrigerated air duct 72, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the back of the refrigerator compartment 11 has two recesses 13. (See reference...) Figure 15 When the refrigerator has a third air outlet 53, the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with a groove 13, and the third air outlet 53 is located at the bottom of the groove 13 provided on the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0093] Optional, see below Figure 14 and Figure 15 A sealing structure 73 is provided at the opening of the groove 13, which, with the help of the sealing structure 73, forms a cold storage air duct 70 in the groove 13. (See reference...) Figure 14The sealing structure 73 includes a sealing section 74 and a pipe section 75. The sealing section 74 is inserted into the groove 13 to form a channel. One end of the pipe section 75 is connected to the sealing section 74, and the other end is connected to the air supply pipe 60. In some embodiments, the pipe section 75 is provided with an air outlet 76, which is connected to the air supply port 50. For example, the air supply port 50 opposite to the drawer 100 is located lower, outside the groove 13, and air is supplied to it through the air outlet 76 provided in the pipe section 75. In the case where a third air supply port 53 is provided on the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11, see [reference needed]. Figure 14 The sealing structure 73 includes two sealing sections 74, which are branched out and arranged in the same tube section 75. One sealing section 74 is used to seal the groove 13 located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 11, and the other sealing section 74 is used to seal the groove 13 located on the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0094] In some embodiments, a foam layer is installed on the exterior of the refrigerator compartment 11 wall, and the foam layer seals the opening of the groove 13 to form a refrigerated air duct 70. In another optional embodiment, a foam layer is installed on the exterior of the refrigerator compartment 11 wall, and the refrigerated air duct 70 is formed by sealing grooves formed in the foam layer. For example, after the foam layer is fixed to the exterior of the refrigerator compartment 11 wall, the opening of the groove is sealed by the compartment wall to form the refrigerated air duct 70. Alternatively, the refrigerated air duct 70 can also be an independent pipe structure sandwiched between the refrigerator compartment 11 wall and the foam layer.

[0095] See Figure 2 The freezer compartment 12 is equipped with a refrigeration air duct 91 on its exterior, and a fan 92 is installed at the air inlet of the refrigeration air duct 91. An air system circulation is formed between the supply air duct 60, the refrigeration air duct 70, the return air duct 40, and the refrigeration air duct 91. When cooling is required, the fan 92 operates to provide cooling capacity to the supply air duct 60, while the airflow in the return air duct 40 is drawn into the refrigeration air duct 91 by the fan 92 as it flows through the evaporator 30, completing one air system circulation.

[0096] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: The box (10) has a refrigerator compartment (11) and the refrigerator compartment (11) is provided with a return air vent (20); An evaporator (30) is disposed inside the housing (10); The return air duct (40) is connected to the return air inlet (20), and the air outlet of the return air duct (40) is located at the bottom center of the evaporator (30).

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the air outlet of the return air duct (40) gradually increases along the direction of return air flow.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The return air inlet (20) includes a first return air inlet (21) and a second return air inlet (22); the return air duct (40) includes a first return air branch duct (41), a second return air branch duct (42) and a return air main duct (43). One end of the first return air branch duct (41) is connected to the first return air inlet (21), and the other end of the first return air branch duct (41) is connected to the return air main duct (43). One end of the second return air branch duct (42) is connected to the second return air inlet (22), and the other end of the second return air branch duct (42) is connected to the return air main duct (43). The return air main duct (43) is located in the middle of the evaporator (30).

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that: At least one of the first return air vent (21) and the second return air vent (22) is disposed on the bottom wall of the cold storage compartment (11).

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator compartment (11) is provided with an air outlet (50), and a refrigerator air duct (70) is provided outside the refrigerator compartment (11). The refrigerator air duct (70) is connected to the air outlet (50). The refrigerator also includes an air pipe (60), which is connected to the refrigerator air duct (70).

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The air outlet (50) is located on the rear wall of the cold storage compartment (11).

7. The refrigerator as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The walls of the refrigerator compartment (11) are divided into a left wall and a right wall. The air outlet (50) includes a first air outlet (51) and a second air outlet (52). The first air outlet (51) is located on the left wall and the second air outlet (52) is located on the right wall. The refrigerator air duct (70) includes a first refrigerator air duct (71) and a second refrigerator air duct (72) that are independent of each other. The first air outlet (51) is connected to the first refrigerator air duct (71) and the second air outlet (52) is connected to the second refrigerator air duct (72).

8. The refrigerator as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The air supply duct (60) has a first air supply branch duct (61) and a second air supply branch duct (62). The first air supply branch duct (61) is connected to the first refrigerated air duct (71) to form a first air duct, and the second air supply branch duct (62) is connected to the second refrigerated air duct (72) to form a second air duct. A first air damper (81) is installed in the first air duct, and a second air damper (82) is installed in the second air duct.

9. The refrigerator as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The refrigerator compartment (11) is equipped with a drawer. At least one of the first air door (81) and the second air door (82) is a double-layer air door. The air outlet (50) corresponding to the drawer is located between the inner air door and the outer air door of the corresponding double-layer air door.

10. The refrigerator as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The refrigerator also includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor being disposed on the left side of the refrigerator wall and the second temperature sensor being disposed on the right side of the refrigerator wall; The first damper (81) is communicatively connected to at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and the second damper (82) is communicatively connected to at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

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