Refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the field of low-temperature storage technology and discloses a refrigerator, which comprises a cabinet, a separation assembly, a refrigeration assembly, a refrigeration air duct and a quick cooling air duct. The cabinet defines a refrigeration space, the refrigeration space is provided with a refrigeration air outlet; the separation assembly separates a quick cooling area in the refrigeration space, the inner wall of the quick cooling area is provided with a quick cooling air outlet; the refrigeration assembly is arranged in the cabinet and generates cold air when operating; the refrigeration air duct is connected to the refrigeration assembly at an air inlet end and connected to the refrigeration air outlet at an air outlet end; the quick cooling air duct is connected to the refrigeration assembly at an air inlet end and connected to the quick cooling air outlet at an air outlet end; and the air volume of the quick cooling air duct can be controlled and adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of low-temperature storage technology, such as a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Users often need to quickly lower the temperature of food and beverages when using a refrigerator. Currently, if beverages are placed in the refrigerator compartment, the cooling time is relatively long. If beverages are placed in the freezer compartment, the cooling time is difficult to control.

[0003] To meet users' needs for quickly lowering the temperature of food and beverages, a refrigerator and its air duct system are disclosed in related technologies. The air duct system includes a main air duct and a refrigeration air duct. The first end of the main air duct is connected to the air outlet of the refrigerator's cooling fan, and the second end of the main air duct has a refrigeration port. An electric damper assembly is installed within the main air duct. The refrigeration air duct has an air inlet, a first air outlet, and a second air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the refrigeration port, and the first and second air outlets are located within the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment, connecting the refrigeration air duct to the refrigeration compartment. An adjustment device is provided at the first air outlet to adjust its air outlet area. Users can control the local temperature within the refrigeration compartment according to their needs, thus enabling the refrigeration compartment to function as a variable temperature compartment in the refrigerator, making the product better suited to meet different user requirements.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0005] The first air outlet is easily blocked, which affects the cooling effect of the air conditioner on refrigerated items.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] This disclosure provides a refrigerator to improve the cooling effect of a refrigerator on rapidly cooling objects.

[0009] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a cabinet, a partition assembly, a refrigeration assembly, a refrigeration air duct, and a rapid cooling air duct. The cabinet defines a refrigeration space with a refrigeration air outlet. The partition assembly divides the refrigeration space into a rapid cooling zone, with a rapid cooling air outlet on the inner wall of the rapid cooling zone. The refrigeration assembly is disposed in the cabinet and generates cold air during operation. The refrigeration air duct has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration assembly and an air outlet connected to the refrigeration air outlet. The rapid cooling air duct has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration assembly and an air outlet connected to the rapid cooling air outlet. The airflow of the rapid cooling air duct is controllable and adjustable.

[0010] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a rapid cooling fan disposed in the rapid cooling duct. When the rapid cooling fan is running, it drives cold air through the rapid cooling duct into the rapid cooling zone, and the air volume of the rapid cooling duct is adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of the rapid cooling fan.

[0011] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an air outlet housing and an air guide housing. The air outlet housing is disposed on one side wall corresponding to the rapid cooling area, and an air outlet duct communicating with the rapid cooling air outlet is constructed inside the air outlet housing. The air guide housing is disposed on the rear wall corresponding to the rapid cooling area, and an air guide duct is constructed inside the air guide housing. A first end of the air guide duct is connected to the main refrigeration air duct, and a second end is connected to the air outlet housing. The rapid cooling air duct includes the air outlet duct and the air guide duct. The rapid cooling fan is a centrifugal fan. The central air inlet of the rapid cooling fan corresponds to the second end of the air guide housing, and the peripheral air outlet of the rapid cooling fan corresponds to the air inlet of the air outlet housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an infrared temperature sensor disposed on the air outlet housing, the infrared temperature sensor being used to detect the heat source temperature of the rapid cooling zone.

[0013] In some embodiments, the infrared temperature sensor is arranged horizontally, the rapid cooling air outlet is opened horizontally, and the infrared temperature sensor and the rapid cooling air outlet are arranged side by side.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air outlet housing includes a duct foam in which the air outlet duct is formed, the rapid cooling fan is embedded in the duct foam, and the infrared temperature sensor is embedded in the duct foam.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing includes a shell and an inner liner, with the air outlet housing located in the interlayer between the side wall of the shell and the side wall of the inner liner.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air guide housing is located in the interlayer between the rear wall of the housing and the rear wall of the inner liner.

[0017] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a rapid cooling damper disposed in the rapid cooling duct, wherein when the rapid cooling duct is opened, cold air enters the rapid cooling zone through the rapid cooling duct; the refrigeration component includes a refrigeration fan, which drives air into the rapid cooling duct when it is running.

[0018] In some embodiments, the refrigerated air duct includes a main refrigerated air duct and a refrigerated branch air duct, wherein the main refrigerated air duct is connected to the refrigeration component; the refrigerated branch air duct has its air inlet end connected to the refrigeration component and its air outlet end connected to the refrigerated air outlet; the rapid cooling air duct is indirectly connected to the refrigeration component by connecting to the main refrigerated air duct or directly connected to the refrigeration component, and the air resistance of the rapid cooling air duct is less than the air resistance of the refrigerated branch air duct.

[0019] In some embodiments, the two opposite sidewalls of the rapid cooling area are respectively provided with rapid cooling air outlets and rapid cooling air ducts are provided corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlets.

[0020] In some embodiments, the refrigerated space is provided with multiple rapid cooling zones, each of which is provided with a rapid cooling air outlet and a rapid cooling air duct is provided corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlet.

[0021] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment can achieve the following technical effects:

[0022] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment has a rapid cooling air outlet located on the left and / or right side wall of the rapid cooling area, making it less likely to be blocked by food or cooking utensils. Furthermore, when the user opens the refrigerator door, the cold air will not blow directly on the user, improving the user experience; the airflow of the rapid cooling duct is adjustable, allowing the user to adjust the rapid cooling rate as needed.

[0023] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet section of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator's rapid cooling air duct provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 100: Cabinet body; 200: Cabinet door; 210: Refrigerator door; 220: Freezer door; 230: Divider assembly; 231: Shelf; 243: Quick-cooling zone; 244: Refrigerator air outlet; 245: Quick-cooling air outlet; 246: Left side wall; 247: Right side wall; 250: Freezer compartment; 300: Quick-cooling assembly; 400: Refrigeration assembly; 410: Evaporator compartment; 420: Evaporator; 430: Refrigeration fan; 440: Refrigeration air duct; 441: Refrigeration main air duct; 442: Refrigeration compartment Branch air duct; 450: Refrigeration air duct; 310: Rapid cooling air duct; 311: Connecting section; 312: Air outlet section; 313: Air outlet housing; 314: Air guide housing; 315: Infrared temperature sensor; 316: Rapid cooling damper; 320: Annular air outlet assembly; 321: First air supply duct; 322: Second air supply duct; 461: Damper assembly; 462: Rapid cooling fan; 463: Circulating fan; 464: Air guide structure; 465: Circulating air duct; 466: Diverter component; 500: Cooling plate. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0040] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0043] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0044] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0045] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0046] Users often need to quickly lower the temperature of food and beverages when using a refrigerator. Currently, if beverages are placed in the refrigerator compartment, the cooling time is relatively long. If beverages are placed in the freezer compartment, the cooling time is difficult to control.

[0047] To meet users' needs for quickly lowering the temperature of food and beverages, a refrigerator and its air duct system are disclosed in related technologies. The air duct system includes a main air duct and a refrigeration air duct. The first end of the main air duct is connected to the air outlet of the refrigerator's cooling fan, and the second end of the main air duct has a refrigeration port. An electric damper assembly is installed within the main air duct. The refrigeration air duct has an air inlet, a first air outlet, and a second air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the refrigeration port, and the first and second air outlets are located within the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment, connecting the refrigeration air duct to the refrigeration compartment. An adjustment device is provided at the first air outlet to adjust its air outlet area. Users can control the local temperature within the refrigeration compartment according to their needs, thus enabling the refrigeration compartment to function as a variable temperature compartment in the refrigerator, making the product more suitable for different user needs. A problem with this related technology is that the first air outlet is easily blocked, affecting the cooling effect of the air conditioner on rapidly cooling items.

[0048] To improve the cooling effect of refrigerators on rapidly cooling objects, combined with Figure 1-10 As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet 100, a partition component 230, a refrigeration component 400, a refrigeration air duct 440, and a rapid cooling air duct 310. The cabinet 100 defines a refrigeration space, and the refrigeration space has a refrigeration air outlet 244. The partition component 230 divides the refrigeration space into a rapid cooling area 243, and the left and / or right side walls of the rapid cooling area 243 have rapid cooling air outlets 245. The refrigeration component 400 is disposed in the cabinet 100 and generates cold air during operation. The refrigeration air duct 440 has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration component and an air outlet connected to the refrigeration air outlet. The rapid cooling air duct 310 has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration component 400 and an air outlet connected to the rapid cooling air outlet 245. The airflow of the rapid cooling air duct 310 is controllable and adjustable.

[0049] In this embodiment, the refrigerator includes a cabinet 100. The cabinet 100 includes a shell and an inner liner, with a sandwich layer formed between the shell and the inner liner. The sandwich layer can be filled with insulation material and have auxiliary structures such as air duct components. The inner liner defines a refrigeration space and a freezer space 250. Generally, the refrigeration space is a storage space with an operating temperature above zero, and the freezer space 250 is a storage space with an operating temperature below zero.

[0050] The refrigerator also includes a door 200, which includes a refrigerator door 210 and a freezer door 220. The refrigerator door is used to open and close the opening of the refrigerator compartment. Exemplarily, the refrigerator compartment has a front opening, which serves as an access panel, and the refrigerator door 210 is hinged to one or both sides of the front opening of the refrigerator compartment.

[0051] A partition assembly 230 is disposed in the refrigerated space to divide the refrigerated space into several relatively independent areas. Exemplarily, the partition assembly 230 includes a partition 231 that divides the refrigerated space into a refrigerated area above the partition 231 and a rapid-cooling area 243 below the partition 231. The rapid-cooling area 243 has an opening at its front for accessing or removing cooking utensils. When the refrigerator door 210 is open, the opening at the front of the rapid-cooling area 243 is also open. When the refrigerator door 210 is closed, it is positioned directly in front of the rapid-cooling area 243. At this point, the refrigerator door 210 and the partition assembly 230 together divide the refrigerated area and the rapid-cooling area 243 into two relatively independent areas. "Relatively independent" here means that there is minimal air convection between the refrigerated area and the rapid-cooling area 243, resulting in minimal temperature influence between them.

[0052] The refrigeration unit 400 is used to generate cold air. The refrigeration unit 400 of the refrigerator includes an evaporator compartment 410 and an evaporator 420, with the evaporator 420 located inside the evaporator compartment 410. The refrigerant in the evaporator evaporates and absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of the air inside the evaporator compartment 410. Driven by power components such as a fan, cold air is continuously output from the evaporator compartment 410.

[0053] The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration air duct 440 and a freezer air duct 450. The refrigeration air duct 440 is connected to the refrigeration unit 400 and is used to guide cold air to the refrigeration compartment. The freezer air duct 450 is connected to the refrigeration unit 400 and is used to guide cold air to the freezer compartment 250.

[0054] The inner walls of the rapid cooling zone 243 include the left side wall 246, the right side wall 247, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the rear wall. When users place objects for rapid cooling, they tend to push them inwards, which easily obstructs the air outlet on the rear side wall. In addition, the rear side wall usually needs to accommodate a fan and some auxiliary air duct structures, which limits the location and size of the air outlet.

[0055] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment has a rapid cooling air outlet 245 located on the left side wall 246 and / or right side wall 247 of the rapid cooling zone 243, making it less likely to be blocked by food or cooking utensils. Furthermore, when the user opens the refrigerator door 210, the cold air will not blow directly on the user, improving the user experience; the airflow of the rapid cooling duct 310 is adjustable, allowing the user to adjust the rapid cooling rate as needed.

[0056] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a rapid cooling fan 462, which is disposed in the rapid cooling duct 310. When the rapid cooling fan 462 is running, it drives cold air through the rapid cooling duct 310 into the rapid cooling zone 243. The air volume of the rapid cooling duct is adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of the rapid cooling fan 462.

[0057] As one way to achieve adjustable airflow in the rapid cooling zone 243, the refrigerator includes a rapid cooling fan 462. The fan speed is adjustable, allowing for adjustable airflow in the rapid cooling duct 310. Both the refrigerator duct 440 and the rapid cooling duct 310 are connected to the main refrigerator duct 441. With the rapid cooling fan 462 installed in the rapid cooling duct 310, the pressure difference between the rapid cooling duct 310 and the refrigerator duct 440 is greater, resulting in a larger airflow in the rapid cooling duct 310. Controlling the speed of the rapid cooling fan 462 includes controlling its operation from zero to its maximum speed. When the speed of the rapid cooling fan 462 is zero, the airflow in the rapid cooling duct is close to zero. When the speed of the rapid cooling fan 462 is higher, the airflow through the rapid cooling duct is also greater; when the speed of the rapid cooling fan 462 is lower, the airflow through the rapid cooling duct is also lower. This ensures that the airflow entering the rapid cooling zone 243 matches the actual cooling capacity required by the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0058] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes an air outlet assembly, which includes an air outlet housing 313 and an air guide housing 314. The air outlet housing 313 is disposed on one side wall of the rapid cooling area 243, and an air outlet duct communicating with the rapid cooling air outlet 245 is constructed inside the air outlet housing 313. The air guide housing 314 is disposed on the rear wall of the rapid cooling area 243, and an air guide duct is constructed inside the air guide housing 314. The first end of the air guide duct is connected to the main air duct 441 of the refrigerator, and the second end is connected to the air outlet housing 313. The rapid cooling duct 310 includes an air outlet duct and an air guide duct. The rapid cooling fan 462 is a centrifugal fan. The central air inlet of the rapid cooling fan 462 corresponds to the second end of the air guide housing 314, and the peripheral air outlet of the rapid cooling fan 462 corresponds to the air inlet of the air outlet housing 313.

[0059] The outlet housing 313 and the guide housing 314 are respectively attached to one side wall and the rear wall of the rapid cooling zone 243, thus forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees between them. A rapid cooling fan 462 is located at the corner. The rapid cooling fan 462 is a centrifugal fan, with its air inlet located on one side, facing the second end of the guide housing 314. The outlet of the rapid cooling fan 462 is located at the periphery, facing the air inlet of the outlet housing 313. This arrangement optimizes the structure of the outlet housing 313 and the guide housing 314, enabling side air delivery, shortening the air delivery path, and improving the air delivery efficiency of the centrifugal fan.

[0060] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes an infrared temperature sensor 315, which is disposed in the air outlet housing 313 and is used to detect the heat source temperature of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0061] The infrared temperature sensor 315 can quickly identify heat sources and can sensitively detect whether a high-temperature object is placed in the rapid cooling zone 243. The infrared temperature sensor 315 is located in the air outlet housing 313, which improves the integration of the air outlet assembly.

[0062] Optionally, the infrared temperature sensor 315 is arranged horizontally, and the rapid cooling air outlet 245 is opened horizontally, with the infrared temperature sensor 315 and the rapid cooling air outlet 245 arranged side by side.

[0063] With the rapid cooling air outlet 245 facing the rapid cooling area 243, the infrared temperature sensor 315 also faces the rapid cooling area 243. This allows the infrared temperature sensor 315 to detect the heat source temperature more accurately. The parallel arrangement of the infrared temperature sensor 315 and the rapid cooling air outlet 245 results in higher integration of the air outlet assembly, which is beneficial for refrigerator assembly.

[0064] Optionally, the air outlet housing 313 includes a duct foam in which an air outlet duct is constructed, a rapid cooling fan 462 is embedded in the duct foam, and an infrared temperature sensor 315 is embedded in the duct foam.

[0065] This configuration simplifies the assembly of the infrared temperature sensor 315 and the rapid cooling fan 462. Furthermore, the embedded foam in the air duct of the rapid cooling fan 462 reduces noise during operation.

[0066] Optionally, the housing 100 includes a housing shell and an inner liner, with the air outlet housing 313 located in the interlayer between the side wall of the housing shell and the side wall of the inner liner.

[0067] The refrigerator's inner liner has a clearance opening corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlet 245 and the infrared detection module, and the air outlet housing 313 is located between the outer shell of the cabinet 100 and the inner liner. This improves the aesthetics of the refrigerator's rapid cooling area 243.

[0068] Optionally, the air guide housing 314 is located in the interlayer between the rear wall of the housing and the rear wall of the inner liner.

[0069] With this design, the air guide housing 314 is not directly visible to the user, improving the aesthetics of the refrigerator's refrigeration area. Furthermore, with the main refrigeration air duct 441 also located in the space between the rear wall of the outer shell and the rear wall of the inner liner, this design also facilitates easy connection of the air guide housing 314 to the main refrigeration air duct 441.

[0070] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a quick-cooling damper 316, which is disposed in the quick-cooling duct 310. When the quick-cooling duct 310 is opened, cold air enters the quick-cooling zone 243 through the quick-cooling duct 310. The refrigeration component 400 includes a refrigeration fan 430, which drives air into the quick-cooling duct 310 when it is running.

[0071] With the rapid cooling damper 316 installed, the opening and closing of the rapid cooling duct 310 can be controlled by opening and closing the rapid cooling damper 316, and the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 can be controlled by controlling the opening degree of the rapid cooling damper 316. Driven by the refrigeration fan 430, air enters the rapid cooling duct 310 after being cooled by the refrigeration component 400.

[0072] When the opening of the rapid cooling damper is large, more cold air flows through the rapid cooling duct; when the opening of the rapid cooling damper is small, less cold air flows through the rapid cooling duct; when the opening of the rapid cooling damper is zero, the amount of cold air flowing through the rapid cooling duct is close to zero. By setting up rapid cooling dampers, the cooling capacity required by the rapid cooling zone can be matched with the air volume passing through the rapid cooling duct.

[0073] It should be noted that the airflow in the rapid cooling duct is powered by the refrigeration fan 430, and the airflow through the rapid cooling damper 316 can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree. When a rapid cooling fan 462 is also installed, pressurizing the air with the fan 462 can further increase the maximum airflow of the rapid cooling duct, and adjusting the speed of the fan 462 further enriches the means of regulating the airflow in the rapid cooling duct.

[0074] Optionally, the refrigerated air duct 440 includes a main refrigerated air duct 441 and a branch refrigerated air duct 442. The main refrigerated air duct 441 is connected to the refrigeration unit 400, and the branch refrigerated air duct 442 is used to guide the cold air from the main refrigerated air duct 441 to the refrigerated air outlet 244. The rapid cooling air duct 310 is indirectly connected to the refrigeration unit by connecting to the main refrigerated air duct, or the rapid cooling air duct 310 is directly connected to the refrigeration unit 400. The air resistance of the rapid cooling air duct 310 is less than that of the branch refrigerated air duct 442.

[0075] The rapid cooling air duct 310 is connected to the main refrigeration air duct 441 and is used to guide the cold air from the main refrigeration air duct 441 to the rapid cooling air outlet 245.

[0076] The rapid cooling duct 310 is directly or indirectly connected to the refrigeration unit 400. When the rapid cooling duct is directly connected to the refrigeration unit, it is an independent duct relative to the refrigeration duct. When the rapid cooling duct is indirectly connected to the refrigeration unit, it is connected in parallel with the refrigeration branch duct. Driven by the refrigeration fan, taking a single refrigeration branch duct 442 as an example, the air resistance when air flows through the refrigeration main duct 441 and the refrigeration branch duct 442 is greater than the air resistance when air flows through the rapid cooling duct 310. When the refrigeration fan is running, more cold air can enter the rapid cooling zone 243 through the rapid cooling duct 310, thereby increasing the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0077] The airflow of the rapid cooling duct 310 can be controlled and adjusted, thus the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 can also be controlled and adjusted. The air resistance of the rapid cooling duct is less than that of the refrigeration branch duct, which makes the maximum airflow of the rapid cooling duct 310 greater than that of the refrigeration branch duct 442, thereby further improving the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0078] Optionally, the refrigerator compartment is provided with multiple refrigerator air outlets 244, and the refrigerator is provided with multiple refrigerator branch air ducts 442 corresponding to the multiple refrigerator air outlets 244.

[0079] With multiple refrigeration air outlets 244 and multiple refrigeration branch air ducts 442, the refrigerator can cool down the refrigeration area more evenly.

[0080] Optionally, the two opposite side walls of the rapid cooling zone 243 are respectively provided with rapid cooling air outlets 245 and rapid cooling air ducts 310 are provided corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlets 245.

[0081] The rapid cooling zone 243 has rapid cooling air outlets 245 and rapid cooling air ducts 310 on both opposite side walls, which makes the cooling effect of the rapid cooling zone 243 more obvious.

[0082] Optionally, the refrigerated space is provided with multiple rapid cooling zones 243, each of which is provided with a rapid cooling air outlet 245 and a rapid cooling air duct 310 corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlet 245.

[0083] The refrigerated compartment is equipped with multiple rapid cooling zones 243, allowing different rapid cooling targets to be set in different zones 243, and the cooling rate of each zone to be adjusted according to actual needs. This configuration further facilitates user operation.

[0084] Optionally, the rapid cooling zone 243 serves as the cooking utensil cooling zone 242.

[0085] In some countries and regions, it's customary to place food, along with the cooking pot and other utensils, into the refrigerator after meals. Additionally, users often use earthenware pots or similar cooking vessels to stew food, serving the pot at the table and then storing it in the refrigerator afterward, reducing the workload of washing the pot multiple times. However, earthenware pots retain heat well, and often users need to let them cool completely before refrigerating them. During this cooling process, bacteria may grow or the food may taste worse. Placing an incompletely cooled earthenware pot in the refrigerator takes a long time, and the high heat source during this process can cause temperature fluctuations within the refrigerator, affecting its cooling efficiency.

[0086] Using the refrigerator provided in this embodiment, the refrigerator has a relatively independent cooking utensil cooling area, which is suitable for users who directly put pots into the refrigerator to cool, making the refrigerator more user-friendly; the cooking utensil cooling area is relatively independent, so the temperature of the refrigeration area is less affected during the food cooling process; the cooking utensil storage area can be opened and closed by the refrigerator door, making it more convenient for users to take out and put away cooking utensils; the cooking utensil cooling area is equipped with a rapid cooling component, which can quickly reduce the temperature of food in the cooking utensils, improving the refrigerator's refrigeration and preservation effect for food at higher temperatures.

[0087] Optionally, the height of the cookware cooling zone 242 is greater than or equal to 220 mm, and the opening width is greater than or equal to 600 mm.

[0088] This design makes it compatible with most cookware on the market.

[0089] The refrigerator also includes a rapid cooling component 300, which is configured corresponding to the rapid cooling zone 243. The rapid cooling component 300 is used to reduce the temperature of cooking utensils placed in the rapid cooling zone 243. The rapid cooling component 300 includes the aforementioned rapid cooling air duct 310. The rapid cooling zone 243 has an opening at the front, which is open when the refrigerator door 210 is opened.

[0090] Optionally, the inner wall of the refrigerated space is raised to form a rib, the partition component 230 is attached to the top of the rib, and a rapid cooling air outlet 245 is provided on the side of the rib facing the rapid cooling area 243.

[0091] The ribs on the inner wall of the refrigeration compartment serve two purposes: firstly, they enhance the structural strength of the inner liner, and secondly, they act as support components for the partition assembly 230. Furthermore, the ribs have quick-cooling air outlets 245, which allows for side airflow from the quick-cooling zone 243 and simplifies the inner liner manufacturing process, thus reducing the cost of the refrigerator.

[0092] Optionally, the rapid cooling air duct 310 includes a connecting section 311 and an air outlet section 312. The air outlet section 312 is attached to the inner wall of the refrigeration space and has a rapid cooling air outlet 245. The partition component 230 is attached to the top of the air outlet section 312.

[0093] The connecting section 311 of the rapid cooling duct 310 is used to connect directly or indirectly to the refrigeration component 400, and the air outlet section 312 of the rapid cooling duct 310 is attached to the inner wall of the refrigeration space. In this way, the top end of the air outlet of the rapid cooling duct 310 can be used to overlap the partition component 230. The form in which the air outlet section 312 of the rapid cooling duct 310 is located on the inner wall of the refrigeration space facilitates the opening of the rapid cooling air outlet 245.

[0094] Optionally, the partition assembly 230 has a rapid cooling air duct 310 inside, and a rapid cooling air outlet 245 is provided on the downward side of the partition assembly 230.

[0095] For example, the partition assembly 230 includes a partition 231, which forms a rapid cooling air duct 310, and a rapid cooling air outlet 245 is provided on the downward side of the partition 231.

[0096] This design further reduces or prevents the rapid cooling air outlet 245 from being blocked. The downward blowing of cold air improves the uniformity of temperature reduction when cooling the cookware.

[0097] Optionally, the rear wall of the refrigerated space is provided with multiple refrigerated air outlets 244 from top to bottom, and at least one refrigerated air outlet 244 corresponds to the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0098] In this way, the rapid cooling zone 243 also functions as a regular refrigeration space. When the rapid cooling zone 243 is performing its regular refrigeration function, the rapid cooling component 300 is not working, and the temperature of the refrigeration zone and the rapid cooling zone 243 decreases relatively uniformly through the rapid cooling air outlet 245 located in the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0099] Optionally, the cabinet 100 also includes a freezer compartment 250; the refrigerator also includes a refrigerator air duct 440 and a freezer air duct 450, wherein the refrigerator air duct 440 is connected to the refrigeration unit 400 and is used to guide cold air to the refrigerator compartment; the freezer air duct 450 is connected to the refrigeration unit 400 and is used to guide cold air to the freezer compartment 250; and the rapid cooling air duct 310 diverts the cold air that is about to enter the freezer air duct 450.

[0100] The refrigeration air duct 440 and the freezing air duct 450 are relatively independent air ducts. The refrigeration air duct 440 is used to deliver cold air to the refrigeration air outlet 244 of the refrigeration space, and the freezing air duct 450 is used to deliver cold air to the freezing space 250.

[0101] The rapid cooling duct 310 diverts the cold air that is about to enter the refrigeration duct 450. When the rapid cooling component 300 is working, the airflow and temperature of the cold air in the refrigeration compartment will not be affected. The refrigeration compartment 250 itself has a low temperature and strong resistance to temperature fluctuations. Diverting some of the cold air to the rapid cooling duct 310 will not have a significant impact on the refrigeration compartment 250.

[0102] This configuration ensures that the cooling airflow in the refrigeration area is not affected during the rapid cooling of cookware, thus further improving the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration space.

[0103] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a diversion component 466, which is disposed at the connection position of the freezing air duct 450 and the rapid cooling air duct 310. The diversion component 466 is controlled to change the ratio of cold air entering the freezing air duct 450 and the rapid cooling air duct 310.

[0104] As a control method for diverting cold air from the rapid cooling duct 310 to the refrigeration duct 450, a diversion component 466 is provided at the connection point between the refrigeration duct 450 and the rapid cooling duct 310. For example, the diversion component 466 is a rotatable baffle, which changes the proportion of air entering the refrigeration duct 310 by rotating the baffle. With this arrangement, the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 is easily adjustable.

[0105] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a damper assembly 461 disposed in the rapid cooling duct 310, which diverts cold air from the freezing duct 450 when the damper assembly 461 is open.

[0106] As another method for controlling the flow of cold air from the rapid cooling duct 310 to the refrigeration duct 450, the rapid cooling duct 310 is equipped with a damper assembly 461. When the damper assembly is open, the rapid cooling duct 310 diverts air from the refrigeration duct 450; when the damper assembly is closed, the rapid cooling duct 310 is shut off. With this configuration, the opening and closing of the rapid cooling duct 310 and its airflow are easily adjustable.

[0107] Optionally, the rapid cooling assembly 300 includes a circulating fan 463 disposed in the refrigeration space, the circulating fan 463 being used to accelerate air circulation in the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0108] The refrigerator's cooling compartment integrates a circulating fan 463 as an auxiliary air circulation device for the rapid cooling component 300, which can improve the uniformity and efficiency of cooking appliance cooling, while preventing localized overcooling of the cooking appliances.

[0109] Optionally, a circulating fan 463 is disposed in the rapid cooling zone 243, and the air outlet direction of the circulating fan 463 is directed toward the cookware pre-placed in the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0110] Equipped with a circulating fan 463, it can accelerate air convection and improve the uniformity of cooling of cookware.

[0111] Optionally, the circulating fan 463 is located in the refrigeration area; the refrigerator also includes an air guide structure 464 for guiding the air from the circulating fan 463 to the rapid cooling area 243.

[0112] The circulating fan 463 is located in the refrigeration area, which avoids taking up space in the rapid cooling area 243.

[0113] Optionally, the circulating fan 463 is installed on the top wall of the refrigeration area, and the air guide structure 464 includes a circulating air duct 465. The air intake direction of the circulating fan 463 is towards the air inlet of the circulating air duct 465, and the air outlet of the circulating air duct 465 extends to the rapid cooling area 243.

[0114] A circulating air duct 465 is installed to deliver cold air to the rapid cooling zone 243 in a relatively sealed manner. The circulating air duct 465 is suitable for installation in the interlayer between the outer shell and the inner liner, which also improves the aesthetics of the refrigerator's interior.

[0115] Optionally, the air guiding structure 464 includes an air guiding groove constructed on the inner wall of the refrigerated space, and the operation of the circulating fan 463 drives air through the air guiding groove to the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0116] For example, a circulating fan is disposed at the top of the refrigerator housing, and the air guide grooves include a first groove formed on the left side wall of the refrigerator and a second groove formed on the right side wall of the refrigerator. The first groove is vertically oriented, extending from the top of the housing to the top and from the bottom to the cookware cooling area. The second groove is also vertically oriented, extending from the top of the housing to the top and from the bottom to the cookware cooling area. When the circulating fan is running, it throws air outwards, that is, to the upper areas of each inner wall. A portion of the air enters the first and second grooves. The air entering the first and second grooves flows downwards under the influence of pressure difference and wall adhesion effect, and enters the cookware cooling area.

[0117] With this design, the air guide structure 464 is relatively simple and easy to implement. Furthermore, the air guide groove also serves as a rib for the inner liner, improving its structural strength.

[0118] Optionally, the rapid cooling component includes a cooling plate 500 disposed on the bottom wall of the rapid cooling zone 243, and the cooling plate 500 is adapted to directly contact the cookware to reduce the temperature of the cookware.

[0119] The rapid cooling component includes a cooling plate 500, which lowers the temperature of the cookware through heat transfer. Without a circulating fan and rapid cooling duct 310, when the cookware is cooled by the cooling plate 500, moisture in the food inside the cookware does not evaporate easily, resulting in better food preservation and taste, and the humidity in the refrigeration space can also be controlled. With a circulating fan or rapid cooling duct 310 installed, the temperature of the cookware can be lowered even more effectively through a combination of heat convection and heat transfer.

[0120] Optionally, the material of the cooling plate 500 is metal.

[0121] Metals (such as aluminum, copper, and stainless steel) have a much higher thermal conductivity than non-metallic materials such as plastics and ceramics. The 500 heat-conducting plate is made of metal, which can improve heat transfer efficiency. Metal materials have high hardness, are not easily scratched, and are easy to clean.

[0122] Optionally, the internal structure of the cold conduction plate 500 has a cavity, and the cavity is suitable for circulating cooling medium to reduce the temperature of the cold conduction plate 500.

[0123] For example, the cooling medium is cold air. The cold air generated by the refrigeration component 400 enters the cavity inside the cooling plate 500 and circulates. This keeps the cooling plate 500 at a low temperature. When no cooking utensils are placed on it, the heat exchange effect between the cooling plate 500 and the air is generally small, and the temperature of the refrigeration space and the rapid cooling zone 243 is not significantly affected. After cooking utensils are placed on it, the temperature difference between the cooling plate 500 and the cooking utensils is large, resulting in sufficient heat exchange and rapid reduction of the cooking utensils' temperature.

[0124] Optionally, the internal structure of the cold conduction plate 500 includes a cold storage cavity, which is suitable for being filled with a heat storage medium.

[0125] For example, the heat storage medium in the cold storage chamber is water. With this configuration, when rapidly reducing the temperature of the cookware, the heat storage medium can quickly absorb the heat from the cookware, thus reducing the temperature of the cookware without significantly affecting the refrigeration and freezing functions of the refrigerator.

[0126] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes an annular air outlet assembly 320, which is disposed in the rapid cooling zone 243 and forms a plurality of rapid cooling air outlets 245 located on the left side wall 246, right side wall 247 and rear side wall of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0127] Using the refrigerator provided in this embodiment, an annular air outlet assembly 320 is provided in the rapid cooling zone 243, which can blow cold air simultaneously in multiple directions, thereby improving the cooling rate of the object to be rapidly cooled.

[0128] Optionally, the multiple rapid cooling air outlets 245 include multiple grille holes and at least one elongated air outlet, which is located after the multiple grille holes along the airflow direction.

[0129] As air flows within the annular air outlet assembly 320, it passes sequentially through multiple grille holes and a narrow air outlet. Compared to a single grille hole, the narrow air outlet has a larger air outlet area. This arrangement ensures more uniform airflow throughout the annular air outlet assembly 320, which helps the refrigerator to evenly reduce the temperature of rapidly cooling objects.

[0130] Optionally, the annular air outlet assembly 320 includes a first air supply duct 321 and a second air supply duct 322, wherein the first air supply duct has a first portion attached to the rear side wall of the rapid cooling region 243 and a second portion attached to the left side wall 246 of the rapid cooling region 243; the second air supply duct has a first portion attached to the rear side wall of the rapid cooling region 243 and a second portion attached to the right side wall 247 of the rapid cooling region 243.

[0131] The annular air outlet assembly 320 includes a first air supply duct 321 and a second air supply duct 322 arranged in a mirror image. The first air supply duct 321 is generally L-shaped, and the second air supply duct 322 is also generally L-shaped. This separate assembly form simplifies the assembly of the annular air outlet assembly 320.

[0132] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a main refrigeration air duct 441, which is attached to the rear side wall of the refrigeration compartment. The air inlet end of a first air supply duct is connected to the main refrigeration air duct 441, and the air inlet end of a second air supply duct 322 is connected to the air duct assembly. The refrigeration compartment of the main refrigeration air duct 441 has multiple refrigeration air outlets 244. The refrigerator also includes multiple refrigeration branch air ducts 442, which are connected to the main refrigeration air duct 441 to guide cold air to the multiple refrigeration air outlets 244.

[0133] In this configuration, a portion of the first air duct 321 corresponds to the rear side wall and a portion to the left side wall 246, while a portion of the second air duct 322 corresponds to the rear side wall and a portion to the right side wall 247. When the refrigerator includes a main refrigeration air duct 441, the right end of the portion of the first air duct 321 corresponding to the rear side wall is connected to the left side of the main refrigeration air duct 441, and the left end of the portion of the second air duct 322 corresponding to the rear side wall is connected to the right side of the main cold air duct. With this arrangement, the portions of the first air duct 321 and the second air duct 322 corresponding to the rear wall, along with the main refrigeration air duct 441, can be placed on the same plane, facilitating assembly and saving space.

[0134] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes an infrared temperature sensor 315 and a control component, wherein the infrared temperature sensor 315 is configured to correspond to the rapid cooling zone 243; and the control component is used to control the flow rate of cold air through the annular air outlet assembly 320.

[0135] The infrared temperature sensor 315 can quickly identify heat sources and sensitively detect whether a high-temperature object is placed in the rapid cooling zone 243. A control component is included to precisely control the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243, allowing users to customize settings according to different application scenarios.

[0136] Optionally, the control component includes a rapid cooling fan 462, which is disposed in the annular air outlet assembly 320. When the rapid cooling fan 462 is running, it drives cold air from the main refrigeration air duct 441 through the rapid cooling air duct 310 into the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0137] As one way to achieve adjustable airflow in the rapid cooling zone 243, the refrigerator includes a rapid cooling fan 462. The fan speed is adjustable, allowing for adjustable airflow in the rapid cooling duct 310. Both the refrigerator duct 440 and the rapid cooling duct 310 are connected to the main refrigerator duct 441. With the rapid cooling fan 462 installed in the rapid cooling duct 310, the pressure difference between the rapid cooling duct 310 and the refrigerator duct 440 is greater, resulting in a larger airflow in the rapid cooling duct 310.

[0138] Optionally, the control component includes a rapid cooling damper 316, which is disposed in the annular air outlet assembly 320. When the rapid cooling damper 316 is opened, cold air enters the rapid cooling zone 243 through multiple rapid cooling air outlets 245 of the annular air outlet assembly 320.

[0139] With the rapid cooling damper 316 installed, the opening and closing of the rapid cooling duct 310 can be controlled by opening and closing the damper 316, and the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 can be controlled by controlling the opening degree of the damper 316. Driven by the refrigeration fan 430, air is cooled by the refrigeration unit 400 and then enters the main refrigeration duct 441. The air resistance of the rapid cooling duct is less than that of the refrigeration duct, allowing more cold air to enter the rapid cooling zone 243. This ensures the rapid cooling effect of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0140] Optionally, the infrared temperature sensor 315 is positioned side-by-side with the narrow air outlet.

[0141] With the rapid cooling air outlet 245 facing the rapid cooling area 243, the infrared temperature sensor 315 also faces the rapid cooling area 243. This allows the infrared temperature sensor 315 to detect the heat source temperature more accurately. The parallel arrangement of the infrared temperature sensor 315 and the rapid cooling air outlet 245 results in higher integration of the air outlet assembly, which is beneficial for refrigerator assembly.

[0142] Optionally, the air resistance of the annular air outlet assembly 320 is less than the air resistance of the refrigerated main air duct 441.

[0143] With the rapid cooling damper 316 installed, the opening and closing of the rapid cooling duct 310 can be controlled by opening and closing the damper 316, and the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 can be controlled by controlling the opening degree of the damper 316. Driven by the refrigeration fan 430, air is cooled by the refrigeration unit 400 and then enters the main refrigeration duct 441. The air resistance of the rapid cooling duct is less than that of the refrigeration duct, allowing more cold air to enter the rapid cooling zone 243. This ensures the rapid cooling effect of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0144] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included or substituted for parts and features of other embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The cabinet defines a refrigerated space, and the refrigerated space is equipped with a refrigerated air outlet; A partition component is used to divide the refrigerated space into a rapid cooling zone, and a rapid cooling air outlet is provided on the left side wall and / or right side wall of the rapid cooling zone. A refrigeration component is installed in the housing, and the refrigeration component generates cold air when it is in operation; The refrigerated air duct has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration component and an air outlet connected to the refrigerated air outlet. The rapid cooling air duct has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration component and an air outlet connected to the rapid cooling air outlet. The airflow of the rapid cooling duct can be controlled and adjusted.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A rapid cooling fan is installed in the rapid cooling duct. When the rapid cooling fan is running, it drives cold air through the rapid cooling duct into the rapid cooling area. The air volume of the rapid cooling duct is adjusted by controlling the speed of the rapid cooling fan.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: An air outlet housing is provided on one side wall corresponding to the rapid cooling area, and an air outlet duct communicating with the rapid cooling air outlet is constructed inside the air outlet housing; An air guide housing is provided corresponding to the rear wall of the rapid cooling area. An air guide duct is constructed inside the air guide housing. The first end of the air guide duct is connected to the main refrigeration air duct, and the second end is connected to the air outlet housing. The rapid cooling air duct includes the air outlet duct and the air guide duct. The rapid cooling fan is a centrifugal fan. The central air inlet of the rapid cooling fan corresponds to the second end of the air guide housing, and the peripheral air outlet of the rapid cooling fan corresponds to the air inlet of the air outlet housing.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: An infrared temperature sensor is installed in the air outlet housing, and the infrared temperature sensor is used to detect the heat source temperature of the rapid cooling zone.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The infrared temperature sensor is arranged horizontally, the rapid cooling air outlet is opened horizontally, and the infrared temperature sensor and the rapid cooling air outlet are arranged side by side.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air outlet housing includes a duct foam in which the air outlet duct is constructed. The rapid cooling fan is embedded in the duct foam, and the infrared temperature sensor is embedded in the duct foam.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The enclosure includes a shell and an inner liner, with the air outlet housing located in the interlayer between the side wall of the shell and the side wall of the inner liner; and / or The air guide shell is located in the interlayer between the rear wall of the outer shell and the rear wall of the inner liner.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A rapid cooling damper is installed in the rapid cooling duct, and when the rapid cooling duct is opened, cold air enters the rapid cooling area through the rapid cooling duct. The refrigeration component includes a refrigeration fan. When the refrigeration fan is running, it drives air into the rapid cooling duct, and the air volume of the rapid cooling duct is adjusted by controlling the opening of the rapid cooling damper.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The refrigerated air duct includes: The main refrigeration air duct is connected to the refrigeration unit; The refrigerated branch air duct has an air inlet connected to the refrigeration component and an air outlet connected to the refrigerated air outlet. The rapid cooling air duct is connected to the refrigeration component indirectly by connecting to the main refrigeration air duct or directly to the refrigeration component, and the air resistance of the rapid cooling air duct is less than the air resistance of the refrigeration branch air duct.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The rapid cooling zone has rapid cooling air outlets on its two opposite side walls, and rapid cooling air ducts are provided corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlets; and / or, The refrigerated space is provided with multiple rapid cooling zones, each of which is provided with a rapid cooling air outlet and a rapid cooling air duct is provided corresponding to the rapid cooling air outlet.

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