Refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of low-temperature storage, and discloses a refrigerator, which comprises a cabinet, a separation assembly and a ring-shaped air outlet assembly. The cabinet comprises a cabinet shell and an inner container arranged in the cabinet shell, and the cabinet defines a refrigeration space. The separation assembly separates a quick-cooling area in the refrigeration space. The ring-shaped air outlet assembly is arranged in the quick-cooling area, and the ring-shaped air outlet assembly forms a plurality of quick-cooling air outlets located at the left side wall, the right side wall and the rear side wall of the quick-cooling area.

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, and an annular air outlet assembly, wherein the cabinet includes a shell and an inner liner disposed within the shell, the cabinet defining a refrigeration space; the partition assembly divides the refrigeration space into a rapid cooling zone; and the annular air outlet assembly is disposed in the rapid cooling zone, the annular air outlet assembly forming a plurality of rapid cooling air outlets located on the left side wall, right side wall, and rear side wall of the rapid cooling zone.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of rapid cooling air outlets include a plurality of grille holes and at least one elongated air outlet, which is located after the plurality of grille holes along the airflow direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the annular air outlet assembly includes a first air supply pipe and a second air supply pipe, wherein the first air supply pipe has a first portion attached to the rear sidewall of the rapid cooling area and a second portion attached to the left sidewall of the rapid cooling area; the second air supply pipe has a first portion attached to the rear sidewall of the rapid cooling area and a second portion attached to the right sidewall of the rapid cooling area.

[0012] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a main refrigeration air duct, which is fitted to the rear side wall of the refrigeration space. The air inlet end of the first air supply duct is connected to the main refrigeration air duct, and the air inlet end of the second air supply duct is connected to the air duct assembly. The refrigeration space has multiple refrigeration air outlets, and the refrigerator further includes multiple refrigeration branch air ducts connected to the main refrigeration air duct to guide cold air to the multiple refrigeration air outlets.

[0013] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an infrared temperature sensor and a control component, wherein the infrared temperature sensor is disposed corresponding to the rapid cooling zone; and the control component is used to control the flow rate of cold air passing through the annular air outlet component.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control component includes a rapid cooling fan disposed on the annular air outlet component, and the rapid cooling fan drives cold air from the main refrigeration air duct through the rapid cooling air duct into the rapid cooling zone when it is running.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control component includes a rapid cooling damper disposed on the annular air outlet component. When the rapid cooling damper is opened, cold air enters the rapid cooling zone through multiple rapid cooling air outlets of the annular air outlet component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the infrared temperature sensor is arranged side by side with the elongated air outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air resistance of the annular air outlet assembly is less than the air resistance of the main refrigeration air duct.

[0018] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment can achieve the following technical effects:

[0019] Using the refrigerator provided in this embodiment, an annular air outlet assembly is provided in the rapid cooling zone, which can blow cold air from multiple directions simultaneously, thereby improving the cooling rate of the object to be rapidly cooled.

[0020] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet section of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] 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;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 100: Cabinet body; 200: Cabinet door; 210: Refrigerator door; 220: Freezer door; 230: Divider assembly; 231: Partition; 242: Quick-cooling zone; 243: Quick-cooling zone; 244: Refrigerator air outlet; 245: Quick-cooling air outlet; 246: Left side wall; 247: Right side wall; 248: Grille; 249: Narrow air outlet; 250: Freezer compartment; 300: Quick-cooling assembly; 400: Refrigeration assembly; 410: Evaporator compartment; 420: Evaporator; 430: Refrigeration fan; 440: Refrigeration air duct; 441 442: Refrigerated main air duct; 450: Refrigerated branch air duct; 310: Freezing air duct; 311: Rapid cooling air duct; 312: Connecting section; 313: Air outlet section; 314: Air guide shell; 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: Diverting component; 500: Cold guide plate. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 assembly 230, and an annular air outlet assembly 320. The cabinet 100 includes a cabinet shell and an inner liner disposed within the cabinet shell, and the cabinet 100 defines a refrigeration space. The partition assembly 230 divides the refrigeration space into a rapid cooling zone 243. The annular air outlet assembly 320 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, the right side wall 247, and the rear side wall of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The annular air outlet assembly 320 is disposed on multiple side walls corresponding to the rapid cooling zone 243, and multiple rapid cooling air outlets 245 are formed on the left side wall 246, right side wall 247 and rear side wall of the rapid cooling zone 243. In this way, after the object to be rapidly cooled is placed in the rapid cooling zone 243, cold air will be blown out from the left, right and rear sides of the rapid cooling zone 243, which will quickly reduce the temperature of the object to be rapidly cooled.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration unit 400 for generating cold air. The refrigeration unit 400 includes an evaporator compartment 410 and an evaporator 420, with the evaporator 420 located within the evaporator compartment 410. The refrigerant in the evaporator evaporates and absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of the air within the evaporator compartment 410. Driven by power components such as a fan, cold air is continuously output from the evaporator compartment 410.

[0051] Optionally, the rapid cooling zone 243 serves as the cooking utensil cooling zone 242.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] This design makes it compatible with most cookware on the market.

[0056] Optionally, the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration unit 400, a refrigerator air duct 440, and a freezer air duct 450. 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.

[0057] 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 connected to the main refrigerated air duct 441 and is used to guide the cold air from the main refrigerated air duct 441 to the rapid cooling air outlet 245. The airflow of the rapid cooling air duct 310 can be controlled and adjusted, thus the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 can also be controlled and adjusted. The maximum airflow of the rapid cooling air duct 310 is greater than the airflow of the branch refrigerated air duct 442, which further improves the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment has a rapid cooling air outlet 245 located on the left side wall 246, right side wall 247 and rear side wall of the rapid cooling area 243, which is not easily blocked by food or cooking utensils.

[0060] Optionally, the multiple rapid cooling air outlets 245 include multiple grille holes 248 and at least one elongated air outlet 249, with the elongated air outlet located after the multiple grille holes along the airflow direction.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Optionally, the control component includes a rapid cooling fan, which is located in the annular air outlet assembly 320. When the rapid cooling fan 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.

[0069] As one way to achieve adjustable airflow in the rapid cooling zone 243, the refrigerator includes a rapid cooling fan. The fan speed is adjustable, which also allows 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 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.

[0070] 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.

[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 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.

[0072] Optionally, the infrared temperature sensor 315 is positioned side-by-side with the narrow air outlet.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Optionally, the air resistance of the annular air outlet assembly 320 is less than the air resistance of the refrigerated main air duct 441.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 is a centrifugal fan. The central air inlet of the rapid cooling fan corresponds to the second end of the air guide housing 314, and the peripheral air outlet of the rapid cooling fan corresponds to the air inlet of the air outlet housing 313.

[0077] 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 is located at the corner. The rapid cooling fan 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 is located at the perimeter, 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Optionally, the rapid cooling zone 243 serves as the cookware cooling zone 242. The refrigerator also includes a rapid cooling component 300, which is positioned corresponding to the rapid cooling zone 243. The rapid cooling component 300 is used to reduce the temperature of cookware placed in the cookware cooling zone 242. The rapid cooling component 300 includes the aforementioned rapid cooling air duct 310. The cookware cooling zone 242 has an opening at the front, and the opening at the front of the rapid cooling zone 243 is open when the refrigerator door 210 is opened.

[0083] 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. Using the refrigerator provided in this embodiment, the refrigerator is equipped with a relatively independent rapid cooling zone 243, which is suitable for users who directly put pots into the refrigerator to cool, making the refrigerator more user-friendly; the rapid cooling zone 243 is relatively independent, so it has little impact on the temperature of the refrigeration zone during the food cooling process; the cookware storage area can be opened and closed through the refrigerator door 210, making it more convenient for users to take out and put away cookware; the cookware cooling area is equipped with a rapid cooling component 300, which can quickly reduce the temperature of food in cookware, improving the refrigerator's refrigeration and preservation effect for higher-temperature food.

[0084] Optionally, the inner wall of the refrigerated space protrudes to form a rib, the partition component 230 overlaps 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Optionally, the partition assembly 230 has a rapid cooling air duct 310 inside, and a rapid cooling air outlet 245 is opened on the downward side of the partition assembly 230.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 of the rapid cooling duct 310 by rotating. With this arrangement, the cooling rate of the rapid cooling zone 243 is easily adjustable.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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 461 is open, the rapid cooling duct 310 diverts air from the refrigeration duct 450; when the damper assembly 461 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.

[0101] 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, the rapid cooling duct 310 diverts cold air from the freezing duct 450.

[0102] As another method for controlling the distribution of cold air from the refrigeration air duct 450 to the rapid cooling air duct 310, a rapid cooling fan 462 is installed in the rapid cooling air duct 310. When the rapid cooling fan 462 is running, it forcibly drives cold air into the rapid cooling zone 243. This configuration can improve the convection effect of cold air in the rapid cooling zone 243. In addition, when the rapid cooling fan 462 is de-energized, it can, to some extent, prevent cold air from entering the rapid cooling zone 243.

[0103] Optionally, the rapid cooling component 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Equipped with a circulating fan 463, it can accelerate air convection and improve the uniformity of cooling of cookware.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The circulating fan 463 is located in the refrigeration area, which avoids taking up space in the rapid cooling area 243.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 can also improve the aesthetics of the refrigerator's interior.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Optionally, the material of the cooling plate 500 is metal.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 includes a shell and an inner liner disposed within the shell, the cabinet defining a refrigerated space; A partition component divides the refrigerated space into rapid cooling zones; An annular air outlet assembly is disposed in the rapid cooling zone, and the annular air outlet assembly forms multiple rapid cooling air outlets located on the left side wall, right side wall and rear side wall of the rapid cooling zone.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of rapid cooling air outlets include a plurality of grille holes and at least one elongated air outlet, which is located after the plurality of grille holes along the airflow direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular air outlet assembly includes: The first air supply duct has a first part attached to the rear side wall of the rapid cooling area and a second part attached to the left side wall of the rapid cooling area. The second air supply duct has a first part attached to the rear side wall of the rapid cooling area and a second part attached to the right side wall of the rapid cooling area.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The main refrigerated air duct is fitted to the rear side wall of the refrigerated space. The air inlet end of the first air supply pipe is connected to the main refrigerated air duct, and the air inlet end of the second air supply pipe is connected to the air duct assembly.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigerated space is equipped with multiple refrigerated air vents. The refrigerator also includes: Multiple refrigerated branch air ducts are connected to the main refrigerated air duct to guide cold air to the multiple refrigerated air outlets.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: An infrared temperature sensor is provided corresponding to the rapid cooling zone; A control component for controlling the flow rate of cold air through the annular air outlet component.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The infrared temperature sensor is arranged side by side with the narrow air outlet.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control component includes: A rapid cooling fan is installed in the annular air outlet assembly. When the rapid cooling fan is running, it drives cold air from the main refrigeration air duct through the rapid cooling air duct into the rapid cooling zone.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control component includes: A rapid cooling damper is disposed on the annular air outlet assembly. When the rapid cooling damper is opened, cold air enters the rapid cooling zone through multiple rapid cooling air outlets of the annular air outlet assembly.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The air resistance of the annular air outlet assembly is less than the air resistance of the main refrigeration air duct.

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