Return air duct for a refrigeration appliance and refrigeration appliance

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a return air duct (1) of a refrigeration appliance, the return air duct (1) being used to guide air in a first inner container (2) of the refrigeration appliance out. The return air duct (1) comprises a first joint (11), a second joint (12), and an intermediate duct (13) connecting the first joint (11) and the second joint (12). The first joint (11) comprises a joint body (111) having an inlet (1111) and a grid structure (112) located at the inlet (1111). The grid structure (112) is integrally formed in the joint body (111). Embodiments of the present application also provide a refrigeration appliance. By means of the present application, air resistance can be reduced, return air efficiency can be improved, manufacturing and assembly difficulty can be reduced, and cost can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a return air duct for a refrigeration appliance and a refrigeration appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, gases in the storage space can be vented through a return air vent and then cooled by the evaporator. Typically, a return air duct is connected to the return air vent to vent the gases. The return air vent is also equipped with a grille.

[0003] The grille can be formed directly within the inner wall of the refrigeration appliance. The return air duct is arranged so that its inlet is aligned with the grille. However, the configuration of the grille formed within the inner wall is limited by the inner wall itself. In particular, the inner wall is relatively thin. This makes it difficult to create a grille structure with low air resistance.

[0004] In another design, the grid can be constructed as a separate component. The grid can be installed onto the liner or return air duct. In this case, the grid is freed from the structural design constraints imposed by the liner wall, resulting in a more advantageous grid configuration. However, on the one hand, the independent mold making of the grid requires additional investment in mold development and prototype production costs, leading to an increase in the overall cost of the return air duct assembly. On the other hand, during assembly, additional steps are required to position and connect the individual grid to the liner and / or return air duct. Therefore, this not only prolongs the assembly cycle of the return air duct assembly but also increases the operational complexity of the assembly process.

[0005] Therefore, existing refrigeration appliances suffer from problems such as high air resistance at the return air inlet, high cost of return air duct components, and high assembly complexity. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of embodiments of this application is to provide an improved return air duct for a refrigeration appliance and a corresponding refrigeration appliance, so as to at least partially overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a return air duct for a refrigeration appliance, the return air duct being used to exhaust gas from a first inner liner of the refrigeration appliance. The return air duct includes: a first connector; a second connector; and an intermediate duct connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the first connector includes a connector body having an inlet and a grid structure located at the inlet, the grid structure being integrally formed in the connector body.

[0008] By integrating the grid structure into the return air duct, wind resistance can be reduced, efficiency improved, and manufacturing and assembly difficulties reduced, while also saving costs. The configuration of the grid structure is not limited by the inner wall, thus creating a structure with low wind resistance. Furthermore, since the grid structure is part of the return air duct, there is no need to design, manufacture, and install it separately.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the grid structure includes a plurality of grid plates. The plurality of grid plates may define small gaps between each other, thereby allowing gas to flow into the return air duct while preventing the items to be cooled in the first inner liner from entering the return air duct.

[0010] The plurality of grid plates can be arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of grid plates can extend parallel to the extension direction of the intermediate duct. By means of the grid plates, airflow through the return air duct can be guided, thereby reducing wind resistance.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the connector body may be formed in an L-shape and include an end wall opposite to the inlet, from which a grid structure extends toward the inlet. This is beneficial for enhancing the guiding effect of the grid structure on airflow and facilitates the forming of the first connector.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the grid structure may include at least one grid plate, the thickness of which decreases along the direction from the end wall towards the inlet. This is particularly beneficial for reducing wind resistance. Simultaneously, it further facilitates the molding of the first joint.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first connector may further include a baffle wall adapted to extend into the first inner liner. The baffle wall may project in the opening direction of the inlet and extend at least partially around the inlet. The baffle wall prevents airflow short-circuiting between the supply air outlet and the return air duct within the first inner liner. Therefore, the baffle wall helps improve cooling performance, increase efficiency, and avoid uneven temperature distribution.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the windbreak wall may include a first wall extending along a first direction and a second wall extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first wall and the second wall may extend continuously.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the protrusion height of the second wall into the first inner liner increases from the end of the second wall away from the first wall toward the second wall. During the installation of the return air duct to the first inner liner, the baffle wall can be used to assist in positioning. During installation, the operator cannot directly observe the relative position of the inlet of the first connector and the opening of the first inner liner. Using the baffle wall with the above configuration, the operator can be guided to correctly position the first connector relative to the opening of the first inner liner.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the windbreak extends for one-quarter to three-quarters of the perimeter of the inlet. The windbreak does not, and need not, completely surround the inlet.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the windbreak wall may be provided with a locking tongue adapted to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the first inner liner by means of elastic deformation in a radial direction relative to the inlet. The locking tongue may have a locking protrusion projecting radially outward relative to the inlet. Thus, the windbreak wall can also be used to achieve a connection between the return air duct and the first inner liner.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first connector, the second connector, and the intermediate conduit are each constructed as separate components. The intermediate conduit can be inserted into the first connector and / or the second connector. This helps to reduce molding difficulty.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first connector includes a flange adapted to be bonded to a first inner liner. The flange may project radially outward from the connector body relative to the inlet. The flange may be used to achieve a stable connection between the return air duct and the first inner liner, and may also be used to prevent gas leakage.

[0020] According to a second aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a refrigeration appliance comprising: a first inner liner having a first inner liner opening; and a return air duct according to an exemplary embodiment of this application, wherein a first connector of the return air duct is connected to the first inner liner opening.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the wind-blocking wall of the first connector extends into the first inner liner from the first inner liner opening. The maximum protrusion height of the wind-blocking wall into the first inner liner can be greater than 10 mm. The wind-blocking wall is not merely a connecting structure for snapping into the first inner liner opening, but rather serves to block airflow in a specific flow direction by extending into the first inner liner.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the first inner liner opening is offset toward a first side relative to the center of the first inner liner in a first direction. The wind-blocking wall of the first connector extends on a second side opposite to the first side of the first inner liner opening, but not on the first side of the first inner liner opening.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the first inner liner opening is offset towards a third side in a second direction relative to the center of the first inner liner. The wind-blocking wall of the first connector extends on a fourth side opposite to the third side of the first inner liner opening, but not on the third side of the first inner liner opening.

[0024] This design allows for more efficient use of the air baffle to prevent cooling gas inside the first inner liner from flowing directly into the return air duct from the air supply port.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the refrigeration appliance further includes a second inner liner having a second inner liner opening, and a second connector of the return air duct is connected to the second inner liner opening. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings include: Figure 1 A refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is schematically shown; Figure 2 It schematically shows the passage Figure 1 A partial sectional view of section line AA in the diagram; Figure 3 The return air duct of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is schematically shown; Figure 4 A perspective view of a first joint of a return air duct according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is schematically shown; Figure 5 A front view schematically illustrating a first joint of a return air duct according to an exemplary embodiment of this application; and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the first joint of a return air duct according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is schematically shown.

[0027] List of reference numerals Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] First, to facilitate understanding, let's return to the description in the background section. Existing refrigeration appliances suffer from problems such as high air resistance at the return air inlet, high cost of return air duct components, and high assembly complexity.

[0030] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems or other possible technical problems, an exemplary embodiment of this application provides a return air duct for a refrigeration appliance, the return air duct being used to exhaust gas from a first inner liner of the refrigeration appliance. The return air duct includes: a first connector; a second connector; and an intermediate pipe connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the first connector includes a connector body having an inlet and a grid structure located at the inlet, the grid structure being integrally formed within the connector body.

[0031] To better understand this application, exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Before proceeding with the detailed description, it should be noted that the directional terms used in the description refer to the normal operating conditions of the refrigeration appliance for ease of description, and should not be interpreted as absolute limitations on the corresponding characteristics.

[0033] Figure 1 A refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically. Figure 2 It schematically shows the passage Figure 1 A partial sectional view of section line AA in the diagram. Figure 3 The return air duct 1 of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown schematically.

[0034] The refrigeration appliance includes a first inner liner 2. The first inner liner 2 has a first storage space. Items to be cooled can be placed in the first storage space. The first inner liner 2 has a first inner liner opening 21, which can be used as a return air vent. The first inner liner opening 21 may be formed, for example, in the rear wall of the first inner liner 2. In another embodiment, the first inner liner opening 21 may also be formed in other walls of the first inner liner 2, such as the side walls.

[0035] The refrigeration appliance also includes a return air duct 1 for discharging gas from the first inner liner 2. The return air duct 1 includes a first connector 11; a second connector 12; and an intermediate duct 13 connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. The first connector 11 is connected to the opening 21 of the first inner liner. The first connector 11 includes a connector body 111 having an inlet 1111 and a grid structure 112 located at the inlet 1111, the grid structure 112 being integrally formed in the connector body 111. After the return air duct 1 is installed to the first inner liner 2, the inlet 1111 is aligned with the opening 21 of the first inner liner, and the grid structure 112 at the inlet 1111 is also aligned with the opening 21 of the first inner liner. Gas inside the first inner liner 2 can enter the return air duct 1 through the inlet 1111, while items inside the first inner liner 2 are prevented from entering the return air duct 1 due to the obstruction of the grid structure 112.

[0036] By integrally molding the grid structure 112 into the return air duct 1, wind resistance can be reduced, efficiency can be improved, manufacturing and assembly difficulties can be reduced, and costs can be saved.

[0037] Specifically, the configuration of the grid structure 112 is not limited by the inner wall, thus enabling the formation of a structure with low wind resistance. Furthermore, since the grid structure 112 is part of the return air duct 1, it eliminates the need for separate design, manufacture, and installation of the grid structure 112.

[0038] In this embodiment, the refrigeration appliance is a refrigerator. The refrigerator may include a cabinet. A first inner liner 2 may form part of the cabinet. The cabinet may also include an outer shell surrounding the first inner liner 2 and an insulating layer filling the space between the outer shell and the first inner liner 2. Although not shown here, the refrigerator may also include a door that is pivotally connected to the cabinet and is rotatable about a pivot axis extending in the height direction to open or close the first storage space.

[0039] As an example, this refrigerator is a combined refrigeration and freezing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that this application is equally applicable to other types of refrigerators, such as standalone refrigeration or freezing units. Furthermore, this application can also be applied, as needed, to other household refrigeration appliances besides refrigerators, such as wine coolers.

[0040] The refrigeration appliance may also include a second inner liner 3 having a second storage space. The first storage space may be used, for example, as a variable temperature compartment. The second storage space may be used, for example, as a freezer compartment.

[0041] The second inner liner 3 has a second inner liner opening 31. The second connector 12 of the return air duct 1 can be connected to the second inner liner opening 31.

[0042] The second inner liner 3 can define an evaporator chamber for housing the evaporator. The return air duct 1 can be arranged to guide gas from the first inner liner 2 to the evaporator chamber. The gas can be cooled within the evaporator chamber through heat exchange with the evaporator.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment according to this application, the first connector 11, the second connector 12, and the intermediate conduit 13 are each constructed as separate components. The intermediate conduit 13 is particularly insertable into the first connector 11 and / or the second connector 12. The first connector 11, the second connector 12, and the intermediate conduit 13 can be molded as separate components and then assembled together. This helps reduce molding complexity.

[0044] The intermediate pipe 13 can be constructed as a square pipe with a rectangular cross-section. The first joint 11 and the second joint 12 can be constructed as L-shapes respectively.

[0045] In another embodiment, it is also possible to construct any two or three of the first connector 11, the second connector 12, and the intermediate pipe 13 as a single component.

[0046] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first joint 11 of the return air duct 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown in perspective view, front view and sectional view, respectively, and is constructed as a separate component. Figure 6 The cutting position of the cross-section shown can be found in [reference]. Figure 5 The cross-section line BB is shown in the figure.

[0047] As can be seen, the first connector 11 includes a connector body 111 having an inlet 1111 and a grid structure 112 located at the inlet 1111. The grid structure 112 is integrally formed in the connector body 111.

[0048] The grid structure 112 may include a plurality of grid plates 1121. Here, the grid structure 112 may include, for example, five grid plates 1121. The plurality of grid plates 1121 may define small gaps between each other, thereby allowing gas to flow into the return air duct 1 while preventing items to be cooled in the first inner liner 2 from entering the return air duct 1.

[0049] The plurality of grid plates 1121 can be arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other.

[0050] Optionally, the plurality of grid plates 1121 extend parallel to the extension direction of the intermediate pipe 13.

[0051] The grille can guide the airflow through the return air duct 1, thereby reducing wind resistance.

[0052] In another embodiment, the grid structure 112 may include more than five or fewer grid plates 1121, for example, it may include only one grid plate 1121.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the connector body 111 may be formed in an L-shape. The connector body 111 may include an end wall 1112 opposite to the inlet 1111, see [reference]. Figure 6 The grid structure 112 extends from the end wall 1112 toward the inlet 1111. This enhances the airflow guidance effect of the grid structure 112 and facilitates the forming of the first joint 11. This configuration is particularly suitable for flat return air ducts 1 arranged in thin foam layers.

[0054] The grille may include at least one grid plate 1121. The thickness of the at least one grid plate 1121 decreases along the end wall 1112 toward the inlet 1111. This is particularly beneficial for reducing wind resistance. At the same time, it further facilitates the forming of the first joint 11.

[0055] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is also shown that the first connector 11 may further include a baffle wall 113 adapted to extend into the first inner liner 2. The baffle wall 113 projects in the opening direction of the inlet 1111 and extends at least partially around the inlet 1111.

[0056] The baffle wall 113 prevents the "airflow short-circuiting" problem, where cooling gas from the air outlet flows back through the return air duct 1 without fully contacting the item to be cooled within the first inner liner 2. If a large amount of cooling gas enters the return air duct 1 without sufficient heat exchange in the first inner liner 2, it will lead to energy waste and uneven temperature distribution within the first inner liner 2. Therefore, the baffle wall 113 helps improve cooling efficiency and avoid uneven temperature distribution.

[0057] The wind-blocking wall 113 of the first connector 11 extends into the first inner liner 2 from the first inner liner opening 21. The maximum protrusion height H of the wind-blocking wall 113 extending into the first inner liner 2 is shown in the figure. Figure 2 (Greater than 10mm.) The windbreak wall 113 is not merely a connecting structure used to snap into the opening 21 of the first inner liner, but can also extend into the first inner liner 2 to block the airflow in a specific flow direction.

[0058] The windbreak wall 113 includes a first wall 1131 extending along a first direction D1 and a second wall 1132 extending along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first wall 1131 and the second wall 1132 extend continuously. In the assembled state, the first direction D1 may be parallel to the width direction of the refrigeration appliance, and the second direction D2 may be parallel to the height direction of the refrigeration appliance.

[0059] The windbreak wall 113 extends only partially around the inlet 1111. For example, the windbreak wall 113 may extend for one-quarter to three-quarters of the perimeter of the inlet 1111. The windbreak wall 113 does not, and does not need to, completely surround the inlet 1111. Therefore, the windbreak wall 113 can specifically block airflow in a particular flow direction. The windbreak wall 113 may extend for approximately half the perimeter of the inlet 1111.

[0060] See Figure 1 The first inner liner opening 21 may be offset toward a first side (here, the left side) relative to the center of the first inner liner 2 in a first direction D1. In this case, the windproof wall 113 of the first connector 11 may extend to a second side (here, the right side) opposite to the first side of the first inner liner opening 21, instead of extending to the first side of the first inner liner opening 21.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the first inner liner opening 21 is offset toward a third side (here, the lower side) relative to the center of the first inner liner 2 in the second direction D2. In this case, the windbreak wall 113 of the first connector 11 extends to a fourth side (here, the upper side) opposite to the third side of the first inner liner opening 21, instead of extending to the third side of the first inner liner opening 21.

[0062] This design allows for more efficient use of the windbreak wall 113 to prevent cooling gas inside the first inner liner 2 from flowing directly into the return air duct 1 from the air supply port.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment according to this application, the protrusion height of the second wall 1132 extending into the first inner liner 2 can increase from the end of the second wall 1132 away from the first wall 1131 toward the second wall 1132. This results in the second wall 1132 having a slope. Therefore, during the installation of the return air duct 1 to the first inner liner 2, the baffle wall 113 can be used to assist in positioning. Although during installation, the operator cannot directly observe the relative position of the inlet 1111 of the first connector 11 and the opening 21 of the first inner liner by visual inspection, the baffle wall 113 of the above configuration can guide the operator to correctly position the first connector 11 relative to the opening 21 of the first inner liner.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, the windbreak wall 113 may be provided with a locking tongue 1133 adapted to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the first inner liner 2 by means of elastic deformation in the radial direction relative to the inlet 1111. The locking tongue 1133 has a locking protrusion 1134 protruding radially outward relative to the inlet 1111. During the installation of the return air duct 1 to the first inner liner 2, the locking tongue 1133 can undergo elastic deformation to facilitate the entry of the locking protrusion 1134 into the opening 21 of the first inner liner. The locking tongue 1133 can hook onto the rear wall of the first inner liner 2 from the inside. Thus, the windbreak wall 113 can also be used to achieve the connection between the return air duct 1 and the first inner liner 2.

[0065] The first connector 11 may further include a flange 114 adapted to be bonded to the first inner liner 2. The flange 114 protrudes radially outward from the connector body 111 relative to the inlet 1111. In the assembled state, the flange 114 of the first connector 11 can be bonded to the outside of the first inner liner 2. For example, the flange 114 can be bonded to the first inner liner 2 using adhesive tape. This achieves a stable connection between the return air duct 1 and the first inner liner 2, and also prevents gas leakage.

[0066] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this application are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In practice, multiple features may be combined with each other as needed and where technically feasible. In particular, features from different embodiments may also be combined with each other. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A return air duct for a refrigeration appliance, said return air duct (1) being used to exhaust gas from the first inner liner (2) of the refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, Return air duct (1) includes: First connector (11); Second connector (12); and Intermediate pipe (13) connecting the first connector (11) and the second connector (12). The first connector (11) includes a connector body (111) having an inlet (1111) and a grid structure (112) located at the inlet (1111), the grid structure (112) being integrally formed in the connector body (111).

2. The return air duct according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid structure (112) includes multiple grid plates (1121), wherein, The plurality of grid plates (1121) are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart; and / or The plurality of grid plates (1121) extend parallel to the extension direction of the intermediate pipe (13).

3. The return air duct according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector body (111) is L-shaped and includes an end wall (1112) opposite to the inlet (1111), and the grid structure (112) extends from the end wall (1112) toward the inlet (1111).

4. The return air duct according to claim 3, characterized in that, The grid structure (112) includes at least one grid plate (1121), the thickness of which decreases in the direction from the end wall (1112) toward the inlet (1111).

5. The return air duct according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that, The first connector (11) also includes a windbreak wall (113) adapted to extend into the first inner liner (2), the windbreak wall (113) projecting in the opening direction of the inlet (1111) and extending at least partially around the inlet (1111).

6. The return air duct according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windbreak wall (113) includes a first wall (1131) extending along a first direction and a second wall (1132) extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first wall (1131) and the second wall (1132) extending continuously.

7. The return air duct according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protrusion of the second wall (1132) into the first inner liner (2) increases from the end of the second wall (1132) away from the first wall (1131) toward the second wall (1132).

8. The return air duct according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windbreak wall (113) extends for one-quarter to three-quarters of the length around the entrance (1111).

9. The return air duct according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windbreak wall (113) is provided with a locking tongue (1133) adapted to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the first inner liner (2) by means of elastic deformation in the radial direction relative to the inlet (1111), the locking tongue (1133) having a locking protrusion (1134) protruding in the radial outward direction relative to the inlet (1111).

10. The return air duct according to any one of claims 1-2, 4, 6-9, characterized in that, The first connector (11), the second connector (12) and the intermediate pipe (13) are each constructed as separate components, wherein the intermediate pipe (13) is inserted into the first connector (11) and / or the second connector (12).

11. The return air duct according to any one of claims 1-2, 4, 6-9, characterized in that, The first connector (11) includes a flange (114) adapted to be bonded to the first inner liner (2), the flange (114) protruding from the connector body (111) in a radially outward direction relative to the inlet (1111).

12. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance includes: A first inner liner (2), having a first inner liner opening (21); and The return air duct (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the first joint (11) of the return air duct (1) is connected to the first inner liner opening (21).

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The wind-blocking wall (113) of the first connector (11) extends into the first inner liner (2) from the first inner liner opening (21), and the maximum protrusion height of the wind-blocking wall (113) into the first inner liner (2) is greater than 10 mm.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first inner liner opening (21) is offset to a first side relative to the center of the first inner liner (2) in a first direction, and the windproof wall (113) of the first connector (11) extends to a second side opposite to the first side of the first inner liner opening (21) and does not extend to the first side of the first inner liner opening (21); and / or The first inner liner opening (21) is offset towards the third side relative to the center of the first inner liner (2) in the second direction, and the windproof wall (113) of the first connector (11) extends on the fourth side opposite to the third side of the first inner liner opening (21) and does not extend on the third side of the first inner liner opening (21).

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance also includes a second inner liner (3) having a second inner liner opening (31), and a second connector (12) of the return air duct (1) is connected to the second inner liner opening (31).

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