Refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, in particular to a refrigerator which has: an inner container enclosing a storage chamber; an evaporator for cooling air, located in the inner container; an air duct assembly for delivering the cooled air to the storage chamber; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting temperature information of the evaporator; a heater for heating the evaporator; and a heat exchange unit controller located behind the air duct assembly, which is in signal connection with the evaporator temperature sensor and the heater to receive the temperature information from the evaporator temperature sensor and control the operation of the heater. Thus, by arranging the heat exchange unit controller behind the air duct assembly and in signal connection with the evaporator temperature sensor and the heater, integrated control of the refrigerator heat exchange system is realized. This arrangement not only makes full use of the space behind the air duct assembly, avoids occupying the internal space of the storage chamber, but also optimizes the internal visual effect of the storage chamber, making it more beautiful and tidy, and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and more specifically to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, refrigerators, as essential household appliances in modern homes, are becoming increasingly diversified in function and more complex in structure. Modern refrigerators typically include multiple storage spaces such as a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and an evaporator, for example, can be installed in the refrigerator compartment to achieve the necessary heat exchange. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by absorbing heat from the storage compartment, and to prevent frost buildup on the evaporator surface from affecting cooling efficiency, a heater is usually required to defrost the evaporator periodically. Simultaneously, a temperature sensor is needed on the evaporator to monitor its temperature and implement automatic defrosting. These electrical components all need to be electrically connected to the refrigerator's control system.

[0003] Therefore, there is a real need for continued improvement in the arrangement and connection of the various components of the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of embodiments of this application is to provide an improved refrigerator that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and / or other possible disadvantages not mentioned herein.

[0005] According to this application, a refrigerator is provided, comprising: an inner liner configured to enclose a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to cool air, the evaporator being located within the inner liner; an air duct assembly configured to deliver cooled air to the storage compartment; an evaporator temperature sensor configured to detect temperature information of the evaporator; a heater configured to heat the evaporator; and a heat exchange unit controller located behind the air duct assembly, the heat exchange unit controller being signal-connected to the evaporator temperature sensor and the heater to receive temperature information from the evaporator temperature sensor and control the operation of the heater. Thus, by placing the heat exchange unit controller behind the air duct assembly and signal-connecting it to the evaporator temperature sensor and the heater, integrated control of the refrigerator's heat exchange system is achieved. This arrangement not only fully utilizes the space behind the air duct assembly, avoiding the occupation of internal storage space, but also optimizes the internal visual effect of the storage compartment, making it more aesthetically pleasing and tidy, and improving the user experience.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment, the air duct assembly has an air duct cover facing the storage compartment, a fan configured to drive airflow, and an air duct configured to allow airflow. The heat exchange unit controller is arranged offset from at least one of the fan, the air duct, and the evaporator behind the air duct cover. This offset arrangement avoids spatial interference between components, achieving optimized utilization of the refrigerator's internal space and a rational layout of the components.

[0007] According to one alternative embodiment, the inner liner has a recessed first region configured to accommodate the heat exchange unit controller. This recessed region design not only improves space utilization but also enhances the overall structural compactness.

[0008] According to one alternative embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller and the evaporator are arranged offset from each other on the inner wall of the inner liner. This offset arrangement avoids overlap between the heat exchange unit controller and the evaporator in the same location, fully utilizes different areas of the inner wall of the liner, and improves space utilization efficiency.

[0009] According to one alternative embodiment, the air duct assembly includes a first air duct member configured to deliver air cooled by the evaporator to a lower region of the storage compartment, with the fan and the evaporator located between the first air duct member and the inner wall of the inner liner. This sandwich arrangement thus makes full use of the space between the air duct member and the inner liner, achieving a compact layout of the refrigerator's refrigeration system.

[0010] According to one alternative embodiment, the inner liner has two opposing sidewalls, and the first region is connected to one of the two sidewalls. This arrangement, connecting to the sidewalls, places the first region in a corner position inside the refrigerator, making full use of corner space that is typically difficult to utilize, without affecting the effective volume of the central storage area.

[0011] According to one optional embodiment, the inner liner has a central surface in the width direction of the refrigerator, and the first region is offset to one side with reference to the central surface. This offset arrangement fully considers the distribution of other components inside the refrigerator, especially the positions of critical components such as the evaporator and its liquid receiver, avoiding spatial conflicts through staggered arrangement. The offset design allows the heat exchange unit controller to be connected to other electrical components on the same side nearby, forming a centralized electrical control area, simplifying cable routing and improving system integration.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment, the inner liner has a through-hole in the first region and a snap-fit ​​edge at the through-hole, and the heat exchange unit controller includes a housing having a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove configured to engage with the snap-fit ​​edge. Thus, this snap-fit ​​connection structure ensures quick and reliable installation of the heat exchange unit controller.

[0013] According to one alternative embodiment, the evaporator has a liquid reservoir at its upper part, and the heat exchange unit controller is located on a different side from the liquid reservoir, with reference to the central plane. This staggered arrangement avoids the space congestion problem caused by components being too concentrated on the same side, providing ample operating space for their respective installation and maintenance.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller is located above the evaporator and vertically spaced apart from it. This height difference design facilitates gravity drainage, allowing condensate from the evaporator to flow smoothly downwards without accumulating near the heat exchange unit controller. This keeps the controller away from potential condensate buildup on the evaporator surface, preventing moisture corrosion of electrical components and improving system safety and reliability.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment, the corner regions of the heat exchange unit controller and the first air duct component overlap in the depth direction of the refrigerator. This depth-direction overlap design allows the heat exchange unit controller to be partially or completely hidden within the projection range of the corner region of the first air duct component, maintaining the overall compactness and aesthetics of the product.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment, the evaporator temperature sensor has a first connection terminal connected via a first cable, the first connection terminal being configured to be electrically connected to a first mating terminal located on the inner wall of the inner liner behind the first air duct component. This method of connection behind the air duct component concentrates the electrical connections within a relatively enclosed and protected area, avoiding accidental contact and damage that could occur from exposure within the storage compartment.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment, the air duct assembly includes a second air duct component configured to deliver air cooled by the evaporator to the upper region of the storage compartment. The second air duct component has at least one electrical component with a second connection terminal connected via a second cable. This second connection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second mating terminal located on the inner wall of the inner liner behind the first air duct component. This design allows electrical components of the second air duct component, such as lighting fixtures and ion generators, to be connected to the power supply and control system through a unified connection point, simplifying wiring design and achieving integrated management of the electrical connections of the refrigerator's upper air supply system.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment, the second mating terminal and the heat exchange unit controller are both located within the first area. This juxtaposes the connection points of the electrical components in the upper air duct with the main connection hub of the heat exchange unit controller within the same recessed area, achieving a high degree of centralization of the connection points. When performing electrical connection operations, installers do not need to search for multiple interfaces in different locations within the liner; most of the terminals requiring connection (e.g., from the evaporator, lower air duct, and upper air duct) are concentrated here. This greatly simplifies the operation process, reduces the movement and line-of-sight shifts of installers, thereby significantly improving assembly efficiency and greatly reducing the risk of missed or incorrect connections.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment, the first mating terminal is located in a second region of the inner liner, different from the first region. This partitioned arrangement fully considers the characteristics and connection requirements of different electrical components, independently configuring the connection of the evaporator temperature sensor and avoiding interference with other high-density connection areas.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment, the first air duct component at least covers the heat exchange unit controller, the evaporator, the first mating terminal, and the second mating terminal. This fully covered design conceals all electrical components and connection terminals behind the first air duct component, ensuring that no exposed electrical components are visible to the user during normal use, significantly improving the cleanliness and aesthetics of the storage compartment.

[0021] According to one alternative embodiment, the first region and the second region are configured as two side regions that are far apart from each other in the width direction of the refrigerator. This side-distribution design makes full use of the corner spaces of the refrigerator's inner liner, transforming areas that would otherwise be difficult to utilize effectively into functional spaces, thus improving the overall space utilization rate.

[0022] According to one alternative embodiment, the first region is recessed towards the storage compartment. This recessed design towards the storage compartment reduces the thickness of the back foam layer and improves the refrigerator's insulation performance.

[0023] According to one alternative embodiment, the first area is located at a height less than half the height of the inner liner. This low-profile design facilitates close connection with components such as the evaporator and heater located below, shortens cable length, and reduces signal attenuation and interference. The low-profile arrangement also allows for the utilization of upper space, enabling the placement of other functional components or additional storage space above the heat exchange unit controller.

[0024] According to one alternative embodiment, the width of the first region is less than half the width of the inner liner. This width limitation ensures that the installation of the heat exchange unit controller does not excessively occupy the lateral space of the refrigerator, making the interior of the refrigerator more compact.

[0025] According to one alternative embodiment, the first region occupies approximately one-third of the side area of ​​the inner liner in the width direction of the refrigerator. This provides ample installation space for the heat exchange unit controller without excessively encroaching on the effective width of the storage compartment. Simultaneously, the approximately one-third space occupancy allows for flexibility in the functional planning of the other two one-third areas, enabling the arrangement of other functional components as needed.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment, the refrigerator has an overheat protector connected to the heater. The overheat protector and the heater have a third connection terminal connected via a third cable. This third connection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller after the first air duct component. This direct connection to the heat exchange unit controller allows the controller to monitor the heater's operating status in real time and provides dual safety protection through the overheat protector, preventing overheating hazards caused by heater malfunction. Simultaneously, the connection method of the third connection terminal after the first air duct component maintains consistency with other electrical connections, facilitating unified management.

[0027] According to an optional embodiment, the refrigerator has a storage compartment temperature sensor configured to detect temperature information of the storage compartment. The storage compartment temperature sensor has a fourth connection terminal connected via a fourth cable, the fourth connection terminal being electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller downstream of the first air duct component. Thus, by connecting downstream of the first air duct component, this important sensor connection is protected from external interference, improving the stability of signal transmission. The direct electrical connection to the heat exchange unit controller allows the storage compartment temperature data to be directly used in the control algorithm, improving system response speed.

[0028] According to one optional embodiment, the fan has a fifth connection terminal connected via a fifth cable, the fifth connection terminal being configured to be electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller behind the first air duct component. This direct connection allows the heat exchange unit controller to intelligently adjust the fan's operating mode, achieving precise temperature control. Simultaneously, the cable connection behind the first air duct component creates a neat and orderly wiring configuration.

[0029] According to an optional embodiment, the first air duct component has at least one hook on the side facing the inner liner, configured to secure the fourth cable and / or the fifth cable. Thus, these hooks provide a predetermined routing path for the cables, ensuring they are arranged according to the designed route and avoiding potential safety hazards caused by a haphazard cable distribution.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment, the wiring paths of the fourth and / or fifth cables are configured to be spaced apart from the fins of the evaporator. This spacing design fundamentally avoids contact between the cables and the sharp edges of the fins, eliminating the risk of short circuits or open circuits caused by cable cuts, and greatly improving electrical safety.

[0031] According to one alternative embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller and the fan are staggered along the depth direction of the refrigerator. This optimizes space utilization and avoids mutual interference.

[0032] According to one optional embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller and the fan are staggered in the width direction of the refrigerator. This staggered arrangement fully considers the lateral space distribution inside the refrigerator, allowing the two important components to occupy positions best suited to their respective functional needs, achieving balanced utilization of lateral space and clear division of functional areas.

[0033] According to one alternative embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller and the fan are arranged side-by-side along the height of the refrigerator. This side-by-side arrangement at substantially the same height facilitates the use of a unified protection and coverage scheme; for example, both components can be covered by a single air duct component, reducing the number of parts.

[0034] According to an optional embodiment, the refrigerator further includes at least one additional heat exchange unit controller, which is connected to the refrigerator's main control unit via the heat exchange unit controller for power supply and / or communication. Thus, for high-end refrigerators, for example, those with multiple components requiring independent intelligent control (e.g., a frost-free system for the freezer compartment and a temperature control system for the variable temperature compartment), it allows the second heat exchange unit controller to be connected to the first heat exchange unit controller instead of directly to the refrigerator's main controller, thereby avoiding the wiring complexity problems caused by each control module being individually connected to the refrigerator's main controller in the prior art.

[0035] According to one optional embodiment, the connection interface of the heat exchange unit controller has a mis-insertion prevention coding structure that matches the corresponding connection terminal. This ensures that each connection terminal can only be inserted into a unique corresponding connection interface, avoiding insertion errors during assembly and improving assembly efficiency.

[0036] According to one alternative embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller includes an electronic unit and a heating unit, the heating unit being configured to heat the electronic unit during the defrosting phase of the heater operation to maintain its temperature above the dew point. This prevents condensation of the hot, humid air generated by the evaporator during defrosting on the electronic unit of the heat exchange unit controller, improving product safety and reliability.

[0037] According to one alternative embodiment, the heating unit includes a power switching element disposed on the electronic unit, the power switching element being configured to control the heater. Thus, the heat generated when the power switch (such as a silicon controlled rectifier) ​​controlling the heater is activated is cleverly used to heat the electronic unit of the heat exchange unit controller, achieving heater control while simultaneously ensuring that condensation does not form on the electronic unit.

[0038] According to one optional embodiment, the heating unit includes at least one resistance heating element disposed on the electronic unit. This allows for targeted heating via a specially designed resistance heating element, preventing condensation on the electronic unit and improving product safety and reliability.

[0039] According to one optional embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller has an inlet area for collecting cables and a cable tray structure in the inlet area for guiding and securing the cables. Thus, the guiding function of the cable tray ensures that the cables enter the heat exchange unit controller along a predetermined path, avoiding interference with other components and improving connection reliability.

[0040] According to an optional embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller has a separate cover that seals its connection interface. Thus, this separate cover can be installed separately after all electrical connections of the heat exchange unit controller are completed, without affecting the convenience of connection operations, while ensuring a tight seal after connection.

[0041] According to one alternative embodiment, the cable inlet of the cable tray structure faces away from the evaporator. This away-from-evaporator orientation avoids the risk of the cable needing to cross the evaporator area, eliminates the possibility of the cable being cut by the fins, and optimizes the cable path while improving safety.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment, the cable tray structure is configured to constrain the free-fall length of the cable introduced into the heat exchange unit controller to be less than the vertical distance between the cable inlet of the cable tray structure and the evaporator fins. This precise length control ensures that even in the most unfavorable conditions, such as when the cable is completely slack and hanging freely, it will not contact the evaporator fins below, eliminating the risk of cable cuts. Attached Figure Description

[0043] 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 schematic perspective view of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the refrigerator door is not shown; Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the refrigerator door is not shown; Figure 3 A front view of the inner liner of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 A component assembly diagram of the inner liner of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the evaporator of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The enlarged view of part A shown below; Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a first air duct component of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the first air duct component as seen from another side; Figure 9 A rear view of a second air duct component of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 10 A front view of the inner liner of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, wherein a first air duct is not shown; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The enlarged view of part B shown; Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 The enlarged view of part C shown; Figure 13 A rear perspective view of the inner liner of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 14 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic partial three-dimensional enlarged view of D; and Figure 15 A schematic diagram of signal transmission of various components of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0044] Figure label: 1000: Refrigerator; 1001: Storage compartment; 1002: Center surface; 1100: Inner liner; 1101: Through section; 1102: Snap-fit ​​edge; 1110: Inner wall; 1111: First mating terminal; 1112: Second mating terminal; 1120: Side wall; 1200: Evaporator; 1210: Liquid receiver; 1300: Air duct assembly; 1003: Storage area; 1004: Air duct area; 1310: Air duct cover; 1320: Fan; 1330: Air duct; 1400: Evaporator temperature Sensor; 1410: First cable; 1411: First connection terminal; 1500: Heater; 1600: Heat exchange unit controller; 1610: Cable tray structure; 1611: Cable inlet; 1620: Housing; 1621: Snap-fit ​​groove; 1700: Overheat protector; 1800: Storage compartment temperature sensor; 100: First air duct component; 101: Hook; 110: Corner area; 200: Second air duct component; 210: Electrical component; 211: Second cable; 212: Second connection terminal; 30: Third cable; 31: Third connection terminal; 40: Fourth cable; 41: Fourth connection terminal; 50: Fifth cable; 51: Fifth connection terminal; 10: First area; 20: Second area; 1900: Main control unit; x: Width direction; y: Height direction; z: Depth direction. Detailed Implementation

[0045] 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. Various embodiments may share the same view or multiple views for description, but not all features appearing in the same view should be interpreted as features that must be present in an embodiment.

[0046] For ease of understanding, the description provided in the background section of this application may be recalled. One objective of this application is to provide a refrigerator comprising: an inner liner configured to enclose a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to cool air, located within the inner liner; an air duct assembly configured to deliver cooled air to the storage compartment; an evaporator temperature sensor configured to detect temperature information of the evaporator; a heater configured to heat the evaporator; and a heat exchange unit controller located behind the air duct assembly, the heat exchange unit controller being signal-connected to the evaporator temperature sensor and the heater to receive temperature information from the evaporator temperature sensor and control the operation of the heater. Thus, by placing the heat exchange unit controller behind the air duct assembly and signal-connecting it to the evaporator temperature sensor and the heater, integrated control of the refrigerator's heat exchange system is achieved. This arrangement not only fully utilizes the space behind the air duct assembly, avoiding encroachment on the internal space of the storage compartment, but also optimizes the internal visual effect of the storage compartment, making it more aesthetically pleasing and tidy, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal sectional perspective view of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0049] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Refrigerators 1000, each exemplarily configured as a household air-cooled refrigerator, are shown, in which the refrigerator door is not shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram also schematically illustrates the xyz coordinate system of the refrigerator 1000, where x represents the width direction of the refrigerator 1000, y represents the height direction of the refrigerator 1000, and z represents the depth direction of the refrigerator 1000 from the outside to the inside (or from front to back). For clarity, this xyz coordinate system will be used as a basic reference in the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 3 A front view of the inner liner 1100 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 A component assembly diagram of the inner liner 1100 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the evaporator 1200 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the refrigerator 1000 has an inner liner 1100, the inner surface of which forms the rear wall, side wall, top wall, and bottom wall of the storage compartment 1001 (e.g., a refrigerator compartment). The inner liner 1100 can be integrally formed into a box-shaped structure by, for example, plastic vacuum forming, or formed by connecting multiple injection-molded panels, or formed by other materials and / or manufacturing methods.

[0052] Storage compartment 1001 has an air duct assembly 1300 to divide storage compartment 1001 into storage area 1003 and air duct area 1004 in fluid communication with storage area 1003. Air duct area 1004 has an evaporator 1200. In a compression refrigeration system, evaporator 1200 is supplied with refrigerant that absorbs heat by evaporating within evaporator 1200. Evaporator 1200 is, for example, a finned tube heat exchanger, which cools the air flowing between its fins by absorbing heat through the evaporation of refrigerant.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct assembly 1300 is arranged along the rear wall of the inner liner 1100, thereby covering the front of the evaporator 1200. The air duct assembly 1300 includes a fan 1320 for forced circulation of air between the air duct area 1004 and the storage area 1003, thereby forcibly circulating and delivering the cooled air, after being cooled by the evaporator 1200, to the various areas of the storage compartment 1001. A heat exchange unit controller 1600 is preferably also connected to and controls the operation of the fan 1320.

[0054] To manage the evaporator 1200, particularly for defrosting, the refrigerator 1000 also includes an evaporator temperature sensor 1400 for detecting the temperature of the evaporator 1200. The evaporator temperature sensor 1400 is, for example, an NTC thermistor, whose temperature probe is attached to the coil of the evaporator 1200 (such as the inlet or outlet end) to detect the temperature of the evaporator 1200 in real time. The refrigerator 1000 also includes a heater 1500, such as an electric heating wire, wound or installed on the fins or bottom of the evaporator 1200 to heat the evaporator 1200 during the defrost cycle and melt the attached frost.

[0055] The refrigerator 1000 also includes a main control unit 1900 and a heat exchange unit controller 1600 arranged adjacent to the evaporator 1200, as will be described below. Figure 15 As schematically shown, the main control unit 1900 of the refrigerator 1000 is communicatively connected to the heat exchange unit controller 1600. As shown in the following figures, the heat exchange unit controller 1600 and electrical components arranged near the evaporator 1200 are connected, for example, by cables.

[0056] Temperature information from the evaporator temperature sensor 1400 is transmitted to the heat exchange unit controller 1600 via a signal, while the power supply line of the heater 1500 is electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller 1600, specifically through its own wiring harness and connection terminals. The heat exchange unit controller 1600 can receive and process the temperature signal from the evaporator temperature sensor 1400, for example, via its internal PCB board, or it can control the operation of the heater 1500 according to instructions from the main control unit 1900, thereby precisely starting, maintaining, and terminating the defrosting process. This design, which integrates the evaporator temperature sensor signal input and heater control execution functions into a sub-controller located near the evaporator, simplifies the wiring complexity from the evaporator area to the refrigerator's main controller.

[0057] The heat exchange unit controller 1600 is preferably a modular electrical box integrating a PCB board and multiple plug-in interfaces, physically located behind the air duct assembly 1300, and preferably installed in the space between the inner liner 1100 and the air duct assembly 1300.

[0058] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The enlarged view of part A shown below; Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a first air duct member 100 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the first air duct component 100 as seen from the other side.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the air duct assembly 1300 includes an air duct cover 1310 facing the storage compartment 1001. The air duct cover 1310 is the component that the user sees directly after opening the refrigerator door, and it is preferably provided with a grille-shaped air outlet and air return vent. In an alternative embodiment of the air duct assembly 1300, which is not specifically shown in the figures and has only a single air duct component, the air duct assembly 1300 as a whole may have a single air duct cover 1310 covering the entire back area of ​​the storage compartment 1001.

[0060] On the back of the air duct cover 1310, i.e., in the space between it and the inner liner 1100, other functional components are integrated, including such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 The fan 1320 shown is a centrifugal fan 1320 (hereinafter referred to as "centrifugal fan") in this embodiment, preferably having a volute structure, which can efficiently draw air from the evaporator 1200 area, pressurize it and send it out through the air duct 1330.

[0061] The air duct 1330 is, for example, a specific path defined by the ribs on the back of the air duct cover 1310, for directing the cold air delivered by the fan 1320 to different areas of the storage compartment 1001.

[0062] The heat exchange unit controller 1600 may be located, for example, behind the duct cover 1310, but its position is spatially offset from at least one of the centrifugal fan 1320, the duct 1330, and the evaporator 1200.

[0063] Specifically, the heat exchange unit controller 1600 is not installed directly behind the centrifugal fan 1320, nor does it occupy the flow space of the main air duct 1330, nor does it overlap with the main body of the evaporator 1200. This staggered arrangement ensures that the presence of the heat exchange unit controller 1600 will not obstruct the air intake and exhaust of the centrifugal fan 1320, will not interfere with the airflow within the air duct 1330, and will not affect the heat exchange efficiency between the evaporator 1200 and the air.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller 1600 and the centrifugal fan 1320 are staggered in the width direction x and the depth direction z, and arranged side by side in the height direction y, that is, they are basically at the same height level as shown in the figure.

[0065] like Figures 6 to 8 Combination Figure 4 As shown, the air duct assembly 1300 includes a first air duct member 100 for delivering air cooled by the evaporator 1200 to the lower region of the storage compartment 1001, with a centrifugal fan 1320 and the evaporator 1200 located between the first air duct member 100 and the inner wall 1110 of the inner liner 1100.

[0066] from Figure 6 As can be seen from the assembly diagram, in the assembled state, the corner region 110 of the heat exchange unit controller 1600 and the first air duct component 100 overlaps in the depth direction z of the refrigerator 1000. This means that if viewed from the side of the refrigerator (along the x-axis), the projections of the heat exchange unit controller 1600 and the corner region 110 of the first air duct component 100 at least partially overlap in the z-axis direction.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner liner 1100 has a recessed first region 10 for accommodating the heat exchange unit controller 1600. Here, the heat exchange unit controller 1600 and the evaporator 1200 are preferably arranged offset on the inner wall 1110 of the inner liner 1100.

[0068] from Figure 6 It can also be seen that the heat exchange unit controller 1600 has an inlet area for collecting cables and a cable tray structure 1610 for guiding and fixing cables in the inlet area.

[0069] The heat exchange unit controller 1600 preferably also has a separate cover (not shown here) to enclose its connection interface. The cable inlet 1611 of the cable tray structure 1610 preferably faces away from the evaporator 1200 (facing the right side based on the orientation shown in the figure).

[0070] More preferably, the cable tray structure 1610 constrains the free-fall length of the cable introduced into the heat exchange unit controller 1600 to be less than the vertical distance between the cable inlet 1611 of the cable tray structure 1610 and the fins of the evaporator 1200. The significance of this constraint is that even in the most unfavorable case (e.g., the cable droops naturally due to gravity), its end will not touch the sharp evaporator fins below.

[0071] Figure 9 A rear view of a second air duct member 200 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 10 A front view of the inner liner 1100 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the first air duct 100 is not shown; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The enlarged view of part B shown; Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 The enlarged view of part C shown.

[0072] like Figure 9 Combination Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the air duct assembly 1300 includes a second air duct component 200 for conveying air cooled by the evaporator 1200 to the upper region of the storage chamber 1001, the second air duct component 200 having at least one electrical component 210 (in Figure 9 The example shows two electrical components 210, such as an ion generator and a backlighting component. Each electrical component 210 has a second connection terminal 212 connected via a second cable 211. The second connection terminal 212 is electrically connected to a second mating terminal 1112 located on the inner wall 1110 of the inner liner 1100, behind the first air duct component 100. Figure 11 The second mating terminal 1112 and the heat exchange unit controller 1600 are both located in the first region 10.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, the height of the first region 10 is less than half the height of the inner liner 1100, the width of the first region 10 is less than half the width of the inner liner 1100, and the first region 10 occupies about one-third of the side area of ​​the inner liner 1100 in the width direction x of the refrigerator 1000.

[0074] like Figure 5 Combination Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, the evaporator temperature sensor 1400 has a first connection terminal 1411 connected via a first cable 1410. The first connection terminal 1411 is electrically connected to a first mating terminal 1111 located on the inner wall 1110 of the inner liner 1100 behind the first air duct component 100.

[0075] The first mating terminal 1111 is preferably located in a second region 20 of the inner liner 1100, which is different from the first region 10. Optionally, the first region 10 and the second region 20 are two side regions that are far apart from each other in the width direction x of the refrigerator 1000.

[0076] Combination Figure 4 The first air duct component 100 covers at least the heat exchange unit controller 1600, the evaporator 1200, the first mating terminal 1111, and the second mating terminal 1112.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In another embodiment shown, the first mating terminal 1111, schematically indicated by dashed lines, may be located within the first region 10 along with the thermal controller 1600 and the second mating terminal 1112. In this case, the evaporator temperature sensor 1400, its first cable 1410, and the first connection terminal 1411 are preferably located in the right-hand region of the evaporator 1200.

[0078] like Figure 5 Combination Figure 11 As shown, the refrigerator 1000 has an overheat protector 1700 connected to the heater 1500. The overheat protector 1700 and the heater 1500 have a third connection terminal 31 connected by a third cable 30. The third connection terminal 31 is electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller 1600 behind the first air duct 100.

[0079] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 Combination Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerator 1000 has a storage compartment temperature sensor 1800 for detecting temperature information of the storage compartment 1001. The storage compartment temperature sensor 1800 has a fourth connection terminal 41 connected via a fourth cable 40. The fourth connection terminal 41 is electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller 1600 behind the first air duct 100.

[0080] from Figure 6 Combination Figure 8 It can also be seen that the centrifugal fan 1320 has a fifth connection terminal 51 connected via a fifth cable 50, and the fifth connection terminal 51 is electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller 1600 behind the first air duct 100.

[0081] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the first air duct component 100 has at least one hook 101 (four hooks 101 are shown here for example) on the side facing the inner liner 1100 for securing the fourth cable 40 and / or the fifth cable 50, thereby preferably making the wiring path of the fourth cable 40 and / or the fifth cable 50 spaced apart from the fins of the evaporator 1200.

[0082] Figure 13 A rear perspective view of the inner liner 1100 of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 14 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic partial three-dimensional enlarged view, which only schematically shows the inner liner 1100 and some components.

[0083] from Figure 13 As can be seen, the inner liner 1100 has a virtual center plane 1002 in the width direction x of the refrigerator 1000, and the first region 10 is offset to one side (offset to the left based on the orientation shown in the figure) with reference to this center plane 1002. In the preferred embodiment, also as... Figure 13 As shown, the inner liner 1100 has two side walls 1120 facing each other (only the left side wall 1120 is shown based on the orientation of the illustration), and the first region 10 is connected to one of the two side walls 1120 (the left side wall 1120 in this case).

[0084] like Figure 5 Combination Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, the evaporator 1200 has a liquid reservoir 1210 on its upper part, and the heat exchange unit controller 1600 is located on a different side from the liquid reservoir 1210 based on the reference center plane 1002. Figure 10 The liquid reservoir 1210 is located on the left and the heat exchange unit controller 1600 is located on the right. Figure 10 It can also be seen that the heat exchange unit controller 1600 is located above the evaporator 1200 and is vertically spaced from the evaporator 1200.

[0085] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the first region 10 is recessed or convex towards the storage room 1001. From Figure 14As can be seen, the inner liner 1100 has a through-hole 1101 in the first region 10 and a snap-fit ​​edge 1102 at the through-hole 1101. The heat exchange unit controller 1600 includes a housing 1620, for example, made of plastic, with a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove 1621 adapted to engage with the snap-fit ​​edge 1102. By providing a sealing measure (not specifically shown) around the housing 1620, foam material can be prevented from entering the electrical area. For example, an installer can slide the housing 1620 of the heat exchange unit controller 1600 obliquely into the through-hole 1101 along the inner liner 1100 until the snap-fit ​​edge 1102 of the inner liner 1100 engages with the corresponding snap-fit ​​groove 1621 of the housing 1620, thereby achieving a reliable fixation of the heat exchange unit controller 1600.

[0086] In embodiments not specifically shown, the refrigerator 1000 also has at least one additional heat exchange unit controller. This additional heat exchange unit controller is not directly connected to the main control unit 1900 of the refrigerator 1000, but is connected to the main control unit 1900 of the refrigerator 1000 via a heat exchange unit controller 1600 to achieve necessary power supply and / or communication. The connection interface of the heat exchange unit controller 1600 can also have a mis-insertion prevention coding structure corresponding to the corresponding connection terminals, such as mechanical coding elements of different shapes, thereby allowing only predetermined types of connection terminals to mate with the corresponding interface, thus ensuring a safe and reliable connection.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange unit controller 1600 includes an electronic unit (not specifically shown) and a heating unit. The heating unit heats the electronic unit during the defrosting phase of the heater 1500 to maintain its temperature above the dew point. Specifically, the electronic unit may be a PCB board and its necessary electronic components, and the heating unit may include a power switching element disposed on the electronic unit for controlling the operation of the heater 1500. Optionally, the heating unit may also include at least one resistance heating element disposed on the electronic unit to provide targeted heating of critical parts of the electronic unit, thereby preventing condensation from forming on the electronic unit of the heat exchange unit controller 1600 during the defrosting of the evaporator 1200 by the heater 1500.

[0088] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of signal transmission for various components of a refrigerator 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 15As schematically shown by the dashed arrow, the main control unit 1900 of the refrigerator 1000 is communicatively connected to the heat exchange unit controller 1600. For example, the main control unit 1900 receives information data from the heat exchange unit controller 1600 and, considering the overall situation of the refrigerator 1000, issues relevant commands to the heat exchange unit controller 1600 to control the operation of other components (such as the heater 1500 and the centrifugal fan 1320) that are communicatively connected to it. The heat exchange unit controller 1600 itself can also use its internal algorithm to directly control the defrosting process of the heater 1500 on the evaporator 1200 based on the temperature information obtained from the evaporator temperature sensor 1400, and at the same time control the operation of the centrifugal fan 1320 based on the monitoring data from the storage compartment temperature sensor 1800.

[0089] 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 explicitly stated otherwise. In practice, multiple features may be combined with each other as needed and where technically feasible. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are also conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator (1000) has: The structure is an inner liner (1100) that encloses the storage room (1001). An evaporator (1200) is configured to cool air, the evaporator (1200) being located within the inner liner (1100); The air duct assembly (1300) is configured to deliver cooled air to the storage chamber (1001). An evaporator temperature sensor (1400) is configured to detect temperature information of the evaporator (1200). A heater (1500) configured to heat the evaporator (1200); and The heat exchange unit controller (1600) is located behind the air duct assembly (1300). The heat exchange unit controller (1600) is signal connected to the evaporator temperature sensor (1400) and the heater (1500) to receive temperature information from the evaporator temperature sensor (1400) and control the operation of the heater (1500).

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (1300) has an air duct cover (1310) facing the storage chamber (1001), a fan (1320) configured to drive airflow, and an air duct (1330) configured to allow airflow. The heat exchange unit controller (1600) is arranged behind the air duct cover (1310) in a staggered manner from at least one of the fan (1320), the air duct (1330), and the evaporator (1200); and / or The inner liner (1100) has a recessed first region (10) configured to accommodate the heat exchange unit controller (1600).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit controller (1600) and the evaporator (1200) are arranged offset on the inner wall (1110) of the inner liner (1100); and / or The air duct assembly (1300) includes a first air duct element (100) configured to deliver air cooled by the evaporator (1200) to a lower region of the storage compartment (1001), the fan (1320) and the evaporator (1200) being located between the first air duct element (100) and the inner wall (1110) of the inner liner (1100); and / or The inner liner (1100) has two opposing sidewalls (1120), and the first region (10) is connected to one of the two sidewalls (1120); and / or The inner liner (1100) has a central surface (1002) in the width direction of the refrigerator (1000), and the first region (10) is offset to one side with reference to the central surface (1002); and / or The inner liner (1100) has a through portion (1101) in the first region (10) and a snap-fit ​​edge (1102) at the through portion (1101). The heat exchange unit controller (1600) includes a housing (1620) having a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove (1621) configured to engage with the snap-fit ​​edge (1102).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The evaporator (1200) has a liquid reservoir (1210) at its upper part, and the heat exchange unit controller (1600) is located on a different side from the liquid reservoir (1210) with reference to the central plane (1002); and / or The heat exchange unit controller (1600) is located above the evaporator (1200) and is vertically spaced from the evaporator (1200); and / or The corner regions (110) of the heat exchange unit controller (1600) and the first air duct component (100) overlap in the depth direction of the refrigerator (1000); and / or The evaporator temperature sensor (1400) has a first connection terminal (1411) connected via a first cable (1410), the first connection terminal (1411) being configured to be electrically connected to a first mating terminal (1111) located on the inner wall (1110) of the inner liner (1100) behind the first air duct component (100); and / or The air duct assembly (1300) includes a second air duct component (200) configured to deliver air cooled by the evaporator (1200) to the upper region of the storage compartment (1001). The second air duct component (200) has at least one electrical component (210) having a second connection terminal (212) connected via a second cable (211). The second connection terminal (212) is configured to be electrically connected to a second mating terminal (1112) located on the inner wall (1110) of the inner liner (1100) behind the first air duct component (100).

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second mating terminal (1112) and the heat exchange unit controller (1600) are both located within the first region (10); and / or The first mating terminal (1111) is located in a second region (20) of the inner liner (1100) that is different from the first region (10); and / or The first air duct component (100) covers at least the heat exchange unit controller (1600), the evaporator (1200), the first mating terminal (1111), and the second mating terminal (1112).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first region (10) and the second region (20) are configured as two side regions that are far apart from each other in the width direction of the refrigerator (1000).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first region (10) is recessed toward the storage chamber (1001); and / or The height of the first region (10) is less than half the height of the inner liner (1100); and / or The width of the first region (10) is less than half the width of the inner liner (1100); and / or The first region (10) occupies about one-third of the side region of the inner liner (1100) in the width direction of the refrigerator (1000).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerator (1000) has an overheat protector (1700) connected to the heater (1500), the overheat protector (1700) and the heater (1500) having a third connection terminal (31) connected via a third cable (30), the third connection terminal (31) being configured to be electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller (1600) behind the first air duct (100); and / or The refrigerator (1000) has a storage compartment temperature sensor (1800) configured to detect temperature information of the storage compartment (1001), the storage compartment temperature sensor (1800) having a fourth connection terminal (41) connected via a fourth cable (40), the fourth connection terminal (41) being configured to be electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller (1600) behind the first air duct (100); and / or The fan (1320) has a fifth connection terminal (51) connected via a fifth cable (50), the fifth connection terminal (51) being configured to be electrically connected to the heat exchange unit controller (1600) behind the first air duct (100).

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first air duct component (100) has at least one hook (101) on the side facing the inner liner (1100) configured to secure the fourth cable (40) and / or the fifth cable (50); and / or The wiring paths of the fourth cable (40) and / or the fifth cable (50) are configured to be spaced apart from the fins of the evaporator (1200).

10. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit controller (1600) and the fan (1320) are staggered in the depth direction of the refrigerator (1000); and / or The heat exchange unit controller (1600) and the fan (1320) are staggered in the width direction of the refrigerator (1000); and / or The heat exchange unit controller (1600) and the fan (1320) are arranged side by side in the height direction of the refrigerator (1000).

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The refrigerator (1000) also has at least one additional heat exchange unit controller, which is connected to the main control unit (1900) of the refrigerator (1000) via the heat exchange unit controller (1600) for power supply and / or communication; and / or The connection interface of the heat exchange unit controller (1600) has an anti-misinsertion coding structure that matches the corresponding connection terminals; and / or The heat exchange unit controller (1600) includes an electronic unit and a heating unit, the heating unit being configured to heat the electronic unit during the defrosting phase of the heater (1500) to maintain its temperature above the dew point.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heating unit includes a power switching element disposed on the electronic unit, the power switching element being configured to control the heater (1500); and / or The heating unit includes at least one resistance heating element disposed on the electronic unit.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit controller (1600) has an inlet area for collecting cables and a cable tray structure (1610) for guiding and fixing cables in the inlet area; and / or The heat exchange unit controller (1600) has a separate cover that seals its connection interface.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cable inlet (1611) of the cable tray structure (1610) faces away from the evaporator (1200); and / or The cable tray structure (1610) is configured to constrain the free-fall length of the cable introduced into the heat exchange unit controller (1600) to be less than the vertical distance between the cable inlet (1611) of the cable tray structure (1610) and the fins of the evaporator (1200).

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