Refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a refrigeration apparatus, comprising a body comprising a shell, an inner container arranged in the shell, and a storage chamber formed inside the inner container. The refrigeration apparatus further comprises an ice-making chamber arranged in the storage chamber and an ice-making refrigeration system arranged in the ice-making chamber, the ice-making refrigeration system comprising an ice-making evaporator.

Description

Refrigeration equipment

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202410486725.X, filed on April 22, 2024; No. 202410786195.0, filed on June 18, 2024; and No. 202411037985.5, filed on July 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of home appliances, and more particularly to a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous improvement of living standards, refrigerators have become essential household appliances, and their functions are becoming increasingly comprehensive. To meet users' daily ice needs, ice makers and ice storage boxes need to be installed inside the refrigerator. Currently, the space occupied by the ice maker and ice storage boxes is generally connected to the refrigerator's storage compartment. In addition, for cooling, the refrigerator needs a refrigeration system, which generally includes an evaporator, a compressor, and refrigerant pipes connecting the evaporator and compressor. The evaporator is usually located outside the storage compartment and connected to the storage compartment via an air duct. However, this design has the following drawbacks: the ice produced by the ice maker is easily contaminated by odors and bacteria from the storage compartment, resulting in unclean ice.

[0004] The inclusion of any related technologies in this specification does not imply confirmation or recommendation that such related technologies constitute part of the general knowledge of any jurisdiction, or that it is reasonably expected that such related technologies will be understood, regarded as related and / or combined with other related technologies by a person skilled in the art.

[0005] Application content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigeration device.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned application objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a refrigeration device, including a housing. The housing includes a shell, an inner liner disposed within the shell, and a storage chamber formed inside the inner liner. The device is characterized in that an air duct cover is installed inside the inner liner, and an air duct for supplying cold air to the storage chamber is formed between the air duct cover and the inner liner wall. The refrigeration device further includes an ice-making chamber disposed within the storage chamber and an ice-making refrigeration system disposed within the ice-making chamber, the ice-making refrigeration system including an ice-making evaporator.

[0008] In one embodiment, an air duct cover is installed inside the inner liner, and an air duct for supplying cold air to the storage compartment is formed between the air duct cover and the inner liner wall. At least a portion of the inner liner wall protrudes outward and forms a through-pipe portion with the edge of the air duct cover, and the refrigerant pipe of the ice evaporator passes through the through-pipe portion and enters the air duct.

[0009] In one embodiment, an ice maker is provided in the ice-making chamber, and the ice-making refrigeration system includes an ice-making evaporation chamber. The ice-making evaporator is installed in the ice-making evaporation chamber. There is a space between the ice-making evaporation chamber and the ice maker and the wall of the ice-making chamber. The ice-making evaporation chamber has a first air outlet that cooperates with the ice maker and a second air outlet facing the wall of the ice-making chamber. The cold air in the ice-making evaporation chamber flows to the ice maker through the first air outlet, and the cold air in the ice-making evaporation chamber flows to the space between the ice-making evaporation chamber, the ice maker and the wall of the ice-making chamber through the second air outlet.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system includes a housing, an ice-making evaporator disposed within the housing, and a water tray for receiving defrosting water from the ice-making evaporator. The housing has an open opening, and the wall of the water tray closes the open opening and forms a return air vent. Air from the ice-making chamber flows to the ice-making evaporator through the return air vent.

[0011] Compared with related technologies, this application improves the versatility of the air duct cover and reduces costs by setting up an ice-making and refrigeration system in the storage room, ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making room. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The specific embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the inner liner and related structures shown in Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ice-making and refrigeration system and related structures shown in Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the inner liner and related structures shown in Figure 1;

[0017] Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of the tube-through section shown in Figure 4;

[0018] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure after removing the snap-fit ​​and seal as shown in Figure 5;

[0019] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the refrigerator shown in Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the storage room and related structures according to another embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the ice-making and refrigeration system and related structures shown in Figure 8;

[0022] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 9 from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the ice storage box shown in Figure 9;

[0024] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the storage room and related structures shown in Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the ice-making and refrigeration system and ice maker according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the ice-making and refrigeration system and other related structures shown in Figure 13;

[0027] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray shown in Figure 14;

[0028] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the drainage channel component and related structures shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray and related structures shown in Figure 14. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present patent will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present patent, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0031] The refrigeration equipment described in this application can be a refrigerator, freezer, or commercial display case, etc. The specific implementation of this patent will be described below using a refrigerator as an example.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator 100 may include a cabinet 1. A storage compartment 13 is formed inside the cabinet 1.

[0033] In one embodiment, the box body 1 may include a box shell 11 and an inner liner 12. The inner liner 12 is disposed inside the box shell 11, and a storage compartment 13 may be formed inside the inner liner 12.

[0034] The refrigerator 100 may also include a cooling chamber 18 for supplying cooling to the storage compartment 13. A storage evaporator may be disposed within the cooling chamber 18. The cooling chamber 18 may be located inside the inner liner 12.

[0035] In one embodiment, an air duct cover 16 is installed inside the inner liner 12. The air duct cover 16 is disposed on the rear side of the storage chamber 13 and forms the rear wall of the storage chamber 13 and the rear wall 141 of the ice-making chamber 14. A cooling cavity 18 for supplying cold air to the storage chamber 13 can be formed between the air duct cover 16 and the wall of the inner liner 12.

[0036] In this embodiment, the storage compartment 13 can be a freezer compartment. In other embodiments, the storage compartment 13 can also be a refrigerator compartment or a variable temperature compartment, etc. The air duct cover 16 can be provided with an air outlet. The cold air in the cooling chamber 18 can enter the storage compartment 13 through the air outlet.

[0037] In this application, the opening direction of the storage compartment 13 is front, and the direction opposite to the opening direction of the storage compartment 13 is rear. The front end of a component or assembly refers to the end closer to the front side, and the rear end refers to the end closer to the rear side.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may further include an ice-making chamber 14 disposed within the storage compartment 13 and an ice-making and refrigeration system 20 disposed within the ice-making chamber 14. An opening may be formed on the front side of the ice-making chamber 14. The ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may be installed within the ice-making chamber 14 through the opening.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, in this embodiment, a partition 15 may be provided inside the storage compartment 13, and an ice-making chamber 14 may be formed by the partition 15 and the side wall of the storage compartment 13. An opening may be formed on the front side of the storage compartment 13. The partition 15 may be installed inside the storage compartment 13 through the opening.

[0040] In one embodiment, the partition 15 can form an ice-making chamber 14 with the left and right side walls and the rear wall of the storage chamber 13. The ice-making chamber 14 can be located on the top of the storage chamber 13, and the partition 15 can be opposite to the top wall of the storage chamber 13. The partition 15, the top wall, the left and right side walls and the rear wall of the storage chamber 13 form the ice-making chamber 14.

[0041] In other embodiments, the ice-making chamber 14 may also be located at the bottom of the storage chamber 13, and the partition 15 may be used to form the ice-making chamber 14 together with the bottom wall, left and right side walls and rear wall of the storage chamber 13.

[0042] An ice maker 30 for making ice can be installed inside the ice-making chamber 14. An ice storage box for storing ice can also be installed inside the ice-making chamber 14. The ice storage box can be installed below the ice maker 30.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may include an ice-making evaporator 22.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may include an ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and an ice-making evaporator 22 may be installed in the ice-making evaporation chamber 215. The ice-making and refrigeration system 20 is used to specifically supply cooling to the ice-making chamber 14.

[0045] By setting up an ice-making chamber 14 with independent cooling in the storage chamber 13, it is possible to prevent the ice produced by the ice maker 30 in the ice-making chamber 14 from being contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage chamber 13, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the wall of the inner liner 12 protrudes outward and forms a through-pipe portion 120 with the edge of the air duct cover 16, through which the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice evaporator 22 enters the cooling chamber 18.

[0047] To allow the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice evaporator 22 to extend into the cooling chamber 18, the common technique involves perforating the duct cover 16, through which the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice evaporator 22 passes. However, this design requires a strict match between the perforation in the duct cover 16 and the ice evaporator. Standard duct covers for refrigerators cannot be used in refrigerators with ice evaporators 22, necessitating redesign and reprocessing of the duct cover, thus increasing costs.

[0048] The technical solution provided in this application allows the refrigerant pipe 210 to be inserted into the cooling chamber 18 without the need for perforations or other structures on the duct cover 16, thereby improving the versatility of the duct cover 16 and reducing costs.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment of this application, the air duct cover 16 may be disposed on the rear side of the storage chamber 13.

[0050] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, in one embodiment of this application, the pipe-through portion 120 has an opening 124 located inside the inner liner 12. The refrigerator 100 may further include a snap-fit ​​member 127, which is installed inside the pipe-through portion 120 through the opening 124. The snap-fit ​​member 127 snaps and secures the refrigerant pipe 210. This arrangement enables a stable fixation of the refrigerant pipe 210.

[0051] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in one embodiment of this application, the opening 124 may include a front opening 1241. The front opening 1241 may be opposite to the opening of the storage compartment 13, and the snap-fit ​​member 127 may be installed into the through-tube portion 120 through the front opening 1241. This arrangement facilitates the installation of the snap-fit ​​member 127.

[0052] Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 6, in one embodiment of this application, the opening 124 may include a side opening 1242. The side opening 1242 is opposite to the edge of the duct cover 16. The pipe-through portion 120 may include a first wall 121 opposite to the side opening 1242, and the pipe-through portion 120 may also include a second wall 122 and a third wall 123 located on both sides of the side opening 1242. The second wall 122 and the third wall 123 are disposed opposite each other, and both the second wall 122 and the third wall 123 are connected to the first wall 121. The end of the snap-fit ​​member 127 may be recessed to form a snap-fit ​​groove 128, and the refrigerant pipe 210 is disposed between the snap-fit ​​groove 128 and the first wall 121. The end faces of the snap-fit ​​member 127 located on both sides of the snap-fit ​​groove 128 abut against the first wall 121. The side surfaces of the snap-fit ​​member 127 fit against the second wall 122 and the third wall 123.

[0053] This configuration allows the snap-fit ​​127 to seal the gap between the refrigerant pipe 210 and the pipe penetration 120, preventing the cold air from leaking out of the cooling chamber 18.

[0054] Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 6, in one embodiment of this application, the angle between the second wall 122 and the first wall 121 is an acute angle, and the angle between the third wall 123 and the first wall 121 is an acute angle.

[0055] The reverse bevel surfaces on both sides of the through-pipe section 120 improve the positioning and sealing effect of the snap-fit ​​component 127, ensuring a close fit between the end face of the snap-fit ​​component 127 and the inner liner 12. After installation, the snap-fit ​​component 127 will have a pre-tightening force towards the inside of the through-pipe section 120, which ensures a tight seal between the outer wall of the snap-fit ​​component 127 and the inner wall of the through-pipe section 120.

[0056] Referring to Figures 2 to 6, in one embodiment of this application, the through-pipe portion 120 is formed by an upward protrusion of the top wall of the inner liner 12. At least a portion of the top wall of the inner liner 12 protrudes outward and forms the through-pipe portion 120 with the upper edge of the air duct cover 16. Accordingly, the first wall 121 may refer to the top wall of the through-pipe portion 120, and the second wall 122 and the third wall 123 may refer to the left and right side walls of the through-pipe portion 120. The side opening 1242 faces downward.

[0057] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment of this application, the snap-fit ​​member 127 is disposed on the rear side of the air duct cover 16, and the wall 301 of the air duct cover 16 abuts against the front end face of the snap-fit ​​member 127 to restrict the snap-fit ​​member 127 from moving towards the storage compartment 13. The air duct cover 16 may be provided with a rearwardly extending limiting flange 302, which may be disposed below the snap-fit ​​member 127 and abut against the bottom wall of the snap-fit ​​member 127 to restrict the snap-fit ​​member 127 from moving downward.

[0058] Referring to FIG6, in one embodiment of this application, the through-tube portion 120 is formed with a stepped surface 125 that abuts against the rear end face of the snap-fit ​​member 127. The stepped surface 125 is used to restrict the rearward movement of the snap-fit ​​member 127. The stepped surface may be formed on the second wall 122 and the third wall 123. This arrangement enables a stable fixation of the snap-fit ​​member 127.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may include a housing 21. An ice-making evaporation chamber is formed within the housing 21. The ice-making evaporator 22 may be disposed within the ice-making evaporation chamber. A gap may be provided between the rear wall 216 of the housing 21 and the air duct cover 16.

[0060] In one embodiment, the distance between the rear wall 216 and the duct cover 16 can be greater than or equal to 18 mm. This arrangement facilitates the installation of the duct cover 16 after the housing 21 is installed, and avoids interference between the housing 21 and the duct cover 16.

[0061] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, in one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator 100 may include a machine compartment 17 disposed within the cabinet 1. A compressor and / or condenser are disposed within the machine compartment 17. A refrigerant pipe is disposed within the cooling chamber 18. The refrigerant pipe is connected to the compressor and / or condenser. A refrigerant pipe 210 enters the cooling chamber 18 and connects to the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe 210 and the refrigerant pipe within the cooling chamber 18 may be connected by welding.

[0062] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a freezing evaporator, an ice-making capillary tube, a freezing capillary tube, and a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant to the ice-making capillary tube or the freezing capillary tube, all disposed within the cooling chamber 18. The ice-making capillary tube and the freezing capillary tube are connected in parallel, while the freezing capillary tube is connected in series only with the freezing evaporator. The ice-making capillary tube, the ice-making evaporator 22, and the freezing evaporator are connected in series.

[0063] The refrigerant pipe 210 installed in the pipe section 120 may refer to the refrigerant outlet pipe of the ice evaporator 22. The refrigerant inlet pipe of the ice evaporator 22 is connected to the ice-making capillary tube. The refrigerant outlet pipe of the ice evaporator 22 extends from the pipe section 120 into the cooling chamber 18 and is welded to the refrigerant inlet pipe of the refrigeration evaporator.

[0064] When ice making is not required, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor, through the condenser, and is controlled by a solenoid valve to flow to the freezing capillary tube. It then flows through the freezing capillary tube to the freezing evaporator and then back to the compressor, thus realizing the refrigeration cycle and supplying cooling to the storage compartment 13.

[0065] When ice making is required, the refrigerant flows out from the compressor, through the condenser, and is controlled by the solenoid valve to flow to the ice-making capillary tube. After flowing through the ice-making capillary tube, it first flows to the ice-making evaporator 22, and then flows into the freezing evaporator through the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice-making evaporator 22. From the freezing evaporator, it flows back to the compressor, thereby realizing the refrigeration cycle and supplying cooling to the ice-making chamber 14.

[0066] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making refrigeration system 20 may further include a sealing member 126 disposed on the outside of the refrigerant pipe 210. The sealing member 126 is used to seal the gap between the refrigerant pipe 210 and the through-pipe portion 120. The sealing member 126 is partially disposed between the snap-fit ​​member 127 and the refrigerant pipe 210, and the sealing member 126 seals the gap between the refrigerant pipe 210 and the snap-fit ​​member 127.

[0067] The snap-fit ​​127 and the seal 126 can be interference-fitted, so that the snap-fit ​​127 squeezes the seal 126, so that the seal 126 can better seal the gap between the refrigerant pipe 210, the pipe penetration 120 and the snap-fit ​​127.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, in one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator 100 may include a housing integration module, which may include the housing 21 and the ice-making evaporator 22. By integrating the evaporator onto the housing 21 to form a housing integration module, it is beneficial to achieve a modular design of the ice-making refrigeration system 20, making it easier to operate and install.

[0069] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the ice evaporator 22 can be installed inside the housing 21 to form a housing integrated module. Then, the entire housing integrated module is installed into the ice-making chamber 14 through the ice-making chamber opening, and the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice evaporator 22, which is fitted with a sealing element 126, is passed through the pipe penetration section 120.

[0070] Then, the end of the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice-making evaporator 22 that extends into the cooling chamber 18 is welded to the refrigerant pipe of the freezing evaporator in the cooling chamber 18. The snap-fit ​​127 is inserted from the opening of the pipe-through part 120 to snap-fit ​​and fix the refrigerant pipe 210 and squeeze the sealing member 126.

[0071] After the seal 126 is installed, tilt the duct cover 16 to insert it into the rear side of the housing 21 so that the duct cover 16 abuts against the front end of the seal 126 to fix the snap fastener 127 and fix the duct cover 16.

[0072] This configuration allows the refrigerant pipe 210 of the ice evaporator 22 to extend into the cooling chamber 18 without the need for the duct cover 16 to have an opening. The duct cover 16 is highly versatile, easy to install, reduces costs, and has a good sealing effect at the pipe penetration part 120.

[0073] In summary, the refrigeration equipment of this application can solve the problem that ice produced by ice maker 30 is easily contaminated by odors and bacteria in storage chamber 13, resulting in unclean ice.

[0074] By adopting the technical solution of this application, an ice-making chamber 14 with independent cooling can be set up in the storage chamber 13. This avoids the ice produced by the ice maker 30 in the ice-making chamber 14 from being contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage chamber 13, ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making chamber 14. There is no need to set perforations or other structures on the duct cover 16 to extend the refrigerant pipe 210 into the cooling chamber 18, which improves the versatility of the duct cover 16 and reduces costs, while ensuring a stable fixation of the refrigerant pipe 210. The pipe penetration section 120 has a good sealing effect, and all components are easy to install.

[0075] Referring to Figures 8 to 12, this is a diagram of the airflow structure inside an ice-making chamber provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0076] Referring to Figures 8 and 9 (where arrows indicate the direction of cold air flow), in this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 20 may include an ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and an ice-making evaporator 22 may be installed inside the ice-making evaporation chamber 215. The ice-making refrigeration system 20 is used to specifically supply cooling to the ice-making chamber 14. By providing an ice-making chamber 14 with independent cooling inside the storage chamber 13, it is possible to prevent the ice produced by the ice maker 30 inside the ice-making chamber 14 from being contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage chamber 13, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0077] The specific structure of the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 in this embodiment may be the same as or different from that in the previous embodiment.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, in this embodiment, there is a space between the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice maker 30 and the wall of the ice-making chamber 14. The ice-making evaporation chamber 215 has a first air outlet 241 that is configured to cooperate with the ice maker 30. The cold air in the ice-making evaporator 22 flows to the ice maker 30 through the first air outlet 241, thereby supplying cooling to the ice maker 30 and enabling the ice maker 30 to make ice.

[0079] The ice-making evaporation chamber 215 also has a second air outlet 242 facing the wall of the ice-making chamber 14. The cold air in the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 flows through the second air outlet 242 to the space between the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the wall between the ice maker 30 and the ice-making chamber 14.

[0080] Because the space inside the ice-making chamber 14 is limited, the internal structure of the ice-making chamber 14 is relatively compact. The ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice maker 30 are often set close to the wall of the ice-making chamber 14 or are too close to the wall of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0081] By leaving a gap between the walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice-making chamber 14, an airflow path for cold air can be formed between them, improving air circulation at the walls of the ice-making chamber 14 and reducing the risk of frost formation on the walls of both chambers, thus avoiding any impact on ice-making efficiency. Similarly, by leaving a gap between the ice maker 30 and the ice-making chamber 14, an airflow path for cold air can also be formed between them, improving air circulation at the walls of the ice-making chamber 14 and reducing the risk of frost formation on the walls of both chambers, thus avoiding any impact on ice-making efficiency.

[0082] The walls of the ice-making chamber 14 may include a bottom wall 142, a top wall, and side walls extending upward relative to the bottom wall 142. Specifically, the side walls of the ice-making chamber 14 may include a front wall, a rear wall 141, a left wall, and a right wall.

[0083] Referring to Figures 9 and 10 (arrows in the figures indicate the direction of cold air flow), in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 is disposed at the top of the ice-making chamber 14. The refrigerator 100 may also include an ice storage box 33 disposed within the ice-making chamber 14. The ice storage box 33 may be disposed below the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice maker 30.

[0084] The ice storage box 33 may include a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. The side walls of the ice storage box 33 may include front and rear side walls and left and right side walls. The upper end of the ice storage box 33 may be open to collect ice blocks falling from the ice maker 30.

[0085] There is a space between the side wall of the ice storage box 33 and the wall of the ice-making chamber 14, and there is a space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall 142 of the ice-making chamber 14. The cold air flowing out of the second air outlet 242 flows through the space between the side wall of the ice storage box 33 and the wall of the ice-making chamber 14, and then flows into the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall 142 of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0086] By reserving a gap between the side wall of the ice storage box 33 and the side wall of the ice making chamber 14, an airflow path for cold air can be formed between the side wall of the ice storage box 33 and the side wall of the ice making chamber 14, improving the air circulation at the side wall of the ice storage box 33 and thus reducing the risk of frost formation on the walls of the ice storage box 33 and the ice making chamber 14.

[0087] By leaving a gap between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall 142 of the ice making chamber 14, an airflow path for cold air can be formed between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall 142 of the ice making chamber 14, improving air circulation and thus reducing the risk of frost formation at the bottom wall 142 of the ice storage box 33 and the ice making chamber 14.

[0088] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, in one embodiment of this application, an air cavity is formed inside the front wall of the ice storage box 33. The air cavity may include an air cavity inlet 34 located at the bottom of the ice storage box 33 and an air cavity outlet 35 located at the top of the ice storage box 33. Cold air in the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall 142 of the ice-making chamber 14 enters the air cavity through the air cavity inlet 34. The cold air in the air cavity flows upwards from the ice storage box 33 through the air cavity outlet 42. Both the air cavity inlet 34 and the air cavity outlet 35 are located inside the ice-making chamber 14.

[0089] This design creates a reasonable air circulation path. Cold air flows out from the second air outlet 242 at the top of the ice-making chamber 14, first passing through the space between the wall of the ice-making chamber 14, the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and the ice maker 30. Then, it flows downwards through the space between the side wall of the ice-making chamber 14 and the side wall of the ice storage box 33. Next, the cold air flows along the space between the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber 14 and the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33, and then flows upwards through the air cavity at the front of the ice storage box 33 towards the ice-making evaporation chamber 215. This increases the airflow through the gaps in the walls of the ice-making chamber 14, reduces the windless areas within the ice-making chamber 14, and lowers the risk of frost formation.

[0090] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, in one embodiment of this application, the second air outlet 242 is located at the rear end of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and faces the rear wall 141 of the ice-making chamber 14. There is a space between the rear wall 141 of the ice-making chamber 14 and the rear walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, the ice maker 30, and the ice storage box 33. The cold air flowing out of the second air outlet 242 first passes through the space between the rear wall 141 of the ice-making chamber 14 and the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice maker 30, then through the space between the rear wall 141 of the ice-making chamber 14 and the rear wall of the ice storage box 33, and then through the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall 142 of the ice-making chamber 14, flowing from back to front into the air cavity.

[0091] Referring to Figures 1 and 9, in one embodiment of this application, there is a gap between the left / right side walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14. An air guide structure 27 is provided on the front wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, located above the air outlet 35 of the air chamber. The air guide structure 27 is used to guide at least a portion of the cold air flowing from the air outlet 35 of the air chamber to the gap between the left / right side walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice-making chamber 14. By reserving a gap between the left / right side walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14, and by guiding the cold air to the gap between the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14 through the air guide structure 27, an airflow path for cold air can be formed between the left / right side walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14, improving air circulation at the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14, thereby reducing the risk of frost formation at the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0092] In another embodiment of this application, the second air outlet 242 may be located at the left / right end of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and the second air outlet 242 faces the left / right wall of the ice-making chamber 14. There is a space between the left / right wall of the ice-making chamber 14 and the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, the ice maker 30, and the ice storage box 33.

[0093] The cold air flowing out of the second air outlet 242 flows through the space between the left / right walls of the ice chamber 14 and the ice evaporation chamber 215, the ice maker 30, and the ice storage box 33, and then flows into the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33 and the bottom wall of the ice chamber 14.

[0094] In other embodiments of this application, a plurality of second air outlets 242 may be provided. The left / right side walls and the rear wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 may both be provided with second air outlets 242 so that the cold air flowing out from the second air outlets 242 can flow from the space between the rear wall and the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber 14 to the space between the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0095] Referring to Figures 1 and 8, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice maker 30 are arranged side by side along the left-right width direction of the ice-making chamber 14. A return air vent 251 is provided on the front wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215.

[0096] The return air vent 251 is located above the air guide structure 27. At least part of the return air vent 251 is located on the ice maker 30 side of the air guide structure 27. At least part of the cold air flowing out of the air cavity outlet 35 flows from the side of the air guide structure 27 closest to the ice maker 30 to the return air vent 251.

[0097] In one embodiment of this application, the air guiding structure 27 may include a first air guiding rib 271 extending upward from the lower end of the front wall of the self-made ice evaporation chamber 215. The air guiding structure 27 may also include a second air guiding rib 272 extending from the upper end of the first air guiding rib 271 to the left / right end of the front wall of the ice evaporation chamber 215.

[0098] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 is located on the left side of the ice maker 30, and part of the return air vent 251 is located on the right side of the air guide structure 27. The second air guide rib 272 extends from the upper end of the first air guide rib 271 to the left end of the front wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215.

[0099] The cold air flowing out of the air outlet 35 of the air chamber flows directly from the right side of the air guide structure 27 to the return air outlet 251, and part of it is guided by the air guide structure 27 to the space between the left wall of the ice-making chamber 14 and the ice-making evaporation chamber 215.

[0100] Several air inlets 34 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and air inlets 34 are distributed on the left, right and middle parts of the front wall of the ice storage box 33. Several air outlets 35 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and air inlets 34 are distributed on the left and middle parts of the front wall of the ice storage box 33.

[0101] Referring to Figures 8, 9 and 10, in one embodiment of this application, the ice maker 30 may include an ice maker support 31 and an ice mold 32 mounted on the ice maker support 31, with the upper end of the ice maker support 31 being open.

[0102] Referring to Figures 9 and 12, the refrigeration equipment may further include a mounting bracket 60 disposed above the ice maker support 31. The mounting bracket 60 covers the upper end of the ice maker support 31 and encloses an airflow channel 50 with the ice maker support 31. The airflow channel 50 may include an air inlet 51 opposite to the first air outlet 241, and the air inlet 51 is located on the rear end of the ice maker support 31 near the ice-making evaporation chamber 215. The cold air entering through the air inlet 51 flows from back to front along the airflow channel 50 past the ice mold 32.

[0103] Referring to FIG9, in one embodiment of this application, an air guide plate 52 is provided at the upper end of the ice maker bracket 31. The air guide plate 52 is located above the ice mold 32 and its downward projection covers the rear of the ice mold 32. The air guide plate 52 extends downward from back to front to guide the cold air in the airflow channel 50 on its rear side to flow downward toward the ice mold 32.

[0104] Referring to FIG9, in one embodiment of this application, the ice maker support 31 has an air distribution plate 53 longitudinally disposed within the airflow channel 50. The air distribution plate 53 is located between the air guide plate 52 and the air inlet 51. There are several air distribution plates 53 disposed at intervals, and the lower end of the ice maker support 31 has an opening, which is closed by the ice mold 32.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first air outlet 241 is located on the right side of the rear end of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and the air inlet 51 is located on the left side of the rear end of the ice maker 30. The air inlet 51 is opposite to the first air outlet 241 and is located behind the ice mold 32. The cold air exiting from the side of the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 flows through the airflow channel 50 in a back-to-forehead manner across the ice mold 32. The air distribution plate 53 ensures a more uniform distribution of cold air. The air guide plate 52 forms a downward-pressurized cold air flow path, thereby making the cold air horizontally close to the upper surface of the water inside the ice mold 32, increasing the heat exchange rate between the cold air and the water inside the ice mold 32, and shortening the ice-making time.

[0106] In one embodiment of this application, an airflow channel outlet can be formed at the front end of the ice maker bracket 31, so that the cold air in the airflow channel 50 can flow out from the front end of the ice maker bracket 31 and flow to the return air outlet 251 at the front end of the ice evaporation chamber 215, so as to facilitate air circulation.

[0107] In one embodiment of this application, a gap space may be reserved between the top of the left and right side walls of the ice maker bracket 31 and the mounting bracket 60. A gap space is reserved between the ice maker 30 and the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and a gap space is reserved between the ice maker 30 and the right wall of the ice-making chamber 14. This arrangement allows some of the cold air in the airflow channel 50 to flow through the gap space at the top of the left side wall of the ice maker bracket 31 to the gap space between the ice maker 30 and the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, improving air circulation between them. Similarly, some of the cold air in the airflow channel 50 flows through the gap space at the top of the right side wall of the ice maker bracket 31 to the gap space between the ice maker 30 and the right wall of the ice-making chamber 14, improving air circulation between them and reducing the risk of frost formation.

[0108] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making refrigeration system 20 may include a housing 21, and an ice-making evaporation chamber 215 may be formed inside the housing 21. An ice-making evaporator 22 is mounted on the housing 21.

[0109] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may include an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212 arranged opposite each other. The upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212 enclose an ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and a first air outlet 241 and a second air outlet 242. The ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may also include an ice-making evaporator 22 and a fan 24 installed in the ice-making evaporation chamber 215. The fan 24 is located behind the ice-making evaporator 22. The cold air entering the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 from the return air inlet 251 first flows through the ice-making evaporator 22 and undergoes sufficient heat exchange with it before flowing to the fan 24. Driven by the fan 24, the air then flows out from the first air outlet 241 and the second air outlet 242.

[0110] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may include a housing integration module. The housing integration module may include an upper housing 211, a lower housing 212, an ice-making evaporator 22 mounted on the upper housing 211, and a fan 24 mounted on the lower housing 212. The housing integration module is mounted on a mounting bracket 60. This configuration facilitates modular design of the ice-making and refrigeration system 20, making it easier to operate and install quickly and conveniently.

[0111] In summary, the refrigerator 100 of this application can solve the problem that ice cubes produced by the ice maker 30 are easily contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage compartment 13, resulting in unclean ice cubes.

[0112] By adopting the technical solution of this application, an ice-making chamber 14 with independent cooling can be set up in the storage chamber 13, which can prevent the ice produced by the ice maker 30 in the ice-making chamber 14 from being contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage chamber 13, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making chamber 14. The technical solution of this application can form a reasonable air circulation path. The cold air in the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 flows out from the top rear end of the ice-making chamber 14 through the first air outlet 241, and another part flows out through the second air outlet 242. The cold air flowing out from the first air outlet 241 enters the ice maker through the air inlet 51 and flows through the ice mold 32 in a back-to-forward blowing manner. The air distribution plate 53 ensures the uniformity of cold air distribution in the airflow channel 50. The air guide plate 52 forms a downward cold air flow path, so that the cold air is horizontally close to the upper surface of the water in the ice mold 32, which improves the heat exchange rate between the cold air and the water in the ice mold 32 and shortens the ice-making time.

[0113] Part of the cold air in the airflow channel 50 flows out from the front end of the ice maker support 31 and towards the return air vent 251. Another portion of the cold air in the airflow channel 50 flows from the gap at the top of the left side wall of the ice maker support 31, through the gap between the ice maker 30 and the ice-making evaporation chamber 215, and then towards the return air vent 251. Similarly, some cold air in the airflow channel 50 flows from the gap at the top of the right side wall of the ice maker support 31, through the gap between the ice maker 30 and the right wall of the ice-making chamber 14, and then towards the return air vent 251.

[0114] The cold air flowing out from the first air outlet 241 completes its air circulation. The cold air flowing out from the second air outlet 242 flows downward along the gap at the rear wall 141 of the ice-making chamber 14 to the space between the side wall of the ice-making chamber 14 and the ice storage box 33, and then flows to the space between the bottom wall of the ice-making box and the ice storage box 33. Then the cold air flows from back to front along the bottom wall of the ice storage box 33. Finally, the cold air flows from bottom to top through the air cavity formed by the front wall of the ice storage box 33 to the area around the return air vent 251 at the top front of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0115] Part of the cold air flowing out of the air outlet 35 is guided by the air guide structure 27 to the space between the ice-making evaporation chamber 215 and the ice-making chamber 14 before flowing back to the return air outlet 251. The other part flows directly back to the return air outlet 251. In this way, the cold air flowing out from the second air outlet 242 completes the air circulation, thereby reducing the windless area in the ice-making chamber 14 and reducing the risk of frost formation.

[0116] Referring to Figures 13-17, the specific structure of an ice-making and refrigeration system 20 provided in one embodiment of this application is shown. This ice-making and refrigeration system can be used in any of the refrigeration devices described in the above embodiments.

[0117] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 20 may include a housing 21. An ice-making evaporation chamber may be formed inside the housing 21. The ice-making refrigeration system 20 may also include an ice-making evaporator 22 disposed within the housing 21. The ice-making evaporator 22 is capable of heat exchange with the air entering the housing 21, thereby reducing the temperature of the air inside the housing 21.

[0118] In this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 20 is used to specifically supply cooling to the ice-making chamber 14.

[0119] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the ice-making refrigeration system 20 may further include a water receiving tray 25 for receiving defrosting water from the ice-making evaporator 22. The water receiving tray 25 may be installed in the housing 21. The main body of the water receiving tray 25 may be placed inside the housing 21, and a portion of the water receiving tray 25 may protrude outside the housing 21.

[0120] The ice-making refrigeration system 20 may include an ice-making heating element for heating the ice-making evaporator 22. A drip tray 25 may be disposed below the ice-making evaporator 22, and the upper end of the drip tray 25 may be open. When the ice-making evaporator 22 stops working, the ice-making heating element can be activated to heat the ice-making evaporator 22. The drip tray 25 receives defrost water from the ice-making evaporator 22.

[0121] By setting up an ice-making chamber 14 with independent cooling in the storage chamber 13, it is possible to prevent the ice produced by the ice maker 30 in the ice-making chamber 14 from being contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage chamber 13, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making chamber 14.

[0122] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the housing 21 may have an open opening 213. The wall of the drip tray 25 closes the open opening 213 and forms a return air vent 251, through which air in the ice-making chamber 14 flows to the ice-making evaporator 22. There may be several return air vents 251.

[0123] Because the air temperature inside the ice-making chamber 14 is relatively high, while the temperature inside the ice-making evaporation chamber is relatively low, when the air inside the ice-making chamber 14 enters the ice-making evaporation chamber through the return air vent 251, it is easy to generate condensation due to the cold air. By forming a return air vent 251 on the wall of the drip tray 25, it can be ensured that the condensation generated at the return air vent 251 directly enters the drip tray 25.

[0124] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, in one embodiment of this application, the housing 21 may include a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. The water receiving tray 25 may also include a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. The bottom wall of the water receiving tray 25 may be disposed within the ice-making evaporation chamber and opposite to the bottom wall of the housing 21. The side walls of the water receiving tray 25 may be opposite to the side walls of the ice-making evaporator 22 one-to-one, that is, the left and right side walls of the water receiving tray 25 are opposite to the left and right side walls of the housing 21, and the front and rear side walls of the water receiving tray 25 are opposite to the front and rear side walls of the housing 21.

[0125] The sidewall of the drip tray 25 may be provided with a first protruding edge 252. The first protruding edge 252 is located at the top of the sidewall of the drip tray 25. The first protruding edge 252 covers the top surface of the sidewall of the housing 21. Since there is a gap between the sidewall of the drip tray 25 and the housing 21 during installation, water can easily leak between the drip tray 25 and the housing 21. By forming a first protruding edge 252 on the sidewall of the drip tray 25 that covers the top surface of the housing 21, it is possible to ensure that condensate enters the drip tray 25, effectively preventing condensate from leaking between the housing 21 and the drip tray 25.

[0126] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in one embodiment of this application, the housing 21 may include an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212 disposed opposite to each other. An open opening 213 is formed by the side walls of the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212.

[0127] The first protruding edge 252 covers the top surface of the side wall of the lower housing 212. The bottom surface of the upper housing 211 is in contact with the first protruding edge 252 and presses the first protruding edge 252 downward. With this arrangement, the upper housing 211 can press the water receiving tray 25 tightly, so that the first protruding edge 252 is sealed, effectively preventing condensate from leaking between the housing 21 and the water receiving tray 25.

[0128] In one embodiment, the front walls of the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212 form an open opening 213. The front wall of the drip tray 25 closes the open opening 213 and forms a return air vent 251. Air in the ice-making chamber 14 flows from front to back through the open opening 213 and passes through the ice-making evaporator 22.

[0129] Referring to Figure 14, in one embodiment of this application, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may further include an insulation layer 26 disposed between the water tray 25 and the housing 21. The insulation layer 26 may include a bottom insulation layer located between the water tray 25 and the bottom wall of the housing 21, and a side insulation layer located between the water tray 25 and the side wall of the housing 21. A first protruding edge 252 covers the top surface of the side insulation layer. The insulation layer 26 can prevent cold air leakage from the ice-making evaporation chamber. By disposing the insulation layer 26 between the water tray 25 and the housing 21 and having the first protruding edge 252 cover the top surface of the insulation layer 26, condensate leakage into the insulation layer 26 can be effectively prevented, ensuring the insulation effect of the insulation layer 26 and preventing water from accumulating between the water tray 25 and the housing 21 and being unable to drain.

[0130] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in one embodiment of this application, the wall of the water tray 25 forming the return air vent 251 is provided with a second protruding edge 253 covering the outer edge of the open opening 213. This arrangement effectively prevents condensate from leaking through the gap at the open opening 213 into the space between the housing 21 and the water tray 25.

[0131] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in one embodiment of this application, a wavy water-guiding surface 257 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the water receiving tray 25. The water receiving tray 25 also includes a windbreak rib 259 disposed above the wavy water-guiding surface 257. The lower end of the windbreak rib 259 is connected to the wavy water-guiding surface 257. The windbreak rib 259 has a drainage opening 2591.

[0132] The wavy water guide surface 257 may include several protrusions 2571 and recesses 2572 arranged adjacent to each other. The protrusions 2571 and recesses 2572 may extend back and forth. Water on the protrusions 2571 may flow along the slope of the protrusions 2571 and collect in the recesses 2572. The windbreak rib 259 may extend vertically or obliquely. The windbreak rib 259 is located below the ice evaporator 22.

[0133] By setting the wind deflector 259, air entering from the return air inlet 251 is prevented from flowing through the gap between the ice evaporator 22 and the corrugated water guide surface 257 to the fan 14 without passing through the ice evaporator 22, thus avoiding a decrease in cooling efficiency. By setting the drain opening 2591 on the wind deflector 259, the flow of water in the water tray 25 is facilitated, making it easier for water in the water tray 25 to be drained.

[0134] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in one embodiment of this application, the wall of the water receiving tray 25 forming the return air inlet 251 may include a first water guiding surface 254 located inside the return air inlet 251. The first water guiding surface 254 may be inclined inward and downward to guide water into the water receiving tray 25. The inside of the return air inlet 251 refers to the side where the ice-making evaporation chamber is located, and the first water guiding surface 254 points inward towards the inside of the ice-making evaporation chamber. In this embodiment, the first water guiding surface 254 is located on the rear side of the return air inlet 251. Preferably, the first water guiding surface 254 may include a first inclined surface 2541 located on the lower side of the return air inlet 251 and second inclined surfaces 2542 located on the left and right sides of the return air inlet 251. This arrangement facilitates the flow of condensate into the water receiving tray 25.

[0135] Referring to FIG14, in one embodiment of this application, the wall of the water receiving tray 25 forming the return air vent 251 may include a fourth water guiding surface 255 located outside the return air vent 251. The fourth water guiding surface 255 may be inclined outward and downward to guide water out of the water receiving tray 25. The outside of the return air vent 251 refers to the side away from the ice-making evaporation chamber, that is, the side located outside the housing 21. The fourth water guiding surface 255 points outward in a direction away from the ice-making evaporation chamber or the housing 21.

[0136] In this embodiment, the fourth water guide surface 255 is located in front of the return air inlet 251.

[0137] In one embodiment, the fourth water guiding surface 255 is located below the return air inlet 251. This arrangement can guide the condensate outside the return air inlet 251 to the outside of the water collection tray 25, preventing the condensate outside the return air inlet 251 from leaking between the water collection tray 25 and the housing 21, and ensuring that no water accumulates between the water collection tray 25 and the housing 21.

[0138] Referring to Figures 13 to 16, in one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator 100 may include a drain channel 40 disposed on the wall of the ice-making chamber 14. The housing 21 has a drain opening 214 opposite to the drain channel 40. The drip tray 25 is provided with a drain portion 256.

[0139] The drainage section 256 extends into the drainage channel component 40 through the drainage opening 214. A sealing element is provided between the peripheral wall of the drainage opening 214 and the drainage channel component 40.

[0140] In one embodiment, the ice-making chamber 14 has an installation opening 129 on its wall, which is opposite to a drain opening 214. The size of the installation opening 129 is larger than that of the drain opening 214, and a drain channel component 40 is pre-embedded in the installation opening 129 through foaming of the housing 1. A drain channel is formed inside the drain channel component 40, and a drain pipe 41 can be connected to the bottom of the drain channel component 40 to drain water from the water receiving tray 25. The drain opening 214 can be formed by an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212. By providing a sealing element, the drain opening 214 can be sealed to prevent water leakage.

[0141] Referring to Figure 15, in one embodiment of this application, the drip tray 25 is made of plastic. The drainage portion 256, the first protruding edge 252, the second protruding edge 253, and other structures of the drip tray 25 are all integrally molded. By using a plastic-molded drip tray 25, the shape of the drip tray 25 can be made more complex. As long as the injection molding process can be satisfied, many structures can be made on the drip tray 25, thus enabling the drip tray 25 to meet various functional requirements and reduce costs.

[0142] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making heating element is a heating wire, which is embedded in the ice-making evaporator 22.

[0143] In one embodiment, the heating wire is an aluminum tube heating wire. Embedding the heating wire inside the ice evaporator 22 can prevent the plastic water tray 25 from overheating, and the normal operating temperature of the aluminum tube heating wire is about 60 degrees Celsius, so the plastic water tray 25 can meet the requirements for safe production.

[0144] Referring to FIG14, in one embodiment of this application, the ice maker 30 is located outside the housing 21, and the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may further include a fan 24, which is disposed in the water receiving tray 25. The water receiving tray 25 is provided with a fixing structure for fixing the fan 24, and the water receiving tray 25 forms an air outlet 258 opposite to the ice maker 30.

[0145] The air cooled by the ice evaporator 22 flows to the ice maker 30 through the air outlet 258.

[0146] In one embodiment, the drip tray 25 is provided with clips and limiting posts for fixing the fan bracket 23. The fan 24 is fixed to the fan bracket 23, and the fan bracket 23 can be fixed to the plastic drip tray 25 by the clips and limiting posts. The plastic drip tray 25 is also provided with an air supply duct that cooperates with the air outlet 258 to better supply air to the ice maker 30.

[0147] Referring to Figure 17, in one embodiment of this application, the wall of the water receiving tray 25 forming the air outlet 258 further includes a second water guiding surface 260 located inside the air outlet 258. The second water guiding surface 260 slopes inward and downward. The second water guiding surface 260 may slope inward and downward from the lower edge of the air outlet 258. Since frost will form when the ice-making evaporation chamber supplies cooling to the ice-making chamber 14, the air outlet 258 is also very prone to frost formation and the amount of frost is relatively large compared to other parts. By providing the second water guiding surface 260, it is easier for defrosting water at the air outlet 258 to enter the water receiving tray 25.

[0148] In one embodiment of this application, the wall of the water receiving tray 25 forming the air outlet 258 further includes a third water guiding surface located outside the air outlet 258, the third water guiding surface being inclined outward and downward. The third water guiding surface may be inclined downward from the lower edge of the air outlet 258. By providing the third water guiding surface, defrosting water outside the air outlet 258 can be easily discharged to the outside of the water receiving tray 25, preventing water from accumulating at the air outlet 258 and leaking into the insulation layer 26.

[0149] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 may include a housing integration module. The housing integration module may include an upper housing 211, a lower housing 212, an ice-making evaporator 22 mounted on the upper housing 211, a water tray 25 mounted on the lower housing 212, a fan 24 mounted on the water tray 25, and a fan bracket 23. By integrating the ice-making evaporator 22, the ice-making heating element, and the water tray 25 onto the housing 21 to form a housing integration module, it is beneficial to achieve a modular design of the ice-making and refrigeration system 20, making it easier and faster to install the ice-making and refrigeration system 20 inside the ice-making chamber 14.

[0150] In summary, the refrigerator 100 of this application can solve the problem that ice cubes produced by the ice maker 30 are easily contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage compartment 13, resulting in unclean ice cubes.

[0151] By adopting the technical solution of this application, an ice-making chamber 14 with independent cooling can be set up in the storage chamber 13, which can prevent the ice produced by the ice maker 30 in the ice-making chamber 14 from being contaminated by odors and bacteria in the storage chamber 13, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the ice-making chamber 14. By forming a return air vent 251 on the wall of the drip tray 25, it can be ensured that the condensate generated at the return air vent 251 directly enters the drip tray 25. By forming a first protruding edge 252 and a second protruding edge 253 in the drip tray 25, it can be ensured that the condensate enters the drip tray 25, effectively preventing the condensate from leaking between the housing 21 and the drip tray 25. By pressing the drip tray 25 with the upper housing 211, it can be ensured that the first protruding edge 252 is sealed. By setting a sealing element, it can be ensured that the drain opening 214 is sealed, preventing water leakage. By using a plastic molded drip tray 25, the shape of the drip tray 25 can be made more complex, and many structures can be made on the drip tray 25 as long as the injection molding process can be satisfied. In this way, the water receiving tray 25 can meet multiple functional requirements and reduce costs. The use of aluminum tube heating wire can ensure that the plastic water receiving tray 25 meets the requirements for safe production.

[0152] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0153] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this patent, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this patent. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the technology of this patent should be included within the scope of protection of this patent.

Claims

1. A refrigeration device, comprising a housing, the housing including a shell, an inner liner disposed within the shell, and a storage compartment formed within the inner liner, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment further includes an ice-making chamber disposed in the storage room and an ice-making refrigeration system disposed in the ice-making chamber, the ice-making refrigeration system including an ice-making evaporator.

2. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner is equipped with an air duct cover, and an air duct for supplying cold air to the storage compartment is formed between the air duct cover and the inner liner wall. At least a portion of the inner liner wall protrudes outward and forms a through-pipe portion with the edge of the air duct cover. The refrigerant pipe of the ice evaporator passes through the through-pipe portion and enters the air duct.

3. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The air duct cover is located on the rear side of the storage compartment. The pipe penetration section has an opening inside the inner liner. The refrigeration equipment also includes a snap-fit ​​component installed inside the pipe penetration section through the opening of the pipe penetration section. The snap-fit ​​component snaps and fixes the refrigerant pipe.

4. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe penetration opening includes a front opening and a side opening. The storage compartment has an opening on the front side. The front opening is opposite to the storage compartment opening. The snap-fit ​​component is installed inside the pipe penetration from the front opening. The side opening is opposite to the edge of the air duct cover.

5. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The pipe-through portion includes a first wall opposite to the side opening and a second wall and a third wall located on both sides of the side opening. The end of the snap-fit ​​member is recessed to form a snap-fit ​​groove. The refrigerant pipe is disposed between the snap-fit ​​groove and the first wall. The end faces of the snap-fit ​​member on both sides of the snap-fit ​​groove are in contact with the first wall.

6. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The angles between the second wall and the third wall and the first wall are both acute angles, and the side of the snap-fit ​​component is in contact with the second wall and the third wall.

7. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​component is disposed on the rear side of the air duct cover plate, and the wall of the air duct cover plate is in contact with the front end face of the snap-fit ​​component to restrict the snap-fit ​​component from moving toward the storage compartment.

8. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The tube portion has a stepped surface that connects with the rear end face of the snap-fit ​​member, and the stepped surface is used to restrict the snap-fit ​​member from moving backward.

9. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system includes a housing, an ice-making evaporation chamber is formed inside the housing, an ice-making evaporator is disposed in the ice-making evaporation chamber, and a gap is provided between the rear wall of the housing and the air duct cover.

10. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a mechanical chamber disposed within the housing, a compressor and / or a condenser disposed within the mechanical chamber, a refrigerant pipe disposed within the air duct, the refrigerant pipe being connected to the compressor and / or the condenser, and the refrigerant tube being connected to the refrigerant pipe after entering the air duct.

11. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system also includes a sealing element disposed on the outside of the refrigerant pipe, the sealing element being used to seal the gap between the refrigerant pipe and the through-pipe portion.

12. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The air duct cover is provided with an air outlet, through which cold air from the air duct enters the storage chamber. The storage chamber is provided with a partition, which, together with the side wall of the storage chamber, forms the ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber is located at the top of the storage chamber, and the through-pipe section is formed by protruding upward from the top wall of the inner liner.

13. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a housing integration module, which includes the housing and the ice-making evaporator, and the storage compartment is a freezer compartment.

14. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An ice maker is installed in the ice-making chamber. The ice-making refrigeration system includes an ice-making evaporation chamber. The ice evaporator is installed in the ice-making evaporation chamber. There is a space between the ice-making evaporation chamber and the ice maker and the wall of the ice-making chamber. The ice-making evaporation chamber has a first air outlet that cooperates with the ice maker and a second air outlet facing the wall of the ice-making chamber. The cold air in the ice-making evaporation chamber flows to the ice maker through the first air outlet, and the cold air in the ice-making evaporation chamber flows to the space between the ice-making evaporation chamber, the ice maker and the wall of the ice-making chamber through the second air outlet.

15. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment also includes an ice storage box disposed in the ice-making chamber. The ice storage box is disposed below the ice-making evaporation chamber and the ice maker. There is a space between the side wall of the ice storage box and the wall of the ice-making chamber, and there is a space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box and the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber. The cold air flowing out of the second air outlet flows through the space between the side wall of the ice storage box and the wall of the ice-making chamber, and then flows to the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box and the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber.

16. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 15, characterized in that, An air cavity is formed inside the ice storage box. The air cavity includes an air cavity inlet located at the bottom of the ice storage box and an air cavity outlet located at the top of the ice storage box. Cold air in the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box and the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber enters the air cavity through the air cavity inlet, and cold air in the air cavity flows to the top of the ice storage box through the air cavity outlet.

17. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The second air outlet is located at the rear end of the ice-making evaporation chamber and faces the rear wall of the ice-making chamber. There is a space between the rear wall of the ice-making chamber and the rear wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber, the ice maker, and the ice storage box. The cold air flowing out of the second air outlet passes through the space between the rear wall of the ice-making chamber and the rear wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber, the ice maker, and the ice storage box, and enters the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box and the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber. There is a space between the left / right side walls of the ice-making evaporation chamber and the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber. The ice-making evaporation chamber wall is provided with an air guiding structure. The air guiding structure is located above the air outlet of the air cavity. The air guiding structure is used to guide at least part of the cold air flowing out of the air cavity outlet to the space between the ice-making evaporation chamber and the left / right side walls of the ice-making chamber.

18. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The second air outlet is located at the left / right end of the ice-making evaporation chamber and faces the left / right wall of the ice-making chamber. There is a space between the left / right wall of the ice-making chamber and the ice-making evaporation chamber, the ice maker, and the ice storage box. The cold air flowing out of the second air outlet flows through the space between the left / right wall of the ice-making chamber and the ice-making evaporation chamber, the ice maker, and the ice storage box to the space between the bottom wall of the ice storage box and the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber.

19. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The front wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber is provided with a return air vent, which is located above the air guide structure. The ice-making evaporation chamber and the ice maker are arranged side by side along the left and right width direction of the ice-making chamber. At least part of the return air vent is located on the ice maker side of the air guide structure. At least part of the cold air flowing out of the air outlet of the air cavity flows from the ice maker side of the air guide structure to the return air vent.

20. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The air guiding structure includes a first air guiding rib extending upward from the lower end of the front wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber, and the air guiding structure also includes a second air guiding rib extending from the upper end of the first air guiding rib to the left / right end of the front wall of the ice-making evaporation chamber.

21. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The ice-making evaporation chamber and the ice maker are arranged side by side along the left and right width direction of the ice-making chamber. The ice maker includes an ice maker bracket and an ice mold installed on the ice maker bracket. The upper end of the ice maker bracket is open. The refrigeration chamber equipment also includes a mounting bracket set above the ice maker bracket. The mounting bracket covers the upper end of the ice maker bracket and forms an air outlet duct with the ice maker bracket. The air outlet duct includes an air inlet opposite to the first air outlet. The air inlet duct is located on the side of the ice-making evaporation chamber at the rear end of the ice maker bracket. Cold air entering through the air inlet duct flows from back to front along the air outlet duct through the ice mold.

22. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 21, characterized in that, An air guide plate is provided at the upper end of the ice maker bracket. The air guide plate is located above the ice mold and its downward projection covers the rear of the ice mold. The air guide plate extends downward from back to front to guide the cold air in the air duct behind it to flow downward toward the ice mold.

23. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The ice maker support has an air distribution plate arranged longitudinally in the air duct. The air distribution plate is located between the air guide plate and the air inlet of the air duct. There are several air distribution plates arranged at intervals. The lower end of the ice maker support has an opening. The ice mold closes the lower opening of the ice maker support.

24. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system includes an upper shell and a lower shell arranged opposite each other. The upper shell and the lower shell enclose the ice-making evaporation chamber and the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The ice-making and refrigeration system also includes an ice-making evaporator and a fan installed in the ice-making evaporation chamber. The fan is located behind the ice-making evaporator. The ice-making and refrigeration system includes a shell integration module. The shell integration module includes the upper shell, the lower shell, the ice-making evaporator installed in the upper shell, and the fan installed in the lower shell. The shell integration module is installed on the mounting frame. A partition is provided in the storage chamber. The partition, the left and right side walls of the storage chamber, and the air duct cover plate enclose the ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber is located on the top of the storage chamber. The storage chamber is a freezer chamber.

25. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system includes a housing, and the ice-making evaporator is disposed inside the housing. The ice-making and refrigeration system also includes a water receiving tray for receiving defrosting water from the ice-making evaporator. The housing has an open opening, and the wall of the water receiving tray closes the open opening and forms a return air vent. Air in the ice-making chamber flows to the ice-making evaporator through the return air vent.

26. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The housing includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall. The water receiving tray includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall. The side wall of the water receiving tray is provided with a first protruding edge, which covers the top surface of the side wall of the housing.

27. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing disposed opposite to each other. The open opening is formed by the side walls of the upper housing and the lower housing. The protruding edge covers the top surface of the side wall of the lower housing. The bottom surface of the upper housing is in contact with the protruding edge and presses the protruding edge downward.

28. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The wall of the water receiving tray forming the return air inlet includes a first water guiding surface located inside the return air inlet, the first water guiding surface being inclined inward and downward to guide water into the water receiving tray.

29. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The refrigeration system further includes an insulation layer disposed between the water receiving tray and the housing. The insulation layer includes a bottom insulation layer located between the water receiving tray and the bottom wall of the housing, and a side insulation layer located between the water receiving tray and the side wall of the housing. The protrusion covers the top surface of the side insulation layer.

30. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The wall of the water receiving tray forming the return air inlet is provided with a second protruding edge that covers the outer edge of the open opening.

31. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The upper surface of the bottom wall of the water receiving tray forms a wavy water guiding surface. The water receiving tray also includes a windbreak rib disposed above the wavy water guiding surface. The lower end of the windbreak rib is connected to the wavy water guiding surface, and the windbreak rib forms a drainage opening.

32. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a drainage channel component disposed on the wall of the ice-making chamber. The housing has a drainage opening opposite to the drainage channel component. The water receiving tray is provided with a drainage part, which extends into the drainage channel component through the drainage opening. A sealing element is provided between the peripheral wall of the drainage opening and the drainage channel component.

33. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system also includes a heating wire embedded in the ice-making evaporator. The heating wire is an aluminum tube heating wire, and the water receiving tray is made of plastic.

34. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment also includes an ice maker disposed in the ice-making chamber, the ice maker being located outside the housing. The ice-making refrigeration system also includes a fan disposed in the water receiving tray, the water receiving tray having a fixing structure for fixing the fan, the water receiving tray forming an air outlet opposite to the ice maker, the air cooled by the ice evaporator flowing to the ice maker through the air outlet, the wall of the water receiving tray forming the air outlet also including a fourth water guiding surface located inside the air outlet, the fourth water guiding surface being inclined downwards, the wall of the water receiving tray forming the air outlet also including a third water guiding surface located outside the air outlet, the third water guiding surface being inclined outwards and downwards.

35. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system includes a housing integration module, which includes an upper housing, a lower housing, an ice-making evaporator installed on the upper housing, and a water receiving tray installed on the lower housing. A partition is provided in the storage chamber, and the partition, together with the left, right, and rear side walls of the storage chamber, forms the ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber is located on the top of the storage chamber, and the storage chamber is a freezer.

Images