Air duct module and chest freezer
By designing the housing and air intake components of the air duct module, uniform airflow is achieved within different heights of the freezer, solving the problems of large temperature differences and poor cooling effect, and improving the freezing effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2024/128586
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-05
AI Technical Summary
The air-cooling method of the freezer's air duct module results in a large temperature difference inside the freezer, leading to poor cooling performance.
Design an air duct module including a housing and a guide component. The housing has an installation cavity, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a return air outlet. The guide component is installed in the installation cavity, and gas enters through the return air outlet and flows out from the first and/or second air outlet. The air outlet area of the first air outlet is arc-shaped to ensure that cold air flows at different heights and covers different areas of the freezer.
It improves the freezing effect inside the freezer, reduces temperature differences, ensures uniform temperature inside the freezer, and enhances the cooling effect.
Smart Images

Figure CN2024128586_05022026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A duct module and a horizontal freezer
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411043300.8, filed on July 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and particularly relates to an air duct module and a horizontal freezer. Background Technology
[0004] A freezer is a specialized storage tool used to store various items that require freezing. It keeps food or other items frozen and comes in both household and commercial categories. The freezer's refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, capillary tube, evaporator, and other components. Through the continuous circulation of refrigerant, heat is carried from inside the freezer to the outside, achieving the purpose of cooling.
[0005] To reduce condensation inside freezers, air cooling can be used. A fan circulates cool air, ensuring that food and beverages maintain a roughly uniform temperature throughout the freezer. However, in related technologies, air cooling systems in freezer duct modules are prone to causing significant temperature differences inside the freezer, resulting in poor cooling performance.
[0006] Summary of the Invention
[0007] This disclosure provides an air duct module and a horizontal freezer, aiming to at least partially solve the technical problem of poor cooling performance. Therefore, this disclosure provides an air duct module and a horizontal freezer.
[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a duct module is provided, comprising: a housing having a mounting cavity, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a return air outlet communicating with the mounting cavity, wherein along the height direction of the housing, the first air outlet is located above the second air outlet, and the second air outlet is located above the return air outlet; and a flow guide installed within the mounting cavity, enabling external gas to enter the mounting cavity through the return air outlet, and gas within the mounting cavity to flow out of the mounting cavity from the first air outlet and / or the second air outlet. The air outlet area of the first air outlet is arc-shaped.
[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a horizontal freezer is provided, including a cabinet and the air duct module provided in the first aspect, the air duct module being installed in the cabinet.
[0010] The beneficial effects of the horizontal freezer provided according to the second aspect of this disclosure are the same as those of the air duct module provided according to the first aspect of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description
[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0012] Figure 1 shows a first-view structural schematic diagram of an air duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] Figure 2 shows a second-view structural schematic diagram of an air duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 3 shows a magnified view of a portion of point D in Figure 2.
[0015] Figure 4 shows a magnified view of point C in Figure 1.
[0016] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a portion of a horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 7 shows a first-view structural schematic diagram of the rear shell and air guide of an air duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 8 shows a second-view structural schematic diagram of the rear shell and air guide of an air duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an air duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a duct module from a first perspective according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure from a second perspective.
[0023] Figure 12 shows a magnified view of point F in Figure 10.
[0024] Figure 13 shows a magnified view of point G in Figure 11.
[0025] Figure 14 shows a structural diagram of the front shell of a duct module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] Figure 15 shows a first-view structural schematic diagram of a horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] Figure 16 shows a structural schematic diagram of a horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure from a second perspective.
[0028] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 18 shows a magnified view of a portion of point A in Figure 17.
[0030] Figure 19 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] Figure 20 shows a magnified view of a portion of H in Figure 19.
[0032] Figure 21 shows a magnified view of a portion of point J in Figure 17.
[0033] Figure label:
[0034] 10. Horizontal freezer; 100. Air duct module; 112. First air outlet; 112a. Air outlet grille; 112b. Mesh; 112c. First left air outlet; 112d. First right air outlet; 113. Second air outlet; 113c. Second left air outlet; 113d. Second right air outlet; 114. Return air inlet; 114a. First side; 114b. Second side; 115. Air inlet;
[0035] 120. Shell; 121. Front shell; 121a. First shell section; 121b. Second shell section; 121c. Third shell section; 123. Rear shell; 124. Mounting cavity; 125. Fixing cavity; 126a. First surface; 126b. Second surface; 126. Insulation layer; 127. Sealing layer; 128. Mounting groove; 129a. Fixing hole; 129b. Snap-fit hole; 129c. Second positioning part;
[0036] 130. Drainage component; 150. Fixing component; 160. Cover plate; 162. Snap-fit part; 162a. Connecting section; 162b. Snap-fit section; 170. Connecting component;
[0037] 140. Flow guide; 142. First flow guide section; 142a. First upper flow guide section; 142b. First lower flow guide section; 142c. First connection point; 145. Second flow guide section; 145a. Second upper flow guide section; 145b. Second lower flow guide section; 145c. Second connection point; 146. Third flow guide section;
[0038] 200. Cabinet body; 211. Receiving cavity; 213. Bottom surface; 214. Stepped surface; 215. Electrical cavity; 220. Main body; 221. Inner liner; 223. Outer shell; 230. Door; 240. Reinforcing part; 250. First positioning part;
[0039] 310. Compressor; 320. Evaporator; 330. Refrigeration component; X. Width direction; Y. Thickness direction; Z. Height direction. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0041] It should be noted that all directional indications in this embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.
[0042] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.
[0043] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure.
[0044] A freezer is a specialized storage tool used to store various items that require freezing. It keeps food or other items frozen and comes in both household and commercial versions. The freezer's refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, capillary tube, evaporator, and other components. Through the continuous circulation of refrigerant, heat is carried out from inside the freezer to the outside, achieving the purpose of cooling.
[0045] To reduce condensation inside freezers, air cooling can be used. A fan circulates cold air, ensuring that food and beverages maintain a relatively uniform temperature throughout the freezer. However, in related technologies, air cooling systems in freezer duct modules are prone to large temperature differences inside the freezer, resulting in poor cooling performance. The air duct module and horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of this disclosure can improve these problems. The air duct module and horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of this disclosure allow cold air to flow at different heights within the horizontal freezer, maximizing the coverage of cold air across different areas of the freezer, thereby improving freezing efficiency.
[0046] The technical solution of this disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0047] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. An air duct module 100 is provided according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The air duct module 100 according to some embodiments of this disclosure is mainly applied to refrigeration equipment. The air duct module 100 according to some embodiments of this disclosure enables cold air to flow within different heights of the horizontal freezer 10, maximizing the coverage of different areas of the horizontal freezer 10 with circulating cold air, thereby improving the freezing effect.
[0048] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment can be a refrigerator or a freezer. In some embodiments, the freezer can be a horizontal freezer 10 or a vertical freezer. In this disclosure, for ease of description, the refrigeration equipment is described using a horizontal freezer 10 as an example. When the refrigeration equipment is other equipment, the same principle applies.
[0049] The horizontal freezer 10 is roughly rectangular. For ease of description, we define the height direction (Z), width direction (X), and thickness direction (Y). In its operational state, the vertical direction of the horizontal freezer 10 is the height direction (Z), and its projection in the vertical direction is a rectangle. The direction of the longer side is the width direction (X), and the direction of the shorter side is the thickness direction (Y).
[0050] Since the thickness of the air duct module 100 is relatively small compared to its width, and the width of the air duct module 100 is approximately equal to the thickness of the horizontal freezer 10, the air duct module 100 can be installed on one side of the horizontal freezer 10 in the width direction X. This allows the air blown out of the freezer to cover the side formed by the length and width directions X as much as possible. This ensures that the air blown out of the freezer covers the entire interior of the freezer 200, maximizing the uniformity of freezing.
[0051] For ease of description, six directions are defined: up, down, left, right, front, and back. In the height direction Z, the direction closest to the opening is up, and the direction closest to the bottom surface 213 is down. In the width direction X, the two directions are left and right, with the installation position of the air duct module 100 being right, and the opposite side being left. In the thickness direction Y, the connection point between the door 230 and the main body 220 is back, and the opposite side is front.
[0052] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the air duct module 100 includes a housing 120 and a flow guide 130. The housing 120 has a mounting cavity 124, a first air outlet 112 communicating with the mounting cavity 124, a second air outlet 113, and a return air outlet 114. The flow guide 130 is installed in the mounting cavity 124, enabling external gas to enter the mounting cavity 124 through the return air outlet 114, and the gas in the mounting cavity 124 to flow from the first air outlet 112 and / or the second air outlet 113 to the outside of the mounting cavity 124.
[0053] In some embodiments, the air outlet area of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped.
[0054] The air duct module 100 is applied to the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10) and installed inside the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10). It enables the air inside the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10) to circulate, so that the air inside the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10) can be cooled by the evaporator 320 and blown onto the frozen items. It can be considered that the air duct module 100 is mainly used to blow cold air into the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10), so that the cold air can circulate inside the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10), and to ensure that the temperature inside the same cavity of the refrigeration equipment (horizontal freezer 10) is approximately the same as possible, reducing the temperature difference within the same cavity.
[0055] The housing 120 is the basic component of the air duct module 100, providing an installation base for other structures within the air duct module 100. Structures such as the air intake component 130 can be installed on the housing 120, allowing the air duct module 100 to form a unified whole, facilitating its installation and transportation. Simultaneously, the housing 120 also protects the air intake component 130 and other structures, reducing damage from external structures.
[0056] The airflow guide 130 is mainly used for airflow disturbance, so that the air can circulate in the refrigeration equipment. That is, the air in the refrigeration equipment can continuously flow to the evaporator 320, and after being cooled by the evaporator 320, it is blown back to the frozen items.
[0057] In some embodiments, the flow guide 130 can be a fan. In some embodiments, it can be a centrifugal fan, an axial fan, or a cross-flow fan.
[0058] The arc-shaped air outlet area of the first air outlet 112 refers to the arc-shaped air outlet area in the height direction Z of the horizontal freezer 10. The arc-shaped air outlet area in the height direction Z allows the cold air blown out from the first air outlet 112 to have multiple different directions in the height direction Z. This allows the cold air blown out from the first air outlet 112 to blow to different heights inside the horizontal freezer 10, so that the cold air can flow in different heights of the horizontal freezer 10, and maximize the circulation of cold air to cover different areas of the horizontal freezer 10, thereby improving the freezing effect.
[0059] Since the air duct module 100 is applied to the horizontal freezer 10, the air outlet area of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped in the height direction Z of the horizontal freezer 10, that is, the air outlet area of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped in the vertical plane.
[0060] In some embodiments, the air outlet area of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped. This can be because the shape of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped, or because an air guide rib is provided at the first air outlet 112, and the air guide rib guides the first air outlet 112 to form an arc-shaped air outlet area.
[0061] In some embodiments, the air duct module 100 is installed on one side of the horizontal freezer 10 in the width direction X. When the air duct module 100 is installed in the horizontal freezer 10, the first air outlet 112 is located above the return air outlet 114. The air outlet area of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped, so that the cold air blown out from the first air outlet 112 has an upward flow tendency. After being guided by the door 230 of the horizontal door 230, the upward cold air can flow to the other side of the receiving cavity 211 in the width direction X, so that the side of the receiving cavity 211 away from the air duct module 100 can be blown by cold air, thereby maximizing the uniformity of cold air in the receiving cavity 211 and maximizing the cooling effect.
[0062] Since the air outlet 112 has an arc-shaped air outlet direction, it has an upward air outlet direction as well as a leftward air outlet direction. That is, the first air outlet 112 also has a roughly horizontal air outlet direction, which allows the cold air blown out by the first air outlet 112 to be blown directly to the area around the air duct module 100. This allows the first air outlet 112 to emit air at different levels and freeze items in different locations.
[0063] The first air outlet 112 is located above the second air outlet 113, and the second air outlet 113 is located above the return air outlet 114.
[0064] In some embodiments, the first air outlet 112, the second air outlet 113, and the return air outlet 114 are arranged in descending order of height. The first air outlet 112 is close to the top of the receiving cavity 211, the return air outlet 114 is close to the bottom of the receiving cavity 211, and the second air outlet 113 is generally located in the middle region of the receiving cavity 211, so that the cold air can form multiple different circulation zones and improve the cooling effect.
[0065] When users place items, they generally stack them from bottom to top. The items at the bottom are more numerous and require more cooling. By setting a second air outlet 113 between the first air outlet 112 and the return air outlet 114, the cold air can be blown out from the middle area of the cabinet 200 and quickly to the bottom area of the receiving cavity 211. Through the cooperation of the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113, the cold air can be blown more evenly to different areas within the receiving cavity 211, thereby improving the cooling effect.
[0066] The air duct module 100 is located on one side of the receiving cavity 211 in the width direction X. The first air outlet 112 is approximately located at the top of the receiving cavity 211, and the second air outlet 113 is approximately located in the middle of the receiving cavity 211. Since it is unlikely that items will be placed on the top of the receiving cavity 211, the cold air blown from the first air outlet 112 can be blown as far as possible towards the other side of the receiving cavity 211 in the width direction X, so that areas farther away from the air duct module 100 can be reached by the cold air. The second air outlet 113 is approximately located in the middle area of the receiving cavity 211, so that the cold air blown from the second air outlet 113 can be directly blown onto items near the air duct module 100, thereby ensuring that as many items in the receiving cavity 211 as possible are exposed to the cold air, thus improving the overall cooling effect of the horizontal freezer 10.
[0067] In other words, in this embodiment, the first air outlet 112 is located above the second air outlet 113, and the air outlet area of the first air outlet is arc-shaped, so that the cold air blown out from the air duct module 100 can be blown to different heights within the receiving cavity 211, so that items in different areas can be directly blown by the cold air as much as possible, thereby improving the freezing effect.
[0068] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. In some embodiments, the first air outlet 112 is at least partially arc-shaped. The first air outlet 112 is located at the top of the housing 120. The fact that the first air outlet 112 is at least partially arc-shaped can mean that the entire first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped, or that part of the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped and the other part is straight. The specific shape is not limited.
[0069] The first air outlet 112 is located at the top of the housing 120 and is arc-shaped. The arc-shaped first air outlet 112 has multiple different air outlet directions. Since the first air outlet 112 is located at the top of the housing 120, the cold air blown out by the first air outlet 112 can blow upward and to the left. The upward cold air can flow to the left side of the cabinet 200 after being guided by the door 230. The cold air to the left can blow directly to the area near the air duct module 100, thereby allowing the cold air to circulate as much as possible inside the entire cabinet 200 and improving the cooling effect.
[0070] In some embodiments, the curvature of the first air outlet 112 is 80 degrees to 100 degrees. The curvature of the first air outlet 112 refers to the curvature in a vertical plane. The curvature of the first air outlet 112 can be 80 degrees, 82 degrees, 85 degrees, 90 degrees, 95 degrees, etc.
[0071] The first air outlet 112 has an arc of 80 degrees to 100 degrees, so that the first air outlet 112 can cover the top and left side of the air duct module 100 as much as possible. This allows the first air outlet 112 to have a vertical upward air outlet direction at the top of the housing 120, a horizontal upward and leftward air outlet direction on the side of the housing 120, and multiple inclined upward and leftward air outlet directions from vertical upward to horizontal leftward. This allows the cold air to flow to different areas within the cabinet 200, enabling the cold air to circulate within the cabinet 200 and improving the cooling effect.
[0072] In some embodiments, the housing 120 has a first surface 126a and a second surface 126b that are arranged at an angle to each other. A first air outlet 112 is located on the first surface 126a and the second surface 126b, respectively.
[0073] In some embodiments, the first surface 126a is located on the top of the housing 120, the second surface 126b is located on the side of the housing 120, and the first air outlet 112 extends from the first surface 126a to the second surface 126b, such that part of the first air outlet 112 is located on the top of the housing 120 and part is located on the side of the housing 120, and the intermediate transition area is connected by an arc transition, thereby making the entire first air outlet 112 arc-shaped.
[0074] In some embodiments, there are multiple first air outlets 112, which are located at the same height of the air duct module 100, and all of the multiple first air outlets 112 are arc-shaped. That is, the cross-section of the multiple first air outlets 112 in the vertical plane is arc-shaped, and the curvature of the multiple first air outlets 112 can be the same or different, which can be set according to the actual situation.
[0075] Multiple first air outlets 112 are arranged sequentially at intervals in the thickness direction Y, so that the first air outlets 112 are arranged as evenly as possible in the thickness direction Y of the cabinet 200. This allows the air blown out from the multiple first air outlets 112 to cover the plane formed by the width direction X and the thickness direction Y as much as possible, thereby increasing the coverage area of the cold air and improving the cooling effect.
[0076] In some embodiments, the second air outlet 113 is located on the second surface 126b. This allows the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 to be located on the same side of the housing, and allows the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 to discharge air along the width direction X of the cabinet 200. This allows the cold air to flow as far as possible along the width direction X of the cabinet 200, reaching further areas and ensuring that items in different areas are exposed to the cold air. This minimizes uneven temperature distribution inside the cabinet 200 and improves the cooling effect.
[0077] In some embodiments, the first air outlet 112 is provided with an air outlet grille 112a. Since the first air outlet 112 is arc-shaped and has an upward-facing portion, in order to ensure the amount of cold air from the first air outlet 112, the opening area of the first air outlet 112 is not set to be particularly small. Furthermore, since the first air outlet 112 is located at the top of the cabinet 200, during the process of users taking or placing items, some small items may easily enter the housing 120 through the first air outlet 112. Providing an air outlet grille 112a on the first air outlet 112 can reduce the opening area of a single hole in the first air outlet 112, thereby reducing the risk of small items entering the housing 120 through the first air outlet 112.
[0078] In some embodiments, the air outlet grille 112a is injection molded to the housing 120. The air outlet grille 112a can be directly integrally molded with the housing 120 by injection molding, so that the air outlet grille 112a and the housing 120 form a whole. This can reduce the risk of the air outlet grille 112a falling off the housing 120, reduce the risk of the air outlet grille 112a falling into the housing 120, reduce the failure rate of the air duct module 100, and improve the service life of the air duct module 100.
[0079] In some embodiments, the air outlet grille 112a has a plurality of mesh openings 112b, which are spaced apart, and the maximum width of each mesh opening 112b is less than or equal to 1.5 mm.
[0080] In some embodiments, the width of the mesh 112b can be the distance between any two points on the mesh 112b, with the maximum width being the distance between the two points furthest apart in the mesh 112b. Since the length of a rice grain is approximately 1.5 mm, the maximum width of the mesh 112b is less than or equal to 1.5 mm, which minimizes the possibility of rice grains or items of similar size entering the housing 120, reducing the failure rate of the air duct module 100 and increasing its service life.
[0081] In some embodiments, the air outlet grille 112a is provided at least in the upper region of the first air outlet 112.
[0082] The upper region of the first air outlet 112 refers to the region where the air outlet direction has an upward component. That is, the air outlet direction in this region can be vertically upward, obliquely upward, or partially vertically upward and partially obliquely upward. The upper region of the first air outlet 112 is set towards the door 230. When the door 230 is opened, impurities are most likely to enter the housing 120 through this upper region. Setting an air outlet grille 112a in the upper region can minimize the risk of impurities entering the housing 120.
[0083] The air outlet grille 112a may be provided at least in the upper region of the first air outlet 112, or it may be provided only in the upper region of the first air outlet 112, or it may be provided in the upper region of the first air outlet 112, or it may be provided in other regions of the first air outlet 112 other than the upper region.
[0084] In some embodiments, the housing 120 includes a front housing 121 and a rear housing 123. The front housing 121 includes a first housing segment 121a, a second housing segment 121b, and a third housing segment 121c. The second housing segment 121b connects to the first housing segment 121a and the third housing segment 121c. The rear housing 123 is connected to the first housing segment 121a to form a mounting cavity 124. The second housing segment 121b and the third housing segment 121c are used to form a fixing cavity 125 for mounting the evaporator 320 with the cabinet 200. A first air outlet 112 is disposed in the first housing segment 121a, and a return air outlet 114 is disposed in the third housing segment 121c.
[0085] Please refer to Figures 2 and 5. The housing 120 includes a front housing 121 and a rear housing 123, which are connected. The front housing 121 further includes a first housing segment 121a, a second housing segment 121b, and a third housing segment 121c. The first housing segment 121a is located above the second housing segment 121b, and the second housing segment 121b is located above the third housing segment 121c. The first housing segment 121a and the rear housing 123 form an installation cavity 124 for accommodating the guide component 130. An air inlet 115 is provided on the rear housing 123, and an air return port 114 is provided on the third housing segment 121c and communicates with the fixing cavity 125.
[0086] In some embodiments, when the air in the receiving cavity 211 enters the fixed cavity 125 through the return air inlet 114, it flows towards the air inlet 115 under the action of the guide member 130. This allows the air entering the fixed cavity 125 to be cooled by the evaporator 320 and then flow towards the mounting cavity 124, before being blown into the receiving cavity 211 through the first air outlet 112. In other words, the evaporator 320 is located between the return air inlet 114 and the air inlet 115, and cools the air during the air circulation process, ensuring that the air blown out of the first air outlet 112 is always cold air, thus improving the freezing effect.
[0087] It should be noted that the evaporator 320 is fixed within the fixed cavity 125 formed by the second shell section 121b, the third shell section 121c, and the cabinet 200, which facilitates the assembly of the air duct module 100 and the evaporator 320. During assembly, the air duct module 100 is first assembled into a whole, the evaporator 320 is assembled in the designated position of the receiving cavity 211, and then the entire air duct module 100 is assembled into the receiving cavity 211, so that the second shell section 121b and the third shell section 121c cover the evaporator 320, forming a closed fixed cavity 125 with the main body 220. This allows the air in the receiving cavity 211 to enter the fixed cavity 125 through the return air port 114, be cooled by the evaporator 320, and then flow to the first air outlet 112.
[0088] In some embodiments, the third shell section 121c protrudes from the second shell section 121b, and the return air vent 114 is disposed at the end of the third shell section 121c away from the second shell section 121b.
[0089] The third shell section 121c protruding from the second shell section 121b means that the third shell section 120 protrudes from the second shell section 121b in the width direction X. That is, in the width direction X, the third shell section 121c is located to the left of the second shell section 121b, and the third shell section 121c is closer to the central area of the receiving cavity 211. The return air vent 114 is located at the end of the third shell section 121c away from the second shell section 121b, and the first air outlet 112 is located on the first shell section 121a. It can be considered that in the width direction X, of the return air vent 114 and the first air outlet 112, the return air vent 114 is closer to the central area of the receiving cavity 211, so that the gas in the receiving cavity 211 can more easily enter the fixed cavity 125 through the return air vent 114, so that the gas can stay and grow in the fixed cavity 125, thereby increasing the heat exchange time with the evaporator 320, improving the cooling effect of the air, and thus improving the freezing effect.
[0090] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the air duct module 100 further includes a guide 140 disposed in the mounting cavity 124, which can distribute airflow to the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113.
[0091] In some embodiments, the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 are relative to the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration equipment. Among the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123, the rear shell 123 is located closer to the cabinet 200, that is, the rear shell 123 is located behind the front shell 121. The front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 are connected to form a mounting cavity 124.
[0092] The air inlet 115 is located on the rear shell 123, and the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 are located on the front shell 121. After being cooled by the evaporator 320, the air is blown from the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 into the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration equipment through the flow guide 130. The air blown out from the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 is cold air.
[0093] Since refrigeration equipment generally has a certain height, in order to ensure that the cold air can be blown to different heights within the cabinet 200 as much as possible, the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 can be set at different heights. That is, the first air outlet 112 can be set above the second air outlet 113, or the second air outlet 113 can be set above the first air outlet 112.
[0094] That is, the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 are located at different positions in the housing 120. After the guide member 130 is installed in the mounting cavity 124, the position of the guide member 130 is determined. Due to factors such as the direction of the guide member 130, the rotation speed of the guide member 130, the position between the first air outlet 112 and the guide member 130, and the position between the second air outlet 113 and the guide member 130, the air volume of the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 is unstable.
[0095] A guide 140 is provided inside the mounting cavity 124. The guide 140 can guide the cold air entering the mounting cavity 124 to the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 respectively. The air volume in the mounting cavity 124 can be distributed by the guide 140, so that the air volume of the cold air flowing to the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 can be roughly stable, thereby making the air volume blown to the refrigeration equipment roughly stable, thus ensuring the cooling capacity at different heights in the refrigeration equipment and improving the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration equipment.
[0096] In some embodiments, since users typically place frozen items at the bottom first, resulting in a larger accumulation of frozen items at the bottom and thus a greater demand for cooling, the airflow guide 140 can direct more cooling energy towards the bottom of the refrigeration unit. Because the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration unit is roughly rectangular (long and narrow), the air duct module 100 is installed on one side wall of the cabinet 200, ensuring that the opposite side wall is furthest from the air duct module 100. This reduces the amount of cooling energy absorbed by frozen items near the opposite side wall. Enlarging the upper air outlet allows cold air to flow to a farther location, thereby freezing frozen items further away from the air duct module 100.
[0097] In some embodiments, the air guide 140 is mounted on the rear housing 123 and sealed to the front housing 121. Since the airflow direction is from the air inlet 115 to the first air outlet 112 and the second outlet, the air guide 140 can be mounted on the rear housing 123 and sealed to the front housing 121, so that the rear housing 123, the front housing 121 and the air guide 140 can form an airflow channel to guide the cold air to the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 respectively.
[0098] In some embodiments, the flow guide 140 is integrally formed with the rear shell 123, which can reduce the processing cost of the flow guide 140 and the rear shell 123, reduce the sealing process between the rear shell 123 and the flow guide 140, and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0099] In some embodiments, the air inlet 115 is offset from the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113. This means that in the direction from the front shell 121 to the rear shell 123, the air inlet 115 is offset from the first air outlet 112, and the air inlet 115 is offset from the second air outlet 113. This indicates that the air inlet 115 and the first air outlet 112 are not directly connected, nor is the air inlet 115 and the second air outlet 113. Cold air flowing towards the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113 may collide with the front shell 121 or the rear shell 123, losing kinetic energy. The guide element 140 is provided in the mounting cavity 124 to guide the cold air within the mounting cavity 124, reducing the loss of kinetic energy and allowing the cold air to reach further within the cabinet 200. This, in turn, maximizes the uniformity of cooling within the cabinet 200 and improves the cooling effect on frozen items.
[0100] Please refer to Figures 7, 8, and 9. In some embodiments, the first air outlet 112 includes a first left air outlet 112c and a first right air outlet 112d, the second air outlet 113 includes a second left air outlet 113c and a second right air outlet 113d, and the guide member 140 includes a first guide portion 142 and a second guide portion 145. The first guide portion 142 and the second guide portion 145 are respectively disposed on both sides of the air inlet 115. The first guide portion 142 is correspondingly disposed with the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c, and the second guide portion 145 is correspondingly disposed with the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d.
[0101] In some embodiments, there are two first air outlets 112, namely a first left air outlet 112c and a first right air outlet 112d, which are located at the same height of the front shell 121. There are two second air outlets 113, namely a second left air outlet 113c and a second right air outlet 113d, which are located at the same height of the front shell 121.
[0102] For ease of description, the view direction is from the front shell 121 towards the rear shell 123. The first left air vent 112c and the second left air vent 113c are located to the left of the air inlet 115, and the first right air vent 112d and the second right air vent 113d are located to the right of the air inlet 115. The first left air vent 112c is located above the second left air vent 113c, and the first right air vent 112d is located above the second right air vent 113d.
[0103] In some embodiments, the first guide section 142 is located on the left side of the air inlet 115, and the second guide section 145 is located on the right side of the air inlet 115. The first guide section 142 is used to guide air to the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c, and the second guide section 145 is used to guide air to the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d.
[0104] In some embodiments, the shape of the first guide portion 142 can be set according to the height of the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c and its position relative to the guide member 130. In some embodiments, the shape of the second guide portion 145 can be set according to the height of the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d and its position relative to the guide member 130.
[0105] In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the first guide portion 142 and the guide member 130 is the first distance, and the minimum distance between the second guide portion 145 and the guide member 130 is the second distance.
[0106] When the guide member 130 is turned from the second guide section 145 to the first guide section 142, the first distance is greater than the second distance.
[0107] In some embodiments, the guide element 130 may be a centrifugal impeller, and the air inlet 115 is generally circular. The guide element 130 may be installed at the air inlet 115. The first left air outlet 112c, the first right air outlet 112d, the second left air outlet 113c, and the second right air outlet 113d are approximately distributed at the four symmetrical corners of the air inlet 115. The distance between the first guide portion 142 and the guide element 130 can be approximately considered as the distance between the first guide portion 142 and the air inlet 115. The distance between the first guide portion 142 and the air inlet 115 refers to the distance between any point on the first guide portion 142 along the radial direction of the air inlet 115 and the edge of the air inlet 115. The minimum distance between the first guide portion 142 and the guide element 130 can be considered as the minimum distance between the first guide portion 142 and the edge of the air inlet 115.
[0108] Since the first guide section 142 extends from the air inlet 115 to the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c respectively, it can be considered that the minimum distance between the first guide section 142 and the guide member 130 is the first flow channel between the first guide section 142 and the air inlet 115.
[0109] In some embodiments, the distance between the second guide portion 145 and the guide member 130 can be approximately considered as the distance between the second guide portion 145 and the air inlet 115. The distance between the second guide portion 145 and the air inlet 115 refers to the distance between any point on the second guide portion 145 along the radial direction of the air inlet 115 and the edge of the air inlet 115. The minimum distance between the second guide portion 145 and the guide member 130 can be considered as the minimum distance between the edge of the second guide portion 145 and the air inlet 115.
[0110] Since the second guide section 145 extends from the air inlet 115 to the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d respectively, it can be considered that the minimum distance between the second guide section 145 and the guide member 130 is the second flow channel between the second guide section 145 and the air inlet 115.
[0111] The flow guide 130 rotates counterclockwise from the second guide section 145 to the first guide section 142, meaning it moves from the front housing 121 towards the rear housing 123. During this rotation, the air entering the receiving cavity 211 from the air inlet 115 first flows to the second guide section and then to the first guide section 142. If the first distance is greater than the second distance, it indicates that the first flow path is larger than the second flow path. Generally, the flow velocity through the second guide section 145, which passes first, will be slightly greater than the flow velocity through the first guide section 142. The first flow channel is larger than the second flow channel, so that the wind speed flowing through the first guide section 142 and the second guide section 145 may be approximately the same. That is, the air volume blown out from the first left air outlet 112c, the second left air outlet 113c, the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d is approximately the same. This makes the air volume of different air outlets approximately the same as much as possible, and ensures that the amount of cold air blown to all parts of the refrigeration equipment is the same, thereby improving the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration equipment.
[0112] In some embodiments, the first guide section 142 includes a first upper guide section 142a and a first lower guide section 142b. One end of the first upper guide section 142a and one end of the first lower guide section 142b are connected to form a first connection point 142c. The end of the first upper guide section 142a away from the first connection point 142c extends to a first left air outlet 112c, and the end of the first lower guide section 142b away from the first connection point 142c extends to a second left air outlet 113c.
[0113] The first connection point 142c is the point on the first guide section 142 closest to the air inlet 115, that is, the first connection point 142c is the point on the entire first guide section 142 closest to the guide element 130. The first upper guide section 142a extends from the air inlet 115 to below the first left air outlet 112c, guiding the cold air to the first left air outlet 112c. The first lower guide section 142b extends from the air inlet 115 to above the second left air outlet 113c, guiding the cold air to the second left air outlet 113c. That is, the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b are located between the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c.
[0114] As for the shape of the first upper guide section 142a, it can be a straight line, an arc, or a combination of straight lines and arcs, and is not specifically limited. In some embodiments, the shape of the first lower guide section 142b can be a straight line, an arc, or a combination of straight lines and arcs.
[0115] In some embodiments, along the height direction Z of the housing 120, the tilt angle of the first upper guide section 142a is greater than the tilt angle of the first lower guide section 142b.
[0116] In some embodiments, the height direction Z of the housing 120 refers to the height direction Z (vertical direction) of the entire air duct module 100 after it is installed in the refrigeration equipment. Along the height direction Z of the housing 120, the inclination angle of the first upper guide section 142a can be considered as the angle of the first upper guide section 142a in the vertical direction. The larger the inclination angle of the first upper guide section 142a, the gentler the first upper guide section 142a, and the slower the airflow. The smaller the inclination angle of the first upper guide section 142a, the steeper the first upper guide section 142a, and the faster the airflow.
[0117] In some embodiments, the larger the inclination angle of the first lower guide section 142b in the height direction Z of the housing 120, the gentler the first lower guide section 142b, and the slower the flow. The smaller the inclination angle of the first lower guide section 142b, the steeper the first lower guide section 142b, and the faster the flow.
[0118] The fact that the inclination angle of the first upper guide section 142a is greater than that of the first lower guide section 142b indicates that the first upper guide section 142a is relatively gentler than the first lower guide section 142b. Since the first upper guide section 142a is located above the first lower guide section 142b, the flow guide 130 turns from the first upper guide section 142a to the first lower guide section 142b. The flow velocity above is greater than that below, meaning that the first lower guide section 142b is set to be steeper, which can balance the flow difference between the upper and lower sections, making the air volume of the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c approximately the same.
[0119] In some embodiments, the angle between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b is 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Since the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b are connected at the first connection point 142c and extend upward and downward respectively (in different directions), the smaller the angle between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b, the closer the distance between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b is. This results in a larger space above the first upper guide section 142a and / or below the first lower guide section 142b, allowing more cold air to be guided to the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c, thereby increasing the air volume of the first left air outlet 112c and the second left air outlet 113c.
[0120] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b can be 25°, 30°, 35°, 45°, 60°, and 65°, etc.
[0121] In some embodiments, the second guide section 145 includes a second upper guide section 145a and a second lower guide section 145b. One end of the second upper guide section 145a and one end of the second lower guide section 145b are connected to form a second connection point 145c. One end of the second upper guide section 145a away from the second connection point 145c extends to a first right air outlet 112d, and one end of the second lower guide section 145b away from the second connection point 145c extends to a second right air outlet 113d.
[0122] The second connection point 145c is the point on the second guide section 145 closest to the air inlet 115, that is, the second connection point 145c is the point on the entire second guide section 145 closest to the guide element 130. The second upper guide section 145a extends from the air inlet 115 to below the first right air outlet 112d, guiding the cold air to the first right air outlet 112d. The second lower guide section 145b extends from the air inlet 115 to above the second right air outlet 113d, guiding the cold air to the second right air outlet 113d. That is, the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b are located between the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d.
[0123] As for the shape of the second upper guide section 145a, it can be a straight line, an arc, or a combination of straight lines and arcs, and is not specifically limited. In some embodiments, the shape of the second lower guide section 145b can be a straight line, an arc, or a combination of straight lines and arcs.
[0124] In some embodiments, along the height direction Z of the housing 120, the tilt angle of the second upper guide section 145a is greater than the tilt angle of the second lower guide section 145b.
[0125] In some embodiments, the height direction Z of the housing 120 refers to the height direction Z (vertical direction) of the entire air duct module 100 after it is installed in the refrigeration equipment. Along the height direction Z of the housing 120, the inclination angle of the second upper guide section 145a can be considered as the angle of the second upper guide section 145a in the vertical direction. The larger the inclination angle of the second upper guide section 145a, the gentler the second upper guide section 145a, and the slower the airflow. The smaller the inclination angle of the second upper guide section 145a, the steeper the second upper guide section 145a, and the faster the airflow.
[0126] In some embodiments, the larger the inclination angle of the second lower guide section 145b in the height direction Z of the housing 120, the gentler the second lower guide section 145b, and the slower the flow. The smaller the inclination angle of the second lower guide section 145b, the steeper the second lower guide section 145b, and the faster the flow.
[0127] The fact that the inclination angle of the second upper guide section 145a is greater than that of the second lower guide section 145b indicates that the second upper guide section 145a is relatively gentler than the second lower guide section 145b. Since the second upper guide section 145a is located above the second lower guide section 145b, the flow guide 130 turns from the first lower guide section 142b to the second upper guide section 145a. The flow velocity above is greater than that below, meaning that the lower second lower guide section 145b is set to be steeper, which can balance the flow difference between the upper and lower sections, so that the air volume of the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d is approximately the same.
[0128] In some embodiments, the angle between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b is 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Since the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b are connected at the second connection point 145c and extend upward and downward respectively (extending in different directions), the smaller the angle between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b, the closer the distance between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b is. This results in a larger space above the second upper guide section 145a and / or below the second lower guide section 145b, allowing more cold air to be guided to the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d, increasing the air volume of the first right air outlet 112d and the second right air outlet 113d.
[0129] In some embodiments, the included angle between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b can be 25°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 55°, 60°, 65° and 70°, etc.
[0130] In some embodiments, when the guide member 130 is turned from the second guide section 145 to the first guide section 142, the air guiding angle of the first guide section 142 is smaller than the air guiding angle of the second guide section 145.
[0131] In some embodiments, the air guiding angle of the first guide section 142 refers to the included angle between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b. Since the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b are not of the same shape (the first upper guide section 142a is partly straight and partly curved, and the curvature of different sections may be different; the first lower guide section 142b is partly straight and partly curved, and the curvature of different sections may be different), the included angle between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b refers to the included angle at the first connection point 142c.
[0132] The air guiding angle of the second guide section 145 refers to the angle between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b. Since the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b are not of the same shape (the second upper guide section 145a is partly straight and partly curved, and the curvature of different sections may be different; the second lower guide section 145b is partly straight and partly curved, and the curvature of different sections may be different), the angle between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b refers to the angle at the second connection point 145c.
[0133] If the air guiding angle of the first guide section 142 is smaller than that of the second guide section 145, it means that the distance between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b is relatively close, and the vertical space between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b is relatively large. Conversely, this indicates that the distance between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b is relatively short, and the vertical space between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b is relatively small. Since the second guide section 145 turns to the first guide section 142, the second guide section 145 corresponds to the air inlet side, and the first guide section 142 corresponds to the air outlet side. The air volume on the air inlet side is greater than the air volume on the air outlet side. The vertical space between the first upper guide section 142a and the first lower guide section 142b is relatively large, while the vertical space between the second upper guide section 145a and the second lower guide section 145b is relatively small. This balances the air volume flowing to the first left air outlet, the second left air outlet 113c, the first right air outlet, and the second right air outlet, making the air volume of the four air outlets roughly balanced and stable.
[0134] In some embodiments, the flow guide 140 further includes a third flow guide portion 146, which is disposed below the flow guide 130 and is used to guide the flow to the second left air outlet 113c and the second right air outlet 113d.
[0135] The third airflow guide 146 is located below the rear shell 123 and can guide the cold air to the second left air outlet 113c and the second right air outlet 113d, so that the air volume of the second left air outlet 113c and the second right air outlet 113d is approximately the same, thereby maximizing the uniformity of the air outlet.
[0136] Please refer to Figures 10 and 11. In some embodiments, the air duct module 100 further includes a fixing cover plate 160 and a fixing member 150. The housing 120 has a mounting groove 128. The fixing member 150 is disposed in the mounting groove 128 and is used to fix the housing 120 to the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration equipment. The cover plate 160 covers the mounting groove 128.
[0137] The mounting cavity 124 and the mounting slot 128 can be two independent cavities, that is, the mounting cavity 124 and the mounting slot 128 are not connected. When the drain component 130 is installed inside the mounting cavity 124, the drain component 130 will not be exposed during the process of fixing the air duct module 100 to the refrigeration equipment, so as to avoid damage to the drain component 130 during the assembly of the air duct module 100 as much as possible.
[0138] In some other embodiments, the mounting cavity 124 and the mounting groove 128 may also be partially connected, and there is no specific limitation on this.
[0139] In this embodiment of the disclosure, for ease of description, the height direction, width direction X, and thickness direction Y of the housing 120 are defined. As shown in the figure, the mounting groove 128 can be set on the top of the entire housing 120. During the installation of the air duct module 100 to the refrigeration equipment, the mounting groove 128 is set close to the door 230 of the refrigeration equipment, that is, the mounting groove 128 is closest to the door 230 of the refrigeration equipment. During installation, after the door 230 is opened, it is convenient for the fastener 150 to pass through the housing 120 and the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration equipment, thereby facilitating the assembly of the air duct module 100.
[0140] In this embodiment, the fastener 150 is disposed in the mounting groove 128 and can fix the housing 120 and the cabinet 200. The cover plate 160 covers the mounting groove 128 and can cover the fastener 150 in the mounting groove 128, so that the cover plate 160 and the housing 120 can form a whole, so that the fastener 150 is hidden in the mounting groove 128, avoiding the fastener 150 from being exposed, and making the appearance of the entire air duct module 100 neat.
[0141] In other embodiments, the cover plate 160 covers the fastener 150 within the mounting groove 128, preventing the fastener 150 from being exposed, reducing corrosion of the fastener 150 due to low temperatures or condensation in the refrigeration equipment, and improving the service life of the fastener 150.
[0142] Please refer to Figure 12. In some embodiments, the housing 120 is provided with a fixing hole 129a, which communicates with the mounting groove 128. A portion of the fastener 150 is accommodated in the mounting groove 128, and a portion of the fastener 150 passes through the fixing hole 129a for fixed connection with the cabinet 200.
[0143] During installation, the fastener 150 can be placed in the mounting slot 128 first, and then pushed towards the cabinet 200 so that the fastener 150 passes through the fixing hole 129a and is fixedly connected to the cabinet 200.
[0144] In some embodiments, the fastener 150 may be a screw, bolt, or other similar structure. A threaded hole may be provided on the cabinet 200, and the wall of the fixing hole 129a may or may not have threads. During assembly, the fastener 150 is first inserted into the fixing hole 129a, and then the fastener 150 is rotated to lock it into the cabinet 200.
[0145] It should be noted that the air duct module 100 is installed inside the cabinet 200 and placed on the bearing surface. The fastener 150 only serves to fix it and basically does not bear the weight of the air duct module 100.
[0146] In some embodiments, the cover plate 160 is snapped into the housing 120. After the housing 120 is fixed to the cabinet 200, the cover plate 160 is then placed over the mounting groove 128, so that the cover plate 160 is snapped into the housing 120, thereby installing the cover plate 160 onto the housing 120.
[0147] Regarding the method of engaging the cover plate 160 with the housing 120, one of the cover plate 160 and the housing 120 may have an engaging part 162, while the other has an engaging hole 129b, with the engaging part 162 engaging with the engaging hole 129b. That is, the engaging part 162 may be provided on the cover plate 160, and the engaging hole 129b may be provided on the housing 120. Alternatively, the engaging hole 129b may be provided on the cover plate 160, and the engaging part 162 may be provided on the housing 120; no specific limitation is required.
[0148] Taking the example of a snap-fit part 162 on the cover plate 160 and a snap-fit hole 129b on the housing 120, the following is a detailed explanation. The snap-fit part 162 is located below the cover plate 160. After the cover plate 160 and the housing 120 are snapped together, the cover plate 160 can also cover the snap-fit part 162, which can prevent the connection position of the snap-fit part 162 and the snap-fit hole 129b from being exposed, thereby improving the aesthetics of the entire air duct module 100.
[0149] Please refer to Figures 12 and 13. In some embodiments, the snap-fit portion 162 may include a connecting segment 162a and a snap-fit segment 162b. One end of the connecting segment 162a is connected to the cover plate 160, and the other end is connected to the snap-fit segment 162b. The connecting segment 162a passes through the snap-fit hole 129b, and the snap-fit segment 162b abuts against the side of the snap-fit hole 129b away from the cover plate 160, so that the cover plate 160 can snap-fit with the housing 120.
[0150] In some embodiments, multiple snap-fit portions 162 and snap-fit holes 129b can be provided. For example, if the cover plate 160 is rectangular, at least one snap-fit portion 162 can be provided on each side of the cover plate 160, and correspondingly, multiple snap-fit holes 129b are also provided, with one snap-fit portion 162 engaging with one snap-fit hole 129b. The number of snap-fit portions 162 and snap-fit holes 129b can be set according to actual conditions, and the specific number is not limited.
[0151] Please refer to Figures 12 and 14. In some embodiments, the housing 120 includes a front housing 121 and a rear housing 123, which are connected to form a mounting cavity 124, and a mounting groove 128 is disposed in the rear housing 123.
[0152] In some embodiments, the housing 120 may be a two-section housing 120 or a three-section housing 120. The front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 are relative to the cabinet 200 of the refrigeration equipment. Among the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123, the rear housing 123 is located closer to the cabinet 200, that is, the rear housing 123 is located behind the front housing 121. The front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 are connected to form the mounting cavity 124.
[0153] Since the mounting slot 128 is mainly used to accommodate the fastener 150, and the rear shell 123 is fixedly connected to the cabinet 200, setting the mounting slot 128 on the rear shell 123 can facilitate the assembly between the rear shell 123 and the cabinet 200.
[0154] In some embodiments, the rear shell 123 includes a body 123a and a fixing portion 123b protruding from the body 123a, and a mounting groove 128 is disposed in the fixing portion 123b. The fixing portion 123b protruding from the body 123a means that the fixing portion 123b protrudes from the body 123a in the direction of the front shell 121. To accommodate the fixing portion 123b, a groove 121d may be provided on the front shell 121, and the fixing portion 123b may be disposed within the groove 121d.
[0155] Since the body 123a is very thin, it is not possible to directly open the mounting groove 128 that can accommodate the fastener 150 on the body 123a. Instead, the mounting groove 128 can be set on the fixing part 123b. This allows the mounting groove 128 that can accommodate the fastener 150 to be set without increasing the thickness of the back cover 123. The process is simplified and the structure is relatively simple.
[0156] In some embodiments, the body 123a and the fixing part 123b can be integrally formed, thereby reducing the manufacturing process of the entire rear shell 123 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the shell 120.
[0157] In some embodiments, the cover plate 160 is snapped into both the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123. Since the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 are both relatively thin, the simultaneous snapping of the cover plate 160 into both the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 can improve the stability of the cover plate 160 and reduce the risk of the cover plate 160 detaching.
[0158] In other embodiments, the cover plate 160 may be snapped onto the front shell 121 only, or the cover plate 160 may be snapped onto the rear shell 123 only. The snapping method of the cover plate 160 onto the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 may be the same or different, and is not specifically limited.
[0159] The connection between the cover plate 160 and the housing 120 has been described above. The connection between the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 will be described below. In some embodiments, the front housing 121 can be snapped into the rear housing 123. As for the snapping method, it can be that a snap hole is provided on the front housing 121 and a snap part is provided on the rear housing 123, with the snap hole and snap part engaging. Alternatively, a snap hole can be provided on the rear housing 123 and a snap part can be provided on the front housing 121, with the snap part and snap hole engaging.
[0160] In some embodiments, multiple card holes and card portions may be provided, which may be provided along the edges of the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123, respectively.
[0161] In some other embodiments, the front shell 121 may have a first connection hole, the rear shell 123 may have a second connection hole, and the air duct module 100 may also include a connector 170 (see Figure 1), which passes through the first connection hole and the second connection hole.
[0162] The connector 170 can be a screw or a nut. Threads can be provided on the inner walls of the first and second connecting holes to lock the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 together.
[0163] It should be noted that the above describes two connection methods for the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123. Both connection methods can coexist, or only one connection method can be selected. That is, the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 can be connected by both snap-fit and connector 170, or the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 can be connected only by snap-fit, or the front shell 121 and the rear shell 123 can be connected only by connector 170. The specific method is not limited.
[0164] Please refer to Figures 15 and 16. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a horizontal freezer 10 is also provided. The horizontal freezer 10 includes a cabinet body 200 and an air duct module 100. The cabinet body 200 has a receiving cavity 211 for accommodating the air duct module 100.
[0165] The horizontal freezer 10 is mainly used for refrigerating items. The cabinet 200 is the main body 220 structure of the entire horizontal freezer 10. It can provide the installation foundation for structures such as the air duct module 100, compressor 310, evaporator 320, and condenser, and can also protect the aforementioned electronic components.
[0166] In some embodiments, the cabinet 200 includes a main body 220 and a door 230 connected to the main body 220. The door 230 covers the opening of the main body 220, and a receiving cavity 211 is disposed within the main body 220. Items to be refrigerated are placed within the receiving cavity 211. Cold air blown out by the air duct module 100 freezes the items. The main body 220 includes an inner liner 221 and an outer shell 223, with a foam layer filling the space between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223. An electrical cavity 215 for accommodating a compressor 310 is located between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223, and an electrical control box is also disposed within the electrical cavity 215.
[0167] The air duct module 100 is disposed in the receiving cavity 211, and the first air outlet 112, the second air outlet 113 and the return air outlet 114 are all connected to the receiving cavity 211. The air duct module 100 blows the cold air cooled by the evaporator 320 into the receiving cavity 211 from the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113. The gas in the receiving cavity 211 can return to the vicinity of the evaporator 320 through the return air outlet 114, and after being cooled by the evaporator 320, it is blown into the receiving cavity 211 again through the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 113, and so on.
[0168] Please refer to Figures 17 and 18. In some embodiments, the receiving cavity 211 has a bottom surface 213 and a stepped surface 214 above the bottom surface 213, and the return air vent 114 is located on the stepped surface 214.
[0169] When users place items into the storage cavity 211, they usually start piling them up from the bottom of the storage cavity 211, meaning the bottom of the storage cavity 211 is the easiest place to fill with items. If the return air vent 114 is placed directly at the bottom of the cabinet, the items can easily block the return air vent 114, preventing the air in the storage cavity 211 from returning. This can easily cause the air in the storage cavity 211 to not circulate, resulting in insufficient cooling capacity in the storage cavity 211 and affecting the cooling effect.
[0170] In this embodiment, the return air vent 114 is positioned on the stepped surface 214, the height of which is higher than the bottom surface 213 of the receiving cavity 211. This ensures that the return air vent 114 and the bottom surface 213 of the receiving cavity 211 are at a certain height. This height prevents the return air vent 114 from becoming blocked during the stacking of items, allowing for air circulation within the receiving cavity 211 and improving the overall cooling effect of the horizontal freezer 10.
[0171] In some embodiments, the return air vent 114 is located on the step surface 214. This does not mean that the return air vent 114 is provided on the step surface 214, but rather that the return air vent 114 is located on the step surface 214. That is, the return air vent 114 can be provided above the step surface 214 or one side of it can abut against the step surface 214.
[0172] The main body 220 is roughly a cuboid. For ease of description, the height direction Z, width direction X, and thickness direction Y are defined. In the operating state of the horizontal freezer 10, the vertical direction is the height direction Z, and the projection of the main body 220 in the vertical direction is a rectangle. The direction of the longer side is the width direction X, and the direction of the shorter side is the thickness direction Y.
[0173] Since the thickness of the air duct module 100 is relatively small compared to its width, and the width of the air duct module 100 is approximately equal to the thickness of the cabinet 200, the air duct module 100 can be installed on one side of the cabinet 200 in the width direction X. This allows the air blown from the first air outlet 112 to cover the side formed by the length and width directions X as much as possible. This ensures that the air blown from the first air outlet 112 can cover the entire interior of the cabinet 200, maximizing the uniformity of freezing.
[0174] For ease of description, six directions are defined: up, down, left, right, front, and back. In the height direction Z, the direction closest to the opening is up, and the direction closest to the bottom surface 213 is down. In the width direction X, the two directions are left and right, with the installation position of the air duct module 100 being right, and the opposite side being left. In the thickness direction Y, the connection point between the door 230 and the main body 220 is back, and the opposite side is front.
[0175] In some embodiments, the return air vent 114 is inclined along the height direction Z of the cabinet 200.
[0176] For ease of description, the return air vent 114 is defined to have a first side 114a and a second side 114b that are arranged opposite to each other. The second side 114b is located above the first side 114a. The first side 114a abuts against the step surface 214. Along the height direction Z of the cabinet 200, the return air vent 114 is inclined, which means that the first side 114a and the second side 114b are misaligned in the width direction X or the thickness direction Y. That is, along the height direction Z, the projections of the first side 114a and the second side 114b on the bottom surface 213 are misaligned.
[0177] In some embodiments, the inclination direction of the return air vent 114 may be towards the bottom surface 213 of the receiving cavity 211 (i.e., the second side 114b is located to the left of the first side 114a), or it may be towards the opening of the receiving cavity 211 (i.e., the first side 114a is located to the left of the second side 114b).
[0178] The return air vent 114 is tilted so that it has a certain angle in the height direction Z. The return air vent 114 can form a small cavity with the stepped surface 214, which can provide space for the gas in the receiving cavity 211 to flow to the return air vent 114, reduce the risk of the return air vent 114 being blocked, and allow the cold air to circulate in the receiving cavity 211, thereby improving the cooling effect of the entire horizontal freezer 10.
[0179] In some embodiments, the return air vent 114 is positioned facing the bottom surface 213, meaning that the return air vent 114 is inclined downwards, that is, the second side 114b is positioned above the first side 114a and to the left of the first side 114a. The return air vent 114 being positioned facing the bottom surface 213 gives the return air direction of the return air vent 114 a downward inclined return air tendency.
[0180] Since the return air vent 114 is located on the stepped surface 214 and has a certain height from the bottom surface 213 of the receiving cavity 211, cold air may not be able to flow to the area between the stepped surface 214 and the bottom surface 213. By setting the return air vent 114 towards the bottom surface 213, there is a downward return air direction, which allows cold air to flow to the area between the stepped surface 214 and the bottom surface 213, enabling the freezing of items placed between the stepped surface 214 and the bottom surface 213, thereby improving the freezing effect.
[0181] In some embodiments, along the height direction Z of the cabinet 200, the return air vent 114 and the projection of the step surface 214 onto the bottom surface 213 at least partially overlap.
[0182] Because the return air vent 114 is inclined, the projection of the return air vent 114 on the bottom surface 213 is also roughly rectangular. The projections of the return air vent 114 and the step surface 214 on the bottom surface 213 are at least partially overlapping. That is, the second side 114b may be located within the projection of the step surface 214 on the bottom surface 213, or it may be located outside the projection of the step surface 214 on the bottom surface 213.
[0183] If the projections of the return air vent 114 and the stepped surface 214 onto the bottom surface 213 at least partially overlap, it means that the first side 114a only needs to be located on the stepped surface 214. The second side 114b can be located within the area of the stepped surface 214 or on the left side of the stepped surface 214. The position of the first side 114a is not specifically limited.
[0184] In some embodiments, the horizontal freezer 10 further includes a compressor 310, and the cabinet 200 also has an electrical cavity 215, in which the compressor 310 is installed, and a stepped surface 214 is located above the electrical cavity 215.
[0185] The compressor 310 is an essential component in the refrigeration system of the horizontal freezer 10. A chamber for accommodating the compressor 310 needs to be set in the cabinet 200. The electrical chamber 215 and the accommodating chamber 211 are independent chambers. The main body 220 includes an inner liner 221 and an outer shell 223. The accommodating chamber 211 is located inside the inner liner 221, and the electrical chamber 215 is located between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223.
[0186] Since the overall appearance of the cabinet 200 is roughly cuboid, after setting the electrical cavity 215 between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223, the inner liner 221 is not a regular cuboid. That is, a stepped surface 214 is formed above the electrical cavity 215. The return air vent 114 is set in this position. The existing structure of the horizontal freezer 10 can be utilized, and there is no need to set a stepped surface 214 higher than the bottom surface 213 separately in the housing cavity 211. This can not only improve the problem of blockage of the return air vent 114, but also reduce the number of parts in the horizontal freezer 10 and reduce the volume occupied by the housing cavity 211.
[0187] In some embodiments, the cabinet 200 has a thickness direction Y and a width direction X, the length of the cabinet 200 in the width direction X is greater than the length in the thickness direction Y, and the return air vent 114 is oriented toward the width direction X.
[0188] In some embodiments, the entire air duct module 100 is installed on the right side of the receiving cavity 211, and the return air vent 114 is oriented toward the width direction X so that the return air direction is approximately along the entire width direction X, thereby enabling the cold air to circulate approximately throughout the entire cabinet 200 and improving the freezing effect.
[0189] In some embodiments, along the height direction Z of the cabinet 200, the second air outlet 113 is located at 3 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the cabinet 200.
[0190] In some embodiments, the second air outlet 113 is located at 3 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the cabinet 200, which means that in the height direction Z of the cabinet 200 and in the direction from bottom to top, the second air outlet 113 is approximately located at 0.6 to 0.8 of the cabinet 200, so that the second air outlet 113 is approximately located in the middle area of the horizontal freezer 10 in the height direction Z, so that the horizontal freezer 10 can directly blow air onto the items in the receiving cavity 211, and can freeze the items in the area near the air duct module 100, thereby improving the cooling effect.
[0191] In some embodiments, the horizontal freezer 10 further includes a refrigeration element 330, which is disposed around the outer wall of the inner liner 221 (the refrigeration element 330 is disposed between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223), and at least in the area between the stepped surface 214 and the bottom surface 213. The refrigeration element 330 is connected in series or in parallel with the evaporator 320. Since the return air vent 114 is located on the stepped surface 214, there may be a situation where cold air cannot be blown into the area between the stepped surface 214 and the bottom surface 213. By disposing of the refrigeration element 330 in the area between the stepped surface 214 and the bottom surface 213, this area can be cooled by the refrigeration element 330, thereby ensuring the cooling effect of the entire horizontal freezer 10.
[0192] The phrase "the cooling component 330 is at least wrapped around the area between the step surface 214 and the bottom surface 213" means that the cooling component 330 can be wrapped only between the step surface 214 and the bottom surface 213, or it can be wrapped around both the step surface 214 and the bottom surface 213 and positioned above the step surface 214.
[0193] In some embodiments, the refrigeration component 330 may be a refrigeration coil or a surface-mount evaporator, etc.
[0194] In some embodiments, along the height direction Z of the cabinet 200, the return air vent 114 is located at 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the cabinet 200. This means that in the vertical direction from bottom to top, the return air vent 114 is located in the region of 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the cabinet 200, that is, the return air vent 114 is roughly located in the lower region of the entire cabinet 200, but there is still a certain distance from the bottom surface 213 of the receiving cavity 211. This allows the return air vent 114 to be close to the bottom region of the receiving cavity 211, reducing the risk of blockage, and enabling cold air to flow as far as possible to the bottom of the receiving cavity 211, so that the cold air can penetrate the entire internal space of the receiving cavity 211 as much as possible, thereby improving the freezing effect.
[0195] Please refer to Figures 19 and 20. In some embodiments, a reinforcing part 240 is provided on the cabinet 200, and a fastener 150 is fixedly connected to the housing 120 and the reinforcing part 240.
[0196] The cabinet 200 includes an inner liner 221 and an outer shell 223, with a foam layer filling the space between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223. Generally, the inner liner 221 is relatively thin. A reinforcing part 240 is provided between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223, which allows the fastener 150 to pass through the reinforcing part 240, thereby improving the fixing effect of the fastener 150.
[0197] Please refer to Figure 21. In some embodiments, the cabinet 200 is provided with a first positioning part 250, and the housing 120 is provided with a second positioning part 129c. The first positioning part 250 and the second positioning part 129c cooperate with each other.
[0198] The first positioning part 250 can be a positioning groove, and the second positioning part 129c can be a protrusion. During the process of assembling the air duct module 100 into the receiving cavity 211, the second positioning part 129c can be inserted into the first positioning part 250 firstly to position the air duct module 100, which facilitates the installation of the air duct module 100.
[0199] In some embodiments, the first positioning part 250 is disposed on the step surface 214, which is higher than the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 211. Since the overall appearance of the cabinet 200 is roughly cuboid, after the electrical cavity 215 is disposed between the inner liner 221 and the outer shell 223, the inner liner 221 is not a regular cuboid. That is, the step surface 214 is formed above the electrical cavity 215. By placing the entire air duct module at this position, the existing structure of the horizontal freezer 10 can be utilized, and there is no need to separately set the step surface 214 higher than the bottom surface 213 in the receiving cavity 211. This can not only improve the problem of the return air vent 114 being blocked, but also reduce the number of components in the horizontal freezer 10 and reduce the volume occupied by the receiving cavity 211.
[0200] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first air outlet is located above the second air outlet, and the air outlet area of the first air outlet is arc-shaped, so that the cold air blown out from the air duct module can be blown to different heights in the receiving cavity, so that items in different areas can be directly blown by the cold air as much as possible, thereby improving the freezing effect.
[0201] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.
[0202] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this disclosure.
[0203] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A duct module, comprising: a housing having a mounting cavity, a first air outlet, a second air outlet and an air return opening in communication with the mounting cavity, the first air outlet being located above the second air outlet, and the second air outlet being located above the air return opening along a height direction of the housing; and a flow guide installed in the mounting cavity and capable of allowing external gas to enter the mounting cavity through the air return opening and allowing gas in the mounting cavity to flow out of the mounting cavity through the first air outlet and / or the second air outlet; wherein an air outlet area of the first air outlet is arc-shaped. At least a portion of the first air outlet is arc-shaped.
2. The air duct module of claim 1, wherein, The first air outlet has an arc of 80-100 degrees.
3. The air duct module of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing has a first surface and a second surface arranged at an angle to each other, and the first air outlet is located on the first surface and the second surface, respectively.
4. The air duct module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, 5.The duct module of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a flow guide arranged in the mounting cavity and capable of distributing air volume to the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The housing comprises a front housing and a rear housing, the front housing and the rear housing are connected to form the mounting cavity, the first air outlet, the second air outlet and the air return opening are arranged on the front housing, and the rear housing is provided with an air inlet.
6. The air duct module of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The flow guide is installed on the rear housing and is in sealed connection with the front housing.
7. The air duct module of claim 6, wherein, The flow guide is integrally formed with the rear housing.
8. The air duct module of any of claims 5-7, wherein, The housing has a mounting groove, and the duct module further comprises a fixing member arranged in the mounting groove and used for fixedly connecting the housing and a cabinet of a refrigeration device, and a cover plate covering the mounting groove.
9. The air duct module of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, 10.A horizontal type refrigerator, comprising a cabinet and the duct module of any one of claims 1-9, the duct module being installed in the cabinet. The cabinet has a receiving cavity, the receiving cavity has a bottom surface and a stepped surface higher than the bottom surface, and the air return opening is located on the stepped surface.
11. The horizontal type cold cabinet according to claim 10, wherein, Along the height direction of the cabinet, the air return opening is located at 1 / 4-1 / 2 of the cabinet.
12. The horizontal cold cabinet according to claim 10 or 11, wherein Along the height direction of the cabinet, the second air outlet is located at 3 / 5-4 / 5 of the cabinet.
13. The horizontal cold cabinet according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein,
Citation Information
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