WO2023124631A1

WO2023124631A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2023124631A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/132906
Authority: WO
Inventors: 崔展鹏; 陈建全; 陈童; 姬立胜
Original assignee: 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2021-12-27
Filing date: 2022-11-18
Publication date: 2023-07-06
Also published as: CN217686055U

Abstract

A refrigerator (10), comprising: a refrigerator body (200), a storage space (222) being formed inside the refrigerator body (200); a condensation dehumidification device (300), which is provided with a condensation portion (320) disposed in the storage space (222), the condensation dehumidification device (300) being configured to be controllably started, so that water vapor in air around the condensation portion (320) is condensed on the surface of the condensation portion (320), so as to reduce the humidity of the storage space (222); and heating devices (400) disposed corresponding to the condensation portion (320) and configured to heat the air after flowing through the condensation portion (320) when the condensation dehumidification device (300) is started. Since the heating devices (400) enable the air flowing through the condensation portion (320) and thus cooled to obtain heat and be warmed, the refrigerator (10) can avoid the influence on the temperature of the storage space (222) while reducing the humidity of the storage space (222).

Description

refrigerator

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of freshness preservation, in particular to a refrigerator.

Background technique

A refrigerator can provide a suitable storage environment for a variety of items. Taking ingredients as an example, different ingredients often have different storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity.

Existing refrigerators, such as air-cooled refrigerators, usually use air supply ducts to provide heat exchange airflow to the storage space, thereby adjusting the temperature of the storage space. However, the inventors realized that the heat exchange airflow often cannot regulate the temperature and humidity of the storage space at the same time, and when the humidity of the storage space is too high, it cannot dehumidify quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structure of the refrigerator.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide a refrigerator.

A further object of the present invention is to enable the refrigerator to quickly reduce the humidity of the storage space and improve the freshness preservation effect of the storage space.

Another further object of the present invention is to make the refrigerator reduce the humidity of the storage space while avoiding the impact on the temperature of the storage space.

A further object of the present invention is to reduce or prevent the condensed water generated in the storage space from re-evaporating due to stagnation.

In particular, the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising: a box body with a storage space formed therein; a condensation dehumidification device having a condensation part disposed in the storage space, and the condensation dehumidification device is configured to be activated in a controlled manner to condense water vapor in the air around the condensing part on the surface of the condensing part, thereby reducing the humidity of the storage space; and the heating device is configured to heat the air passing through the condensing part when the condensing and dehumidifying device is activated.

Optionally, the surface of the condensing part forms an inclined condensing surface to facilitate the collection of condensed water.

Optionally, the condensing surface extends obliquely downward from both lateral ends of the condensing part to the middle part, so that the middle part of the condensing part forms a confluence groove for collecting condensed water.

Optionally, the refrigerator further includes a flow guiding device, which forms a flow guiding channel for communicating with the confluence tank and extending out of the storage space, configured to guide the condensed water collected in the confluence tank to the outside of the storage space.

Optionally, the flow guiding device is arranged on the rear side of the storage space; and the confluence groove is arranged downwardly from front to back, and a drain is opened on the back wall of the storage space, which communicates with the confluence groove and the flow guide channel.

Optionally, the refrigerator further includes: an airflow actuating device, disposed in the storage space, configured to promote the formation of an airflow passing through the condensing part and the heating device; and the heating device is arranged downstream of the condensing part.

Optionally, a return air duct is also formed in the box, which communicates with the storage space through the return air outlet, and is configured to guide the return air flow after passing through the condensing part to the storage space again; In the wind tunnel.

Optionally, the heating device is extended along the airflow direction flowing through the return air duct.

Optionally, the return air duct has a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section and a transverse section; wherein the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section are located on both lateral sides of the storage space, and the transverse section is connected between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section; and the transverse section communicates with the storage space.

Optionally, the condensing part is arranged at the bottom of the storage space; the airflow actuating device is arranged at the top of the storage space, and its air outlet is arranged downwards, so as to blow the airflow of the storage space downward to the condensing part; and return The air outlet is located on the side wall of the storage space and adjacent to the condensing part.

In the refrigerator of the present invention, since the cabinet is provided with a condensation dehumidification device, the condensation dehumidification device can be activated in a controlled manner when the storage space needs to be dehumidified, so that the water vapor in the storage space condenses on the surface of the condensation part. Therefore, The refrigerator can quickly reduce the humidity of the storage space, which is beneficial to improve the freshness preservation effect of the storage space.

Furthermore, since the refrigerator of the present invention is also provided with a heating device, the heating device can heat the air flowing through the condensing part when the condensing and dehumidifying device is started, which can make the air cooled by flowing through the condensing part obtain heat and Therefore, the refrigerator can avoid affecting the temperature of the storage space while reducing the humidity of the storage space.

Furthermore, in the refrigerator of the present invention, since the surface of the condensing part forms an inclined condensing surface, the condensing surface extends obliquely downward from both lateral ends of the condensing part to the middle part, so that the central part of the condensing part forms a confluence tank for condensed water to collect. The diversion device can lead the condensed water collected in the confluence tank out of the storage space in a timely manner, thus helping to reduce or prevent the condensed water generated in the storage space from evaporating again due to stagnation.

Those skilled in the art will be more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention according to the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in an exemplary and not restrictive manner. The same reference numerals in the drawings designate the same or similar parts or parts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a front view of the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the internal structure of the refrigerator shown in Fig. 2 .

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 10 may generally include a box body 200 , a condensation dehumidification device 300 and a heating device 400 .

Wherein, a storage space 222 is formed inside the box body 200 . The storage space 222 may refer to a space for low-temperature preservation of ingredients or other items, such as a refrigerated space, or may refer to a space for ripening food to be cooked (such as meat), such as a ripening space.

A plurality of storage compartments 210 may be formed inside the box body 200, and each storage compartment 210 forms a storage space 222, and the above-mentioned refrigerated space or ripening space may be limited in any storage compartment 210, for example, The storage compartment 210 can be directly used as a refrigerated space or an aging space. In some optional embodiments, a storage container may be provided in the storage compartment 210, and the inside of the storage container may be used as a refrigerated space or an aging space.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the internal structure of the refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a storage space 222 and its surrounding components are shown, and for convenience of illustration, the figure is a perspective view.

The condensing dehumidifier 300 has a condensing part 320, which is arranged in the storage space 222, and the condensing dehumidifying device 300 is configured to be activated in a controlled manner, so that the water vapor in the air around the condensing part 320 condenses on the surface of the condensing part 320, thereby reducing the storage capacity. The humidity of the object space 222. For example, after the condensing and dehumidifying device 300 is activated under control, the temperature of the condensing part 320 will be lower than the temperature in the storage space 222 , so that the water vapor in the surrounding air will be condensed on the surface of the condensing part 320 .

The heating device 400 is disposed corresponding to the condensing part 320 , and is configured to heat the air passing through the condensing part 320 when the condensing and dehumidifying device 300 is started. In this embodiment, the heating device 400 can be arranged inside or outside the storage space 222 , as long as the air passing through the condensation part 320 can flow through the heating device 400 . For example, the corresponding arrangement of the heating device 400 and the condensing part 320 may mean that the heating device 400 is arranged adjacent to the condensing part 320 , and relative to the airflow path flowing through the condensing part 320 , the heating device 400 is arranged downstream of the condensing part 320 .

Since the condensation dehumidification device 300 is provided in the box body 200, the condensation dehumidification device 300 can be activated in a controlled manner when the storage space 222 needs to be dehumidified, so that the water vapor in the storage space 222 can condense on the surface of the condensation part 320, Therefore, the refrigerator 10 of this embodiment can quickly reduce the humidity of the storage space 222 , which is beneficial to improve the freshness preservation effect of the storage space 222 .

The inventors realized that since the surface temperature of the condensing part 320 is relatively low, when the air in the storage space 222 flows through the condensing part 320, the temperature of the air will decrease along with the condensation of water vapor. While using the condensation dehumidifier 300 to reduce the humidity inside the storage space 222 , it will also affect the temperature of the storage space 222 .

By setting the heating device 400, the heating device 400 is used to heat the air flowing through the condensing part 320 when the condensing and dehumidifying device 300 is started, which can make the air cooled by flowing through the condensing part 320 obtain heat and heat up. Therefore, this The refrigerator 10 of the embodiment can reduce the humidity of the storage space 222 while avoiding the impact on the temperature of the storage space 222 .

The solution of this embodiment is especially suitable for the case where the storage space 222 is an aging space. The aging of different types of food materials often needs to be carried out under a specific airflow velocity, and the air in the storage space 222 needs to form an internal circulation airflow with a certain airflow velocity. Based on the solution of this embodiment, the refrigerator 10 can provide a suitable ripening atmosphere for the ripening of the ingredients, which is conducive to the formation of a dry and constant temperature internal circulation airflow.

A humidity sensor 800 may be provided in the storage space 222 for detecting the humidity of the storage space 222 , and the refrigerator 10 may determine whether to activate the condensation dehumidification device 300 according to the detection value of the humidity sensor 800 . For example, when the detection value of the humidity sensor 800 exceeds the preset humidity threshold, it may be determined to activate the condensation dehumidification device 300 to ensure that the humidity of the storage space 222 is below the humidity threshold.

The condensation dehumidification device 300 may be a thermoelectric device, such as a device that uses electric energy to regulate heat. Under the action of electric current, the condensation part 320 releases heat to form a low temperature part of the condensation dehumidification device 300 . For example, the condensation dehumidification device 300 may be a thermoelectric cooler.

The heating device 400 may be an electric heating element, such as any electric heating element such as a heating wire, a heating sheet, a heating ring, a heating rod or a heating tube.

In some optional embodiments, the surface of the condensing part 320 forms an inclined condensing surface to facilitate the collection of condensed water. After the water vapor condenses on the surface of the condensation part 320, it can quickly gather to the lower part of the condensation surface, so that most of the surface of the condensation surface is exposed, which can increase the effective contact area between the condensation part 320 and the air, thereby improving the condensation of water vapor. efficiency. For example, the condensing part 320 may be plate-shaped, and its condensing surface may be obliquely disposed in the storage space 222 . The inclination angle and inclination direction of the condensation surface can be set according to actual needs, for example, it can be inclined from front to back by 5-30°, or from one side of the horizontal line to the other side by 5-30°, etc.

The position of the condensation unit 320 in the storage space 222 can be set arbitrarily according to the actual space layout requirements, for example, it can be set on the top, bottom, middle or side of the storage space 222. The surface of the condensation part 320 may refer to a side of the condensation part 320 facing the storage space 222 . When the condensation part 320 is disposed at the bottom of the storage space 222 , the surface of the condensation part 320 is its upper surface.

In some optional embodiments, the inclination of the condensation surface can be changed. For example, the condensing surface may extend downwards from both lateral ends of the condensing part 320 toward the middle, so that the central part of the condensing part 320 forms a confluence groove 340 for collecting condensed water. That is to say, the condensing surface of this embodiment is not inclined in the same direction, but is inclined in two opposite directions, so as to form the confluence groove 340 located in the middle of the condensing part 320 . For example, the cross-section of the condensation surface is roughly V-shaped.

With the above structure, the condensing part 320 can collect the formed condensed water to the confluence tank 340 while condensing the water vapor, which facilitates centralized discharge of the condensed water.

It should be noted that terms such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower" and "horizontal" indicating direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for convenience of description, rather than indicating Or imply that the described device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

In some optional embodiments, the refrigerator 10 further includes a flow guiding device 500, which is formed with a flow guiding channel 510 for communicating with the confluence tank 340 and extending to the outside of the storage space 222, configured to collect The condensed water is guided to the outside of the storage space 222 . For example, the diversion channel 510 can extend to the water tray or the press chamber of the refrigerator 10, so as to guide the condensed water into the water tray or the press chamber, so that the condensed water can be exported together with the accumulated water in the water tray. Or make the condensed water evaporate directly in the compressor chamber. The flow guide device 500 can be a liquid infusion tube, one end of which is connected to the confluence tank 340, and the other end is connected to the water receiving tray or the press chamber.

In some optional embodiments, the flow guiding device 500 is disposed at the rear side of the storage space 222 . For example, an installation cavity located behind the storage space 222 may be formed in the box body 200 for installing components such as the evaporator 900 , and the flow guide device 500 may be disposed in the installation cavity.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the internal structure of the refrigerator 10 shown in Fig. 2, in which the storage space 222 and its surrounding components are shown, and for the convenience of illustration, the figure is a perspective view.

The confluence groove 340 is inclined downward from front to back, and a drain port is opened on the back wall of the storage space 222, which connects the confluence groove 340 and the diversion channel 510, so that the condensed water collected by the confluence groove 340 flows out from the drain port and into the guide channel 510.

With the above-mentioned structure, the condensed water condensed and attached to the surface of the condensing part 320 can be automatically collected into the confluence tank 340 under the action of its own gravity, and the condensed water collected in the confluence tank 340 can automatically flow out of the drain outlet and flow into the diversion channel 510, The condensed water formed on the surface of the condensing part 320 can be quickly and immediately discharged.

Since the surface of the condensation part 320 forms an inclined condensation surface, the condensation surface extends obliquely downward from both lateral ends of the condensation part 320 to the middle part, so that the central part of the condensation part 320 forms a confluence groove 340 for collecting condensed water, and the flow guiding device 500 The condensed water collected in the confluence tank 340 can be led out of the storage space 222 in a timely manner. Therefore, the refrigerator 10 of this embodiment is beneficial to reduce or prevent the condensed water generated in the storage space 222 from evaporating again due to stagnation.

In some optional embodiments, the refrigerator 10 may further include an airflow actuating device 600 disposed in the storage space 222 and configured to promote the formation of an airflow passing through the condensation part 320 and the heating device 400 . The airflow actuating device 600 can be a fan, for example, a centrifugal fan, and in some embodiments, it can also be transformed into an axial fan, but is not limited thereto.

The heating device 400 is disposed downstream of the condensation part 320 . It should be noted that the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the source direction of the fluid, and "downstream" refers to the target direction of the fluid. The fact that the heating device 400 is arranged downstream of the condensation part 320 means that, under the action of the airflow actuator 600, the airflow in the storage space 222 first flows through the condensation part 320, and then flows through the heating device 400, so that this part of the airflow Absorb heat and heat up.

Since the humidity of the airflow after passing through the condensation part 320 is low, the heating device 400 is arranged downstream of the condensation part 320, and the heating device 400 is used to heat the air flowing through the condensation part 320, which can reduce or avoid the occurrence of Condensation phenomenon.

The condensation dehumidification device 300 and the heating device 400 are respectively started after being powered on. That is to say, by adjusting the energization states of the condensation dehumidification device 300 and the heating device 400 , the startup and shutdown of the two can be controlled.

In some optional embodiments, a return air duct is also formed in the box body 200, which communicates with the storage space 222 through the return air port 242, and is configured to guide the return air flow after passing through the condensation part 320 to Storage space 222. The heating device 400 is arranged in the return air duct.

That is to say, the heating device 400 is not arranged in the storage space 222, which can reduce or prevent the heating device 400 from heating other air in the storage space 222 (air that has not flowed through the condensation part 320) and cause storage The space 222 generates temperature fluctuations. The return air outlet 242 is located on the side wall of the storage space 222, for example, can be arranged on the bottom section of the side wall of the storage space 222, and the return air duct can extend upward from the return air opening 242 to the top section of the storage space 222 , and communicate with the top section of the storage space 222 so as to guide the return air flow to the storage space 222 again.

In some further embodiments, the heating device 400 is extended along the airflow direction flowing through the return air duct, which can make the return air flow fully contact with the heat release surface of the heating device 400 and improve the heating efficiency of the heating device 400 . For example, the heating device 400 may be a heating sheet, and the return air flow in the return air channel may flow along the sheet-shaped surface of the heating device 400 .

In some optional embodiments, the air return duct has a first longitudinal section 244 , a second longitudinal section 246 and a transverse section 248 .

Wherein, the first longitudinal section 244 and the second longitudinal section 246 are located on lateral sides of the storage space 222 , and the transverse section 248 is connected between the first longitudinal section 244 and the second longitudinal section 246 . For example, the return air duct may be roughly in an upside-down U shape. The first longitudinal section 244 , the second longitudinal section 246 and the transverse section 248 may be respectively formed in the foam material of the box body 200 .

The transverse section 248 communicates with the storage space 222 . That is, the return air flow can enter the storage space 222 from the top of the storage space 222 . For example, the transverse section 248 and the storage space 222 can be communicated through the form of an opening.

In some optional embodiments, the condensation unit 320 is disposed at the bottom of the storage space 222 , for example, a shelf may be disposed above the condensation unit 320 to prevent items in the storage space 222 from directly contacting the condensation unit 320 .

The airflow actuating device 600 is disposed on the top of the storage space 222 , and its air outlet is downwardly disposed to blow the airflow of the storage space 222 downward to the condenser 320 . Since the airflow actuating device 600 is also adjacent to the air outlet end of the return air duct, the airflow actuating device 600 can promote the formation of a smooth internal circulation airflow path in the storage space 222 during operation.

The return air outlet 242 is located on the side wall of the storage space 222 and is adjacent to the condensation part 320, which shortens the distance between the return air duct and the condensation part 320, so that the airflow blown down to the surface of the condensation part 320 can return to itself The tuyere 242 quickly enters the return air duct and is heated by the heating device 400 in time.

In some embodiments, at least one air outlet 212 is opened on the back wall of the storage space 222 , configured to deliver heat exchange air to the storage space 222 , so as to adjust the temperature of the storage space 222 . The refrigerator 10 may further include an evaporator 900 , which is disposed in the installation cavity of the box body 200 and is used for exchanging heat with the air flowing therethrough, so as to generate the above-mentioned heat exchanging airflow. For example, a temperature sensor 700 may be disposed in the storage space 222 for detecting the temperature of the storage space 222 . The refrigerator 10 can control the opening and closing of the air outlet 212 and the heat exchange of the evaporator 900 according to the difference between the detection result of the temperature sensor 700 and the set temperature of the storage space 222 .

In the refrigerator 10 of the above embodiment, the combination of the condensation dehumidification device 300 and the heating device 400 can quickly reduce the humidity of the storage space 222, which is beneficial to improve the freshness preservation effect of the storage space 222, and reduce the storage space 222. Humidity can avoid affecting the temperature of the storage space 222 at the same time. The solutions of the above embodiments are especially applicable to the case where the storage space 222 is a ripening space. The refrigerator 10 can simultaneously adjust the temperature and humidity of the ripening space, so that the ripening space can form an isothermal internal circulation airflow, thereby providing suitable conditions for the ripening of food materials. mature atmosphere.

So far, those skilled in the art should appreciate that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention can still be used. Many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the invention are directly identified or derived from the content. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:

The box body has a storage space inside;

a condensing dehumidification device, which has a condensing part and is disposed in the storage space, and the condensing and dehumidifying device is configured to be activated in a controlled manner so that water vapor in the air around the condensing part condenses on the surface of the condensing part , thereby reducing the humidity of the storage space; and

A heating device configured to heat the air passing through the condensing part when the condensing and dehumidifying device is started.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein,

The surface of the condensing part forms an inclined condensing surface to facilitate the collection of condensed water.
The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein,

The condensing surface extends obliquely downward from both lateral ends of the condensing portion toward the middle, so that the central portion of the condensing portion forms a confluence groove for collecting condensed water.
The refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising:

The flow guiding device, which is formed with a flow guiding channel for communicating with the confluence tank and extending outside the storage space, is configured to guide the condensed water collected in the confluence tank to the outside of the storage space.
The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein,

The deflector is arranged at the rear side of the storage space; and

The confluence trough is inclined downward from front to back, and a drain is opened on the back wall of the storage space, which communicates the confluence trough and the flow guide channel.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising:

an air flow actuating device, disposed in the storage space, configured to promote the formation of an air flow passing through the condensation unit and the heating device; and

The heating device is arranged downstream of the condensation part.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein

A return air duct is also formed in the box, which communicates with the storage space through the return air port, and is configured to guide the return air flow after passing through the condensing part to the storage space again; and

The heating device is arranged in the return air duct.
The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein

The heating device is extended along the airflow direction flowing through the return air duct.
The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein,

The return air duct has a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section and a transverse section; wherein

The first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section are located on lateral sides of the storage space, and the transverse section is connected between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section ; and the transverse section communicates with the storage space.
The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the refrigerator further comprises:

an air flow actuating device, disposed in the storage space, configured to promote the formation of an air flow passing through the condensation unit and the heating device; and

The condensation part is arranged at the bottom of the storage space;

The airflow actuating device is arranged on the top of the storage space, and its outlet end is arranged downward, so as to blow the airflow in the storage space downward to the condensation part; and

The return air outlet is located on the side wall of the storage space and is adjacent to the condensation part.