WO2012076511A2

WO2012076511A2 - Refrigerator and air duct system for refrigerator compartment

Info

Publication number: WO2012076511A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/071886
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiupeng Chen; Songtao Lu; Qiwu Zhu; Weizhong Zhu
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2010-12-10
Filing date: 2011-12-06
Publication date: 2012-06-14
Also published as: CN102538343B; CN102538343A; WO2012076511A3

Abstract

An air duct system for refrigerator compartment is provided, which comprises an air duct device. The air duct device includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, an air duct member and a fan, wherein the air duct member is mounted between the first and second cover plates, the first cover plate is located adjacent to the opening face of the compartment, the second cover plate is mounted adjacent to the rear wall of the inner chamber of the compartment, the fan is mounted obliquely on the second cover plate. A first cold air passage is formed between the air duct member and the first cover plate, a first warm air passage is formed between the air duct member and the second cover plate, and the fan is communicated with the first cold air passage. The air duct device is provided with an air return port which is communicated with the first warm air passage, and the first cover plate is provided with an air outlet which is communicated with the first cold air passage. The present invention also provides a refrigerator comprising a compartment, wherein the above-mentioned air duct system is installed in the compartment, such that problems that the cooling efficiency of the compartment is low, air is supplied unevenly and temperature different is great are solved.

Description

REFRIGERATOR AND AIR DUCT SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATOR

COMPARTMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and, more particularly, to an air duct system of a compartment of the refrigerator. BACKGROUND

With the increasing development of the living standard of the people, there is a requirement for increasing the capacity of refrigerator. Therefore, large-capacity refrigerators are manufactured by the refrigerator manufacturers. Because the lateral width of the large-capacity refrigerator is larger than that of a small-capacity refrigerator, an air duct system adapting for the small-capacity refrigerator compartment can not meet the requirement of supplying cold air to the large-capacity refrigerator compartment. The compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator compartment usually has a larger inner chamber. Therefore, containing devices such as drawers and the like can be provided in the refrigerator compartment. The containing devices are generally arranged layer by layer. A conventional air duct system is simpler in structure and is only adapted for the compartment of the small-capacity refrigerator. For the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator in which the containing devices are arranged, there are problems that air is distributed unevenly and cool air is circulated slowly and the like. Therefore, it is likely to cause a greater temperature difference in the inner chamber of the compartment, an uneven temperature distribution and a reduced cooling efficiency. Therefore, foods will be putrid rapidly.

Chinese Patent Application No. 200710173724.6 discloses a cold air circulating system for refrigerator and its application, in which a crossflow fan is used to circulate airflow in the refrigerator, to reduce noise caused by the flowing air, to decrease the size of the air duct of the refrigerator and to increase the holding capacity of the refrigerator. However, aspects, which are prominently interested by designers, are how to design an air duct system adapted for the large-capacity refrigerator so as to enhance the cooling efficiency, such that the large-capacity refrigerator can be more and more popular. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One problem to be solved by the present invention is how to enhance the refrigerating efficiency of large-capacity refrigerator compartment, supply air evenly and reduce temperature difference.

To solve the above problem, the present invention provides an air duct system for refrigerator compartment, wherein it comprises: an air duct device comprising a first cover plate, a second cover plate, an air duct member and a fan, wherein the first cover plate is located adjacent to an opening face of the compartment, the second cover plate is mounted adjacent to the rear wall of the inner chamber of the compartment, the air duct member is mounted between the first and second cover plates, a first cold air passage is formed between the air duct member and the first cover plate, an air outlet of the air duct device is communicated with the first cold air passage, a second warm air passage is formed between the air duct member and the second cover plate, an air return port of the air duct device is communicated with the first warm air passage, the fan is mounted on the second cover plate, and a central axis of a bearing of the fan forms a first angle with a horizontal line.

Optionally, the first angle is between 2 and 15 degrees.

Optionally, the first angle is 6 degrees.

Optionally, the air duct member comprises a first air duct piece and a second air duct piece, wherein the first air duct piece may be jointed with the second air duct piece, a protruded guiding rib is provided on the second air duct piece.

Optionally, the air duct system further comprises an evaporator which is mounted in the inner chamber of the compartment behind the air duct device and under the fan, wherein the evaporator is communicated with the fan at one side and with first warm air passage at the other side.

Optionally, the air duct device further comprises a sealing sponge strip provided on edges of the first cover plate, the second cover plate and the air duct member.

Optionally, the compartment comprises a first drawer at the bottom of the compartment, and the air duct device is located above the first drawer.

Optionally, a second warm air passage is formed between bottom walls of the first drawer and the bottom wall of the inner chamber of the compartment, and the second warm air passage is communicated with the air return port.

Optionally, the air duct system further comprises drawers stacked layer by layer above the first drawer.

Optionally, the drawers are stacked in three layers, and two or three air outlets are equispaced laterally between any two of said drawers.

Optionally, the air duct system further comprises trays stacked layer by layer above the first drawer, at least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between the first drawer and a relevant one of said trays, and at least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between any two of said trays.

The present invention further provides a refrigerator comprising a compartment, characterized in that it further comprises an air duct system mentioned above, which is mounted on the inner wall of the compartment.

Optionally, the air duct device is provided with a first installation structure, and the inner wall of the compartment is provided with a second installation structure matable with the first installation structure.

Optionally, the first installation structure is embodied as a snapping hook, and the second installation structure is embodied as a snapping slot; or alternatively, the first installation structure is embodied as the snapping slot, and the second installation structure is embodied as the snapping hook.

Optionally, the first and second installation structures are embodied as mounting holes. In comparison with the prior art, the present invention provides the following advantages.

The air duct device comprises the first cover plate, the second cover plate, the air duct member and the fan. The air duct device is further provided with the first cold air passage and the first warm air passage. The fan is communicated with the first cold air passage. In this way, the installation volume of the air passage is reduced. The air duct device is provided with the air return port and at least two air outlets, such that the refrigerating efficiency of large-capacity refrigerator is enhanced, air is supplied evenly, and temperature difference is reduced. The provision of the first drawer facilitates storing items, and the gap between the first drawer and the inner wall of the inner chamber of the compartment increases the path of air circulation.

The central axis of the bearing of the fan forms the first angle with the horizontal line, and the fan is mounted in the air duct device. This kind of arrangement complies with the law of nature that cold air flows downwardly, which ensures that cold air may favorably flow into the compartment.

The air duct member comprises the first air duct piece and the second air duct piece, such that they can be manufactured conveniently. Laterally equispaced protruded guiding ribs are provided in the first cold air passage, such that cold air can flow evenly into the compartment so as to reduce the temperature difference in the compartment.

The air duct system further comprises the evaporator behind the air duct device and under the fan, wherein the evaporator is communicated with the fan at one side and with the first warm air passage at the other side. The evaporator exchanges heat with warm air so as to convert warm air into cold air and thus to enhance the cooling efficiency of the compartment.

The air duct device is provided with the sealing sponge strip at the edge so as to improve the tightness of the air duct device and to prevent leakage of cold air or warm air.

The compartment further comprises the first drawer at the bottom of the inner chamber of the compartment, and the air duct device is located above the first drawer. This kind of arrangement complies with the principle of aerodynamics. Therefore, after cold air flows out of the air duct device, it flows downwardly due to the law of nature and enters the first drawer to keep foods fresh. The second warm air passage is formed between the bottom walls of the first drawer and the inner chamber of the compartment, and the second warm air passage is communicated with the air return port. The air passage is formed using the first drawer so as to reduce the installation volume of the air duct system and thus to increase the usage of the compartment holding capacity.

Alternatively, the air duct system further comprises the drawers or the trays stacked layer by layer above the first drawer. At least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between any two of said drawers or trays. This ensures that each layer of drawer or tray may receive cold air and the compartment is cooled evenly. The drawers are generally provided in four layers. Two or three air outlets are provided for each layer, which may meet the requirement for cooling the compartment.

The refrigerator provided by the present invention comprises the air duct system mentioned above, which is mounted on the inner wall of the compartment so as to cool the compartment. The air duct device is provided with the first installation structure, and the inner wall of the compartment is provided with the second installation structure matable with the first installation structure so as to facilitate mounting and securing the air duct device. The first installation structure is the snapping hook and the second installation structure is the snapping slot; or alternatively, the first installation structure is the snapping slot and the second installation structure is the snapping hook. In this way, these installation structures can be operated easily and mounted conveniently. Alternatively, the first and second installation structures are the mounting holes, which accords with the operating habit of most customers and adapts the customer demand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a compartment in which an air duct system according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of an air duct device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front view of an air duct member of the air duct device shown in figure 2.

Figure 4 is a front view of the air duct device shown in figure 2.

Figure 5 is a left-side view of the air duct device shown in figure 2. Figure 6 illustrates the left side of an inventive refrigerator and the airflow distribution therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an air duct system for refrigerator compartment, so as to solve problems that the cooling efficiency of the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator is inefficient, air is supplied unevenly and temperature difference is great.

The main inventive concept of the present invention is to provide such a kind of air duct system for a compartment of a large-capacity refrigerator, wherein the air duct system comprises an air duct device including a first cover plate, a second cover plate, an air duct member and a fan. The first cover plate is located adjacent to an opening face of the compartment. The second cover plate is mounded adjacent to a rear wall of an inner chamber of the compartment. The air duct member is mounted between the first and second cover plates. A first cold air duct is formed between the air duct member and the first cover plate. An air output of the air duct device is communicated with the first cold air duct. A warm air duct is formed between the air duct member and the second cover plate. An air return port of the air duct device is communicated with the first warm air duct. The fan is mounted on the second cover plate, and a central axis of a bear of the fan forms a first angle with a horizontal line.

Technical solutions according to the inventive embodiments will be clearly and detailedly described in combination of attached figures. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments according to the present invention, but not all. Any embodiments, which are obtained by the skilled in the art without inventive laboring on the basis of the described embodiments of the context, fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Now, most of refrigerators available in the market are large-capacity side-by-side combination refrigerators. Such refrigerators are popular with young customers because they have large holding capacity for items and have good and fashionable appearance. Because the lateral width of the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator is greater than the lateral width of the compartment of the small-capacity refrigerator, the air duct system for the compartment of the small-capacity refrigerator cannot be used to meet the requirement of supplying cold air for the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator.

The conventional air duct system is simpler in structure and has less cooling area. If it is applied in the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator, there are problems that air is distributed unevenly and cold air is circulated slowly and the like. Usually, containing devices such as trays and the like are arranged in the inner chamber of the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator. If the conventional air duct system is adapted, it is likely to cause a greater temperature difference in the inner chamber of the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator, an uneven thermal distribution and inefficient refrigeration. Therefore, foods will be putrid rapidly. Therefore, the present invention provides an air duct system adapted for large-capacity refrigerator compartment, which is explained in combination of the attached figures below. Figure 1 is an exploded view of a compartment in which an air duct system according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted. In the figure, the compartment of the refrigerator is represented by 100, an air duct device is represented by 300, an evaporator is represented by 200, a first drawer is represented by 400, an ice making box is presented by 500, further drawers are represented by 600 and a door body is represented by 700.

The compartment (as shown by 100 in figure 1) of the large-capacity refrigerator has a large holding capacity. In order to facilitate storing items, the first drawer 100 is usually provided in the compartment 100. For saving space, the first drawer 400 is located at the bottom of the compartment 100. The air duct system according to the present invention can provide a beneficial air cooling effect for the above-mentioned refrigerator compartment having the first drawer 400. Therefore, this air duct system will be explained below, but not limited by the described contents.

The air duct system comprises the air duct device 300. In the present embodiment, for achieving a better cooling effect, the air duct system comprises the evaporator 200, the first drawer 400 and the drawers 600 which are stacked layer by layer on the first drawer 400.

The air duct device provides an air duct for the air duct system according to the present invention and plays a key role in supplying air evenly into the compartment. The configuration of the air duct device will be explained below. Figure 2 is an exploded view of an air duct device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first cover plate is represented by 31, a second cover plate is represented by 35, a first air duct piece is represented by 33, a second air duct piece is represented by 32, an aluminum plate for thawing frost is represented by 34, a sealing sponge strip is represented by 36, and a fan is represented by 37. The features of the air duct device 300 are explained below in combination of figure 2.

The air duct device provides the air duct for the air duct system, which air duct comprises a warm air duct and a cold air duct. Because cold air has a greater density and flows downwardly due to the law of nature as well as warm cold has a less density and flows upwardly due to the law of nature, the air duct device 300 is located above the first drawer 400, more particularly, the air duct device can be located adjacent to the rear edge of the first drawer 400, which complies with the motion regularity of cold air and warm air.

The air duct device comprises the first cover plate 31, the second cover plate 35, an air duct member and the fan 37. In order to facilitate cleaning, assembling and manufacturing, the air duct member is generally designed in a multi-part manner and includes the first air duct piece 33 and the second air duct piece 32. The first air duct piece 33 and the second air duct piece 32 are detachable and are embodied as two relatively separated structures. If desired, they can be assembled as one unitary air duct member. For clarity, the air duct member refers to the unitary structure comprised of the first air duct piece 33 and the second air duct piece 32 below, if no special explanation is given. Figure 3 is a front view of the air duct member of the air duct device shown in figure 2, wherein protruded guiding ribs are represented by 3, the first air duct piece is represented by 33 and the second air duct piece is represented by 32. The air duct member shown in figure 3 is designed in a multi-part manner and then is jointed together. The air duct member is designed generally in a multi-part manner laterally, wherein the first air duct piece 33 is above and is called as an upper air duct piece, as well as the second air duct piece 32 is jointed below the first air duct piece 33 and is called as a lower air duct piece. The air duct pieces are generally made of foam and are integrally molded. In the light of actual conditions, the air duct pieces can be made of different materials and produced in different manners, and they are not limited by the above specific contents.

The air duct member has a thermal insulation and retardation function, and is generally used to form the air duct of the air duct system. Therefore, the air duct member is generally mounted between the first cover plate 31 and the second cover plate 35. To guarantee supplying air evenly, the protruded guiding ribs 3 are generally provided on the air duct member and are equispaced laterally, which follows the motion regularity of airflow. If the air duct member is designed in a multi-part manner, the protruded guiding ribs 3 are generally provided on the second air duct piece 32. According to specific conditions, the protruded guiding ribs 3 can be integrally molded with the air duct member or can be formed by bonding plastic pieces.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, the second cover plate 35 is mounted adjacent to the rear wall of the inner chamber of the compartment 100, the fan 37 is mounted on the second cover plate 35, the air duct member is mounted between the first cover plate 31 and the second cover plate 35, and the first cover plate 31 is located adjacent to the opening face of the compartment 100. That is, the first cover plate 31, the air duct member and the second cover plate 32 are assembled in a sandwich manner in proper sequence. Generally, the first cover plate 31, the air duct member and the second cover plate 35 are secured together via means such as rivets and the like or sometimes via welding or by industrial adhesives bonding. However, the securing manner is not limited by the above specific examples.

In order to guarantee the tightness of the air duct device 300, the sealing sponge strip 36 is mounted on edges of the first cover plate 31, the second cover plate 35 and the air duct member. The sealing sponge strip 36 can be replaced by another sealing strip such as silicone strip and the like, which is not limited by the above specific example.

Because the fan 37 is mainly used to suck warm air up and discharge cold air out as well as warm air has a less density and flows upwardly due to the law of nature, the fan 37 is generally mounted at the upper portion of the second cover plate 35 and adjacent to the top wall of the inner chamber of the compartment 100. Usually, an aperture is opened in the second cover plate 35, such that the fan 37 is inserted and mounted in the aperture. The air duct device 300 is mounted in the inner chamber of the compartment 100. The second cover plate 35 mounted with the fan 37 is installed such that it abuts against the rear wall of the inner chamber of the compartment 100. The second cover plate 35 is also called as a rear air duct cover plate. The first cover plate 31 is adjacent to the opening face of the compartment 100, that is, it orients toward the opening face of the compartment 100. The first cover plate is also called as a front air duct cover plate. In order to ensure air flowing smoothly, a gap is formed generally between the second cover plate 35 and the rear wall of the inner chamber of the compartment 100. For saving the storage space of the compartment 100, the air duct device 300, after being assembled, has a less thickness. Therefore, there is a larger storage space existed between the first cover plate 31 and the opening face of the compartment 100.

There is a first cold air passage (not shown) formed between the air duct member and the first cover plate 31. There is a first warm air passage (not shown) formed between the air duct member and the second cover plate 35. The fan 37 communicates with the first cold air passage. That is, the air duct member divides the space between the first cover plate 31 and the second cover plate 35 vertically into two partial spaces, i.e. one adjacent to the first cover plate 31 is called as the first cold air passage and the other adjacent to the second cover plate 35 is called as the first warm air passage. Thus this saves the installation space of the air duct device and enhances the utilization ratio of the refrigerator compartment.

Figure 4 is a front view of the air duct device 300 shown in figure 2, wherein air outlets are represented by 11a, l ib, 11c and l id. Figure 5 is a left-side view of the air duct device 300 shown in figure 2, wherein the first cold air passage is represented by 1, the first warm air passage is represented by 2, and the air return port is represented by 22. The left-side view of the air duct device is similar with the right-side view of it. Therefore, explanation is given with respect to the left-side view here. The features of the air duct device 300 are explained in combination of figures 4 and 5.

The first cover plate 31 is adjacent to the opening face of the compartment 100. Therefore, the first cold air passage is adjacent the first drawer 400, and a side of the first cover plate 31 adjacent to the opening of the first drawer 400 is laterally provided with at least two of said air outlets 11a. The air outlets 11a are communicated with the first cold air passage 1. Thus this not only shortens the circulating path of cold air, but also reduces heat loss and improves fresh-keeping. Furthermore, at least two air outlets 11a are provided laterally, such that the compartment 100 can be cooled evenly.

As shown in figure 5, the air duct device 300 is provided with the air return port 22 at one end thereof adjacent to the first drawer 400. The air return port 22 is communicated with the first warm air passage 2, such that the circulating path of warm air is shortened and the short circuit of air is avoided. Furthermore, cold air is prevented from encountering warm air, which otherwise will leads to heat exchange. Thus the refrigerating efficiency of the refrigerator is improved.

As shown in figure 5, lines a and b as well as an angle a between them are illustrated. The line a is a horizontal line, and the line b is a central line of the bear of the fan 37. The fan 37 is mounted in a downwardly sloping manner. The central line b of the bear of the fan forms the first angle a with the horizontal line a. Cold air discharged by the fan 37 mostly orients in the direction of the first angle a and flows downwardly into the inner chamber of the compartment 100, which follows the motion regularity of cold air. In this way, wind resistance is decreased and noise is also reduced, as well as the occurrence of turbulence is reduced, such that the heat loss caused by the return air is prevented.

The first angle a is between 2 and 15 degrees. When the first angle a is 6 degrees, a beneficial cooling efficiency is achieved, noise is minimized, and turbulence is not easy to occur.

The characteristics of the air duct device 300 in the air duct system are explained in combination of figures 4 and 5. Usually, the compartment of the large-capacity refrigerator has a large holding capacity. Therefore, the inner chamber of the compartment 100 is provided with, in addition to the first drawer 400, the drawers 600 and the ice making box 500 stacked layer by layer above the first drawer 400 (as shown in figure 1). Since the ice making box 500 has the same function as the drawer 600, only the drawer 600 as an example is explained below.

In order to ensure that cold air flows in each drawer 600, a space is formed between any two of said drawers. The air outlets 11c, l id are equispaced laterally on the first cover plate 31 at positions corresponding to the space. The air outlets 11c, l id are provided generally adjacent to the upper edge of the rear wall of the drawer 600. That is, the positions where the air outlets are provided on the first cover plate 31 are adjacent to the edge of the opening face occupied by the rear wall of the drawers 600. The same configuration, with respect to the positions where the air outlets are provided on the first cover plate 31, is adapted for the space of each layer of drawer 600.

Because the drawers 600 are stacked layer by layer above the first drawer 400 and are generally in front of the air duct device 300, the rear walls of the drawers 600 are abutted against the first cover plate 31 or are separated with the latter by a small gap. The air outlets 11c, l id are provided on the first cover plate 31 adjacent to the edge of the opening face occupied by the rear wall of the drawer 600, such that cold air can favorably flow into the drawer 600 so as to achieve the refrigerating and fresh-keeping effect. Moreover, in this way, because the air outlets 11c, l id are provided for each layer of drawer 600, the temperature difference in the compartment 100 is reduced, such that the compartment 100 is cooled evenly. Four drawers are stacked layer by layer in the compartment, i.e. the first drawer 400 being in the lowest layer and the other three drawers 600 being above the first drawer. Two or three air outlets 11a, l ib, 11c, l id are provided in a laterally equispaced manner between any two layers of drawers, such that a beneficial cooling effect can be achieved. When the drawers and the air outlets are arranged as above, as shown in figure 4 which shows the front view of the air duct device 300, the air outlets are provided in four layers. From top to bottom, two of said air outlets l id, 11c are provided for each one of the first and second layers, and three of said outlets l ib, 11a are provided for each one of the third and fourth layers. The air outlets 11a, l ib, 11c, l id are equispaced laterally such that air is discharged evenly and the temperature difference is reduced.

In actual manufacturing, the drawers 600 can be replaced by other containing means such as trays and the like. The trays are provided in the same manner as the drawers 600. The trays are stacked layer by layer above the first drawer 400. At least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between the first drawer 400 and the relevant tray, and at least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between any two layers of trays.

Other preferred embodiments of the air duct system are explained in combination of figures 1 to 5. It is well known that the evaporator 200 (as shown in figure 1) is generally installed in the air duct system. The evaporator 200 contains a low-temperature and low pressure refrigerant, such as Freon and the like, therein. When warm air flows around the evaporator 200, it exchanges heat with the evaporator 200 and transfers thermal energy to the evaporator 200. Cold air cooled in this way flows into the inner chamber of the compartment 100 so as to lower the temperature in the compartment 100 and thus to keep foods fresh.

As shown in figure 5, the fan 37 has a thickness. After the fan is mounted in the upper portion of the second cover plate 35, a free space can be formed under the fan 37. In order to save the installation space of the air duct system, the evaporator 200 is mounted in the free space behind the air duct device 300 and under the fan 37. The evaporator is communicated with the fan 37 at one side and with the first warm air passage 2 at the other side, such that the circulating path of the air duct system is achieved and the short circuit of air is avoided.

As shown in figure 2, the air duct device 300 further comprises the aluminum plate 34 for thawing frost, which is mounted in the rear portion of the air duct device 300 and is abutted against the evaporator 200. The aluminum plate 34 for thawing frost is used to guide fluid generated during heat exchanging. Warm air exchanges heat with the evaporator 200. Therefore, some water is inevitably created. Because the low-temperature and low pressure refrigerant is contained in the evaporator 200, the water is easily frozen into ice, which, with the lapse of time, will prevent air from flowing and cause the short circuit of air. However, if the water is captured on the surface of the aluminum plate 34 for thawing frost, it is not easily frozen into ice. Furthermore, in this way, the water can flow favorably along the aluminum plate 34 for thawing frost into the inner chamber of the compartment 100 and then enters into the airflow circulation. This not only ensures that air flows smoothly, but also reduces energy loss. Figure 6 illustrates the left side of an inventive refrigerator and the airflow distribution therein, wherein a second warm air passage is represented by 4, and the arrows shows the direction of airflow. Because air flowing in the left-side view is the same as in the right-side view, explanation is made only with respect to the left-side view. As shown in figures 5 and 6, in actual manufacturing, a gap is existed between the bottom wall of the first drawer 400 and the bottom wall of the inner chamber of the compartment 100, such that the second warm air passage 4 is formed to return warm air. The second warm air passage 4 is communicated with the air return port 22. Therefore, the air passage is formed using the space of the inner chamber of the compartment 100 so as to save the installation space of the air duct system. Because the second warm air passage 4 is located at the bottom of the inner chamber of the compartment 100, the circulation of cold air is not influenced.

As shown in figure 6, the fan 37 is located above the evaporator 200 and comprises a suction opening and a discharge opening. The suction opening is communicated with the evaporator 200, and the discharge opening is communicated with the first cold air passage 1. It is well known that after air is cooled, its temperature decreases, its density increases and thus it flows downwardly; after cold air exchanges heat with foods, it absorbs thermal energy from the foods, its temperature increases again, its density decreases, and it flows upwardly.

The fan 37 is located above the evaporator 200 and is inclined downwardly, such that the discharge opening is communicated with the first cold air passage 1. After cold air is discharged from the discharge opening, a little part of cold air flows along the top wall of the compartment 100, and the remaining part of cold air flows downwardly through the air outlets 11a, l ib, 11c, l id into the inner chamber of the compartment 100, enters the drawers 600 and the first drawer 400, exchanges heat with the foods, and then is heated as warm air.

Because cold air continues to enter the inner chamber of the compartment 100, warm air is forced to flow downwardly into the second warm air passage 4, flows upwards in it, and then flows upwardly through the air return port 22 into the first warm air passage 2. Finally, the warm air exchanges heat with the evaporator 200 to generate the cold air. In order to prevent the cold air from sinking, the fan 37 is rotated to create negative pressure above the evaporator 200, which forces the cold air to flow upwardly and to enter the suction opening. Then, the cold air enters through the discharge opening into the inner chamber of the compartment 100 and, in there, exchanges heat with the foods to become the warm air again, which then enters the next cold air circulation.

The present invention further provides a refrigerator comprising a compartment and the above-mentioned air duct system which is mounted on the inner wall of the compartment. By utilization of the air duct system, the refrigerator may enhance the cooling efficiency of the large-capacity refrigerator compartment, supply air evenly, and reduces temperature difference.

Said air duct system comprises a first installation structure provided on the air duct device. The inner wall of the compartment is provided with a second installation structure matable with the first installation structure. The first installation structure is embodied as a snapping hook and the second installation structure is embodied as a snapping slot; or alternatively, the first installation structure is embodied as a snapping slot and the second installation structure is embodied as a snapping hook. The snapping hook is hooked in the snapping slot such that the air duct device is secured in the inner chamber of the compartment. The air duct device may be detached from the compartment by removing the snapping hook from the snapping slot. The above installation structures are simple and may be operated easily, meet the requirements of millions of consumers. Thus the market prospect is very favorable.

The first and second installation structures can be mounting holes. Therefore, securing is achieved using screws or bolts or even rivets. The above installation structures are produced and processed conveniently, which reduces manufacturing costs and thus is favored by most of manufacturers.

Through the above explanation of the disclosed embodiments, the skilled in the art may carry out or utilize the present invention. It is obvious for the skilled in the art to modify the disclosed embodiments. Without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, these embodiments can be carried out in other ways. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments disclosed here; but covers the broadest scope corresponding to the principle and the novelty characteristics disclosed in the context.

Claims

1. An air duct system for refrigerator compartment, characterized in that it comprises: an air duct device comprising a first cover plate, a second cover plate, an air duct member and a fan, wherein the first cover plate is located adjacent to an opening face of the compartment, the second cover plate is mounted adjacent to the rear wall of the inner chamber of the compartment, the air duct member is mounted between the first and second cover plates, a first cold air passage is formed between the air duct member and the first cover plate, an air outlet of the air duct device is communicated with the first cold air passage, a first warm air passage is formed between the air duct member and the second cover plate, an air return port of the air duct device is communicated with the first warm air passage, the fan is mounted on the second cover plate, and a central axis of a bearing of the fan forms a first angle with a horizontal line.

2. The air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first angle is between 2 and 15 degrees.

3. The air duct system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first angle is 6 degrees.

4. The air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that the air duct member comprises a first air duct piece and a second air duct piece, wherein the first air duct piece is jointed with the second air duct piece, and a protruded guiding rib is provided on the second air duct piece.

5. The air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an evaporator which is mounted in the inner chamber of the compartment behind the air duct device and under the fan, wherein the evaporator is communicated with the fan at one side and with the first warm air passage at the other side.

6. The air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that the air duct device further comprises a sealing sponge strip provided on edges of the first cover plate, the second cover plate and the air duct member.

7. The air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that the compartment comprises a first drawer located at the bottom of the compartment, and the air duct device is located above the first drawer.

8. The air duct system according to claim 7, characterized in that a second warm air passage is formed between bottom walls of the first drawer and the inner chamber of the compartment, and the second warm air passage is communicated with the air return port.

9. The air duct system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises drawers stacked layer by layer above the first drawer.

10. The air duct system according to claim 9, characterized in that the drawers are stacked in three layers, and two or three air outlets are equispaced laterally between any two of said drawers.

11. The air duct system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises trays which are stacked layer by layer above the first drawer, at least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between the first drawer and a relevant one of said trays, and at least two laterally equispaced air outlets are provided between any two of said trays.

12. A refrigerator comprising a compartment, characterized in that it further comprises an air duct system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which air duct system is mounted on the inner wall of the compartment.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that the air duct device is provided with a first installation structure, and the inner wall of the compartment is provided with a second installation structure matable with the first installation structure.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that the first installation structure is embodied as a snapping hook and the second installation structure is embodied as a snapping slot; or alternatively, the first installation structure is embodied as the snapping slot and the second installation structure is embodied as the snapping hook.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that the first and second installation structures are embodied as mounting holes.