Refrigeration Apparatus

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2023/103939, filed on Jun. 29, 2023, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310491545.6, filed on Apr. 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of refrigeration devices, and in particular to a refrigeration apparatus.

Existing ice harvesting technologies may usually rely on manual retrieval or utilize gravity to achieve automatic ice dispensing at a position below an ice storage container. In order to enhance convenience, some refrigeration apparatuses, such as refrigerators, may be configured to generate ice in a freezing compartment, transfer the ice from the freezing compartment to a refrigeration compartment through an ice-transfer channel, and dispense the ice from a refrigeration door body at an upper portion of the refrigerator, thereby enabling ice harvesting at a suitable height. To further reduce an occupation of usable space, the ice may be transferred through both the refrigeration door body and a freezing door body.

A gap may exist between the refrigeration door body and the freezing door body, and a docking between a transportation pipeline of the refrigeration door body and a transportation pipeline of the freezing door body may have to be achieved.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration apparatus may include a cabinet body, a first door body, a second door body, an ice-making assembly, an ice-retrieving assembly, an ice-transfer channel, and an ice-transfer assembly. The cabinet body may include a first refrigeration compartment and a second refrigeration compartment. The second refrigeration compartment may be located above the first refrigeration compartment. The first door body may be configured to expose or cover the first refrigeration compartment. The second door body may be configured to expose or cover the second refrigeration compartment. The ice-making assembly may be disposed in the first refrigeration compartment. The ice-retrieving assembly may be disposed on the second door body. The ice-transfer channel may include a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel. The first sub-channel may be disposed in the first door body. The second sub-channel may be disposed in the second door body. The second sub-channel may be in communication with the ice-retrieving assembly. The ice-transfer assembly may be disposed in the first refrigeration compartment, be in communication with the first sub-channel, and be configured to drive ice produced by the ice-making assembly to be transferred to the ice-retrieving assembly through the ice-transfer channel. The ice-transfer channel may further include a movable channel. A channel ice outlet may be defined at an end of the first sub-channel close to the second sub-channel. A channel ice inlet may be defined at an end of the second sub-channel close to the first sub-channel. The movable channel may be configured to communicate the channel ice outlet with the channel ice inlet.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure may provide a refrigeration apparatus. The refrigeration apparatus may include a cabinet body, a first door body, a second door body, an ice-making assembly, an ice-retrieving assembly, and an ice-transfer device. The cabinet body may include a first refrigeration compartment and a second refrigeration compartment. The second refrigeration compartment may be located above the first refrigeration compartment. The first door body may be configured to expose or cover the first refrigeration compartment. The second door body may be configured to expose or cover the second refrigeration compartment. The ice-making assembly may be disposed in the first refrigeration compartment. The ice-retrieving assembly may be disposed on the second door body. The ice-transfer device may include an ice-transfer channel and ice-transfer assembly. The ice-transfer device may be configured to transfer ice from the first refrigeration compartment to the ice-retrieving assembly located above. The ice-transfer channel may be in communication with the ice-retrieving assembly. The ice-transfer assembly may be in communication with the ice-making assembly and may be configured to drive ice produced by the ice-making assembly to be transferred to the ice-retrieving assembly through the ice-transfer channel.

To make the above objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure clearer and more understandable, detailed descriptions of some embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It may be understood that the embodiments described herein may only serve to explain the present disclosure, and may not limit the present disclosure. Additionally, it may be noted that, for the sake of clarity, only parts related to the present disclosure may be illustrated in the drawings, rather than all structures. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by the person of ordinary skills in the art without creative work may fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

The term “embodiment” as mentioned herein may indicate that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases at various places in the specification may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor may it be interpreted as mutually exclusive or alternative embodiments unless explicitly stated. The person of ordinary skills in the art may explicitly or implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

In the description of the present disclosure, the terms “first” and “second” may be used for descriptive purposes only and may not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features referred to. Therefore, features limited by “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, “plurality” may mean two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

In the description of the present disclosure, it may be noted that, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms “install,” “connect,” and “couple” may be interpreted broadly. For example, such connections may be fixed, detachable, or integral; they may be mechanical, electrical, or communicative; they may be direct or indirect via intermediaries; and they may include internal communications or interactions between two components. The person of ordinary skills in the art may interpret the specific meanings of the aforementioned terms in the present disclosure based on the specific context.

As shown inand,is an overall schematic structural view of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, andis another overall schematic structural view of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a refrigeration apparatus. The refrigeration apparatusmay include a cabinet body, a first refrigeration compartment, a second refrigeration compartment, a first door body, a second door body, an ice-making assembly, an ice-retrieving assembly, and an ice-transfer device. Each of the first refrigeration compartmentand the second refrigeration compartmentmay be defined within the cabinet bodyand may have one side opened. The first door bodymay be configured to expose or cover the first refrigeration compartment. The second door bodymay be configured to expose or cover the second refrigeration compartment. The second refrigeration compartmentmay be located above the first refrigeration compartment. The ice-making assemblymay be disposed in the first refrigeration compartment. The ice-retrieving assemblymay be disposed on the second door body. The ice-transfer devicemay include an ice-transfer channeland an ice-transfer assembly. The ice-transfer assemblymay be disposed in the first refrigeration compartmentor on the first door body. The ice-transfer channelmay be in communication with or connected to the ice-retrieving assemblyand may provide a transfer path for ice to move from the first refrigeration compartmentto the second door body. The ice-transfer assemblymay be in communication with or connected to the ice-making assemblyand may be configured to drive the ice produced by the ice-making assemblyout to the ice-transfer channel. The first refrigeration compartmentmay be a freezing compartment. The second refrigeration compartmentmay be a refrigeration compartment. The ice-transfer devicemay be configured to transfer or transport the ice from the first refrigeration compartmentto the ice-retrieving assemblylocated above, thereby facilitating ice retrieval by the user and improving user experience. Furthermore, the ice-making assemblymay be disposed in the first refrigeration compartment, which enables the ice-making assemblyto share a cold source with the first refrigeration compartment. In this case, since the ice-making assemblyis not disposed in the second refrigeration compartment, a separate evaporator may not be required to be disposed in the second refrigeration compartmentfor ice making, thereby saving cost and potential space occupied by the separate evaporator in the second refrigeration compartment, and increasing the volumetric efficiency or available volume ratio of the second refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration apparatusof some embodiments of the present disclosure may not only improve the ice harvesting efficiency but also resolve the issues of inconvenient ice retrieval and the space occupation in the second refrigeration compartment.

In some embodiments, the first door bodyand the second door bodymay be arranged on the cabinet bodyin a rotatable manner, a slidable manner, or other manners based on actual requirements.

In some embodiments, to further reduce the space occupation within the refrigeration compartments, the ice-transfer channelmay be disposed in the first door bodyand the second door body. In some embodiments, the ice-transfer channelmay include a first sub-channeland a second sub-channel. The first sub-channelmay be disposed in the first door bodyand may be in communication with or connected to the ice-transfer assembly. The second sub-channelmay be disposed in the second door bodyand may be in communication with or connected to the ice-retrieving assembly.

Due to the presence of a gap between the first door bodyand the second door body, a gap may exist between an end of the first sub-channeland an end of the second sub-channelthat are adjacent to each other. In a case where the refrigeration apparatusis configured to perform the ice dispensing and the ice-transfer channelis configured to transport the ice, a risk of jamming or contamination, etc. may exist during the ice transfer process.

As further shown inand,is a schematic structural view of a second door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, andis a partial schematic structural view of both a first door body and a second door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where a movable channel extends from the door bodies.

To solve the aforementioned problems, in some embodiments, the ice-transfer channelmay further include a movable channel. A channel ice outletmay be defined at an end of the first sub-channelclose to the second sub-channel. A channel ice inletmay be defined at an end of the second sub-channelclose to the first sub-channel. The movable channelmay be configured to communicate or connect the channel ice outletand the channel ice inlet. Ice may enter the movable channelfrom the channel ice outletof the first sub-channel, and then move to the second sub-channelthrough the channel ice inlet. Since the first sub-channeland the second sub-channelmay be communicated or connected through the movable channel, the gap between the channel ice outletand the channel ice inletmay be reduced or filled. Through the bridging or docking of the movable channel, the ice may smoothly move from the first sub-channelto the second sub-channel, thereby reducing the risk of jamming. Further, the ice may not have to be directly exposed to the external space during the transition from the first sub-channelto the second sub-channel, thereby reducing the risk of contamination.

In some embodiments, the movable channelmay include the first sub-channel. A first channel openingmay be defined at a top portion of the first door body. A first movable channelmay be movably disposed in the first door bodyand may be configured to extend out of the first channel openingor retract into the first door body. In some embodiments, the movable channelmay include the second sub-channel. A second channel openingmay be defined at a bottom portion of the second door body. A second movable channelmay be movably disposed in the second door bodyand may be configured to extend out of the second channel openingor retract into the second door body.

In some embodiments, in a case where the movable channelincludes the first movable channel, the first movable channelmay extend out of the first channel openingto dock or connect with the second channel opening, ensuring smooth passage of ice through the gap between the first door bodyand the second door body. The first movable channelmay extend from the first channel openingto a distance from the bottom of the second door bodyless than a predetermined value, or may extend from the first channel openingto fit closely with the bottom of the second door body, or may even extend from the first channel openinginto the second channel opening, thereby docking or connecting with the channel ice inlet. In this case, in order for the movable channelto better connect or communicate the channel ice outletwith the channel ice inlet, the second sub-channelmay extend toward the second channel openingso that the channel ice inletmay be defined at the second channel opening.

In some embodiments, in a case where the movable channelincludes the second movable channel, the second movable channelmay extend out of the second channel openingto dock or connect with the first channel opening, ensuring smooth passage of ice through the gap between the first door bodyand the second door body. The second movable channelmay extend from the second channel openingto a distance from the top of the first door bodyless than a predetermined value, or may extend from the second channel openingto fit closely with the top of the first door body, or may extend from the second channel openinginto the first channel opening, thereby docking or connecting with the channel ice outlet. In this case, in order for the movable channelto better connect or communicate the channel ice outletwith the channel ice inlet, the first sub-channelmay extend toward the first channel openingso that the channel ice outletmay be defined at the first channel opening.

In some embodiments, in a case where the movable channelincludes both the first movable channeland the second movable channel, the first movable channelmay be configured to movably extend out of the first channel opening, and the second movable channelmay be configured to movably extend out of the second channel opening. The first movable channelmay be in communication with the channel ice outlet. The second movable channelmay be in communication with the channel ice inlet. The first movable channeland the second movable channelmay be in communication with each other.

A movement manner of the movable channelmay include but may not be limited to translation and rotation, and may be exemplified below.

In a case where the movable channelincludes the first movable channel, in some embodiments, the first movable channelmay be movably arranged at the first sub-channelto translate along a first direction A, and the first movable channelmay be in communication with the channel ice outlet. The first movable channelmay be configured to extend out of the first channel openingor retract into the first door body. The first direction A may be an extension direction of the first sub-channel(i.e., an extension direction of a segment of the first sub-channelnear the first channel opening, where an overall extension direction of the first sub-channelmay be substantially bent or curve).

As shown inand,is a partial schematic structural view of a first door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where a first movable channel retracts into the first door body.is a partial schematic structural view of a first door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where a first movable channel extends out of the first door body. In some other embodiments, the first movable channelmay be rotatably disposed in the first door body. The first movable channelmay be configured to rotate to enable an end of the first movable channelto be in communication with the channel ice outletand another end of the first movable channelto be extended out of the first channel opening. Alternatively, the first movable channelmay be configured to rotate to enable the first movable channelto be disengaged from the channel ice outletand retracted into the first door body.

Similarly, in a case where the movable channelincludes the second movable channel, the second movable channelmay be movably arranged at the second sub-channelto translate along a second direction B and the second movable channelmay be in communication with the channel ice inlet. The second movable channelmay be configured to extend out of the second channel openingor retract into the second door body. The second direction B may refer to an extension direction of the second sub-channel(i.e., an extension direction of a segment of the second sub-channelnear the second channel opening, where an overall extension of the second sub-channelmay be substantially bent or curve). In some embodiments, the second movable channelmay be rotatably disposed in the second door body. The second movable channelmay be configured to rotate to enable an end of the second movable channelto be in communication with the channel ice inletand another end of the second movable channelto be extended out of the second channel opening. Alternatively, the second movable channelmay be configured to rotate to enable the second movable channelto be disengaged from the channel ice inletand retracted into the second door body.

In a case where the movable channelincludes both the first movable channeland the second movable channel, the first movable channeland the second movable channelmay each adopt the same or different movement manners.

In a case where the first movable channeland the second movable channelare arranged at the first door bodyand the second door body, respectively, for translational movement. The first direction A and the second direction B may be collinear or partially offset depending on actual conditions, which is not limited herein. Moreover, a movement direction of the ice may be from the first sub-channelto the first movable channeland from the second movable channelto the second sub-channel. Thus, to reduce a risk of the ice colliding with an end portion of the first movable channel, an end portion of the second movable channel, or an end portion of the second sub-channelduring the ice transport, the first movable channelmay be sleeved over an exterior of the first sub-channeland remain being docked or connected with the first sub-channel. Further, the second movable channelmay be inserted into or disposed through an interior of the second sub-channeland remain being docked or connected with the second sub-channel. In this way, an end surface of the first movable channelmay not form a stepped surface inside the first sub-channel, and an end surface of the second sub-channelmay not form a stepped surface inside the second sub-channel, thereby ensuring smooth passage of the ice.

The movable channelmay realize the corresponding movement manner through any driving mechanism. Examples may be provided below.

In a case where the movable channelis configured to move in translation with within the corresponding door body, the refrigeration apparatusmay further include a driving member. In some embodiments, the driving membermay include a rack, a gear, and a motor. The rackmay be disposed along a translation direction of the movable channelon an outer wall of the movable channel. The gearmay be engaged or meshed with the rackand rotatably disposed in the corresponding door body. The motor may be configured to drive the gearto rotate, thereby driving the movable channelto move. For example, in a case where the driving memberis configured to drive the first movable channelto move, the rackmay be disposed along the first direction A on the outer wall of the first movable channel. The gearmay be rotatably disposed in the first door body. The motor may be disposed in the first door body. The motor may be configured to drive the gearto rotate and the gearmay drive the rackand the first movable channelto reciprocate, thus enabling the first movable channelto be extended out of or retracted into the first channel openingof the first door body. To facilitate the arrangement of the rack, a positioning block may be fixedly disposed on an outer side of the movable channel. The rackmay be disposed at the positioning block. A movement of the positioning block may further drive the movable channelto move. In some other embodiments, the driving membermay be a linear motor or a linear cylinder. An output end of the driving membermay be directly connected to the movable channel, such that the driving membermay drive the movable channelto move along the corresponding translation direction.

In a case where the movable channelis rotatably disposed in the corresponding door body, a fixing blockmay be disposed on an outside of the movable channel. The refrigeration apparatusmay further include the driving member. In some embodiments, the driving memberincludes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a motor. The driven gear may be fixed to the fixing block. A rotation axis of the driven gear may be coaxial with a rotation axis of the movable channel. The driving gear may be meshed with or engaged with the driven gear. The motor may be configured to drive the driving gear to rotate, thereby further driving the driven gear and the movable channelto rotate. In some other embodiments, the driving membermay be a motor. An output end of the motor may be directly connected to the fixing block, thereby directly driving the movable channelto rotate.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, in some embodiments, the refrigeration apparatusmay further include a baffle. The bafflemay be disposed on a side of the first door bodythat is away from the cabinet bodyat an end of the first door bodythat is close to the second door body. The bafflemay be disposed corresponding to the movable channel. In some embodiments, the bafflemay be disposed on a side of the second door bodythat is away from the cabinet bodyat end of the second door bodythat is close to the first door body. The bafflemay be disposed corresponding to the movable channel. The bafflemay discourage the users from placing their hands at a position where the movable channelextends, thereby reducing the risk of hand pinching or other accidents.

Due to the presence of the gap between the first door bodyand the second door body, a gap may exist between an end of the first sub-channeland an end of the second sub-channelthat are adjacent to each other. In this way, an end of the first sub-channeland an end of the second sub-channelthat are adjacent to each other may be exposed, thereby resulting in problems of an intrusion of foreign matter and a cold air leakage, etc.

As further shown inand,is a schematic structural view of a first door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. To address the above problems, in some embodiments, the first channel openingmay be defined at the top portion of the first door body. The second channel openingmay be defined at the bottom portion of the second door body. The first channel openingmay be disposed corresponding to the first sub-channel. The second channel openingmay be disposed corresponding to the second sub-channel. The ice may enter into the first sub-channel, pass sequentially through the first channel openingand the second channel opening, then enter into the second sub-channel, and finally enter the ice-retrieving assembly. The refrigeration apparatusmay further include a first sealing memberand a second sealing member. The first sealing membermay be configured to expose or cover the first channel opening. The second sealing membermay be configured to expose or cover the second channel opening.

According to the structure described above, through the arrangement of the first sealing member, in a case where the ice retrieval is not desired, the first sealing membermay move to cover or block the first channel opening, which reduces the risk of foreign matter entering into the first sub-channelor the first door bodythrough the exposed first channel opening, thereby not only reducing the intrusion of foreign matter but also the cold air leakage. In a case where the ice retrieval is desired, the first sealing membermay move to expose the first channel opening, without impeding the passage of ice. Through the arrangement of the second sealing member, in a case where the ice retrieval is not desired, the second sealing membermay move to cover or block the second channel opening, which reduces the risk of foreign matter entering into the second sub-channelor the second door bodythrough the exposed second channel opening, thereby not only reducing the intrusion of foreign matter but also the cold air leakage. In a case where the ice retrieval is desired, the second sealing membermay move to expose the second channel opening, without impeding the passage of ice. Thus, during the ice retrieval, the first sealing membermay be configured to expose the first channel openingand the second sealing membermay be configured to expose the second channel opening. In a case where the ice retrieval is finished, the first sealing membermay be configured to cover or block the first channel openingand the second sealing membermay be configured to cover or block the second channel opening.

As shown inand,is an enlarged schematic structural view of portion C in, andis a partial schematic structural view of a first door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where a first sealing member is shown. The first sealing membermay include a first sealing coverand a first driving member. The first sealing covermay be movably disposed on the first door bodyand further movably disposed at an end portion of first door bodywhere the first channel openingis located. The first driving membermay be configured to drive the first sealing coverto move away from the first channel opening, or may be configured to drive the first sealing coverto move to cover the first channel opening. In a case where the first sealing covermoves away from the first channel opening, the channel openingmay be exposed, allowing the ice to pass smoothly. In a case where the first sealing covercovers the first channel opening, the first channel openingmay be blocked, thereby reducing the intrusion of foreign matter and the cold air leakage.

Similarly, as shown in,is a partial schematic structural view of a second door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where a second sealing member is shown. The second sealing membermay include a second sealing coverand a second driving member. The second sealing covermay be movably disposed on the second door bodyand further movably disposed at an end portion of the second door bodywhere the second channel openingis located. The second driving membermay be configured to drive the second sealing coverto move away from the second channel opening, or may be configured to drive the second sealing coverto move to cover the second channel opening. In a case where the second sealing covermoves away from the second channel opening, the second channel openingmay be exposed, allowing the ice to pass smoothly. In a case where the second sealing covercovers the second channel opening, the second channel openingmay be blocked, thereby reducing the intrusion of foreign matter and the cold air leakage.

The first sealing coverand the second sealing covermay be configured to move away from the first channel openingand the second channel openingor move to expose the first channel openingand the second channel openingusing any drive mechanism, respectively. In some embodiments, the first sealing covermay be configured to move in translation. The first driving membermay be configured to drive the first sealing coverto move toward the first channel openingor move away from the first channel opening. In some embodiments, the first driving membermay include a first gear, a first rack, and a first motor. The first gearmay be rotatably disposed in the first door body. The first rackmay be disposed on a side of the first sealing coverfacing away from the first channel openingand engaged or meshed with the first gear. An output end of the first motormay be connected to the first gearto drive the first gearto rotate, which enables the first gearto further drive the first rackand the first sealing coverto move reciprocally, thereby exposing or blocking the first channel opening.

To limit the movement of the first sealing coverand ensure the stable engagement between the first gearand the first rack, in some embodiments, the first sealing membermay further include a first base plateand a first cover plate. The first base platemay be disposed in an end portion of the first door bodycorresponding to the first channel opening. A first base plate opening may be defined corresponding to the first channel openingon the first base plate. The first cover platemay cover over the first base plate. A first space may be enclosed or defined together by the first base plateand the first cover plate. The first sealing covermay be movably disposed in the first space. A first elongated slotmay be defined corresponding to the first rackon the first cover plate. The first gearmay extend through the first elongated slotto be engaged or meshed with the first rack. A first cover plate opening may be defined corresponding to the first base plate opening on the first cover plate. The first cover plate opening may be in communication with the first sub-channel. The ice discharged from the first sub-channelmay pass smoothly through the first cover plate opening, the first base plate opening, and first channel opening. The first space may limit the movement of the first sealing cover, thereby ensuring the first sealing coverto move stably and maintaining a stable meshing or engagement between the first gearand the first rack. To enhance movement smoothness of the first sealing cover, a guide wheel (not shown in the figure) may be further disposed on the first sealing cover. The guide wheel may be disposed between the first sealing coverand the first base plate. The first base platemay be a part of an end panel of the first door bodyor may be disposed at the end panel of the first door body.

In some other embodiments, the first sealing covermay be rotatably arranged. The first driving membermay be configured to drive the first sealing coverto rotate so as to expose or block the first channel opening.

Similarly, the second sealing covermay be configured to move in translation. The second driving membermay be configured to drive the second sealing coverto move toward the second channel openingor move away from the second channel opening. In some embodiments, the second driving membermay include a second gear, a second rack, and a second motor. The second gearmay be rotatably disposed in the second door body. The second rackmay be disposed on a side of the second sealing coverfacing away from the second channel openingand engaged or meshed with the second gear. An output end of the second motormay be connected to the second gearto drive the second gearto rotate, which enables the second gearto further drive the second rackand the second sealing coverto move reciprocally, thereby exposing or blocking the second channel opening.

To limit the movement of the second sealing coverand ensure the stable engagement between the second gearand the second rack, in some embodiments, the second sealing membermay further include a second base plateand a second cover plate. The second base platemay be disposed in an end portion of the second door bodycorresponding to the second channel opening. A second base plate opening may be defined corresponding to the second channel openingon the second base plate. The second cover platemay cover over the second base plate. A second space may be enclosed or defined together by the second base plateand the second cover plate. The second sealing covermay be movably disposed in the second space. A second elongated slotmay be defined corresponding to the second rackon the second cover plate. The second gearmay extend through the second elongated slotto be engaged or meshed with the second rack. A second cover plate opening may be defined corresponding to the second base plate opening on the second cover plate. The second cover plate opening may be in communication with the second sub-channel. The ice discharged from the first channel openingmay pass smoothly through the second channel opening, the second base opening, and the second cover plate opening to enter into the second sub-channel. The second space may limit the movement of the second sealing cover, thereby ensuring the second sealing coverto move stably and maintaining a stable engagement or meshing between the second gearand second rack. To enhance movement smoothness of the second sealing cover, a guide wheel (not shown in the figure) may be further disposed on the second sealing cover. The guide wheel may be disposed between the second sealing coverand the second base plate. The second base platemay be a part of an end plate of the second door bodyor may be disposed at the end panel of the second door body.

In some other embodiments, the second sealing covermay be rotatably arranged. The second driving membermay be configured to drive the second sealing coverto rotate so as to expose or block the second channel opening.

It should be noted that the first sealing memberand the second sealing membermay be any other sealing mechanism. A structure of the first sealing memberand a structure the second sealing membermay be the same or different, which is not limited herein.

In addition, the refrigeration apparatusmay include the movable channel, the first sealing member, and the second sealing member. The movable channel, the first sealing member, and the second sealing membermay work in coordination. In a case where the ice retrieval is desired, the first sealing membermay expose the first channel opening, the second sealing membermay expose the second channel opening, and the movable channelmay move to communicate or connect between the channel ice outletand the channel ice inlet, thereby allowing a smooth and jam-free ice movement without contamination. In a case where the ice retrieval is not desired, the movable channelmay move to retract into the corresponding door body. In this case, the first sealing membermay cover or block the first channel openingand the second sealing membermay cover or block the second channel opening, thereby reducing the intrusion of foreign matter into the door bodies or channels and the cold air leakage. The movement manners of the movable channeland the corresponding first sealing memberand/or the second sealing membermay be independent from or dependent on one another according to actual needs, which may be not further elaborated herein.

In some embodiments, as further shown in,is another partial schematic structural view of a first door body of a refrigeration apparatus according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, where a third sealing member is shown. The refrigeration apparatusmay further include a third sealing member. The first sub-channelmay extend to a position close to the first channel opening. In a case where the first sealing membermay be configured to expose or cover the first channel opening, the first sealing membermay further be configured to expose or block a first position of the first sub-channelthat is close to the first channel opening. The third sealing membermay be disposed in the first door bodyand may be configured to expose or cover a second position of the first sub-channel. In a case where the first sealing memberand the third sealing membercover the first sub-channel, a spacing cavitymay be defined between the first position and the second position.

In a case where the ice retrieval is finished, the first sealing memberand the third sealing membermay cover the first sub-channel. Through the arrangement of both the first sealing memberand the third sealing member, an ambient air may be separated from an internal air of the first refrigeration compartmentthrough the spacing cavity. In this case, the low-temperature first refrigeration compartmentmay effectively be isolated from the high-humidity ambient air, thereby reducing the chance of water vapor in the ambient air condensing inside the first sub-channel.

In some embodiments, the second position may be located between the first position and the ice-making assembly. The first sealing membermay be configured to isolate the spacing cavityfrom the external ambient air. The third sealing membermay be configured to isolate the spacing cavityfrom the internal air of the first refrigeration compartment.

In addition, though the first sealing memberand the third sealing membermay pose good sealing performance, due to a continued cooling effect in the first refrigeration compartment, a part of air in the spacing cavitythat is in contact with the third sealing membermay tend to have a relatively low temperature. However, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the spacing cavityhas a limited space and a humidity of the air in the spacing cavityis low, the air in the spacing cavitymay not continuously be precipitated into water vapor. As a result, the chance of condensation may be reduced, thereby further reducing the risk of accumulated moisture freeze that may affect the opening of the third sealing memberand the passage of ice.

Under the continued cooling effect in the first refrigeration compartment, a temperature of the air in the spacing cavitymay gradually drop to a degree that affects a temperature at the first sealing member. Since the first sealing memberis in contact with the external environment, a prolonged exposure of the first sealing memberin a low temperature may cause moisture in the ambient air to condense on an outer surface of the first sealing member. In some embodiments, the refrigeration apparatusmay further include a heating element (not shown in the figure). The heating element may be disposed on an outer side of the first sub-channeland may be configured to intermittently heat the air in the channel. In this way, a temperature difference between the spacing cavityand the environment on both sides of the first sealing membermay be reduced, thereby effectively reducing the chance of condensation on the outer surface of the first sealing member.

It should be noted that the heating element may be disposed in a foamed layer of the first door bodyor an additional thermal insulation structure may be arranged in addition to the heating element. The heating element may not affect the low temperature environment inside the first refrigeration compartment.