Refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator, which comprises an energy storage battery and a refrigerant circulation system, and further comprises a condensate water collecting component for collecting condensate water in the refrigerant circulation system; a heat exchange mechanism is arranged correspondingly to the energy storage battery, and the heat exchange mechanism is communicated with the condensate water collecting component to receive the condensate water, and the heat exchange mechanism cools the energy storage battery through the condensate water. The refrigerator effectively solves the problem of poor heat dissipation of the energy storage battery in the refrigerator with the energy storage battery in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more specifically, to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As home décor becomes increasingly aesthetically pleasing, refrigerators are often integrated into cabinets or decorative display cases, limiting overall heat dissipation. Furthermore, many refrigerators are frequently pushed against walls, which is particularly detrimental to heat dissipation for those with battery storage. To maintain the refrigerator's overall depth, the batteries in these battery-powered refrigerators must be laid flat, resulting in poor heat dissipation under the thinned sheet metal casing of the battery compartment. Therefore, a dedicated heat dissipation system needs to be designed to address the challenges of thin-walled battery compartments and refrigerators that are almost flush against the wall.

[0003] One existing technology uses a compressor chamber fan for heat dissipation, with the hot air rising through the back to eliminate condensation. However, this method is not suitable for refrigerators with energy storage batteries placed at the back, as the hot air would heat the batteries, which would be detrimental to heat dissipation.

[0004] Another existing technology involves collecting defrost water and directly draining it onto the condenser inside the compressor cavity for cooling. This only benefits the refrigerator's refrigeration system to some extent, but does not help dissipate heat from the energy storage battery.

[0005] Another approach in the existing technology involves setting up a cooling fan structure to improve the assembly consistency with the condenser, but this does not solve the heat dissipation problem for built-in refrigerators.

[0006] In summary, in existing refrigerators with energy storage batteries, the heat dissipation of the energy storage batteries is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a refrigerator to solve the problem of poor heat dissipation of the energy storage battery in existing refrigerators with energy storage batteries.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a refrigerator, including an energy storage battery and a refrigerant circulation system, and further including: a condensate collection component for collecting condensate in the refrigerant circulation system; and a heat exchange mechanism, which is correspondingly arranged with the energy storage battery, and is connected to the condensate collection component to receive condensate, wherein the heat exchange mechanism cools the energy storage battery through the condensate.

[0009] Furthermore, the heat exchange mechanism further includes a heat exchange channel disposed at the location of the energy storage battery; the heat exchange channel is connected to the condensate collection component, and the condensate enters the heat exchange channel to cool the energy storage battery.

[0010] Furthermore, the heat exchange mechanism also includes a water absorption component, which is disposed within the heat exchange channel and abuts against the energy storage battery. The water absorption component can absorb condensate and exchange heat with the energy storage battery.

[0011] Furthermore, the water-absorbing component includes a plurality of water-absorbing units that are spaced apart and staggered, with flow gaps formed between the plurality of water-absorbing units for the flow of the medium.

[0012] Furthermore, the absorbent unit is a moisture-absorbing cotton swab.

[0013] Furthermore, the refrigerator has an air inlet duct and a compressor chamber inside. The air inlet duct is connected to the first end of the heat exchange channel, and the second end of the heat exchange channel is connected to the compressor chamber. Air enters the refrigerator through the air inlet duct, flows through the heat exchange channel, and then enters the compressor chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the refrigerator interior also includes: a water collection and drainage box, the internal chamber of which is connected to the second end of the heat exchange channel; the bottom of the water collection and drainage box has a drain outlet, which is connected to the internal chamber and the compressor chamber, through which condensate in the internal chamber of the water collection and drainage box enters the compressor chamber; the water collection and drainage box has a vent, which is connected to the heat exchange channel through the internal chamber and the compressor chamber, and is used for air circulation.

[0015] Furthermore, the energy storage battery is located at the back of the refrigerator, and the compressor chamber is located at the bottom of the refrigerator; the heat exchange channel extends along the height of the refrigerator, and the condensate collection component is located above the heat exchange channel.

[0016] Furthermore, a heat-conducting plate is provided inside the refrigerator, the energy storage battery has a shell, and the heat-conducting plate and the shell form the heat exchange channel; one end of the water-absorbing component abuts against the heat-conducting plate and the other end abuts against the shell.

[0017] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a cooling component that abuts against the heat-conducting plate.

[0018] Because refrigerators with energy storage batteries suffer from poor battery heat dissipation when placed against a wall, this invention utilizes the condensate from defrosting. The condensate is collected by a condensate collection component and transferred to a heat exchange mechanism. This mechanism uses the condensate to absorb and cool the energy storage battery, removing its heat and achieving highly efficient cooling. Furthermore, the heat exchange mechanism ensures that the refrigerator battery occupies a relatively small thickness. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a front view schematic diagram of the water absorption unit and heat conduction plate of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the water absorption unit and heat conduction plate of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and assembly of the water collection and drainage box of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the piping connection of the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes an energy storage battery 10 and a refrigerant circulation system. The refrigerator also includes a condensate collection component 20 and a heat exchange mechanism 30. The condensate collection component 20 is used to collect condensate in the refrigerant circulation system. The heat exchange mechanism 30 is correspondingly arranged with the energy storage battery 10. The heat exchange mechanism 30 is connected to the condensate collection component 20 to receive condensate. The heat exchange mechanism 30 cools the energy storage battery 10 through the condensate.

[0029] Because refrigerators with energy storage batteries suffer from poor battery heat dissipation when placed against a wall, this invention utilizes the condensate from defrosting. The condensate is collected by a condensate collection component and transferred to a heat exchange mechanism. This mechanism uses the condensate to absorb and cool the energy storage battery, removing its heat and achieving highly efficient cooling. Furthermore, the heat exchange mechanism ensures that the refrigerator battery occupies a relatively small thickness.

[0030] It should be noted that the aforementioned refrigerant circulation system includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and other components connected by piping. Figure 1 In the refrigerator's internal structure shown, a condensate collection component 20 is located at the bottom of the evaporator 20a to collect the condensate flowing down from the evaporator 20a. The condensate collection component 20 can be a drip tray, a drip groove formed within the refrigerator's internal structure, a drip box, or other water-collecting structure; no specific limitations are made here. The condensate collection component 20 specifically collects defrost water from the evaporator in the refrigerator compartment; this water's temperature is above 0°C.

[0031] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange mechanism 30 also includes a heat exchange channel 31, which is located at the position of the energy storage battery 10; the heat exchange channel 31 is connected to the condensate collection component 20, and the condensate enters the heat exchange channel 31 to cool the energy storage battery 10.

[0032] After the condensate enters the heat exchange channel 31, it exchanges heat with the high temperature of the energy storage battery during the flow process and carries away the heat, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling the energy storage battery.

[0033] The slower the condensate flow rate, the better the heat exchange and cooling effect. Therefore, the thickness of the condensate collection component 20 (the water guide box space formed by the metal water guide plate) is designed to be small, such as 5mm, which can increase the resistance of water flow, form a wall-mounted flow, and slow down the flow rate. This allows for more time for heat exchange between the battery surface and the condensate, resulting in a better cooling effect.

[0034] Combination Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the heat exchange mechanism 30 also includes a water absorption component 32, which is disposed in the heat exchange channel 31. The water absorption component 32 abuts against the energy storage battery 10 and can absorb condensate and exchange heat with the energy storage battery 10.

[0035] After the condensate flows into the heat exchange channel 31, it drips onto the water absorption component 32. The water absorption component 32 comes into contact with the battery (usually a thin-walled battery box). After the water evaporates, it absorbs heat, thereby providing better heat dissipation for the energy storage battery.

[0036] Preferably, the water-absorbing component 32 includes a plurality of spaced and staggered water-absorbing units 32a, with flow gaps 32b formed between the plurality of water-absorbing units 32a for the flow of the medium. The flow gaps 32b allow condensate to flow, ensuring that water-absorbing units 32a at different positions can absorb condensate, thereby increasing the heat exchange area of ​​the water-absorbing component 32 and improving the cooling effect.

[0037] In this embodiment, the absorbent unit 32a is a moisture-absorbing tampon. Moisture-absorbing tampons have the best absorbency, retaining a large amount of moisture. At the same time, they also have high evaporation rates, ensuring that the moisture evaporates and carries away heat, maximizing heat absorption capacity.

[0038] Preferably, the refrigerator has an air inlet duct 40 and a compressor chamber 50 inside, the air inlet duct 40 is connected to the first end of the heat exchange channel 31, and the second end of the heat exchange channel 31 is connected to the compressor chamber 50;

[0039] Air enters the refrigerator through the air inlet duct 40, flows through the heat exchange duct 31, and then enters the compressor chamber 50.

[0040] Because flow gaps 32b are formed between the multiple water absorption units 32a for the flow of the medium, and these flow gaps 32b are also very suitable for airflow, by introducing air from the air inlet duct 40 into the heat exchange channel 31, the airflow accelerates water evaporation and improves the cooling effect. The airflow also acts as a form of air cooling, carrying away some of the heat dissipated by the energy storage battery, thus achieving a dual heat dissipation effect.

[0041] See Figure 6 The refrigerator also includes a water collection and drainage box 60, the internal chamber of which is connected to the second end of the heat exchange channel 31;

[0042] The bottom of the water collection and drainage box 60 has a drain outlet 61, which is connected to the internal chamber and the compressor chamber. The condensate in the internal chamber of the water collection and drainage box 60 enters the compressor chamber 50 through the drain outlet 61.

[0043] The water collection and drainage box 60 has a vent 62, which is connected to the heat exchange channel 31 through the internal chamber and is connected to the compressor chamber 50. The vent 62 is used for air circulation.

[0044] Water flowing down through the heat exchange channel 31, and water absorbed by the absorbent cotton strips and flowing onto the inner wall of the heat exchange channel, all flow from the second end of the heat exchange channel 31 (located at the bottom, where water flows downwards due to gravity) to the water collection and drainage box 60 above the compressor chamber. Air entering through the air inlet duct 40 also enters the water collection and drainage box 60 from the second end of the heat exchange channel 31 (which is also the exhaust port), and then enters the compressor chamber 50 through the vent 62 (grate) on the left side of the water collection and drainage box 60 for cooling (sometimes the battery temperature is lower than the compressor surface). During this process, the exhaust air can further dry the water on the water collection and drainage box 60 that has not settled at the bottom, and then blown out by the condenser fan in the refrigerator compressor chamber (from the back or bottom). Excess condensate is discharged out through the drain port 51 of the water collection and drainage box 60 to the top of the refrigerator compressor for evaporation, or heated and evaporated by the condenser pipe inside the refrigerator water collection box (connected to a separate pipeline).

[0045] In this embodiment, the energy storage battery 10 is disposed at the back of the refrigerator, and the compressor chamber 50 is disposed at the bottom of the refrigerator;

[0046] The heat exchange channel 31 extends along the height of the refrigerator, and the condensate collection component 20 is located above the heat exchange channel 31.

[0047] Considering that the energy storage batteries are all located at the back of the refrigerator, the extension direction of the heat exchange channel has been adapted to be along the height of the refrigerator. The condensate flows from top to bottom, utilizing gravity. No other power source is needed, saving energy and making the structure more reasonable.

[0048] Considering the impact of ambient temperature on battery heat dissipation and ensuring that the heat dissipation effect of the energy storage battery is within an ideal range, this invention is further improved. In this embodiment, a heat-conducting plate 70 is provided inside the refrigerator, and the energy storage battery 10 has a shell 11. The heat-conducting plate 70 and the shell 11 form the heat exchange channel 31; one end of the water-absorbing component 32 abuts against the heat-conducting plate 70, and the other end abuts against the shell 11. The heat-conducting plate 70 can absorb some heat, further disperse the heat emitted by the battery, prevent heat accumulation, and avoid untimely battery heat dissipation.

[0049] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator also includes a cooling component 80, which abuts against the heat-conducting plate 70. The cooling component 80 is a cooling pipe, which is generally connected in parallel with the evaporator in the refrigerant circulation system. See [reference needed]. Figure 8 Of course, the cooling pipe can also be a cooling component obtained from other structures.

[0050] When the ambient temperature is greater than T (e.g., 32℃), the heat dissipation demand increases. At this time, a cooling pipe is designed at the bottom of the evaporator, close to the heat conduction plate 70 (which is also a metal water guide plate used to guide condensate into the heat exchange channel). When the cooling pipe is turned on by the switching valve, the cooling is transferred through the heat conduction plate 70 (the material can be pure aluminum 1060), and the overall temperature is reduced. The moisture and air in contact with the moisture-absorbing cotton will also be cooled, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect under high ambient temperature.

[0051] Furthermore, because the backplate of the cooling pipe is relatively close and thin, the cold air in the cold room is still blocked by a thick foam layer, preventing it from overflowing. Considering the location of the cooling pipe, its minimum temperature should not be lower than 1°C, as condensate will freeze or become supercooled below 1°C, which not only hinders condensate flow but also easily clogs the bottom space of the evaporator and forms ice. Of course, if the cooling pipe is directly attached to the heat exchange channel, its temperature can be adjusted to be even lower. Therefore, this invention does not restrict the location of the cooling pipe, allowing for various options and adjustments to the position and temperature value as needed.

[0052] Combination Figures 1 to 7 The structure shown below provides an integrated description of the specific heat dissipation process of the refrigerator in this embodiment, as detailed below:

[0053] A heat-conducting plate 70 (metal water-conducting plate) is embedded between the refrigerator liner and the foam insulation layer. The heat-conducting plate 70 and the refrigerator back panel form a condensate collection component 20 (metal water-conducting box). The condensate collection component 20 specifically collects defrost water from the evaporator in the refrigerator compartment. This water is above 0°C. When the defrost water flows down into the heat exchange channel, it is absorbed by the moisture-absorbing cotton strips at various points. The moisture-absorbing cotton strips and the energy storage battery make full contact (some water will seep down along the inner wall of the heat exchange channel). The gap between the back panel and the battery box sheet metal assembly forms an air intake channel. When the condenser fan in the bottom compressor chamber starts, it can draw air from top to bottom into the air intake channel. The air first evaporates the water in the heat exchange channel, then enters the compressor chamber, and is discharged after passing through the condenser and compressor. When the ambient temperature is below T (e.g., 32℃), the defrosting water flows down, and the airflow in the air intake duct evaporates the moisture on the absorbent cotton strips. This evaporation absorbs heat, primarily from the heat dissipated by the battery on the back. This continuous airflow helps dissipate heat. Simultaneously, the battery packs are placed inside the battery box, forming a gap between them and the sheet metal components. Airflow from the inside passes through this gap, increasing convection heat transfer and dissipation.

[0054] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0056] Of course, the above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the basic principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising an energy storage battery (10) and a refrigerant circulation system, characterized in that, Also includes: Condensate collection component (20) is used to collect condensate from the refrigerant circulation system; A heat exchange mechanism (30) is provided corresponding to the energy storage battery (10). The heat exchange mechanism (30) is connected to the condensate collection component (20) to receive condensate. The heat exchange mechanism (30) cools the energy storage battery (10) through the condensate. The heat exchange mechanism (30) further includes: A heat exchange channel (31) is provided at the location of the energy storage battery (10); The heat exchange channel (31) is connected to the condensate collection component (20), and the condensate enters the heat exchange channel (31) to cool the energy storage battery (10); The heat exchange mechanism (30) further includes: A water-absorbing component (32) is disposed in the heat exchange channel (31). The water-absorbing component (32) abuts against the energy storage battery (10). The water-absorbing component (32) can absorb condensate and exchange heat with the energy storage battery (10). The refrigerator is provided with a heat-conducting plate (70), and the energy storage battery (10) has a shell (11). The heat-conducting plate (70) and the shell (11) form the heat exchange channel (31). One end of the water-absorbing component (32) abuts against the heat-conducting plate (70), and the other end abuts against the outer shell (11).

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-absorbing component (32) includes a plurality of spaced and staggered water-absorbing units (32a), and flow gaps (32b) are formed between the plurality of water-absorbing units (32a) for the flow of the medium.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The absorbent unit (32a) is a moisture-absorbing cotton strip.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerator has an air inlet duct (40) and a compressor chamber (50) inside. The air inlet duct (40) is connected to the first end of the heat exchange channel (31), and the second end of the heat exchange channel (31) is connected to the compressor chamber (50). Air enters the refrigerator through the air inlet duct (40), flows through the heat exchange duct (31), and then enters the compressor chamber (50).

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A water collection and drainage box (60) is provided, the internal chamber of which is connected to the second end of the heat exchange channel (31); The bottom of the water collection and drainage box (60) has a drain outlet (61), which is connected to the internal chamber and the compressor chamber. The condensate in the internal chamber of the water collection and drainage box (60) enters the compressor chamber (50) through the drain outlet (61). The water collection and drainage box (60) has a vent (62), which is connected to the heat exchange channel (31) through the internal chamber and is connected to the compressor chamber (50). The vent (62) is used for air circulation.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy storage battery (10) is located at the back of the refrigerator, and the compressor chamber (50) is located at the bottom of the refrigerator; The heat exchange channel (31) extends along the height of the refrigerator, and the condensate collection component (20) is located above the heat exchange channel (31).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a cooling component (80) that abuts against the heat-conducting plate (70).

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