Refrigeration appliance, heat exchanger and method for manufacturing a heat exchanger

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for a refrigeration appliance comprises applying an anticorrosion coating to a refrigerant tube having a plurality of straight first tube sections extending in a straight line, said first tube sections extending parallel to each other, wherein each two first tube sections are connected by one arc-shaped second tube section, and connecting the refrigerant tube provided with the anticorrosion coating with a plurality of sheets arranged spaced apart from each other, each of said sheets having at least one through opening, wherein each two first tube sections connected by one second tube section are jointly guided through the through opening, wherein the outer diameter of the first tube sections has an interference with respect to the inner diameter of the through opening such that a force-locked connection between the refrigerant tube and the sheet is formed. Furthermore, a refrigeration appliance and a heat exchanger are described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, particularly a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer, or freezer box or refrigeration-freezing combination, to a heat exchanger for the refrigeration appliance, and to a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] In household refrigeration appliances, heat is absorbed from a storage compartment containing refrigerated items, such as food or beverages, via a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit typically includes an evaporator, which absorbs heat from the storage compartment as the refrigerant evaporates. In this case, a plate evaporator has proven advantageous.

[0003] Typically, a plate evaporator has meandering refrigerant tubes and multiple plates, wherein two parallel sections of each refrigerant tube are guided through openings in the corresponding plate and into contact with that plate. Other heat exchangers in the refrigerant circuit, such as liquefiers, can also be constructed in this manner. Depending on the operating conditions of the heat exchanger, condensation may form on the evaporator. This promotes corrosion on the refrigerant tubes and plates. Therefore, it is common practice to first assemble the heat exchanger by combining the refrigerant tubes and plates, and then apply an anti-corrosion coating to the assembled heat exchanger as a whole, for example, in an immersion bath. This provides comprehensive corrosion protection. However, the coating on the plates reduces heat transfer between the plates and the air.

[0004] JP 2002-286389 A describes a method for manufacturing an evaporator, in which an anti-corrosion coating is first applied only to refrigerant tubes made of copper. Subsequently, aluminum strip is wound around the refrigerant tubes to form a fin.

[0005] JP 2001-208494 A further describes a method for manufacturing an evaporator having a refrigerant tube and a plurality of plates, wherein the plates have through holes, and sections of the refrigerant tube extend through each through hole. To manufacture the evaporator, an anti-corrosion coating is applied to the refrigerant tube, and the plates are fitted onto the coated refrigerant tube, wherein the diameter of the through hole has an interference fit relative to the outer diameter of the refrigerant tube. Subsequently, the refrigerant tube is expanded by moving an expansion member through the refrigerant tube, thereby creating a pressure connection between the outer periphery of the refrigerant tube and the inner periphery of the through opening. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an improved solution for manufacturing heat exchangers for refrigeration appliances, particularly a solution that facilitates the efficient and cost-effective manufacture of heat exchangers.

[0007] According to the invention, this task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous configurations and extensions are derived from the dependent claims that reference the independent claim in conjunction with the description.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for a refrigeration appliance includes: applying an anti-corrosion coating to a refrigerant tube having a plurality of straight, extending first tube sections that extend parallel to each other, wherein every two first tube sections are connected by an arcuate second tube section; and connecting the refrigerant tube with the anti-corrosion coating to a plurality of spaced-apart plates, each of the plates having at least one through opening, wherein every two first tube sections connected by a second tube section are commonly guided through the through opening, wherein the outer diameter of the first tube section has an interference fit relative to the inner diameter of the through opening, such that a force-locking connection is formed between the refrigerant tube and the plate.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for a refrigeration appliance comprises: a refrigerant tube having a plurality of straight, extending first tube sections that extend parallel to each other, wherein every two first tube sections are connected by an arcuate second tube section; and a plurality of spaced-apart plates, each plate having at least one through opening, wherein every two first tube sections connected by a second tube section are guided together through the through opening, wherein the outer diameter of the first tube section has an interference fit relative to the inner diameter of the through opening, such that the refrigerant tube is force-locked to the plate; and wherein only the refrigerant tube is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0010] The term "heat exchanger" can specifically refer to a device constructed for transferring heat energy from one medium to another. In the context of this invention, this is preferably part of a refrigerant circuit, particularly an evaporator or liquefaction unit, in which liquid refrigerant evaporates under heat absorption. This invention is particularly suitable for plate-to-air heat exchangers, in which heat is transferred from ambient air to the refrigerant via plates and refrigerant pipes.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance, particularly a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer, or freezer box, or a refrigeration and freezing combination, is provided. The refrigeration appliance according to the invention comprises: a storage compartment for containing refrigerated items and a refrigerant circuit configured to absorb heat from the storage compartment when the refrigerant evaporates in an evaporator, and to release heat to the environment when the refrigerant condenses in a liquefier, wherein the evaporator is constructed using a heat exchanger according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0012] The term "refrigeration appliance" should be understood in particular as a system configured to absorb heat from a defined volume, such as a storage compartment, through a thermodynamic cyclic process. Refrigeration appliances can exist, in particular, in the form of household refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, freezer boxes, or refrigeration-freezing combinations.

[0013] The concept upon which this invention is based is to apply an anti-corrosion coating to the outer surface of the refrigerant tubes of a heat exchanger, and to assemble the heat exchanger after coating the refrigerant tubes by guiding the refrigerant tubes through aligned through-holes in the plates. Here, two parallel extending first tube sections of the refrigerant tube are guided through one opening in each corresponding plate. The outer diameter of the refrigerant tube, particularly the outer diameter of the first tube section, and the inner diameter of the through-hole in the plate are configured with an interference fit (Presspassung). That is, the outer diameter of the refrigerant tube has an interference amount relative to the inner diameter of the through-hole. Thus, when guiding the coated refrigerant tube through, a force-locked connection is created between the refrigerant tube and the plate due to the interference amount. The expression "force-locked connection" can particularly refer to a non-material-locked connection, in which force is transmitted through friction between the mating parts. This connection is preferably achieved through an interference fit, in which the outer diameter of the refrigerant tube has an interference amount relative to the inner diameter of the through-hole in the plate. Alternatively or additionally, a force-locked connection can also be created after the mating tabs by widening the refrigerant line. In either case, the result is a secure fit that ensures good thermal contact.

[0014] The advantage of this invention is that it improves heat transfer on the plates of the heat exchanger because these plates are not coated. At the same time, it ensures reliable corrosion protection for the refrigerant pipes and reduces the amount of anti-corrosion coating required to manufacture the corresponding heat exchanger.

[0015] Furthermore, it was surprisingly discovered that the assembly of the plates could be achieved by fitting them onto the refrigerant pipes and simultaneously establishing a force-locking connection, without damaging or with only negligible damage to the anti-corrosion coating. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be manufactured using a cost-effective and easily implementable method.

[0016] According to the invention, the heat exchanger can be advantageously used as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration appliance.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the method may additionally include: shaping the refrigerant tube such that it has a plurality of straight, extending first tube segments that extend parallel to each other, and every two first tube segments are connected by an arc-shaped second tube segment. Shaping can be performed using a bending device. The application of an anti-corrosion coating can be performed before or after shaping the refrigerant tube. For practical reasons, shaping before applying the anti-corrosion coating has proven to be more advantageous. However, the invention is not limited thereto. "Refrigerant tube" can be understood in particular as a tubular element designed to guide refrigerant, and the geometry of this element is optimized for efficient heat transfer. This tubular element can, for example, be formed from a drawn tube and can have a meandering structure consisting of a plurality of parallel, straight first tube segments and arc-shaped second tube segments connected by the second tube region. This structure is used to accommodate the maximum tube length within a limited space.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the application of the anti-corrosion coating can be carried out by immersing the refrigerant tube in a bath. This advantageously achieves a very uniform coating application. Alternatively, the coating can also be applied by spraying or by anodizing. The statement "application of the anti-corrosion coating" can particularly include the targeted method step of applying a protective layer to the refrigerant tube before connecting it to the sheet. This application can be carried out, for example, by immersing the refrigerant tube in a liquid coating material (also known as dip coating). Alternatively, the coating can be applied by spraying, for which different methods can be used, such as electrostatic spraying or automated coating using a coating robot. Another advantageous method, especially for refrigerant tubes made of aluminum, can be anodizing, in which an oxide protective layer is produced by an electrochemical process, which is an integral part of the metal surface and has particularly high hardness and wear resistance. In addition, other methods can also be used, such as flux coating or powder coating.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the anti-corrosion coating can be a polysiloxan-urethane (Polysiloxan-Urethan) coating. This type of coating is extremely robust against mechanical damage, which is advantageous in the current method, in which the coated refrigerant tube is guided through the through opening of the sheet with an interference fit. Similarly, polyurethane resin (Polyurethanharz) is also suitable as an anti-corrosion coating. "Anti-corrosion coating" can be understood in particular as a protective layer applied to the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant tube to protect it from corrosion. The coating must, in particular, possess sufficient mechanical robustness and resilience to withstand the bonding process with the sheet without damage. The coating can be, for example, a polysiloxan-urethane coating or a polyurethane resin, and applied with a layer thickness of, for example, 15 μm to 50 μm. This application can be carried out by dipping, spraying, or anodizing.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the sheet may have an overhang with a defined through-opening protruding from a first surface of the corresponding sheet, wherein a refrigerant tube is guided through the through-opening from a side of a second surface, the second surface being oriented opposite to the first surface. The overhang may, for example, be formed as a trichter. Here, the inner surface of the overhang defines the through-opening and defines its inner diameter. The inner diameter may decrease along the central axis of the through-opening from the side of the second surface toward the side of the first surface of the sheet. In this case, at least at the end of the overhang facing away from the second surface, an interference fit may exist between the outer diameter of the first section of the refrigerant tube and the inner diameter of the through-opening. The first section of the refrigerant tube is introduced into the through-opening from the side of the second surface. This reduces the risk of damage to the coating, for example by scratching or generally by mechanical action during guidance. The "overhang" on the sheet can be understood as an integral, shaped flange that surrounds the through-opening and protrudes from the sheet plane. The cantilever can function as an inlet aid or funnel-shaped part for refrigerant pipes. The inner surface of the cantilever can have a geometry that minimizes damage to the anti-corrosion coating, for example, through a tapered narrowing or a convex bend with a defined radius of curvature, in order to avoid sharp edges.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the overhang can be configured with a convexly curved inner surface that defines the through-opening. Therefore, the inner surface can be at least partially convexly curved. The inner surface can, for example, have a radius of curvature in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. This results in a smoother guide to the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe during passage and further reduces the risk of damage to the anti-corrosion coating. The expression "convexly curved inner surface" can particularly refer to a surface of the overhang that arches outward from the edge of the through-opening, thus forming a rounded, edgeless guide geometry. In other words, the convex curvature can be understood as a rounding that avoids sharp edges at the transition to the planar surface. This curvature can be achieved, for example, by a simple arcuate geometry with a defined radius of curvature, particularly in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. Alternatively, the inner surface can also be formed by other geometries with continuous curvature, such as elliptical arcs, parabolic arcs, or spline curves. The function of this geometry is to avoid applying the anti-corrosion coating linearly or dottedly with high shear force when introducing the refrigerant pipe, and instead, to achieve a smooth sliding contact.

[0022] According to some implementation methods, the outer diameter of the first pipe section can be set to be in the range of 6mm to 10mm.

[0023] According to some implementation methods, the sheet may be configured to have a length in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm.

[0024] According to some implementation methods, the sheet may be configured to have a width in the range of 25mm to 100mm.

[0025] According to some implementations, the refrigerant pipes can be constructed of aluminum or copper. Metals with high thermal conductivity can be used as materials for the refrigerant pipes, such as aluminum, copper, or alloys thereof.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the lamelle may be constructed of aluminum or copper. The term "lamelle" can specifically refer to a surface element used to increase the heat transfer surface of a heat exchanger. The lamelle may, for example, be constructed as a thin sheet made of stamped and shaped sheet metal, preferably aluminum or copper. Each lamelle has at least one through-hole for accommodating a refrigerant tube. The through-hole may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or implemented as an elongated hole to accommodate one or more tube sections.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the through opening of the sheet can be configured as an elongated hole. That is, the through opening can be an opening having two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides, wherein the short sides are closed by a semicircle, the diameter of which defines the width or diameter of the elongated hole. The length of the long sides is greater than the diameter of the elongated hole. The diameter of the elongated hole corresponds to the diameter of the through opening. The term "elongated hole" can particularly refer to an opening whose geometry extends in the main direction more than in the direction perpendicular to the main direction. For example, the elongated hole can be provided with two parallel longitudinal sides and two short sides, the short sides connecting these longitudinal sides and typically being semicircular. Here, the spacing between the longitudinal sides defines the width or diameter of the elongated hole. In this context, the function of the elongated hole is particularly to enable the guidance of tube segments extending non-perpendicular to the sheet plane through which it passes, and thus to achieve a staggered arrangement of the tube segments. In other words, the elongated hole provides the necessary geometrical freedom for the tilting orientation of its own longitudinal axis.

[0028] According to some embodiments, a specific geometric arrangement can be adopted to improve the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger. This can be achieved through staggered tube guides, in which a first tube segment extending linearly is selectively and staggeredly guided through the plate assembly. To enable this staggered arrangement, the through openings in the plates can be constructed as oblique or angled elongated holes. Here, the longitudinal axis of each elongated hole can be oriented at a defined angle relative to the longitudinal axis or width axis of the plate. The terms "longitudinal axis" and "width axis" of the plate can be understood in particular as coordinate systems used to define the plane of the plate. The longitudinal axis can correspond to the longer of the two principal axes on the plate surface, such as the second direction in the figures. The width axis can correspond to the shorter of the two principal axes, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such as the third direction in the figures. The first direction in the figures corresponds to the depth of the heat exchanger and is perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The oblique orientation of the elongated orifice can be understood in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the orifice extends in the plate plane neither parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate nor parallel to the width axis of the plate. Instead, the longitudinal axis of the orifice can form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis or width axis of the plate. In an advantageous embodiment, this oblique angle can be in the range of 10° to 60° relative to the longitudinal axis or width axis of the plate, particularly in the range of 15° to 50°, and especially preferably in the range of 20° to 40°. Thus, the arcuate tube section is also oblique or angled and does not extend in a single plane. The arcuate tube section can be shaped and angled such that it seamlessly and advantageously connects two consecutive, staggered, straight tube sections into a continuous, meandering refrigerant path. Therefore, the arc-shaped second tube section can be constructed such that it bridges not only the misalignment along the longitudinal axis but also the misalignment along the width axis, thus describing a three-dimensional curve not in a single plane. This configuration can extend the contact path for airflow along the tube surface and optimize aerodynamics, which can lead to improved heat transfer.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the storage compartment of the refrigeration appliance can be a cold storage compartment designed for operation in a temperature range between 0°C and 15°C. Therefore, the evaporator operates in a temperature range close to or above the freezing point of water. Consequently, the risk of corrosion on the evaporator is high. In this case, the anti-corrosion coating of the refrigerant lines according to the invention is particularly advantageous.

[0030] Features and advantages disclosed in one aspect of the invention are also disclosed in the corresponding other aspect, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 A simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerant pipes of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical parts. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A refrigeration appliance 200 in the form of a refrigerator is shown as an example. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be universally applied to household refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, freezer boxes, or refrigeration-freezing combinations.

[0034] like Figure 1 As illustrated, a refrigeration appliance 200 may typically include a body 202 defining a storage compartment 210, a machine space 212 separate from the storage compartment 210, and a refrigerant circuit 220.

[0035] The main body 202 may define, for example, a storage compartment 210 having an access opening 204 through which access to the storage compartment 210 is possible. In addition, a door (not shown) may be hinged to the main body 202 and is movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the door covers the access opening 204 and in the open position, the door at least partially releases the access opening 204.

[0036] The machine space 212 is spatially separated from the storage compartment 210, for example, through the wall of the main body 202.

[0037] Refrigerant circuit 220 in Figure 1The diagram is shown schematically only and includes an evaporator 221, a liquefier 223, a compressor 222, and a throttling mechanism (not shown). The evaporator 221 is configured to evaporate the refrigerant while absorbing heat. The output of the evaporator 221 is connected to the input or suction port of the compressor 222 via a suction line. The input of the liquefier 223 is connected to the pressure port or output of the compressor 222. The compressor 222 is configured to compress the gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator 221 and supply it to the liquefier 223, in which the refrigerant condenses while releasing heat to the environment. The output of the liquefier 223 is connected to the input of the evaporator 221, wherein a throttling mechanism is arranged between the output of the liquefier 223 and the input of the evaporator 221 and is configured to expand the refrigerant. The throttling mechanism may be, for example, a capillary tube, an expansion valve, or the like.

[0038] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the evaporator 221 can be arranged, for example, in an evaporator chamber 214, which is fluidly connected to the storage compartment 210. The evaporator chamber 214 can be separated from the storage compartment 210, for example, by a cover 206. Optionally, a fan 225 can be provided, arranged and configured to circulate air between the storage compartment 210 and the evaporator chamber 214. Warm air from the storage compartment 210 is thus conducted through the evaporator 221. There, the refrigerant in the evaporator 221 absorbs heat as it evaporates, thereby cooling the air. The cooled air is then exhausted back into the storage compartment 210 by means of the fan 225.

[0039] The storage compartment 210 of the refrigeration appliance 200 may be, for example, a refrigerator compartment designed to operate within a temperature range between 0°C and 15°C. Therefore, the evaporator 221 operates typically within a temperature range above 0°C. Consequently, condensation may form on the evaporator 221, posing a certain risk of corrosion.

[0040] Figure 3 An exemplary heat exchanger 100 is shown, which can be integrated, for example, as an evaporator 221. Figure 1 In the refrigerant circuit 220 of the refrigeration appliance 200 shown. Figure 4 Show Figure 3 An exploded view of the heat exchanger 100 shown.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As exemplarily shown, the heat exchanger 100 has a refrigerant pipe 1 for guiding the refrigerant through and a plurality of plates 2.

[0042] The refrigerant pipe 1 has a plurality of straight first pipe sections 11, and, depending on the number of first pipe sections 12, one or more arc-shaped second pipe sections 12. For example... Figure 4 As clearly seen, the first pipe sections 11 extend parallel to each other and in the first direction X1. A second pipe section 12 connects each of the two first pipe sections 11. This is how the refrigerant pipe 1 achieves its meandering path. Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 1 may also have an inlet section 13 and an outlet section 14. The inlet section 13 and outlet section 14 are respectively connected to the first pipe section 11 via a second pipe section 12. The inlet section 13 may be configured to connect to a throttling mechanism, such as a capillary tube, of the refrigerant circuit 220. The outlet section 14 may be configured to connect to a suction pipe, which is connected to the suction port of the compressor 222.

[0043] The refrigerant pipe 1 can be made of, for example, aluminum, especially an aluminum alloy, or copper, especially a copper alloy. The refrigerant pipe 1 is provided with an anti-corrosion coating 10. The anti-corrosion coating 10 is applied to the outer peripheral surface 1a of the refrigerant pipe 1, such as... Figure 5 As shown schematically. The anti-corrosion coating 10 may be, for example, a polysiloxane-urethane coating or a polyurethane resin, and protects the refrigerant pipe 1 from corrosion.

[0044] The outer diameter d11 of the refrigerant pipe 1, especially the outer diameter d11 of the first pipe section 11 of the refrigerant pipe 1, can, for example, be in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm. Figure 5 As illustrated, the outer diameter d11, including the thickness of the anti-corrosion coating 10, can be measured.

[0045] The two pieces are arranged at intervals along the first direction X1, as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the example. (e.g.) Figure 4 As further shown, sheet 2 can be implemented, for example, as a rectangular or substantially rectangular plate. Typically, sheet 2 can be constructed as a surface member extending in a second direction X2, transverse to the first direction X1, and in a third direction X3, transverse to both the first and second directions X1 and X2. The length l2 of the sheet in the second direction X2 can, for example, be in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm. The width b2 of sheet 2 in the third direction X3 can, for example, be in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm. The thickness t2 of the sheet can be significantly smaller than its length l2 and / or width b2. For example, the thickness t2 can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0046] like Figure 4As shown purely by example, sheets of different lengths l2 can be combined with each other. However, this is merely an exemplary design, and the invention is not limited thereto. More precisely, all sheets 2 can also have the same length l2.

[0047] Each piece 2 has at least one through opening 21. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the exemplary heat exchanger 100, the plate 2 with a shorter length l2 has four through openings 21, wherein two through openings 21 are spaced apart from each other in a second direction X2, and two through openings 21 are spaced apart from each other in a third direction X3, and the plate 2 with a longer length l2 has six through openings 21, wherein three through openings 21 are spaced apart from each other in a second direction X2, and two through openings 21 are spaced apart from each other in a third direction X3.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As exemplarily shown, the through opening 21 can be constructed as an elongated hole, for example. The elongated hole can be oriented at an angle relative to the second direction X2 and the third direction X3, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the example.

[0049] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of piece 2 is shown schematically. (e.g.) Figure 6 As schematically shown, sheet 2 may have a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b that is oppositely placed or oriented. The first and second surfaces 2a and 2b are oriented in or against the first direction X1. Figure 6 As schematically shown, the through opening 21 can be limited by a cantilever 22 protruding from the first surface 2a of the piece 2. The cantilever 22 can completely surround the through opening 21. The cantilever 22 can have an inner surface 22a that limits the through opening 21. In this case, the inner surface 22a defines the inner diameter d21 of the through opening. In the case of an elongated hole, the inner diameter d21 corresponds to the diameter of the semicircle that closes the narrow or short side of the elongated hole. Figure 6 As purely illustrative, the inner surface 22a may define an inner diameter d21 that narrows from the side of the second surface 2b toward the side of the first surface 2a. For example, the inner surface 22a may be convexly curved, such as... Figure 6 This is purely illustrative. Here, the radius of curvature r22 can, for example, be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0050] The inner diameter d21 of the through opening 21 is smaller than the outer diameter d11 of the first pipe section 11. In other words, the outer diameter d11 of the first pipe section 11 has an interference fit with respect to the inner diameter d21 of the through opening 21. The outer diameter d11 can, for example, be between 1 μm and 12 μm larger than the inner diameter d21 of the through opening 21.

[0051] Unlike refrigerant pipe 1, plate 2 does not have an anti-corrosion coating. Plate 2 may be made of, for example, aluminum, especially aluminum alloy, or copper, especially copper alloy.

[0052] The through openings 21 of adjacent pieces 2 in the first direction X1 are aligned and oriented. For example... Figure 3 As shown, every two first pipe sections 11 connected by a second pipe section 12 are guided together through the corresponding through opening 21 of the corresponding plate 2. Thus, two first pipe sections 11 connected by a second pipe section 12 extend through the aligned through openings 21. Because the outer diameter d11 of the first pipe section 11 has an interference fit relative to the inner diameter d21 of the through opening 21, the refrigerant pipe 1 and plate 2 are force-locked together.

[0053] Figure 2 A process flow for a method M for manufacturing a heat exchanger 100 for a refrigeration appliance 200 is shown. The method M is described below with reference to the heat exchanger 100 described above.

[0054] In step M1, the refrigerant pipe 1 can be formed such that it has a plurality of straight first pipe segments 11 extending parallel to each other, and every two first pipe segments 11 are connected by an arc-shaped second pipe segment 12. In this step, for example, it can be manufactured as follows: Figure 4 The refrigerant pipe 1 is shown as an example.

[0055] In a further step M2, an anti-corrosion coating 10 is applied to the refrigerant pipe 1, particularly to its outer peripheral surface 1a. The application of the anti-corrosion coating 10 can be performed before or after the forming of the refrigerant pipe 1 (step M1). The anti-corrosion coating 10 can be applied by immersing the refrigerant pipe 1 in a bath. Alternatively, the anti-corrosion coating can be sprayed or applied to the refrigerant pipe 1 by anodizing. If desired, step M2 may also include drying or hardening the anti-corrosion coating 10. This can be done, for example, in a drying oven or under ambient conditions.

[0056] In another step M3, the refrigerant pipe 1, which has an anti-corrosion coating 10, is forcefully and lockingly connected to the plate 2. Here, as... Figure 4As exemplarily shown, the plates 2 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction X1, and the through openings 21 of adjacent plates 2 are aligned and oriented. For example, the plates 2 may be fixed relative to each other in a frame (not shown) or a similar holding device. In step M3, the refrigerant pipe 1 is guided along the first direction X1 through the through opening 21, as shown in... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As symbolized by arrow P. Here, every two first tube sections 11 connected by a second tube section 12 are guided together through aligned through openings 21. If sheet 2 is provided with overhangs 22, as... Figure 6 As exemplarily shown, the refrigerant tube 1 is guided through from the side of the second surface 2b of the plate 2. Therefore, the overhang forms a funnel-shaped portion for guiding the refrigerant tube 1 through, which reduces the risk of damage to the anti-corrosion coating 10. Since the outer diameter d11 of the first tube section 11 has an interference fit relative to the inner diameter d21 of the through opening 21, a force-locked connection is formed between the refrigerant tube 1 and the plate 2 by guiding the refrigerant tube 1 through the through opening 21.

[0057] Although the invention has been exemplarily described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

[0058] List of reference numerals 1. Refrigerant pipe 1a Outer peripheral surface 2 pieces 2a First surface 2b Second Surface 10. Anti-corrosion coating 11 First Pipeline Section 12 Second Pipeline Section 13 Entrance Section 14. Export Section 21 Through opening 22 Overhang 22a Inner Surface 100 heat exchanger 200 Refrigeration appliances 202 Main Body 204 Entering the opening 206 Coverage Section 210 storage cells 212 Machine Space 214 Evaporator Chamber 220 refrigerant circuit 221 Evaporator 222 compressor 223 Liquefaction Unit 225 ventilation fan width of b2 sheet L2 plate length M method M1-M3 Method Steps The thickness of t2 sheet X1 First Direction X2 Second Direction X3 Third direction.

Claims

1. A method (M) for manufacturing a heat exchanger (100) for a refrigeration appliance (200), the method comprising: An anti-corrosion coating (10) (M2) is applied to a refrigerant pipe (1) having a plurality of straight first pipe sections (11) extending parallel to each other, wherein every two first pipe sections (11) are connected by an arc-shaped second pipe section (12); and A refrigerant tube (1) with the anti-corrosion coating (10) is connected (M3) to a plurality of spaced-apart plates (2), each of the plates having at least one through opening (21), wherein every two first tube sections (11) connected by a second tube section (12) are guided together through the through opening (21), wherein the outer diameter (d11) of the first tube section (11) has an interference fit relative to the inner diameter (d21) of the through opening (21), such that a force-locked connection is formed between the refrigerant tube (1) and the plate (2).

2. The method (M) according to claim 1, wherein the method additionally comprises: The refrigerant tube (1) is shaped (M1) such that the refrigerant tube has the plurality of straight-extending first tube sections (11) that extend parallel to each other and every two first tube sections (11) are connected by an arc-shaped second tube section (12).

3. The method (M) according to claim 2, wherein, The application (M2) of the anti-corrosion coating (10) is performed before or after the molding (M1) of the refrigerant pipe (1).

4. The method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The application (M2) of the anti-corrosion coating (10) is carried out by immersing the refrigerant pipe (1) in a bath, by spraying, or by anodizing.

5. The method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The anti-corrosion coating (10) is a polysiloxane-urethane coating or a polyurethane resin.

6. The method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sheet (2) has an overhang (22) that defines the through opening (21), the overhang protruding from a first surface (2a) of the corresponding sheet (2), and wherein the refrigerant tube (1) is guided through the through opening (21) from the side of a second surface (2b), the second surface being oriented opposite to the first surface (2a).

7. The method (M) according to claim 6, wherein, The overhang (22) has a convexly curved inner surface (22a) that defines the through opening (21).

8. The method (M) according to claim 7, wherein, The inner surface (22a) has a radius of curvature (r22) in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

9. The method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer diameter (d11) of the first pipe section (11) is in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm.

10. The method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sheet (2) has a length (l2) in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm and / or a width (b2) in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm.

11. The method (M) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The refrigerant tube (1) is constructed of aluminum or copper, and / or the sheet (2) is constructed of aluminum or copper.

12. A heat exchanger (100) for a refrigeration appliance (200), said heat exchanger comprising: A refrigerant pipe (1) having a plurality of straight first pipe sections (11) extending parallel to each other, wherein every two first pipe sections (11) are connected by an arc-shaped second pipe section (12); and Multiple plates (2) are arranged spaced apart from each other, each plate having at least one through opening (21), wherein every two first pipe sections (11) connected by a second pipe section (12) are guided together through the through opening (21), wherein the outer diameter (d11) of the first pipe section (11) has an interference fit relative to the inner diameter (d21) of the through opening (21), such that the refrigerant pipe (1) is force-locked to the plate (2); Its features are, Only the refrigerant pipe (1) is provided with an anti-corrosion coating (10).

13. A refrigeration appliance (200), particularly a household refrigeration appliance, said refrigeration appliance comprising: Storage compartment (210) for holding refrigerated items; and A refrigerant circuit (220) configured to absorb heat from the storage cell (210) when the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (221) and release heat to the environment when the refrigerant condenses in the liquefier (223); The evaporator (221) is constructed using the heat exchanger (100) according to claim 12.

14. The refrigeration appliance (200) according to claim 13, wherein, The storage compartment (210) is a refrigerated compartment designed to operate in a temperature range between 0°C and 15°C.

Images