Thermocouple assembly and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a thermocouple assembly and refrigeration equipment. The thermocouple assembly comprises a thermocouple, a heat conduction shell and a fixing piece. The thermocouple comprises a thermocouple body and an acquisition end connected with the thermocouple body; the heat conduction shell is provided with a first end face and a second end face which are oppositely arranged, an installation groove and a through hole which are communicated with each other are formed in the heat conduction shell, an opening of the installation groove is located in the first end face, the through hole penetrates through the groove bottom of the installation groove and the second end face, the thermocouple penetrates through the through hole, and at least one part of the collection end enters the installation groove; at least one part of the fixing part is arranged in the mounting groove, the fixing part and the heat conduction shell are detachably connected, and at least one part of the collecting end is clamped between the outer surface of the fixing part and the inner surface of the mounting groove. According to the thermocouple assembly provided by the embodiment of the invention, when the thermocouple is damaged, the thermocouple can be maintained or replaced, so that the use cost of the thermocouple assembly can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of temperature sensing elements, and in particular to a thermocouple assembly and a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerator energy consumption testing has become an important measure to check whether refrigerators meet energy efficiency standards. In refrigerator energy consumption testing, a copper column with a thermocouple is used to complete temperature measurement. The temperature sensing part of the thermocouple needs to be placed in the center of the copper column to convert the temperature signal into a thermoelectric potential signal. The other end is connected to an electrical instrument, which converts it into the temperature of the measured medium.

[0003] In existing technologies, thermocouples are usually fixed to copper pillars by applying adhesive. However, this method has certain drawbacks: once the thermocouple is fixed to the copper pillar by applying adhesive, it cannot be disassembled, and the thermocouple cannot be repaired or replaced. It can only be discarded and replaced with a new thermocouple copper pillar connector, which is costly. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a thermocouple assembly and a refrigeration device.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a thermocouple assembly, including:

[0006] A thermocouple, the thermocouple comprising a thermocouple body and a data acquisition terminal connected to the thermocouple body;

[0007] A heat-conducting housing has a first end face and a second end face that are disposed opposite to each other. The heat-conducting housing is provided with a mounting groove and a through hole that are interconnected. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting groove. The opening of the mounting groove is located on the first end face. The through hole penetrates the bottom of the mounting groove and the second end face. The thermocouple penetrates the through hole. At least a portion of the collecting end enters the mounting groove.

[0008] A fixing member, at least a portion of which is disposed within the mounting groove, and the fixing member is detachably connected to the heat-conducting outer shell, wherein at least a portion of the collecting end is sandwiched between the outer surface of the fixing member and the inner surface of the mounting groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the acquisition end is sandwiched between the bottom of the mounting groove and the side of the fixing member facing the bottom of the mounting groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the side of the fastener is provided with an external thread, and the wall of the mounting groove is provided with an internal thread. The external thread and the internal thread cooperate to realize the threaded connection between the fastener and the heat-conducting shell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fastener includes a fastener body and a clamping portion connected together. The clamping portion is disposed on the side of the fastener body away from the bottom of the mounting groove. The side of the fastener body is provided with external threads. At least a portion of the clamping portion is located outside the mounting groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fastener body in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the fastener body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clamping portion is in the shape of a cuboid or a cube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive outer shell is cylindrical.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive outer shell is made of metal.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a refrigeration device, including the thermocouple assembly described above.

[0017] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment further includes a housing with a storage space inside, and the thermocouple assembly is used to monitor the temperature within the storage space; and / or,

[0018] The refrigeration equipment is a refrigerator, freezer, beverage cooler, wine cooler, freezer box, ice cream machine, or ice maker.

[0019] The thermocouple assembly provided in this application embodiment clamps at least a portion of the thermocouple's collecting end between the outer surface of the fixing member and the inner surface of the mounting groove, thereby confining the thermocouple's collecting end between the outer surface of the fixing member and the inner surface of the mounting groove. Since the fixing member and the heat-conducting shell are connected in a detachable manner, when the thermocouple is damaged, the fixing member can be separated from the heat-conducting shell. At this time, the thermocouple will also be separated from the heat-conducting shell, so that the thermocouple can be repaired or replaced. Afterwards, the collecting end of the repaired or new thermocouple is reset in the heat-conducting shell and confined and fixed by the fixing member, thereby reducing the usage cost of the thermocouple assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a thermocouple assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the explosive decomposition of a thermocouple assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a top view of a thermocouple assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure along the AA direction.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a top view of the thermally conductive shell provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure along the BB direction.

[0027] Component symbol explanation:

[0028] 100. Thermocouple assembly; 20. Thermocouple; 22. Thermocouple body; 21. Acquisition end; 30. Thermally conductive shell; 31. First end face; 32. Second end face; 33. Mounting groove; 331. Groove bottom; 332. Groove wall; 34. Through hole; 40. Fixing component; 42. Fixing component body; 41. Clamping part. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a thermocouple assembly 100, including a thermocouple 20, a thermally conductive shell 30, and a fixing member 40.

[0035] Please see Figure 2 The thermocouple 20 includes a thermocouple body 22 and a data acquisition terminal 21 connected to the thermocouple body 22.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The heat-conducting outer shell 30 has a first end face 31 and a second end face 32 disposed opposite to each other. The heat-conducting outer shell 30 is provided with a mounting groove 33 and a through hole 34 that are interconnected. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 34 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting groove 33. The opening of the mounting groove 33 is located at the first end face 31. The through hole 34 penetrates the bottom 331 of the mounting groove 33 and the second end face 32. The thermocouple 20 penetrates the through hole 34. At least a portion of the collecting end 21 enters the mounting groove 33.

[0037] It is understood that the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 34 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting groove 33 both refer to the cross-sectional area obtained by cutting in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the heat-conducting outer shell 30.

[0038] For example, the cross-section of the through hole 34 is circular.

[0039] Please see Figure 4 At least a portion of the fixing member 40 is disposed in the mounting groove 33, and the fixing member 40 is detachably connected to the heat-conducting outer shell 30. At least a portion of the collecting end 21 is sandwiched between the outer surface of the fixing member 40 and the inner surface of the mounting groove 33.

[0040] It should be noted that the working principle of thermocouple 20 is as follows: when the collecting end 21 (i.e. the temperature sensing part) of thermocouple 20 senses the temperature of the medium being measured, a thermoelectric potential signal is generated between the two ends of thermocouple 20. The end of thermocouple 20 that is away from the collecting end 21 is connected to an electrical instrument, thereby transmitting the thermoelectric potential signal to the electrical instrument, which then converts the thermoelectric potential signal into the temperature of the medium being measured.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 For example, the thermally conductive outer shell 30 may be cylindrical.

[0042] For example, the thermally conductive housing 30 is made of metal. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive housing 30 is made of copper.

[0043] It should be noted that the functions of the thermally conductive outer casing 30 include:

[0044] 1. The heat-conducting outer shell 30 has a large heat capacity, meaning it can better simulate the thermal characteristics of food. This allows temperature measurements to more closely approximate temperature changes under actual storage conditions;

[0045] 2. The thermally conductive outer shell 30 has excellent thermal conductivity, enabling it to rapidly and evenly distribute heat. This helps reduce the impact of localized temperature fluctuations on measurement results, thus providing more stable temperature readings;

[0046] 3. The heat-conducting outer shell 30 can serve as a shield, reducing the interference of the external environment (such as air flow, opening and closing of doors, etc.) on temperature measurement, making the measurement results more representative;

[0047] 4. The use of thermocouple assembly 100 including thermally conductive housing 30 can provide a standardized measurement method, making measurement results comparable under different equipment and test conditions. Through these characteristics, thermocouple assembly 100 can provide more reliable and consistent temperature measurement results, helping to evaluate the performance and energy efficiency of refrigerators.

[0048] The thermocouple assembly 100 provided in this application embodiment clamps at least a portion of the collecting end 21 of the thermocouple 20 between the outer surface of the fixing member 40 and the inner surface of the mounting groove 33, so that the collecting end 21 of the thermocouple 20 is limited between the outer surface of the fixing member 40 and the inner surface of the mounting groove 33. Since the fixing member 40 and the heat-conducting shell 30 are connected in a detachable manner, when the thermocouple 20 is damaged, the fixing member 40 can be separated from the heat-conducting shell 30. At this time, the thermocouple 20 will also be separated from the heat-conducting shell 30, so that the thermocouple 20 can be repaired or replaced. Then, the collecting end 21 of the repaired or new thermocouple 20 is reset in the heat-conducting shell 30 and limited and fixed by the fixing member 40, thereby reducing the use cost of the thermocouple assembly 100.

[0049] Please see Figure 4 See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 At least a portion of the acquisition end 21 is sandwiched between the bottom 331 of the mounting groove 33 and the side of the fixing member 40 facing the bottom 331 of the mounting groove 33.

[0050] Please see Figure 4 See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 The side of the fixing member 40 is provided with external threads, and the groove wall 332 of the mounting groove 33 is provided with internal threads. The external threads and the internal threads cooperate to realize the threaded connection between the fixing member 40 and the heat-conducting shell 30.

[0051] It is understandable that by setting the fastener 40 to be connected to the heat-conducting housing 30 by means of a threaded connection, the fastener 40 can be easily installed or removed inside the heat-conducting housing 30, making it easier to repair or replace the thermocouple 20 when it is damaged.

[0052] In other embodiments, the fastener 40 and the heat-conducting outer shell 30 can also be connected by a detachable method such as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0053] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The fastener 40 includes a fastener body 42 and a clamping part 41 connected together. The clamping part 41 is disposed on the side of the fastener body 42 away from the bottom 331 of the mounting groove 33. The side of the fastener body 42 is provided with external threads. At least a portion of the clamping part 41 is located outside the mounting groove 33.

[0054] It is understandable that by providing a clamping part 41 at the head of the fastener 40, the user can rotate the fastener 40 by pinching the clamping part 41, thereby enabling the fastener 40 to be installed or removed from the heat-conducting housing 30.

[0055] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the fastener body 42, the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping part 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fastener body 42.

[0056] It is understandable that by setting the clamping part 41 to a smaller area, that is, by making the clamping part 41 form a protrusion relative to the top surface of the fixing body 42, it is convenient for the user to pinch the clamping part 41 with their fingers and rotate it, thereby realizing the installation or removal of the fixing member 40 in the heat-conducting housing 30.

[0057] Understandably, in the prior art, conventional screw heads usually have a cross-shaped recess or a slotted recess, requiring the use of a screwdriver to install or remove the screw, which is highly dependent on tools and makes assembly and disassembly cumbersome. However, the fastener 40 used in this application is different from conventional fastener screws. Its head has a protruding clamping part 41, which makes it easy to operate by hand. When the user wants to install or remove the fastener 40, he can simply pinch the clamping part 41 with his fingers and rotate it. The operation is extremely simple and does not require tools, thus simplifying the assembly or disassembly procedure of the thermocouple assembly 100 (copper pillar thermocouple connector).

[0058] Please see Figure 1 For example, the clamping part 41 may be in the shape of a cuboid or a cube.

[0059] This application embodiment also provides a refrigeration device, including the thermocouple assembly 100 as described above.

[0060] For example, the refrigeration equipment also includes a housing with a storage space inside, and the thermocouple assembly 100 is used to monitor the temperature inside the storage space.

[0061] For example, the refrigeration equipment also includes an electrical instrument for displaying the temperature in the storage space. One end of the thermocouple 20 away from the acquisition end 21 is connected to the electrical instrument, and the electrical instrument is connected to the housing.

[0062] For example, the refrigeration equipment can be a refrigerator, freezer, beverage cooler, wine cooler, freezer box, ice cream machine, ice maker, etc.

[0063] For example, the storage space can be the storage space of the refrigerator compartment, the variable temperature compartment, or the freezer compartment of a refrigerator.

[0064] The thermocouple assembly and refrigeration equipment provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application, and the descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A thermocouple assembly, characterized in that, include: A thermocouple, the thermocouple comprising a thermocouple body and a data acquisition terminal connected to the thermocouple body; A heat-conducting housing has a first end face and a second end face that are disposed opposite to each other. The heat-conducting housing is provided with a mounting groove and a through hole that are interconnected. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting groove. The opening of the mounting groove is located on the first end face. The through hole penetrates the bottom of the mounting groove and the second end face. The thermocouple penetrates the through hole. At least a portion of the collecting end enters the mounting groove. A fixing member, at least a portion of which is disposed within the mounting groove, and the fixing member is detachably connected to the heat-conducting outer shell, wherein at least a portion of the collecting end is sandwiched between the outer surface of the fixing member and the inner surface of the mounting groove.

2. The thermocouple assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the acquisition end is sandwiched between the bottom of the mounting groove and the side of the fixing member facing the bottom of the mounting groove.

3. The thermocouple assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener has an external thread on its side and an internal thread on the wall of the mounting groove. The external thread and the internal thread cooperate to achieve a threaded connection between the fastener and the heat-conducting outer shell.

4. The thermocouple assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastener includes a fastener body and a clamping part connected together. The clamping part is disposed on the side of the fastener body away from the bottom of the mounting groove. The side of the fastener body is provided with external threads. At least a portion of the clamping part is located outside the mounting groove.

5. The thermocouple assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, In a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the fastener body, the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fastener body.

6. The thermocouple assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping part is rectangular or cubic in shape.

7. The thermocouple assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat-conducting outer shell is cylindrical.

8. The thermocouple assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The heat-conducting outer shell is made of metal.

9. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, Includes the thermocouple assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment also includes a housing, the housing having a storage space, and the thermocouple assembly used to monitor the temperature within the storage space; and / or The refrigeration equipment is a refrigerator, freezer, beverage cooler, wine cooler, freezer box, ice cream machine, or ice maker.

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