Refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a refrigeration appliance, which comprises a compressor (1), an evaporation coil (2), an inlet pipeline (3), a condenser (4) and a water collecting disc (5), and is characterized in that the compressor (1), the evaporation coil (2), the inlet pipeline (3) and the condenser (4) are sequentially connected, the water collecting disc (5) is arranged below the compressor (1), the evaporation coil (2) is arranged in the water collecting disc (5), and the water collecting disc (5) is arranged in the water collecting disc (5). The evaporation coil (2) comprises a coil outlet section (21) suitable for being connected to the inlet pipeline (3), the inlet pipeline (3) comprises a condenser inlet section (31) suitable for being connected to the evaporation coil (2), and the coil outlet section (21) and the condenser inlet section (31) extend in the horizontal direction and are connected with each other in an inserted mode. According to some embodiments of the invention, the assembly difficulty of the refrigeration appliance can be reduced, and the assembly efficiency can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of household appliances, in particular to a refrigeration appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] A refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a wine cooler, produces defrosting water during a defrosting process or condensation water which is condensed in the storage compartment and is discharged. In order to collect the defrosting water or the condensation water, a collection container is required. The collection container can be arranged above or below the compressor of the refrigeration appliance in order to make use of the heat generated by the compressor during operation for heating the water in the collection container and thereby accelerating the evaporation of the water in the collection container.

[0003] The compressor is in fluid communication with the condenser by means of a pipe such that refrigerant flowing out of the compressor can flow into the condenser via the pipe. In the assembly of existing refrigeration appliances, the fluid communication between the compressor and the condenser is achieved by a mutual connection of two vertical pipes. This leads to an increased assembly difficulty of the refrigeration appliance. During assembly, the two vertical pipes have to be connected to each other first and then the connected vertical pipes, the condenser and the sump are installed together in place. This will significantly increase the assembly difficulty. If the connection between the two vertical pipes is performed in the refrigeration appliance, the connection can not be achieved or it can be difficult to ensure the tightness of the connection or it is necessary to complicate the structure of the pipe for this purpose. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of embodiments of the present application to provide an improved refrigeration appliance which overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, embodiments of the present application provide a refrigeration appliance comprising a compressor, an evaporator coil, an inlet pipe, a condenser and a sump, wherein the compressor, the evaporator coil, the inlet pipe and the condenser are connected in series. The sump is arranged below the compressor and the evaporator coil is arranged in the sump. The evaporator coil comprises a coil outlet section adapted to be connected to the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe comprises a condenser inlet section adapted to be connected to the evaporator coil. The coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section extend in a horizontal direction and are plugged into each other.

[0006] Such layout of the compressor, the evaporating coil and the sump can facilitate evaporation of water in the sump in a compact structure. In such layout, the evaporating coil can be connected to the condenser in a convenient and reliable manner by the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section extending in the horizontal direction and being plugged with each other. In particular, by extending the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section in the horizontal direction and being plugged with each other, the evaporating coil can be connected to the inlet pipe which has been attached to the condenser in a convenient and reliable manner in the case that the evaporating coil, the inlet pipe and the condenser have been substantially arranged in place relative to the sump. Thus, the assembling difficulty of the refrigeration appliance can be reduced and the assembling efficiency can be improved.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the coil outlet section can be plugged into the condenser inlet section in the horizontal direction. The sealing part formed by the solidified sealing liquid can be located between the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section. Such connection manner can improve the sealing and reliability of the connection between the evaporating coil and the inlet pipe. It is particularly advantageous that such connection manner can be realized in a convenient manner in the case that the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section extend in the horizontal direction and are plugged with each other.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section can be connected with each other by a lock ring structure. Thus, the reliable connection between the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section can be realized quickly and simply.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigerant inlet of the condenser is higher than the evaporating coil.

[0010] Optionally, the condenser and the compressor are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and the refrigerant inlet of the condenser is located at the top of the condenser.

[0011] According to the present application, in such compact layout, the convenient assembling can be realized by means of the horizontally extending coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inlet pipe is in a Z shape. The inlet pipe can include a vertical section extending upward from the condenser inlet section and a horizontal section extending horizontally from the vertical section to the condenser. Although such Z-shaped inlet pipe has a relatively long length and a relatively complex structure, it can effectively improve the assembling efficiency of the refrigeration appliance.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance can further include a fan. The condenser, the fan and the compressor can be arranged in a row in the first horizontal direction in sequence. The vertical section of the inlet pipe can be located between the fan and the compressor in the first horizontal direction. The horizontal section of the inlet pipe can be located above the fan. Thus, the maintenance and repair operation of the fan can be facilitated.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance can further comprise a support plate on which the sump is arranged. The coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section can be arranged at a first distance above the support plate. The first distance is for example between 20 mm and 30 mm. Thereby, both the handling during connecting the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section and the dismounting and mounting of the compressor can be facilitated. The first distance is in particular 25 mm. This allows a tool for connecting the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section, for example a crimping plier, to easily access the location where the coil outlet section and the condenser inlet section are connected to each other, while not hindering the handling of the compressor.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the evaporating coil can comprise a surrounding section adapted to heat the water in the sump. The surrounding section can at least partially surround the compressor as seen in vertical direction. This facilitates the evaporation of the water in the sump.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the surrounding section surrounds the compressor at least 270°. This facilitates the evaporation of the water in the sump and allows a more compact structure of the refrigeration appliance.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the condenser can be arranged directly above the sump. The surrounding section can at least partially surround the condenser and the compressor as seen in vertical direction. This arrangement facilitates the evaporation of the water in the sump and allows a compact structure of the refrigeration appliance.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the evaporating coil can further comprise at least one of: a coil inlet section connected to a refrigerant outlet of the compressor; a descending section extending downwards to the surrounding section; an ascending section between the surrounding section and the coil outlet section, the ascending section extending obliquely upwards away from the compressor.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the evaporating coil is a steel tube and the inlet pipe is a copper tube. The coil outlet section can be inserted into the condenser inlet section in horizontal direction. This facilitates the use of a local deformation of the condenser inlet section to strengthen the reliability of the connection between the evaporating coil and the inlet pipe.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the coil outlet section can comprise a necked end portion which is inserted into the condenser inlet section.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the condenser inlet section can comprise a flared end portion into which the coil outlet section is inserted.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the refrigeration appliance can be provided with a mechanical chamber, in which the compressor, the evaporating coil, the inlet duct, the condenser and the sump are arranged. The condenser and the compressor can be arranged in a row along a first horizontal direction. The mechanical chamber has an opening which is open in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The coil outlet section can be at least partially located between the compressor and the opening.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the compressor can have a terminal box which is located on a side of the compressor close to the condenser. The terminal box can be located no lower than the coil outlet section and / or the condenser inlet section. In this way, the terminal box can be conveniently accessed by an operator for assembly or maintenance, etc.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the coil outlet section can be arranged closer to the opening than the sump. In this way, the connection between the evaporating coil and the inlet duct can be conveniently made by an operator.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the condenser is a micro-channel heat exchanger. This helps to improve the refrigeration efficiency, reduce the volume and reduce the weight.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the sump can be provided with a buckle on a side facing the compressor, and the evaporating coil is fixed to the sump by means of the buckle. By means of the buckle, the evaporating coil can be conveniently mounted to the sump, thereby achieving positioning and fixing of the evaporating coil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The principles, features and advantages of the present application can be better understood by the following detailed description of the application, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings include:

[0028] Figure 1 A partial view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A mechanical chamber of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A top view of part of components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown;

[0031] Figure 4 A top view of part of components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown; and

[0032] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a coil outlet section and a condenser inlet section connected to each other in a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0033] List of reference signs

[0034] Compressor 1

[0035] Refrigerant outlet 11

[0036] Junction box 12

[0037] Evaporation coil 2

[0038] Coil outlet section 21

[0039] Converging end 211

[0040] Surrounding section 22

[0041] Coil inlet section 23

[0042] Descending section 24

[0043] Ascending section 25

[0044] Inlet duct 3

[0045] Condenser inlet section 31

[0046] Diverging end 311

[0047] Vertical section 32

[0048] Horizontal section 33

[0049] Condenser 4

[0050] Refrigerant inlet 41

[0051] Sump 5

[0052] Pan bottom wall 51

[0053] Pan side wall 52

[0054] Snap 53

[0055] Lock ring structure 6

[0056] Sealing portion 61

[0057] Connection ring 62

[0058] Mechanical chamber 7

[0059] Opening 71

[0060] Fan 8

[0061] Support plate 91

[0062] Roller 92 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and a plurality of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, but not to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0064] In order to better understand the present application, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Before starting the specific description, it needs to be pointed out that the directional terms used in the description refer to the conventional use state of the refrigeration appliance, for the convenience of description, and cannot be understood as the absolute limitation of the corresponding features.

[0066] Figure 1 A part of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1 , the refrigeration appliance comprises a compressor 1, an evaporating coil 2, an inlet duct 3, a condenser 4 and a sump 5. The compressor 1, the evaporating coil 2, the inlet duct 3 and the condenser 4 are connected in sequence, so that the refrigerant can flow through them in sequence. The compressor 1, the evaporating coil 2, the inlet duct 3 and the condenser 4 connected in sequence can form part of a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration appliance. The sump 5 is arranged below the compressor 1, and the evaporating coil 2 is arranged in the sump 5. The sump 5 can be used to collect condensation water or defrosting water. The evaporating coil 2 connected between the compressor 1 and the condenser 4 can be used to heat the water collected in the sump 5. The evaporating coil 2 comprises a coil outlet section 21 adapted to be connected to the inlet duct 3. The inlet duct 3 comprises a condenser inlet section 31 adapted to be connected to the evaporating coil 2. The coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 extend in a horizontal direction and are plugged to each other.

[0068] This layout of the compressor 1, the evaporating coil 2 and the sump 5 can promote the evaporation of water in the sump 5 in a compact structure. In this layout, by extending the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 in a horizontal direction and plugging them to each other, the evaporating coil 2 can be connected to the condenser 4 in a convenient and reliable manner. In particular, by extending the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 in a horizontal direction and plugging them to each other, the evaporating coil 2 can be connected to the inlet duct 3 attached to the condenser 4 in a convenient and reliable manner, in the case that the evaporating coil 2, the inlet duct 3 and the condenser 4 have been arranged in place relative to the sump 5. Thus, the assembly difficulty of the refrigeration appliance can be reduced, and the assembly efficiency can be improved.

[0069] In contrast, in the case where the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 do not extend in the horizontal direction, it is difficult to connect the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 to each other (for example, by insertion, adhesion, and / or welding). If the connecting operation between the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 is performed in the refrigeration appliance, the connection can not be achieved or it can be difficult to ensure the seal between the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31. Furthermore, in the case where the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 do not extend in the horizontal direction, it is also possible to connect the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet duct 3 fixed to the condenser 4 to each other first during the assembly process, and then to install the evaporating coil 2, the inlet duct 3, and the condenser 4 together in place. However, this would significantly increase the assembly difficulty.

[0070] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present application, the coil outlet section 21 can be inserted into the condenser inlet section 31 in the horizontal direction. In order to achieve a sealed connection, a sealing liquid can be applied between the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31. The sealing liquid forms a sealing portion 61 between the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 after solidification (see Fig. 2). Figure 5 ) This connection enables an improved sealing and reliability of the connection between the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet duct 3. In the case where the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 extend in the horizontal direction and are inserted into each other, this connection can be achieved in a convenient manner.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiments, the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 can be connected to each other by means of a lock ring structure 6. Thereby, a reliable connection between the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 can be achieved quickly and easily.

[0072] For connection structures using a sealing liquid, such as the lock ring structure 6, it is difficult to apply the sealing liquid at the desired location if the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 extend in the vertical direction. In order to apply the sealing liquid, the coil outlet section 21 needs to be located above and open downwards, and the condenser inlet section 31 needs to be located below and open upwards. This would result in a complex structure of the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet duct 3. In contrast, in the case where the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 extend in the horizontal direction, the evaporating coil 2 can be connected to the inlet duct 3 in a convenient and reliable manner after the evaporating coil 2, the inlet duct 3, and the condenser 4 have been arranged substantially in place relative to the sump 5, and without the need to complicate the structure of the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet duct 3.

[0073] The refrigerant inlet 41 of the condenser 4 can be located, in particular, at the top of the condenser 4. The refrigerant outlet of the condenser 4 can be located at the bottom of the condenser 4. The refrigerant can flow through the condenser 4 as a whole from top to bottom. The evaporating coil 2 is located below the compressor 1. Accordingly, the refrigerant inlet 41 of the condenser 4 can be higher than the evaporating coil 2.

[0074] According to the prior art, in this case, the fluid communication between the compressor 1 and the condenser 4 is usually achieved by the mutual connection of two vertical pipes, namely the coil outlet section extending in vertical direction and the condenser inlet section extending in vertical direction. Further, in this case, if the coil outlet section extending in vertical direction is located above and the condenser inlet section extending in vertical direction is located below in order to apply the seal liquid, both the evaporating coil and the inlet pipe need to be provided with a U-shaped return bend for this purpose. This will result in a complicated structure of the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet pipe 3.

[0075] In contrast, in the case that the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 extend in horizontal direction, the evaporating coil 2 can be connected to the inlet pipe 3 in a convenient and reliable manner after the evaporating coil 2, the inlet pipe 3 and the condenser 4 have been arranged in place relative to the sump 5, and without the need to complicate the structure of the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet pipe 3.

[0076] Alternatively, the evaporating coil 2 is a steel pipe and the inlet pipe 3 is a copper pipe. The coil outlet section 21 is inserted into the condenser inlet section 31 in horizontal direction. This facilitates the use of the local deformation of the condenser inlet section 31 to strengthen the reliability of the connection between the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet pipe 3.

[0077] According to the present application, the refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, has a relatively compact structure and a relatively small volume. The refrigeration appliance may, for example, comprise a refrigerator, a freezer, a wine cooler, etc.

[0078] Although not shown completely here, it will be understood by the skilled person that the refrigeration appliance can comprise a cabinet. The cabinet can have a storage space and a mechanical chamber 7. The storage space can be used to accommodate items to be cooled. The mechanical chamber 7 can be used to accommodate at least a portion of the functional components of the refrigeration appliance, in particular the functional components for constituting the refrigerant circulation circuit. The refrigerant circulation circuit can further comprise other functional components, such as an evaporator, a pressure relief valve and / or a capillary tube, etc. The mechanical chamber 7 may, for example, be arranged at the bottom of the refrigeration appliance.

[0079] Figure 2 The mechanical chamber 7 of the refrigeration appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present application is schematically shown.

[0080] In combination Figure 1 and Figure 2It can be seen that the compressor 1, the evaporating coil 2, the inlet pipe 3, the condenser 4 and the sump 5 can all be arranged in the mechanical chamber 7. The condenser 4 and the compressor 1 can be arranged side by side along a horizontal direction, in particular along a first horizontal direction D1. The mechanical chamber 7 can have an opening 71 which is open in a second horizontal direction D2 perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1. During assembly, the compressor 1, the evaporating coil 2, the inlet pipe 3, the condenser 4 and the sump 5 can be installed into the mechanical chamber 7 via the opening 71.

[0081] The condenser 4 can in particular be a micro-channel heat exchanger, i.e. MCHE. This enables the refrigerant to transfer heat more efficiently, thereby reducing the charge amount of the refrigerant and improving the refrigeration efficiency. In addition, it is also possible to reduce the volume and the weight.

[0082] One end of the inlet pipe 3 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 41 of the condenser 4, and the other end is connected to the evaporating coil 2. The inlet pipe 3 can in particular be in a zigzag shape. The inlet pipe 3 can comprise a vertical section 32 extending upwardly from a condenser inlet section 31 and a horizontal section 33 extending horizontally from the vertical section 32 toward the condenser 4. Although such a zigzag-shaped inlet pipe 3 has a relatively long length and a relatively complex structure, it is able to effectively contribute to the assembly efficiency of the refrigeration appliance.

[0083] One end of the evaporating coil 2 is connected to the inlet pipe 3, and the other end is connected to the compressor 1. The coil outlet section 21 of the evaporating coil 2 can be at least partially located between the compressor 1 and the opening 71.

[0084] The compressor 1 can have a terminal box 12. The terminal box 12 can be used to achieve electrical connection of the compressor 1 with a power supply, a controller and / or other electrical elements. The terminal box 12 can be located on a side of the compressor 1 close to the condenser 4. The terminal box 12 can be located no lower than the coil outlet section 21 and / or the condenser inlet section 31. The bottom of the terminal box 12 can be flush with or higher than the coil outlet section 21 and / or the condenser inlet section 31. In this way, it is convenient for an operator to perform assembly or maintenance operations on the terminal box 12.

[0085] The refrigeration appliance can further comprise a fan 8. The condenser 4, the fan 8 and the compressor 1 can be arranged in a row along the first horizontal direction D1 in sequence. Thus, the fan 8 is located between the condenser 4 and the compressor 1. Optionally, the vertical section 32 of the inlet pipe 3 is located between the fan 8 and the compressor 1 in the first horizontal direction D1. The horizontal section 33 of the inlet pipe 3 can be located above the fan 8. In this way, it is convenient to perform maintenance and repair operations on the fan 8.

[0086] The refrigeration appliance can further comprise a support plate 91. The sump 5 can be arranged on the support plate 91. The coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 are arranged at a first distance above the support plate 91. The first distance can for example be between 20 mm and 30 mm. Thereby, both the connection of the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 can be facilitated, and the dismounting, mounting and / or maintenance of the compressor 1 can be facilitated. The first distance is in particular 25 mm. This enables a tool for connecting the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31, such as a crimping plier, to easily access the location where the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 are connected to each other, while not hindering the operation of the compressor 1.

[0087] Optionally, the refrigeration appliance can further comprise a roller 92. The support plate 91 can be supported on the roller 92. For example, after the compressor 1, the evaporating coil 2, the inlet duct 3, the condenser 4 and the sump 5 are arranged in place on the support plate 91, the support plate 91 can be moved into the machine room 7 by means of the roller 92.

[0088] Figure 3 A top view of parts of the exemplary embodiment according to the present application is schematically shown.

[0089] As Figure 3 shown, the sump 5 can comprise a sump bottom wall 51 and a sump side wall 52. The sump bottom wall 51 and the sump side wall 52 jointly enclose a receiving space which can contain water. The sump side wall 52 can extend upwards along an edge of the sump bottom wall 51.

[0090] In Figure 3 the compressor 1 is schematically shown in dashed lines. The compressor 1 can be arranged on the sump 5. The evaporating coil 2 is arranged in the sump 5. The evaporating coil 2 can in particular comprise a surrounding section 22 adapted to heat water in the sump 5. The surrounding section 22 at least partially surrounds the compressor 1 as seen in vertical direction. For example, the surrounding section 22 surrounds the compressor 1 at least 270°. This facilitates the evaporation of water in the sump 5.

[0091] The surrounding section 22 can comprise two sections extending in a first horizontal direction D1, which are located on opposite sides of the compressor 1 in a second horizontal direction D2. The surrounding section 22 can further comprise two further sections extending in the second horizontal direction D2, which are located on opposite sides of the compressor 1 in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0092] The sump 5 can be provided with a clip 53 in particular on the side facing the compressor 1. The evaporating coil 2 is fixed to the sump 5 by means of the clip 53. The sump 5 can be provided with at least three clips 53 arranged around the compressor 1. The evaporating coil 2 can be joined to the clip 53, for example, by means of elastic deformation of the clip 53. By means of the clip 53, the evaporating coil 2 can be mounted to the sump 5 in a convenient manner, so that positioning and fixing of the evaporating coil 2 are achieved.

[0093] Figure 4 A top view of parts of components according to exemplary embodiments of the present application is schematically shown. In Figure 4 The compressor 1 and the condenser 4 are schematically shown in dashed lines.

[0094] As Figure 4 shown, the condenser 4 and the compressor 1 are arranged directly above the sump 5. The evaporating coil 2 is arranged in the sump 5. The evaporating coil 2 can comprise a surrounding section 22 adapted to heat water in the sump 5. The surrounding section 22 at least partially surrounds the condenser 4 and the compressor 1, as viewed in vertical direction. This arrangement helps to further accelerate evaporation of water in the sump 5 and enables a compact structure of the refrigeration appliance.

[0095] With reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , it can be seen that the evaporating coil 2 can comprise at least one of the following: a coil inlet section 23 connected to the refrigerant outlet 11 of the compressor 1; a descending section 24 extending downwardly to the surrounding section 22; an ascending section 25 located between the surrounding section 22 and the coil outlet section 21. The ascending section 25 can extend obliquely upwardly in a direction away from the compressor 1, in particular. This helps to enable a compact and easy-to-assemble structure of the refrigeration appliance.

[0096] According to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the coil outlet section 21 can be arranged closer to the opening 71 than the sump 5. A projection of the coil outlet section 21 in vertical direction is located outside the sump 5. Thereby, connection between the evaporating coil 2 and the inlet pipe 3 can be conveniently performed by an operator.

[0097] Figure 5 A partial sectional view of the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 connected to each other in a refrigeration appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present application is schematically shown.

[0098] In this embodiment, the coil outlet section 21 is inserted into the condenser inlet section 31 in horizontal direction. The evaporating coil 2 is, for example, a steel pipe. The inlet pipe 3 is, for example, a copper pipe. The coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 can be connected to each other by means of a lock ring structure 6, in particular.

[0099] The coil outlet section 21 can comprise a conical end 211 which is inserted into the condenser inlet section 31. Alternatively or additionally, the condenser inlet section 31 can comprise a flared end 311 into which the coil outlet section 21 is inserted.

[0100] In Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the conical end 211 of the coil outlet section 21 is inserted into the flared end 311 of the condenser inlet section 31. A sealing 61 formed by the cured sealing liquid can be located between the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31.

[0101] The lock ring structure 6 can further comprise a connecting ring 62 which surrounds the condenser inlet section 31, in particular the flared end 311 of the condenser inlet section 31.

[0102] As an example, during the connecting process, the connecting ring 62 can be slipped over the coil outlet section 21. Then, the conical end 211 of the coil outlet section 21 is inserted into the flared end 311 of the condenser inlet section 31. A sealing liquid can be applied in the gap between the conical end 211 of the coil outlet section 21 and the flared end 311 of the condenser inlet section 31. After the sealing liquid has cured, the sealing 61 can be formed, effectively plugging possible leakage channels and improving the tightness of the connection between the evaporator coil 2 and the inlet duct 3. Finally, the connecting ring 62 can be pushed onto the flared end 311 of the condenser inlet section 31 by means of a crimping tool. The flared end 311 can be uniformly deformed in the radial direction, so that the connection between the evaporator coil 2 and the inlet duct 3 is more reliable.

[0103] In contrast, if the coil outlet section 21 and the condenser inlet section 31 extend in the vertical direction, the coil outlet section 21 needs to be located above and its conical end 211 needs to open downwards, or alternatively or additionally the condenser inlet section 31 needs to be located below and its flared end 311 needs to open upwards. This would result in a more complex structure of the evaporator coil 2 and the inlet duct 3.

[0104] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even if only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The examples of features provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In practice, a plurality of features can be combined with each other in technically feasible ways, according to actual needs. In particular, features from different embodiments can also be combined with each other. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents can be conceived of without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance comprising a compressor (1), an evaporating coil (2), an inlet duct (3), a condenser (4) and a sump (5), characterized in that, The compressor (1), the evaporating coil (2), the inlet duct (3) and the condenser (4) are connected in sequence, the water collecting tray (5) is arranged below the compressor (1), the evaporating coil (2) is arranged in the water collecting tray (5), the evaporating coil (2) comprises a coil outlet section (21) adapted to be connected to the inlet duct (3), the inlet duct (3) comprises a condenser inlet section (31) adapted to be connected to the evaporating coil (2), the coil outlet section (21) and the condenser inlet section (31) extend in a horizontal direction and are plugged to each other.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the coil outlet section (21) is plugged into the condenser inlet section (31) in a horizontal direction, a seal (61) formed by a solidified sealing liquid is located between the coil outlet section (21) and the condenser inlet section (31); and / or the coil outlet section (21) and the condenser inlet section (31) are connected to each other by a lock ring structure (6).

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that a refrigerant inlet (41) of the condenser (4) is higher than the evaporating coil (2); and / or the condenser (4) is arranged side by side with the compressor (1) in a horizontal direction, the refrigerant inlet (41) of the condenser (4) is located at a top of the condenser (4).

4. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the inlet duct (3) is in a Z-shape, the inlet duct (3) comprises a vertical section (32) extending upwardly from the condenser inlet section (31) and a horizontal section (33) extending horizontally from the vertical section (32) to the condenser (4).

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance further comprises a fan (8), the condenser (4), the fan (8) and the compressor (1) are arranged in a row in a first horizontal direction in sequence, the vertical section (32) of the inlet duct (3) is located between the fan (8) and the compressor (1) in the first horizontal direction, the horizontal section (33) of the inlet duct (3) is located above the fan (8).

6. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance further comprises a support plate (91), the water collecting tray (5) is arranged on the support plate (91), the coil outlet section (21) and the condenser inlet section (31) are arranged at a first distance higher than the support plate (91), wherein the first distance is between 20mm and 30mm or the first distance is 25mm.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, characterized in that the evaporating coil (2) comprises a surrounding section (22) adapted to heat water in the water collecting tray (5), wherein the surrounding section (22) at least partially surrounds the compressor (1) as viewed in a vertical direction.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the surrounding section (22) surrounds the compressor (1) by at least 270°; and / or the condenser (4) is arranged directly above the water collecting tray (5), wherein the surrounding section (22) at least partially surrounds the condenser (4) and the compressor (1) as viewed in a vertical direction.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the evaporating coil (2) further comprises at least one of: a coil inlet section (23) connected to a refrigerant outlet (11) of the compressor (1); a descending section (24) extending downwards to the surrounding section (22); an ascending section (25) between the surrounding section (22) and the coil outlet section (21), the ascending section (25) extending obliquely upwards away from the compressor (1).

10. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 8-9, characterized in that the evaporating coil (2) is a steel tube, the inlet pipe (3) is a copper tube, and the coil outlet section (21) is inserted into the condenser inlet section (31) in a horizontal direction.

11. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 8-9, characterized in that the coil outlet section (21) comprises a necked end portion (211) inserted into the condenser inlet section (31); and / or the condenser inlet section (31) comprises a flared end portion (311) into which the coil outlet section (21) is inserted.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 8-9, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance is provided with a mechanical chamber (7) in which the compressor (1), the evaporating coil (2), the inlet pipe (3), the condenser (4) and the sump (5) are arranged, the condenser (4) and the compressor (1) are arranged in a row in a first horizontal direction, the mechanical chamber (7) has an opening (71) open in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and the coil outlet section (21) is at least partially located between the compressor (1) and the opening (71).

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that the compressor (1) has a terminal box (12) located on a side of the compressor (1) close to the condenser (4), the terminal box (12) is located no lower than the coil outlet section (21) and / or the condenser inlet section (31); and / or the coil outlet section (21) is arranged closer to the opening (71) than the sump (5).

14. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 8-9, 13, characterized in that the condenser (4) is a micro-channel heat exchanger.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 8-9, 13, characterized in that the sump (5) is provided on a side facing the compressor (1) with a clasp (53) by which the evaporating coil (2) is fixed to the sump (5).

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