Drain pipe joint and refrigerating and freezing device with same

Abstract

The utility model provides a drain pipe joint and a refrigerating and freezing device with the same. The drain pipe connector comprises a connector body and a drain plug. The connector body is provided with a main pipe part and a main drainage part formed by extending downwards from one end of the main pipe part. A main drainage opening is formed in the lower end of the main drainage part. The drainage plug is arranged on the main drainage part; an elastic piece part used for closing the main drainage opening is formed at the lower end of the drainage plug, and the drainage plug is configured to enable the elastic piece part to be attached to and close the main drainage opening under the action of stress of the drainage plug or be pushed by accumulated water in the main drainage part to open the main drainage opening. Through the arrangement of the drainage plug with the elastic piece part, the drainage pipe connector can block the main drainage port when no water is accumulated, and meanwhile, the leakage of cold energy in the storage chamber and the backflow of air in the press bin into the storage chamber through the drainage pipe are prevented, so that the sealing problem of the drainage pipe of the refrigerating and freezing device is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of home appliances, and in particular to a drain pipe connector and a refrigeration and freezing device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] During operation, moisture in the air condenses into water in the storage compartment and on the evaporator of refrigerators and other refrigeration and freezing units, forming condensate. To prevent excessive water accumulation from affecting the normal operation of the refrigeration and freezing unit, a drain pipe is required to drain the condensate. Refrigeration and freezing units typically have a drip tray inside the compressor compartment to collect the condensate, and the heat generated by the compressor accelerates the evaporation of the condensate.

[0003] However, in the existing technology, most of the drain pipes of refrigeration and freezing units adopt a straight pipe design. Although they can drain condensate, they generally have a certain degree of sealing problems. They either cannot prevent the leakage of cold air inside the storage compartment, or they cannot prevent the air in the compressor compartment from flowing back into the storage compartment through the drain pipe, which affects the refrigeration performance of the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0004] One aspect of this utility model is to provide a drain pipe connector that can solve the problem of sealing the drain pipe of a refrigeration and freezing device.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is to improve the sealing effect of the drain pipe joint.

[0006] Another further objective of this utility model is to solve the problem of easy clogging and difficulty in cleaning of drain pipe joints.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigeration and freezing device that solves the aforementioned problems.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drain pipe connector is provided, comprising: a connector body and a drain plug.

[0009] The connector body has a main pipe section and a main drainage section extending downward from one end of the main pipe section; a main drainage outlet is formed at the lower end of the main drainage section.

[0010] The drain plug is installed on the main drain section; the lower end of the drain plug forms a spring piece for closing the main drain outlet, and is configured to make the spring piece fit together and close the main drain outlet under its own stress, or be pushed by the water in the main drain section to open the main drain outlet.

[0011] Optionally, the drain plug may also include: a main body.

[0012] The main body is fitted onto the outer wall of the main drainage section; the lower end of the main body is close to the edge of the main drainage outlet.

[0013] The spring clip is formed at the lower end of the main body and its shape corresponds to the main drain outlet.

[0014] The drain plug is configured such that the spring piece is pushed against the lower end of the main drain section, so as to exert stress that causes the spring piece to close the main drain outlet.

[0015] Optionally, the main drainage section includes: straight pipe sections and elbow sections.

[0016] The straight pipe section extends downward from one end of the main pipe section, and the main body is fitted onto the outer wall of the straight pipe section.

[0017] The elbow section bends downwards from the lower end of the straight pipe section, and the main drain outlet is formed at the lower end of the elbow section and faces downwards.

[0018] Optionally, the angle between the straight pipe section and the main pipe section is greater than 90°.

[0019] Optionally, a positioning protrusion is formed on the outer wall of the straight pipe section or the inner wall of the main body, and the shape of the outer wall of the straight pipe section is adapted to the shape of the inner wall of the main body so that the drain plug is fixed on the connector body.

[0020] Optionally, the elbow section can be detachably installed relative to the straight pipe section.

[0021] Optionally, the drain plug is a one-piece molded part made of rubber.

[0022] Optionally, a branch road opening is provided on the side of the main office.

[0023] The connector body also has a branch pipe section provided at the branch opening, and a secondary drainage section connected to the main pipe section through the branch pipe section; the lower end of the secondary drainage section forms a secondary drainage outlet.

[0024] Optionally, the lower end of the branch opening is higher than the bottom surface of the main section at the corresponding location.

[0025] Optionally, the lower part of the secondary drainage section is funnel-shaped, and a float is provided inside the secondary drainage section; the float is configured to block the secondary drainage outlet under the action of gravity, or to float up to open the secondary drainage outlet after water accumulates in the secondary drainage section.

[0026] Optionally, a cleaning port is formed at the upper end of the secondary drainage section.

[0027] The connector body also includes a cover.

[0028] The cover is detachably attached to the cleaning port.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a refrigeration and freezing device, which includes: a cabinet, a water receiving tray, a drain pipe, and a drain pipe connector.

[0030] The housing defines a storage compartment, a cooling compartment with an evaporator, and a compressor compartment with a compressor and / or condenser.

[0031] The water receiving tray is located inside the compressor chamber.

[0032] One end of the drain pipe is connected to the storage room and / or cooling room, and the other end extends above the drip tray to guide the water accumulated in the storage room and / or cooling room into the drip tray.

[0033] The drain pipe connector is located at the end of the drain pipe above the water receiving tray; the drain pipe connector can be any of the above-mentioned drain pipe connectors.

[0034] This utility model discloses a drain pipe connector comprising a connector body and a drain plug. The connector body has a main pipe section and a main drain section extending downward from one end of the main pipe section; a main drain outlet is formed at the lower end of the main drain section. The drain plug is disposed on the main drain section; the lower end of the drain plug forms a spring-loaded portion for closing the main drain outlet, and is configured to close the main drain outlet under its own stress, or be pushed open by accumulated water in the main drain section. By providing a drain plug with a spring-loaded portion, the drain pipe connector can seal the main drain outlet when there is no accumulated water, and simultaneously prevent cold air leakage from the storage compartment and air from the compressor compartment from flowing back into the storage compartment through the drain pipe, thereby solving the drain pipe sealing problem of refrigeration and freezing equipment.

[0035] Furthermore, the drain pipe connector of this utility model also improves the shape of the drain plug and the main drain section to enhance the sealing effect of the drain pipe connector.

[0036] Furthermore, the drain pipe connector of this invention also has a secondary drain section, which can serve as a substitute for the main drain section when it is blocked. The cleaning port at the upper end of the secondary drain section allows the drain pipe connector to be cleaned without disassembly, thereby reducing the difficulty of cleaning the drain pipe connector.

[0037] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of some specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector of a refrigeration and freezing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the drain pipe joint shown;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint shown;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector of a refrigeration and freezing device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector and water receiving tray of a refrigeration and freezing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0046] The terms "first," "second," etc., 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," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0048] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," 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 should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0050] In other words, in the description of this utility model, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," or "below" the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, device, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, devices, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0052] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector of a refrigeration and freezing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] refer to Figure 1As shown, this utility model provides a refrigeration and freezing device 10. The refrigeration and freezing device 10 has a storage room defined inside the box, a cooling chamber (not shown in the figure) with an evaporator, and a compressor compartment 10A with a compressor and / or condenser. Figure 1 This is a side view of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10. To show the location of the drip tray 14, drain pipe 12, and drain pipe connector 13, a portion of the unit's casing structure, evaporator, compressor, and condenser are concealed. It can be seen that the compressor compartment 10A is located at the lower rear of the casing. The drip tray 14 is disposed within the compressor compartment 10A. One end of the drain pipe 12 connects to the storage compartment and / or cooling compartment defined inside the casing, and the other end extends above the drip tray 14 to guide water accumulated in the storage compartment and / or cooling compartment into the drip tray 14. The drain pipe connector 13 is located at the end of the drain pipe 12 above the drip tray 14.

[0055] During operation, moisture in the air in refrigerators and other refrigeration and freezing units 10 condenses into water in the storage compartment and on the evaporator. To prevent excessive water accumulation from affecting the normal operation of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10, a drain pipe 12 is required to drain the condensate. Refrigeration and freezing units 10 typically have a drip tray 14 in the compressor compartment 10A to collect the condensate, and the heat generated by the compressor accelerates its evaporation.

[0056] To reduce processing and installation difficulties, the drain pipe 12 is typically designed as a straight pipe, meaning it is essentially a straight pipe. However, this results in uncontrollable flow of condensate drained from the drain pipe 12, which can easily splash into various parts of the compressor compartment 10A. Furthermore, the drain pipe 12 itself lacks a sealing function, failing to prevent cold air leakage from the storage compartment and air from the compressor compartment 10A from flowing back into the storage compartment through the drain pipe 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigeration and freezing device 10 includes a drain pipe connector 13 at the end of the drain pipe 12 to guide the flow of condensate and solve the sealing problem of the drain pipe 12.

[0057] Considering that if ice shards or dust, or other impurities, fall through drain pipe 12 into drain pipe connector 13 and accumulate inside over a long period, it can easily cause drain pipe connector 13 to become clogged and malfunction. Therefore, refer to... Figure 2As shown, in some optional embodiments, the drain pipe connector 13 includes a connector body 131 and a filter screen 132. The connector body 131 has a main pipe portion 1311 and a main drain portion 1312 extending downward from one end of the main pipe portion 1311; a main drain outlet 131A is formed at the lower end of the main drain portion 1312. The filter screen 132 is disposed inside the main pipe portion 1311 and has multiple through holes on its surface. When the condensate in the drain pipe 12 enters the drain pipe connector 13 and flows through the filter screen 132, the filter screen 132 can block larger impurities such as ice shards, preventing them from entering the main drain portion 1312 with the condensate, thereby reducing the possibility of blockage in the main drain portion 1312.

[0058] Meanwhile, even if ice or dust enters the main drain section 1312 with the condensate and accumulates over a long period, causing the main drain section 1312 to become clogged, the connector body 131 of this embodiment also has a branch opening 131B on the side of the main pipe section 1311, and a branch pipe section 1313 provided at the branch opening 131B, and a secondary drain section 1314 connected to the main pipe section 1311 through the branch pipe section 1313; a secondary drain outlet 131C is formed at the lower end of the secondary drain section 1314. The secondary drain section 1314 of the connector body 131 can play a substitute role in drainage when the main drain section 1312 is clogged, thereby solving the problem that the main drain section 1312 cannot work properly due to clogging. The combined design of the filter screen 132 and the secondary drain section 1314 greatly extends the time before the drain pipe connector 13 becomes clogged and overcomes the problem that the main drain section 1312 of the drain pipe connector 13 cannot work properly when clogged.

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the drain pipe connector 13 shown; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector 13 shown.

[0060] The filter screen 132 can block larger impurities such as ice chips, preventing them from entering the main drain section 1312 with the condensate. However, the pores on the surface of the filter screen 132 may also become clogged, preventing condensate from passing through the filter screen 132. To overcome this problem, in some alternative embodiments, refer to... Figure 3 As shown, at least part of the branch opening 131B is located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312.

[0061] When the main drain section 1312 becomes blocked, condensate will accumulate in the main drain section 1312, causing the water level to rise. When the water level rises above the branch opening 131B of the main drain section 1311, the accumulated water can enter the secondary drain section 1314 from the branch opening 131B and be discharged through the secondary drain outlet 131C. When the through holes on the surface of the filter screen 132 are also blocked, since at least some of the branch openings 131B in this embodiment are located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312, the accumulated water can enter the secondary drain section 1314 from the branch openings 131B without passing through the filter screen 132 and be discharged through the secondary drain outlet 131C, thereby further avoiding the problem that the drain pipe connector 13 cannot work properly when the through holes on the surface of the filter screen 132 are also blocked.

[0062] In this embodiment, the branch opening 131B on the drain pipe joint 13 can be used as follows: Figure 3 The portion shown is located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312, or it can be entirely located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the lower end of the branch opening 131B is higher than the bottom surface of the main pipe 1311 at the corresponding position, so that condensate can flow preferentially from below the location of the branch opening 131B to the main drain 1312, and prevent the secondary drain 1314 from being blocked before the main drain 1312.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, the branch pipe 1313 extends outward and upward from the branch opening 131B to further reduce condensate entering the secondary drainage section 1314 if the main drainage section 1312 is not blocked.

[0065] To ensure a more reliable connection between the drain pipe connector 13 and the drain pipe 12, the drain pipe 12 and the drain pipe connector 13 are typically connected using a non-disassembly-resistant structure. However, this also makes it difficult to clean and unclog the drain pipe connector 13 when it becomes clogged. In some alternative embodiments, an insertion port is provided on the side wall of the main pipe 1311, through which the filter screen 132 is inserted into the main pipe 1311. This embodiment, by using an insertion-installation design for the filter screen 132, allows the user to clean the filter screen 132 by pulling it out when it becomes clogged, thereby reducing the difficulty of cleaning the drain pipe connector 13.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the included angle α between the main drainage section 1312 and the main drain section 1311 is greater than 90° and less than 180°. Furthermore, the diameter of the through hole is larger for higher sections.

[0067] The drain pipe 12 of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 is not usually installed vertically. When the cooling chamber with the evaporator is located in the front area of ​​the refrigeration and freezing unit 10, the drain pipe 12 extends downwards and backwards accordingly. While ensuring that the main drain section 1312 drains downwards, the extension direction of the main drain pipe 1311 of the drain pipe connector 13 is usually designed to be the same as the extension direction of the drain pipe 12. Therefore, the main drain section 1312 and the main drain pipe 1311 will be connected as follows: Figure 3 An included angle α greater than 90° and less than 180° is formed as shown. The filter screen 132 is typically designed to be inserted into the main pipe 1311 perpendicular to the main pipe 1311, so the filter screen 132 is not located on a horizontal plane.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the through holes on the filter screen 132 are configured such that the diameter of the through holes with higher heights is larger. In addition to its filtering function, the filter screen 132 allows condensate in the drain pipe joint 13 to still pass through the filter screen 132 through the higher and larger diameter through holes even after the lower through holes are blocked. Simultaneously, the filter screen 132 no longer prevents smaller impurities from passing with the condensate; smaller impurities are more easily discharged with the condensate and are less likely to clog the main drain section 1312. Through this design, the drain pipe joint 13 can balance the clogging time of the filter screen 132 and the main drain section 1312, extending the overall clogging cycle of the drain pipe joint 13.

[0069] Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the included angle α between the main drain section 1312 and the main pipe section 1311 can also be equal to 180°, that is, the main drain section 1312 and the main pipe section 1311 extend vertically. In this case, the diameter of the through holes on the filter screen 132 can also be configured to be the same.

[0070] refer to Figure 4 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the lower part of the secondary drainage section 1314 is funnel-shaped, and a float 1315 is provided inside the secondary drainage section 1314; the float 1315 is configured to block the secondary drainage outlet 131C under the action of gravity, or float up to open the secondary drainage outlet 131C after water accumulates in the secondary drainage section 1314.

[0071] To improve the sealing effect of the drain pipe joint 13, the lower end of the secondary drain section 1314 is designed in a funnel shape, and a float 1315 is installed inside the secondary drain section 1314. The lower cross-section of the funnel-shaped secondary drain section 1314 is circular, which can fit tightly with the surface of the spherical float 1315. Therefore, when the air pressure inside and outside the secondary drain section 1314 is balanced, the float 1315 can block the secondary drain outlet 131C under the action of gravity and prevent the communication between the inside and outside air, thereby preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0072] Specifically, after the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 is opened and closed once, the air inside the storage compartment cools down as the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 cools, and the volume of the cold air contracts, causing negative pressure inside the storage compartment, making it difficult to open the door of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10. In this embodiment, the float 1315 of the secondary drain section 1314 can be pushed upward by the air pressure difference when negative pressure is generated inside the storage compartment, allowing air to enter the storage compartment from the secondary drain port 131C, thereby balancing the internal and external air pressure and making the door of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 easier to open.

[0073] In some alternative embodiments, a cleaning port is formed at the upper end of the secondary drain section 1314. The drain pipe connector 13 also includes a cover 134, which is detachably disposed at the cleaning port. In this embodiment, when the main drain section 1312 is blocked, the user can open the cover 134 disposed at the cleaning port and introduce clean water or detergent into the drain pipe connector 13 through the cleaning port to clean and unclog the main drain section 1312. The size of the cleaning port can be designed to be larger than the size of the float 1315 so that the float 1315 can be installed from the cleaning port into the secondary drain section 1314.

[0074] This utility model also provides three different sealing designs for the main drainage section 1312. For ease of distinction, the three designs will be referred to as the first design, the second design, and the third design, respectively. Figure 3 The drain pipe connector 13 corresponding to the first design of this utility model is referenced. Figure 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the lower part of the main drainage section 1312 is funnel-shaped and a main drainage outlet 131A is formed at the lower end; and a float 1316 is provided inside the main drainage section 1312; the float 1316 is configured to block the main drainage outlet 131A under the action of gravity, or float up to open the main drainage outlet 131A after water accumulates inside the main drainage section 1312.

[0075] In this embodiment, the lower cross-section of the funnel-shaped main drainage section 1312 is circular, which can fit tightly against the surface of the spherical float 1316. Therefore, when the air pressure inside and outside the main drainage section 1312 is balanced, the float 1316 can block the main drainage outlet 131A under the action of gravity and prevent the communication between the inside and outside air, thereby preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0076] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the drain pipe connector 13 further includes a drain plug 133. The drain plug 133 is disposed on the main drain portion 1312. The drain plug 133 includes a body portion 1331 and a spring portion 1332. The body portion 1331 is sleeved on the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312; the lower end of the body portion 1331 has an opening, and the height of the opening is lower than that of the main drain outlet 131A. The spring portion 1332 is formed at the lower end of the body portion 1331 and extends inward toward the opening, and its shape corresponds to the opening. There is a connection between the spring portion 1332 and the body portion 1331, and the spring portion 1332 is configured to be elastically bent around the connection.

[0077] The drain plug 133 further improves the sealing effect of the drain pipe joint 13 in the main drain section 1312. In some optional embodiments, the spring piece 1332 blocks the opening at the lower end of the main body 1331 and opens the opening under the force of gravity to allow the water to drain out, thereby sealing the main drain outlet 131A when there is no water to prevent cold leakage inside the storage room and air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12. In other optional embodiments, there is a gap between the spring piece 1332 and the edge of the opening to allow water to pass through. When there is a lot of water in the main drain section 1312, the water can drain out from the gap, while when there is little water in the main drain section 1312, the water will remain in the gap due to its own tension and have a sealing effect to prevent cold leakage inside the storage room and air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector 13 of the refrigeration and freezing device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 5 The drain pipe connector 13 corresponding to the second design of this utility model is referenced. Figure 5As shown, in some optional embodiments, the drain pipe connector 13 further includes a drain plug 133. The drain plug 133 is disposed on the main drain section 1312; the lower end of the drain plug 133 forms a spring piece 1332 for closing the main drain outlet 131A, and is configured to close the main drain outlet 131A under its own stress, or be pushed by the accumulated water in the main drain section 1312 to open the main drain outlet 131A.

[0080] In this embodiment, the spring piece 1332 of the drain plug 133 is pushed against and fits against the main drain outlet 131A by the lower end of the main drain part 1312. Under the push of the main drain part 1312, the drain plug 133 has stress that causes the spring piece 1332 to return to its original position, thereby making the spring piece 1332 fit tightly against the main drain outlet 131A and preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0081] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the drain plug 133 also includes a body portion 1331. The body portion 1331 is fitted onto the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312; the lower end of the body portion 1331 is close to the edge of the main drain outlet 131A. A spring portion 1332 is formed at the lower end of the body portion 1331 and its shape corresponds to the main drain outlet 131A. The drain plug 133 is configured such that the spring portion 1332 is pushed against by the lower end of the main drain portion 1312 to have stress that causes the spring portion 1332 to close the main drain outlet 131A.

[0082] from Figure 3 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the difference between the drain plug 133 in this embodiment and the drain plug 133 in the first design is only that the spring piece 1332 is pushed outward when installed on the main drain part 1312 of the drain pipe connector 13. In fact, the drain plug 133 in the first design and the second design can be the same drain plug 133. That is to say, when faced with the need to produce multiple drain pipe connectors 13 at the same time, the technical solution of this utility model can reduce the mold opening cost by producing one drain plug 133 and using it in two designs of drain pipe connectors 13.

[0083] In this embodiment, the lower edge of the main body 1331 near the main drain outlet 131A refers to the lower edge of the main body 1331 near the main drain outlet 131A, that is, it does not limit the lower periphery of the main body 1331 to the periphery of the main drain outlet 131A.

[0084] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the main drainage section 1312 includes a straight pipe section 13121 and an elbow section 13122. The straight pipe section 13121 extends downward from one end of the main pipe section 1311, and the main body section 1331 is fitted onto the outer wall of the straight pipe section 13121. The elbow section 13122 bends downward from the lower end of the straight pipe section 13121, and the main drainage outlet 131A is formed at the lower end of the elbow section 13122 and faces downward.

[0085] refer to Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 bends downwards, causing the main drainage outlet 131A to face downwards. The lower end of the main body 1331 of the drainage plug 133 is close to the upper edge of the drainage outlet, and a spring piece 1332 extends from this point. The spring piece 1332 is pushed against by the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 and elastically bends around the connection between itself and the main body 1331.

[0086] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the elbow section 13122 of the main drain section 1312 may be designed to be detachably disposed relative to the straight section 13121 to facilitate cleaning of the main drain section 1312.

[0087] In addition, in some alternative embodiments, the funnel-shaped structure at the lower part of the main drainage section 1312 in the first design can also be designed to be detachable relative to other parts of the main drainage section 1312, and the funnel-shaped structure at the lower part of the main drainage section 1312 in the first design can be designed as a replaceable part with the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 in the second design, so as to facilitate modular and universal design and reduce the mold opening cost of the drainage pipe connector 13.

[0088] In the first design, the funnel-shaped structure at the bottom of the main drainage section 1312 relative to other parts of the main drainage section 1312, and in the second design, the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 relative to the straight pipe section 13121, can be designed to be fixed by means of adhesive, snap-fit ​​or magnetic attraction, or can be fixed by means of drainage plug 133 installed on the main drainage section 1312, which is not limited here.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint 13 and the water receiving tray 14 of the refrigeration and freezing device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 6 The drain pipe connector 13 corresponding to the third design of this utility model is referenced. Figure 6As shown, in some optional embodiments, the bottom surface of the water receiving tray 14 of the refrigeration and freezing apparatus 10 is provided with an upward-opening water seal groove 141. A drain pipe connector 13 is disposed above the water receiving tray 14. The drain pipe connector 13 also includes a drain outlet extension 135. The drain outlet extension 135 is disposed on the main drain portion 1312, and its lower end extends into the water seal groove 141; the refrigeration and freezing apparatus 10 is configured such that water in the drain pipe connector 13 is discharged downwards from the main drain outlet 131A into the drain outlet extension 135, and flows into the water seal groove 141 from the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135.

[0091] Figure 6 The dashed line in the middle indicates the area in the water seal trough 141 where water can accumulate. The upward-opening water seal trough 141 can store some water, sealing the lower end of the drain extension 135 extending into the water seal trough 141. At the same time, it prevents the leakage of cold air inside the storage compartment and the air in the compressor compartment 10A from flowing back into the storage compartment through the drain pipe 12, thereby solving the sealing problem of the drain pipe 12 of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10.

[0092] Condensate entering the drain extension 135 from the main drain outlet 131A can flow out of the drain extension 135 from the lower end of the drain outlet 135 and into the water seal trough 141. After the water seal trough 141 is full of water, if more condensate enters the water seal trough 141, the water will overflow from the top of the water seal trough 141 into the water receiving tray 14.

[0093] In this embodiment, the water seal groove 141 can be integrally formed with the water receiving tray 14, or it can be a separate part that can be detached from the water receiving tray 14. Designing the water seal groove 141 as a separate part that can be detached from the water receiving tray 14 facilitates modular and universal design, and reduces the mold opening cost of the water receiving tray 14.

[0094] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, there is a gap between the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135 and the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and there is a gap between the outer sidewall of the drain outlet extension 135 and the inner sidewall of the water seal groove 141.

[0095] In this embodiment, there is a gap between the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135 and the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and there is a gap between the outer side wall of the drain outlet extension 135 and the inner side wall of the water seal groove 141. Therefore, water can flow between the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135 and the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and between the outer side wall of the drain outlet extension 135 and the inner side wall of the water seal groove 141, and overflow from above the water seal groove 141 into the water receiving tray 14 when there is too much water.

[0096] In some alternative embodiments, the lower end of the drain extension 135 may also extend to connect with the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and the lower end sidewall of the drain extension 135 has a through hole so that accumulated water can flow into the water seal groove 141 through the through hole.

[0097] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the water receiving tray 14 extends upward from the upper end of the water seal groove 141 to form a fixed wall 142, at least a portion of which abuts against the drain outlet extension 135. The fixed wall 142 extends upward from a portion of the upper end of the water seal groove 141 and clamps and fixes the drain outlet extension 135. Water accumulated in the water seal groove 141 can overflow from the portion of the water seal groove 141 that does not extend upward to form the fixed wall 142.

[0098] The design of the drain extension 135 in this embodiment is also to reduce mold opening costs and facilitate the adjustment of the sealing design type of the main drain section 1312 at a lower cost during the production process of the refrigeration and freezing device 10.

[0099] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the lower end of the main drainage section 1312 is higher than the upper end of the water seal tank 141. Therefore, the main drain outlet 131A located at the lower end of the main drainage section 1312 is higher than the water level in the water seal tank 141. When air enters the water seal tank 141 through the drain pipe 12, it is less likely to generate noise.

[0100] In addition, in some alternative embodiments, the drain plug 133 in the first and second designs and the drain outlet extension 135 in the third design can be integrally molded parts made of rubber.

[0101] In the third design, to allow the drain extension 135 to be detachably fixed to the main drain portion 1312, in some optional embodiments, positioning protrusions are formed on the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312 or the inner wall of the drain extension 135, and the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312 and the inner wall of the drain extension 135 are adapted to each other so that the drain extension 135 is fixed to the connector body 131. For example, refer to... Figure 6 As shown, a positioning protrusion is formed on the inner sidewall of the drain extension 135 and protrudes towards the main drain portion 1312 of the connector body 131, while a correspondingly shaped recess is formed on the main drain portion 1312 of the connector body 131. In the first and second designs, in order to detachably fix the drain plug 133 to the main drain portion 1312, in some optional embodiments, a positioning protrusion is formed on the outer sidewall of the main drain portion 1312 or the inner sidewall of the main body portion 1331, and the outer sidewall of the main drain portion 1312 is shaped to match the inner sidewall of the main body portion 1331, so that the drain plug 133 is fixed to the connector body 131.

[0102] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A drain pipe connector, characterized in that... include: A connector body; the connector body has a main pipe section and a main drainage section extending downward from one end of the main pipe section; a main drainage outlet is formed at the lower end of the main drainage section; and A drain plug is disposed on the main drain section; the lower end of the drain plug forms a spring piece for closing the main drain outlet, and is configured to cause the spring piece to adhere and close the main drain outlet under its own stress, or to be pushed by the accumulated water in the main drain section to open the main drain outlet.

2. The drain pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that... The drain plug also includes: The main body is fitted onto the outer wall of the main drainage section; the lower end of the main body is close to the edge of the main drainage outlet. The spring clip is formed at the lower end of the main body and its shape corresponds to the main drain outlet; The drain plug is configured such that the spring portion is pushed against the lower end of the main drain portion, so as to have stress that causes the spring portion to close the main drain outlet.

3. The drain pipe joint according to claim 2, characterized in that... The main drainage section includes: A straight pipe section, the straight pipe section extending downward from one end of the main pipe, the main body being fitted onto the outer wall of the straight pipe section; and The elbow section bends downward from the lower end of the straight pipe section, and the main drain outlet is formed at the lower end of the elbow section and faces downward.

4. The drain pipe joint according to claim 3, characterized in that... The angle between the straight pipe section and the main pipe is greater than 90°.

5. The drain pipe joint according to claim 3, characterized in that... A positioning protrusion is formed on the outer wall of the straight pipe section or the inner wall of the main body, and the outer wall of the straight pipe section is adapted to the shape of the inner wall of the main body so that the drain plug is fixed on the connector body.

6. The drain pipe joint according to claim 3, characterized in that... The elbow section is detachably installed relative to the straight pipe section.

7. The drain pipe joint according to claim 2, characterized in that... The drain plug is a one-piece molded part made of rubber.

8. The drain pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that... A branch opening is provided on the side of the main unit; The connector body also has a branch pipe section disposed at the branch opening, and a secondary drainage section communicating with the main pipe section through the branch pipe section; a secondary drainage outlet is formed at the lower end of the secondary drainage section.

9. The drain pipe joint according to claim 8, characterized in that... The lower end of the branch opening is higher than the bottom surface of the main pipe at the corresponding position.

10. The drain pipe joint according to claim 8, characterized in that... The lower part of the secondary drainage section is funnel-shaped, and a float is provided inside the secondary drainage section; the float is configured to block the secondary drainage outlet under the action of gravity, or to float up to open the secondary drainage outlet after water accumulates in the secondary drainage section.

11. The drain pipe joint according to claim 8, characterized in that... A cleaning port is formed at the upper end of the secondary drainage section; The connector body also includes: The cover is detachably mounted on the cleaning port.

12. A refrigeration and freezing apparatus, characterized in that... include: The housing defines a storage compartment, a cooling compartment with an evaporator, and a compressor compartment with a compressor and / or condenser. A water receiving tray is installed inside the compressor chamber; A drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the storage room and / or the cooling room, and the other end extends above the water tray to guide the accumulated water in the storage room and / or the cooling room into the water tray; A drain pipe connector is disposed at one end of the drain pipe located above the water receiving tray; the drain pipe connector is a drain pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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