Refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration, in particular to refrigeration equipment. According to the refrigeration equipment, the heater is inserted between the two adjacent layers of fins of the evaporator, heat is directly transferred to the evaporator, and the defrosting efficiency can be improved; and the heater is inserted into the evaporator, so that the installation occupied space of the heater and the evaporator can be reduced, and a space is provided for the large-volume-ratio design of the refrigeration equipment. The heater is used for exhausting gas in the mounting cavity through the exhaust hole formed in the shell; and after the gas is exhausted, the plugging piece is in threaded connection with the exhaust hole to plug the exhaust hole, so that the air pressure of the sealed mounting cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the shell bears atmospheric pressure from outside to inside, expansion force from inside to outside during heating can be counteracted, the shell can make contact with the heating core more tightly, heat dissipation is facilitated, and therefore the service life of the heater is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] During refrigerator use, the food stored in the storage compartment and the air contain moisture, causing frost to form when the air passes through the evaporator. When the frost reaches a certain thickness, it affects the smooth flow of air through the evaporator, thus impacting cooling efficiency. Therefore, refrigerators need to be defrosted regularly.

[0003] In related technologies, a heater is usually installed below the evaporator to melt frost using the heat generated by the heater. However, the heater is repeatedly subjected to expansion and contraction forces during defrosting and evaporator cooling processes, making it prone to damage. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a refrigeration device to extend the service life of a heater used for defrosting an evaporator.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a refrigeration device, which includes:

[0006] The housing is constructed to form a storage chamber and an evaporation chamber. An evaporator is installed in the evaporation chamber to reduce the air temperature in the evaporation chamber. An air duct is provided between the evaporation chamber and the storage chamber to allow cold air from the evaporation chamber to flow into the storage chamber.

[0007] A heater for defrosting the evaporator, the heater being inserted between two adjacent fins of the evaporator; the heater comprising:

[0008] The outer casing contacts the fins of the evaporator, and the two ends of the outer casing are open; the outer casing is provided with exhaust holes;

[0009] A heating element is installed inside the outer casing, and the heating element generates heat when energized.

[0010] The sealing component is threadedly connected to the vent hole;

[0011] The outer casing has a first seal and a second seal at its two ports, and the outer casing, the first seal, and the second seal together form an installation cavity, the air pressure in the installation cavity being lower than the standard atmospheric pressure.

[0012] Therefore, in the refrigeration equipment of this application embodiment, the heater is inserted between two adjacent fins of the evaporator, allowing the heater to directly contact the evaporator and directly transfer heat to it for defrosting at zero distance. This not only improves defrosting efficiency but also results in low heat loss, low energy consumption, and minimal room temperature rise. Furthermore, inserting the heater into the interior of the evaporator reduces the space occupied by the heater and evaporator, providing space for a large-capacity design of the refrigeration equipment.

[0013] The heater, equipped with a heating element, generates heat upon energization for defrosting; the heating element is mounted within a housing. A first and second sealing element seals both ends of the housing, creating a closed mounting cavity. An vent hole on the housing allows gas from the mounting cavity to escape; after gas is released, a sealing element threadedly connects to the vent hole to seal it, ensuring the pressure within the sealed mounting cavity is below standard atmospheric pressure. This allows the housing to withstand inward atmospheric pressure, counteracting the outward expansion force during heating and ensuring a tighter contact between the housing and the heating element, thus improving heat dissipation and extending the heater's lifespan.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the power supply cable connected to the heating core passes through one of the first seal and the second seal;

[0015] The vent is located at the end of the housing opposite to the power supply cable.

[0016] In this way, the vent and power supply cable are respectively arranged at both ends of the casing, which not only provides ample space but also avoids interference between the sealing components and the power supply cable, thus preventing any impact on the reliability of the heating core.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the heating core includes a PTC heating element and an insulating layer disposed on the outside of the PTC heating element, and the PTC heating element is electrically connected to the power supply cable;

[0018] The insulating layer forms a sealing edge at one end away from the power supply cable, and the sealing edge is spaced from the outer casing along the axial direction of the vent hole.

[0019] This design provides space for the sealing element to extend into the housing, eliminating the need for additional installation locations for the sealing element and improving the structural compactness of the heater.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing member includes a head and a connecting portion connected together, the connecting portion being threadedly connected to the vent hole; a gasket is provided between the head and the outer surface of the housing.

[0021] This design helps improve the reliability and stability of the threaded connection between the sealing component and the vent hole, and reduces the possibility of the sealing component coming out of the vent hole due to vibration or other factors.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the gasket includes an integrally formed inner ring portion and an outer ring portion, the height of the inner ring portion being greater than the height of the outer ring portion, and the inner ring portion being elastically sealed between the head and the outer surface of the housing.

[0023] The gasket in this embodiment ensures the seal between the sealing component and the outer shell by providing an inner ring portion, while the outer ring portion provides support for the inner ring portion, reducing the possibility of excessive compression or deformation of the inner ring portion and helping to ensure the stability of the gasket's length seal.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing element, the outer ring, and the outer shell are all metal parts made of the same material.

[0025] With this configuration, the sealing component, outer ring, and outer shell are made of the same material, reducing the differences in deformation due to thermal expansion and contraction and ensuring the reliability of connection and sealing.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the vent hole is a threaded hole; the sealing element is a bolt.

[0027] Thus, the sealing component has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the housing is provided with a boss, and the vent is a through hole that penetrates the wall thickness of the housing and the boss.

[0029] This design extends the length of the vent hole, thereby increasing the threaded connection length between the vent hole and the sealing component, which helps improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the sealing component and the vent hole.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the heater extends along the length of the evaporator;

[0031] The evaporator includes two end plates, which are located on both sides of the evaporator along its length, and the fins of the evaporator are located between the two end plates.

[0032] The two ends of the outer shell extend to the side of the two end plates opposite to the fins.

[0033] This design ensures that the first and second seals do not contact the end plate, thus preventing wear or scratches caused by contact between the first and second seals and the edge of the mounting port.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, a portion of the refrigeration tube of the evaporator is located outside the two end plates;

[0035] Along the length of the evaporator, the first seal and the second seal do not protrude from the end of the refrigeration pipe.

[0036] With this configuration, the first and second seals are located within the maximum projected shape of the evaporator. This not only makes the structure of the heater and evaporator more compact, but also reduces the risk of the first and second seals protruding from the outside of the evaporator and being easily impacted, thus affecting the sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the implementation methods in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator and heater provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 Front view of the evaporator and heater provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 A top view of an evaporator and heater provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 Left view of an evaporator and heater provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams of the heater provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 Exploded views of heaters provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged schematic diagram of region P in the middle;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first seal provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 Top view of a heater provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 11 for Figure 10 AA section view in the middle;

[0049] Figure 12 for Figure 11 An enlarged schematic diagram of the Q region.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 100: Box body; 101: Storage room;

[0052] 200: Door body;

[0053] 300: Evaporator; 310: Refrigerant pipe; 320: Fins; 330: End plate; 331: Mounting port;

[0054] 400: Heater; 410: Housing; 411: Vent; 420: First seal; 421: Wire hole; 430: Second seal; 440: Heating core; 441: PTC heating element; 442: Insulation layer; 4421: Sealing edge; 443: Positive electrode; 4431: Electrode body; 4432: Connecting terminal; 4433: Cylindrical structure; 444: Negative electrode; 445: Positive cable; 446: Negative cable; 447: Insulating sleeve; 450: Sealing element; 451: Head; 452: Connecting part; 460: Gasket; 461: Inner ring; 462: Outer ring. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, implementation methods and advantages of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0056] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclusively include, for example, a product or device that includes a series of components is not necessarily limited to those that are explicitly listed, but may include other components that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0058] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., 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 application 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 application.

[0059] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 This application provides a refrigeration device, which may be a refrigerator, freezer, or freezer cabinet. The refrigeration device may include a cabinet 100, which is configured to form a storage compartment 101 with an access opening for storing items.

[0063] Multiple storage compartments 101 can be provided to expand storage space. Depending on the storage temperature of the storage compartments 101, they can include at least one refrigerated compartment and at least one frozen compartment. The internal temperature of the refrigerated compartment can be maintained between approximately 0°C and 5°C for storing items in refrigeration mode; the internal temperature of the frozen compartment can be maintained between approximately -30°C and 0°C for storing items in freezing mode.

[0064] In some possible implementations, at least one of the storage chambers 101 may also be configured as a vacuum chamber or a variable temperature chamber, etc., which will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] For example, two storage compartments 101 can be provided, which can be stacked vertically or arranged side by side horizontally. One of them can be a refrigerator compartment and the other can be a freezer compartment.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The refrigeration device in this embodiment may further include a door 200, which is rotatably connected to the housing 100 to open or close the loading / unloading port. For example, the door 200 is hinged to the housing 100.

[0067] Each storage room 101 may be provided with one door 200; or, each storage room 101 may be provided with two doors 200, which may rotate in opposite directions to open or close the storage room 101.

[0068] Of course, in some possible implementations, the storage compartment 101 is equipped with drawers, and the outer end of the drawers forms a door 200.

[0069] The refrigeration device in this embodiment may further include a refrigeration system for reducing the air temperature in the storage compartment 101. Exemplarily, the refrigeration system may be housed within the enclosure 100. The refrigeration system may include a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator connected in a cycle.

[0070] During refrigeration system operation, the compressor compresses refrigerant vapor to generate high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, which is then transported to the condenser. The condenser liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, generating high-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid, which is then transported to the expansion valve. The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, transforming the high-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid into a low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid, which is then transported to the evaporator. The evaporator receives the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid and boils it under isobaric conditions, absorbing heat and vaporizing to form refrigerant vapor, thereby lowering the temperature inside storage compartment 101.

[0071] In this embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to form an evaporation chamber. An evaporator is installed inside the evaporation chamber to reduce the air temperature inside the evaporation chamber; an air duct is provided between the evaporation chamber and the storage chamber 101 to allow cold air from the evaporation chamber to flow into the storage chamber 101.

[0072] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment may further include an air duct assembly installed on the rear side of the storage compartment 101, which together with the storage compartment 101 forms an air duct.

[0073] A fan can be installed inside the air duct, which drives the cold air in the evaporation chamber to enter the storage room 101 through the air duct. A return air vent is also provided between the storage room 101 and the evaporation chamber so that the air in the storage room 101 can flow back to the evaporation chamber through the return air vent.

[0074] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, the refrigeration device may further include a heater 400 for defrosting the evaporator 300. The heater 400 is installed inside the evaporation chamber and is in contact with the evaporator 300.

[0075] The heater 400 can be installed on the evaporator 300 to prevent the heater 400 from contacting the wall of the evaporation chamber and overheating.

[0076] The evaporator 300 may include a refrigerant pipe 310 and multiple fins 320. The refrigerant pipe 310 is used for refrigerant circulation, and the fins 320 are provided with through holes for the refrigerant pipe 310 to pass through, so that the fins 320 can be sleeved on the outside of the refrigerant pipe 310 to increase the heat exchange area between the refrigerant pipe 310 and the air.

[0077] The refrigeration pipe 310 may include straight pipe sections and U-shaped pipe sections, with the two ends of the U-shaped pipe sections connected to the straight pipe sections, making the refrigeration pipe 310 approximately S-shaped. Figure 2 In the middle, the straight section of the refrigeration pipe 310 extends along the X-axis direction.

[0078] Multiple fins 320 can be arranged at intervals along the length of the refrigerant pipe 310, so that the projection of the evaporator 300 on the bottom surface of the casing 100 is approximately rectangular. The length of the refrigerant pipe 310 extends in the same direction as the straight pipe section, corresponding to... Figure 2 The X-axis direction in the diagram.

[0079] The evaporator 300 may also include an end plate 330, which may be arranged parallel to the fins 320. The end plate 330 may have through holes for the refrigerant pipes 310 to pass through, allowing the fins 320 to be fitted over the refrigerant pipes 310, thus providing support for both the refrigerant pipes 310 and the fins 320. The end cap may also be connected to other structures of the refrigeration equipment to facilitate the installation of the evaporator 300.

[0080] Two end plates 330 may be provided, located at both ends of the length extension direction of the refrigerant tube 310, with all fins 320 located between the two end plates 330. A portion of the refrigerant tube 310 is located on the outside of the two end plates 330, that is, a portion of the refrigerant tube 310 is located on the side of the end plate 330 away from the fins 320. For example, the U-shaped section of the refrigerant tube 310 is located on the outside of the two end plates 330.

[0081] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 Each of the two end plates 330 has a mounting port 331, through which the two ends of the heater 400 pass and are mounted on the end plate 330. This arrangement allows the heater 400 to be inserted into the evaporator 300 and directly contact the fins 320, facilitating direct heat transfer to the fins 320 and thus improving defrosting efficiency.

[0082] In some embodiments, the heater 400 extends along the length of the cooling pipe 310, in Figure 3 In the middle, the heater 400 extends along the X-axis, which gives the heater 400 more contact points with the evaporator 300, which helps to improve defrosting efficiency.

[0083] Combination Figures 2 to 4 The straight section of the refrigerant pipe 310 runs along the length of the evaporator 300 (corresponding to...). Figure 2 Extending along the X-axis direction, and multiple straight sections of the refrigerant pipe 310 can extend along the height direction of the evaporator 300 (corresponding to...). Figure 2 Arranged at intervals along the Z-axis. Of course, along the thickness direction of the evaporator 300 (corresponding to...) Figure 2 Multiple straight pipe sections can be arranged along the Y-axis to form a layer of straight pipe sections. Multiple fins 320 are fitted onto the outside of the same layer of straight pipe sections to form a layer of fins 320. For example, Figure 2 The evaporator 300 shown has six layers of fins 320.

[0084] In some embodiments of this application, the heater 400 is inserted between two adjacent layers of fins 320 of the evaporator 300, so that there is no need to provide an obstacle or mounting structure for the heater 400 on the fins 320, which helps to simplify the installation of the heater 400.

[0085] In some possible implementations of this application, the heater 400 is located between the bottommost fin 320 and the layer of fins 320 above it, so that the heater 400 is located in a relatively lower position of the evaporator 300, which helps to transfer heat upward and facilitates defrosting.

[0086] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments of this application, ignoring the cable of the heater 400, the heater 400 does not protrude beyond the ends of the evaporator 300 along its length. The two ends of the heater 400 along the length of the evaporator 300 are the left and right ends, respectively. The left end of the heater 400 does not protrude beyond the left side of the evaporator 300, and the right end of the heater 400 does not protrude beyond the right side of the evaporator 300. The left end of the heater 400 does not protrude beyond the left end of the refrigerant pipe 310, and the right end of the heater 400 does not protrude beyond the right end of the refrigerant pipe 310.

[0087] The specific structure and function of the heater 400 in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The heater 400 includes a housing 410 that contacts the fins 320 of the evaporator 300 to transfer heat to the fins 320 of the evaporator 300 for defrosting. The housing 410 may extend along the length X of the evaporator 300.

[0089] The outer casing 410 can be a metal casing, which not only has good heat transfer performance but also provides protection and mechanical strength for the internal heating core 440. Of course, the outer casing 410 can also be a plastic casing, provided that it has sufficient heat resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0090] The outer casing 410 has openings at both ends, thus forming a tubular structure with openings at both ends, which facilitates the installation of the heating core 440.

[0091] The two ports of the housing 410 are respectively provided with a first seal 420 and a second seal 430, and the housing 410, the first seal 420 and the second seal 430 together form an installation cavity.

[0092] Combined again Figure 3 and Figure 4 The two ends of the outer shell 410 extend to the side of the two end plates 330 away from the fins 320, so that the two ends of the outer shell 410 mate with the mounting port 331, so that the heater 400 is mounted on the mounting port 331 on the end plate 330.

[0093] This arrangement ensures that the first seal 420 and the second seal 430 do not contact the end plate 330, thus preventing the first seal 420 and the second seal 430 from contacting the edge of the mounting port 331 and causing wear or scratches.

[0094] In some embodiments, along the length of the evaporator 300, the first seal 420 and the second seal 430 do not protrude from the end of the refrigerant pipe 310.

[0095] With this configuration, the first seal 420 and the second seal 430 are located within the maximum projected shape of the evaporator 300. This not only makes the structure of the heater 400 and the evaporator 300 more compact, but also reduces the risk of the first seal 420 and the second seal 430 protruding from the outside of the evaporator 300 and being easily impacted, thus affecting the sealing performance.

[0096] The heater 400 may also include a heating element 440, which is installed within the housing 410. The heating element 440 is energized to generate heat for defrosting the evaporator 300.

[0097] The heating element 440 is connected to a power supply cable, which supplies power to the heating element 440. The heating element 440 is located inside the mounting cavity, with a portion of the power supply cable extending to the outside of the mounting cavity.

[0098] The heating core 440 is in contact with the outer shell 410, which provides a large contact area between the outer shell 410 and the heating core 440, thus improving the performance of the heating core 440 in transferring heat outward through the outer shell 410.

[0099] The heating core 440 may include a PTC heating element and an insulating layer 442 disposed outside the PTC heating element. The PTC heating element 441 may be made of ceramic materials such as barium titanate. The material of the PTC heating element 441 exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect within a specific temperature range. When the temperature reaches a certain set value, the resistance of the PTC heating element 441 increases rapidly, thereby reducing the current passing through it and reducing heat generation. In this way, the heater 400 can automatically reduce power input after reaching the set temperature, avoiding overheating and contributing to safety and energy efficiency.

[0100] The heating element 440 may also include a positive electrode 443 and a negative electrode 444, which are located on opposite sides of the PTC heating element 441 and are used to conduct electricity so that current can effectively pass through the PTC heating element 441.

[0101] In this embodiment, the positive electrode 443 and the negative electrode 444 are in the form of sheets, located on opposite sides of the PTC heating element 441. The positive electrode 443 is connected to the positive cable 445, and the negative electrode 444 is connected to the negative cable 446, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the power supply cable and the PTC heating element 441 to supply power to the PTC heating element 441. The positive cable 445 and the negative cable 446 form the power supply cable.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Taking the electrical connection of the positive electrode 443 as an example, the electrical connection structure between the electrode and the power supply cable is described. The positive electrode 443 includes an electrode body 4431 and a connecting terminal 4432. The electrode body 4431 is in contact with the PTC heating element 441. The connecting terminal 4432 protrudes from the end of the electrode body 4431, and the end of the connecting terminal 4432 facing away from the electrode body 4431 is curled to form a cylindrical structure 4433. The positive electrode cable 445 is inserted into the cylindrical structure 4433 to realize the electrical connection between the positive electrode cable 445 and the positive electrode 443. The connection method is simple and the structure is compact.

[0103] The heating core 440 may also have two insulating sleeves 447. The two insulating sleeves 447 are respectively fitted on the outside of the connection terminal 4432 of the positive electrode 443 and the connection of the cable. This can not only insulate the connection terminal 4432 from the outer shell 410, but also protect the connection.

[0104] An insulating layer 442 is applied to the PTC heating element 441, the positive electrode 443, and the negative electrode 444 to ensure that the electrodes are insulated from the outer casing 410 and do not conduct electricity.

[0105] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The housing 410 is provided with an exhaust hole 411, which communicates with the mounting cavity and is used to exhaust air from the mounting cavity. For example, the exhaust hole 411 can be a through hole that penetrates the wall thickness of the housing 410.

[0106] The heater 400 in this embodiment may further include a sealing member 450, which is threadedly connected to the vent 411 to seal the vent 411.

[0107] In this embodiment, the air pressure inside the mounting cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure. This can be understood as the sealing member 450 sealing the exhaust port 411 after some air is expelled from the mounting cavity, thus ensuring that the air pressure inside the mounting cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure.

[0108] There are multiple ways to discharge air through the exhaust port 411.

[0109] For example, the heating element 440 generates heat when energized, causing the air inside the mounting cavity to expand and be discharged to the outside of the housing 410 assembly through the exhaust structure. The sealing element 450 is then threaded onto the exhaust port 411. After the heating element 440 is de-energized, its temperature drops, creating a low-pressure state inside the housing 410. Thus, the exhaust operation of the heater 400 is simple and convenient, eliminating the need for additional suction equipment.

[0110] For example, the heater 400 without the sealing element 450 is placed in a low-pressure environment below standard atmospheric pressure, so that the air in the mounting cavity is discharged through the vent 411, and then the sealing element 450 is threaded onto the vent 411.

[0111] The air pressure in a low-pressure environment can be between 0.56 bar and 0.8 bar.

[0112] When the air pressure in a low-pressure environment is less than 0.56 bar, the air pressure inside the mounting cavity is low. When the evaporator 300 is cooling, the gas inside the mounting cavity is cooled and contracts, which causes the pressure on the outer casing 410 from the outside to the inside to increase further, which can easily exceed the time limit force of the outer casing 410 and cause it to be easily damaged.

[0113] When the air pressure in a low-pressure environment is greater than 0.8 bar, the air pressure inside the mounting cavity is relatively high. When the heating core 440 is defrosting, the gas inside the mounting cavity expands due to heat, and the air pressure inside the mounting cavity exceeds the standard atmospheric pressure by a large margin. This causes the outer shell 410 to be subjected to a large pressure from the inside out, resulting in the outer shell 410 still being subjected to a large expansion force and contraction force, which affects the structural strength and stability of the outer shell 410.

[0114] In some embodiments of this application, the air pressure range of the low-pressure environment is 0.56 bar to 0.8 bar. This can both create a low-pressure state inside the mounting cavity to counteract the expansion force and prevent excessively low air pressure inside the mounting cavity from causing excessive contraction force, which would affect the structural strength and stability of the outer shell 410.

[0115] This can be understood as the air pressure range within the installation cavity being 0.56 bar to 0.8 bar in the initial state.

[0116] The air pressure inside the mounting cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure, i.e., it is in a low-pressure state. Thus, under the influence of external atmospheric pressure, the outer casing 410, the first seal 420, and the second seal 430 bear pressure from the outside in. When the heater 400 heats, the pressure from the external atmospheric pressure on the outer casing 410, the first seal 420, and the second seal 430 can counteract the expansion force, reducing the expansion force acting on them. When the evaporator 300 cools, the outer casing 410, the first seal 420, and the second seal 430 bear the pressure from the external atmospheric pressure and the compression force from the cold, making the outer casing 410 fit more tightly against the heating core 440, facilitating heat dissipation from the heating core 440 through the outer casing 410.

[0117] Furthermore, the heating core 440 is located in a closed mounting cavity, which can improve the waterproof performance of the heater 400 and enhance the safety and reliability of the heater 400 when used for defrosting the evaporator 300.

[0118] The sealing component 450 of this application embodiment is threadedly connected to the vent hole 411, and the connection method is simple and stable.

[0119] Therefore, in the refrigeration equipment of this application embodiment, the heater 400 is inserted between two adjacent layers of fins 320 of the evaporator 300, so that the heater 400 is in direct contact with the evaporator 300, directly transferring heat to the evaporator 300 for zero-distance defrosting. This not only improves defrosting efficiency but also results in low heat loss, low energy consumption, and small room temperature rise. Furthermore, inserting the heater 400 inside the evaporator 300 reduces the installation space occupied by the heater 400 and the evaporator 300, providing space for a large-capacity design of the refrigeration equipment.

[0120] The heater 400 generates heat through an energized heating core 440 for defrosting; the heating core 440 is mounted on a housing 410. A first seal 420 and a second seal 430 seal both ends of the housing 410, forming a closed mounting cavity within the housing 410. An exhaust port 411 is provided on the housing 410 to release gas from the mounting cavity; after gas release, a sealing member 450 is threadedly connected to the exhaust port 411 to seal it, ensuring that the air pressure in the sealed mounting cavity is lower than standard atmospheric pressure. This allows the housing 410 to withstand inward atmospheric pressure, which not only counteracts the outward expansion force during heating but also ensures a tighter contact between the housing 410 and the heating core 440, aiding in heat dissipation and extending the service life of the heater 400.

[0121] In the initial state, the air pressure inside the installation cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure. This initial state can be understood as the state before the refrigeration equipment starts operating after the heater 400 is assembled.

[0122] In some embodiments of this application, when the heating core 440 is heating, the air pressure inside the mounting cavity may be equal to or slightly higher than the standard atmospheric pressure. At this time, the difference between the air pressure in the mounting cavity in the initial state and the standard atmospheric pressure is small, the mounting cavity is subjected to a small expansion force during heating and defrosting, and the outer shell 410 assembly is subjected to a small contraction force from the outside to the inside during evaporator 300 cooling.

[0123] In other embodiments of this application, the air pressure inside the mounting cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure when the heating core 440 is heating. This can be understood as the air pressure inside the mounting cavity always being lower than the standard atmospheric pressure in the initial state, when the evaporator 300 is cooling, and when defrosting, so that the housing 410 assembly is always subjected to pressure from the outside in, without having to bear alternating expansion and contraction forces, which helps to improve the service life of the housing 410 assembly.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, the first seal 420 seals one port of the housing 410. Exemplarily, the first seal 420 and the housing 410 are connected by a vulcanization process to ensure the sealing and reliability of the connection between the first seal 420 and the housing 410.

[0125] For example, the first seal 420 is cap-shaped and is fitted onto the outside of one end of the housing 410. In this way, the first seal 420 seals both the side and end face of one end of the housing 410, which helps to ensure the sealing effect.

[0126] The second seal 430 seals another port of the housing 410. Exemplarily, the second seal 430 is connected to the housing 410 by a vulcanization process, ensuring the sealing and reliability of the connection between the second seal 430 and the housing 410.

[0127] For example, one end of the second seal 430 forms an annular gap, such that the other end of the housing 410 is inserted into the annular gap. A portion of the second seal 430 is inserted into the housing 410, and a portion of the second seal 430 is fitted over the outer side of the end of the housing 410. In this way, a double-layer seal is formed between the second seal 430 and the housing 410, which helps to improve the sealing performance.

[0128] The housing 410 assembly in this embodiment provides protection and mechanical strength to the heating core 440, and the openings at both ends of the housing 410 simplify the installation of the heating core 440. By providing a first seal 420 and a second seal 430 at both ends of the housing 410, the sealing performance of the mounting cavity is improved, enhancing the waterproof and moisture-proof performance of the heater 400, and improving the safety and reliability of the heater 400 when used for defrosting the evaporator 300.

[0129] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8 Connection terminals 4432 are formed at the ends of the positive electrode 443 and the negative electrode 444, and an insulating sleeve 447 is provided on the outside of the connection point between the connection terminal 4432 and the power supply cable, which limits the space at the end of the housing 410 where the power supply cable is located. If a sealing member 450 is also provided, interference between the sealing member 450 and the power supply cable may occur, affecting the reliability of the heating core 440. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supply cable and the vent 411 are located at the two ends of the housing 410, respectively.

[0130] In some possible implementations of this application, the power supply cable connected to the heating core 440 passes through one of the first seal 420 and the second seal 430.

[0131] For example, refer to Figure 9 The first sealing element 420 is provided with two wire holes 421, through which the positive cable 445 and the negative cable 446 pass out respectively.

[0132] The vent 411 is located at the end of the housing 410 away from the power supply cable. This can be understood as the vent 411 being located at the end of the housing 410 near the second seal 430.

[0133] In this way, the exhaust port 411 and the power supply cable are respectively arranged at both ends of the housing 410, which not only provides sufficient space for arrangement, but also avoids the interference between the sealing component 450 and the power supply cable, thus affecting the reliability of the heating core 440.

[0134] Reference Figures 10 to 12The sealing member 450 extends into the housing 410. This arrangement allows the sealing member 450 to have a longer unscrewing distance when it comes out of the vent 411, which helps to reduce the possibility of the sealing member 450 coming out of the vent 411.

[0135] Reference Figure 7 as well as Figures 10 to 12 The insulating layer 442 forms a sealing portion 4421 at the end opposite to the power supply cable. The area of ​​the insulating layer 442 opposite to the PTC heating element contacts the housing 410. There is a gap between the sealing portion 4421 and the housing 410. In this embodiment, the sealing portion 4421 and the housing 410 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the vent hole 411. This arrangement provides space for the sealing member 450 to extend into the housing 410, eliminating the need for an additional mounting position for the sealing member 450, thus improving the structural compactness of the heater 400.

[0136] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The sealing member 450 includes a head 451 and a connecting portion 452 connected together, the connecting portion 452 being threadedly connected to the vent 411; the head 451 abuts against the outer surface of the housing 410, and the diameter of the head 451 is larger than the diameter of the connecting portion 452. In some embodiments, a gasket 460 is provided between the head 451 and the outer surface of the housing 410.

[0137] This design helps improve the reliability and stability of the threaded connection between the plug 450 and the vent 411, and reduces the possibility that the plug 450 may come out of the vent 411 due to vibration or other factors.

[0138] In some implementations of this application, the vent 411 is a threaded hole; the sealing element 450 is a bolt. This configuration makes the sealing element 450 a standard part, which helps to reduce costs.

[0139] The vent hole 411 can be a smooth hole, and a bolt can be used to achieve a threaded connection by self-tapping the vent hole 411. Alternatively, the vent hole 411 can be a threaded hole, which can be threadedly connected to the bolt, making the connection method simple.

[0140] In some embodiments, the gasket 460 includes an integrally formed inner ring portion 461 and an outer ring portion 462, the height of the inner ring portion 461 being greater than the height of the outer ring portion 462, and the inner ring portion 461 being elastically sealed between the head 451 and the outer surface of the housing 410.

[0141] For example, the outer ring portion 462 may be a metal part, and the inner ring portion 461 may be an elastic rubber ring, silicone ring, or other elastic rubber ring.

[0142] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the gasket 460 ensures the sealing between the sealing member 450 and the outer shell 410 by providing an inner ring portion 461, and the outer ring portion 462 provides support for the inner ring portion 461, reducing the possibility of excessive compression or deformation of the inner ring portion, which helps to ensure the stability of the sealing performance of the gasket 460.

[0143] In some embodiments, the sealing member 450, the outer ring portion 462, and the outer shell 410 are all metal parts made of the same material.

[0144] With this configuration, the sealing component 450, the outer ring 462, and the outer shell 410 are made of the same material, which reduces the difference in deformation due to thermal expansion and contraction among the three components and ensures the reliability of connection and sealing.

[0145] In some possible implementations of this application, at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the housing 410 is provided with a boss, and the vent 411 is a through hole that penetrates the wall thickness of the housing 410 and the boss.

[0146] This design extends the length of the vent hole 411, thereby increasing the threaded connection length between the vent hole 411 and the sealing member 450, which helps to improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the sealing member 450 and the vent hole 411.

[0147] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0148] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) is constructed to form a storage chamber (101) and an evaporation chamber. An evaporator (300) is provided in the evaporation chamber. The evaporator (300) is used to reduce the air temperature in the evaporation chamber. An air duct is provided between the evaporation chamber and the storage chamber (101) to allow cold air in the evaporation chamber to flow into the storage chamber (101). A heater (400) for defrosting the evaporator (300), the heater (400) being inserted between two adjacent layers of fins (320) of the evaporator (300); the heater (400) comprising: The outer casing (410) contacts the fins (320) of the evaporator (300), and the two ends of the outer casing (410) are open; the outer casing (410) is provided with an exhaust port (411); A heating element (440) is installed inside the outer casing (410), and the heating element (440) generates heat when energized; A sealing element (450) is threadedly connected to the vent (411); The outer shell (410) has a first sealing element (420) and a second sealing element (430) at its two ports respectively. The outer shell (410), the first sealing element (420) and the second sealing element (430) together form an installation cavity, and the air pressure in the installation cavity is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure.

2. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply cable connected to the heating element (440) passes through one of the first seal (420) and the second seal (430); The vent (411) is located at one end of the housing (410) away from the power supply cable.

3. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating core (440) includes a PTC heating element (441) and an insulating layer (442) disposed on the outside of the PTC heating element (441). The PTC heating element (441) is electrically connected to the power supply cable. The insulating layer (442) forms a sealing portion (4421) at one end away from the power supply cable, and the sealing portion (4421) is spaced from the outer casing (410) along the axial direction of the vent hole (411).

4. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing component (450) includes a head (431) and a connecting part (432) connected together, the connecting part (432) being threadedly connected to the vent (411); a gasket (460) is provided between the head (431) and the outer surface of the housing (410).

5. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gasket (460) includes an integrally formed inner ring portion (461) and an outer ring portion (462), the height of the inner ring portion (461) being greater than the height of the outer ring portion (462), and the inner ring portion (461) being elastically sealed between the head (431) and the outer surface of the outer shell (410).

6. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing element (450), the outer ring (462), and the outer shell (410) are all metal parts made of the same material.

7. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vent (411) is a threaded hole; the sealing element (450) is a bolt.

8. The refrigeration equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, A boss is provided on at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer casing (410), and the vent (411) is a through hole that penetrates the wall thickness of the outer casing (410) and the boss.

9. The refrigeration equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The heater (400) extends along the length of the evaporator (300); The evaporator (300) includes two end plates (330), which are located on both sides of the length of the evaporator (300), and the fins (320) of the evaporator (300) are located between the two end plates (330). The two ends of the outer shell (410) extend to the side of the two end plates (330) opposite to the fins (320).

10. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, A portion of the refrigeration pipe (310) of the evaporator (300) is located outside the two end plates (330); Along the length of the evaporator (300), the first seal (420) and the second seal (430) do not protrude from the end of the refrigeration pipe (310).

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