Refrigerator drain structure and refrigerator thereof
By setting the center of mass of the rotary switch in the refrigerator drain pipe to be offset from the center of rotation, the flow path is automatically controlled by gravity, which solves the problems of cold air loss and the entry of hot and humid air, and achieves energy saving and anti-frost effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
The refrigerator drain pipe causes cold air to escape and hot, humid air to enter the evaporator and frost up, increasing energy consumption and the risk to defrosting reliability.
Design a drain pipe structure with a rotary switch, where the center of mass is offset from the rotation center. It automatically opens or blocks the flow path using its own gravity to prevent hot and humid air from entering and ensure that condensate flows out smoothly.
It effectively prevents hot and humid air from entering the refrigerator, reduces frost buildup on the evaporator, lowers power consumption, and improves defrosting reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224381896U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a refrigerator drain pipe structure and a refrigerator thereof. Background Technology
[0002] During the heat exchange process, the heat exchange elements in a refrigerator produce condensate. To facilitate the drainage of this condensate, a drain pipe is usually installed below the heat exchange elements. The drain pipe also helps to balance the air pressure inside and outside the refrigerator. When the refrigerator door is closed, the gas inside the refrigerator contracts due to the cold, causing the air pressure to drop below the outside pressure. At this time, outside air flows into the refrigerator through the drain pipe, balancing the air pressure inside and outside the refrigerator and preventing a large pressure difference that could prevent the refrigerator door from opening.
[0003] However, because the density of cold air inside the refrigerator is greater than the density of hot air outside, the cold air inside will escape to the outside of the refrigerator along the drain pipe, resulting in the loss of cold air and increasing power consumption. When the refrigerator is not defrosting, that is, when there is no condensation in the drain pipe, the warm and humid air from outside will enter the evaporator space or compartment through the drain pipe, exchange heat with the cold air in the evaporator compartment, and increase the refrigerator's energy consumption. Moreover, the warm and humid air directly entering the evaporator compartment and encountering the cold evaporator is very likely to frost and ice on its surface, increasing the risk of unreliable defrosting and further increasing the energy consumption during defrosting. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a refrigerator drain pipe structure.
[0005] A refrigerator drain pipe structure, applied to a refrigerator, includes: a pipe body having a flow path inside the pipe body; a switch element located within the flow path and rotatably connected to the pipe body via a rotating shaft, the switch element rotating around the rotating shaft and blocking or opening the flow path by rotation; wherein the center of mass of the switch element is located on one side of the axis of the rotating shaft.
[0006] With this configuration, when the switch is open, the condensate can flow downwards through the flow path. When the switch is closed, the hot and humid air from outside cannot enter the refrigerator through the drain pipe, thus preventing frost from forming on the evaporator inside the refrigerator and avoiding the hot and humid air from affecting the internal temperature of the refrigerator and increasing its power consumption.
[0007] In one embodiment, a stop block is provided on the inner wall of the tube, and the switch has a first position for blocking the flow path and a second position for opening the flow path. When the switch is in the first position, the switch abuts against the inner wall of the tube, and when the switch is in the second position, the switch abuts against the stop block.
[0008] In one embodiment, the switching element includes a first partition, a body, and a second partition. The first partition and the second partition are respectively connected to both sides of the body, and the first partition and the second partition are set at an angle. The rotating shaft passes through the body and is rotatably connected to the body.
[0009] When the switch is in the first position, the first partition abuts against the inner wall of the tube. When the switch is in the second position, the second partition abuts against the stop block.
[0010] In one embodiment, when the plane on which the first partition is located is a horizontal plane, the switch is located in the first position;
[0011] Along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition is a, the length of the switching element is b, and the angle between the second partition and the horizontal plane is θ, satisfying: .
[0012] In one embodiment, when the plane containing the first partition is horizontal, the switch is located in a first position; along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition is a, and the length of the switch is b, satisfying: .
[0013] In one embodiment, when the plane containing the first partition is horizontal, the switch is located in a first position; along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition is a, the length of the switch is b, the angle between the second partition and the horizontal plane is θ, the density of the condensate is ρ, the mass of the switch is m, and the horizontal distance between the center of mass C of the switch and the center O of the rotating shaft is l; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the length of the switch is d; satisfying: .
[0014] In one embodiment, the line connecting the centroid C of the switching element and the center O of the rotating shaft is a first line, the angle between the first line and the horizontal plane is β, and the stop block limits the maximum angle of rotation of the switching element to α, satisfying: .
[0015] In one embodiment, the switch has a first position that blocks the flow path, and when the switch is in the first position, at least one side of the switch is spaced apart from the tube body.
[0016] In one embodiment, the pipe body includes a flow section and a stop section, the flow section and the stop section are connected, the cross-section of the flow section is circular, the cross-section of the stop section is rectangular, and the switch is installed in the stop section.
[0017] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including the refrigerator drain pipe structure described above.
[0018] This utility model also provides a refrigerator drain pipe structure, which uses a rotatable switch to open or close the pipe body. This prevents external hot and humid air from entering the refrigerator body through the drain pipe without obstructing the flow of condensate. The center of mass of the switch is offset from its rotation center, allowing it to rotate under its own weight. When condensate flows in, the switch will naturally tend to rotate under the action of gravity. When there is no pressure from condensate, the switch can rotate and block the drain pipe. When condensate flows down, it will press the switch to rotate and open the flow path. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the refrigerator drain pipe structure provided by this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the switch element in the first position of one embodiment of the refrigerator drain hanger structure provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the switch element in the second position of one embodiment of the refrigerator drain hanger structure provided by this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the switching component provided by this utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of one embodiment of the switch provided by the present invention.
[0024] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings:
[0025] 100. Refrigerator drain pipe structure; 10. Pipe body; 11. Flow path; 12. Stop block; 13. Flow section; 14. Stop section; 20. Switch; 21. Body; 22. First partition; 23. Second partition; 24. Rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0027] It should be noted that when a mechanism is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another mechanism, it can be directly on the other mechanism or there may be an intervening mechanism. When a mechanism is considered to be "connected to" another mechanism, it can be directly connected to the other mechanism or there may be an intervening mechanism. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0028] Furthermore, 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0031] This utility model provides a refrigerator drain pipe structure 100, which is applied to a refrigerator. The pipe body 10 can be opened or blocked by a rotatable switch 20. This prevents external hot and humid air from entering the refrigerator body through the drain pipe without hindering the flow of condensate. The center of mass of the switch 20 is offset from its rotation center, so that it can automatically open and close by its own gravity.
[0032] Please see Figures 1-3The refrigerator drain pipe structure 100 includes a pipe body 10 and a switch 20. The pipe body 10 has a flow path 11. The switch 20 is located in the flow path 11 and is rotatably connected to the pipe body 10 through a rotating shaft 24. The switch 20 rotates around the rotating shaft 24 and blocks or opens the flow path 11 by rotating. The center of mass of the switch 20 is located on one side of the axis of the rotating shaft 24.
[0033] Thus, when the switch 20 opens the flow path 11, the condensate can flow downward through the flow path 11. When the switch 20 closes the flow path 11, the hot and humid air outside cannot enter the refrigerator body through the drain pipe, thereby preventing the evaporator inside the refrigerator from frosting and avoiding the hot and humid air from affecting the internal temperature of the refrigerator and increasing the refrigerator's power consumption.
[0034] Meanwhile, since the center of mass of the switch 20 is located on one side of the axis of the rotating shaft 24, when condensate flows in, the switch 20 will naturally tend to rotate under the action of gravity. When there is no pressure from the condensate, the switch 20 can rotate and block the drain pipe. When the condensate flows down, it will press the switch 20 to rotate and open the flow path 11.
[0035] It should be explained that the center of mass refers to the center of mass of the switch 20. Under the action of gravity, the center of mass tends to be close to the center of gravity. When the forces are unbalanced, the object will have a tendency to tilt towards the center of mass.
[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment, with Figure 2 For example, the center of mass of the switch 20 is located to the right of the axis of the rotating shaft 24. Therefore, the switch 20 has a tendency to rotate clockwise to the right until the right side of the switch 20 comes into contact with the inner wall of the pipe body 10 and stops rotating. At this time, the switch 20 blocks the flow path 11. When the condensate falls and applies pressure to the left side, the switch 20 rotates and opens the flow path 11.
[0037] Furthermore, a stop block 12 is provided on the inner wall of the pipe body 10. The switch element 20 has a first position that blocks the flow path 11 and a second position that opens the flow path 11. When the switch element 20 is in the first position, it abuts against the inner wall of the pipe body 10. When the switch element 20 is in the second position, it abuts against the stop block 12. Thus, when the switch element 20 is not subjected to external force, it will rotate due to gravity. At this time, the switch element 20 abuts against the inner wall of the pipe body 10 and remains in the first position. When condensate falls and pushes the switch element 20 to rotate in the opposite direction, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The stop block 12 can hold the switch 20 in the second position by abutting against the switch 20, thereby allowing the condensate to fall smoothly.
[0038] The switch 20 includes a first partition 22, a body 21, and a second partition 23. The first partition 22 and the second partition 23 are respectively connected to the two sides of the body 21, and the first partition 22 and the second partition 23 are set at an angle. The rotating shaft 24 passes through the body 21 and is rotatably connected to the body 21. When the switch 20 is in the first position, the first partition 22 abuts against the inner wall of the tube 10. When the switch 20 is in the second position, the second partition 23 abuts against the stop block 12.
[0039] Thus, since the first partition 22 and the second partition 23 are set at an angle, when the condensate falls, the first partition 22 and the second partition 23 have different positions and angles, and therefore the water volume they accumulate is also different. As a result, they are subjected to different forces and will naturally rotate in response to the pressure of the condensate.
[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first partition 22 and the second partition 23 are set at an acute angle. When the switch 20 is in the first position, the first partition 22 is on a horizontal plane and extends horizontally, while the second partition 23 abuts against the inner wall of the pipe 10 on the right side and extends upward at an angle. At this time, the switch 20 is in the first position and can block the flow path 11. When the condensate falls, since the second partition 23 extends upward at an angle and its upper surface is inclined, the condensate will naturally flow from the second partition 23 to the first partition 22. The first partition 22 is subjected to more force, so the switch 20 rotates counterclockwise. After rotating a certain angle, the second partition 23 abuts against the stop block 12, thereby maintaining the second position.
[0041] In this embodiment, when the plane where the first partition 22 is located is a horizontal plane, the switch 20 is located in the first position. Taking this as an example, the preferred arrangement of the switch 20 will be explained in detail.
[0042] Please see Figures 4-5 In one embodiment, along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition 22 is a, the length of the switch 20 is b, and the angle between the second partition 23 and the horizontal plane is θ. When the air pressure inside and outside the refrigerator is unbalanced, and the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the refrigerator is ΔP, in order for the effect of air pressure to make the switch 20 have a counterclockwise rotation tendency, the following must be satisfied: This ensures that the switch 20 remains in the closed state when not subjected to condensate water pressure.
[0043] Along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition 22 is 'a', and the length of the switch element 20 is 'b'. Along the axial direction of the drain pipe, the height of the switch element 20 is 'H'. When the refrigerator drains a large amount of water, and the water level at the drain pipe is greater than 'H', the torque on the switch element 20 mainly comes from the condensate water above 'H'. To make the switch element 20 rotate counterclockwise due to the effect of the condensate water, the above structure is configured as follows: .
[0044] Along the horizontal direction, the angle between the second partition 23 and the horizontal plane is θ, the density of the condensate is ρ, the mass of the switch 20 is m, and the horizontal distance between the center of mass C of the switch 20 and the center O of the rotating shaft 24 is l; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 24, the length of the switch 20 is d; when the refrigerator drains little water, the water needs to smoothly push the partition to rotate counterclockwise before just submerging it, therefore the above structure is set as follows: .
[0045] If the rotation angle of the switch 20 is too large during rotation, causing the center of mass C of the switch 20 to rotate to the left of the shaft 24, then the switch 20 will not be able to automatically return to its original position by its own weight. Therefore, the stop block 12 on the drain pipe limits the maximum rotation angle α of the switch 20, which must satisfy the following: This ensures that the switch 20 can smoothly return to its initial position.
[0046] Furthermore, the switch element 20 has a first position that blocks the flow path 11. When the switch element 20 is in the first position, at least one side of the switch element 20 is spaced apart from the pipe body 10. In this way, the gap can create a slit, and if a small amount of condensate remains at the switch element 20 after drainage, this condensate can flow to the outside of the refrigerator through the slit, preventing it from freezing and blocking the drain pipe.
[0047] It should be explained that although the switch 20 and the inner wall of the pipe 10 are separated, it does not prevent the switch 20 from blocking the flow path 11 in the pipe 10 when it is in the first position. The gap created by the separation is very small, so it can still stop the condensate and prevent most of the hot and humid air from entering the refrigerator from the drain pipe.
[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second partition 23 in the switch 20 abuts against the inner wall of the tube 10, while the first partition 22 is spaced apart from the left inner wall of the tube 10.
[0049] Furthermore, the pipe body 10 includes a flow section 13 and a stop section 14, which are connected. The cross-section of the flow section 13 is circular, and the cross-section of the stop section 14 is rectangular. The switch element 20 is installed inside the stop section 14. In this way, the rectangular structure of the stop section 14 is more compatible with the switch element 20. The first partition 22 and the second partition 23 are both rectangular plate structures, and their two sides are perfectly adapted to the inner wall of the rectangular structure of the stop section 14, ensuring airtight performance.
[0050] This utility model also provides a refrigerator drain pipe structure 100, which uses a rotatable switch 20 to open or close the pipe body 10. This prevents external hot and humid air from entering the refrigerator body through the drain pipe without obstructing the flow of condensate. The center of mass of the switch 20 is offset from its rotation center, allowing it to rotate under its own weight. When condensate flows in, the switch 20 will naturally tend to rotate under the action of gravity. When there is no pressure from condensate, the switch 20 can rotate and close the pipe body 10. When condensate flows down, it will press the switch 20 to rotate and open the flow path 11.
[0051] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0052] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A drain structure of a refrigerator applied to a refrigerator, characterized by, include: Pipe body (10), with a flow path (11) inside the pipe body (10); The switch (20) is located in the flow path (11) and is rotatably connected to the tube body (10) via a rotating shaft (24). The switch (20) rotates around the rotating shaft (24) and blocks or opens the flow path (11) by rotation. The center of mass of the switch (20) is located on one side of the axis of the rotating shaft (24).
2. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A stop block (12) is provided on the inner wall of the tube body (10). The switch (20) has a first position that blocks the flow path (11) and a second position that opens the flow path (11). When the switch (20) is in the first position, the switch (20) abuts against the inner wall of the tube body (10). When the switch (20) is in the second position, the switch (20) abuts against the stop block (12).
3. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch (20) includes a first partition (22), a body (21), and a second partition (23). The first partition (22) and the second partition (23) are respectively connected to both sides of the body (21), and the first partition (22) and the second partition (23) are set at an angle. The rotating shaft (24) passes through the body (21) and is rotatably connected to the body (21). When the switch (20) is in the first position, the first partition (22) abuts against the inner wall of the tube (10). When the switch (20) is in the second position, the second partition (23) abuts against the stop block (12).
4. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the plane on which the first partition (22) is located is a horizontal plane, the switch (20) is located in the first position; Along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition (22) is a, the length of the switch (20) is b, and the angle between the second partition (23) and the horizontal plane is θ, satisfying: .
5. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the plane on which the first partition (22) is located is a horizontal plane, the switch (20) is located in the first position; Along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition (22) is a, and the length of the switch (20) is b, satisfying: .
6. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the plane on which the first partition (22) is located is a horizontal plane, the switch (20) is located in the first position; Along the horizontal direction, the length of the first partition (22) is a, the length of the switch (20) is b, the angle between the second partition (23) and the horizontal plane is θ, the density of the condensate is ρ, the mass of the switch (20) is m, and the distance in the horizontal direction between the center of mass C of the switch (20) and the center O of the rotating shaft (24) is l; Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (24), the length of the switching element (20) is d; satisfy: .
7. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The line connecting the center of mass C of the switch (20) and the center O of the rotating shaft (24) is the first line, the angle between the first line and the horizontal plane is β, and the stop block (12) limits the maximum angle of rotation of the switch (20) to α, satisfying: .
8. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch (20) has a first position that blocks the flow path (11). When the switch (20) is in the first position, at least one side of the switch (20) is spaced apart from the tube body (10).
9. The refrigerator drain pipe structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body (10) includes a flow section (13) and a stop section (14), the flow section (13) and the stop section (14) are connected, the cross-section of the flow section (13) is circular, the cross-section of the stop section (14) is rectangular, and the switch (20) is installed in the stop section (14).
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the refrigerator drain pipe structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.