Evaporator assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides an evaporator assembly and a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a compressor and a capillary tube, the evaporator assembly comprising: an evaporator; a liquid accumulator comprising a cylinder, the cylinder being formed with a containing cavity and a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being connected with the evaporator; a first connecting pipe, one end of the first connecting pipe being inserted into the first opening, the other end of the first connecting pipe being used for connecting the compressor, the first connecting pipe being formed with a flow passage and a wire passage which are spaced from each other, the flow passage being communicated with the containing cavity and the compressor, the wire passage being used for allowing the capillary tube to enter the containing cavity, to be coiled in the containing cavity and to be led out to the outside of the cylinder through the wire passage. The evaporator assembly provided by the application allows the capillary tube to directly exchange heat in the liquid accumulator, saves the installation space of the capillary tube, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the capillary tube and the liquid accumulator, allows the liquid accumulator to have a smaller volume and avoids the refrigerator from having a larger volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigerator technology, and particularly relates to an evaporator assembly and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Existing refrigerators typically use the heat emitted by the capillary tube to heat the return pipe, preventing the liquid refrigerant in the return pipe from liquidating and impacting the compressor. This is achieved by setting part of the return pipe and the capillary tube in parallel, such as by wrapping the return pipe and the capillary tube with aluminum foil. However, this connection method requires a long return pipe, usually more than 2 meters long, which takes up a lot of space during installation, resulting in an increase in the overall size of the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an evaporator assembly and a refrigerator to solve the problem that in existing refrigerators, some return pipes and capillary tubes are arranged in parallel, the return pipes are long, occupy a lot of space during installation, and thus increase the overall size of the refrigerator.

[0004] This application provides an evaporator assembly suitable for a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a compressor and a capillary tube, the evaporator assembly including:

[0005] Evaporator;

[0006] A liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir including a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body forming a receiving cavity and a first opening and a second opening communicating with the receiving cavity, the second opening being connected to the evaporator;

[0007] The first connecting pipe has one end inserted into the first opening and the other end used to connect to the compressor. The first connecting pipe forms a flow channel and a wire channel that are spaced apart from each other. The flow channel connects the receiving cavity and the compressor. The wire channel connects the receiving cavity and the outside of the cylinder. The wire channel is used for the capillary tube to enter the receiving cavity, coil up, and then pass through the wire channel to the outside of the cylinder.

[0008] Optionally, the first connecting pipe includes an outer peripheral wall, which is recessed inward to form the wire passage, and the wire passage extends axially along the first connecting pipe.

[0009] Optionally, the wire passage includes a pair, which are distributed opposite to each other on both sides of the first connecting tube. Each wire passage is conformally matched to the capillary. One wire passage is used for the capillary to enter the receiving cavity, and the other wire passage is used for the capillary to pass through to the outside of the cylinder.

[0010] Optionally, the first connecting pipe is provided with a flow passage extending axially, and the flow passage is used for the circulation of refrigerant.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes:

[0012] The second connecting pipe has one end extending into the receiving cavity and the other end passing through the second opening and connected to the evaporator.

[0013] Optionally, the cylindrical body includes a cavity wall surrounding the cavity forming the receiving cavity;

[0014] The second connecting pipe includes an inclined tube section located within the receiving cavity, with the air outlet of the inclined tube section facing the cavity wall.

[0015] Optionally, the capillary tube of the receiving cavity is coiled close to the first opening and is spaced apart from the inclined tube segment.

[0016] Optionally, the cylinder extends along the direction of gravity, and the first opening and the second opening are opened opposite each other at both ends of the cylinder, with the second opening close to the ground.

[0017] This application also provides a refrigerator, including a compressor and a capillary tube, and an evaporator assembly as described above.

[0018] Optionally, the refrigerator includes an adjacent inner liner and a compressor compartment, the compressor is installed in the compressor compartment, the inner liner has a mounting cavity and a mounting hole, the mounting hole connects the compressor compartment and the mounting cavity, the evaporator and the cylinder are located in the mounting cavity, the other end of the first connecting pipe passes through the mounting hole and is connected to the compressor, the first connecting pipe is covered with a flexible element, and the first connecting pipe is sealed through the mounting hole by the flexible element.

[0019] The evaporator assembly provided in this embodiment directly connects the evaporator and compressor via the cylinder and the first connecting pipe, replacing the return pipe structure. This directs the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator to the compressor. Simultaneously, the first connecting pipe has a wire passage for the capillary tube to enter the receiving cavity of the cylinder, coil, and then exit to the outside of the cylinder. Therefore, the capillary tube located inside the receiving cavity can exchange heat with the refrigerant within the cavity. By heating the refrigerant in the receiving cavity, liquid refrigerant is prevented from slamming into the compressor, reducing energy loss in the refrigeration system. This structure allows some of the capillary tube to exchange heat directly within the receiver, saving installation space. Furthermore, the direct location of some capillary tubes within the receiving cavity for heat exchange with the refrigerant improves the heat exchange efficiency between the capillary tube and the receiver, thereby reducing the volume of the cylinder and resulting in a smaller overall receiver volume, saving internal refrigerator space and preventing a larger refrigerator size. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid reservoir of the evaporator assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir of an evaporator assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the first connecting pipe of the evaporator assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the connection between the first connecting tube and the capillary tube provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the capillary structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an evaporator assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a second structural schematic diagram of an evaporator assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 8 A front view of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 9 Rear view of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. Cylinder body; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. First opening; 13. Second opening;

[0033] 2. First connecting pipe; 21. Flow passage; 22. Wire passage; 23. Outer peripheral wall;

[0034] 3. Capillary tube;

[0035] 4. Second connecting pipe; 41. Inclined pipe section; 42. Air outlet;

[0036] 5. Box liner; 51. Mounting cavity;

[0037] 6. Compressor compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] In the description of this application, 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," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] 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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being 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 includes the first feature being 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.

[0042] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0043] This application provides an evaporator assembly and a refrigerator to solve the problem that in existing refrigerators, some return pipes and capillary tubes are arranged in parallel, the return pipes are long, occupy a lot of space during installation, and thus increase the overall size of the refrigerator. The following will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The evaporator assembly and refrigerator provided in this application embodiment solve the problem that in existing refrigerators, some return gas pipes and capillary tubes are arranged in parallel, the return gas pipes are relatively long, occupy a lot of space during installation, and thus increase the overall size of the refrigerator.

[0045] This application provides an evaporator assembly suitable for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a compressor and a capillary tube 3. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator and a liquid receiver. The liquid receiver includes a cylinder 1 and a first connecting pipe 2. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cylinder 1 has a receiving cavity 11 and a first opening 12 and a second opening 13 communicating with the receiving cavity 11. The second opening 13 is used to connect the evaporator. One end of the first connecting pipe 2 is inserted into the first opening 12, and the other end is used to connect the compressor. The first connecting pipe 2 has a flow passage 21 and a wire passage 22 that are spaced apart from each other. The flow passage 21 connects the receiving cavity 11 and the compressor. The wire passage 22 connects the receiving cavity 11 and the outside of the cylinder 1. The wire passage 22 is used to allow the capillary tube 3 to enter the receiving cavity 11, coil up, and then pass through the wire passage 22 to the outside of the cylinder 1.

[0046] The evaporator assembly provided in this embodiment directly connects the evaporator and compressor via the cylinder 1 of the receiver and the first connecting pipe 2, replacing the return pipe structure. This directs the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator to the compressor. Simultaneously, the first connecting pipe 2 has a wire passage 22 for the capillary tube 3 to enter the receiving cavity 11 of the cylinder 1, coil, and then exit through the wire passage 22 to the outside of the cylinder 1. Therefore, the capillary tube 3 located inside the receiving cavity 11 can exchange heat with the refrigerant within the cavity 11. By heating the refrigerant in the receiving cavity 11, liquid refrigerant is prevented from impacting the compressor, reducing energy loss in the refrigeration system. This structure allows some of the capillary tube 3 to exchange heat directly within the receiver, saving installation space. Furthermore, the direct heat exchange efficiency between the capillary tube 3 and the receiver is improved, thereby shortening the length of the capillary tube 3 and the first connecting pipe 2, reducing the volume of the cylinder 1, and resulting in a smaller overall volume of the receiver, saving internal refrigerator space and preventing a larger refrigerator size.

[0047] Meanwhile, by extending a portion of the capillary tube 3 into the receiving cavity 11 of the cylinder 1, the refrigerant inside the capillary tube 3 is further cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant gas in the receiving cavity 11 before throttling, reducing the temperature and vaporization rate of the capillary tube 3. This results in a higher proportion of liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator, more complete evaporation, and improved heat absorption capacity of the evaporator. Furthermore, the reduced temperature of the capillary tube 3 improves the fluidity of the small amount of residual lubricating oil in the refrigerant, reducing the risk of solidification or blockage on the inner wall of the capillary tube 3. The coiled capillary tube 3 can buffer pressure fluctuations after throttling, making the liquid supply to the evaporator more stable.

[0048] Optionally, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first connecting pipe 2 includes an outer peripheral wall 23, which is recessed inward to form a wire passage 22. The wire passage 22 extends axially along the first connecting pipe 2. By placing the wire passage 22 on the outer peripheral wall 23 of the first connecting pipe 2, it is easier to install the capillary tube 3, avoiding the increased installation difficulty of the capillary tube 3 if the wire passage 22 is placed inside the first connecting pipe 2. The shape of the wire passage 22 is not further limited here; in some examples, the cross-section of the wire passage 22 can be C-shaped or U-shaped, etc.

[0049] Optionally, the wire passage 22 includes a pair, which are distributed opposite to each other on both sides of the first connecting pipe 2. Each wire passage 22 is conformally matched to the capillary tube 3. One wire passage 22 is used for the capillary tube 3 to enter the receiving cavity 11, and the other wire passage 22 is used for the capillary tube 3 to exit to the outside of the cylinder 1. By providing a pair of wire passages 22, separate wiring paths are provided for the capillary tube 3 to enter and exit the receiving cavity 11, simplifying the installation of the capillary tube 3. At the same time, the pair of capillary tubes 3 are distributed opposite to each other on both sides of the flow channel 21, further improving the heating efficiency of the refrigerant in the flow channel 21. Of course, the pair of wire passages 22 can also be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first connecting pipe 2.

[0050] It should be noted that the wiring channel 22 can be installed along the axial direction of the first connecting pipe 2 on the outer peripheral wall 23, or it can be matched to the length of the capillary tube 3 according to the wiring requirements of the capillary tube 3. For example, the two ends of the capillary tube 3 need to be connected to the evaporator and the filter, respectively. Since the end of the first connecting pipe 2 away from the first opening 12 is connected to the compressor, and one end of the capillary tube 3 needs to be connected to the evaporator, the end of the capillary tube 3 connected to the evaporator can be bent and directly connected to the evaporator after extending outside the cylinder 1, without having to run parallel to the first connecting pipe 2 along the wiring channel 22, thus avoiding the capillary tube 3 being too long and saving installation space. Since the filter and the compressor are usually close, the end of the capillary tube 3 connected to the filter can first run parallel to the first connecting pipe 2 along the wiring channel 22 for one end, and then disconnect from the wiring channel 22 to connect to the filter. Among them, the capillary tube 3 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator, and the second connecting pipe 4 is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator.

[0051] Optionally, a flow passage 21 is provided axially through the first connecting pipe 2, and the flow passage 21 is used for the flow of refrigerant. That is, the flow passage 21 is sandwiched between a pair of wire passages 22.

[0052] Optionally, the liquid reservoir provided in this embodiment further includes a second connecting pipe 4, one end of which extends into the receiving cavity 11, and the other end passes through the second opening 13 and is connected to the evaporator. Further, the second connecting pipe 4 is sealed at the second opening 13. In some examples, the second connecting pipe 4 is sealed to the second opening 13 via a sealing ring.

[0053] Optionally, the cylinder 1 includes a cavity wall surrounding the cavity 11; the second connecting pipe 4 includes an inclined pipe section 41 located within the cavity 11, with the outlet 42 of the inclined pipe section 41 facing the cavity wall. That is, the flow passage 21 in the first connecting pipe 2 at the second opening 13 is not in the outlet direction of the inclined pipe section 41. Even if a spray occurs at the outlet 42 of the second connecting pipe 4, the liquid refrigerant will splash onto the cavity wall of the cavity 11, preventing the liquid refrigerant in the second connecting pipe 4 from directly spraying into the first connecting pipe 2, thereby preventing liquid refrigerant from slamming into the compressor.

[0054] The inclination angle of the inclined tube section 41 is not further limited here. In some examples, the angle between the inclined tube section 41 and the vertical direction can be between 10° and 60°, such as 10°, 30°, 45°, 60°, etc.

[0055] Optionally, the capillary tube 3 of the receiving cavity 11 is coiled near the first opening 12 and distributed at intervals with the inclined tube section 41. By placing the capillary tube 3 at one end of the receiving cavity 11 near the first opening 12, the distance that the heated refrigerant needs to flow to the compressor is shortened, the proportion of liquid refrigerant when the refrigerant enters the compressor is reduced as much as possible, and the probability of liquid refrigerant slugging into the compressor is reduced.

[0056] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5 The portion of the capillary 3 located within the receiving cavity 11 can first be coiled into a loop with a first inner diameter and extended towards the second opening 13, then coiled into a loop with a second inner diameter and extended towards the first opening 12, with the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter. This means the loop with the second inner diameter is inside the loop with the first inner diameter. This nested arrangement of the two loops further saves space in the capillary 3. Furthermore, it can be coiled into a loop with a third inner diameter and extended towards the second opening 13, with the third inner diameter being smaller than the second inner diameter. This means the loop with the third inner diameter is inside the loop with the second inner diameter. It is understood that the reverse is also true; that is, a smaller inner diameter can be used to first coil the capillary 3, and then a larger inner diameter can be used to coil it again. This will not be explained in detail here.

[0057] Optionally, please refer to Figures 6 to 7 The cylinder 1 extends along the direction of gravity, with the first opening 12 and the second opening 13 located opposite each other at both ends of the cylinder 1, with the second opening 13 close to the ground. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant sprayed from the outlet 42 of the second connecting pipe 4 will accumulate at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11 due to gravity, avoiding blockage of the first opening 12 and also preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the flow channel 21.

[0058] Optionally, both the first connecting tube 2 and the capillary tube 3 are made of aluminum. By making both the capillary tube 3 and the first connecting tube 2 aluminum tubes, corrosion from contact between different materials such as copper and aluminum is avoided.

[0059] Optionally, the first connecting pipe 2 is sealed to the first opening 12 to prevent air leakage.

[0060] This application also provides a refrigerator; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 8 to 9 The system includes a compressor and a capillary tube 3, as well as an evaporator assembly as described above. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator and a liquid receiver, the liquid receiver including a cylinder 1 and a first connecting pipe 2. The cylinder 1 forms a receiving cavity 11 and a first opening 12 and a second opening 13 communicating with the receiving cavity 11. The second opening 13 is connected to the evaporator. One end of the first connecting pipe 2 is inserted into the first opening 12, and the other end is used to connect to the compressor. The first connecting pipe 2 forms a flow passage 21 and a wire passage 22 spaced apart from each other. The flow passage 21 communicates the receiving cavity 11 and the compressor, and the wire passage 22 communicates the receiving cavity 11 and the outside of the cylinder 1. The wire passage 22 is used for the capillary tube 3 to enter the receiving cavity 11, coil up, and then pass through the wire passage 22 to the outside of the cylinder 1.

[0061] Optionally, the refrigerator includes an adjacent liner 5 and a compressor compartment 6. The compressor is installed in the compressor compartment 6. The liner 5 has a mounting cavity 51 and a mounting hole, which connects the compressor compartment 6 and the mounting cavity 51. The evaporator and the cylinder 1 are located in the mounting cavity 51. The other end of the first connecting pipe 2 passes through the mounting hole and connects to the compressor. The first connecting pipe 2 is covered with a flexible element, and the first connecting pipe 2 is sealed through the mounting hole by the flexible element. In some examples, the flexible element can be a sponge. The first connecting pipe 2 is sealed to the mounting hole, and its short length eliminates the need to pre-embed the first connecting pipe 2 before foaming, enabling direct assembly of the evaporator and the liquid receiver, reducing assembly difficulty, and saving welding and labor costs.

[0062] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a base located between the compressor compartment 6 and the refrigerator liner 5. The base has perforations opposite to the mounting holes. The first connecting pipe 2 passes through the mounting holes and the perforations in sequence to enter the compressor compartment 6 and connect to the compressor (not shown in the attached diagram). The first connecting pipe 2 is also sealed to the perforations via a flexible component.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0064] The evaporator assembly and refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An evaporator assembly suitable for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a compressor and a capillary tube, and the evaporator assembly includes: Evaporator; A liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir including a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body forming a receiving cavity and a first opening and a second opening communicating with the receiving cavity, the second opening being connected to the evaporator; The first connecting pipe has one end inserted into the first opening and the other end used to connect to the compressor. The first connecting pipe forms a flow channel and a wire channel that are spaced apart from each other. The flow channel connects the receiving cavity and the compressor. The wire channel connects the receiving cavity and the outside of the cylinder. The wire channel is used for the capillary tube to enter the receiving cavity, coil up, and then pass through the wire channel to the outside of the cylinder.

2. The evaporator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting pipe includes an outer peripheral wall, which is recessed inward to form the wire passage, and the wire passage extends along the axial direction of the first connecting pipe.

3. The evaporator assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wire passage includes a pair, which are distributed opposite to each other on both sides of the first connecting tube. Each wire passage is conformally matched to the capillary. One wire passage is used for the capillary to enter the receiving cavity, and the other wire passage is used for the capillary to pass through to the outside of the cylinder.

4. The evaporator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting pipe has an axially extending flow channel for the circulation of refrigerant.

5. The evaporator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second connecting pipe has one end extending into the receiving cavity and the other end passing through the second opening and connected to the evaporator.

6. The evaporator assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cylindrical body includes a cavity wall that surrounds the receiving cavity; The second connecting pipe includes an inclined tube section located within the receiving cavity, with the air outlet of the inclined tube section facing the cavity wall.

7. The evaporator assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The capillary tube of the receiving cavity is coiled close to the first opening and is distributed at intervals with the inclined tube segment.

8. The evaporator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder extends along the direction of gravity, and the first opening and the second opening are opened opposite each other at both ends of the cylinder, with the second opening close to the ground.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes a compressor and a capillary tube, and also includes an evaporator assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes an adjacent inner cabinet and a compressor compartment. The compressor is installed in the compressor compartment. The inner cabinet has a mounting cavity and a mounting hole. The mounting hole connects the compressor compartment and the mounting cavity. The evaporator and the cylinder are located in the mounting cavity. The other end of the first connecting pipe passes through the mounting hole and is connected to the compressor. The first connecting pipe is covered with a flexible element, and the first connecting pipe is sealed through the mounting hole by the flexible element.

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