Refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and provides a refrigerator, which comprises a refrigeration chamber, a compressor and a heat conduction piece. A drain pipe is connected to a water outlet of the refrigeration chamber. A first end of the heat conduction piece is connected to the drain pipe, and a second end of the heat conduction piece is arranged corresponding to the compressor. The heat conduction piece is adapted to deform when the temperature is lower than a first preset temperature, so that the second end abuts against the compressor. The heat conduction piece is adapted to deform when the temperature is higher than a second preset temperature, so that the second end is separated from the compressor. When the temperature in the drain pipe is reduced to a certain temperature and ice is formed, the heat conduction piece can deform so that the second end abuts against the compressor, and the heat generated in the working process of the compressor can be conducted to the drain pipe to melt the ice. After the ice is melted when the temperature in the drain pipe rises to a certain temperature, the heat conduction piece deforms and resets so that the second end is separated from the compressor, thereby avoiding the influence on the temperature in the refrigeration chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, dual-system refrigerators typically employ a split structure, with the refrigerator compartment located above the freezer compartment. The defrost water drainage path of the refrigerator evaporator is designed so that after flowing out from the refrigerator compartment, it passes through the foamed insulation layer at the rear of the freezer compartment and finally flows into the water collection box located in the compressor compartment. However, this layout has a significant drawback in low-temperature environments: the drain pipe passes through the low-temperature zone of the freezer compartment, making it highly susceptible to ice formation due to excessively low temperatures, leading to ice blockage and affecting the refrigerator's normal defrosting and drainage functions. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a refrigerator to solve the problem of ice forming easily on the drain pipe of existing refrigerators.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] A cold storage compartment; the outlet of the cold storage compartment is connected to a drain pipe;

[0006] compressor;

[0007] A heat-conducting component, wherein a first end of the heat-conducting component is connected to the drain pipe and a second end is disposed corresponding to the compressor; the heat-conducting component is adapted to deform when the temperature is lower than a first preset temperature so that the second end abuts against the compressor, and the heat-conducting component is adapted to deform when the temperature is higher than a second preset temperature so that the second end separates from the compressor.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the heat-conducting element includes:

[0009] A shape memory alloy segment, one end of which is connected inside the drain pipe;

[0010] The heat-conducting section is connected at one end to the shape memory alloy section and at the other end to the bottom of the compressor.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the heat-conducting section is spirally wound inside the drain pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the shape memory alloy segment and the heat-conducting segment are an integral structure.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a freezer compartment is provided below the refrigerator compartment, and the drain pipe includes:

[0014] The first pipe section is connected to the water outlet;

[0015] The second pipe section is provided corresponding to the freezer compartment;

[0016] A connecting pipe section connects the first pipe section and the second pipe section; and the first end of the heat-conducting component is installed on the connecting pipe section.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the inner wall of the drain pipe is provided with a buckle, and the first end of the heat-conducting component is engaged with the buckle.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the second end of the heat-conducting component is provided with a first magnetic component, and the compressor is provided with a second magnetic component. When the second end abuts against the compressor, the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component magnetically attract each other.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, a water receiving tray is provided at the end of the drain pipe away from the water outlet, and the heat-conducting element is at least partially disposed within the water receiving tray.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the exterior of the heat-conducting component is coated with a heat-conducting layer.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, there are multiple heat-conducting elements, and each heat-conducting element is connected to the drain pipe.

[0022] The refrigerator provided in this application includes a refrigerator compartment, a compressor, and a heat-conducting component. A drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet of the refrigerator compartment. A first end of the heat-conducting component is connected to the drain pipe, and a second end is positioned corresponding to the compressor. The heat-conducting component is adapted to deform when the temperature is below a first preset temperature, so that the second end abuts against the compressor. The heat-conducting component is also adapted to deform when the temperature is above the second preset temperature, so that the second end separates from the compressor. When the temperature inside the drain pipe drops to a certain level and ice forms, the heat-conducting component can deform to allow the second end to abut against the compressor, transferring the heat generated during compressor operation to the drain pipe for defrosting. After the temperature inside the drain pipe rises to a certain level and defrosting is complete, the heat-conducting component returns to its original shape, separating the second end from the compressor and preventing any impact on the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the heat-conducting component and the compressor provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the heat-conducting component and the drain pipe provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 100. Refrigeration compartment; 110. Drain outlet; 120. Drain pipe; 121. First pipe section; 122. Second pipe section; 123. Connecting pipe section; 130. Drain tray;

[0032] 200. Compressor;

[0033] 300, Thermal conductive component; 301, First end; 302, Second end; 310, Shape memory alloy segment; 320, Thermal conductive segment;

[0034] 400. Freezer compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "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 the embodiments of 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 the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In the embodiments of 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 is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply 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 that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0040] In related technologies, dual-system refrigerators typically employ a split structure, with the refrigerator compartment located above the freezer compartment. The defrost water drainage path of the refrigerator evaporator is designed so that after flowing out from the refrigerator compartment, it passes through the foamed insulation layer at the rear of the freezer compartment and finally flows into the water collection box located in the compressor compartment. However, this layout has a significant drawback in low-temperature environments: the drain pipe passes through the low-temperature zone of the freezer compartment, making it highly susceptible to ice formation due to excessively low temperatures, leading to ice blockage and affecting the refrigerator's normal defrosting and drainage functions.

[0041] This application provides a refrigerator to solve the problem of ice buildup on the drain pipe of existing refrigerators. The following will be discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-4 Please provide an explanation.

[0042] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment is referenced. Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the device includes a refrigerator compartment 100, a compressor 200, and a heat-conducting component 300. The outlet 110 of the refrigerator compartment 100 is connected to a drain pipe 120. The first end 301 of the heat-conducting component 300 is connected to the drain pipe 120, and the second end 302 is provided corresponding to the compressor 200. The heat-conducting component 300 is adapted to deform when the temperature is lower than a first preset temperature so that the second end 302 abuts against the compressor 200, and the heat-conducting component 300 is adapted to deform when the temperature is higher than a second preset temperature so that the second end 302 separates from the compressor 200.

[0043] It is understandable that the material of the first end 301 of the heat-conducting component 300 can be aluminum, shape memory alloy, or other composite materials, which have a high coefficient of expansion and high thermal conductivity, making the length of the first end 301 more sensitive to temperature changes, and allowing it to stretch or contract when the temperature changes, so that the second end 302 can be in contact with or separated from the compressor 200.

[0044] In this embodiment, under initial normal operating conditions, the refrigerator ambient temperature is high, and the temperature inside the drain pipe 120 is also higher than the second preset temperature. At this temperature, the second end 302 of the heat-conducting component 300 remains separated from the compressor 200 housing. At this time, there is no heat conduction between the heat-conducting component 300 and the compressor 200, avoiding the transfer of heat generated by the compressor 200, preventing the heat from the compressor 200 from continuously being introduced into the drain pipe 120 and into the compartment, thus preventing increased energy consumption and ensuring the overall cooling efficiency and energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0045] When the temperature inside the drain pipe 120 drops below the first preset temperature, the defrosting water inside the pipe begins to freeze and gradually forms an ice blockage. At low temperatures, the heat-conducting component 300 contracts. Since its first end 301 is fixed to the drain pipe 120, this deformation forces the second end 302 to move towards the compressor 200 and eventually come into close contact with the compressor 200 housing. After contact, the large amount of waste heat generated by the compressor 200 during operation can be continuously conducted through the heat-conducting component 300 to the ice-blocked drain pipe 120. Under continuous heat conduction, the ice blockage inside the drain pipe 120 gradually melts, and the temperature inside the pipe begins to rise again, exceeding the second preset temperature once more. The temperature rise restores the physical properties of the heat-conducting component 300 to their original state, the second end 302 automatically separates from the compressor 200 housing, heat conduction is interrupted, the unblocking process stops, and the system returns to normal, avoiding any impact on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 100.

[0046] Traditional refrigerators rely on manual defrosting by the user or complex electric heating wire solutions. This application eliminates the need for circuit structures and the dependence on electronic components such as PTC heaters, temperature sensors, and control circuit boards. The system automatically starts heat conduction when ice blockage forms and automatically stops after the ice blockage melts.

[0047] For example, the heat-conducting component 300 can be connected to the inside of the drain pipe 120 or to the outside of the drain pipe 120. When the heat-conducting component 300 is connected to the inside of the drain pipe 120, the heat-conducting component 300 is in direct contact with the flowing defrosting water and the condensed ice layer. The heat transfer path is the shortest and the thermal resistance is the smallest. It can transfer the heat of the drain pipe 120 to itself most quickly and effectively heat the ice blockage point, resulting in high heating efficiency.

[0048] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment 100, a compressor 200, and a heat-conducting component 300. The outlet 110 of the refrigerator compartment 100 is connected to a drain pipe 120. The first end 301 of the heat-conducting component 300 is connected to the drain pipe 120, and the second end 302 is provided corresponding to the compressor 200. The heat-conducting component 300 is adapted to deform when the temperature is lower than a first preset temperature so that the second end 302 abuts against the compressor 200, and the heat-conducting component 300 is adapted to deform when the temperature is higher than a second preset temperature so that the second end 302 separates from the compressor 200. When the temperature inside the drain pipe 120 drops to a certain temperature and freezes, the heat-conducting component 300 can deform so that the second end 302 comes into contact with the compressor 200. This allows the heat generated during the operation of the compressor 200 to be conducted to the drain pipe 120 to defrost. Once the temperature inside the drain pipe 120 rises to a certain level and the defrosting is complete, the heat-conducting component 300 deforms and resets, causing the second end 302 to separate from the compressor 200, thus avoiding affecting the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 100.

[0049] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat-conducting component 300 includes: a shape memory alloy segment 310, one end of which is connected to the drain pipe 120; and a heat-conducting segment 320, one end of which is connected to the shape memory alloy segment 310, and the other end of which is located below the compressor 200.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first end 301 can be a shape memory alloy segment 310. By utilizing the characteristic of shape memory alloy to deform under temperature, the heat-conducting segment 320 can switch between a separated state and a contact state.

[0051] In the separated state, there is a clear gap between the heat-conducting section 320 and the compressor 200, and the two do not come into contact. Heat is effectively isolated and will not be conducted to the drain pipe 120, ensuring the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigerator compartment 100. In the contact state, the huge amount of heat generated by the compressor 200 is continuously transferred to the drain pipe 120 through the heat-conducting section 320, precisely and efficiently melting the ice blockage inside.

[0052] It is understandable that by selecting shape memory alloys made of different materials, suitable first and second preset temperatures can be matched.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the heat-conducting section 320 is spirally wound inside the drain pipe 120.

[0054] Optionally, the heat-conducting section 320 itself is still made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum or their alloys, to ensure that the heat loss is small when the heat is transferred inside the heat-conducting section 320. The spiral winding method increases the contact area between the heat-conducting section 320 and the drain pipe 120, so as to achieve uniform and sufficient heating of the drain pipe 120 and improve the heating efficiency.

[0055] In another alternative embodiment, the heat-conducting section 320 may be a straight section and may be arranged along the extension direction of the drain pipe 120.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the shape memory alloy segment 310 and the heat-conducting segment 320 are integrated into one structure, which can reduce the thermal resistance between the shape memory alloy segment 310 and the heat-conducting segment 320, improve the heat conduction efficiency, and improve the heating effect on the drain pipe 120.

[0057] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a freezer compartment 400 is provided below the refrigerator compartment 100. The drain pipe 120 includes a first pipe section 121, a second pipe section 122, and a connecting pipe section 123. The first pipe section 121 is connected to the water outlet 110, and the second pipe section 122 is provided corresponding to the freezer compartment 400. The connecting pipe section 123 connects the first pipe section 121 and the second pipe section 122. The first end 301 of the heat-conducting component 300 is installed on the connecting pipe section 123.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first pipe section 121 is directly connected to the outlet 110 of the refrigerator compartment 100. The water temperature in this section is initially the same as that of the refrigerator compartment 100 (typically between 0°C and 10°C), which is relatively high, resulting in a low risk of freezing. The second pipe section 122 passes through the freezer compartment 400, which is the part of the entire drain pipe 120 with the lowest ambient temperature. The temperature of the freezer compartment 400 is typically below -18°C, and the pipe wall in this section is exposed to extremely low temperatures, making it an area prone to ice blockage.

[0059] Connecting pipe section 123 serves as a transition between the first pipe section 121 and the second pipe section 122. It is typically located in the partition area between the refrigerator compartment 100 and the freezer compartment 400, where the ambient temperature falls between the two, but is closer to the freezer compartment 400 temperature, making it prone to icing. The first end 301 of the heat-conducting component 300 is installed on the connecting pipe section 123. When ice forms at the connecting pipe section 123, the shape memory alloy section 310 contracts upon cooling, causing the second end 302 to contact the compressor 200 for heat conduction, resulting in a fast response time.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the inner wall of the drain pipe 120 is provided with a snap fastener (not shown in the figure), and the first end 301 of the heat-conducting element 300 is engaged with the snap fastener.

[0061] Optionally, the clip can be a boss, a groove, a flexible arm, or any geometric structure with a holding function, used to fix the first end 301 of the heat-conducting component 300. This ensures that the heat-conducting component 300 will not loosen, shift, or fall off under vibration conditions such as long-term operation of the refrigerator and start-stop of the compressor 200, thus guaranteeing a long-lasting and stable heating effect. Furthermore, it is easy to assemble, install, and maintain.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the second end 302 of the heat-conducting component 300 is provided with a first magnetic component (not shown in the figure), and the compressor 200 is provided with a second magnetic component (not shown in the figure). When the second end 302 abuts against the compressor 200, the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component magnetically attract each other.

[0063] In this embodiment, by providing a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component, when the second end 302 of the heat-conducting component 300 approaches the compressor 200 to a certain distance, the magnetic force between the first and second magnetic components begins to exert its effect, firmly adhering the heat-conducting component 300 to the surface of the compressor 200, thus initiating heat conduction. This magnetic attraction ensures a stable connection between the second end 302 of the heat-conducting component 300 and the surface of the compressor 200, preventing relative displacement of the connecting parts due to vibrations of the compressor 200 itself, which could intermittently disrupt the contact and affect the continuity of heat conduction.

[0064] It should be noted that the magnetic force of the magnetic component should be moderate and not set too high, so as to avoid difficulty in separating the second end 302 from the compressor 200. The specific setting can be adjusted according to the needs.

[0065] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a water receiving tray 130 is provided at the end of the drain pipe 120 away from the water outlet 110, and the heat-conducting component 300 is at least partially disposed in the water receiving tray 130. The heat of the compressor 200 is used to evaporate the water in the water receiving tray 130, changing it from liquid to water vapor, and it is discharged outside the refrigerator along with the hot air generated by the compressor 200. There is no need to set up an additional electric heat source to heat the water receiving tray 130.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the exterior of the heat-conducting component 300 is coated with a heat-conducting layer (not shown in the figure). The heat-conducting layer can be thermal grease, thermal insulating coating, etc., to improve heat conduction efficiency and enable heat to be transferred more smoothly and quickly.

[0067] In one optional embodiment, there are multiple heat-conducting elements 300, each of which is connected to the drain pipe 120, thereby improving heating efficiency and heating reliability and effectively preventing the drain pipe 120 from freezing.

[0068] This application designs a heat-conducting pipe structure in the drain pipe 120 behind the freezer compartment 400 that can achieve automatic heating without any circuit control. This structure not only solves the problem of icing in the drain pipe 120, but also prevents heat from the compressor 200 from being continuously drawn into the drain pipe 120 and into the compartment, thus preventing increased energy consumption. One end of the heat-conducting component 300 is fixed at the bend of the drain pipe 120, and the other end, the heat-conducting section 320, is located below the compressor 200, maintaining a certain distance from the bottom of the compressor 200 under normal conditions, and not in direct contact. The part near the upper end of the drain pipe 120 is a composite material section with thermal expansion and thermal conductivity. Because the temperature of the compressor compartment is high during operation, the upper part of the drain pipe 120 usually ices first. When the upper part of the drain pipe 120 ices, the composite material section contracts upon cooling, causing the heat-conducting section 320, which was originally below the compressor, to come into contact with the bottom of the compressor 200. When the press is working, it transfers heat to the drain pipe 120 through the heat-conducting component 300, melting the ice in the drain pipe 120. After the ice melts, the composite material section continues to heat up and expands due to heat, causing the heat-conducting section 320 below the press to detach from the bottom of the compressor 200 and stop conducting heat, thereby achieving automatic heating and ice melting.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: include: Refrigeration compartment; The outlet of the cold storage compartment is connected to a drain pipe; compressor; A heat-conducting component, wherein a first end of the heat-conducting component is connected to the drain pipe and a second end is disposed corresponding to the compressor; the heat-conducting component is adapted to deform when the temperature is lower than a first preset temperature so that the second end abuts against the compressor, and the heat-conducting component is adapted to deform when the temperature is higher than a second preset temperature so that the second end separates from the compressor.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat-conducting component includes: A shape memory alloy segment, one end of which is connected inside the drain pipe; The heat-conducting section is connected at one end to the shape memory alloy section and at the other end to the bottom of the compressor.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat-conducting section is spirally wound inside the drain pipe.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shape memory alloy segment and the heat-conducting segment are an integral structure.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A freezer compartment is located below the refrigerator compartment, and the drain pipe includes: The first pipe section is connected to the water outlet; The second pipe section is provided corresponding to the freezer compartment; A connecting pipe section connects the first pipe section and the second pipe section; and the first end of the heat-conducting component is installed on the connecting pipe section.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the drain pipe is provided with a buckle, and the first end of the heat-conducting component is engaged with the buckle.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the heat-conducting component is provided with a first magnetic component, and the compressor is provided with a second magnetic component. When the second end abuts against the compressor, the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component magnetically attract each other.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water receiving tray is provided at the end of the drain pipe away from the water outlet, and the heat-conducting element is at least partially disposed within the water receiving tray.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The exterior of the heat-conducting component is coated with a heat-conducting layer.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, There are multiple heat-conducting components, and each heat-conducting component is connected to the drain pipe.

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