Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerator, refrigerator includes: box, and the cooling storehouse is structured in the box, compressor, and the compressor is used for compressing low temperature low pressure refrigerant gas into high temperature high pressure refrigerant gas to provide power to refrigerant, condenser, and the condenser is installed in the box, and the condenser is used for releasing the heat of refrigerant to the environment, evaporator, and the evaporator is installed in the box, and the evaporator is used for absorbing the heat of cooling storehouse and releasing the cold capacity to cooling storehouse, throttling component, and the throttling component is used for controlling the refrigerant flow, heat pipe component, and the heat pipe component includes a plurality of heat pipe units, and single heat pipe unit all has independent evaporation end and condensing end, and the evaporation end of heat pipe unit is adjacent to the condenser and is arranged to absorb the heat released by condenser, a plurality of heat pipe units include: first heat pipe unit, second heat pipe unit and third heat pipe unit, according to the refrigerator of the utility model embodiment, the loose heating function is integrated, has the advantages such as cooling storehouse space is big, energy utilization rate is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerator cools the cooling compartment through the evaporator. While the cold air generated by the evaporator is transferred to the cooling compartment, the low temperature is also transferred to the side panels and refrigerator door frame, which will then form condensation on the surface of the side panels and refrigerator door frame. When the refrigerator evaporator is cooling, if the evaporation temperature is too low, frost will form on the surface of the evaporator. If the frost layer is too thick, it will affect the cooling effect of the evaporator, and thus affect the temperature of the cooling compartment. At this time, additional heat is needed to heat the frost layer to melt it. The melted defrost water falls into the drip tray below the evaporator and is discharged from the refrigerator through the drain pipe. However, if the temperature of the drip tray is too low, the melted defrost water will freeze on the surface of the drip tray until it blocks the drain pipe, affecting the normal operation of the refrigerator.

[0003] To address this, refrigerators in related technologies employ independent electric heating elements, such as heating wires and defrosting pipes, in the areas of the side panels, door frames, evaporator, and drip tray. These elements heat the door frames and side panels to prevent condensation and the evaporator to defrost. However, these heating components in different areas take up too much space, have fragmented functions, and low energy efficiency, which also increases the overall energy consumption of the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that integrates a loose heating function and has advantages such as a large cooling compartment and high energy utilization.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet, wherein a cooling chamber is constructed within the cabinet; a compressor, wherein the compressor is used to compress low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas to provide power to the refrigerant; a condenser, wherein the condenser is installed in the cabinet and is used to release heat from the refrigerant to the environment; an evaporator, wherein the evaporator is installed in the cabinet and is used to absorb heat from the cooling chamber and release cold energy to the cooling chamber; and a throttling component, wherein the throttling component is used to control the refrigerant flow rate; the refrigerator further includes: a heat pipe assembly, wherein the heat pipe assembly includes multiple heat pipe units, each heat pipe unit having a separate evaporation end and a condensation end, and so on. The evaporator end of the heat pipe unit is disposed adjacent to the condenser to absorb the heat released by the condenser; wherein, the cabinet is constructed with a refrigerator door frame and a side panel, the refrigerator door frame surrounds the cooling compartment, the refrigerator side panel defines the space of the cooling compartment, and a water collection tray is constructed at the bottom of the evaporator; the plurality of heat pipe units include: a first heat pipe unit, the condenser end of the first heat pipe unit is disposed on the refrigerator side panel to transfer heat to the refrigerator side panel; a second heat pipe unit, the condenser end of the second heat pipe unit is disposed on the evaporator to transfer heat to the evaporator; and a third heat pipe unit, the condenser end of the third heat pipe unit is disposed on the refrigerator door frame to transfer heat to the refrigerator door frame.

[0006] According to the present invention, the refrigerator transfers heat to the refrigerator side panel, evaporator and refrigerator door frame respectively through the first heat pipe unit, the second heat pipe unit and the third heat pipe unit, and transfers the heat released by the refrigerator condenser to the parts that need heat. It integrates the loose heating functions and has the advantages of large cooling compartment space and high energy utilization rate.

[0007] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the first heat pipe unit includes: a first heat pipe main path, the portion of the first heat pipe main path adjacent to the condenser forming the evaporation end of the first heat pipe unit; a plurality of first heat pipe branches, the plurality of first heat pipe branches extending to different side panels of the refrigerator, the plurality of first heat pipe branches forming the condensation end of the first heat pipe unit, and the first heat pipe main path and the plurality of first heat pipe branches connected to form a circulation path.

[0008] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: heat is transferred to multiple first heat pipe branches, which plays a role in heat preservation and preventing condensation on the side panel of the refrigerator.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the first heat pipe branches is constructed with multiple first sub-branches, and the multiple first sub-branches extend vertically and are arranged at intervals with each other.

[0010] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the liquid refrigerant flows downward along the pipe wall of the first sub-branch due to its own gravity, and returns to the evaporation end of the first heat pipe unit at the bottom through the return pipe.

[0011] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the second heat pipe unit includes: a second heat pipe main path, the portion of the second heat pipe main path adjacent to the condenser forming the evaporation end of the second heat pipe unit; an evaporation branch path and a water tray branch path, the evaporation branch path and the water tray branch path together forming the condensation end of the second heat pipe unit, the evaporation branch path and the water tray branch path being connected in parallel to each other and both being connected to the second heat pipe main path to form a circulation path.

[0012] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: heat is transferred to the evaporator through the evaporator branch and to the drip tray through the drip tray branch. The evaporator can defrost by receiving heat from the refrigerant in the evaporator branch, and the drip tray is kept warm by receiving heat from the refrigerant in the drip tray branch, thus preventing the dripping defrost water from freezing and clogging the drain pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the evaporator is configured with evaporator piping, and the evaporation branch is configured with multiple evaporation sub-branches, the multiple evaporation sub-branches extending in the same direction as the evaporation branch.

[0014] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the evaporator sub-branch is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the evaporator pipe, resulting in higher heating efficiency and more efficient defrosting.

[0015] According to some specific embodiments of this utility model, the evaporation branch is constructed with: a defrost sensor connected upstream of the evaporation branch for detecting the temperature of the evaporator; and a regulating valve that opens and closes the evaporation branch according to the temperature of the evaporator detected by the defrost sensor.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the defrost sensor detects the temperature of the evaporator, thereby achieving timely heating.

[0017] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the third heat pipe unit includes: an evaporation section, wherein the portion of the main path of the third heat pipe adjacent to the condenser forms the evaporation end of the third heat pipe; and a condensation section, wherein the condensation section surrounds the refrigerator door frame and forms the condensation end of the third heat pipe, and the evaporation end and the condensation end are connected to form a circulation path.

[0018] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: heat is transferred to the refrigerator door frame, thereby heating and keeping it warm, and preventing condensation from forming on the refrigerator door frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the refrigerator door frame includes a refrigerator door frame and a freezer door frame, and the condensation section includes: a refrigerator door condensation section surrounding the refrigerator door frame; and a freezer door condensation section surrounding the freezer door frame. The evaporation section, the freezer door condensation section, and the refrigerator door condensation section are connected to each other.

[0020] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: heat is transferred to the condensation section of the freezer door and the condensation section of the refrigerator door, thereby heating and insulating the freezer door frame and the refrigerator door frame, and preventing condensation from forming on the door frame.

[0021] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the condenser is constructed with heat exchange pipes and fins. The condenser includes a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section, and a third heat exchange section in the extension direction of the heat exchange pipes. The second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section are both constructed with fins and arranged at intervals between each other. The first heat pipe evaporation end of the first heat pipe unit is disposed on the side adjacent to the first heat exchange section, the second evaporation end of the second heat pipe unit is disposed on the side adjacent to the second heat exchange section, and the third evaporation end of the third heat pipe unit is disposed on the side adjacent to the third heat exchange section.

[0022] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the heat from the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section, and the third heat exchange section can be uniformly conducted to the first heat pipe unit, the second heat pipe unit, and the third heat pipe unit. The evaporation ends of the first heat pipe unit, the second heat pipe unit, and the third heat pipe unit all adopt the form of microchannel heat pipes to enhance heat exchange.

[0023] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the condensing end of the first heat pipe unit is located above the evaporating end of the first heat pipe unit; the condensing end of the second heat pipe unit is located above the evaporating end of the second heat pipe unit; and the condensing end of the third heat pipe unit is located above the evaporating end of the third heat pipe unit.

[0024] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the refrigerant in each heat pipe unit absorbs the heat released by the condenser at the bottom heat pipe evaporator end, and the refrigerant inside the pipe changes from liquid to gaseous state. It is then transferred to the heat pipe condenser end through the connecting pipe, and the refrigerant inside the pipe changes from gaseous state to liquid state. The heat pipe condenser end is located above the evaporator end, and the liquid refrigerant can naturally flow back to the heat pipe evaporator end by gravity, completing the entire heat transfer process of the condenser.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention 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 the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the compressor, condenser, and heat pipes of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heat pipe arrangement of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser and compressor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first heat pipe unit of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first heat pipe branch of the first heat pipe unit of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second heat pipe unit of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the evaporator and drip tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator and defrost sensor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third heat pipe unit of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure label: Refrigerator 1, Compressor 100, Condenser 200, Evaporator 300, Heat pipe assembly 400, Heat pipe unit 410, evaporator end 10, condenser end 20, drip tray 310, first heat pipe unit 411 Second heat pipe unit 412, third heat pipe unit 413, first heat pipe main circuit 41, first heat pipe branch circuit 42 First sub-branch 421, Second heat pipe main circuit 43, Evaporator branch circuit 44, Water tray branch circuit 45 Evaporation section 450, condensation section 460 Evaporator branch 441, defrost sensor 500, regulating valve 600, refrigerator door condenser section 46. The freezer door condensing section 47, the first heat exchange section 210, the second heat exchange section 220, and the third heat exchange section 230. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet, a compressor 100, a condenser 200, an evaporator 300, a throttling component, and a heat pipe assembly 400.

[0035] The refrigerator's interior contains a cooling compartment. Compressor 100 compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas to power the refrigerant. Condenser 200 is installed at the bottom of the refrigerator, serving as the bottom condenser; condenser 200 releases heat from the refrigerant into the environment. Evaporator 300 is installed in the refrigerator; evaporator 300 absorbs heat from the cooling compartment and releases cold energy into the cooling compartment. A throttling device controls the refrigerant flow rate.

[0036] The heat pipe assembly 400 includes multiple heat pipe units 410, each heat pipe unit 410 having an evaporator end 10 and a condenser end 20. The evaporator end 10 of the heat pipe unit 410 is located adjacent to the condenser 200 to absorb the heat released by the condenser 200. The heat pipe assembly 410 is filled with refrigerant, and the heat released by the condenser 200 is transferred to the parts that need heat by relying on the phase change of the refrigerant.

[0037] The cabinet structure includes a refrigerator door frame and side panels. The refrigerator door frame surrounds the cooling compartment, and the refrigerator side panels define the space of the cooling compartment. The bottom of the evaporator 300 has a water collection tray 310. The multiple heat pipe units 410 include: a first heat pipe unit 411, a second heat pipe unit 412, and a third heat pipe unit 413.

[0038] The condenser end 20 of the first heat pipe unit 411 is arranged on the side panel of the refrigerator to transfer heat to the side panel of the refrigerator. The condenser end 20 of the second heat pipe unit 412 is arranged on the evaporator 300 to transfer heat to the evaporator 300. The condenser end 20 of the third heat pipe unit 413 is arranged on the door frame of the refrigerator to transfer heat to the door frame of the refrigerator.

[0039] For example, the cooling chamber includes a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. By calculating the refrigerant flow rate required for cooling in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, the refrigerant is charged appropriately to achieve the best cooling effect. The cooling process relies on the compressor 100 to increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant through mechanical work. After the refrigerant enters the condenser 200, it releases heat. Then, in the throttling component, the high-pressure refrigerant is converted to low pressure and enters the evaporator 300 to absorb heat from the cooling chamber. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 100 to complete the refrigeration cycle.

[0040] The heat pipe assembly 400 may include multiple heat pipe units 410 formed by microchannel gravity heat pipes. These heat pipe units 410 are positioned near the condenser 200, exchanging heat with or without contact with the condenser 200 to transfer the heat released by the condenser 200 to the desired area. Specifically, the first heat pipe unit 411 exchanges heat with the condenser 200, transferring the heat released by the condenser 200 to the refrigerator side panel, heating it and providing insulation. The second heat pipe unit 412 exchanges heat with the condenser 200, transferring the heat generated by the condenser 200 to the evaporator 300, supplying the evaporator 300 with the heat needed for defrosting. The third heat pipe unit 413 exchanges heat with the condenser 200, transferring the heat generated by the condenser 200 to the inside of the refrigerator door frame, effectively replacing the conventional defrosting pipe for decondensation. It is understandable that the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413 each form an independent heat pipe heat exchange system, which is independent of the refrigerator heat exchange system formed by the compressor 100, the condenser 200, the throttling component, and the evaporator 300.

[0041] The defrosting function of the evaporator 300 can be connected to the second heat pipe unit 412 as needed. When defrosting is not needed, it can be adjusted by the regulating valve 600 (such as an electronic regulating valve). The evaporation branch 44 of the second heat pipe unit 412 will not work, ensuring that the refrigerator's normal defrosting function can be used for normal cooling operation.

[0042] According to the refrigerator 1 of the present utility model embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413 form three independent circulating heat exchange systems.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 exchanges heat with the condenser 200. The refrigerant continuously circulates during its flow in the first heat pipe unit 411, continuously transferring heat from the condenser 200 to the refrigerator side panel. The refrigerant absorbs heat and becomes gaseous, which is then transported to the refrigerator side panel through the connecting pipe. After releasing heat to the refrigerator side panel at the condenser end 20 of the first heat pipe unit 411, the refrigerant becomes liquid. The liquid refrigerant flows downward along the connecting pipe to the evaporator end 10 of the heat pipe, where it is heated again and transforms into gas.

[0044] Similarly, as Figure 7 As shown, the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 exchanges heat with the condenser 200. The refrigerant absorbs heat and becomes gaseous. It rises through the connecting pipe and is transported to the evaporator 300. After the refrigerant defrosts and heats the evaporator 300 at the condenser end 20 of the second heat pipe unit 412, it returns to the liquid state. The liquid refrigerant flows downward along the pipe of the second heat pipe unit 412 to the evaporator end 10 of the heat pipe under the action of gravity. The refrigerant is heated again at the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 and turns into a gaseous state.

[0045] Similarly, as Figure 10 As shown, the evaporator end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 exchanges heat with the condenser 200. The refrigerant inside the pipe absorbs heat and becomes gaseous. The gaseous refrigerant is transported to the refrigerator door frame along the connecting pipe. After the refrigerant defrosts and heats the evaporator 300 at the condenser end 20 of the third heat pipe unit 413, it returns to liquid. The liquid refrigerant flows down the pipe of the third heat pipe unit 413 to the evaporator end 10 of the heat pipe. The refrigerant is heated again at the evaporator end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 and turns into gas.

[0046] Therefore, by using the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413 to replace the heating device in related technologies, no additional heating components are needed, thus saving more space inside the refrigerator 1. Furthermore, the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413 together form a highly efficient heat exchange system, transferring heat to the refrigerator side panel, the evaporator 300, and the refrigerator door frame respectively, utilizing the heat released by the condenser 200 for heat transfer, eliminating the need for additional heating and reducing the refrigerator 1's additional energy consumption. In addition, by calculating the heat requirements of the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413, the refrigerant charge of each can be controlled separately, fully utilizing the heat released by the condenser 200 to achieve higher energy efficiency.

[0047] Therefore, the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention integrates a loose heating function and has the advantages of large cooling compartment space and high energy utilization rate.

[0048] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first heat pipe unit 411 includes: a first heat pipe main circuit 41 and a plurality of first heat pipe branches 42.

[0049] The portion of the first heat pipe main 41 adjacent to the condenser 200 forms the evaporation end 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411. Multiple first heat pipe branches 42 extend to different refrigerator side panels respectively. Multiple first heat pipe branches 42 all form the condensation end 20 of the first heat pipe unit 412. The first heat pipe main 41 and multiple first heat pipe branches 42 are connected to form a heat pipe circulation pipeline.

[0050] For example, the refrigerator side panel includes a left side panel and a right side panel. The first heat pipe branch 42 has two branches: one extends to the left side panel and the other extends to the right side panel. The first heat pipe branch 42 covers the refrigerator side panel that needs to be insulated and prevented from condensing. After the first heat pipe main 41 completes heat exchange with the condenser 200, it transfers heat to multiple first heat pipe branches 42. Then, the heat from the first heat pipe branches 42 is transferred to the refrigerator side panel, thus providing insulation and preventing condensation on the refrigerator side panel.

[0051] The evaporator end 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411 can be connected to an evaporation heat exchanger, which exchanges heat with the condenser 200, thereby transferring the heat from the condenser 200 to the main circuit 41 of the first heat pipe. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator end 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411 is transferred to the condenser end 20 formed by the first heat pipe branch 42. The refrigerant heats and insulates the refrigerator side panel at the condenser end 20. At this time, the refrigerant releases heat and becomes liquid. The liquid refrigerant flows downward along the pipe of the first heat pipe branch 42 due to its own gravity. The refrigerant is heated again at the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 and turns into gas, completing the heat exchange cycle of the heat pipe assembly 400.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, each first heat pipe branch 42 is constructed with multiple first sub-branches 421, which extend vertically and are arranged at intervals. The vertically arranged first heat pipe branches 42 cover a large area of ​​the refrigerator side panel, making the side panel heatd more evenly. Refrigerant flows through each first sub-branchinement 421 and releases condensation heat on the refrigerator side panel to prevent the side panel temperature from getting too low and condensation from forming on the surface. After releasing heat at the condensing end 20, the refrigerant in the first sub-branchinement 421 changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant flows downward along the pipe of the first sub-branchinement 421 under its own gravity, and returns to the evaporating end 10 located at the bottom of the refrigerator through the connecting pipe. This cycle is repeated to complete the heat pipe refrigerant circulation of the first heat pipe unit 411.

[0053] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second heat pipe unit 412 includes: a second heat pipe main path 43, an evaporation branch path 44, and a drip tray branch path 45. The second heat pipe main path 43 forms the evaporation end 10. The evaporation branch path 44 and the drip tray branch path 45 together form the second heat pipe condensation end 20. The evaporation branch path 44 and the drip tray branch path 45 are connected in parallel to each other and are both connected to the second heat pipe main path 43 to form the refrigerant circulation path of the second heat pipe.

[0054] The drip tray 310 is located at the bottom of the evaporator 300 to collect defrost water. Evaporation branch 44 supplies heat to the evaporator 300, and drip tray branch 45 supplies heat to the drip tray 310. Evaporation branch 44 covers the evaporator 300 requiring defrosting, and drip tray branch 45 is located below and in close contact with the drip tray 310. After heat exchange with the condenser 200, the second heat pipe main 43 transfers heat to the evaporator 300 through the evaporator branch and to the drip tray 310 through the drip tray branch 45. The evaporator 300, heated by the refrigerant in the evaporator branch, can defrost as needed. The drip tray 310, heated by the refrigerant in the drip tray branch 45, is kept warm, preventing defrost water from dripping onto the excessively cold drip tray and freezing, thus preventing blockage of the drain pipe and causing ice blockage.

[0055] Specifically, the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 can be connected to an evaporative heat exchanger, which exchanges heat with the condenser 200, thereby transferring heat from the condenser 200 to the second main heat exchange path. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 is transferred to the condenser end 20 formed by the evaporation branch 44 and the drip tray branch 45. The refrigerant in the evaporation branch 44 heats the evaporator 300 for defrosting. The refrigerant in the drip tray branch 45 releases condensation heat to the drip tray 310, transferring heat to the drip tray 310 through heat conduction to prevent dripping defrost water from freezing and clogging the drain pipe. The refrigerant liquefies at the evaporator 300 or the drip tray 310. The liquid refrigerant flows downward along the pipes of the second heat pipe unit 412 under its own gravity. The refrigerant is heated again at the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 and turns into a gaseous state, completing the heat pipe cycle of the second heat pipe unit 412.

[0056] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the evaporator 300 is constructed with evaporator pipes, and the evaporation branch 44 is constructed with multiple evaporation sub-branches 441, which extend in the same direction as the evaporator pipes.

[0057] Understandably, the evaporator pipes can be selectively opened according to defrosting needs, with each evaporator sub-branch 441 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the evaporator pipes. When defrosting is required, the heat from the refrigerant in the evaporator sub-branch 441 is transferred to the corresponding evaporator pipe, ensuring that each evaporator pipe is heated and defrosting is completed. This results in high heating efficiency and more efficient defrosting. After defrosting, the refrigerant in the multiple evaporator sub-branch 441 liquefies and then flows back to the evaporator end 10 along the pipes of the second heat pipe unit 412.

[0058] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 9 As shown, the evaporation branch 44 is equipped with a defrost sensor 500 and a regulating valve 600. The defrost sensor 500 is connected upstream of the evaporation branch 44 and is used to detect the temperature of the evaporator 300 to control defrosting. The regulating valve 600 opens and closes the evaporation branch 44 according to the temperature of the evaporator 300 detected by the defrost sensor 500.

[0059] When the temperature of the evaporator 300 detected by the defrost sensor 500 is lower than the frosting temperature, it indicates that the evaporator 300 may have already frosted. At this time, the evaporation branch 44 of the second heat pipe unit is opened, allowing refrigerant to enter the evaporation branch 44 and then be transferred to the evaporator 300, thereby achieving timely heating. The refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerator evaporator 300, allowing it to enter the condensing end 20 of the heat pipe supplying the evaporator 300, releasing condensation heat to melt the frost layer, turning it into defrost water that falls into the drip tray 310. After heat exchange, the refrigerant in the evaporation branch 44 becomes liquid and returns to the evaporating end 10 of the microchannel heat pipe via the connecting pipe, completing the heat exchange cycle of the evaporation branch 44.

[0060] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 10 As shown, the third heat pipe unit 413 includes an evaporation section 450 and a condensation section 460. The evaporation section 450 forms the evaporation end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413. The condensation section 460 surrounds the refrigerator door frame and forms the condensation end 20 of the third heat pipe unit 413. The evaporation section 450 and the condensation end 20 are connected to form a circulation path. For example, the evaporation section 450 and the condensation section 460 are connected in series to form a circulation path. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the evaporation section 450 is transferred to the condensation section 460 and exchanges heat with the refrigerator door frame, so that the high-temperature refrigerant in the condensation section 460 heats and insulates the refrigerator door frame to prevent condensation from forming on the refrigerator door frame. The evaporation end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 absorbs the condensation heat of the condenser 200, causing the refrigerant working fluid in the evaporation end 10 to absorb heat and vaporize.

[0061] Specifically, the evaporator end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 can be connected to an evaporation heat exchanger, which exchanges heat with the condenser 200, thereby transferring heat from the condenser 200 to the evaporation section 450 and the condensation section 460 in sequence. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 is transferred to the condenser end 20 formed by the condenser section 460. The refrigerant in the condenser section 460 heats and insulates the refrigerator door frame, preventing condensation from forming. The third heat pipe unit 413 transfers heat to the refrigerator door frame through heat conduction to prevent condensation. The liquid refrigerant, after heat exchange, flows downward along the pipes of the third heat pipe unit 413 under its own gravity. The refrigerant is heated again at the evaporator end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 and turns into gas, completing the heat pipe cycle of the third heat pipe unit 413.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the refrigerator door frame includes a refrigerator door frame and a freezer door frame (not shown in the figure). The condenser section 460 includes a refrigerator door condenser section 46 and a freezer door condenser section 47. The refrigerator door condenser section 46 surrounds the refrigerator door frame. The freezer door condenser section 47 surrounds the freezer door frame. The evaporator section 300, the freezer door condenser section 47, and the refrigerator door condenser section 46 are connected to each other.

[0063] For example, the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment are arranged vertically, and their positions can be interchanged as needed. The positions of the refrigerator door condenser section 46 and the freezer door condenser section 47 of the third heat pipe unit 413 can also be interchanged. In some embodiments, the refrigerator door condenser section 46 and the freezer door condenser section 47 are connected in series. After the evaporator section 450 completes heat exchange with the condenser 200, the heat is sequentially transferred to the freezer door condenser section 47 and the refrigerator door condenser section 46. Then, the refrigerant at the freezer door condenser section 47 heats and insulates the freezer door frame, and the refrigerant at the refrigerator door condenser end 20 heats and insulates the condenser door frame plate.

[0064] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the condenser 100 and the compressor 200 are both located at the bottom of the housing. The condenser 200 is constructed with heat exchange pipes and fins. The condenser 200 includes a first heat exchange section 210, a second heat exchange section 220 and a third heat exchange section in the extension direction of the heat exchange pipes. The second heat exchange section 220 and the third heat exchange section are both constructed with fins and are arranged at intervals between each other.

[0065] Among them, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the evaporation end 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411 is located on the side adjacent to the first heat exchange section 210, the evaporation end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 412 is located on the side adjacent to the second heat exchange section 220, and the evaporation end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413 is located on the side adjacent to the third heat exchange section.

[0066] The first heat exchange section 210, the second heat exchange section 220, and the third heat exchange section are spaced apart to provide space for accommodating the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413. For example, the first heat pipe unit 411 is disposed on the side of the first heat exchange section 210 away from the second heat exchange section 220, the second heat pipe unit 412 is disposed between the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220, and the third heat pipe unit 413 is disposed between the second heat exchange section 220 and the third heat exchange section. Multiple heat exchange sections and multiple heat pipe units are arranged alternately to save space in the bottom compartment of the refrigerator. The heat from the first heat exchange section 210, the second heat exchange section 220 and the third heat exchange section of the condenser 200 can be evenly transferred to the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412 and the third heat pipe unit 413. The evaporation ends 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412 and the third heat pipe unit 413 all adopt the form of microchannel heat pipes to enhance heat exchange, resulting in a larger overall heat exchange capacity and higher efficiency.

[0067] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the condenser end 20 of the first heat pipe unit 411 is located above the evaporator end 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411. The condenser end 20 of the second heat pipe unit 412 is located above the evaporator end 10 of the second heat pipe unit 411. The condenser end 20 of the third heat pipe unit 413 is located above the evaporator end 10 of the third heat pipe unit 413.

[0068] Since the evaporation ends 10 of the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413 are respectively located adjacent to the condenser 200, the height of the condensing end 20 is higher than that of the evaporation end 10. The condensing ends 20 of the first heat pipe unit 411, the second heat pipe unit 412, and the third heat pipe unit 413 are all located above their respective heat pipe evaporation ends 10, thus relying on the gravity of the refrigerant to complete the heat exchange cycle of the heat pipe unit 410.

[0069] Other components and operations of the air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0070] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "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 present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The housing contains a cooling chamber. A compressor for compressing low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas to provide power to the refrigerant; A condenser, installed in the housing, for releasing heat from the refrigerant into the environment; An evaporator, which is installed in the housing, is used to absorb heat from the cooling chamber; A throttling component for controlling refrigerant flow; The refrigerator is characterized in that it further includes: A heat pipe assembly comprising a plurality of heat pipe units, each heat pipe unit having a separate evaporation end and a condensation end, the evaporation end of the heat pipe unit being disposed adjacent to the condenser to absorb heat released by the condenser; The cabinet structure includes a refrigerator door frame and a side panel. The refrigerator door frame surrounds the cooling compartment, and the refrigerator side panel defines the space of the cooling compartment. The bottom of the evaporator is equipped with a water collection tray. The refrigerator is configured with multiple heat pipe units, and the multiple heat pipe units include: A first heat pipe unit, wherein the condenser end of the first heat pipe unit is arranged on the refrigerator side panel to transfer heat to the refrigerator side panel; A second heat pipe unit, wherein the condenser end of the second heat pipe unit is arranged in the evaporator to transfer heat to the evaporator; A third heat pipe unit, wherein the condenser end of the third heat pipe unit is arranged in the refrigerator door frame to transfer heat to the refrigerator door frame.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat pipe unit includes: The first heat pipe main path, the portion of the first heat pipe main path adjacent to the condenser forms the evaporation end of the first heat pipe unit; Multiple first heat pipe branches extend to different side panels of the refrigerator, and each of the multiple first heat pipe branches forms the condenser end of the first heat pipe unit. The main first heat pipe and the multiple first heat pipe branches are connected to form a circulation path.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first heat pipe branches is constructed with multiple first sub-branches, and the multiple first sub-branches extend vertically and are arranged at intervals with each other.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heat pipe unit includes: The second heat pipe main circuit, the portion of the second heat pipe main circuit adjacent to the condenser forms the evaporation end of the second heat pipe unit; The evaporation branch and the water tray branch together form the condensation end of the second heat pipe unit. The evaporation branch and the water tray branch are connected in parallel to each other and are both connected to the main circuit of the second heat pipe to form a circulation path.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The evaporator is configured with evaporator piping, and the evaporation branch is configured with multiple evaporation sub-branches, the multiple evaporation sub-branches extending in the same direction as the evaporator piping.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The evaporation branch is constructed as follows: A defrost sensor, connected upstream of the evaporation branch, is used to detect the temperature of the evaporator; A regulating valve that opens and closes the evaporation branch based on the temperature of the evaporator detected by the defrost sensor.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third heat pipe unit includes: Evaporation section: The portion of the third heat pipe unit adjacent to the condenser forms the evaporation end of the third heat pipe unit; The condensing section surrounds the refrigerator door frame and forms the condensing end of the third heat pipe unit. The evaporating section and the condensing section are connected to form a circulation path.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigerator door frame includes a refrigerator door frame and a freezer door frame, and the condenser section includes: A condensing section for the refrigerator door, the condensing section for the refrigerator door surrounding the refrigerator door frame; The freezer door condenser section surrounds the freezer door frame, and the evaporator section, the freezer door condenser section, and the refrigerator door condenser section are connected to each other.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser and the compressor are both located at the bottom of the housing. The condenser is constructed with heat exchange pipes and fins. The condenser includes a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section and a third heat exchange section in the extension direction of the heat exchange pipes. The second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section are both constructed with fins and are arranged at intervals between each other. The evaporation end of the first heat pipe unit is located on the side adjacent to the first heat exchange section, the evaporation end of the second heat pipe unit is located on the side adjacent to the second heat exchange section, and the evaporation end of the third heat pipe unit is located on the side adjacent to the third heat exchange section.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The condenser end of the first heat pipe unit is located above the evaporator end of the first heat pipe unit; The condenser end of the second heat pipe unit is located above the evaporator end of the second heat pipe unit; The condenser end of the third heat pipe unit is located above the evaporator end of the third heat pipe unit.

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