Refrigerator drainage leak-proof cooling structure and refrigerator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522091213.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-28
AI Technical Summary
[0003]本实用新型的目的在于提供一种冰箱排水防漏冷结构及冰箱，以解决现有技术中存在的冷气泄漏的问题
[0019]本实用新型通过在蒸发盘与第一排水管之间设置水封组件，巧妙运用水封原理实现了自密封效果。当冰箱内部的冷凝水或化霜水经第一排水管的第一进水端流入，并通过第一出水端进入储水盒后，储水盒内积聚的液面会逐渐上升，直至高于第一排水管的出水高度。若储水盒内的液面高度高于第二排水管的进水高度，多余的水则会通过第二排水管流至蒸发盘。储水盒内的液面由此形成一道液封屏障，有效阻隔了第一排水管与外界空气的连通，既确保了排水功能的持续稳定，又通过液面高度控制实现了冷气的零泄漏。将“水封密封”原理应用于冰箱排水系统，实现冷热空气的物理隔离，有效防止冷气通过排水管道逸出。
Smart Images
Figure CN224838115U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more specifically, it relates to a refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure and a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] In existing refrigerator structures, condensation is generated in the refrigerator and freezer compartments during operation, which needs to be drained periodically through a drain pipe. Typically, one end of the drain pipe connects to the drain outlet on the evaporator base, while the other end leads to the outside of the refrigerator (such as a floor drain or drip tray). However, because the internal temperature of the refrigerator is extremely low (generally between 0°C and 5°C), while the external ambient temperature is relatively high, if the drain pipe is not completely sealed, cold air will escape from the refrigerator through it, creating a "cold bridge" effect. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure and a refrigerator to solve the problem of cold air leakage in the prior art.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0005] This utility model provides a refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure, including:
[0006] Evaporator tray, located on the outside of the refrigerator;
[0007] The first drain pipe has a first inlet end and a first outlet end at its two ends, respectively, and the first inlet end is connected to the drain outlet at the bottom of the refrigerator.
[0008] The water seal assembly includes a water storage box and a second drain pipe. The water storage box is located above the evaporation plate. The two ends of the second drain pipe are a second water inlet and a second water outlet, respectively. The second water inlet is connected to the water storage box, and the second water outlet extends into the evaporation plate. The first water outlet is connected to the water storage box, and the liquid level in the water storage box is higher than the first water outlet to block the communication between the first drain pipe and the outside.
[0009] Furthermore, the first water outlet is connected to the water storage box via a first valve, and the second water inlet is connected to the water storage box via a second valve.
[0010] Furthermore, the installation height of the first water outlet is the same as the installation height of the second water inlet.
[0011] Furthermore, the first water outlet is installed at the middle position of the water storage box.
[0012] Furthermore, the water storage box is equipped with a level gauge, which is used to detect the liquid level in real time.
[0013] Furthermore, the water seal assembly also includes a third drain pipe, with a third water inlet and a third water outlet at its two ends. The third water inlet is connected to the water storage box through a third valve, and the third water outlet extends into the evaporation plate. The installation height of the third water inlet is lower than that of the second water inlet.
[0014] Furthermore, the third water inlet is installed at the bottom of the water storage box.
[0015] Furthermore, the third water outlet maintains a first distance from the bottom wall of the evaporation pan.
[0016] Furthermore, a second distance is maintained between the second water outlet and the bottom wall of the evaporation pan.
[0017] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure described above.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure and the refrigerator provided by this utility model are as follows:
[0019] This invention cleverly utilizes the water seal principle to achieve a self-sealing effect by setting a water seal component between the evaporator plate and the first drain pipe. When condensate or defrost water inside the refrigerator flows in through the first inlet of the first drain pipe and into the water storage box through the first outlet, the liquid level in the storage box gradually rises until it exceeds the outlet height of the first drain pipe. If the liquid level in the storage box is higher than the inlet height of the second drain pipe, the excess water will flow to the evaporator plate through the second drain pipe. The liquid level in the storage box thus forms a liquid seal barrier, effectively blocking the connection between the first drain pipe and the outside air, ensuring the continuous and stable drainage function, and achieving zero leakage of cold air through liquid level control. Applying the "water seal" principle to the refrigerator drainage system achieves physical isolation between hot and cold air, effectively preventing cold air from escaping through the drain pipe. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure of this utility model when the first valve is opened.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure of this utility model when the first valve and the second valve are open.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure of this utility model in the water-sealed state;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure of this utility model when the third valve is open;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure of this utility model in the connected state;
[0027] The main markings in the attached figures are as follows:
[0028] 1. Evaporating plate;
[0029] 2. First drain pipe;
[0030] 3. Water storage box;
[0031] 4. Second drain pipe;
[0032] 5. Third drainage pipe;
[0033] 6. First valve;
[0034] 7. Second valve;
[0035] 8. Third valve. Detailed Implementation
[0036] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0037] In existing refrigerator structures, condensation is generated in the refrigerator and freezer compartments during operation, which needs to be drained periodically through a drain pipe. Typically, one end of the drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet on the evaporator base, and the other end leads to the outside of the refrigerator (such as a floor drain or drip tray).
[0038] However, because the internal temperature of a refrigerator is extremely low (generally between 0°C and 5°C), while the external ambient temperature is relatively high, if the drain pipe is not completely sealed, cold air will escape from the inside of the refrigerator through the drain pipe, thus creating a "cold bridge" effect, leading to the following problems:
[0039] 1. Cold air loss: The continuous leakage of cold air increases the workload of the compressor and reduces the energy efficiency ratio.
[0040] 2. Frost and ice formation: Condensation easily forms on the outer wall of the drain pipe due to heat exchange, which can then freeze and block the drain passage.
[0041] 3. Increased energy consumption: To maintain the set temperature, the compressor starts and stops frequently, which increases energy consumption.
[0042] 4. Poor user experience: Some users may perceive a cold draft near the drain pipe, which affects the user experience.
[0043] Existing solutions often employ flexible sealing rings, silicone plugs, or one-way valves, but these suffer from poor sealing, susceptibility to aging, complex installation, high cost, or susceptibility to ice blockage, failing to fundamentally solve the problem of cold air leakage. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a leak-proof cold air structure that is simple in structure, low in cost, highly adaptable, and capable of long-term stable operation.
[0044] To address the technical problems of cold air loss, ice blockage, reduced energy efficiency, and poor user experience caused by cold air leakage in existing refrigerator drain pipes during operation, this utility model proposes a refrigerator drainage anti-leakage structure and refrigerator based on the water seal principle, which is a self-sealing drainage structure that achieves the technical goals of "no cold air leakage, no drainage blockage, and maintenance-free structure".
[0045] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure proposed in this utility model includes at least: an evaporator plate 1, a first drain pipe 2, and a water seal assembly. The evaporator plate 1 is located outside the refrigerator. The two ends of the first drain pipe 2 are a first water inlet and a first water outlet, respectively. The first water inlet is connected to the drain outlet at the bottom of the refrigerator. The water seal assembly includes a water storage box 3 and a second drain pipe 4. The water storage box 3 is located above the evaporator plate 1. The two ends of the second drain pipe 4 are a second water inlet and a second water outlet, respectively. The second water inlet is connected to the water storage box 3, and the second water outlet extends into the evaporator plate 1. The first water outlet is connected to the water storage box 3, and the liquid level in the water storage box 3 is higher than the first water outlet to block the communication between the first drain pipe 2 and the outside.
[0046] This invention cleverly utilizes the water seal principle to achieve a self-sealing effect by setting a water seal component between the evaporator plate 1 and the first drain pipe 2. When condensate or defrost water inside the refrigerator flows in through the first inlet of the first drain pipe 2 and into the water storage box 3 through the first outlet, the liquid level in the water storage box 3 gradually rises until it exceeds the outlet height of the first drain pipe 2. If the liquid level in the water storage box 3 is higher than the inlet height of the second drain pipe 4, the excess water will flow to the evaporator plate 1 through the second drain pipe 4. The liquid level in the water storage box 3 thus forms a liquid seal barrier, effectively blocking the connection between the first drain pipe 2 and the outside air, ensuring the continuous and stable drainage function, and achieving zero leakage of cold air through liquid level control. By applying the "water seal" principle to the refrigerator drainage system, and utilizing the surface tension and gravity of water, a dynamic water seal is formed inside the drainage structure, achieving physical isolation between hot and cold air, and effectively preventing cold air from escaping through the drain pipe.
[0047] Understandably, the water storage box 3 is used to store a portion of the condensate or defrost water produced by the refrigerator, thus achieving a water seal function for the first drain pipe 2. The internal volume of the water storage box 3 should be rationally designed based on the installation height of the first outlet end in the first drain pipe 2, the amount of defrost water produced by the refrigerator, and the capacity of the evaporator plate 1. The evaporator plate 1 is located at the bottom of the refrigerator exterior and is used to store most of the condensate or defrost water produced by the refrigerator (including excess water drained from the water storage box 3). Within a certain period of time, the water in the evaporator plate 1 can be naturally evaporated. The internal volume of the evaporator plate 1 should meet the maximum drainage requirements during refrigerator operation to prevent excess water from overflowing, thereby avoiding complaints.
[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the first water outlet is connected to the water storage box 3 through the first valve 6, and the second water inlet is connected to the water storage box 3 through the second valve 7.
[0049] Understandably, the first valve 6 is located at the connection between the first drain pipe 2 and the water storage box 3, and is used to control the flow of water from the first drain pipe 2 to the water storage box 3; the second valve 7 is located at the connection between the second drain pipe 4 and the water storage box 3, and is used to control the flow of water from the water storage box 3 to the second drain pipe 4.
[0050] This invention features a first valve 6 between the first water outlet and the water storage box 3, and a second valve 7 between the second water outlet and the water storage box 3. By controlling the opening and closing states of the first valve 6 and the second valve 7, the liquid level in the water storage box 3 can be efficiently adjusted and maintained, ensuring that the liquid level meets the water seal requirements. Furthermore, the first valve 6 not only controls the flow of water between the first drain pipe 2 and the water storage box 3, but also effectively prevents cold air from overflowing from the first drain pipe 2 and prevents backflow of water in the water storage box 3. This optimizes both liquid level control and cold air protection, significantly improving practicality and reliability.
[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the installation height of the first water outlet is the same as the installation height of the second water inlet. By setting the first water outlet in the first drain pipe 2 and the second water inlet in the second drain pipe 4 at the same installation height, when the liquid level in the water storage box 3 is higher than the water outlet height of the first drain pipe 2, it will also be higher than the water inlet height of the second drain pipe 4; conversely, when the liquid level in the water storage box 3 is lower than the water outlet height of the first drain pipe 2, it will also be lower than the water inlet height of the second drain pipe 4. In this way, the first drain pipe 2 and the second drain pipe 4 can more efficiently form a water seal or maintain a continuous connection.
[0052] For example, the installation height of both the first water outlet and the second water inlet is set at the middle position of the water storage box 3. In this way, when the liquid level in the water storage box 3 rises to the middle position or above, a water seal can be effectively formed to prevent cold air leakage. Conversely, when the liquid level drops below the middle position, the first drain pipe 2 and the second drain pipe 4 are connected to ensure that the drainage process is smooth and unobstructed.
[0053] Of course, in other feasible implementations, the installation height of the first outlet can be set lower than the installation height of the second inlet. If the second drain pipe 4 is equipped with a valve, the installation height of the first outlet can even be higher than the installation height of the second inlet.
[0054] The water storage box 3 forms a water-sealed cavity between the refrigerator and the outside environment. Inside the water storage box 3 is a level gauge used to monitor the liquid level in real time. The level gauge transmits the measured liquid level to the main control board, which then controls the opening and closing of each valve based on the liquid level. Furthermore, the water storage box 3 is made of antibacterial and mildew-resistant material to ensure the hygiene of the water stored inside and effectively prevent odors.
[0055] This invention, by installing a level gauge inside the water storage box 3, can accurately monitor changes in the liquid level within the box. When the liquid level reaches a preset critical value, the main control board will respond quickly and adjust the valve opening status in a timely manner, thereby effectively preventing cold air leakage caused by excessively low liquid levels, and thus improving the reliability and stability of the refrigerator's drainage and leak-proof structure.
[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the water seal assembly also includes a third drain pipe 5, with a third water inlet and a third water outlet at its two ends. The third water inlet is connected to the water storage box 3 through a third valve 8, and the third water outlet extends into the evaporation plate 1. The installation height of the third water inlet is lower than that of the second water inlet.
[0057] This invention, by adding a third drain pipe 5, allows for the appropriate amount of water from the water storage box 3 to be discharged onto the evaporator plate 1 as needed, thereby ensuring that the liquid level in the water storage box 3 is lower than that at the first and second water outlets. This ensures that the first drain pipe 2 remains connected to the outside, effectively preventing backflow of water caused by the first drain pipe 2 being disconnected from the outside in certain situations (such as when the door is opened), and thus eliminating any abnormal noise generated as a result.
[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the installation height of the third water inlet is located at the bottom of the water storage box 3. By setting the installation height of the third water inlet to the bottom of the water storage box 3, it can be ensured that the third water inlet remains vertical, thereby effectively shortening the length of the third drain pipe 5.
[0059] Of course, in other feasible implementations, the installation height of the third water inlet can be set to the side of the water storage box 3, while ensuring that it is lower than the installation height of the second water inlet.
[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the third water outlet maintains a first distance from the bottom wall of the evaporation pan 1, and the second water outlet maintains a second distance from the bottom wall of the evaporation pan 1.
[0061] Understandably, the specific values of the first and second distances can be flexibly set according to actual needs. By appropriately increasing the drainage height of the second drain pipe 4 and the third drain pipe 5, making them higher than the bottom wall of the evaporator plate 1, the anti-backflow effect can be further optimized.
[0062] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including a refrigeration cycle circuit and a refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure. The refrigeration cycle circuit consists of a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, and an evaporator connected in sequence.
[0063] Specifically, the refrigerator's drainage and leak-proof structure includes an evaporator plate 1, a water storage box 3, a first drain pipe 2, a second drain pipe 4, and a third drain pipe 5. The first inlet of the first drain pipe 2 is connected to the drain outlet of the evaporator base, and the first outlet of the first drain pipe 2 is connected to the side wall of the water storage box 3 via a first valve 6. The second inlet of the second drain pipe 4 is connected to the side wall of the water storage box 3 via a second valve 7, and the second inlet is at the same height as the first drain outlet. The second outlet of the second drain pipe 4 extends into the evaporator plate 1. The third inlet of the third drain pipe 5 is connected to the bottom wall of the water storage box 3 via a third valve 8, and the third drain outlet of the third drain pipe 5 extends into the evaporator plate 1. A level gauge is installed inside the water storage box 3.
[0064] The actual working process of the refrigerator's drainage and leak-proof structure is as follows:
[0065] During the first defrost process after the refrigerator is first powered on, such as Figure 2As shown, the first valve 6 is open, while the second valve 7 and the third valve 8 are temporarily closed. Defrosting water generated by the evaporator defrosting is injected into the water storage box 3 through the first drain pipe 2. Figure 3 As shown, when the level gauge detects a sufficient amount of water and the liquid level reaches H1, the second valve 7 opens, and excess defrost water is drained into the evaporator plate 1 through the second drain pipe 4. Once no more defrost water has drained from inside the refrigerator, all valves are closed.
[0066] The refrigerator cools normally with the door closed. Figure 4 As shown, to prevent cold air from leaking out through the first drain pipe 2, the liquid level in the water storage box 3 is maintained at H1, above the height of the water pipes on both sides of the water storage box 3 (i.e., the first drain pipe 2 and the second drain pipe 4). Every time defrosting occurs again, the water in the water storage box 3 is drained and refilled, forming a dynamic water seal, which physically isolates the hot and cold air inside and outside the refrigerator.
[0067] When the refrigerator door is open, if the first drain pipe 2 is not connected to the outside, abnormal noise caused by water backflow will occur. Therefore, if Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the valve at the bottom of the water storage box 3 (i.e., the third valve 8) is opened, and the liquid level drops to H2, which is below the height of the water pipes on both sides of the water storage box 3 (i.e., the first drain pipe 2 and the second drain pipe 4), thus connecting the two water pipes and ensuring normal drainage of the refrigerator. The defrosting water generated during the defrosting process flows smoothly into the evaporator plate 1 through the first drain pipe 2 and the second drain pipe 4.
[0068] This invention applies the principle of "water seal" to the refrigerator drainage system. A dynamic water seal is formed through the surface tension and gravity of water, effectively physically separating hot and cold air and preventing cold air from escaping through the drainage pipe. This design solves the problems of poor sealing, easy aging, complex installation, high cost, and susceptibility to ice blockage in existing technologies, fundamentally eliminating cold air leakage.
[0069] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it may be directly on or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other element.
[0070] Furthermore, the terms "center," "length," "width," "thickness," "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 this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0071] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0072] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0073] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure, characterized in that, include: Evaporator tray, located on the outside of the refrigerator; The first drain pipe has a first inlet end and a first outlet end at its two ends, and the first inlet end is connected to the drain outlet at the bottom of the refrigerator. The water seal assembly includes a water storage box and a second drain pipe. The water storage box is located above the evaporation plate. The two ends of the second drain pipe are a second water inlet and a second water outlet, respectively. The second water inlet is connected to the water storage box, and the second water outlet extends into the evaporation plate. The first water outlet is connected to the water storage box, and the liquid level in the water storage box is higher than the first water outlet to block the communication between the first drain pipe and the outside.
2. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first water outlet is connected to the water storage box via a first valve, and the second water inlet is connected to the water storage box via a second valve.
3. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The installation height of the first water outlet is the same as the installation height of the second water inlet.
4. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first water outlet is installed at the middle of the water storage box.
5. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The water storage box is equipped with a level gauge, which is used to detect the liquid level in real time.
6. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The water seal assembly also includes a third drain pipe, with a third inlet and a third outlet at its two ends. The third inlet is connected to the water storage box via a third valve, and the third outlet extends into the evaporation plate. The installation height of the third inlet is lower than that of the second inlet.
7. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The third water inlet is installed at the bottom of the water storage box.
8. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The third water outlet maintains a first distance from the bottom wall of the evaporation pan.
9. The refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second water outlet maintains a second distance from the bottom wall of the evaporation pan.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the refrigerator drainage and leak-proof structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.