Refrigerator, refrigerant circuit for a refrigerator, heat exchanger and method for producing a heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit of a refrigerator comprises a heat exchanger tube, in which a multiplicity of conduits for conducting a refrigerant are formed, and at least one collecting pipe with a first connection opening and a second connection opening, which is connected to the heat exchanger tube, wherein the collecting pipe has a third connection opening, and an evacuation pipe is connected to the third connection opening of the collecting pipe.

Description

[0001] Refrigeration device, refrigerant circuit for a refrigeration device, heat exchanger and method for producing a heat exchanger

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, a refrigerant circuit for a refrigeration appliance, a heat exchanger and a method for producing a heat exchanger.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In refrigeration devices, heat is extracted from a heat source using a refrigerant circuit and transferred to a heat sink. Typically, a refrigerant is circulated through an evaporator and a condenser, with the refrigerant evaporating in the evaporator while absorbing heat and condensing in the condenser while releasing heat. So-called MCHE condensers have proven to be effective condensers, as they allow the removal of large amounts of heat while requiring relatively little space.

[0006] "MCHE" is an abbreviation for "Multi-Channel Heat Exchanger." MCHE heat exchangers feature a heat exchanger tube containing a plurality of separate channels for conducting a fluid, such as refrigerant. An inlet and an outlet of the heat exchanger tube are each provided with a manifold. The manifold forms an interior space to which each channel of the heat exchanger tube is fluidically connected. Depending on the design of the heat exchanger, at least one of the manifolds has an opening for connecting a refrigerant line.

[0007] DE 10 2015 207 842 A1 describes a household refrigeration appliance with a refrigerant circuit for cooling a storage compartment and a heating circuit for heating an outer wall of the refrigeration appliance. For this purpose, the household appliance has a heat exchange element with a first heat exchanger in the form of an MCHE condenser and a second heat exchanger in the form of an MCHE heat exchanger. The first and second heat exchangers are coupled to one another and have a common manifold, but are physically separated to prevent mixing of the refrigerant and the heat-transfer substance.

[0008] Further MCHE liquefiers are disclosed in DE 10 2014 221 409 A1 and DE 10 2015 207 747 A1.

[0009] Before filling the refrigerant circuit with refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit must be evacuated. For this purpose, the refrigerant circuit is usually equipped with an evacuation nozzle or pipe, which provides a connection for an evacuation device. Such evacuation pipes are typically located on a refrigerant dryer downstream of the condenser.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved solutions for the installation of an evacuation nozzle in a refrigerant circuit.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by a heat exchanger having the features of claim 1, a heat exchanger having the features of claim 6, a refrigerant circuit having the features of claim 11, a refrigeration device having the features of claim 13 and a method having the features of claim 14.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration device comprises a heat exchanger tube in which a plurality of channels for conducting a refrigerant are formed and at least one collecting tube with a first connection opening and a second connection opening connected to the heat exchanger tube, wherein the collecting tube has a third connection opening, and an evacuation tube is connected to the third connection opening of the collecting tube.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration device comprises a plurality of heat exchanger tubes extending parallel to one another, in each of which a plurality of channels for conducting a refrigerant are formed, a first header tube with a first connection opening and a number of second connection openings corresponding to the number of heat exchanger tubes, and a second header tube with a number of connection openings corresponding to the number of heat exchanger tubes, wherein each of the heat exchanger tubes is connected to one of the second connection openings of the first header tube and to one of the connection openings of the second header tube, wherein the first header tube or the second header tube has a third connection opening, and wherein an evacuation tube is connected to the third connection opening of the header tube. In this design, instead of a continuous, e.g.meandering heat exchanger tube, a plurality of parallel tubes with channels formed therein are provided, each of which is connected to a collecting pipe at its inlet and outlet.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the invention, a refrigerant circuit for a refrigeration appliance, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, comprises a compressor for circulating refrigerant with a suction port and a pressure port, an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant while absorbing heat, having an inlet and an outlet connected to the suction port of the compressor, and a condenser connected to the pressure port of the compressor for condensing the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The condenser is formed by a heat exchanger according to the first or second aspect of the invention, and the first connection opening of the manifold is connected to the pressure port of the compressor or to the inlet of the evaporator. The refrigerant circuit further comprises a throttle element arranged between the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator for expanding the refrigerant.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, comprises a storage compartment for receiving refrigerated goods and a refrigerant circuit according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the evaporator is thermally coupled to the storage compartment in order to extract heat therefrom, and wherein the condenser is thermally coupled to the environment in order to dissipate the heat to the environment.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger according to the first aspect of the invention is provided. The method comprises positioning the heat exchanger tube at the second connection opening of the manifold, positioning the evacuation tube at the third connection opening of the manifold, and connecting the heat exchanger tube and the evacuation tube to the manifold.

[0018] One idea underlying the invention is to integrate an evacuation pipe or a nozzle for evacuating a refrigerant circuit into a heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit. In particular, the evacuation pipe is attached to a manifold of an MCHE heat exchanger, which is integrated into the refrigerant circuit as a condenser and is thus located on a high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit. The heat exchanger has a continuous heat exchanger tube or several parallel heat exchanger tubes with a plurality of parallel or separate channels, to which refrigerant is supplied via the manifold pipe or which expel the refrigerant into the manifold pipe. The manifold pipe has a first connection opening, which is designed for connecting a supply line or a discharge line, and a second connection opening, to which the heat exchanger tube is connected.and the manifold or, in the case of two manifolds, one of the two manifolds has a third connection opening to which the evacuation pipe is connected.

[0019] One advantage of the invention is that the evacuation tube can be connected to the manifold extremely easily. In particular, the manifold represents a structure already intended for connecting piping, which simplifies the process of attaching the evacuation tube. Furthermore, the attachment of the evacuation tube to the manifold can be efficiently integrated into the heat exchanger manufacturing process.

[0020] It is also advantageous that the evacuation tube is positioned directly on the heat exchanger and thus close to the channels of the heat exchanger tube. Since the channels have a small hydraulic diameter, for example, in a range between 0.7 mm and 1.8 mm, they represent a high flow resistance during evacuation. By positioning the evacuation tube on the collecting tube, the evacuation time can be advantageously shortened. Advantageous embodiments and further developments arise from the subclaims referring back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger can have a first manifold with a first connection opening, a second connection opening connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger tube, and a third connection opening, and a second manifold with a first connection opening, a second connection opening connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger tube, and a third connection opening, wherein the evacuation tube is connected to the third connection opening of the first or the second manifold. Accordingly, the heat exchanger tube can run as a continuous tube between the first and the second manifold, e.g., as a meandering tube with a plurality of sections extending parallel to one another.An inlet of the heat exchanger tube is connected to the first manifold, in particular to its second connection opening, and an outlet of the heat exchanger tube is connected to the second manifold, in particular to its second connection opening. It is conceivable for the evacuation tube to be attached to the second manifold on the outlet side, or for the evacuation tube to be attached to the first manifold on the inlet side.

[0022] Optionally, a plurality of fins can be arranged between two adjacent parallel sections of the heat exchanger tube, each of which is in heat-conducting contact with the adjacent parallel sections. The fins can be soldered to the parallel sections, for example.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the third connection opening of the first or second manifold, to which the evacuation tube is not connected, is closed with a closure. This means that both manifolds can be constructed essentially identically, with the evacuation tube being connected to the third connection opening of one manifold, and the third connection opening of the other manifold being simply closed, e.g., with a sleeve, a plug, or the like. This further simplifies the manufacture of the heat exchanger.According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the first manifold extends between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first connection opening of the first manifold is formed at its first end, the third connection opening at its second end, and the second connection opening between its first and second ends. According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the second manifold extends between a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the first connection opening of the second manifold is formed at its first end, the third connection opening at its second end, and the second connection opening between its first and second ends.

[0024] According to these embodiments, the respective collecting pipe can thus be designed as a pipe section, at the ends of which the first and third connection openings are provided, wherein the second connection opening is formed by a recess in the circumference of the pipe wall of the pipe section. For example, the pipe section can run linearly, so that a central axis of the first and third connection openings lie coaxially to one another. A central axis of the second connection opening can extend, for example, transversely or perpendicularly to the central axes of the first and third connection openings. An advantage of arranging the first and third connection openings at the ends of the respective collecting pipe and the second connection opening in between on the circumference of the collecting pipe offers the advantage of a compact design of the collecting pipe. Furthermore, the assembly of the evacuation pipe can be further facilitated.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, it can be provided that at least some adjacent second connection openings of the first manifold and at least some adjacent connection openings of the second manifold are separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner within the respective manifold, so that some of the heat exchanger tubes are hydraulically connected in parallel to one another and some of the heat exchanger tubes are hydraulically connected in series.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, it can be provided that a plurality of fins are arranged between two adjacent heat exchanger tubes, each of which is in heat-conducting contact with the adjacent heat exchanger tubes.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the first manifold extends between a first end and an opposite second end, and the third connection opening is formed on the first manifold, wherein the first connection opening and the third connection opening are arranged in the region of the first end. Further optionally, the first manifold can additionally have a fourth connection opening, which is arranged in the region of the second end. One advantage of arranging the first connection opening, which can be connected, for example, to the pressure connection of the compressor, and the third connection opening with the evacuation pipe in the same end region of the manifold is that the refrigerant is generally present in gaseous form there, even after a longer downtime of the refrigerant circuit, and thus a situation in which condensed refrigerant collects in the evacuation pipe is prevented.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the third connection opening can be positioned between the first end and the first connection opening. Accordingly, the third connection opening is positioned, so to speak, above the first connection opening. This even more effectively prevents refrigerant from accumulating in the evacuation tube.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the evacuation tube may have a length in a range between 5 cm and 20 cm.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the evacuation tube may be inserted into the third connection opening and secured therein. For example, the evacuation tube may be soldered, glued, pressed, or otherwise connected to the manifold at the third connection opening.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit may include a dryer arranged between the condenser and the evaporator, wherein the dryer is connected to the evaporator inlet by a capillary line. The design of the dryer can be significantly simplified by attaching the evacuation tube to the heat exchanger instead of the dryer, since a structurally complex combination with the capillary line is eliminated.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the method, the heat exchanger tube and the evacuation tube can be connected to the manifold in a furnace brazing process. If necessary, the heat exchanger tube can also be connected to the fins in this step. For this purpose, the heat exchanger tube, the evacuation tube, the manifold, and optionally the fins are provided with solder at their connection points, i.e., at the second and third connection openings of the respective manifold and, if applicable, at the contact points between the heat exchanger tube and the respective fin, and are heated in a furnace. The furnace brazing process offers the advantage that all parts can be connected to one another in a single step. In particular, no additional brazing process is required to attach the evacuation tube. The structural design of the heat exchanger thus facilitates its assembly.

[0033] The features and advantages disclosed herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are also disclosed for the other aspect and vice versa.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. The figures show:

[0036] Fig. 1 is a simplified, schematic view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective detailed view of a manifold of the heat exchanger of Fig. 3;

[0039] Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the collecting pipe from Fig. 4;

[0040] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Fig. 7 is a schematic, simplified sectional view of the heat exchanger from Fig. 6; and

[0042] Fig. 8 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an example of a refrigeration appliance 300 in the form of a refrigerator. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be used generally in refrigeration appliances, in particular in household refrigeration appliances such as refrigerators, freezers or chest freezers, or fridge-freezer combinations.

[0046] As schematically shown in Fig. 1, the refrigeration appliance 300 can have a body 305 in which a storage compartment 310 is formed for receiving refrigerated goods, such as food, drinks, medicines or the like. The storage compartment 310 can be delimited or defined, for example, by an inner container 311, which is optionally surrounded by thermal insulation (not shown), in particular made of insulating foam. The body 305 further has an access opening 306 through which the storage compartment 310 is accessible. As shown by way of example in Fig. 1, a door 315 can be hinged to the body 310 and can be moved between a closed position, in which it covers the access opening 306, and an open position, in which it at least partially exposes the access opening 306. As schematically shown in Fig. 2, the refrigeration appliance 300 has a refrigerant circuit 200.The refrigerant circuit 200 is designed to extract heat from the storage compartment 310 by evaporating refrigerant and to release heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant. To extract heat from the storage compartment 310, the refrigerant circuit 200 has an evaporator 210 that is thermally coupled to the storage compartment 310. As shown in Fig. 2, the refrigerant circuit 200 further includes a compressor 220, an evaporator 230, and a throttle element 240, e.g., in the form of a capillary line 242. Optionally, the refrigerant circuit 200 can also include a refrigerant dryer 250.

[0047] Compressor 220 is configured to compress gaseous refrigerant and circulate the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 200. Compressor 220 has a suction port 221 and a pressure port. An outlet 212 of evaporator 210 is connected to suction port 221 of compressor 220.

[0048] The condenser 230 is designed to condense gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 220, releasing heat to the environment. An inlet 231 of the condenser 230 is connected to the pressure connection 222 of the compressor 220. An outlet 232 of the condenser 230 is connected to an inlet 211 of the evaporator 211. The throttle element 240 is arranged between the outlet 232 of the condenser 230 and the inlet 211 of the evaporator 210 and is designed to expand the refrigerant. The optional refrigerant dryer 250 is arranged between the outlet 232 of the evaporator 230 and the throttle element 240 and serves to separate water from the refrigerant.

[0049] The refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 210 is drawn in by the compressor 220, compressed, and directed into the condenser 230, where it condenses while releasing heat. It then flows through the dryer 250 (if provided) and is expanded by the throttle element 240, e.g., the capillary line 210 connecting the dryer 250 and the inlet 211 of the evaporator 211.

[0050] The condenser 230 is formed by an MCHE heat exchanger 100. Fig. 2 shows, purely by way of example, a heat exchanger 100 with a continuous heat exchanger tube 1, a first header tube 2, and a second header tube 3. Such a heat exchanger 100 is shown in detail in Fig. 3. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 100 forming the condenser 230 can also be formed by a heat exchanger 100 with several parallel heat exchanger tubes 1, as shown by way of example in Figs. 6 and 7. Regardless of the design of the heat exchanger 100, it has, as schematically shown in Fig. 2, an evacuation tube 4, via which the refrigerant circuit 200 can be evacuated before being filled with refrigerant.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a heat exchanger 100 with a heat exchanger tube 1, a first manifold 2 and a second manifold 3.

[0052] The heat exchanger tube 1 extends between an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. As shown by way of example in Fig. 3, the heat exchanger tube 1 can be designed, for example, as a continuous meandering tube. For example, the heat exchanger tube 1 in this case can have a plurality of parallel, preferably linear tube sections 15, wherein two parallel sections 15 are connected to one another by an arcuate section 16. A plurality of channels 10 (Fig. 2) for conducting coolant are formed in the heat exchanger tube 1, which channels run separately from one another or are hydraulically connected in parallel. The heat exchanger tube 1 can be designed, for example, as a flat tube and have, for example, a substantially rectangular cross-section. For example, the heat exchanger tube 1 can be an extruded tube.

[0053] As also shown by way of example in Fig. 3, the heat exchanger 100 can optionally have a plurality of fins 18 which are arranged between each two adjacent parallel sections 15 and are each in heat-conducting contact with the adjacent parallel sections 15.

[0054] The header pipes 2, 3 are shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the respective header pipe 2, 3 has a first connection opening 21, 31, a second connection opening 22, 32 and a third connection opening 23, 33. The first connection opening 21, 31 serves to connect a refrigerant line and can, for example, be circular, as shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4. The second connection opening 22, 32 is connected to the heat exchanger tube 1 and has a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the heat exchanger tube 1. For example, the second connection opening 22, 32 can be substantially rectangular, as shown by way of example in Figs. 4 and 5. The third connection opening 23, 33 can also be circular.

[0055] As schematically illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, the respective manifold 2, 3 can extend between a first end and an opposite second end, e.g., as a linear tube. The first connection opening 21 can be formed at the first end, the third connection opening 23 at the second end, and the second connection opening 22 can be formed between the first and second ends.

[0056] As shown by way of example in Fig. 3, the inlet 11 of the heat exchanger tube 1 can be connected to the second connection opening 22 of the first header tube 2, and the outlet 12 of the heat exchanger tube 1 can be connected to the second connection opening 32 of the second header tube 3. A pressure line 223 (Fig. 2), which is connected to the pressure connection 222 of the compressor 220, can be connected to the first connection opening 21 of the first header tube 2. A condensate line 233 can be connected to the first connection opening 31 of the second header tube 3. The first header tube 2 can thus form the inlet 231 of the condenser 230, and the second header tube 3 can form the outlet 232 of the condenser 230.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the evacuation pipe 4 can be connected to the third connection opening 23 of the first suction pipe 2. This means that the evacuation pipe 4 can be provided at the inlet 231 of the condenser 230. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the evacuation pipe 4 to be connected to the third connection opening 33 of the second manifold 3 and thus to the outlet 232 of the condenser 230. In general, the evacuation pipe 4 is connected to the third connection opening 23, 33 of a manifold 2, 3 of the heat exchanger 100.

[0058] The evacuation tube 4 is generally a piece of pipe which can, for example, run linearly or straight, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the evacuation tube 4 can also have a curvature, e.g. it can be designed as a pipe bend. An outer diameter of the evacuation tube 4 can, for example, be in a range between 4 mm and 20 mm. A length of the evacuation tube 4 can, for example, be in a range between 5 cm and 20 cm. The evacuation tube 4 can, for example, be designed as a copper tube or an aluminum tube. Other materials are, however, also conceivable.

[0059] The evacuation tube 4 is generally attached to the collecting tube 2, 3. For example, the evacuation tube 4 can be glued, soldered, welded, pressed, or otherwise attached to the collecting tube 2, 3. For example, the evacuation tube 4 can be inserted into the third connection opening 23, 33 and secured therein.

[0060] An evacuation device (not shown), e.g. a vacuum pump, can be connected to an end 42 of the evacuation pipe 4 facing away from the collecting pipe 2, 3 in order to remove air from the refrigerant circuit 200 before it is filled with refrigerant. After the refrigerant circuit 200 has been evacuated, the evacuation pipe 4 can be closed, e.g. by squeezing the evacuation pipe 4. Fig. 3 shows an example of a state of the heat exchanger 100 before the evacuation and thus with the evacuation pipe 4 open. An advantage of attaching the evacuation pipe 4 to one of the collecting pipes 2, 3 of the heat exchanger 100 is that the narrow channels 10 of the heat exchanger 100, which represent a high flow resistance during the evacuation, can be evacuated more quickly and with less pressure loss due to the spatial proximity of the evacuation pipe 4 to the channels 10.Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged in the refrigeration device 300 such that the evacuation pipe 4 is located at the top with respect to the direction of gravity G, which counteracts an accumulation of condensed refrigerant in the evacuation pipe 4.

[0061] As schematically shown in Fig. 5, the third connection opening 23, 33 of the collecting tube 2, 3 to which the evacuation tube 4 is not connected can be closed with a closure 5, e.g., a cap. Thus, the collecting tubes 2, 3 can be designed identically, which simplifies production.

[0062] While Figs. 3 to 5 show, by way of example, a heat exchanger 100 in which refrigerant flows through a continuous heat exchanger tube 1, Figs. 6 and 7 show a heat exchanger 100 with a plurality of parallel heat exchanger tubes 1. As shown by way of example in Fig. 6, the heat exchanger 100 has a plurality of heat exchanger tubes 1, a first header tube 2, a second header tube 3, and an evacuation tube 4. Optionally, the heat exchanger 100 can also have fins 18. Fig. 7 shows a simplified representation of the heat exchanger 100 from Fig. 6, wherein the fins 18 have been omitted.

[0063] The heat exchanger tubes 1 each extend between an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. Each heat exchanger tube 1 contains a plurality of separate or hydraulically parallel channels 10 (Fig. 2) for conducting refrigerant. The heat exchanger tubes 1 can be designed, for example, as flat tubes and have, for example, a substantially rectangular cross-section. For example, the heat exchanger tubes 1 can be extruded tubes. As shown in Fig. 6, the heat exchanger tubes 1 extend parallel to one another.

[0064] The optional fins 18 are arranged between each two adjacent heat exchanger tubes 1 and are each in heat-conducting contact with the adjacent heat exchanger tubes 1, as shown schematically in Fig. 6.

[0065] The header pipes 2, 3 each have a number of second connection openings 22, 32 corresponding to the number of heat exchanger tubes 1. The header pipes 2, 3 can, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, be straight or linearly extending pipes with, for example, a circular cross-section. Generally, the header pipes 2, 3 each extend between a first end and an opposite second end. As further shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first header pipe 2 further has a first connection opening 21 for connecting the pressure line 223, a third connection opening 23 for connecting the evacuation pipe 4, and a fourth connection opening 24 for connecting the condensate line 233. Depending on the hydraulic circuit of the heat exchanger tubes 1, the third connection opening 23 and / or the fourth connection opening 24 can also be formed on the second header pipe 3.

[0066] As can best be seen in Fig. 7, each of the heat exchanger tubes 1 is connected to one of the second connection openings 22 of the first header pipe 2 and to one of the second connection openings 32 of the second header pipe 3. The header pipes 2, 3 thus each form a plenum for the refrigerant. As can also be seen in Fig. 7, at least some adjacent second connection openings 22 of the first header pipe 2 and at least some adjacent second connection openings 32 of the second header pipe 3 can be separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner within the respective header pipe 2, 3, e.g. by separating disks 27, 37. In this way, some of the heat exchanger tubes 1 can be hydraulically connected parallel to one another and some of the heat exchanger tubes 1 can be hydraulically connected in series. In the example in Fig. 7, the refrigerant can be supplied to the first suction pipe 2 via the first connection opening 21. The connection openings shown in Fig.The top three heat exchanger tubes 1 are connected in parallel, while the bottom three heat exchanger tubes 1 are connected in series. The refrigerant thus flows parallel through the top three tubes into the second header tube 3, from there through the fourth heat exchanger tube 1 back into the first header tube 2, and through the following tubes again into the second header tube 3 and back into the first header tube 2, which it exits again through the fourth connection opening 24. This flow path is schematically illustrated by arrows in Fig. 7.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 6, the evacuation pipe 4 can be connected to the third connection opening 23 of the first header pipe 2. In the example of Figs. 6 and 7, the first and third connection openings 21, 23 are arranged on the same header pipe 2 and connected to the same partial volume within the header pipe 2, and the evacuation pipe 4 can be provided at the inlet 231 of the condenser 230. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the evacuation pipe 4 to be connected to the outlet 232 of the condenser 230. In general, the evacuation pipe 4 is connected to the third connection opening 23, 33 of a header pipe 2, 3 of the heat exchanger 100.

[0068] As further shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first connection opening 21 and the third connection opening 23 can be arranged in the region of the first end of the first collecting pipe 2. The third connection opening 23 can optionally be positioned between the first end and the first connection opening 21, as shown by way of example in Figs. 6 and 7. As a result, the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged relatively easily in the refrigeration device 300 such that the evacuation pipe 4 is at the top with respect to the direction of gravity G, which counteracts an accumulation of condensed refrigerant in the evacuation pipe 4. The fourth connection opening 24 formed on the first collecting pipe 2 in the example of Figs. 6 and 7 can, for example, be arranged in the region of the second end, as shown schematically in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0069] The evacuation tube 4 is generally a piece of pipe which can, for example, run linearly or straight, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the evacuation tube 4 can also have a curvature, e.g. it can be designed as a pipe bend. An outer diameter of the evacuation tube 4 can, for example, be in a range between 4 mm and 20 mm. A length of the evacuation tube 4 can, for example, be in a range between 5 cm and 20 cm. The evacuation tube 4 can, for example, be designed as a copper tube or an aluminum tube. Other materials are, however, also conceivable.

[0070] The evacuation tube 4 is generally attached to the collecting tube 2, 3. For example, the evacuation tube 4 can be glued, soldered, welded, pressed, or otherwise attached to the collecting tube 2, 3. For example, the evacuation tube 4 can be inserted into the third connection opening 23, 33 and secured therein.

[0071] An evacuation device (not shown), e.g. a vacuum pump, can be connected to an end 42 of the evacuation pipe 4 facing away from the collecting pipe 2, 3 in order to remove air from the refrigerant circuit 200 before it is filled with refrigerant. After the refrigerant circuit 200 has been evacuated, the evacuation pipe 4 can be closed, e.g. by squeezing the evacuation pipe 4. Fig. 3 shows an example of a state of the heat exchanger 100 before the evacuation and thus with the evacuation pipe 4 open. An advantage of attaching the evacuation pipe 4 to one of the collecting pipes 2, 3 of the heat exchanger 100 is that the narrow channels 10 of the heat exchanger 100, which represent a high flow resistance during the evacuation, can be evacuated more quickly and with less pressure loss due to the spatial proximity of the evacuation pipe 4 to the channels 10.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows the sequence of a method M for producing a heat exchanger 100, as described above with reference to Figs. 3 to 5 and with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. In a first step M1, the respective heat exchanger tube 1 or the plurality of heat exchanger tubes 1 is positioned at the second connection opening 22, 32 of the respective header pipe 2, 3. In the example of Fig. 3, for example, the inlet 11 of the heat exchanger tube 1 can be inserted into the second connection opening 22 of the first header pipe 2 and the outlet 12 of the heat exchanger tube 2 can be inserted into the second connection opening 32 of the second header pipe 3 or positioned adjacent thereto. In the example of Fig. 6, each heat exchanger tube 1 is positioned with its inlet 11 at a second connection opening 22, 32 of the first manifold 2 or the second manifold 3 and with the outlet 12 at a second connection opening 22, 32 of the other manifold 3, e.g. inserted therein.

[0073] Optionally, in step M1, fins 18 can also be positioned between the parallel sections 15 of the heat exchanger tube 1 or between the parallel heat exchanger tubes 1.

[0074] In step M2, the evacuation pipe 4 is positioned at the third connection opening 23, 33 of the respective collecting pipe 2, 3, e.g. inserted into it.

[0075] In step M3, the heat exchanger tube 1 or the heat exchanger tubes 1 and the evacuation tube 4 are connected to the respective manifold 2, 3. This can be done, for example, in a furnace brazing process. The brazing required for this can be applied, for example, during or before the positioning of the tubes 1, 4 on the manifold 2, 3 in step M1. Similarly, an adhesive or the like can also be applied before or during step M1.

[0076] Although the present invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable. REFERENCE SIGNS

[0077] 1 heat exchanger tube

[0078] 2 first collecting pipe

[0079] 3 second collecting pipe

[0080] 4 Evacuation pipe

[0081] 5 Closure

[0082] 10 channels

[0083] 11 Heat exchanger tube inlet

[0084] 12 Outlet of the heat exchanger tube

[0085] 15 parallel sections

[0086] 16 arched sections

[0087] 18 slats

[0088] 21 first connection opening of the first manifold

[0089] 22 second connection opening of the first manifold

[0090] 23 third connection opening of the first manifold

[0091] 24 fourth connection opening of the first manifold

[0092] 31 first connection opening of the second manifold

[0093] 32 second connection opening of the second manifold

[0094] 33 third connection opening of the second manifold

[0095] 27, 37 cutting discs

[0096] 42 free end of the evacuation pipe

[0097] 100 heat exchangers

[0098] 200 Refrigerant circuit

[0099] 210 evaporator

[0100] 211 Evaporator inlet

[0101] 212 Evaporator outlet

[0102] 220 compressors

[0103] 221 Suction connection

[0104] 222 pressure connection

[0105] 223 pressure line

[0106] 230 condenser

[0107] 231 Condenser inlet

[0108] 232 Condenser outlet 233 Condensate line

[0109] 240 throttle organ

[0110] 242 Capillary line

[0111] 250 refrigerant dryers

[0112] 300 Refrigeration appliance 305 Body

[0113] 306 Access opening

[0114] 310 storage compartment

[0115] 311 inner container

[0116] 315 Door

[0117] M procedure

[0118] M1-M3 process steps

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A heat exchanger (100) for a refrigerant circuit (200) of a refrigeration appliance (300), in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a heat exchanger tube (1) in which a plurality of channels (10) are formed for the passage of a refrigerant; and at least one collecting tube (2, 3) with a first connection opening (21, 31) and a second connection opening (22, 32) connected to the heat exchanger tube (1); characterized in that the collecting tube (2, 3) has a third connection opening (23, 33), and an evacuation tube (4) is connected to the third connection opening (23) of the collecting tube (2).

2. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, comprising: a first manifold (2) with a first connection opening (21), a second connection opening (22) which is connected to an inlet (11) of the heat exchanger tube (1), and a third connection opening (23); a second manifold (3) with a first connection opening (31), a second connection opening (32) which is connected to an outlet (11) of the heat exchanger tube (1), and a third connection opening (33); wherein the evacuation tube (4) is connected to the third connection opening (23, 33) of the first or the second manifold (2, 3).

3. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2, wherein the third connection opening (23, 33) of the first or second collecting pipe (2, 3), to which the evacuation pipe (4) is not connected, is closed with a closure (5).

4. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first manifold (2) extends between a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the first connection opening (21) of the first manifold (2) is at its first end, the third connection opening (23) is at its second end and the second connection opening (22) is formed between its first and second ends.

5. Heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second manifold (3) extends between a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the first connection opening (31) of the second manifold (3) is formed at its first end, the third connection opening (33) at its second end and the second connection opening (32) between its first and second ends.

6. Heat exchanger (100) for a refrigerant circuit (200) of a refrigeration appliance (300), in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a plurality of heat exchanger tubes (1) extending parallel to one another, in each of which a plurality of channels (10) is formed for the passage of a refrigerant; a first manifold (2) with a first connection opening (21) and a number of second connection openings (22) corresponding to the number of heat exchanger tubes (1); and a second manifold (3) with a number of connection openings (32) corresponding to the number of heat exchanger tubes (1);wherein each of the heat exchanger tubes (1) is connected to one of the second connection openings (22) of the first header tube (2) and to one of the connection openings (32) of the second header tube (3), characterized in that the first header tube (2) or the second header tube (3) has a third connection opening (23, 33), and an evacuation tube (4) is connected to the third connection opening (23) of the header tube (2); 7. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first manifold (2) extends between a first end and an opposite second end and the third connection opening (23) is formed on the first manifold (2), wherein the first connection opening (21) and the third connection opening (23) are arranged in the region of the first end, and wherein the first manifold (2) optionally additionally has a fourth connection opening (24) which is arranged in the region of the second end.

8. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 7, wherein the third connection opening (23) is positioned between the first end and the first connection opening (21).

9. Heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evacuation tube (4) has a length in a range between 5 cm and 20 cm.

10. Heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evacuation tube (4) is inserted into the third connection opening (23, 33) and fastened therein.

11. Refrigerant circuit (200) for a refrigeration appliance (300), in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a compressor (220) for circulating refrigerant, having a suction port (221) and a pressure port (222); an evaporator (210) for evaporating the refrigerant while absorbing heat, having an inlet (211) and an outlet (212) connected to the suction port (221) of the compressor (220); a condenser (230) connected to the pressure connection (222) of the compressor (220) for condensing the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (220), wherein the condenser (230) is formed by a heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims and the first connection opening (21) of the collecting pipe (2, 3) is connected to the pressure connection (222) of the compressor (220) or to the inlet (211) of the evaporator (210);and a throttle element (240) arranged between the condenser (230) and the inlet (211) of the evaporator (210) for expanding the refrigerant; 12. Refrigerant circuit (200) according to claim 11, additionally comprising: a dryer (250) arranged between the condenser (23) and the evaporator (210), wherein the dryer (250) is connected to the inlet (211) of the evaporator (210) by a capillary line (242).

13. Refrigeration appliance (300), in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a storage compartment (310) for receiving refrigerated goods; and a refrigerant circuit (200) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the evaporator (210) is thermally coupled to the storage compartment (310) in order to extract heat therefrom, and wherein the condenser (230) is thermally coupled to the environment in order to dissipate the heat to the environment.

14. Method (M) for producing a heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: Positioning (M1) the heat exchanger tube (1) at the second connection opening (22, 32) of the collecting tube (2, 3); Positioning (M2) the evacuation pipe (4) at the third connection opening (23, 33) of the collecting pipe (2, 3); and Connect (M3) the heat exchanger tube (1) and the evacuation tube (4) to the collecting pipe (2, 3).

15. Method (M) according to claim 14, wherein the joining (M3) of the heat exchanger tube (1) and the evacuation tube (4) to the collecting tube (2, 3) takes place in a furnace brazing process.

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