Novel evaporator structure and cold beverage maker

Abstract

An evaporator structure and a cold beverage maker. The evaporator structure comprises an evaporator housing and an evaporation pipe; the evaporation pipe is wound on the side wall of the evaporator housing; the cross section of the evaporation pipe consists of a contact portion and a smooth extension portion; and the contact portion abuts against the side wall of the evaporator housing. Specifically, a contact portion abuts against the side wall of an evaporator housing, so that the contact area between a refrigerant and an evaporator housing is increased, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency. The arrangement of a smooth extension portion makes the flow of the refrigerant in the pipe smoother, thereby reducing turbulence and resistance. The shape of an evaporation pipe is optimized, so that the use of the evaporation pipe can more effectively transfer heat to the side wall of the evaporator housing during refrigeration, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and enhancing the refrigeration efficiency. The problems in the prior art of low heat exchange and refrigeration efficiencies caused by a small contact area are effectively solved.

Description

A novel evaporator structure and a cold drink machine Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of evaporator technology, and in particular to a novel evaporator structure and a cold drink machine. Background Technology

[0002] The evaporator is a crucial component of a beverage cooler, functioning as a heat exchanger. Low-temperature condensed liquid passes through the evaporator, exchanging heat with the surrounding air, absorbing heat through vaporization, and achieving a cooling effect. Most beverage coolers (such as smoothie makers, ice cream makers, and ice makers) typically have an evaporator body and coils. The evaporator body comprises inner and outer shells, with the coils fitted onto the inner shell and in contact with the outer shell wall. Condensed liquid flows through the coils, exchanging heat with the outside air through the coil walls and the outer shell wall of the evaporator body, thus achieving a cooling effect.

[0003] Chinese patent document CN204854082U, published in 2015, discloses an evaporator, specifically comprising a side cylinder with a top cover and a bottom cover at its upper and lower ends, respectively. The top and bottom covers have a water outlet and a water inlet, respectively. The top cover also has a refrigerant outlet, a refrigerant inlet, and a temperature sensing port. A titanium refrigerant pipeline is installed inside the side cylinder, with its inlet and outlet ends connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet, respectively. The titanium refrigerant pipeline has a spiral disc structure. In the aforementioned patent document, the contact area between the pipeline and the side cylinder is small, resulting in low heat exchange and refrigeration efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, further improvements are needed. (Utility Model Content)

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a new type of evaporator structure and cold drink machine to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. By changing the pipe shape of the evaporator tube, the contact area is increased, and the heat exchange and cooling efficiency is improved.

[0006] A novel evaporator structure designed for this purpose includes an evaporator shell and an evaporator tube, the evaporator tube being wound around the side wall of the evaporator shell, the cross-section of the evaporator tube consisting of a contact portion and a smooth extension portion, the contact portion abutting against the side wall of the evaporator shell.

[0007] The evaporation tube is arranged in a ring around the height of the evaporator shell.

[0008] The evaporation tube is arranged circumferentially around the side wall of the evaporator shell.

[0009] The smooth extension is an arc-shaped surface, and the contact portion is at least partially a straight or quasi-straight surface. The smooth extension is connected to the end of the contact portion.

[0010] The contact portion includes two parallel straight surfaces or quasi-straight surfaces, and the smooth extension portion includes two arc-shaped surfaces, with each arc-shaped surface having its two ends connected to the same end of the two straight surfaces or quasi-straight surfaces.

[0011] The evaporation tubes are stacked in multiple layers and abut against the side wall of the evaporator shell.

[0012] The evaporator tube has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit, and the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are located at opposite ends of the evaporator tube.

[0013] The evaporator tube further includes an inlet pipe and an inlet section. One end of the inlet section is welded to the refrigerant inlet or integrally formed, and the other end of the inlet pipe is connected to the inlet section. The radial dimension of the inlet section gradually increases from the inlet pipe toward the refrigerant inlet. The evaporator tube further includes an outlet pipe and an outlet section. One end of the outlet section is welded to the refrigerant outlet or integrally formed, and the other end of the outlet section is connected to the outlet pipe.

[0014] The evaporator shell and the evaporator tube are arranged with their central axes collinear, and the evaporator tube abuts against the inner or outer wall of the evaporator shell.

[0015] A beverage cooler includes the aforementioned novel evaporator structure.

[0016] The above embodiment discloses a novel evaporator structure and a cold drink machine. The novel evaporator structure includes an evaporator shell and an evaporator tube. The evaporator tube is wound around the side wall of the evaporator shell, and the cross-section of the evaporator tube consists of a contact portion and a smooth extension portion. The contact portion abuts against the side wall of the evaporator shell. Specifically, the contact portion abuts against the side wall of the evaporator shell, increasing the contact area between the refrigerant and the evaporator shell, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. The smooth extension portion allows for smoother flow of the refrigerant within the pipe, reducing turbulence and resistance. Due to the optimized shape of the evaporator tube, it can more effectively transfer heat to the side wall of the evaporator shell during the refrigeration process, thereby improving heat exchange and enhancing refrigeration efficiency. This effectively solves the problem of low heat exchange and refrigeration efficiency caused by the small contact area in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the evaporator in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the evaporator in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 2.

[0022] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the overall structure of the evaporator in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the evaporator tube structure in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the evaporator tube structure in another direction in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator tube structure in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator tube from another direction in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figures 9-11 are schematic diagrams of the shape and structure of the evaporator in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the circumferential structure of the evaporator tube coiled around the evaporator shell in the second embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1-11, a novel evaporator structure and a cold drink machine are provided. The novel evaporator structure includes an evaporator shell 1 and an evaporator tube 2. The evaporator tube 2 is wound around the side wall of the evaporator shell 1. The cross-section of the evaporator tube 2 is composed of a contact portion 201 and a smooth extension portion 208. The contact portion 201 abuts against the side wall of the evaporator shell 1.

[0031] Specifically, the contact portion 201 abuts against the side wall of the evaporator shell, increasing the contact area between the refrigerant and the evaporator shell 1, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency; the smooth extension portion 208 makes the refrigerant flow more smoothly in the pipe, reducing turbulence and resistance; due to the optimized shape of the evaporator tube 2, the evaporator tube 2 can more effectively transfer heat to the side wall of the evaporator shell 1 during the refrigeration process, thereby improving heat exchange and enhancing refrigeration efficiency; effectively solving the problem of low heat exchange and refrigeration efficiency caused by small contact area in the prior art.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the evaporator tube 2 is arranged in a ring around the height of the evaporator shell 1.

[0033] Specifically, the evaporator tube 2 is coiled along the height direction of the evaporator shell 1, so that the condensate can flow in the evaporator tube for a long time and continuously exchange heat, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the smooth extension 208 is an arc-shaped surface 2081, and the contact portion 201 is at least partially a straight surface 2011 or a quasi-straight surface. The smooth extension 208 is connected to the end of the contact portion 201.

[0035] Specifically, the smooth extension 208, with its arc-shaped surface 2081, effectively reduces the resistance to refrigerant flow, allowing the refrigerant to flow more smoothly through the entire evaporator tube 2, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The straight surface 2011 or quasi-straight surface design of the contact part 201 ensures that the contact area between the evaporator tube 2 and the evaporator shell 1 is maximized. The straight surface or quasi-straight surface can closely adhere to the side wall of the evaporator shell 1, enhancing the heat conduction effect of the refrigerant and making heat exchange more efficient.

[0036] It should be noted that a quasi-straight surface refers to a surface that is close to a straight line.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9-11, the contact portion 201 includes two parallel straight surfaces 2011 or quasi-straight surfaces, and the smooth extension portion 208 includes two arcuate surfaces 2081, with each arcuate surface 2081 having its two ends connected to the same end of the two straight surfaces 2011 or quasi-straight surfaces.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the evaporator tube 2 is formed into a flat tube structure by two arc-shaped surfaces 2081 and two parallel straight surfaces 2011, which optimizes the flow path, reduces turbulence, and increases the contact area with the evaporator shell. The two arc-shaped surfaces are located on the upper and lower sides of the evaporator tube 2, forming a smooth transition, while the two straight surfaces are located on the left and right sides, forming parallel straight edges. Alternatively, the two arc-shaped surfaces are located on the left and right sides of the evaporator tube 2, while the two straight surfaces are located on the upper and lower sides and connect to the two arc-shaped surfaces. Or, as shown in Figure 10, the evaporator tube 2 is formed into a bowl shape by two arc-shaped surfaces 2081 and two parallel straight surfaces 2011, where the two arc-shaped surfaces are located on the left and right sides of the evaporator tube 2, while the two straight surfaces are located on the upper and lower sides and connect to the two arc-shaped surfaces. The length of the upper straight surface segment is shorter than the length of the lower straight surface segment. Or, as shown in Figure 11, the evaporator tube 2 is formed into an elliptical shape by one arc-shaped surface 2081 and one parallel straight surface 2011. An arc-shaped surface 2081 is connected to a parallel straight surface 2011 in a parabolic manner, which reduces sharp edges and corners, allowing the fluid to flow more smoothly in the pipe, helping to reduce turbulence and optimize the flow path of the refrigerant.

[0039] It should be noted that the shape of the evaporator tube 2 can be further optimized according to the specific needs of different refrigeration equipment.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the evaporator tube 2 is stacked in multiple layers and rests against the side wall of the evaporator shell 1.

[0041] Specifically, the evaporator tubes 2 are arranged in multiple layers on the side wall of the evaporator shell 1, which significantly increases the contact area between the evaporator tubes 2 and the evaporator shell 1. Each layer of evaporator tubes 2 is in close contact with the evaporator shell 1, so that the refrigerant can transfer heat at more contact points, thereby greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the system and making the temperature distribution of the entire evaporator more uniform. This avoids local overcooling or overheating and improves the stability and efficiency of the refrigeration equipment.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4-8, the evaporator tube 2 has a refrigerant inlet 202 and a refrigerant outlet 203 for refrigerant to enter and exit, and the refrigerant inlet 202 and the refrigerant outlet 203 are located at opposite ends of the evaporator tube 2.

[0043] Specifically, the refrigerant can flow smoothly through the evaporator tube 2 to complete the circulation of the entire pipe. The refrigerant enters the evaporator tube 2 from the refrigerant inlet 202. During the flow, the refrigerant continuously absorbs heat from the evaporator shell 2 until it reaches the other end of the evaporator tube 2 and is finally discharged from the refrigerant outlet 203. By setting the refrigerant inlet 202 and the refrigerant outlet 203 at opposite ends of the evaporator tube 2, the refrigerant can flow more evenly in the evaporator tube 2.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4-8, the evaporator tube 2 also includes an inlet pipe 204 and an inlet section 205. One end of the inlet section 205 is welded to the refrigerant inlet 202 or integrally formed, and the other end of the inlet pipe 204 is connected to the inlet section 205. As shown in Figure 5, the radial dimension of the inlet section 205 gradually increases from the inlet pipe 204 towards the refrigerant inlet 202. As shown in Figure 6, the evaporator tube 2 also includes an outlet pipe 206 and an outlet section 207. One end of the outlet section 207 is welded to the refrigerant outlet 203 or integrally formed, and the other end of the outlet section 207 is connected to the outlet pipe 206.

[0045] Specifically, the inlet pipe 204 and the inlet section 205 can effectively guide the refrigerant into the evaporator pipe 2; the inlet section 205 and the refrigerant inlet 202 are connected by welding or integrally manufactured to ensure good sealing and stable mechanical structure during the refrigerant introduction process.

[0046] The gradually increasing radial dimension of the inlet section 205 allows the refrigerant to flow across a wider cross-section as it enters the refrigerant inlet 202 from the inlet pipe 204. This effectively reduces pressure loss during refrigerant flow, mitigates flow resistance, and allows the refrigerant to enter the evaporator tube 2 more smoothly.

[0047] By setting the outlet pipe 206 and the outlet section 207, the refrigerant can be discharged more smoothly from the evaporator pipe 2 after completing the heat exchange; the outlet section 207 is welded to the refrigerant outlet 203 or integrally manufactured, ensuring the sealing and stability of the refrigerant during discharge.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the central axes of the evaporator shell 1 and the evaporator tube 2 are arranged collinearly, and the evaporator tube 2 abuts against the inner or outer wall of the evaporator shell 1.

[0049] Specifically, the collinear arrangement of the central axes of the two allows the evaporator tubes 2 to be evenly distributed around the evaporator shell 1, and the evaporator tubes 2 to fit tightly against the evaporator shell 1, which significantly optimizes the structural symmetry and compactness of the entire evaporator. When the evaporator tubes 2 are arranged on the inner wall of the evaporator shell 1, they can absorb and transfer heat more quickly; or when the evaporator tubes 2 are arranged on the outer wall of the evaporator shell 1, the direct heat exchange between the refrigerant and the external environment is more effective.

[0050] A beverage cooler includes the aforementioned novel evaporator structure.

[0051] Specifically, the beverage cooler integrates a novel evaporator structure, allowing the refrigerant to enter through the refrigerant inlet 202, undergo multi-layer heat exchange inside the evaporator tube 2, and finally exit through the refrigerant outlet 203. When the refrigerant flows inside the evaporator tube 2, its heat exchange area is greatly increased, allowing the heat of the refrigerant to be transferred to the side wall of the evaporator shell 1 through the evaporator tube 2, achieving efficient cooling. The second embodiment is shown in Figure 12. The difference between this novel evaporator structure and beverage cooler and the first embodiment is that the evaporator tube 2 is arranged circumferentially around the side wall of the evaporator shell 1.

[0052] Specifically, several evaporator tubes 2 are arranged vertically around the side wall of the evaporator shell 1, and the connection between two adjacent vertically coiled evaporator tubes 2 is smoothly or rounded; so that the evaporator tubes 2 can be evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of the evaporator shell 1; greatly increasing the contact area between the evaporator tubes 2 and the evaporator shell 1, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the evaporator shell 1.

[0053] 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", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "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.

[0054] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0055] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0058] It should also be understood that, in interpreting the connection or positional relationships of components, although not explicitly described, connection and positional relationships are interpreted to include a range of error, which should be within the acceptable deviation range of a specific value as determined by a person skilled in the art. For example, "approximately," "about," or "substantially" can mean within one or more standard deviations, without limitation herein.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The above embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A novel evaporator structure, characterized in that: It includes an evaporator housing (1) and an evaporator tube (2), the evaporator tube (2) being wound around the side wall of the evaporator housing (1), the cross-section of the evaporator tube (2) being composed of a contact portion (201) and a smooth extension portion (208), the contact portion (201) abutting against the side wall of the evaporator housing (1).

2. The novel evaporator structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporation tube (2) is arranged in a ring around the height of the evaporator shell (1).

3. The novel evaporator structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporation tube (2) is arranged circumferentially around the side wall of the evaporator shell (1).

4. The novel evaporator structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The smooth extension (208) is an arc-shaped surface (2081), and the contact portion (201) is at least partially a straight surface (2011) or a quasi-straight surface. The smooth extension (208) is connected to the end of the contact portion (201).

5. The novel evaporator structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The contact portion (201) includes two parallel straight surfaces (2011) or quasi-straight surfaces, and the smooth extension portion (208) includes two arc surfaces (2081). The two ends of each arc surface (2081) are respectively connected to the same end of the two straight surfaces (2011) or quasi-straight surfaces.

6. The novel evaporator structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporation tube (2) is a multi-layered stack that abuts against the side wall of the evaporator shell (1).

7. The novel evaporator structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The evaporator tube (2) has a refrigerant inlet (202) and a refrigerant outlet (203) for refrigerant to enter and exit, and the refrigerant inlet (202) and the refrigerant outlet (203) are located at opposite ends of the evaporator tube (2).

8. The novel evaporator structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The evaporator tube (2) also includes an inlet pipe (204) and an inlet section (205). One end of the inlet section (205) is welded to the refrigerant inlet (202) or integrally formed, and the other end of the inlet pipe (204) is connected to the inlet section (205). The radial dimension of the inlet section (205) gradually increases from the inlet pipe (204) toward the refrigerant inlet (202); the evaporator pipe (2) also includes an outlet pipe (206) and an outlet section (207), one end of the outlet section (207) is welded to the refrigerant outlet (203) or integrally formed, and the other end of the outlet section (207) is connected to the outlet pipe (206).

9. The novel evaporator structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central axes of the evaporator shell (1) and the evaporator tube (2) are collinear, and the evaporator tube (2) abuts against the inner or outer wall of the evaporator shell (1).

10. A cold drink machine, characterized in that: Includes the novel evaporator structure described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images