Refrigerating and freezing device

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a refrigerating and freezing device. The refrigerating and freezing device comprises a drainpipe connector. The drainpipe connector comprises a connector body and a filter screen. The connector body has a main drainage portion extending downward, wherein a main drainage port is formed at the lower end of the main drainage portion. The filter screen is arranged in the connector body. In addition, the connector body is further provided with a branch opening facing a lateral side, and a branch pipe portion extends laterally from the branch opening. The connector body further has an auxiliary drainage portion located at the end of the branch pipe portion, wherein an auxiliary drainage port is formed at the lower end of the auxiliary drainage portion. The auxiliary drainage portion of the connector body can play an alternative role in drainage when the main drainage portion is blocked, thereby solving the problem of it not being possible for the main drainage portion to operate normally due to blockage. Moreover, the provision of the filter screen also reduces the possibility of blockage of the main drainage portion.

Description

Refrigeration and freezing equipment

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to the following patent applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: Chinese Patent Application No. 202510207027.6, filed on February 24, 2025; Chinese Patent Application No. 202520300944.4, filed on February 24, 2025; Chinese Patent Application No. 202520300966.0, filed on February 24, 2025; and Chinese Patent Application No. 202520307642.X, filed on February 24, 2025; and claims priority to these Chinese patent applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of home appliances, and in particular to a refrigeration and freezing device. Background Technology

[0003] During operation, moisture in the air condenses into water in the storage compartment and on the evaporator of refrigerators and other refrigeration and freezing units, forming condensate. To prevent excessive water accumulation from affecting the normal operation of the refrigeration and freezing unit, a drain pipe is required to drain the condensate. Refrigeration and freezing units typically have a drip tray inside the compressor compartment to collect the condensate, and the heat generated by the compressor accelerates the evaporation of the condensate.

[0004] To prevent cold air leakage from the storage compartment or to prevent air from the compressor compartment from flowing back into the storage compartment through the drain pipe, existing refrigeration and freezing units typically have a drain pipe connector with corresponding functions at the end of the drain pipe. However, the drain outlet diameter of the drain pipe connector is usually significantly smaller than the diameter of the drain pipe. If ice or dust falls into the drain pipe connector through the drain pipe and accumulates inside over a long period, it can easily cause the drain pipe connector to become clogged and malfunction.

[0005] Any prior art mentioned in the specification does not imply confirmation or suggestion that such prior art constitutes part of the general common knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that it can be reasonably expected that such prior art will be understood, regarded as relevant and / or combined with other prior art by a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this application aims to solve the problem that the drain pipe joints of refrigeration and freezing equipment are prone to clogging and malfunction.

[0007] A further objective of one aspect of this application is to facilitate the cleaning of drain pipe joints.

[0008] Another further objective of one aspect of this application is to improve the sealing effect of drain pipe joints.

[0009] According to one aspect of this application, a refrigeration and freezing apparatus is provided, which includes a drain pipe connector.

[0010] The drain pipe connector includes: the connector body and the filter screen.

[0011] The connector body has a downwardly extending main drainage section; the lower end of the main drainage section forms a main drainage outlet.

[0012] The filter screen is located inside the connector body.

[0013] Furthermore, the connector body is provided with a side-facing branch opening, and a branch pipe extends from the branch opening to the side; the connector body also has a secondary drainage section located at the end of the branch pipe section; a secondary drainage port is formed at the lower end of the secondary drainage section.

[0014] The refrigeration and freezing apparatus of this application includes a drain pipe connector. The drain pipe connector includes a connector body and a filter screen. The connector body has a downwardly extending main drain section; a main drain outlet is formed at the lower end of the main drain section. The filter screen is disposed within the connector body. Furthermore, the connector body also has a side-facing branch opening, from which a branch pipe extends laterally; the connector body also has a secondary drain section located at the end of the branch pipe section; a secondary drain outlet is formed at the lower end of the secondary drain section. The secondary drain section of the connector body can alternatively perform a drainage function when the main drain section is blocked, thereby solving the problem of the main drain section failing to function properly due to blockage. Simultaneously, the filter screen reduces the likelihood of blockage in the main drain section.

[0015] Furthermore, the cleaning port at the upper end of the secondary drain section of the refrigeration and freezing device of this application allows the drain pipe joint to be cleaned without disassembly, thereby reducing the difficulty of cleaning the drain pipe joint.

[0016] Furthermore, the refrigeration and freezing apparatus of this application also improves the shape of the drain pipe joint and provides a drain plug or drain outlet extension to improve the sealing effect of the drain pipe joint.

[0017] The term “comprise” as used herein, and variations thereof such as “comprises”, “comprised”, “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, etc., do not exclude other features, components, elements or steps unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of this application in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint shown in Figure 2;

[0022] Figure 4 is another cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint shown in Figure 2;

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe connector and water tray of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" 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 application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," etc., 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature.

[0027] In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0028] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," 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 expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0030] That is, in the description of this application, "above," "over," and "on top" of the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," or "below" of the first feature and the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, apparatus, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, apparatus, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, this application provides a refrigeration and freezing device 10. The refrigeration and freezing device 10 defines a storage compartment, a cooling compartment (not shown in the figure), and a compressor compartment 10A within its casing. The cooling compartment is equipped with an evaporator, and the compressor compartment 10A is equipped with at least one of a compressor and a condenser. Figure 1 is a side view of the refrigeration and freezing device 10. To show the positions of the drip tray 14, drain pipe 12, and drain pipe connector 13, a portion of the casing structure, evaporator, compressor, and condenser of the refrigeration and freezing device 10 is hidden. It can be seen that the compressor compartment 10A is located at the lower rear side of the casing. The drip tray 14 is disposed within the compressor compartment 10A. One end of the drain pipe 12 connects to at least one of the storage compartment and cooling compartment defined within the casing, and the other end extends above the drip tray 14 to guide accumulated water from at least one of the storage compartment and cooling compartment into the drip tray 14. The drain pipe connector 13 is disposed at the end of the drain pipe 12 located above the drip tray 14.

[0034] During operation, moisture in the air in refrigerators and other refrigeration and freezing units 10 condenses into water in the storage compartment and on the evaporator. To prevent excessive water accumulation from affecting the normal operation of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10, a drain pipe 12 is required to drain the condensate. Refrigeration and freezing units 10 typically have a drip tray 14 in the compressor compartment 10A to collect the condensate, and the heat generated by the compressor accelerates its evaporation.

[0035] To reduce processing and installation difficulties, the drain pipe 12 is typically designed as a straight pipe, meaning it is essentially a straight pipe. However, this results in uncontrollable flow of condensate drained from the drain pipe 12, which can easily splash to various parts of the compressor chamber 10A. Furthermore, the drain pipe 12 itself lacks a sealing function, failing to prevent cold air leakage from the storage compartment or to prevent air from flowing back into the storage compartment through the drain pipe 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigeration and freezing device 10 includes a drain pipe connector 13 at the end of the drain pipe 12 to guide the flow of condensate and solve the sealing problem of the drain pipe 12.

[0036] Considering that if impurities such as ice chips or dust fall into the drain pipe connector 13 through the drain pipe 12 and accumulate inside over a long period, it can easily cause the drain pipe connector 13 to become clogged and malfunction. Therefore, referring to Figure 2, in some optional embodiments, the drain pipe connector 13 includes a connector body 131 and a filter screen 132. The connector body 131 has a main pipe section 1311 and a main drain section 1312, which extends downward from one end of the main pipe section 1311; a main drain outlet 131A is formed at the lower end of the main drain section 1312. The filter screen 132 is disposed inside the main pipe section 1311 and has multiple through holes on its surface. When condensate in the drain pipe 12 enters the drain pipe connector 13 and flows through the filter screen 132, the filter screen 132 can block larger impurities such as ice chips, preventing them from entering the main drain section 1312 with the condensate, thereby reducing the possibility of clogging in the main drain section 1312.

[0037] Meanwhile, even if ice or dust enters the main drain section 1312 with the condensate and accumulates over a long period, causing blockage, the connector body 131 of this embodiment also has a branch opening 131B on the side of the main pipe section 1311. The connector body 131 has a branch pipe section 1313 and a secondary drain section 1314 located at the branch opening 131B. The secondary drain section 1314 is connected to the main pipe section 1311 via the branch pipe section 1313; a secondary drain outlet 131C is formed at the lower end of the secondary drain section 1314. The secondary drain section 1314 of the connector body 131 can function as a drainage alternative when the main drain section 1312 is blocked, thereby solving the problem that the main drain section 1312 cannot function properly due to blockage. The combined design of the filter screen 132 and the secondary drain section 1314 greatly extends the time before the drain pipe connector 13 becomes blocked and overcomes the problem that the main drain section 1312 of the drain pipe connector 13 cannot function properly when blocked.

[0038] The filter screen 132 can block larger impurities such as ice chips, preventing them from entering the main drain section 1312 with the condensate. However, the through holes on the surface of the filter screen 132 may also become clogged, preventing condensate from passing through the filter screen 132. To overcome this problem, in some alternative embodiments, referring to FIG3, at least some branch openings 131B are located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312.

[0039] When the main drain section 1312 becomes blocked, condensate will accumulate in the main drain section 1312, causing the water level to rise. When the water level rises above the branch opening 131B of the main drain section 1311, the accumulated water can enter the secondary drain section 1314 from the branch opening 131B and be discharged through the secondary drain outlet 131C. When the through holes on the surface of the filter screen 132 are also blocked, since at least some of the branch openings 131B in this embodiment are located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312, the accumulated water can enter the secondary drain section 1314 from the branch openings 131B without passing through the filter screen 132 and be discharged through the secondary drain outlet 131C, thereby further avoiding the problem that the drain pipe connector 13 cannot work properly when the through holes on the surface of the filter screen 132 are also blocked.

[0040] In this embodiment, the branch opening 131B on the drain pipe connector 13 can be partially located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312, as shown in FIG3, or it can be entirely located on the side of the filter screen 132 away from the main drain section 1312.

[0041] Optionally, the main drainage section 1312 extends downward along the direction of water flow, and the branch opening 131B extends horizontally within the main drainage section 1312. This design optimizes the water flow path, allowing water to drain more quickly from the branch opening 131B when drainage from the main drainage section 1312 is obstructed; this reduces the pressure impact of accumulated water on the upstream pipeline and improves the reliability of drainage.

[0042] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some alternative embodiments, the lower end of the branch opening 131B is higher than the bottom surface of the main pipe 1311 at the corresponding position, so that condensate can flow preferentially from below the location of the branch opening 131B to the main drain 1312, preventing the secondary drain 1314 from being blocked before the main drain 1312.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments, the branch pipe 1313 extends outward and upward from the branch opening 131B to further reduce condensate entering the secondary drainage section 1314 if the main drainage section 1312 is not blocked.

[0044] To ensure a more reliable connection between the drain pipe connector 13 and the drain pipe 12, the drain pipe 12 and the drain pipe connector 13 are typically connected using a non-disassembly-resistant structure. However, this also makes it difficult to clean and unclog the drain pipe connector 13 when it becomes clogged. In some alternative embodiments, an insertion port is provided on the side wall of the main pipe 1311, through which the filter screen 132 is inserted into the main pipe 1311. This embodiment, by using an insertion-installation design for the filter screen 132, allows the user to clean the filter screen 132 by pulling it out when it becomes clogged, thereby reducing the difficulty of cleaning the drain pipe connector 13.

[0045] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some alternative embodiments, the angle α between the main drain section 1312 and the main drain pipe 1311 is greater than 90° and less than 180°. The drain pipe 12 of the refrigeration unit 10 is not typically vertically positioned; when the cooling chamber containing the evaporator is located in the front region of the refrigeration unit 10, the drain pipe 12 extends downwards and backwards accordingly. While ensuring that the main drain section 1312 drains downwards, the extension direction of the main drain pipe 1311 of the drain pipe connector 13 is typically designed to be the same as the extension direction of the drain pipe 12. Therefore, an angle α greater than 90° and less than 180° is formed between the main drain section 1312 and the main drain pipe 1311, as shown in Figure 3. The filter screen 132 is typically designed to be inserted into the main drain pipe 1311 perpendicularly to it; therefore, the filter screen 132 is not located on a horizontal plane.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the through holes on the filter screen 132 are configured such that the diameter of the through holes with higher heights is larger. In addition to its filtering function, the filter screen 132 allows condensate in the drain pipe joint 13 to still pass through the filter screen 132 through the higher and larger diameter through holes even after the lower through holes are blocked. Simultaneously, the filter screen 132 no longer prevents smaller impurities from passing with the condensate, and smaller impurities are more easily discharged with the condensate and less likely to clog the main drain section 1312. Through this design, the drain pipe joint 13 can balance the clogging time of the filter screen 132 and the main drain section 1312, extending the overall clogging cycle of the drain pipe joint 13.

[0047] Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the included angle α between the main drain section 1312 and the main pipe section 1311 can also be equal to 180°, that is, the main drain section 1312 and the main pipe section 1311 extend vertically. In this case, the diameter of the through holes on the filter screen 132 can also be configured to be the same.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, in some optional embodiments, the lower part of the secondary drainage section 1314 is funnel-shaped, and a float 1315 is provided inside the secondary drainage section 1314; the float 1315 is configured to block the secondary drainage outlet 131C under the action of gravity, or float up to open the secondary drainage outlet 131C after water accumulates in the secondary drainage section 1314.

[0049] To improve the sealing effect of the drain pipe joint 13, the lower end of the secondary drain section 1314 is designed in a funnel shape, and a float 1315 is installed inside the secondary drain section 1314. The lower cross-section of the funnel-shaped secondary drain section 1314 is circular, which can fit tightly with the surface of the spherical float 1315. Therefore, when the air pressure inside and outside the secondary drain section 1314 is balanced, the float 1315 can block the secondary drain outlet 131C under the action of gravity and prevent the communication between the inside and outside air, thereby preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0050] Specifically, after the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 is opened and closed once, the air inside the storage compartment cools down as the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 cools, and the volume of the cold air contracts, causing negative pressure inside the storage compartment, making it difficult to open the door of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10. In this embodiment, the float 1315 of the secondary drain section 1314 can be pushed upward by the air pressure difference when negative pressure is generated inside the storage compartment, allowing air to enter the storage compartment from the secondary drain port 131C, thereby balancing the internal and external air pressure and making the door of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10 easier to open.

[0051] In some alternative embodiments, a cleaning port is formed at the upper end of the secondary drain section 1314. The drain pipe connector 13 also includes a cover 134, which is detachably disposed at the cleaning port. In this embodiment, when the main drain section 1312 is blocked, the user can open the cover 134 disposed at the cleaning port and introduce clean water or detergent into the drain pipe connector 13 through the cleaning port to clean and unclog the main drain section 1312. The size of the cleaning port can be designed to be larger than the size of the float 1315 so that the float 1315 can be installed from the cleaning port into the secondary drain section 1314.

[0052] This application also provides three different sealing designs for the main drainage section 1312. For ease of distinction, these three designs will be referred to as the first design, the second design, and the third design, respectively. Figure 3 corresponds to the drain pipe connector 13 of the first design of this application. Referring to Figure 3, in some optional embodiments, the lower part of the main drainage section 1312 is funnel-shaped, and a main drainage outlet 131A is formed at the lower end; and a float ball 1316 is provided inside the main drainage section 1312; the float ball 1316 is configured to block the main drainage outlet 131A under the action of gravity, or float up to open the main drainage outlet 131A after water accumulates inside the main drainage section 1312.

[0053] In this embodiment, the lower cross-section of the funnel-shaped main drainage section 1312 is circular, which can fit tightly against the surface of the spherical float 1316. Therefore, when the air pressure inside and outside the main drainage section 1312 is balanced, the float 1316 can block the main drainage outlet 131A under the action of gravity and prevent the communication between the inside and outside air, thereby preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0054] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the drain pipe connector 13 further includes a drain plug 133. The drain plug 133 is disposed on the main drain portion 1312. The drain plug 133 includes a body portion 1331 and a spring portion 1332. The body portion 1331 is sleeved on the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312; the lower end of the body portion 1331 has an opening, and the height of the opening is lower than that of the main drain outlet 131A. The spring portion 1332 is formed at the lower end of the body portion 1331 and extends inward toward the opening, and its shape corresponds to the opening. There is a connection between the spring portion 1332 and the body portion 1331, and the spring portion 1332 is configured to be elastically bent around the connection.

[0055] The drain plug 133 further improves the sealing effect of the drain pipe joint 13 in the main drain section 1312. In some optional embodiments, the spring piece 1332 blocks the opening at the lower end of the main body 1331 and opens the opening under the force of gravity to allow the water to drain out, thereby sealing the main drain outlet 131A when there is no water to prevent cold leakage inside the storage room and air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12. In other optional embodiments, there is a gap between the spring piece 1332 and the edge of the opening to allow water to pass through. When there is a lot of water in the main drain section 1312, the water can drain out from the gap, while when there is little water in the main drain section 1312, the water will remain in the gap due to its own tension and have a sealing effect to prevent cold leakage inside the storage room and air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0056] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint 13 of the refrigeration and freezing apparatus 10 according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 5 corresponds to the drain pipe connector 13 of the second design of this application. Referring to Figure 5, in some optional embodiments, the drain pipe connector 13 further includes a drain plug 133. The drain plug 133 is disposed on the main drain section 1312; the lower end of the drain plug 133 forms a spring piece 1332 for closing the main drain outlet 131A, and is configured to close the main drain outlet 131A under its own stress, or be pushed by the accumulated water in the main drain section 1312 to open the main drain outlet 131A.

[0058] In this embodiment, the spring piece 1332 of the drain plug 133 is pushed against and fits against the main drain outlet 131A by the lower end of the main drain part 1312. Under the push of the main drain part 1312, the drain plug 133 has stress that causes the spring piece 1332 to return to its original position, thereby making the spring piece 1332 fit tightly against the main drain outlet 131A and preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the air in the compressor chamber 10A from flowing back into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0059] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the drain plug 133 also includes a body portion 1331. The body portion 1331 is fitted onto the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312; the lower end of the body portion 1331 is close to the edge of the main drain outlet 131A. A spring portion 1332 is formed at the lower end of the body portion 1331 and its shape corresponds to the main drain outlet 131A. The drain plug 133 is configured such that the spring portion 1332 is pushed against by the lower end of the main drain portion 1312 to have stress that causes the spring portion 1332 to close the main drain outlet 131A.

[0060] As can be seen from Figures 3 and 5, the difference between the drain plug 133 in this embodiment and the drain plug 133 in the first design is only that the spring piece 1332 is pushed outward when installed on the main drain portion 1312 of the drain pipe connector 13. In fact, the drain plug 133 in the first design and the second design can be exactly the same drain plug 133. That is to say, when faced with the need to produce multiple drain pipe connectors 13 at the same time, the technical solution of this application can reduce the mold opening cost by producing one drain plug 133 and using it in two designs of drain pipe connectors 13.

[0061] In this embodiment, the lower edge of the main body 1331 near the main drain outlet 131A refers to the lower edge of the main body 1331 near the main drain outlet 131A, that is, it does not limit the lower periphery of the main body 1331 to the periphery of the main drain outlet 131A.

[0062] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the main drainage section 1312 includes a straight pipe section 13121 and an elbow section 13122. The straight pipe section 13121 extends downward from one end of the main pipe section 1311, and the main body section 1331 is fitted onto the outer wall of the straight pipe section 13121. The elbow section 13122 bends downward from the lower end of the straight pipe section 13121, and the main drainage outlet 131A is formed at the lower end of the elbow section 13122 and faces downward.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5, in this embodiment, the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 bends downwards, causing the main drainage outlet 131A to face downwards. The lower end of the main body 1331 of the drainage plug 133 is close to the upper edge of the drainage outlet, and a spring piece 1332 extends from this point. The spring piece 1332 is pushed against by the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 and elastically bends around the connection between itself and the main body 1331.

[0064] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the elbow section 13122 of the main drain section 1312 may be designed to be detachably disposed relative to the straight pipe section 13121 to facilitate cleaning of the main drain section 1312.

[0065] In addition, in some alternative embodiments, the funnel-shaped structure at the lower part of the main drainage section 1312 in the first design can also be designed to be detachable relative to other parts of the main drainage section 1312, and the funnel-shaped structure at the lower part of the main drainage section 1312 in the first design can be designed as a replaceable part with the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 in the second design, so as to facilitate modular and universal design and reduce the mold opening cost of the drainage pipe connector 13.

[0066] In the first design, the funnel-shaped structure at the bottom of the main drainage section 1312 relative to other parts of the main drainage section 1312, and in the second design, the elbow section 13122 of the main drainage section 1312 relative to the straight pipe section 13121, can be designed to be fixed by means of adhesive, snap-fit ​​or magnetic attraction, or can be fixed by means of drainage plug 133 installed on the main drainage section 1312, which is not limited here.

[0067] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drain pipe joint 13 and the water receiving tray 14 of the refrigeration and freezing apparatus 10 according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Figure 6 corresponds to the drain pipe connector 13 of the third design of this application. Referring to Figure 6, in some optional embodiments, the bottom surface of the water receiving tray 14 of the refrigeration and freezing device 10 is provided with an upward-opening water seal groove 141. The drain pipe connector 13 is disposed above the water receiving tray 14. The drain pipe connector 13 also includes a drain outlet extension 135. The drain outlet extension 135 is disposed on the main drain portion 1312, and its lower end extends into the water seal groove 141; the refrigeration and freezing device 10 is configured such that water in the drain pipe connector 13 is discharged downward from the main drain outlet 131A into the drain outlet extension 135, and flows into the water seal groove 141 from the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135.

[0069] Figure 6 shows the area in the water seal trough 141 where water can accumulate. The upward-opening water seal trough 141 can store some water, sealing the lower end of the drain extension 135 extending into the water seal trough 141. This also prevents the leakage of cold air inside the storage compartment and the return of air from the compressor compartment 10A into the storage compartment through the drain pipe 12, thus solving the sealing problem of the drain pipe 12 of the refrigeration and freezing unit 10.

[0070] Condensate entering the drain extension 135 from the main drain outlet 131A can flow out of the drain extension 135 from the lower end of the drain outlet 135 and into the water seal trough 141. After the water seal trough 141 is full of water, if more condensate enters the water seal trough 141, the water will overflow from the top of the water seal trough 141 into the water receiving tray 14.

[0071] In this embodiment, the water seal groove 141 can be integrally formed with the water receiving tray 14, or it can be a separate part that can be detached from the water receiving tray 14. Designing the water seal groove 141 as a separate part that can be detached from the water receiving tray 14 facilitates modular and universal design, and reduces the mold opening cost of the water receiving tray 14.

[0072] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, there is a gap between the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135 and the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and there is a gap between the outer sidewall of the drain outlet extension 135 and the inner sidewall of the water seal groove 141.

[0073] In this embodiment, there is a gap between the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135 and the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and there is a gap between the outer side wall of the drain outlet extension 135 and the inner side wall of the water seal groove 141. Therefore, water can flow between the lower end of the drain outlet extension 135 and the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and between the outer side wall of the drain outlet extension 135 and the inner side wall of the water seal groove 141, and overflow from above the water seal groove 141 into the water receiving tray 14 when there is too much water.

[0074] In some alternative embodiments, the lower end of the drain extension 135 may also extend to connect with the bottom surface of the water seal groove 141, and the lower end sidewall of the drain extension 135 has a through hole so that accumulated water can flow into the water seal groove 141 through the through hole.

[0075] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the water receiving tray 14 extends upward from the upper end of the water seal groove 141 to form a fixed wall 142, at least a portion of which abuts against the drain outlet extension 135. The fixed wall 142 extends upward from a portion of the upper end of the water seal groove 141 and clamps and fixes the drain outlet extension 135. Water accumulated in the water seal groove 141 can overflow from the portion of the water seal groove 141 that does not extend upward to form the fixed wall 142.

[0076] The design of the drain extension 135 in this embodiment is also to reduce mold opening costs and facilitate the adjustment of the sealing design type of the main drain section 1312 at a lower cost during the production process of the refrigeration and freezing device 10.

[0077] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the lower end of the main drainage section 1312 is higher than the upper end of the water seal tank 141. Therefore, the main drain outlet 131A located at the lower end of the main drainage section 1312 is higher than the water level in the water seal tank 141. When air enters the water seal tank 141 through the drain pipe 12, it is less likely to generate noise.

[0078] In addition, in some alternative embodiments, the drain plug 133 in the first and second designs and the drain outlet extension 135 in the third design can be integrally molded parts made of rubber.

[0079] In the third design, to allow the drain extension 135 to be detachably fixed to the main drain portion 1312, in some alternative embodiments, a positioning protrusion is formed on the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312 or the inner wall of the drain extension 135, and the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312 and the inner wall of the drain extension 135 are adapted to each other in shape, so that the drain extension 135 is fixed to the connector body 131. For example, referring to FIG6, the positioning protrusion is formed on the inner wall of the drain extension 135 and protrudes into the main drain portion 1312 of the connector body 131, while a correspondingly shaped recess is formed on the main drain portion 1312 of the connector body 131. In both the first and second designs, in order to allow the drain plug 133 to be detachably fixed on the main drain portion 1312, in some optional embodiments, a positioning protrusion is formed on the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312 or the inner wall of the main body portion 1331, and the outer wall of the main drain portion 1312 is adapted to the shape of the inner wall of the main body portion 1331, so that the drain plug 133 is fixed on the connector body 131.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the drain plug 133 may also be disposed on the secondary drain section 1314. The drain plug 133 is configured to close the secondary drain outlet 131C by its own stress, or to be pushed open by the accumulated water in the secondary drain section 1314. In some optional embodiments, the drain plug 133 may also have its spring portion 1332 blocking the opening at the lower end of the main body 1331, and opening the opening under the gravity of the accumulated water to allow the accumulated water to drain out. This closes the secondary drain outlet 131C when there is no accumulated water, thereby preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the return of air from the compressor chamber 10A into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments, the drain plug 133 may have a gap between its spring portion 1332 and the edge of the opening for water to pass through. When there is a large amount of water in the secondary drain portion 1314, the water can be discharged from the gap. When there is a small amount of water in the secondary drain portion 1314, the water will remain in the gap due to its own tension and have a sealing effect, thereby preventing the leakage of cold air inside the storage room and the backflow of air from the compressor chamber 10A into the storage room through the drain pipe 12.

[0082] In some alternative embodiments, the drain extension 135 may also be provided on the secondary drain section 1314 and extend its lower end into the water seal groove 141; the refrigeration and freezing device is configured to allow water in the drain pipe joint 13 to be discharged downward from the secondary drain section 1314 into the drain extension 135 and flow into the water seal groove 141 from the lower end of the drain extension 135.

[0083] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of this application have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of this application can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, the scope of this application should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A refrigerator-freezer comprising a drain connector; wherein the drain connector comprises: a connector body; the connector body having a main drain portion extending downwardly; a lower end of the main drain portion being formed with a main drain opening; and a filter screen disposed within the connector body; and the connector body is further provided with a branch opening facing sideways, and a branch pipe portion extending sideways from the branch opening; the connector body further has a secondary drain portion at an end of the branch pipe portion; a lower end of the secondary drain portion being formed with a secondary drain opening. 2.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 1, wherein the connector body further has a main pipe portion, the main drain portion extending downwardly from one end of the main pipe portion, and the branch opening is provided on the main pipe portion; at least part of the branch opening is located on a side of the filter screen away from the main drain portion. 3.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 2, wherein a side wall of the main pipe portion is provided with an insertion opening, and the filter screen is inserted into the main pipe portion through the insertion opening. 4.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 2, wherein a lower end of the branch opening is higher than a bottom surface of the main pipe portion at a corresponding position. 5.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 2, wherein an included angle between the main drain portion and the main pipe portion is greater than 90° and less than 180°; and a plurality of through holes are provided on the filter screen, wherein a diameter of a through hole is greater as a height of the through hole is higher. 6.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the secondary drain portion is funnel-shaped, and a float is disposed within the secondary drain portion; the float is configured to block the secondary drain opening under the action of gravity, or to float up to open the secondary drain opening after water accumulates within the secondary drain portion. 7.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the secondary drain portion is formed with a cleaning opening; the drain connector further comprises: a cover detachably disposed at the cleaning opening. 8.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the main drain portion is funnel-shaped, and a main drain opening is formed at a lower end of the main drain portion; and a float is disposed within the main drain portion; the float is configured to block the main drain opening under the action of gravity, or to float up to open the main drain opening after water accumulates within the main drain portion. 9.The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 8, wherein the drain connector further comprises: a drain plug disposed on the main drain portion; the drain plug comprises: a main body portion sleeved on an outer side wall of the main drain portion; a lower end of the main body portion having an opening, and a height of the opening being lower than the main drain opening; and a spring portion formed at the lower end of the main body portion and extending inwardly of the opening, and having a shape corresponding to the opening; the spring portion and the main body portion have a connection therebetween, and the spring portion is configured to be elastically bent around the connection; and a gap between the spring portion and an edge of the opening is provided for water to pass through.

10. The refrigerator-freezer of claim 1, wherein: the drain fitting further comprises: a drain plug disposed on the main drain portion; a lower end of the drain plug forms a spring portion for closing the main drain opening and is configured to adhere to and close the main drain opening under its own stress or be pushed by accumulated water in the main drain portion to open the main drain opening.

11. The refrigerator-freezer of claim 10, wherein: the drain plug further comprises: a body portion sleeved on an outer sidewall of the main drain portion; a lower end of the body portion is close to an edge of the main drain opening; the spring portion is formed on the lower end of the body portion and has a shape corresponding to the main drain opening; the drain plug is configured to have the spring portion pushed against the lower end of the main drain portion to have a stress to urge the spring portion to close the main drain opening.

12. The refrigerator-freezer of claim 11, wherein: the main drain portion comprises: a straight pipe section extending downward from one end of the main pipe portion, the body portion being sleeved on an outer sidewall of the straight pipe section; and a bend section extending obliquely downward from a lower end of the straight pipe section, the main drain opening being formed at a lower end of the bend section and facing obliquely downward.

13. The cold appliance of claim 12, wherein the main drain portion is configured in at least one of the following ways: an included angle between the main drain portion and the main pipe portion is greater than 90°; an included angle between the straight pipe section and the main pipe portion is greater than 90°; a positioning protrusion is formed on an outer sidewall of the straight pipe section or an inner sidewall of the body portion, and the outer sidewall of the straight pipe section and the inner sidewall of the body portion have shapes adapted to each other to fix the drain plug on the fitting body; the bend section is detachably disposed relative to the straight pipe section.

14. The cold appliance of claim 1, wherein further comprising: a water pan having a water seal groove with an opening upward formed on a bottom surface thereof; the drain fitting is disposed above the water pan; and the drain fitting further comprises: a drain opening extension disposed on the main drain portion and having a lower end extending into the water seal groove; the refrigerator-freezer is configured to have water in the drain fitting discharged downward from the main drain opening into the drain opening extension and flow into the water seal groove from the lower end of the drain opening extension. the drain opening extension is configured in at least one of the following ways:

15. The cold appliance of claim 14, wherein: a gap is formed between the lower end of the drain opening extension and a bottom surface of the water seal groove, and a gap is formed between an outer sidewall of the drain opening extension and an inner sidewall of the water seal groove; the water pan extends upward from an upper end of the water seal groove to form a fixing wall, at least part of the fixing wall adheres to the drain opening extension; a positioning protrusion is formed on an outer sidewall of the main drain portion or an inner sidewall of the drain opening extension, and the outer sidewall of the main drain portion and the inner sidewall of the drain opening extension have shapes adapted to each other to fix the drain opening extension on the fitting body. the drain fitting further comprises:

16. The cold appliance of claim 1, wherein: ​ A drain plug is arranged on the auxiliary drain part; a lower end of the drain plug is formed with a spring part for closing the auxiliary drain port, and is configured to be adhered to and close the auxiliary drain port under its own stress, or to be pushed by the accumulated water in the auxiliary drain part to open the auxiliary drain port.

17. The cold appliance of claim 1, wherein: The water pan further comprises a water seal groove arranged on a bottom surface of the water pan and opening upwardly; The drain connector is arranged above the water pan; And The drain connector further comprises: A drain port extension arranged on the auxiliary drain part and extending to the water seal groove at a lower end thereof; The refrigerating and freezing device is configured to cause water in the drain connector to flow downwardly from the auxiliary drain part into the drain port extension, and to flow into the water seal groove from a lower end of the drain port extension.

18. The cold appliance of claim 1, wherein: The branch opening part is located on a side of the filter screen away from the main drain part.

19. A cold appliance according to one of the claims 1 to 18, characterized in that: The main drain part extends downwardly along a water flow direction, and the branch opening part extends horizontally on the main drain part.

20. A cold appliance according to one of the claims 1 to 18, characterized in that: The branch part extends upwardly and outwardly from the branch opening part.

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