ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIROMKCYALTRBGCZEEHUPLSKBAHRIS..MTNORSMESMMAKHTNMD..........
J
BDM Ver 2.0.26 - 1100000/0
4379290
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC
A1
20240605
EP
22848257.6
20220711
20240122
zh
en
en
202110843945
20210726
CN
20240605
202423
20240605
202423
F25B 39/02 20060101AFI20230203BHEP
F28F 9/26 20060101ALI20230203BHEP
F24F 13/20 20060101ALI20230203BHEP
F25D 23/00 20130101 LI20230220BCEP
F25B 39/02 20130101 LI20230220BCEP
F28F 9/26 20130101 LI20230220BCEP
F24F 13/20 20130101 LI20230220BCEP
de
ANSCHLUSSLEITUNG VON VERDAMPFER, VERDAMPFER UND KÜHLSCHRANK
en
CONNECTING PIPELINE OF EVAPORATOR, EVAPORATOR AND REFRIGERATOR
fr
CANALISATION DE RACCORDEMENT D'ÉVAPORATEUR, ÉVAPORATEUR ET RÉFRIGÉRATEUR
1
Hefei Haier Refrigerator Co., Ltd
101667243
HE0303P-WOEP
No. 22 Ziyun Road Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone
Hefei, Anhui 230601
CN
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co., Ltd.
101864802
HE0303P-WOEP
Haier Industrial Park No. 1 Haier Road
Laoshan District Qingdao Shandong 266101
CN
Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.
101857474
HE0303P-WOEP
Haier Industrial Park No. 1 Haier Road Laoshan District
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
WAN, Yanbin
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
CHEN, Jianquan
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
WANG, Haijuan
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
XUE, Wenchao
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
LIU, Yang
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
ZHU, Xiaobing
Qingdao, Shandong 266101
CN
Winter, Brandl - Partnerschaft mbB
100059963
Alois-Steinecker-Straße 22
85354 Freising
DE
AL
AT
BE
BG
CH
CY
CZ
DE
DK
EE
ES
FI
FR
GB
GR
HR
HU
IE
IS
IT
LI
LT
LU
LV
MC
MK
MT
NL
NO
PL
PT
RO
RS
SE
SI
SK
SM
TR
BA
ME
KH
MA
MD
TN
CN2022104958
20220711
zh
WO2023005652
20230202
202305
A connecting pipeline (300) of an evaporator (200), the evaporator (200), and a refrigerator. The connecting pipeline (300) of the evaporator (200) is connected to a refrigerant inlet (200) of the evaporator, and comprises a first pipeline (301), a second pipeline (302) and an inlet pipeline (203) connected in sequence, wherein the inlet pipeline (203) is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline (203) is greater than the inner diameter of the second pipeline (302). The connecting pipeline (300) of the evaporator (200) is configured to comprise a first pipeline (301), a second pipeline (302) and an inlet pipeline (203) connected in sequence, the inlet pipeline (203) is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline (301) is greater than the inner diameter of the second pipeline (302), such that noise can be effectively reduced.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerating and freezing devices, and in particular to a connecting pipeline of evaporator, an evaporator, and a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART
In the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator, before the refrigerant enters the inlet of the evaporator, the liquid phase refrigerant in the pipeline gradually starts to vaporize, exhibiting flash evaporation. The intense gas-liquid flow is prone to create bubbles, and the bursting of these bubbles can cause fluid turbulence. Combined with the periodic compressive suction and exhaust refrigeration system, this can lead to pulsating fluids. The discontinuous turbulent two-phase flow impacts the refrigeration pipeline, generating eddy currents and abnormal sounds, leading to eruption noise. The eruption noise at the evaporator in existing refrigerators is significant, affecting the user experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to provide a connecting pipeline that can be connected to the front end of the evaporator's inlet to reduce noise.
A further objective of the present invention is to further reduce the vibration noise during the operation of the evaporator.
In particular, the present invention provides a connecting pipeline for an evaporator, the connecting pipeline is configured to connect with the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator and comprises:
a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and an inlet pipeline connected in sequence, wherein the inlet pipeline is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipeline.
Optionally, the length of the first pipeline ranges from 0.02m to 1.25m.
Optionally, the length of the first pipeline ranges from 0.02m to 0.9m.
Optionally, the first pipeline is connected upstream to a capillary tube;
the inner diameter of the first pipeline is 0.5-10mm, the wall thickness of the first pipeline is 0.2-3mm.
Optionally, the first pipeline is welded or integrally drawn with the second pipeline;
the second pipeline is welded or integrally drawn with the inlet pipeline.
Optionally, the second pipeline is welded to the first pipeline and/or the inlet pipeline, wherein the length of the second pipeline's inlet end inserted into the first pipeline is 10-30mm;
the length of the second pipeline's outlet end inserted into the inlet pipeline is 10-30mm.
The present invention aiso provides an evaporator equipped with the connecting pipeline as described aforementioned.
Optionally, the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is connected to an outlet pipeline;
the evaporator further includes inter-pipe fixators made of flexible material, each inter-pipe fixator has at least two fixing slots, the inter-pipe fixators are connected to at least two of the first pipeline, second pipeline, inlet pipeline, and outlet pipeline through the at least two fixing slots, effectively reducing noise caused by pipeline resonance during the operation of the evaporator.
Optionally, the outlet pipeline is welded to the refrigerator's return air pipe, and the outlet pipeline is threaded through one of the fixing slots of the inter-pipe fixators.
Optionally, the inter-pipe fixators are positioned in an area of 45-55mm before and after the diameter change point between the first pipeline and the second pipeline; and/or
the inter-pipe fixators are positioned in an area of 45-55mm before and after the diameter change point between the second pipeline and the inlet pipeline.
The present invention aiso provides a refrigerator equipped with the evaporator as described aforementioned.
Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises:
- an inner liner defining a storage compartment; and
- fixing clamps, consisting of a body part and a clamping part, the inner liner is equipped with an installation port into which the body part is inserted, positioning the clamping part inside the inner liner; the clamping part includes an upper clamping section and a lower clamping section formed by bending forward from the upper end and the lower end of the front side of the body part separately, the upper clamping section bends upwards, and the lower clamping section bends downwards, there is a gap between the front ends of the upper clamping section and the lower clamping section, thus the gap can define a space between the front ends to accommodate the pipelines of the evaporator, and the inner side of the upper clamping section and/or the lower clamping section is equipped with flexible component.
The connecting pipeline of the evaporator in the present invention can effectively reduce noise by being configured to comprise first pipeline, second pipeline and inlet pipeline connected in sequence, wherein the inlet pipeline is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipeline.
Furthermore, by equipping the evaporator in the present invention with inter-pipe fixators made of flexible material and configuring the inter-pipe fixators connected to at least two of the first pipeline, second pipeline, inlet pipeline, and outlet pipeline through the at least two fixing slots, noise caused by pipeline resonance during the operation of the evaporator effectively reduced.
The aforesaid and other objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The followings will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in detail in an exemplary rather than restrictive manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference signs in the drawings represent the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art shall understand that these drawings may not be necessarily drawn according to the scales. In the drawings:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an evaporator equipped with a connecting pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline and evaporator shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is alternative schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline and evaporator shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is another schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline and evaporator shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 5 is yet another schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline and evaporator shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 6 is yet another schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline and evaporator shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 7 is a simulation chart showing the relationship between turbulence intensity and the length of the first pipeline.
- FIG. 8 is a graph depicting the relationship between the refrigerant dryness and the length of the first pipeline.
- FIG. 9 is a comparative chart of the sound pressure levels between refrigerators with evaporator having conventional pipelines and refrigerators with the evaporator as per Figure 1.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the evaporator shown in Figure 1, equipped with inter-pipe fixators.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the evaporator as shown in Figure 10.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of the inter-pipe fixator.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic structural diagram of the inter-pipe fixator.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of refrigerator with the evaporator shown in Figure 1.
- FIG. 15 is an enlarged schematic structural diagram of the refrigerator shown in Figure 14 without the evaporator installed.
- FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view of the refrigerator shown in Figure 14 with the evaporator installed.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic structural diagram of the fixing clamp.
- FIG. 18 is another schematic structural diagram of the fixing clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an evaporator (200) equipped with a connecting pipeline (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline (300) and evaporator (200) shown in Figure 1. An embodiment of the present invention provides a connecting Pipeline (300) of the evaporator (200). The connecting pipeline (300) is configured to connect with the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator (200) and comprises first pipeline (301), second pipeline (302) and inlet pipeline (203) connected in sequence, wherein the inlet pipeline (203) is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline (301) is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipeline (302). The connecting pipeline (300) of the evaporator (200) in the embodiment of the present invention can effectively reduce noise by being configured to comprise first pipeline (301), second pipeline (302) and inlet pipeline (203) connected in sequence, wherein the inlet pipeline (203) is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline (301) is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipeline (302).
Different fluid states lead to different noise outcomes which generally classified into three scenarios: the first scenario is that the refrigerant has entirely transitioned to gas before entering the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator (200), resulting in relatively lower efficiency of the evaporator (200) and relatively bigger pipeline noise; the second scenario is that the refrigerant is a two-phase fluid before entering the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator (200), leading to lower evaporation efficiency and increased eruption noise due to the disordered two-phase flow; the third scenario is that the refrigerant enters the evaporator (200) as a pure liquid after post-throttling and evaporates, which is ideal state with the highest refrigeration efficiency and minimal noise impact. The inventors have improved the structure and length of the pipelines through theoretical and simulation analyses, addressing the issue of significant eruption noise at the front end of the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator (200) and achieving high efficiency and low noise in the transition from liquid to gas phase.
In some embodiments, the length of the first pipeline (301) in the connecting pipeline (300) ranges from 0.02m to 1.25m, preferably between 0.02m and 0.9m.
The N-S equations and the k-ε turbulence model are used for simulations, in which the N-S equations are used as the control equations and the standard k-ε two-equation turbulence model is applied to establish a closed set of control equations. The closed set of control equations are as follows:
∂∂t
α
k
ρ
k
φ
k
+
∂
∂
x
j
α
k
ρ
k
u
kj
φ
k
=
∂
∂
x
j
α
k
Γ
k
φ
∂
φ
k
∂
x
j
+
S
k
φ
In the above equations, i and j indicate coordinate directions; k indicates gas phase or liquid phase; α_k is the k-phase volume fraction, ρ_k is density of the k-phase, u_k is velocity of the k-phase; ϕ_k is any physical quantity of the k-phase;
Γ
k
φ
is the diffusion coefficients of the k-phase and
S
k
φ
is the source phase of the k-phase.
Figure 7 is a simulation chart showing the relationship between turbulence intensity and the length of the first pipeline (301). Simulation results indicate that when the length of the first pipeline (301) is less than 0.02m, the turbulence intensity is high, hindering the stabilization of flow and causing significant fluid noise and vibration, which is detrimental to noise reduction. When the length of the first pipeline (301) exceeds 0.02m, turbulent flow becomes progressively more stable after passing through the pipeline and turns to stable turbulence, reducing vibration and contributing to noise reduction.
The length of the first pipeline (301) correlates with the refrigerant dryness in the inlet pipeline (203) of the evaporator (200). The length of the first pipeline (301) affects the dryness value of the pipeline. Figure 8 shows the relationship between the refrigerant dryness and the length of the first pipeline (301). Simulation results indicate that within a length of less than 0.9m, the refrigeration system operates at low dryness; at a length of 0.9m, the slope of the dryness curve reaches an inflection point, with the slope of the dryness curve starting to increase gradually and the dryness value starting to increase significantly beyond 0.9m; beyond 1.25m, the slope of the dryness curve flattens, indicating no further enhancement in system efficiency as the system predominantly operates in the gas phase. The calculation formula of dryness is as follows:
x=(hx-hf)/(hs-hf). In the calculation formula, x is the dryness, h is the specific enthalpy of wet steam, hx is the enthalpy of wet steam, hf is the enthalpy of saturated liquid, and hs is the enthalpy of saturated steam.
The sound power level of the whole machine in different length intervals of the first pipeline (301) was tested, and the results are shown in the table below.
Length Range: m | Sound Power Level: dB(A)
<0.02 | 40.1∼42.0
0.02-0.9 | 34.8∼35.6
0.9-1.25 | 36.0∼37.3
>1.25 | 40.1∼43.5
As can be seen from the above table, the noise reduction is optimal when the length of the first pipeline (301) is in the range of 0.02-0.9m, and the noise is relatively small when the length of the first piping (301) is in the range of 0.9-1.25 m. However, the sound power level is larger when the length of the first piping (301) is less than 0.02m or greater than 1.25m.
Figure 9 shows a comparative chart of the sound pressure levels between refrigerators with evaporator having conventional pipelines and refrigerators (100) with the evaporator (200) as per Figure 1. Comparing frequency changes between evaporators (200) with existing pipelines and evaporators (200) equipped with the connecting pipeline (300) of the embodiments, it can be seen from Figure 9 that the evaporator (200) equipped with the connecting pipeline (300) in the invention demonstrates an overall reduction in main frequencies, particularly noticeable at 1000Hz.
In some embodiments, the first pipeline (301) of the connecting pipeline (300) is connected upstream to a capillary tube (not shown in the diagram); the inner diameter of the first pipeline (301) is 0.5-10mm, and the wall thickness of the first pipeline (301) is 0.2-3mm. The inner diameter of the first pipeline (301) exceeds that of the capillary tube. If the wall of the first pipeline (301) is too thin, the noise reduction effect is poor; if the wall is too thick, it incurs higher costs; if the inner diameter of the first pipeline (301) is too small, other types of noise issues may arise. Therefore, the preferred inner diameter for the first pipeline (301) is set between 0.5-10mm, the wall thickness is set between 0.2-3mm.
The connecting pipeline (300) of this embodiment addresses eruption noise through the fixation process between the first pipeline (301), second pipeline (302), and inlet pipeline (203). The noise effect is strongly related to the design of the fixation process. Poor design can lead to low-frequency abnormal sounds. To ensure process consistency, the connecting pipeline (300) in the embodiment optimizes the connection methods between the pipelines. In some embodiments, the first pipeline (301) is welded or integrally drawn with the second pipeline (302); the second pipeline (302) is welded or integrally drawn with the inlet pipeline (203).
Figure 3 is alternative schematic structural diagram of the connecting pipeline (300) and evaporator (200) as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3, the second pipeline (302) is welded to both the first pipeline (301) and inlet pipeline (203). To ensure welding strength, the inlet end of the second pipeline (302) is inserted into the first pipeline (301), and the outlet end of the second pipeline (302) is inserted into the inlet pipeline (203). In some embodiments, the length of the second pipeline's (302) inlet end inserted into the first pipeline (301) is 10-30mm; the length of the second pipeline's (302) outlet end inserted into the inlet pipeline (203) is 10-30mm. Figure 3 marks the insertion parts (320). Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 depict alternative structural schematics of the connecting pipeline (300) and evaporator (200) as shown in Figure 1 individually. In Figure 4, the second pipeline (302) is integrally drawn with the first pipeline (301) and welded to the inlet pipeline (203). This integrally drawn formation between the second pipeline (302) and the first pipeline (301) reduces fluid resistance in the connecting pipeline (300) when the refrigerant transitions from a thicker section to a thinner section, thereby lowering noise. In Figure 5, the second pipeline (302) is welded to the first pipeline (301) and integrally drawn with the inlet pipeline (203). The integrally drawn formation between the second pipeline (302) and the inlet pipeline (203) reduces the eruptive fluid velocity when the refrigerant transitions from a thinner section to a thicker section in the pipeline, changing the flow state from sudden to gradual, which in turn reduces noise. In Figure 6, the second pipeline (302) is integrally drawn with both the first pipeline (301) and the inlet pipeline (203).
The embodiment also provides an evaporator (200) equipped with the aforementioned connecting pipeline (300). Figure 10 shows a structural schematic of the evaporator (200) equipped with inter-pipe fixators (400) as shown in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional schematic of the evaporator (200) as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator (200) is connected to an outlet pipeline (204); the evaporator (200) of this embodiment further includes inter-pipe fixators (400) made of flexible material, each inter-pipe fixator has at least two fixing slots (411). The inter-pipe fixators (400) are connected to at least two of the first pipeline (301), second pipeline (302), inlet pipeline (203), and outlet pipeline (204) through the at least two fixing slots (411), effectively reducing noise caused by pipeline resonance during the operation of the evaporator (200). By equipping the evaporator (200) in the embodiment with inter-pipe fixators (400) made of flexible material and configuring the inter-pipe fixators (400) connected to at least two of the first pipeline (301), second pipeline (302), inlet pipeline (203), and outlet pipeline (204) through the at least two fixing slots (411), noise caused by pipeline resonance during the operation of the evaporator (200) effectively reduced. Due to the long length of the pipelines, wrapping only one pipeline results in a higher modal frequency and resonance. Therefore, it is considered to set the inter-pipe fixators (400) to constrain multiple pipelines in a cantilevered state, enhancing the noise reduction effect. Specifically, during the operation of the evaporator (200), the flow of the refrigerant between the pipelines causes strong vibration in the pipelines of the evaporator (200), generating significant noise. Collisions between the pipelines can exacerbate the noise and also impact the performance of the evaporator (200) and pose safety hazards. The inter-pipe fixators (400) act as clamps fixed between the relevant pipelines of the evaporator (200). By setting up the inter-pipe fixators (400), the relative positions of the pipelines in the evaporator (200) are ensured so that the inter-pipe fixators (400) can prevent contact collisions of the pipelines and thereby reduce noise during operation and enhance safety. As shown in Figure 1, the evaporator (200) of this embodiment includes the evaporator body, the connecting pipeline (300) and the inter-pipe fixators (400). The evaporator body consists of multiple fins (201) and a coiled pipeline (202) bent and threaded through the fins (201), with the coiled pipeline (202) having a refrigerant inlet and outlet; the connecting pipeline (300) is set between the capillary tube and the refrigerant inlet.
In some embodiments, the outlet pipeline (204) of the evaporator (200) is welded to the refrigerator's (100) return air pipe (not shown in the diagram), and the outlet pipeline (204) is threaded through one of the fixing slots (411) of the inter-pipe fixators (400). As shown in Figure 10, each inter-pipe fixator (400) is divided into three parts for constraint, respectively restraining the upper, middle and lower parts of the "S" shaped connecting pipeline. After welding the outlet pipeline (204) to the refrigerator's (100) return air pipe, the outlet pipeline (204) can be considered a fixed constraint. By threading the outlet pipeline (204) through one of the fixing slots (411) of the inter-pipe fixators (400), the inter-pipe fixators (400) can utilize the external force of the fixed outlet pipeline (204) to secure the thinner first pipeline (301) and second pipeline (302), suppressing vertical vibrations of the S-shaped connecting pipeline (300).
In some embodiments, the inter-pipe fixators (400) are positioned in an area of 45-55mm before and after the diameter change point between the first pipeline (301) and the second pipeline (302); and/or the inter-pipe fixators (400) are positioned in an area of 45-55mm before and after the diameter change point between the second pipeline (302) and the inlet pipeline (203). Figure 3 and Figure 4 indicate the positions where the inter-pipe fixators (400) can be installed. The position of the inter-pipe fixators (400) is crucial, with appropriate position effectively suppressing pipeline vibration and changing the modal behavior of the pipeline to avoid resonance. However, positioning the inter-pipe fixators (400) at modal node points is ineffective, and placement at other locations might amplify vibration. When the refrigerant flows from the first pipeline (301) to the second pipeline (302) within the evaporator (200), throttling occurs at the diameter change point, causing intense fluid vibration due to increased resistance. Adding inter-pipe fixators (400) at this position has an excellent vibration damping effect. When the refrigerant flows from the second pipeline (302) to the inlet pipeline (203), an eruption phenomenon occurs at the diameter change point, causing the most severe vibration, and adding inter-pipe fixators (400) at this position also has an excellent vibration damping effect.
Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of the inter-pipe fixator (400). Figure 13 is a cross-sectional schematic structural diagram of the inter-pipe fixator (400). The inter-pipe fixators (400) of this embodiment include: consecutively connected fixing part (401), moving part (402), and plug-in part (403); wherein the fixing part (401) is provided with at least two fixing slots (411) along the left-right direction, the fixing slots (411) are used for the pipelines to pass through. The moving part (402) is movably connected to the fixing part (401). The plug-in part (403) is set to connect with the moving part (402), and the fixing part (401) is also provided with a plug-in port (412) along the front-back direction, so that after the pipeline is inserted into the fixing slot (411), turning the moving part (402) to insert the plug-in part (403) into the plug-in port (412) can achieve the fixation of the inter-pipe fixators (400) with the pipeline and reduce noise caused by pipeline resonance. The inter-pipe fixators (400) themselves use a tie-wrap style fastening method and ensure a secure and stable fixation once installed.
The inter-pipe fixators (400) can be a one-piece flexible structure and made of materials like TPE, rubber or silicone. For example, if the inter-pipe fixators (400) are made from TPE material, the hardness is HS (A) 35-65, and each evaporator (200) need to be equipped with two inter-pipe fixators (400).
The fixing part (401) of the inter-pipe fixators (400) includes a first fixing segment (441) and a second fixing segment (442); the second fixing segment (442) extends forward from the lower rear side of the first fixing segment (441); the fixing slots (411) are located on the first fixing segment (441), the second fixing segment (442) or at the intersection between the two. Specifically, the first fixing segment (441) of the inter-pipe fixators (400) is provided with a plug-in port (412) on its upper part; the moving part (402) is connected to the front end of the second fixing segment (442), so that after the pipeline being inserted into the fixing slot (411), turning the moving part (402) upward can insert the plug-in part (403) into the plug-in port (412). Additionally, the plug-in part (403) is provided with a plug-in protrusion (430) at the position where the plug-in part (403) protrude from the plug-in port (412), which can further ensure a stable fixation of the inter-pipe fixators (400) with the pipeline.
As shown in Figure 13, the front wall of the first fixing segment (441) is provided with two fixing slots (411) that open forward and upward, and space along the up-down direction; the second fixing segment (442) has an upward and backward opening fixing slot (411) on its upper wall; the intersection of the first fixing segment (441) and the second fixing segment (442) has a forward and upward opening fixing slot (411). By defining different orientations for the fixing slots (411) at different positions, the pipeline is further ensured to be fixed within the fixing slot (411) and not fall out. The moving part (402) is provided with a docking protrusion (420) at the position corresponding to the fixing slot (411) on the front wall of the first fixing segment (441), so that when the moving part (402) is turned upward to fit the fixing part (401), the docking protrusion (420) fits into the fixing slot (411) to further ensure the pipeline being in the fixing slot (411). Meanwhile, the dimensions of the fixing slot (411) are such that the pipeline and the fixing slot (411) form an interference fit. For example, the inner radius of the fixing slot (411) is 0.1mm smaller than the outer radius of the pipeline so as to ensure a secure fit and preventing movement of the pipelines within the fixing slot (411).
With these innovative designs, structurally, the inter-pipe fixators (400) can be securely fitted with each pipeline, loosening and displacement are prevented during the transportation and use of the refrigerator (100) and the requirements for stability are satisfied. In terms of material, the inter-pipe fixators (400) are resistant to high temperatures, low temperatures, corrosion, aging, and characterized with good toughness, and unlikely to break. In terms of installation, the inter-pipe fixators (400) are easy to install and can save installation time and labor costs. In terms of manufacturing, the inter-pipe fixators (400) are easy to mold and process, with stable positioning of the fixing slots (411), ensuring the pipelines do not fall out and maintaining stability in the pipeline gap. Additionally, all parts of the inter-pipe fixators (400) are smooth and flat, without any special protrusions or grooves, ensuring smooth and convenient installation. Moreover, the entire outline of the inter-pipe fixators (400) can be designed as a triangle composed of several smooth arcs, making the overall appearance of the inter-pipe fixators (400) smooth and facilitating installation.
Figure 14 is a schematic structure diagram of a refrigerator (100) with the evaporator (200) as shown in Figure 1. Figure 15 is an enlarged schematic structural diagram of the refrigerator (100) without the evaporator (200) installed as shown in Figure 14. This embodiment also provides a refrigerator (100) equipped with the aforementioned evaporator (200). The refrigerator (100) of this embodiment includes a cabinet, a door (not shown in the diagram), and a compression refrigeration system. The inner liner (101) of the cabinet defines a storage compartment. The storage compartment can be divided into refrigeration compartments, freezing compartments, and variable temperature compartments according to the preservation temperature. The compression refrigeration system includes a compressor, evaporator (200), condenser, and capillary tube, among others. The evaporator (200) is used to provide cooling to the storage compartment.
Figure 16 is a partial sectional view of the refrigerator (100) with the evaporator (200) installed as shown in Figure 14. Figure 17 is a schematic structural diagram of the fixing clamp (500). Figure 18 is another schematic structural diagram of the fixing clamp (500). The refrigerator (100) of this embodiment further includes fixing clamps (500). The fixing clamps (500) consist of a body part (503) and a clamping part (504). The inner liner (101) is equipped with an installation port (113) into which the body part (503) is inserted, positioning the clamping part (504) inside the inner liner (101). The clamping part (504) includes an upper clamping section (541) and a lower clamping section (542) formed by bending forward from the upper end and the lower end of the front side of the body part (503) separately. The upper clamping section (541) bends upwards, and the lower clamping section (542) bends downwards. There is a gap between the front ends of the upper clamping section (541) and the lower clamping section (542), thus the gap can define a space between the front ends to accommodate the pipelines of the evaporator (200), and the inner side of the upper clamping section (541) and/or the lower clamping section (542) is equipped with flexible component (507).
Existing evaporators (200) in refrigerators (100) are typically fixed using harder material clamps, leading to inadequate tightness and insecure fitting with the evaporator's (200) pipelines. This can result in displacement or detachment during the transportation and use of the refrigerator (100). The evaporator (200) of this embodiment, with its fixing clamps (500) equipped with flexible components (507) on the inner sides of the upper clamping section (541) and/or the lower clamping section (542), ensures a tighter fit between the fixing clamps (500) and the evaporator's (200) pipelines. This design stabilizes the evaporator (200) inside the cabinet and also reduces vibration and noise during operation of the evaporator (200). As shown in Figure 14, two fixing clamp (500) are positioned separately on left side and right side of the upper part of the evaporator (200), with the clamping part (504) of each fixing clamp (500) securing the coiled pipeline (202).
The back side of the body part (503) also forms a limiting piece (501), which, when inserted into the installation port (113), aligns the limiting piece (501) with the outer side of the inner liner (101). Additionally, a handle (502) is formed on the back side of the limiting piece (501). In Figure 15, the installation port (113) is provided on the rear wall (111) of the inner liner (101). It is understood that when installing the evaporator (200) on the side wall (112) of the inner liner (101), the installation port (113) can be provided on the side wall (112).
As shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18, multiple card slots (not numbered in the diagram) are formed in the inner sides of the upper clamping section (541) and the lower clamping section (542) of the fixing clamps (500) of this embodiment, each card slot equipped with a flexible component (507) whose inner side protrudes beyond the card slot. The clamping part (504) is made of ABS material, and the flexible component (507) is made of silicone material. The fixing clamp (500) can be a one-piece molded structure.
The fixing clamp (500) of this embodiment also includes a shielding part (505) formed at the front part of the clamping part (504) and used to shield the pipeline after the pipeline is inserted into the clamping part (504). The shielding part (505) includes an upper shielding part and a lower shielding part. The upper shielding part consists of a first section (551) extending forward and upward from the front end of the upper clamping section (541) and a second section (552) extending backward and downward from the first section (551). The lower shielding part includes a third section (553) extending forward and downward from the front end of the lower clamping section (542) and a fourth section (554) extending backward and upward from the third section (553). There is a gap (506) between the end of the second section (552) and the end of the fourth section (554). The shielding part (505) effectively prevents the pipelines of the evaporator (200) from falling out of the fixing clamp (500). Moreover, the entire design of the fixing clamp (500) is smooth, flat, without any special protrusions or grooves, ensuring smooth and convenient installation.
Therefore, those skilled in the art should realize that although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail, many other variations or modifications that accord with the principle of the present invention may be still determined or derived directly from the content disclosed by the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to include these and other variations or modifications.
1. A connecting pipeline for an evaporator, wherein the connecting pipeline is configured to connect with the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator and comprises a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and an inlet pipeline connected in sequence, wherein the inlet pipeline is connected to the refrigerant inlet, and the inner diameter of the first pipeline is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipeline.
2. The connecting pipeline according to claim 1, wherein
the length of the first pipeline ranges from 0.02m to 1.25m.
3. The connecting pipeline according to claim 2, wherein
the length of the first pipeline ranges from 0.02m to 0.9m.
4. The connecting pipeline according to claims 1-3, wherein
the first pipeline is connected upstream to a capillary tube;
the inner diameter of the first pipeline is 0.5-10mm, the wall thickness of the first pipeline is 0.2-3 mm.
5. The connecting pipeline according to claims 1-3, wherein
the first pipeline is welded or integrally drawn with the second pipeline;
the second pipeline is welded or integrally drawn with the inlet pipeline.
6. The connecting pipeline according to claims 1-3, wherein
the second pipeline is welded to the first pipeline and/or the inlet pipeline, wherein
the length of the second pipeline's inlet end inserted into the first pipeline is 10-30mm;
the length of the second pipeline's outlet end inserted into the inlet pipeline is 10-30mm.
7. An evaporator equipped with the connecting pipeline as described in any one of claims 1-6.
8. The evaporator according to claim 7,wherein
the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is connected to an outlet pipeline;
the evaporator further includes inter-pipe fixators made of flexible material, each inter-pipe fixator has at least two fixing slots, the inter-pipe fixators are connected to at least two of the first pipeline, second pipeline, inlet pipeline, and outlet pipeline through the at least two fixing slots, effectively reducing noise caused by pipeline resonance during the operation of the evaporator.
9. The evaporator according to claim 7,wherein
the outlet pipeline is welded to the refrigerator's return air pipe, and the outlet pipeline is threaded through one of the fixing slots of the inter-pipe fixators.
10. The evaporator according to claim 8 or 9,wherein
the inter-pipe fixators are positioned in an area of 45-55mm before and after the diameter change point between the first pipeline and the second pipeline; and/or
the inter-pipe fixators are positioned in an area of 45-55mm before and after the diameter change point between the second pipeline and the inlet pipeline.
11. A refrigerator equipped with the evaporator as described in any one of claims 7-10.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising:
an inner liner defining a storage compartment; and
fixing clamps, consisting of a body part and a clamping part, the inner liner is equipped with an installation port into which the body part is inserted, positioning the clamping part inside the inner liner; the clamping part includes an upper clamping section and a lower clamping section formed by bending forward from the upper end and the lower end of the front side of the body part separately, the upper clamping section bends upwards, and the lower clamping section bends downwards, there is a gap between the front ends of the upper clamping section and the lower clamping section, thus the gap can define a space between the front ends to accommodate the pipelines of the evaporator, and the inner side of the upper clamping section and/or the lower clamping section is equipped with flexible component.