DE102011007413A1 - Evaporation device for evaporating thawed water of e.g. fridge-freezer utilized for storing e.g. foods, has heat exchange portion staying in fluid connection with evaporation container and staying in thermal connection with heat source - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (54) has a heat source (53) and an evaporation container (48) for receiving thawed water of a cooling device (10). A heat exchange portion (52) stays in fluid connection with the container and stays in thermal connection with the heat source. The heat source has a compressor (32) and a cooling medium circuit (28) that is connected to the cooling device. The heat exchange portion has a fluid conduit that is fixedly arranged in the circuit. An adapter connects the fluid conduit with the container, where the heat exchange portion runs parallel to the heat source. An independent claim is also included for a cooling device comprising a housing.

Description

The invention relates to an evaporation device for the evaporation of defrost water of a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigerator. Furthermore, the invention relates to a refrigerator equipped with the evaporation device, in particular household refrigeration appliance.

In the interior of refrigerators, such as refrigerators and freezers, created by condensation of humidity on the walls or on the interior of the refrigerator cooling evaporator defrost water, which must be removed from the interior. This defrost water is collected in an evaporation tank, which is arranged, for example, outside the interior, and evaporates into the environment. At high humidity or strong cooling performance, there is a risk that the defrost water collected in the evaporation tank does not evaporate quickly enough and the evaporation tank overflows.

To counteract this, the evaporation tank is often arranged in the vicinity of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit of the refrigerator. The compressor releases energy in the form of heat to the environment when compressing the refrigerant circulated in the refrigerant circuit. This heat can be used in the evaporation tank to heat the collected defrost water and thus accelerate the evaporation.

At times, a relatively large volume of defrost water accumulates, so that quite large evaporation tanks are required, although only relatively little space is available for accommodating such large evaporation tanks.

The object of the invention is to propose an evaporation device for the evaporation of defrost water of a refrigerator, which allows the evaporation of the defrost water despite small dimensions of the evaporation tank in an effective manner.

This object is achieved by an evaporation device having the features of claim 1.

A refrigeration device having the evaporation device is the subject of the independent claim. A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to be a household refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance used for household purposes or possibly even in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or beverages in household quantities at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer a fridge freezer, a freezer or a wine storage cabinet.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

An evaporation device for evaporating defrost water of a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, has a heat source, at least one evaporation tank for receiving the defrost water and a heat exchange section in fluid communication with the evaporation tank and in thermal contact with the heat source.

The heat exchange section is arranged separately from the evaporation tank. It contacts the heat source such that the heat emitted by the heat source can be absorbed by the heat exchange section. The heat exchange section continues to be in fluid communication with the separate evaporation vessel and communicates the heat thus absorbed via a fluid, in particular via the defrost water, to the evaporation vessel. Thus, the evaporation tank or the then absorbed defrost water is supplied with energy, so that the defrost water evaporates quickly.

Preferably, the heat source comprises a compressor and a hot gas discharge in a refrigerant circuit associated with the refrigeration device, wherein more preferably the heat exchange section is in thermal contact with the hot gas discharge.

Refrigerators mostly have refrigerant circuits in which a refrigerant absorbs heat from an interior of the refrigerator by phase transitions and delivers it to the environment outside the refrigerator. For this work has to be done, in particular by a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. This work makes the compressor hot and automatically heats the environment.

Further, the compressor is connected via a line to a condenser, in which the refrigerant releases heat to the environment during the phase transition gaseous / liquid. The line directs the very hot gases from the compressor into the condenser, i. H. forms a hot gas discharge. Also, the hot gas discharge gives off heat to the environment, so that advantageously the heat exchange section is arranged such that it is in thermal contact with the hot gas discharge and thereby can absorb the heat of the hot gas discharge.

In an advantageous embodiment, the evaporation container is in thermal contact with the compressor. This will additionally, preferably in addition to the heat absorption from the hot gas discharge via the heat exchange section, heat is fed directly to the evaporation vessel from the compressor. This makes the evaporation device even more effective.

Advantageously, the heat exchange section has a fluid line. Thus, a thermal contact between the hot gas discharge and the heat exchange section can be produced particularly easily, wherein a fluid, in particular the defrost water, flows in the fluid line and can thus directly absorb the heat transferred to the heat exchange section.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid line is a flexible hose that can be arranged arbitrarily according to the space requirements. However, the fluid conduit can also comprise a metal tube, since metallic material advantageously provides a very good heat conduction between the fluid conduit and the heat exchange section.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid line is fixedly arranged in the refrigerant circuit. It then only has to be subsequently connected to the evaporation container without elaborate arrangement steps having to be carried out on the rather limited space for the fluid line. For this purpose, adapters are advantageously provided for connecting the fluid line to the evaporation container in order to establish a fast connection between the fluid line and the evaporation container.

Preferably, the heat exchange section is wound around the heat source and / or runs at least partially parallel to the heat source. The larger the contact area between the heat exchange section and the heat source, the more heat can be absorbed by the heat exchange section and transferred to evaporate the Abtauwassers in the evaporation tank.

Advantageously, the heat exchange section is designed for conducting defrosting water. He may then preferably simultaneously represent the supply of defrost water to the evaporation tank. Due to the fact that the heat exchange section is in thermal contact with the heat source, the defrost water therefore advantageously already has warmed up in the evaporation tank and already has a certain energy level in order to be able to evaporate so quickly.

In a preferred embodiment, a flow generating device is provided in fluid communication with the heat exchange section for generating a flow in the heat exchange section. Thus, in the heat exchange section, convection of the defrosting water conducted therein is advantageously enforced, and the defrosting water guided into the heat exchange section continuously flows past the heat source into the evaporation tank, where it evaporates into the environment.

For this purpose, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the heat exchange section has at least two mouth sections, which are arranged differently high in the direction of the Abtauwasserhöhenniveaus in the evaporation vessel, wherein a first, higher mouth portion is disposed on the flow generating means and a second mouth portion of the evaporation container. With such an arrangement, gravity is advantageously utilized to force the convection of the defrosting water in the heat exchange section. Namely, the defrost water automatically flows from the higher mouth portion to the second mouth portion at the evaporation tank.

Advantageously, the flow-generating device has a catchment area for receiving defrosting water from an inner region of the refrigeration device. Thus, the flow generation device advantageously has a volume in which the defrost water discharged from the interior of the refrigeration device can be collected. If the flow generating device is further advantageously designed so that the collecting area tapers toward the heat exchange section, this results in an increased pressure from above which, in addition to gravity, contributes to force the convection of the defrosting water through the heat exchange section.

Further preferably, in the direction of the defrost water level in the evaporation tank, at least the heat exchange portion is located lower than the maximum defrost water level in the catch area. Such an arrangement advantageously can not result in a reflux of the defrosting water from the heat exchange section into the catchment area, but the defrosting water is forced to flow from the catchment area into the evaporation tank.

Preferably, an overflow is provided from the catchment area to the evaporation tank. Should the heat exchange section or a connection be blocked from the catchment area to the heat exchange section, for example by blockage of the fluid line, it is thus preferable to avoid overflowing the catchment area and to advantageously collect the resulting defrost water directly in the evaporation tank. There it also has the option to evaporate due to the heat transfer from the compressor to the evaporation tank, in the environment.

A refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigerating appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer or a refrigerated freezer, has a housing with at least one interior space and a refrigerant circuit designed to cool the at least one interior space. In this case, the interior preferably forms either the freezer compartment or the cold room, or several internal spaces may also be present in order to form the fridge freezer combination.

• – Verflüssiger,
• – Drossel,
• – Verdampfer und
• – Verdichter.

The refrigerant circuit preferably has at least one of the following components:

• - liquefier,
• - Thrush,
• - evaporator and
• - Compressor.

Condenser, throttle and compressor are preferably arranged outside the at least one interior of the refrigerator, while the evaporator is preferably arranged in or on the at least one interior. A refrigerant passes in the refrigerant circuit and is, initially in a gaseous state, adiabatically through the compressor, d. H. without heat exchange with the environment, compressed, which heats the refrigerant. This heat is released via the condenser to the environment, whereby the refrigerant condenses. For pressure reduction, it flows through a throttle, d. H. for example, an expansion valve, and then in the evaporator, which is arranged in or on the interior of the refrigerator. It expands and evaporates while taking the necessary heat of vaporization from the at least one interior of the refrigerator. Again in the gaseous state it flows to the compressor, whereby the refrigerant circuit is closed.

According to one embodiment, such a refrigeration device to the described evaporation device, whereby the waste heat, which results from the work of the compressor to a housing of the compressor or on a dissipating hot gas discharge, particularly effectively taken over the guided into the heat exchange section defrost water and then by Evaporation can be discharged to the environment. The heat exchange section advantageously increases the volume in which the defrost water is conducted, so that a smaller evaporation tank is made possible with the same evaporation performance. Thus, despite the limited space a great evaporation performance can be created.

Preferably, the evaporation tank and the collecting area are designed to receive defrosting water accumulating on the evaporator and / or on inner walls of the at least one interior. Especially at high humidity or at high outside temperatures condenses water quickly on the inner walls or on the evaporator in the at least one interior of the refrigerator, especially in an interior of a freezer.

Therefore, it is advantageous if lines are provided for discharging the defrosting water from the evaporator and / or from the inner walls of the at least one interior space to the evaporation tank and / or to the catchment area in order to discharge this defrosting water from the at least one interior space.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 a refrigerator for the household, here a Kühlgefrierkombination with a schematically illustrated refrigerant circuit with a condenser, a throttle, an evaporator and a compressor,

2 an evaporation device for the evaporation of defrost water from an interior of the refrigerator of 1 in a first defrost water catch phase;

3 the evaporation device off 2 in a second defrost water catch phase; and

4 an enlarged view of a portion of the evaporation device from the 2 and 3 ,

1 shows a refrigerator 10 in training a Kühlgefrierkombination 12 with a housing 14 that a refrigeration compartment 16 and a freezer 18 forms. The refrigerator compartment 16 and freezer 18 is each about a door 20 closed, so through the doors 20 and through interior walls 22 of the housing 14 educated interiors 24 from an environment 26 of the refrigeration device 10 are separated.

The refrigeration device 10 has a refrigerant circuit 28 on top of that, an evaporator 30 , a compressor 32 , a liquefier 34 and a throttle 36 includes. In the refrigerant circuit 28 becomes a refrigerant along the arrow directions shown 38 passed the refrigerant 38 takes in the interiors 24 Energy in the form of heat and gives this heat in the outside of the refrigerator 10 arranged part of the refrigerant circuit 28 to the environment 26 from. This will be done in the compressor 32 compressed and then via a hot gas discharge 40 to the liquefier 34 directed. This one points, by snakes 42 formed, a large surface on, over the heat to the environment 26 submitted can be. That's how it can be in the snakes 42 of the liquefier 34 guided refrigerants 38 Condensate and energy from the interiors 24 to the environment 26 submit. When passing the throttle 36 the refrigerant expands 38 in the evaporator 30 into it. For expansion, the refrigerant is needed 38 Energy that takes the form of heat from the interiors 24 of the refrigeration device 10 receives. The in 1 shown refrigerant circuit 28 each has an evaporator 30 per interior 24 on. The refrigerant 38 flows after expansion in the evaporators 30 back to the compressor 32 , the refrigerant circuit 28 is closed.

Moisture in the air condenses as it cools on the inner walls 22 and the evaporators 30 , there is defrost water 44 , This defrost water is via lines 46 from the interiors 24 of the refrigeration device 10 to an evaporation tank 18 derived. The defrosting water 44 gets from a catchment area 50 collected and then via a heat exchange section 52 in the evaporation tank 48 directed. The heat exchange section 52 winds around the one heat source 53 forming hot gas discharge 40 and thereby absorbs heat that in the heat exchange section 52 flowing defrost water 44 is delivered.

By this arrangement is an evaporation device 54 formed in greater detail in the 2 and 3 is shown. 2 shows the evaporation device 54 in a first defrost water capture phase and 3 shows the evaporation device 54 in a second defrost water catch phase.

The defrosting water 44 is over the line 46 to the catchment area 50 the evaporation device 54 directed. The catchment area 50 is cylindrical in the embodiment shown, but it may also be formed by a funnel. At a ground area 56 of the catchment area 50 is a first mouth section 58 the heat exchange section 52 arranged. Because of this first mouth section 58 towards a defrost water level 60 below the maximum possible defrost water level 60 in the catchment area 50 is the captured defrost water 44 forced by gravity into the heat exchange section 52 and to flow through it.

Therefore, the catchment area forms 50 in the arrangement shown, a flow-generating device 62 , The defrosting water 44 flows through the heat exchange section in the arrow direction shown 52 and flows into a second mouth section 64 in the lower area of the evaporation tank 48 is arranged. The heat exchange section 52 is accordingly by the defrost water 44 flows through and thus forms a fluid line 66 for the defrost water 44 ,

By in the direction of the defrost water level 60 different height arrangement of the evaporation tank 48 and the catchment area 50 with the first mouth section 38 , characterized by the symbol Δ, creates a pressure in the direction of gravity, so that the defrost water 44 so long through the heat exchange section 52 until the defrost water level is equalized 60 in the evaporation tank 48 and the catchment area 50 a balance arises (shown in 3 ). In this second defrost water collection phase, this flows into the catchment area 50 Trapped defrost water 44 no longer by gravity due to the heat exchange section 52 ,

The heat exchange section 52 is in the embodiment shown to the hot gas discharge 40 wound. On the way from the catchment area 50 to the evaporation tank 48 the defrost water flows 44 thus at the hot gas discharge 40 over and can from the hot gas discharge 40 absorb heat. In the in 3 In the phase shown in the heated with the hot gas discharge 40 defrosting water in thermal contact 44 , it rises and thus enters the evaporation tank 48 from where it is in the area 26 evaporates.

To the evaporation in the evaporation tank 48 To accelerate, this is in contact with the housing 68 of the compressor 32 ,

Thus, in the case of a blockage of the heat exchange section 52 the catchment area 50 does not overflow uncontrollably, is an overflow 70 provided in the catchment area 50 defrosting water 44 in the evaporation tank 48 dissipates.

In 4 is a detailed view of the heat exchange section 52 from the 2 and 3 shown. The heat exchange section 52 writhes in close contact with the hot gas discharge 40 around and runs parallel to the outer areas and also in close contact with the hot gas discharge 40 , The turns of the heat exchange section 52 can firmly with the hot gas discharge 40 be connected and then during the installation of the evaporation tank 48 via adapter 72 with the evaporation tank 48 or the catchment area 50 connected. Alternatively, the heat exchange section 52 Also be designed as a flexible hose and can easily be retrofitted to the hot gas discharge 40 be wrapped.

When opening the doors 20 the fridge freezer 12 ambient air at room temperature flows into the refrigeration appliance by a user 10 one. Depending on the climate class, this ambient air can be very warm and humid. As soon as the doors 20 be closed again, cools the refrigerator 10 the air at standard temperature. By lowering the temperature in the air, large parts of the water present in the air as vapor condense. This is done by a drainage via pipes 46 discharged into a niche in which the compressor 32 is arranged. The defrosting water becomes in the compressor mix 44 from an evaporation tank 48 caught and evaporated. In no-frost applications, significant amounts of water must be evaporated. Therefore, an improved heating of the defrost water 44 and thus desired a better evaporation and also increases the potential capacity of the evaporation tank 48 ,

The starting situation is a refrigeration device 10 in the form of a refrigerator or a freezer with emerging defrost water 44 , This is in the evaporation tank 48 collected, with the shell of the evaporation tank 48 is shaped so that it works as well as possible on the compressor 32 is applied to achieve a good heat exchange here. In addition, the formation allows a good flow over the surface, partly by, for example, forced ventilation, depending on the design of the condenser 34 to positively influence the evaporation. Through a line of hot gas discharge 40 through the evaporation tank 48 The water could be heated better. The hot gas discharge 40 would then, however, expensive, corrosion-resistant materials, such as, for. B. copper to avoid corrosion. To the corrosion of hot gas discharge 40 to avoid, even without these must be formed of copper, therefore, the evaporation device described here 54 proposed. Thus, a fairly large amount can be handled even in a small space available. In addition, allows the evaporation device 54 a very good heat transfer from the hottest point of the refrigerant circuit 28 , namely the hot gas discharge 40 , by forced convection of defrost water 44 ,

To effect this, an evaporation device 54 created with two height levels. First, the upper part runs, namely the catchment area 50 , full of water. Due to the height difference of catchment area 50 and evaporation tanks 48 the water flows into the evaporation tank 48 , This path is via the heat exchange section 52 realized that as a fluid line 66 is trained. This can, for example, the hot gas discharge 40 be wound, in which case a flexible hose comes into question as a material that can be placed freely in the engine room. Alternatively, a metal pipe in question, which is a permanent place in the refrigerant circuit 28 has and about adapters 72 with the evaporation tank 48 and the catchment area 50 is connected. After leveling the height level is the evaporator 54 still a larger heat exchange surface available, since the heat exchange section 52 in the illustrated embodiment has a larger area relative to its volume than the evaporation tank 48 ,

In addition, there is an overflow 70 from the catchment area 50 in the evaporation tank 48 provided to allow for a possible clogging of the heat exchange section 52 an overflow of the catchment area 50 to avoid.

Due to the difference in height, there is a flow in the heat exchange section 52 , Once the steady state is reached, there is no additional flow through the heat exchange section 52 instead, but a heat exchange through the large transition surface of the heat exchange section 52 , By the volumetric content of the heat exchange section 52 lets the volume of the evaporation device 54 with the length of the heat exchange section 52 increase arbitrarily, wherein the heat exchange section 52 preferably below the maximum water level of the catchment area 50 lies. Through the heat exchange section 52 has the defrost water 44 a larger contact surface with heat transfer surfaces and can absorb more heat.

The flow in the heat exchange section 52 allows heat transfer through forced convection. As with the arrangement shown, the hot gas discharge 40 not through the evaporation tank 48 must be carried out and thus no contact with the defrost water 44 has, can on the material copper to form the hot gas discharge 40 be waived.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

The refrigerator

12

Fridge freezer

14

Housing (of the refrigeration device)

16

refrigerated compartment

18

freezer

20

door

22

inner wall

24

inner space

26

Surroundings

28

Refrigerant circulation

30

Evaporator

32

compressor

34

Liquefy

36

throttle

38

refrigerant

40

Hot gas output

42

Snake

44

defrost water

46

management

48

evaporation tank

50

catch area

52

Heat exchange section

53

heat source

54

vaporizer

56

floor area

58

first mouth section

60

Abtauwasserhöhenniveau

62

Flow generating device

64

second mouth section

66

fluid line

68

Housing (of the compressor)

70

overflow

72

adapter

Claims (15)

Evaporation device ( 54 ) for the evaporation of defrost water ( 44 ) of a refrigerator ( 10 ), in particular a domestic refrigerator, comprising a heat source ( 53 ), at least one evaporation tank ( 48 ) for receiving the defrosting water ( 44 ), and a heat exchange section ( 52 ) in fluid communication with the evaporation tank ( 48 ) and in thermal contact with the heat source ( 53 ). Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat source ( 53 ) a compressor ( 32 ) and a hot gas discharge ( 40 ) in a refrigeration device ( 10 ) associated refrigerant circuit ( 28 ) and that the heat exchange section ( 52 ) in thermal contact with the hot gas discharge ( 40 ). Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the evaporation tank ( 48 ) in thermal contact with the compressor ( 32 ). Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchange section ( 52 ) a fluid line ( 66 ). Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fluid line ( 66 ) fixed in the refrigerant circuit ( 28 ) and / or that adapter ( 72 ) for connecting the fluid line ( 66 ) with the evaporation tank ( 48 ) are provided. Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchange section ( 52 ) around the heat source ( 53 ) and / or at least partially parallel to the heat source ( 53 ) runs. Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchange section ( 52 ) for conducting defrost water ( 44 ) is trained. Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow-generating device ( 62 ) in fluid communication with the heat exchange section ( 52 ) for generating a flow in the heat exchange section (FIG. 52 ) is provided. Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the heat exchange section ( 52 ) at least two mouth sections ( 58 . 64 ) in the direction of the defrosting water level ( 60 ) in the evaporation tank ( 48 ) are arranged at different heights, wherein a first, higher mouth section ( 58 ) at the flow generating device ( 62 ) and a second mouth section ( 64 ) on the evaporation tank ( 48 ) is arranged. Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the flow-generating device ( 62 ) a catchment area ( 50 ) for receiving defrost water ( 44 ) from an interior ( 24 ) of the refrigeration device ( 10 ) having. Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that in the direction of the defrost water level ( 60 ) in the evaporation tank ( 48 ) at least the heat exchange section ( 52 ) is lower than the maximum defrost water level ( 60 ) in the catchment area ( 50 ). Evaporation device ( 54 ) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that an overflow ( 70 ) of the catchment area ( 50 ) to the evaporation tank ( 48 ) is provided. Refrigeration appliance ( 10 ), in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising a housing ( 14 ) with at least one interior ( 24 ), and one for cooling the at least one interior space ( 24 ) formed refrigerant circuit ( 28 ), wherein the refrigerant circuit ( 28 ) comprises at least one of the following elements: - liquefier ( 34 ), - Throttle ( 36 ), - Evaporator ( 30 ), and - compressors ( 32 ), characterized by an evaporation device ( 54 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Refrigeration appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the evaporation tank ( 54 ) and the catchment area ( 50 ) for picking up on the evaporator ( 30 ) and / or on interior walls ( 22 ) of the at least one interior space ( 24 ) accumulating defrost water ( 44 ) is trained. Refrigeration appliance ( 10 ) according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that lines ( 46 ) for discharging defrost water ( 44 ) from the evaporator ( 30 ) and / or from the inner walls ( 22 ) of the at least one interior space ( 24 ) to the evaporation tank ( 48 ) and / or the catchment area ( 50 ) are provided.

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