Condensate Removal By Means Of Condensate Evaporation In A Refrigeration Device

Abstract

The invention relates to a condensate evaporator for a cooling device that comprises at least an evaporator and a compressor ( 10 ). The condensate evaporator comprises a receiving space ( 12 ) for the condensed water that occurs in the cooling device and is to be evaporated. The receiving space ( 12 ) is arranged in thermal contact with the compressor ( 10 ) and is heated by the waste heat of the compressor ( 10 ) in order to generate water vapor from the condensed water.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 : A condensate evaporator for a cooling device, the cooling device including a compressor having an enveloping surface, the condensate evaporator comprising:
 a container defining a receiving space therein for receiving condensed water that condenses in the cooling device and is to be evaporated, the container and the receiving space being generally C-shaped;   the container including a generally C-shaped inner wall for engaging the enveloping surface of the compressor, and first and second terminating walls defining free ends of the generally C-shaped container; and   a clamp configured to secure the container about the enveloping surface of the container so that the container and the receiving space can be held in thermal contact with the compressor to be heated by waste heat of the compressor in order to evaporate condensed water received in the receiving space.   
     
     
         15 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the container comprises a collection trough having a substantially rectangular cross-section defined by the inner wall, a bottom, and an outer wall, the collection trough having an open top.   
     
     
         16 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 an inlet hose connector configured to connect an inlet hose to direct condensed water into the receiving space.   
     
     
         17 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the container includes a bottom; and   further comprising a cross-shape fitting extending upward from and substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the container into the receiving space, the cross-shape fitting configured to hold in place an inlet hose received over the cross-shape fitting.   
     
     
         18 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the container includes the inner wall, an outer wall, and a bottom, the bottom having a through hole; and   further comprising an overflow tube communicated with the through hole and projecting upward into the receiving space to a height above the bottom less than a height of the inner wall or the outer wall above the bottom.   
     
     
         19 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a tubular fitting communicated with the through hole and projecting downward from the bottom of the container, for receiving a runoff hose.   
     
     
         20 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 18 , wherein:
 the container includes at least one enlarged region defining an enlarged cross-section of the receiving space; and   the overflow tube is located in the enlarged region.   
     
     
         21 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 17 , wherein:
 the container includes at least one enlarged region defining an enlarged cross-section of the receiving space; and   the cross-shape fitting is located in the enlarged region.   
     
     
         22 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the container comprises at least one region having a constricted cross-section in order to increase bendability.   
     
     
         23 : The condensate evaporator according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 first and second extensions projecting from the free ends of the container; and   wherein the clamp comprises a spring clip engageable with the first and second extensions.   
     
     
         24 : The condensate evaporator of  claim 14 , in combination with the compressor, wherein:
 the container is arranged with the inner wall in thermal contact with the enveloping surface of the compressor.   
     
     
         25 : The combination of  claim 24 , further comprising:
 a thermally conductive paste between the inner wall of the container and the enveloping surface of the compressor.   
     
     
         26 : The combination of  claim 24 , wherein:
 the inner wall of the container abuts against the enveloping surface of the compressor and at least partly fits around the compressor.   
     
     
         27 : A condensate evaporator assembly for a cooling device, comprising:
 a compressor having a generally cylindrical outer surface;   a condensate evaporator including an inner wall wrapping partly around the generally cylindrical outer surface of the compressor, the condensate evaporator further including a bottom wall, an outer wall, and two terminating walls, all of the walls defining therebetween a receiving space of the condensate evaporator, the condensate evaporator having first and second free ends; and   a connector extending between the free ends of the condensate evaporator and holding the condensate evaporator in place around and in thermal contact with the generally cylindrical outer surface of the compressor.   
     
     
         28 : The condensate evaporator assembly of  claim 27 , wherein:
 the condensate evaporator and the receiving space are generally C-shaped.   
     
     
         29 : The condensate evaporator assembly of  claim 27 , wherein:
 the connector comprises a spring.   
     
     
         30 : The condensate evaporator assembly of  claim 27 , wherein:
 the condensate evaporator further comprises first and second extensions projecting from the first and second free ends, respectively; and   the connector comprises a spring clip engageable with the first and second extensions.   
     
     
         31 : The condensate evaporator assembly of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 a thermally conductive paste between the inner wall of the condensate evaporator and the cylindrical outer surface of the compressor.   
     
     
         32 : The condensate evaporator assembly of  claim 27 , wherein:
 the condensate evaporator comprises at least one region having a reduced cross-section so that the condensate evaporator can flex at the reduced cross-section to allow the connector to pull the free ends together to hold the condensate evaporator in place on the condenser.   
     
     
         33 : The condensate evaporator assembly of  claim 27 , wherein:
 the receiving space includes at least one enlarged region having an enlarged cross-section; and   the condensate evaporator further comprises:   an inlet hose connector located in the enlarged region; and   an overflow outlet located in the enlarged region.