SEALED SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE

Abstract

A sealed system for an appliance is provided. The sealed system includes a capillary tube for directing refrigerant from a condenser of the sealed system to an evaporator of the sealed system. A suction side conduit assembly is mounted to the capillary tube. The suction side conduit assembly includes multiple conduits or passages for directing refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor of the sealed system. The suction side conduit assembly can assist with transferring heat from the refrigerant within the capillary tube without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant within the suction side conduit assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to sealed systems for appliances, such as refrigerator appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain refrigerator appliances include a sealed system. During operation of the refrigerator appliance, the sealed system generates compressed refrigerant and utilizes such compressed refrigerant to cool a compartment of the refrigerator appliance and food items located therein. Certain sealed systems include a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator.

In such sealed systems, the capillary tube directs compressed refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator. An efficiency of the sealed system can be improved if a temperature of refrigerant in the capillary tube is reduced prior to such refrigerant entering the evaporator. To facilitate such heat transfer, certain sealed systems braze a suction side tube to the capillary tube. The suction side tube directs refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor of the sealed system. Refrigerant exiting the evaporator can be cold relative to refrigerant within the capillary tube, and such temperature differential can facilitate heat transfer between the capillary tube and the suction side tube. An efficiency of the sealed system can be improved if heat transfer between the capillary tube and the suction side tube is increased.

Accordingly, a sealed system for an appliance with features for assisting heat transfer between a capillary tube and a suction side tube of the sealed system would be useful. In particular, a sealed system for an appliance with features for assisting heat transfer between a capillary tube and a suction side tube of the sealed system while limiting a pressure drop of refrigerant within the suction side tube would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a sealed system for an appliance. The sealed system includes a capillary tube for directing refrigerant from a condenser of the sealed system to an evaporator of the sealed system. A suction side conduit assembly is mounted to the capillary tube. The suction side conduit assembly includes multiple conduits or passages for directing refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor of the sealed system. The suction side conduit assembly can assist with transferring heat from the refrigerant within the capillary tube without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant within the suction side conduit assembly. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a sealed system for an appliance is provided. The sealed system includes a compressor configured for increasing a pressure of a refrigerant. A condenser is connected in series to the compressor such that the condenser receives the refrigerant from the compressor. The condenser is configured for transferring heat from the refrigerant. The sealed system also includes a capillary tube. An evaporator is configured for transferring heat to the refrigerant. The capillary tube extends between and fluidly connects the condenser and the evaporator such that the capillary tube directs the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator. A suction side conduit assembly extends between and fluidly connecting the evaporator and the compressor such that the suction side conduit assembly directs the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor. The suction side conduit assembly includes a first conduit mounted to the capillary tube and a second conduit mounted to the capillary tube. The first and second conduits are configured for directing refrigerant therethrough.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a sealed system for an appliance is provided. The sealed system includes a compressor configured for increasing a pressure of a refrigerant. A condenser is connected in series to the compressor such that the condenser receives the refrigerant from the compressor. The condenser is configured for transferring heat from the refrigerant. The sealed system also includes a capillary tube. An evaporator is configured for transferring heat to the refrigerant. The capillary tube extends between and fluidly connects the condenser and the evaporator such that the capillary tube directs the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator. A suction side conduit assembly extends between and fluidly connecting the evaporator and the compressor such that the suction side conduit assembly directs the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor. The suction side conduit assembly includes a main body that defines a plurality of passages. Each passage of the plurality of passages is configured for directing refrigerant therethrough. A clip is mounted to an outer surface of the main body. The clip defines a channel. The capillary tube is disposed in the channel of the clip such that the clip mounts the capillary tube to the main body.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a sealed system for an appliance is provided. The sealed system includes a compressor configured for increasing a pressure of a refrigerant. A condenser is connected in series to the compressor such that the condenser receives the refrigerant from the compressor. The condenser is configured for transferring heat from the refrigerant. The sealed system also includes a capillary tube. An evaporator is configured for transferring heat to the refrigerant. The capillary tube extends between and fluidly connects the condenser and the evaporator such that the capillary tube directs the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator. The seal system also includes means for directing the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant and for transferring heat from the refrigerant within the capillary tube.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with refrigerator doors of the exemplary refrigerator appliance shown in an open position in order to reveal a fresh food chamber of the exemplary refrigerator appliance.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a sealed system for an appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a section view of an exemplary capillary tube and an exemplary suction side conduit assembly as may be used with the exemplary sealed system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a partial, perspective view of the exemplary capillary tube and the exemplary suction side conduit assembly of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 provide section views of various exemplary capillary tubes and exemplary suction side conduit assemblies as may be used with the exemplary sealed system of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with refrigerator doors 128 of the refrigerator appliance 100 shown in a closed position. FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 with refrigerator doors 128 shown in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber 122 of refrigerator appliance 100.

Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120 that extends between a top 101 and a bottom 102 along a vertical direction V. Housing 120 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 120 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 101 of housing 120 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 102 of housing 120. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 120 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. As discussed above, refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1, and refrigerator doors 128 are shown in the open position in FIG. 2.

Turning now to FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins 140, drawers 142, and shelves 144 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122. Bins 140, drawers 142, and shelves 144 are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 142 can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a sealed system 200 for an appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Sealed system 200 can be used in any suitable appliance. For example, sealed system 200 may be used in refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., to cool fresh food chamber 122 and/or freezer chamber 124. Sealed system 200 may be positioned within a machinery compartment (not shown) at bottom 102 of housing 120. Sealed system 200 can also be used to cool any other suitable appliance such as a freezer appliance or an ice maker appliance.

Sealed system 200 contains components for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling air and/or liquid. The components include a compressor 210, a condenser 220, a capillary tube 230 and an evaporator 240 connected in series and charged with a refrigerant. In particular, capillary tube 230 extends between and fluidly connects condenser 220 and evaporator 240, e.g., such that capillary tube 230 directs refrigerant from condenser 220 to evaporator 240. Similarly, a suction side conduit assembly 260 extends between and fluidly connects evaporator 240 and compressor 210, e.g., such that suction side conduit assembly 260 directs refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210.

Within sealed system 200, gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 210, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 220. Within condenser 220, heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense to a liquid state. A fan 250 is used to pull air across condenser 220, as illustrated by arrows A_C, so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser 220 and the ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow across condenser 220 can, e.g., increase the efficiency of condenser 220 by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained therein.

Capillary tube 230 receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 220. From capillary tube 230, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 240. Upon exiting capillary tube 230 and entering evaporator 240, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and, e.g., at least partially, vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator 240 is cool relative to fresh food and freezer compartments 122 and 124 of refrigerator appliance 100. As such, cooled air is produced and refrigerates fresh food and/or freezer compartments 122 and 124 of refrigerator appliance 100. Thus, evaporator 240 is a type of heat exchanger which transfers heat from air passing over evaporator 240 to refrigerant flowing through evaporator 240.

Sealed system 200 depicted in FIG. 3 is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the sealed system to be used as well. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed system 200 may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. As an example, sealed system 200 may include two evaporators. As another example, sealed system 200 can include a condensation loop downstream of condenser 220 a filter and/or drier downstream of the condensation loop.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, heat transfer between capillary tube 230 and suction side conduit assembly 260 can increase an efficiency of sealed system 200. In particular, heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 230 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 260 can increase an efficiency of sealed system 200. Such heat transfer can decrease a temperature of refrigerant within capillary tube 230 prior to such refrigerant entering evaporator 240. Sealed system 200 includes features for facilitating or assisting with heat transfer between capillary tube 230 and suction side conduit assembly 260 as discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 4 provides a section view of a capillary tube 300 and a suction side conduit assembly 310 for a sealed system. Capillary tube 300 and suction side conduit assembly 310 define an axial direction A (FIG. 5). Capillary tube 300 and suction side conduit assembly 310 can be used in any suitable sealed system. For example, capillary tube 300 and suction side conduit assembly 310 may be used with sealed system 200 (FIG. 3). FIG. 5 provides a partial, perspective view of capillary tube 300 and suction side conduit assembly 310.

Capillary tube 300 is configured for directing a flow of refrigerant therethrough. For example, capillary tube 300 may extend between and fluidly connecting condenser 220 and evaporator 240 of sealed system 200 such that capillary tube 300 directs refrigerant from condenser 220 to evaporator 240. Capillary tube 300 can be constructed with any suitable material. For example, capillary tube 300 may be constructed of or with copper tubing.

Capillary tube 300 can have any suitable shape and size. For example, as may be seen in FIG. 4, capillary tube 300 a substantially circular cross-section, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A. Capillary tube 300 may also have an outer diameter p, e.g., in the plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A. The outer diameter p of capillary tube 300 can be any suitable length. For example, the outer diameter p of capillary tube 300 may be less than about one eighth of an inch and greater than about one fourteenth of an inch.

Suction side conduit assembly 310 is also configured for directing a flow of refrigerant therethrough. For example, suction side conduit assembly 310 may extend between and fluidly connecting evaporator 240 and compressor 210 of sealed system 200 such that suction side conduit assembly 310 directs refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210. Suction side conduit assembly 310 can be constructed with any suitable material. For example, suction side conduit assembly 310 may be constructed of or with extruded aluminum or copper.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, suction side conduit assembly 310 includes a main body 320 and a clip 330. Clip 330 is mounted to an outer surface 322 of main body 320. For example, main body 320 and clip 330 may be extruded from a single material such that clip 330 is integral with main body 320. Thus, main body 320 and clip 330 can be a single piece of material, such as extruded aluminum.

Main body 320 defines a plurality of passages 324. Each passage of passages 324 is configured for directing refrigerant therethrough. In particular, refrigerant from evaporator 240 can enter passages 324 and flow through passages 324 to compressor 210. Main body 320 can define any suitable number of passages 324. For example, main body 320 may defines, two, three, four, five or more passages 324. Thus, passages 324 may include at least five passages.

Passages 324 can have any suitable size and shape. For example, as may be seen in FIG. 4, at least one passage of passages 324 may have a substantially rounded rectangular cross-section, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A. In alternative exemplary embodiments, at least one passage of passages 324 may have a substantially circular, oval or rectangular cross-section, e.g., in the plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A. In certain exemplary embodiments, passages 324 may have a total cross-sectional area that is at least three, four, five, ten, twenty or one hundred times greater than the cross-sectional area of a passage 302 of capillary tube 300.

As may be seen in FIG. 5, main body 320 also extends linearly between a first portion 326 and a second portion 328, e.g., along the axial direction A. Main body 320 defines a length L between about the first and second portions 326 and 328 of main body 320. The length L of main body 320 may be any suitable length. For example, the length L may be less than about six feet and greater than about six inches. As another example, the length L may be about five feet.

As discussed above, clip 330 is mounted to or positioned on outer surface 322 of main body 320. As may be seen in FIG. 3, clip 330 defining a channel 332. Capillary tube 300 is disposed within channel 332 of clip 330, e.g., such that clip 330 mounts capillary tube 300 to main body 320 and suction side conduit assembly 310 along the length L of main body 310. In particular, clip 330 may include a first wing 334 and a second wing 336. First and second wings 334 and 336 extend away from outer surface 322 of main body 320. First and second wings 334 and 336 of clip 330 define channel 332 of clip 310 therebetween. Thus, capillary tube 300 is disposed between first and second wings 334 and 336 of clip 330, e.g., such that capillary tube 300 is snap fit to main body 320 with first and second wings 334 and 336 of clip 330.

With capillary tube 300 mounted to suction side conduit assembly 310, heat transfer between capillary tube 300 and suction side conduit assembly 310 can be facilitated and an efficiency of sealed system 200 can be increased. In particular, heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 300 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 310 can be improved or increased. For example, by defining multiple passages 234 (e.g., rather than a single passage), a heat transfer area of suction side conduit assembly 310 can be increased and/or a heat transfer coefficient of suction side conduit assembly 310 can be increased. Further, suction side conduit assembly 310 can facilitate heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 300 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 310 without substantially reducing a pressure of refrigerant within passages 310. In such a manner, suction side conduit assembly 310 can direct refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210 of sealed system 200 without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant therein and can also transfer heat from refrigerant within capillary tube 300.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 provide section views of various exemplary capillary tubes and exemplary suction side conduit assemblies. Turning to FIG. 6, a capillary tube 400 and a suction side conduit assembly 410 are shown. Capillary tube 400 and suction side conduit assembly 410 can be used in any suitable sealed system. For example, capillary tube 400 and suction side conduit assembly 410 may be used with sealed system 200 (FIG. 3).

Like capillary tube 300 (FIG. 3), capillary tube 400 is configured for directing a flow of refrigerant therethrough. For example, capillary tube 400 may extend between and fluidly connecting condenser 220 and evaporator 240 of sealed system 200 such that capillary tube 400 directs refrigerant from condenser 220 to evaporator 240. Capillary tube 400 can be constructed with any suitable material. For example, capillary tube 400 may be constructed of or with copper tubing.

Suction side conduit assembly 410 is also configured for directing a flow of refrigerant therethrough. For example, suction side conduit assembly 410 may extend between and fluidly connecting evaporator 240 and compressor 210 of sealed system 200 such that suction side conduit assembly 410 directs refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210. Suction side conduit assembly 410 can be constructed with any suitable material. For example, suction side conduit assembly 410 may be constructed of or with of copper tubing.

As may be seen in FIG. 6, suction side conduit assembly 410 includes a first conduit 412 and a second conduit 414. First conduit 412 is mounted to capillary tube 400 and is configured for directing refrigerant therethrough. Similarly, second conduit 414 is mounted to capillary tube 400 and is configured for directing refrigerant therethrough. First and second conduits 412 and 414 may be discrete or distinct copper tubes. In FIG. 6, first and second conduits 412 and 414 contact each other. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, first and second conduits 412 and 414 may be spaced apart from each other on capillary tube 400.

First conduit 412 and second conduit 414 can be mounted to capillary tube 400 using any suitable method or mechanism. For example, first conduit 412 and second conduit 414 may brazed to capillary tube 400 in order to mount first and second conduits 412 and 414 to capillary tube 400. As another example, suction side conduit assembly 410 may include a shrink-wrap tube, such as heat shrink tubing made of nylon or polyolefin, that encompasses capillary tube 400, first conduit 412 and second conduit 414 in order to mount first and second conduits 412 and 414 to capillary tube 400.

With first and second conduits 412 and 414 mounted to capillary tube 400, heat transfer between capillary tube 400 and suction side conduit assembly 410 can be facilitated and an efficiency of sealed system 200 can be increased. In particular, heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 400 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 410 can be improved or increased. For example, by including first and second conduits 412 and 414 (e.g., rather than a single conduit), a heat transfer area of suction side conduit assembly 410 can be increased and/or a heat transfer coefficient of suction side conduit assembly 410 can be increased. Further, suction side conduit assembly 410 can facilitate heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 400 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 410 without substantially reducing a pressure of refrigerant within first and second conduits 412 and 414. In such a manner, suction side conduit assembly 410 can direct refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210 of sealed system 200 without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant therein and can also transfer heat from refrigerant within capillary tube 400.

Turning to FIG. 7, a capillary tube 500 and a suction side conduit assembly 510 are shown. Capillary tube 500 and suction side conduit assembly 510 can be used in any suitable sealed system. For example, capillary tube 500 and suction side conduit assembly 510 may be used with sealed system 200 (FIG. 3). Capillary tube 500 is substantially similar and operates in a similar manner to capillary tube 400 (FIG. 6). Similarly, suction side conduit assembly 510 is substantially similar and operates in a similar manner to suction side conduit assembly 410 (FIG. 6). However, suction side conduit assembly 510 includes more conduits than suction side conduit assembly 410. In particular, suction side conduit assembly 510 includes a first conduit 512, a second conduit 514, a third conduit 516, a fourth conduit 518 and a fifth conduit 520 are mounted to capillary tube 500. In alternative exemplary embodiments, suction side conduit assembly 510 can include any suitable number of conduits. For example, suction side conduit assembly 510 may include three, four, six or more conduits for directing refrigerant therethrough. In FIG. 7, first, second, third, fourth and fifth conduits 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520 are, e.g., uniformly, spaced apart from each other on capillary tube 500. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth conduits 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520 may contact each other on capillary tube 400.

Turning to FIG. 8, a capillary tube 600 and a suction side conduit assembly 610 are shown. Capillary tube 600 and suction side conduit assembly 610 can be used in any suitable sealed system. For example, capillary tube 600 and suction side conduit assembly 610 may be used with sealed system 200 (FIG. 3).

Capillary tube 600 is configured for directing a flow of refrigerant therethrough. For example, capillary tube 600 may extend between and fluidly connecting condenser 220 and evaporator 240 of sealed system 200 such that capillary tube 600 directs refrigerant from condenser 220 to evaporator 240. Capillary tube 600 can be constructed with any suitable material. For example, capillary tube 600 may be constructed of or with copper tubing.

Suction side conduit assembly 610 is also configured for directing a flow of refrigerant therethrough. For example, suction side conduit assembly 610 may extend between and fluidly connecting evaporator 240 and compressor 210 of sealed system 200 such that suction side conduit assembly 610 directs refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210. Suction side conduit assembly 610 can be constructed with any suitable material. For example, suction side conduit assembly 610 may be constructed of extruded aluminum or copper.

As may be seen in FIG. 8, suction side conduit assembly 610 defines a first passage 612, a second passage 614, a third passage 616 and a fourth passage 618. In alternative exemplary embodiments, suction side conduit assembly 610 can define any suitable number of passages. For example, suction side conduit assembly 610 may define two, three, five, six or more passages in alternative exemplary embodiments.

Capillary tube 600 is disposed within suction side conduit assembly 610, e.g., such that capillary tube 600 is surrounded or disposed between first passage 612, second passage 614, third passage 616 and fourth passage 618 of suction side conduit assembly 610. In such a manner, heat transfer between capillary tube 600 and suction side conduit assembly 610 can be facilitated and an efficiency of sealed system 200 can be increased. In particular, heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 600 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 610 can be improved or increased. For example, by defining multiple passages (e.g., rather than a single passage), a heat transfer area of suction side conduit assembly 610 can be increased and/or a heat transfer coefficient of suction side conduit assembly 610 can be increased. Further, suction side conduit assembly 610 can facilitate heat transfer from refrigerant within capillary tube 600 to refrigerant within suction side conduit assembly 610 without substantially reducing a pressure of refrigerant within first passage 612, second passage 614, third passage 616 and/or fourth passage 618. In such a manner, suction side conduit assembly 610 can direct refrigerant from evaporator 240 to compressor 210 of sealed system 200 without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant therein and can also transfer heat from refrigerant within capillary tube 600.

Turing to FIG. 9, a capillary tube 700 and a suction side conduit assembly 710 are shown. Capillary tube 700 and suction side conduit assembly 710 can be used in any suitable sealed system. For example, capillary tube 700 and suction side conduit assembly 710 may be used with sealed system 200 (FIG. 3). Capillary tube 700 is substantially similar and operates in a similar manner to capillary tube 300 (FIG. 4). Similarly, suction side conduit assembly 510 is substantially similar and operates in a similar manner to suction side conduit assembly 310 (FIG. 4). However, passages 722 of suction side conduit assembly 710 have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Further, a clip 730 of suction side conduit assembly 710 completely surrounds capillary tube 700.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A sealed system for an appliance, comprising:

a compressor configured for increasing a pressure of a refrigerant;

a condenser connected in series to the compressor such that the condenser receives the refrigerant from the compressor, the condenser configured for transferring heat from the refrigerant;

a capillary tube;

an evaporator configured for transferring heat to the refrigerant, the capillary tube extending between and fluidly connecting the condenser and the evaporator such that the capillary tube directs the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator; and

a suction side conduit assembly extending between and fluidly connecting the evaporator and the compressor such that the suction side conduit assembly directs the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor, the suction side conduit assembly comprising a first conduit mounted to the capillary tube, the first conduit configured for directing refrigerant therethrough; and a second conduit mounted to the capillary tube, the second conduit configured for directing refrigerant therethrough.

2. The sealed system of claim 1, wherein the capillary tube has a substantially circular cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the capillary tube.

3. The sealed system of claim 2, wherein the substantially circular cross-section of the capillary tube has an outer diameter, the outer diameter of the substantially circular cross-section being less than about one eighth of an inch and greater than about one fourteenth of an inch.

4. The sealed system of claim 1, wherein the second conduit is spaced apart from the first conduit on the capillary tube.

5. The sealed system of claim 1, wherein the suction side conduit assembly further comprises a shrink-wrap tube encompassing the capillary tube, the first conduit and the second conduit in order to mount the first and second conduits to the capillary tube.

6. The sealed system of claim 1, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are brazed to the capillary tube in order to mount the first and second conduits to the capillary tube.

7. The sealed system of claim 1, wherein the capillary tube, the first conduit and the second conduit comprise copper tubing.

8. The sealed system of claim 1, wherein the suction side conduit assembly further comprises a third conduit mounted to the capillary tube, the third conduit configured for directing refrigerant therethrough.

9. A sealed system for an appliance, comprising:

a compressor configured for increasing a pressure of a refrigerant;

a condenser connected in series to the compressor such that the condenser receives the refrigerant from the compressor, the condenser configured for transferring heat from the refrigerant;

a capillary tube;

an evaporator configured for transferring heat to the refrigerant, the capillary tube extending between and fluidly connecting the condenser and the evaporator such that the capillary tube directs the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator; and

a suction side conduit assembly extending between and fluidly connecting the evaporator and the compressor such that the suction side conduit assembly directs the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor, the suction side conduit assembly comprising a main body defining a plurality of passages, each passage of the plurality of passages configured for directing refrigerant therethrough; and a clip mounted to an outer surface of the main body, the clip defining a channel, the capillary tube disposed in the channel of the clip such that the clip mounts the capillary tube to the main body.

10. The sealed system of claim 9, wherein the capillary tube has a substantially circular cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the capillary tube.

11. The sealed system of claim 10, wherein the substantially circular cross-section of the capillary tube has an outer diameter, the outer diameter of the substantially circular cross-section being less than about one eighth of an inch and greater than about one fourteenth of an inch.

12. The sealed system of claim 9, wherein the main body and the clip are extruded from a material such that the clip is integral with the main body.

13. The sealed system of claim 12, wherein the main body and the clip comprise extruded aluminum and the capillary tube comprises copper tubing.

14. The sealed system of claim 9, wherein the clip comprises a first wing and a second wing, the first and second wings extending away from the outer surface of the main body, the first and second wings defining the channel of the clip therebetween, the capillary tube disposed between the first and second wings.

15. The sealed system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of passages comprises at least five passages.

16. The sealed system of claim 9, wherein at least one passage of the plurality of passages has a substantially rounded rectangular cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the main body.

17. The sealed system of claim 9, wherein the main body extends linearly between a first portion and a second portion, the main body defining a length between about the first portion of the main body and the second portion of the main body, the length of the main body being less than about six feet and greater than about six inches.

18. A sealed system for an appliance, comprising:

a compressor configured for increasing a pressure of a refrigerant;

a condenser connected in series to the compressor such that the condenser receives the refrigerant from the compressor, the condenser configured for transferring heat from the refrigerant;

a capillary tube;

an evaporator configured for transferring heat to the refrigerant, the capillary tube extending between and fluidly connecting the condenser and the evaporator such that the capillary tube directs the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator; and

means for directing the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant and for transferring heat from the refrigerant within the capillary tube.