KR102329452B1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.
A refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor; an expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, wherein the evaporator includes: a first pipe through which the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device flows; a second pipe through which a refrigerant having a higher temperature than that of the refrigerant of the first pipe flows by bypassing the expansion device; and a plurality of pins coupled to the first pipe and the second pipe, and a refrigerant selectively flows through the second pipe according to a normal operation or a defrost operation mode.

Description

refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is provided with a plurality of storage compartments for accommodating stored food to freeze or refrigerate food, and one surface of the storage compartment is opened to accommodate and take out the food. The plurality of storage compartments include a freezing compartment for frozen storage of food and a refrigerating compartment for refrigerated storage of food.

In the refrigerator, a refrigeration system in which a refrigerant circulates is driven. Devices constituting the refrigeration system include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The evaporator may include a first evaporator provided at one side of the refrigerating compartment and a second evaporator provided at one side of the freezing compartment.

The cold air stored in the refrigerating chamber may be cooled while passing through the first evaporator, and the cooled cold air may be supplied back to the refrigerating chamber. The cold air stored in the freezing chamber may be cooled while passing through the second evaporator, and the cooled cold air may be supplied back to the freezing chamber.

On the other hand, the conventional refrigerator may further include a defrost heater provided to remove the frost on the evaporator. If the implantation amount of the evaporator increases, a problem in that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is lowered may occur. Therefore, when it is recognized that the amount of implantation of the evaporator is increased, a defrosting operation in which the defrost heater is driven may be performed. When the defrosting operation is performed, a predetermined amount of heat is provided to the evaporator to remove the frost formed on the evaporator.

Literature information related to the prior art related to the defrost operation is as follows.

1. Application number (application date): Special 1997-020609 (May 26, 1997)

2. Title of invention: Defrost control device and control method of refrigerator

The above prior art is characterized in that the surface temperature of the evaporator is detected to determine the defrost timing of the evaporator and the defrost heater is operated.

However, according to this prior art, there is a problem that the cost for installing the defrost heater is high, and power consumption for driving the defrost heater is increased.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide a refrigerator capable of defrosting an evaporator capable of defrosting using a high-temperature refrigerant in order to solve this problem.

A refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor; an expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, wherein the evaporator includes: a first pipe through which the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device flows; a second pipe through which a refrigerant having a higher temperature than that of the refrigerant of the first pipe flows by bypassing the expansion device; and a plurality of pins coupled to the first pipe and the second pipe, and a refrigerant selectively flows through the second pipe according to a normal operation or a defrost operation mode.

In addition, the pin may include a first through hole through which the first pipe passes; and a second through hole through which the second pipe passes.

In addition, the first through-hole and the second through-hole are characterized in that they are arranged in one row.

In addition, the inner diameter of the first through-hole and the inner diameter of the second through-hole are characterized in that they have different sizes.

In addition, the inner diameter of the first through hole is characterized in that larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole.

In addition, a plurality of the first through-holes are formed, and the second through-holes are disposed between the plurality of first through-holes.

In addition, a plurality of the first through-hole and the second through-hole are formed, respectively, and the plurality of second through-holes are disposed between the plurality of first through-holes.

In addition, a plurality of the first through-hole and the second through-hole are formed, respectively, and the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes are alternately arranged.

In addition, the evaporator includes a plurality of coupling plates supporting both sides of the first pipe and the second pipe, wherein the first pipe and the second pipe are coupled to a first coupling plate among the plurality of coupling plates, It is characterized in that it extends toward the second coupling plate.

In addition, the evaporator is provided under the evaporator, and further includes a water collecting unit for collecting ice or water removed from the evaporator.

In addition, the second pipe includes an extension that is located inside the water collecting unit and provides heat for melting the ice stored in the water collecting unit.

In addition, the extension portion is characterized in that it is located further lower than the lowermost portion of the plurality of pins.

In addition, the water collecting unit may include: a discharge unit through which the defrosting water existing in the water collecting unit is discharged; and inclined surfaces extending downwardly from both sides of the water collecting unit toward the discharge unit.

In addition, the extension portion corresponds to the inclined surface of the water collecting portion, characterized in that it extends in an inclined manner.

In addition, the evaporator may include a first evaporator driven to cool the refrigerating compartment; and a second evaporator driven to cool the freezing compartment.

In addition, a first hot gas flow path for supplying the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the first evaporator to defrost; and a second hot gas passage for defrosting by supplying the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the second evaporator.

In addition, a first valve for branching the refrigerant into the first evaporator and the second evaporator; a second valve connected to the first hot gas flow path; and a third valve connected to the second hot gas flow path.

According to the proposed embodiment, since the defrosting of the evaporator can be performed using a high-temperature refrigerant (or hot gas), there is no need to install a conventional defrosting heater, and thus, there is an advantage that costs can be reduced.

In addition, since the evaporator includes a first pipe through which the refrigerant to be evaporated flows, a second pipe through which the high-temperature refrigerant flows, and a fin to which the first and second pipes are coupled, the high-temperature refrigerant is used in the evaporator during the defrosting operation. Since the frozen ice can be melted, the defrosting efficiency can be improved.

In addition, since the fin and the first and second pipes are coupled through a collar provided on the fin, and the first and second pipes can be in close contact with the collar of the fin through a pipe expansion process, contact heat resistance can be reduced, and Accordingly, there is an advantage that the defrosting time can be shortened.

In addition, an extension part extending at least a part of the second pipe is provided at the lower part of the evaporator so that a high-temperature refrigerant can flow, so that residual ice present in the water collecting part can be effectively melted, and the molten defrost water is the defrost water of the machine room. It has the advantage that it can be easily drained into the pan.

In addition, by the configuration of a simple refrigeration cycle, it is possible to efficiently defrost the evaporator using the high-temperature refrigerant. In particular, when the freezer compartment evaporator is defrosted, the refrigerating compartment evaporator is driven to cool the refrigerating compartment, and when the refrigerating compartment evaporator is defrosted, the freezing compartment evaporator can be driven to perform the freezing compartment cooling. As a result, it is possible to prevent the problem that the cooling performance is excessively deteriorated by the defrosting.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing a partial configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 to 6 are views showing how the second valve and the third valve operate for each operation mode of the refrigerator.
7 is a view showing the configuration of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing a state in which first and second pipes and pins are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing the configuration of a pin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view showing the configuration of a pin according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view showing the configuration of a pin according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 and 13 are views showing an installation state of the freezer compartment evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit.

1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention A cycle diagram showing

1 to 3 , the refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 11 forming a storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment 20 and a freezing compartment 30 . For example, the refrigerating compartment 20 may be disposed above the freezing compartment 30 . However, the positions of the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30 are not limited thereto.

The refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30 may be partitioned by a partition wall 28 .

The refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerating compartment door 25 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 20 and a freezing compartment door 35 for opening and closing the freezing compartment 30 . The refrigerating compartment door 25 is hinged to the front of the cabinet 10 to be rotatably configured, and the freezing compartment door 35 may be configured as a drawer type so that it can be withdrawn forward.

define the direction Referring to FIG. 1 , the direction in which the refrigerator compartment door 25 is coupled with respect to the cabinet 10 is referred to as “front” and the opposite direction is referred to as “rear”, and the direction toward the side of the cabinet 10 is referred to as “ side" is defined.

In addition, in the cabinet 11 , an outer case 12 forming the exterior of the refrigerator 10 and at least a portion of an inner surface of the refrigerating compartment 20 or the freezing compartment 30 are disposed inside the outer case 12 . An inner case 13 to form is included.

A panel 15 is installed on the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 20 . The panel 15 may be installed at a position spaced apart from the rear portion of the inner case 12 on the refrigerating compartment side to the front. An installation space in which the first evaporator 110 is installed is formed in a space between the panel 15 and the rear portion of the inner case 12 .

The panel 15 is provided with a refrigerating compartment cold air discharging unit 22 for discharging cold air to the refrigerating compartment 20 . For example, the cold air discharge unit 22 of the refrigerating compartment may be configured as a duct and disposed to be coupled to an approximately central portion of the panel 15 .

Although not shown in the drawings, a freezing compartment side panel is installed on the rear wall of the freezing compartment 30 , and a freezing compartment cold air discharge unit for discharging cold air to the freezing compartment 30 may be formed on the panel. Similarly, an installation space in which the second evaporator 150 is installed may be formed in a space between the panel and the rear portion of the inner case of the freezing compartment.

The refrigerator 10 includes a plurality of evaporators 150 and 160 for cooling the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30, respectively. The plurality of evaporators 150 and 160 include a first evaporator 110 for cooling the refrigerating compartment 20 and a second evaporator 150 for cooling the freezing compartment 30 . The first evaporator 110 may be referred to as a “refrigeration chamber evaporator” and the second evaporator 150 may be referred to as a “freezer chamber evaporator”.

The refrigerating compartment 20 is disposed above the freezing compartment 30 , and as shown in FIG. 2 , the first evaporator 110 may be disposed above the second evaporator 150 .

The first evaporator 110 is disposed on the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 20 , that is, behind the panel 15 , and the second evaporator 150 is disposed on the rear wall of the freezing compartment 30 , that is, the rear side of the panel 15 on the freezing compartment side. can be placed in The cold air generated by the first evaporator 110 is supplied to the refrigerating compartment 20 through the refrigerating compartment cold air discharge unit 22, and the cold air generated by the second evaporator 150 is supplied through the freezing compartment cold air discharge unit. It may be supplied to the freezing chamber 30 .

The first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 150 may be caught in the inner case 13 . For example, the second evaporator 150 includes hooks 162 and 167 (refer to FIG. 7 ) that engage the inner case 13 .

The refrigerator 10 includes a plurality of devices for driving a refrigeration cycle.

In detail, in the refrigerator 10, a compressor 101 for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser 102 condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101, and a refrigerant condensed in the condenser 102 are reduced A plurality of expansion devices 103a and 104a for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the plurality of expansion devices 103a and 104a are included.

The refrigerator 10 further includes a refrigerant pipe 100a connecting the compressor 101, the condenser 102, the expansion devices 103a and 104a, and the evaporator 110 and 150 to guide the flow of the refrigerant. .

The plurality of evaporators 110 and 150 include a first evaporator 110 for generating cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment 20 and a second evaporator 150 for generating cold air to be supplied to the freezing compartment 30 . The first evaporator 110 may be disposed at one side of the refrigerating compartment 20 , and the second evaporator 150 may be disposed at one side of the freezing compartment 30 . In addition, the first and second evaporators 110 and 150 may be connected in parallel.

The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezing compartment 30 may be lower than the temperature of the cold air supplied to the refrigerating compartment 20 , and accordingly, the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the second evaporator 150 is lower than that of the first evaporator 110 . It may be lower than the refrigerant evaporation pressure.

The refrigerant evaporated in the first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 150 may be combined and sucked into the compressor 101 .

The plurality of expansion devices 103a and 104a include a first expansion device 103a for expanding the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 110 and a first expansion device 103a for expanding the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 150 . A second inflation device 104a is included. The first and second expansion devices 103a and 104a may include capillary tubes.

In order to form the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the second evaporator 150 to be lower than the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 110, the capillary tube diameter of the second expansion device 104a is the first expansion device 103a. may be smaller than the capillary diameter of

The refrigerator 10 includes a first refrigerant passage 103 and a second refrigerant passage 104 branched from the refrigerant pipe 100a. The first refrigerant passage 103 is connected to the first evaporator 110 , and the second refrigerant passage 104 is connected to the second evaporator 150 .

In addition, the first expansion device 103a is installed in the first refrigerant passage 103 , and the second expansion device 104a is installed in the second refrigerant passage 104 .

The refrigerator 10 further includes a first valve 120 for branching and introducing the refrigerant into the first and second refrigerant passages 103 and 104 . The first valve 120 is configured such that the first and second evaporators 110 and 150 operate simultaneously or independently, that is, the refrigerant flows into at least one of the first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 150 . It can be understood as a device that regulates the flow of

The first valve 120 includes a three-way valve having one inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced and two outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged.

The first and second refrigerant passages 103 and 104 are respectively connected to the two outlets of the first valve 120 . For example, in one operation mode of the refrigerator, the refrigerant passing through the first valve 120 may be discharged by being branched into the first and second refrigerant passages 103 and 104 . The outlets connected to the first and second refrigerant passages 103 and 104 are sequentially referred to as "first outlets" and "second outlets".

In the refrigerator (10), a first hot gas flow path (105) for supplying the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (102) to the first evaporator (110) and the condensed refrigerant to the first evaporator (110) To selectively feed, a second controllable valve 130 is further included. For example, the second valve 130 includes a four-way valve having four input and output portions.

The second valve 130 is installed in the refrigerant pipe 100a at the outlet side of the condenser 102 , and the first hot gas flow path 105 includes a fourth inlet/outlet 134 of the second valve 130 , 4 ) via the first evaporator 110 , and may be configured to be connected to the third input/output part 133 (refer to FIG. 4 ) of the second valve 130 . That is, the first hot gas flow path 105 may constitute a closed circuit passing through the second valve 130 and the first evaporator 110 .

In the refrigerator 10 , a second hot gas flow path 106 for supplying the refrigerant that has passed through the second valve 130 to the second evaporator 150 and the refrigerant are selectively used as the second evaporator 150 . In order to supply to the controllable third valve 140 is further included. For example, the third valve 140 includes a four-way valve having four input and output portions.

The first hot gas flow path 105 and the second hot gas flow path 106 supply the high-temperature refrigerant condensed in the condenser 102 to the first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 150, respectively. In this respect, they may be collectively referred to as a “hot gas flow path”.

The third valve 140 is installed in the refrigerant pipe 100a on the outlet side of the second valve 130 , and the second hot gas flow path 106 is connected to the fourth inlet/outlet portion of the third valve 140 ( 144 (refer to FIG. 4 ) via the second evaporator 150 , and may be configured to be connected to the third input/output portion 143 (refer to FIG. 4 ) of the third valve 140 . That is, the second hot gas flow path 106 may constitute a closed circuit passing through the third valve 140 and the second evaporator 150 .

According to the operation mode of the refrigerator 10 , the operation mode of the second valve 130 or the third valve 140 is determined, and the operation mode of the second valve 130 or the third valve 140 is determined according to the operation mode of the refrigerator 10 . Based on it, it may be determined whether the refrigerant flows through the first hot gas flow path 105 or the second hot gas flow path 106 . A detailed description related thereto will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 .

An outlet pipe of the third valve 140 may be connected to the first valve 120 . In addition, a dryer 125 capable of filtering moisture or foreign substances in the refrigerant may be installed in the outlet pipe of the third valve 140 . That is, the dryer 125 may be installed in a pipe connected between the first valve 120 and the third valve 140 .

The refrigerator 10 further includes blowing fans 102a, 110a, and 150a provided on one side of the heat exchanger to blow air. In the blowing fans 102a, 110a, and 150a, a condensation fan 102a provided on one side of the condenser 102, a first evaporation fan 110a provided on one side of the first evaporator 110, and the first A second evaporation fan 150a provided on one side of the second evaporator 150 is included.

The heat exchange capability of the first and second evaporators 110 and 150 may vary according to the rotational speed of the first and second evaporators 110a and 150a. For example, when a large amount of cold air generation according to the operation of the first evaporator 110 is required, the rotation speed of the first evaporating fan 110a increases, and when the cold air is sufficient, the first evaporating fan 150a The rotational speed may be reduced.

4 to 6 are views showing the operation of the second valve and the third valve for each operation mode of the refrigerator.

First, referring to FIG. 4 , operations of the second valve 130 and the third valve 140 are shown when the refrigerator operates in the normal mode as the first mode. The "normal mode" may be understood as an operation mode in which refrigerant is supplied to both the first and second evaporators 110 and 150, and the cooling of the refrigerating compartment and the cooling of the freezing compartment are simultaneously performed.

The second valve 130 includes four input and output portions 131 , 132 , 133 , and 134 .

In detail, in the four input and output parts 131 , 132 , 133 , and 134 , a first input and output part 131 connected to an outlet pipe of the condenser 102 , and a second input and output part 132 connected to the third valve 140 ) and a third inlet/outlet 133 connected to the first hot gas passage 105 and introducing a refrigerant passing through the first evaporator 110 and connected to the first hot gas passage 105 and A fourth input/output unit 134 for discharging the refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 110 is included.

That is, based on the first hot gas flow path 105 , the third inlet/outlet 133 of the second valve 130 is connected to the outlet pipe of the first evaporator 110 , and the fourth inlet/outlet is connected to the outlet pipe of the first evaporator 110 . The part 134 is connected to an inlet pipe of the first evaporator 110 .

When the refrigerator operates in the normal mode, the first entry/exit part 131 and the second entry/exit part 132 of the second valve 130 are connected, and the third entry/exit part 133 and the fourth entry/exit part 134 are connected. ) is connected. Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the second valve 130 through the first inlet/outlet 131 , and the second valve 130 through the second inlet/outlet 132 . is emitted from

The third valve 140 includes four input and output portions 141 , 142 , 143 , and 144 .

The four inlet and outlet parts 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 have a first input and output part 141 connected to the second input and output part 132 of the second valve 130 to introduce the refrigerant passing through the second valve 130 , and , a second inlet/outlet 142 connected to the inlet pipe of the first valve 120, and the second hot gas flow path 106 to introduce a refrigerant passing through the second evaporator 150 A third input/output part 143 and a fourth input/output part 144 connected to the second hot gas flow path 106 for discharging the refrigerant to be introduced into the second evaporator 150 are included.

That is, based on the second hot gas flow path 106 , the third inlet/outlet 143 of the third valve 140 is connected to the outlet pipe of the second evaporator 150 , and the fourth inlet/outlet is connected to the outlet pipe of the second evaporator 150 . The part 144 is connected to the inlet pipe of the second evaporator 150 .

When the refrigerator operates in the normal mode, the first entry/exit part 141 and the second entry/exit part 142 of the third valve 140 are connected, and the third entry/exit part 143 and the fourth entry/exit part 144 are connected. ) is connected. Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the second valve 130 flows into the third valve 140 through the first inlet/outlet 141 and the third valve ( 140) is released.

The refrigerant discharged from the third valve 140 flows into the first valve 120 through the dryer 125 . Then, the refrigerant is branched from the first valve 120 into the first refrigerant passage 103 and the second refrigerant passage 104, and flows into the first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 150, respectively. .

The refrigerant is evaporated in the first and second evaporators 110 and 150 , and cold air generated in this process may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 20 and the freezing chamber 30 , respectively. Then, the refrigerant passing through the first and second evaporators 110 and 150 is combined and sucked into the compressor 101 , and after being compressed in the compressor 101 , it passes through the condenser 102 .

Next, referring to FIG. 5 , when the refrigerator operates in the freezer compartment defrost mode as the second mode, the second valve 130 and the third valve 140 may operate in a predetermined operating mode.

In detail, the operation mode of the second valve 130 is the same as the operation mode of the second valve 130 in FIG. 4 . That is, the first entry/exit part 131 and the second entry/exit part 132 of the second valve 130 are connected, and the third entry/exit part 133 and the fourth entry/exit part 134 are connected. Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the second valve 130 through the first inlet/outlet 131 , and the second valve 130 through the second inlet/outlet 132 . is emitted from In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the second inlet/outlet 132 flows into the third valve 140 .

Meanwhile, the operation mode of the third valve 140 is different from the operation mode of the third valve 140 in FIG. 4 .

In detail, the first entry/exit part 141 and the fourth entry/exit part 144 of the third valve 140 are connected, and the second entry/exit part 142 and the third entry/exit part 143 are connected. Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the second valve 130 flows into the third valve 140 through the first inlet/outlet 141 and the second hot gas through the fourth inlet/outlet 144 . It flows into the flow path 106 .

In addition, the refrigerant of the second hot gas flow path 106 passes through the second evaporator 150 , and in this process, heat is supplied to the second evaporator 150 to be generated in the second evaporator 150 . ice can be removed

The refrigerant that has passed through the second evaporator 150 flows into the third valve 140 through the third inlet and outlet 143 , and the first valve 120 through the second inlet and outlet 142 . will move to the side.

In addition, the refrigerant flowing into the first valve 120 flows into the first evaporator 110 through the first refrigerant passage 103 , and the flow into the second evaporator 150 is limited. That is, when the refrigerator 10 operates in the freezer compartment defrost mode, the refrigerant inflow into the second evaporator 150 is limited, and the cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment 20 is performed by supplying the refrigerant to the first evaporator 110 . will do

According to this action, even when the second evaporator 150 is defrosted, the cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment 20 can be performed, so that the cooling performance of the refrigerator can be prevented from being deteriorated.

Next, referring to FIG. 6 , when the refrigerator operates in the refrigerator compartment defrost mode as the third mode, the second valve 130 and the third valve 140 may operate in a predetermined operation mode.

In detail, the operation mode of the second valve 130 is different from the operation mode of the second valve 130 in FIG. 5 . That is, the first entry/exit part 131 and the fourth entry/exit part 134 of the second valve 130 are connected, and the second entry/exit part 132 and the third entry/exit part 133 are connected. Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the second valve 130 through the first inlet/outlet 131, and the first hot gas flow path ( 105) is introduced.

In addition, the refrigerant of the first hot gas flow path 105 passes through the first evaporator 110 , and in this process, heat is supplied to the first evaporator 110 to be generated in the first evaporator 110 . ice can be removed

The refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator 110 flows into the second valve 130 through the third inlet and outlet 133 , and the third valve 130 through the second inlet and outlet 142 . will move to the side.

Meanwhile, the operation mode of the third valve 140 is the same as the operation mode of the third valve 140 in FIG. 4 .

That is, the first entry/exit part 141 and the second entry/exit part 142 of the third valve 140 are connected, and the third entry/exit part 143 and the fourth entry/exit part 144 are connected. Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the second valve 130 flows into the third valve 140 through the first inlet/outlet 141 and the third valve ( 140) is released.

The refrigerant discharged from the third valve 140 flows into the first valve 120 through the dryer 125 . The refrigerant flowing into the first valve 120 flows into the second evaporator 150 through the second refrigerant passage 104 , and the flow into the first evaporator 110 is limited. That is, when the refrigerator 10 operates in the refrigerating compartment defrost mode, the refrigerant inflow into the first evaporator 110 is limited, and the cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment 20 is performed by supplying the refrigerant to the second evaporator 150 . will do

According to this action, even when the defrosting operation of the first evaporator 110 is performed, the cooling operation of the freezing chamber 30 can be performed, so that the deterioration of the cooling performance of the refrigerator can be prevented.

7 is a view showing the configuration of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which first and second pipes and pins are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a diagram showing the configuration of a pin according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the second evaporator 150 will be mainly described. Since the configuration of the first evaporator 110 is similar to that of the second evaporator, a detailed description will be omitted, and the description of the second evaporator 150 will be cited.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in the second evaporator 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of refrigerant pipes 151 and 170 through which refrigerants having different states can flow, and the plurality of refrigerant pipes 151 and 170 are coupled to each other. A fin 155 that increases the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the fluid is included.

In detail, in the plurality of refrigerant pipes 151 and 170 , a first pipe 151 through which the refrigerant decompressed in the second expansion device 104a flows and a second pipe 170 through which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 102 is supplied. ) is included.

The refrigerant in the second pipe 170 is a refrigerant that has not been depressurized in the second expansion device 104a, that is, a refrigerant that bypasses the second expansion device 104a, and flows through the first pipe 151. It may have a higher temperature than that of the refrigerant.

The second pipe 170 constitutes at least a portion of the second hot gas flow path 106 . Meanwhile, the second pipe provided in the first evaporator 110 may constitute at least a portion of the first hot gas flow path 105 .

The second evaporator 150 further includes coupling plates 160 and 165 for fixing the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 .

In detail, a plurality of coupling plates 160 and 165 may be provided on both sides of the second evaporator 150 . In detail, in the coupling plates 160 and 165 , the first plate 160 and the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 supporting one side of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 are provided. A second plate 165 for supporting the other side of the is included. The first and second plates 160 and 165 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

The first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 are connected in one direction from the first plate 160 to the second plate 165 and in the other direction from the second plate 165 to the first plate 160 . It may be configured to be bent in the direction.

In addition, the first and second plates 160 and 165 fix both sides of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 to prevent shaking of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 . . For example, the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 may be disposed to pass through the first and second plates 160 and 165 .

The first and second plates 160 and 165 may have a plate shape extending in a longitudinal direction, and may have through-holes 166a and 166b through which at least a portion of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 pass. have. In detail, the through-holes 166a and 166b include a first through-hole 166a through which the first pipe 151 passes and a second through-hole 166b through which the second pipe 170 passes. .

The first pipe 151 extends toward the second plate 165 through the first through-hole 166a of the first plate 160, and the first through-hole ( After passing through 166a), the direction may be changed and arranged to extend toward the first plate 160 again.

The second pipe 170 passes through the second through hole 166b of the first plate 160 and extends toward the second plate 165, and the second through hole of the second plate 165 ( After passing through 166b), the direction may be changed and arranged to extend toward the first plate 160 again.

In the second evaporator 150, a first inlet portion 151a for guiding the inflow of the refrigerant into the first pipe 151 and a first outlet for guiding the discharge of the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 151 A portion 151b is included. The first inlet 151a and the first outlet 151b form at least a portion of the first pipe 151 .

For example, the two-phase refrigerant decompressed in the second expansion device 104a flows into the second evaporator 150 through the first inlet 151a, is evaporated during heat exchange, and the first outlet It is discharged from the second evaporator 150 through the portion 151b.

In the second evaporator 150 , a second inlet 171 , which guides the inflow of the refrigerant into the second pipe 170 , and a second outflow that guides the discharge of the refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 170 . A portion 172 is included. The second inlet 171 and the second outlet 172 form at least a portion of the second pipe 170 .

For example, in the defrosting mode of the second evaporator 150, the high-temperature refrigerant condensed in the condenser 102 flows into the second evaporator 150 through the second inlet 171, and heat exchange is performed. In the process, the ice generated in the second evaporator 150 is removed and discharged from the second evaporator 150 through the second outlet 172 .

A plurality of the pins 155 are provided to be spaced apart from each other, and the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 are disposed to pass through the plurality of pins 155 . In detail, the fins 155 may be arranged to form a plurality of rows in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, respectively.

The coupling plates 160 and 165 include hooks 162 and 167 coupled to the inner case 13 . The hooks 162 and 167 are disposed on the respective upper portions of the coupling plates 160 and 165 . In detail, the hooks 162 and 167 include a first hook 162 provided on the first plate 160 and a second hook 167 provided on the second plate 165 .

First and second support portions 163 and 168 through which the second pipe 171 can pass are formed in the coupling plates 160 and 165 , respectively. The first and second support portions 163 and 168 are disposed under each of the coupling plates 160 and 165 . In detail, the first and second support parts 163 and 168 include a first support part 163 provided on the first plate 160 and a second support part 168 provided on the second plate 165 .

The second pipe 171 includes an extension 175 forming a lower end of the second evaporator 150 . In detail, the extension part 175 is configured to extend further downward than the lowest pin among the plurality of pins 155 . In addition, the extension part 175 may be installed to be located inside the water collecting part 180 (refer to FIG. 12 ), which will be described later.

The second pipe 171 coupled to the lower portion of the first and second coupling plates 160 and 165 may be inserted into the first and second support portions 163 and 168 to extend toward the central portion of the second evaporator 150 . By the configuration in which the second pipe 171 extends through the first and second support parts 163 and 168 , the extension part 175 may be stably supported by the second evaporator 150 .

The high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the extension part 175 may melt the ice present in the water collecting part 180 , and the melted defrost water may be drained into the machine room 50 .

The first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 may be installed to pass through the plurality of pins 155 . The plurality of pins 155 may be disposed to be spaced apart by a set distance.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the fin 155 has a fin body 156 having a substantially quadrangular plate shape and is formed on the fin body 156 and includes the first pipe 151 and the second pipe. A plurality of through-holes 157 and 158 through which 170 passes are included.

The plurality of through-holes 157 and 158 include a first through-hole 157 through which the first pipe 151 passes and a second through-hole 158 through which the second pipe 170 passes. The first and second through holes 157 and 158 may be arranged in one row.

The inner diameter of the first through hole 157 and the inner diameter of the second through hole 158 may have different sizes.

For example, the inner diameter of the first through hole 157 may be larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole 158 . In other words, the outer diameter of the first pipe 151 may be larger than the outer diameter of the second pipe 170 .

Since the first pipe 151 guides the flow of the refrigerant performing the original function of the second evaporator 150, a relatively large amount of refrigerant flow is required, and the second pipe 170 is connected to the second evaporator This is because a relatively small amount of refrigerant flow is required because the flow of high-temperature refrigerant is guided for a certain time only when the defrost operation of 150 is required.

The pin 155 further includes collars 159 protruding from the first and second through holes 157 and 158, respectively. The collar 159 may be understood as a configuration for reducing thermal resistance by increasing the contact area of the first and second pipes 151 and 170 inserted into the first and second through holes 157 and 158. .

The first and second pipes 151 and 170 may be inserted into the first and second through-holes 157 and 158, respectively, and then be in close contact with the collar 159 through a pipe expansion process.

A plurality of the first through-holes 157 and the second through-holes 158 are formed, respectively. In detail, between the two first through-holes 157 , the two second through-holes 158 may be arranged to be aligned. In other words, the plurality of second through-holes 158 may be disposed between any one of the first through-holes 157 and the other of the first through-holes 157 . And, corresponding to the arrangement of the first and second through-holes 157 and 158 , a plurality of second pipes 170 may be positioned between the plurality of first pipes 151 .

Hereinafter, another embodiment related to the configuration of the pin will be described. The description and reference numerals of the first embodiment are used for the contents except for the configuration of the pins.

10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pin according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pin according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 10 , in the fin 255 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fin body 256 and the fin body 256 are formed on the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 . ) through which a plurality of through-holes 257 and 258 are included.

The plurality of through-holes 257 and 258 include a first through-hole 257 through which the first pipe 151 passes and a second through-hole 258 through which the second pipe 170 passes. The first and second through-holes 257 and 258 may be arranged in one row.

An inner diameter of the first through hole 257 may be larger than an inner diameter of the second through hole 258 . Also, the pin 255 further includes collars 259 protruding from the first and second through holes 257 and 258, respectively.

The second through-holes 258 may be disposed between the plurality of first through-holes 257 . In detail, between the two first through-holes 257 , one second through-hole 258 may be arranged to be aligned. And, corresponding to the arrangement of the first and second through-holes 257 and 258 , the second pipe 170 may be positioned between the plurality of first pipes 151 .

Next, referring to FIG. 11 , in the fin 355 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fin body 356 and the fin body 356 are formed in the first pipe 151 and the second pipe ( A plurality of through-holes 357 and 358 through which 170 passes are included.

The plurality of through-holes 357 and 358 include a first through-hole 357 through which the first pipe 151 passes and a second through-hole 358 through which the second pipe 170 passes. The first and second through-holes 357 and 358 may be arranged in one row.

An inner diameter of the first through hole 357 may be larger than an inner diameter of the second through hole 358 . Also, the pin 355 further includes collars 359 protruding from the first and second through holes 357 and 358, respectively.

A plurality of the first through-holes 357 and the second through-holes 358 are formed, respectively. In detail, the plurality of first through-holes 357 and the plurality of second through-holes 358 may be alternately disposed with each other. For example, three of the first through-holes 357 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and the second through-hole 358 may be disposed between the two first through-holes 357 . And, corresponding to the arrangement of the first and second through-holes 357 and 358, the first pipe 357 is arranged in three rows in the horizontal direction and the second pipe 358 is arranged in two rows, and the first, Each row of two tubing 357 and 358 may be arranged alternately.

12 and 13 are views showing an installation state of the freezer compartment evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 and 13 , in the refrigerator 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, ice or water installed under the second evaporator 150 and removed from the second evaporator 150 is collected. A water collecting unit 180 is further included.

The water collecting part 180 extends in the left and right directions to have a width corresponding to the horizontal width of the second evaporator 150 .

In addition, the water collecting unit 180 includes an inclined surface 182 that is inclined downward toward a substantially central portion of the water collecting unit 180 . Due to the inclined surface 182 , the ice or water removed by the second evaporator 150 may easily flow toward the approximately central portion of the water collecting unit 180 .

A discharge unit 185 for discharging water stored in the water collecting unit 180 downward is formed in a substantially central portion of the water collecting unit 180 . That is, the inclined surface 182 may extend from both sides of the water collecting unit 180 to be inclined toward the discharge unit 185 .

Water drained through the discharge part 185 may be introduced into the machine room 50 . A drain pipe (not shown) may be connected to the discharge unit 185 . The drain pipe extends downward from the discharge part 185 and may guide water to a defrost water fan (not shown) installed in the machine room 50 .

The extension part 175 of the second pipe 170 may be located inside the water collecting part 180 . In detail, the extension portion 175 of the second pipe 170 includes a portion inclined downward to correspond to the inclined shape of the water collecting portion 180 . The extension part 175 may extend adjacent to the upper surface of the water collecting part 180 or spaced apart by a set distance. The refrigerant flowing through the extension part 175 acts to melt the ice that is removed from the second evaporator 150 and has fallen into the water collecting part 180 .

According to this configuration, even if the ice of the second evaporator 150 does not completely melt by the second pipe 170 and falls to the water collecting unit 180 , the heat supplied from the extension unit 175 can It is possible to change the phase with defrost water.

10: refrigerator 11: cabinet
12: outer case 13: inner case
101: compressor 102: condenser
105: first hot gas flow path 106: second hot gas flow path
110: first evaporator 120: first valve
130: second valve 140: third valve
150: second evaporator 151: first pipe
155: pin 157,158: through hole
160,165: coupling plate 170: second pipe
175: extension 180: catchment part

Claims (17)

a compressor that compresses the refrigerant;
a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor;
an expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; and
first and second evaporators for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, wherein the first and second evaporators bypass the first pipe and the expansion device through which the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device flows, respectively a second pipe through which a refrigerant having a higher temperature than that of the refrigerant in the pipe flows;
a first valve provided on the inlet side of the first and second evaporators and for introducing a refrigerant into any one of the first and second evaporators;
a second valve provided on the inlet side of the first valve;
a first hot gas flow path connected to the second valve and supplying the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to a second pipe of the first evaporator;
a third valve provided on the inlet side of the first valve; and
and a second hot gas flow path connected to the third valve and configured to supply the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to a second pipe of the second evaporator. The method of claim 1,
The first and second evaporators include fins coupled to the first and second pipes, respectively,
In the pin,
a first through hole through which the first pipe passes; and
A refrigerator including a second through hole through which the second pipe passes. 3. The method of claim 2,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the first through-hole and the second through-hole are arranged in one row. 3. The method of claim 2,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the inner diameter of the first through hole and the inner diameter of the second through hole have different sizes. 5. The method of claim 4,
An inner diameter of the first through hole is larger than an inner diameter of the second through hole. 3. The method of claim 2,
A plurality of the first through-holes are formed,
The second through-hole is a refrigerator, characterized in that it is disposed between the plurality of first through-holes. 3. The method of claim 2,
A plurality of the first through-hole and the second through-hole are formed, respectively,
The plurality of second through-holes are disposed between the plurality of first through-holes. 3. The method of claim 2,
A plurality of the first through-hole and the second through-hole are formed, respectively,
The plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes are alternately arranged. The method of claim 1,
In the evaporator,
A plurality of coupling plates for supporting both sides of the first pipe and the second pipe are included,
The first pipe and the second pipe are coupled to a first coupling plate among the plurality of coupling plates and extend toward the second coupling plate. The method of claim 1,
The refrigerator is provided under the evaporator and further includes a water collecting unit for collecting ice or water removed from the evaporator. 11. The method of claim 10,
In the second pipe,
and an extension part located inside the water collecting unit and providing heat for melting the ice stored in the water collecting unit. 12. The method of claim 11,
The extension portion is a refrigerator, characterized in that located further lower than the lowermost portion of the plurality of pins. 12. The method of claim 11,
In the collecting part,
a discharge unit through which the defrost water existing in the water collecting unit is discharged; and
and inclined surfaces extending downwardly from both sides of the water collecting unit toward the discharge unit. 14. The method of claim 13,
The extension portion corresponds to the inclined surface of the water collecting portion, and the refrigerator is characterized in that it extends in an inclined manner. The method of claim 1,
The first evaporator is a refrigerating compartment evaporator for cooling the refrigerating compartment,
The second evaporator is a refrigerator that is a freezer compartment evaporator for cooling the freezer compartment. delete delete

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