KR102407651B1 - 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; a first expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant depressurized in the first expansion device; a first valve device provided on the outlet side of the compressor and guiding the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the condenser; a second valve device provided on the outlet side of the condenser and guiding the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the evaporator; and a hot gas flow path connected to the first valve device and supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the evaporator.

Description

refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is provided with a plurality of storage chambers for accommodating stored food to freeze or refrigerate food, and one surface of the storage chamber 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 cold air stored in the freezing chamber may be cooled while passing through the evaporator and supplied back to the freezing chamber, and at least some of the cooled cold air may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber.

On the other hand, the conventional refrigerator may further include a defrost heater provided to remove the frost on the evaporator. When the amount of implantation 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): 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; a first expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant depressurized in the first expansion device; a first valve device provided on the outlet side of the compressor and guiding the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the condenser; a second valve device provided on the outlet side of the condenser and guiding the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the evaporator; and a hot gas flow path connected to the first valve device and supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the evaporator.

In addition, the hot gas passage includes a first connection passage extending from the first valve device to the evaporator; and a second connection passage extending from the evaporator to the second valve device.

In addition, the first valve device includes a four-way valve having four ports.

In addition, the first valve device, a first port connected to the outlet pipe of the compressor; and a second port connected to the inlet pipe of the condenser.

In addition, the first valve device further includes a third port connected to the first connection passage.

In addition, a third connection passage extending from the first valve device to the suction-side pipe of the compressor is further included, and the first valve device further includes a fourth port to which the third connection passage is connected.

In addition, the first expansion device is installed, the evaporator inlet pipe for guiding the refrigerant inflow into the evaporator; and an evaporator outlet pipe for guiding the refrigerant passing through the evaporator to the compressor.

In addition, the evaporator, a first pipe connected to the evaporator inlet pipe; a second pipe connected to the first and second connection passages; and a pin coupled to the first and second pipes.

In addition, the second valve device includes a three-way valve having three ports.

In addition, the second valve device includes a first port connected to a pipe connecting the condenser and the second valve device; and a second port connected to the evaporator inlet pipe.

In addition, the second valve device further includes a third port to which the second connection passage is connected.

In addition, a second expansion device installed in the second connection passage is further included.

In addition, the first expansion device or the second expansion device includes a capillary tube.

In addition, when the first operation mode is performed, the first valve device operates to introduce the refrigerant discharged from the compressor into the condenser, and the second valve device expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to the first expansion. It works to flow into the device.

In addition, when the second operation mode is performed, the first valve device operates to guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the hot gas flow path and guide the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to the suction side pipe of the compressor, The second valve device is characterized in that it operates to guide the refrigerant of the hot gas flow path to the condenser.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor; a first expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; an evaporator provided with a first pipe for evaporating the refrigerant depressurized in the first expansion device and a second pipe through which the refrigerant for defrosting flows; a first valve device provided on the outlet side of the compressor and guiding the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the condenser; a second valve device provided on the outlet side of the condenser and guiding the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the evaporator; a first connection passage extending from the first valve device to a second pipe of the evaporator; a second connection passage extending from the second pipe of the evaporator to the second valve device; and a second expansion device installed in the second connection passage.

In addition, when the operation mode for cooling the storage chamber is performed, the first valve device and the second valve device operate to limit the refrigerant flow in the first and second connection passages.

In addition, when the operation mode for defrosting the evaporator is performed, the first valve device and the second valve device operate to guide the refrigerant to flow through the first connection passage, the evaporator, and the second connection passage. characterized in that

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, thereby reducing costs.

In particular, during the defrosting operation, the reverse cycle is driven, and the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows to the evaporator to be defrosted to perform the defrost, and during the defrosting, the pressure is reduced after condensation is made, and the refrigerant evaporates while passing through the condenser. this can be done

In addition, since valve devices are provided on the inlet side and the outlet side of the condenser, respectively, to easily control the flow of refrigerant during normal operation and defrost operation, it is possible to effectively perform the cooling operation of the storage room and the defrosting operation of the evaporator.

In addition, 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 pin to which the first and second pipes are coupled. Since the old ice can be melted, the defrosting efficiency can be improved.

That is, compared with the prior art of defrosting the evaporator in a convection or radiation method using a defrost heater, heat from a high-temperature refrigerant can be transferred to the evaporator in a conductive manner, so that the defrost efficiency is improved and thus the defrost time is shortened. It is shortened and has the effect of preventing excessive temperature rise of the storage room during defrosting operation.

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.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3 .
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 3 .
6 is a view showing the configuration of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing a state in which first and second pipes and pins are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a cycle diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a first operation mode.
9 is a cycle diagram showing a flow state of a refrigerant when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a second operation mode.
10 to 14 are graphs showing experimental results performed according to set conditions with respect to a refrigerator 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 is a cycle diagram showing the , FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3 , and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 3 .

1 to 5 , the refrigerator 10 according to the 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 may be 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 pulled out forward.

define the direction With respect to the cabinet 10 of FIG. 1 , the direction in which the refrigerating compartment door 25 is positioned is referred to as “front”, the opposite direction is referred to as “rear”, and the direction toward the side of the cabinet 10 is referred to as “side”. do.

And, in the cabinet 11, the outer case 12 forming the exterior of the refrigerator 10 and at least a part of the inner surface of the refrigerating compartment 20 or the freezing compartment 30 disposed inside the outer case 12 An inner case 13 to form is included. The inner case 13 includes a refrigerating compartment side inner case forming an inner surface of the refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment side inner case forming an inner surface of the freezing compartment.

A panel 15 is provided on the rear surface 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.

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. An installation space in which the 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 an evaporator 150 for cooling the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30, respectively. The evaporator 150 is disposed at the rear side of the freezing compartment 30, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 150 passes through the refrigerating compartment cold air discharge unit 22 and the freezing compartment cold air discharge unit, and the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment ( 30), respectively.

The evaporator 150 may be caught in the inner case 13 . For example, the evaporator 150 includes hooks 162 and 167 (refer to FIG. 6 ) 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 for condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101, and a plurality of expansion devices 105 and 106 for decompressing the refrigerant and an evaporator 150 for evaporating the refrigerant.

The refrigerator 10 further includes a refrigerant pipe 100a connecting the compressor 101, the condenser 102, the expansion devices 105 and 106, and the evaporator 150 to guide the flow of the refrigerant.

The plurality of expansion devices 105 and 106 include a first expansion device 105 for expanding the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 110 in the first operation mode (cooling mode) of the refrigerator 10 and the refrigerator 10 . A second expansion device 106 for expanding the refrigerant to be introduced into the condenser 102 in the second operation mode (defrost mode) is included. The first and second expansion devices 105 and 106 may include capillary tubes.

The first expansion device 105 may be installed in the evaporator inlet pipe 197 installed on the inlet side of the evaporator 150 . The evaporator inlet pipe 197 is understood as a pipe extending from the second valve device 130 to the evaporator 150 .

In addition, the second expansion device 106 may be installed in the second connection passage 184 .

In the refrigerator (10), a first valve device (120) disposed on the outlet side of the compressor (101) for guiding the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) to the condenser (102) or the evaporator (150) is further included.

The first valve device 120 may be installed in a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor 101 and the condenser 102 . In addition, the first valve device 120 includes a four-way valve having four ports for inflow or outflow of the refrigerant.

In the refrigerator 10, it is installed in a refrigerant pipe connecting the condenser 102 and the evaporator 150, and when the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 102 is removed from the first operation mode. 1 The second valve device 130 for guiding to the expansion device 105 is further included. The second valve device 130 includes a three-way valve having three ports for inflow or outflow of the refrigerant.

When the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode, the first expansion device 105 may be positioned between the second valve device 130 and the evaporator 150 based on the refrigerant flow path.

In the refrigerator 10 , a first connection passage 182 extending from the first valve device 120 to the evaporator 150 and the first connection passage 182 are connected to the evaporator 150 . A second connection passage 184 extending to the second valve device 130 is further included.

The second connection passage 184 and the evaporator inlet pipe 197 may be arranged in parallel with each other. That is, the evaporator inlet pipe 197 and the second connection passage 184 are pipes extending from the second valve device 130 to the evaporator 150, respectively, and the second connection passage 184 is the It is connected in parallel with respect to the evaporator inlet pipe (197).

The evaporator inlet pipe 197 is connected to the first pipe 151 of the evaporator 150 , and the second connection passage 184 is connected to the second pipe 170 of the evaporator 150 .

The first connection passage 182 and the second connection passage 184 supply the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 to the evaporator 150 when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode. It is understood as a “hot gas flow path” for defrosting the evaporator 150 . The hot gas flow paths 182 and 184 may be coupled to the evaporator 150 .

The refrigerator 10 further includes a third connection passage 186 extending from the first valve device 120 to the suction-side pipe of the compressor 101 . When the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode, the third connection passage 186 guides the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 to the inlet side of the compressor 101 .

The refrigerant pipe 100a provided on the inlet side of the compressor 101 includes a lamination part 110 to which the third connection passage 186 is connected. When the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode, the refrigerant flowing through the third connection passage 186 may be sucked into the compressor 101 via the laminating unit 110 .

The configuration of the first valve device 120 and the second valve device 130 will be described in detail.

The first valve device 120 includes four ports 121 , 123 , 125 , and 127 for guiding the inflow or outflow of the refrigerant.

In detail, the first valve device 120 includes a first port 121 connected to a compressor outlet pipe 191 extending from the outlet side of the compressor 101 to the first valve device 120 . . The first port 121 is understood as an inlet port that guides the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 to flow into the first valve device 120 .

The first valve device 120 further includes a second port 123 connected to a condenser inlet pipe 193 extending from the first valve device 120 to the condenser 102 . The second port 123 is understood as an outlet port for guiding the refrigerant flowing into the second valve device 120 to the condenser inlet pipe 193 when the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode. . On the other hand, the second port 123 is an inlet port for introducing the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 into the first valve device 120 when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode. can be understood as

The first valve device 120 further includes a third port 125 connected to the first connection passage 182 . The third port 125 is understood as an outlet port for guiding the refrigerant flowing into the second valve device 120 to the first connection passage 182 when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode. do.

The first valve device 120 further includes a fourth port 127 connected to the third connection passage 186 . The fourth port 127 is understood as an outlet port for guiding the refrigerant flowing into the second valve device 120 to the third connection passage 186 when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode. do.

The second valve device 130 includes three ports 131 , 133 , and 135 for guiding the inflow or outflow of the refrigerant.

The second valve device 130 includes a first port 131 connected to a condenser outlet pipe 195 extending from the condenser 102 to the second valve device 130 . The first port 131 is understood as an inlet port through which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the second valve device 130 when the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode. On the other hand, the first port 131 is an outlet for discharging the refrigerant flowing into the second valve device 130 to the condenser outlet pipe 195 when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode. understood as a port.

The second valve device 130 further includes a second port 133 connected to the evaporator inlet pipe 197 . The second port 133 is understood as an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant flowing into the second valve device 130 to the evaporator inlet pipe 197 when the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode. do.

The second valve device 130 further includes a third port 135 connected to the second connection passage 184 . The third port 135 is understood as an inlet port for introducing the refrigerant of the second connection passage 184 into the second valve device 130 when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode. .

The refrigerator 10 further includes blowing fans 102a and 150a provided on one side of the heat exchangers 102 and 150 to blow air. The blowing fans 102a and 150a include a condensation fan 102a provided at one side of the condenser 102 and an evaporation fan 150a provided at one side of the evaporator 150 .

6 is a view showing the configuration of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which first and second pipes and fins are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in the evaporator 150 according to the 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 the refrigerant. and a fin 155 that increases the heat exchange area of the fluid.

In detail, in the plurality of refrigerant pipes 151 and 170 , the first pipe 151 through which the refrigerant decompressed in the first expansion device 105 flows when the first operation mode of the refrigerator 10 is performed and the refrigerator 10 . A second pipe 170 to which the refrigerant flowing through the first connection passage 182 is supplied when the second operation mode is performed is included. That is, the second pipe 170 constitutes at least a portion of the hot gas flow passages 182 and 184, and may be referred to as a “hot gas pipe”.

The refrigerant of the second pipe 170 is a high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 , and has a higher temperature than the refrigerant that is decompressed in the first expansion device 105 and flows through the first pipe 151 . can have

The 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 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 from the second plate 165 to the first plate 160 . It may be configured to be bent in the other 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 the 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, 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 evaporator 150, a first inlet part 151a for guiding the inflow of the refrigerant into the first pipe 151 and a first outlet part for guiding the discharge of the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 151 ( 151b). The first inlet 151a and the first outlet 151b form at least a portion of the first pipe 151 .

The first inlet 151a may be connected to the evaporator inlet pipe 197 , and the first outlet 151b may be connected to an evaporator outlet pipe 198 installed at the outlet side of the evaporator 150 . .

For example, when the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode, the two-phase refrigerant decompressed in the first expansion device 105 flows into the evaporator 150 through the first inlet 151a and evaporates. , is discharged from the evaporator 150 through the first outlet 151b and flows through the evaporator outlet pipe 198 .

In the evaporator 150, a second inlet 171 for guiding the inflow of the refrigerant into the second pipe 170, and a second outlet for guiding the discharge of the refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 170 ( 172) are included. The second inlet 171 and the second outlet 172 form at least a portion of the second pipe 170 .

The second inlet 171 may be connected to the first connection passage 182 , and the second outlet 172 may be connected to the second connection passage 184 .

For example, when the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the first connection passage 182 flows into the evaporator 150 through the second inlet 171 , Ice generated in the evaporator 150 is removed during the heat exchange process, and is discharged from the evaporator 150 through the second outlet 172 and flows through the second connection passage 184 .

A plurality of the pins 155 are provided to be spaced apart from each other. In addition, 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 170 can pass are formed in the coupling plates 160 and 165 , respectively. The first and second support parts 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 170 includes an extension 175 forming a lower end of the evaporator 150 . In detail, the extension part 175 is configured to extend further downward than the lowermost pin among the plurality of pins 155 . In addition, the extension part 175 may be located inside the water collecting unit (not shown) to supply heat to residual ice present in the water collecting unit. The melted defrost water may be drained into the machine room 50 .

By the extension part 175 , the second pipe 170 may be inserted into the first and second support parts 163 and 168 to extend toward the central part of the evaporator 150 . That is, by the configuration in which the second pipe 170 extends through the first and second support parts 163 and 168 , the extension part 175 can be stably supported by the evaporator 150 .

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, the pin 155 has a fin body 156 having a substantially rectangular plate shape and a plurality of through-holes 157 and 158 formed in the fin body and through which the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 170 pass. ) is 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 .

Because the first pipe 151 guides the flow of the refrigerant performing the original function of the evaporator 150, a relatively large amount of refrigerant flow is required. On the other hand, since the second pipe 170 guides the flow of the high-temperature refrigerant for a predetermined time only when the defrosting operation of the evaporator 150 is required, a relatively small amount of refrigerant flow is required.

8 is a cycle diagram showing a flow of refrigerant when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a first operation mode, and FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a refrigerant when a second operation mode of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed. A cycle diagram showing

Referring to FIG. 8 , when the refrigerator operates in the cooling mode for cooling the storage chambers 20 and 30 as the first operation mode, the first valve device 120 and the second valve device 130 are controlled to a predetermined operating mode. can The first operation mode may be referred to as a “normal mode”.

When the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode, the first valve device 120 may be controlled in the first operation mode.

In detail, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 flows into the first port 121 of the first valve device 120 and is discharged through the second port 123 . The refrigerant discharged from the first valve device 120 may be introduced into the condenser 102 to be condensed.

The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the second valve device 130 . The second valve device 130 may be controlled in the first operating mode.

In detail, the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the first port 131 of the second valve device 130 and is discharged through the second port 133 . The refrigerant discharged from the second valve device 130 flows into the first pipe 151 of the evaporator 150 via the evaporator inlet pipe 197 . At this time, the refrigerant may be introduced into the evaporator 150 after being decompressed while passing through the first expansion device 105 .

After the refrigerant evaporates in the process of flowing through the first pipe 151 , it is discharged from the evaporator 150 , and flows through the evaporator outlet pipe 198 . In addition, the refrigerant may be sucked into the compressor 101 and compressed. This cycle may be repeated.

That is, when the refrigerator 10 performs the first operation mode, the first valve device 120 and the second valve device 130 limit the refrigerant flow in the first and second connection passages 182 and 184. can work

Referring to FIG. 9 , when the refrigerator operates in a defrost mode in which the evaporator is defrosted as the second operation mode, the first valve device 120 and the second valve device 130 may be controlled in a predetermined operating mode.

When the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode, the first valve device 120 may be controlled in the second operation mode.

In detail, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 flows into the first port 121 of the first valve device 120 and is discharged through the third port 125 . The refrigerant discharged from the first valve device 120 flows through the first connection passage 182 .

The refrigerant of the first connection passage 182 flows into the second evaporator 150 through the second pipe 171 of the evaporator 150 . That is, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 may flow into the second evaporator 150 . In this process, the refrigerant may supply heat to the evaporator 150 to remove ice deposited on the evaporator 150 .

The refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 170 of the evaporator 150 is discharged to the second connection passage 184 , and may be decompressed in the second expansion device 106 .

The second valve device 130 may be controlled in a second operation mode. In detail, the refrigerant of the second connection passage 184 flows into the third port 135 of the second valve device 130 and is discharged through the first port 131 .

The refrigerant discharged from the second valve device 130 may be introduced into the condenser 102 and may be evaporated while passing through the condenser 102 . At this time, the condensing fan 102a may be operated at a preset rotation speed.

The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 102 may flow into the second port 123 of the first valve device 120 , and may be discharged through the fourth port 127 . The refrigerant discharged from the first valve device 120 flows through the third connection passage 186 , and may be sucked into the compressor 101 via the laminating unit 110 . This cycle may be repeated.

As such, in the defrosting operation mode of the evaporator 150 , the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 may defrost the evaporator 150 while passing through the evaporator 150 . And, in the defrosting process, the refrigerant may be condensed, decompressed while passing through the second expansion device 106 , and evaporated while passing through the condenser 102 .

As a result, when the second operation mode of the refrigerator 10 is performed, the functions of the condenser 102 and the evaporator 150 are opposite to those of the first operation mode, that is, they can function as an evaporator and a condenser, and in the process of performing these functions, The defrosting of the evaporator can be made effectively.

10 to 14 are graphs showing experimental results performed according to set conditions with respect to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the refrigerator 10 performs the second operation mode, the refrigerant flow rate, the defrost time, and the condenser 102 according to the design dimension, for example, the length or diameter value of the second expansion device 106 acting to reduce the refrigerant pressure. Since the temperature, etc. may vary, the design dimension of the second expansion device 106 capable of improving the operating efficiency of the compressor while reducing the defrosting operation time may be predetermined.

First, FIG. 10 is an experimental graph showing how the refrigerant flow rate (kg/s) varies according to the length (mm) of the second expansion device 106 . For example, the diameter of the second expansion device 106 has a constant value of A (mm). For example, A may be 0.75 mm. In addition, the input day or input power (hereinafter, input day) of the compressor 101 is fixed to a set value.

Referring to FIG. 10 , when the refrigerator 10 performs the defrosting operation mode, as the length of the second expansion device 106 increases, the refrigerant flow rate decreases. That is, when the length of the second expansion device 106 increases, the resistance increases in terms of refrigerant flow, and thus the refrigerant flow rate decreases.

In order to maintain the defrost performance of the evaporator 150 above a required level, the refrigerant flow rate needs to be formed to be greater than or equal to the set flow rate m1. In the experiment according to this embodiment, the length of the second expansion device 106 for forming the set flow rate m1 or more is determined as L1. For example, the set flow rate m1 is 0.00033 kg/s and L1 is 2,000 mm, and thus, the length of the second expansion device 106 may be determined to be 2,000 mm or less.

11 is an experimental graph showing how the refrigerant flow rate (kg/s) varies according to the diameter (mm) of the second expansion device 106 . For example, the length of the second expansion device 106 has a constant value of B (mm). For example, B may be 2,000 mm. And, the input date of the compressor 101 is fixed as a set value.

Referring to FIG. 11 , when the refrigerator 10 performs the defrost operation mode, as the diameter of the second expansion device 106 increases, the refrigerant flow rate increases. That is, when the diameter of the second expansion device 106 increases, the size of the resistance decreases from the viewpoint of the refrigerant flow, and thus the refrigerant flow rate increases.

In order to maintain the defrosting performance of the evaporator 150 above a required level, the refrigerant flow rate needs to be set to be greater than or equal to the set flow rate m1. In the experiment according to this embodiment, the diameter of the second expansion device 106 for forming the set flow rate m1 or more is determined as D1. For example, the D1 is 0.70 mm, and thus, the diameter of the second expansion device 106 may be determined to be 0.70 mm or more.

12 is an experimental graph showing a change in the refrigerant flow rate (kg/s) circulating the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator 10 according to an increase in the pressure drop amount (bar) for a predetermined input day of the compressor 101 .

The experiment was performed 4 times with different input days of the compressor 101 . From the first input day to the fourth input day of the compressor 101, the size of the input day increases. For example, the second input date may be determined to be 20% greater than the first input date, the third input date may be 40% greater than the first input date, and the fourth input date may be determined to be 60% greater than the first input date. This definition may be equally applied to FIG. 13 .

On the other hand, the amount of pressure drop on the horizontal axis represents the amount of pressure that is reduced in the second expansion device 106 after the evaporator 150 is defrosted. Based on the predetermined pressure drop, it can be seen that the refrigerant flow rate increases as the input day of the compressor 101 increases.

In addition, as the pressure drop is smaller, the refrigerant flow rate may increase. That is, as the opening degree of the second expansion device 105 increases, the pressure drop may decrease while the refrigerant flow rate may increase. For example, when the second expansion device 106 is formed of a capillary tube, as the inner diameter of the capillary tube increases or the length of the capillary tube becomes shorter, the pressure drop may decrease and the refrigerant flow rate may increase.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the smaller the pressure drop, the shorter the defrost time. That is, the smaller the pressure drop, the greater the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the hot gas flow paths 182 and 184, so that the defrost performance is improved and the defrost time is correspondingly shortened.

And, as the amount of work input to the compressor 101 increases, the refrigerant flow rate circulating in the system may increase, and the defrost time may be shortened.

14, it can be seen that the evaporation temperature of the condenser 102 decreases during the defrosting operation of the vertical axis as the pressure drop on the horizontal axis increases. The evaporation temperature of the condenser 102 may be meaningful in that it acts as a factor determining the suction temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 101 .

Accordingly, in order to maintain the evaporation temperature of the condenser 102 below the set value To while ensuring the defrosting performance is also higher than the set level, the refrigerator 10 according to the present embodiment sets the pressure drop to the set value Po. It can be designed to maintain more than

That is, the length or inner diameter of the second expansion device 106 may be determined so that the pressure drop may be maintained above the set value Po. For example, the set value (To) of the evaporation temperature may be about -5°C, and the set value (Po) of the pressure drop may be about 2.5 bar.

In summary, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 , as the pressure drop decreases, the refrigerant flow rate increases and the defrost time decreases. However, when the pressure drop amount is too small, the evaporation temperature or evaporation pressure of the refrigerant may increase, thereby increasing the load on the compressor. The inner diameter of the device 106 needs to be determined to be less than or equal to a set value, and its length to be greater than or equal to a set value.

In this embodiment, based on such experimental data, based on the preset input date of the compressor 101, the inner diameter of the second expansion device 106 is 0.70 mm or more and 0.90 mm or less, and the length thereof is 1,700 mm or more and 2,000 mm determined below. For example, the preset input power of the compressor 101 may be 60W.

10: refrigerator 11: cabinet
12: outer case 13: inner case
101: compressor 102: condenser
110: laminated 120: first valve device
130: second valve device 150: second evaporator
151: first pipe 155: pin
157,158: through hole 160,165: coupling plate
170: second pipe 182: first connection passage
184: second connection passage 186: third connection passage

Claims (19)

a compressor that compresses the refrigerant;
a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor;
an evaporator inlet pipe provided at the outlet side of the condenser and having a first expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser;
an evaporator connected to the evaporator inlet pipe and into which the refrigerant decompressed in the first expansion device is introduced and evaporated;
an evaporator outlet pipe connected to the evaporator and guiding the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator to the compressor;
a first valve device provided on the outlet side of the compressor and guiding the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the condenser;
a second valve device provided on the outlet side of the condenser and guiding the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the evaporator; and
a hot gas flow path connected to the first valve device, bypassing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor and supplying it to the evaporator;
The hot gas flow path includes a first connection flow path extending from the first valve device to the evaporator and a second connection flow path extending from the evaporator to the second valve device. delete The method of claim 1,
The first valve device includes a refrigerator including four sides having four ports. 4. The method of claim 3,
In the first valve device,
a first port connected to an outlet pipe of the compressor; and
A refrigerator comprising a second port connected to the inlet pipe of the condenser. 5. The method of claim 4,
In the first valve device,
A refrigerator further comprising a third port connected to the first connection passage. 6. The method of claim 5,
A third connection passage extending from the first valve device to the suction side pipe of the compressor is further included,
The first valve device further includes a fourth port to which the third connection passage is connected. delete The method of claim 1,
In the evaporator,
a first pipe connected to the evaporator inlet pipe;
a second pipe through which the refrigerant fluidly separated from the refrigerant of the first pipe flows, and is connected to the first connection flow path and the second connection flow path; and
A refrigerator including a pin coupled to the first and second pipes. 9. The method of claim 8,
The second valve device includes a refrigerator having a three-way side provided with three ports. 10. The method of claim 9,
In the second valve device,
a first port connected to a pipe connecting the condenser and the second valve device; and
A refrigerator comprising a second port connected to the evaporator inlet pipe. 11. The method of claim 10,
In the second valve device,
The refrigerator further includes a third port to which the second connection passage is connected. The method of claim 1,
A refrigerator further comprising a second expansion device installed in the second connection passage. 13. The method of claim 12,
The first expansion device or the second expansion device includes a capillary tube. The method of claim 1,
When performing the first operation mode,
The first valve device operates to introduce the refrigerant discharged from the compressor into the condenser,
The second valve device operates to introduce the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser into the first expansion device. 15. The method of claim 14,
When performing the second operation mode,
The first valve device,
It operates to guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the hot gas flow path, and to guide the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to the suction side pipe of the compressor,
The second valve device,
Refrigerator, characterized in that it operates to guide the refrigerant of the hot gas flow path to the condenser. a compressor that compresses the refrigerant;
a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor;
a first expansion device for decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser;
an evaporator provided with a first pipe for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the first expansion device and connected to an evaporator outlet pipe provided on the suction side of the compressor and a second pipe through which the refrigerant for defrosting flows;
a first valve device provided on the outlet side of the compressor and operable to guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the condenser in a first operation mode and bypass to the evaporator in a second operation mode;
a second valve device provided on the outlet side of the condenser and guiding the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the evaporator in the first operation mode;
a first connection passage extending from the first valve device to a second pipe of the evaporator;
a second connection passage extending from the second pipe of the evaporator to the second valve device; and
A second expansion device installed in the second connection passage is included,
The second valve device operates to supply the refrigerant flowing through the first connection passage, the second pipe of the evaporator, and the second connection passage to the condenser for defrosting the evaporator in the second operation mode refrigerator. 17. The method of claim 16,
When performing the first operation mode for cooling the storage room,
and the first and second valve devices operate to limit refrigerant flow in the first and second connection passages. 18. The method of claim 17,
When performing the second operation mode for defrosting the evaporator,
The first valve device and the second valve device operate,
The refrigerator, characterized in that it guides the refrigerant to flow through the first connection passage, the evaporator, and the second connection passage. 17. The method of claim 16,
The first pipe of the evaporator is provided for evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator by flowing the refrigerant decompressed in the first expansion device,
A refrigerant fluidly separated from the refrigerant of the first pipe flows through the second pipe of the evaporator, and is provided for defrosting the evaporator.

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