KR102614568B1 - Refrigerator incorporated with air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner.
An embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which a refrigerator provided with a refrigerator evaporator for cooling the storage compartment and an air conditioner provided with first and second air conditioner evaporators and a discharge portion for cooling the indoor space are integrally formed. It's about.
The integrated refrigerator is a cycle in which a first refrigerant circulates, and has a first refrigeration cycle including a first compressor, a first condenser provided on the outlet side of the first compressor, the refrigerator evaporator, and the first air conditioning evaporator. ; And a cycle in which a second refrigerant circulates may include a second refrigeration cycle including a second compressor, a second condenser provided on the outlet side of the second compressor, and the second air conditioning evaporator.

Description

Refrigerator incorporated with air conditioner {Refrigerator incorporated with air conditioner}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a door. The stored food is stored by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. It is designed to store food in optimal condition.

An air conditioner is a home appliance that maintains indoor air in the optimal condition depending on the use and purpose. For example, in the summer, the indoor space is adjusted to a cool air-conditioning state, and in the winter, the indoor space is adjusted to a warm heating state, the indoor humidity is adjusted, and the indoor air is adjusted to a pleasant clean state.

The refrigerator and air conditioner are similar in that they operate a refrigeration cycle to cool or heat air. The refrigeration cycle may be configured to perform compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of the refrigerant.

An integrated product that drives a refrigerator and an air conditioner by driving one refrigeration cycle can be proposed.

Information on prior literature related to the prior art is as follows.

Public patent patent 1999-0054805 (July 15, 1999), refrigerator with air conditioning function

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that can operate the refrigerator and air conditioner by driving a refrigeration cycle.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that can realize a compact product by integrating the refrigerator and the air conditioner into one body.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that operates the refrigerator and the air conditioner together using two compressors so that sufficient cooling power can be generated in the air conditioner.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that can reduce noise generated from the compressor and prevent unnecessary cooling power from being generated by operating only one of the two compressors when the air conditioner is not operated. .

The present invention provides an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that has an evaporator for driving the refrigerator and an evaporator for driving the air conditioner, and can distribute the required amount of refrigerant to each evaporator using an expansion valve. The purpose.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that can easily form a cooling passage and a heat dissipation passage by compactly arranging cycle parts inside the housing of the air conditioner.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which cooling performance can be improved by driving two refrigeration cycles when the air conditioner is operating and discharging air into the indoor space through two evaporators. .

In an embodiment of the present invention, a compact product can be implemented by integrating a refrigerator main body in which a storage compartment for storing goods is formed and a housing in which a cooling passage and a heat dissipation passage are formed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle can be improved by driving two refrigeration cycles when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together, and by driving one refrigeration cycle when operating only the refrigerator.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a first refrigeration cycle in which a first refrigerant passing through an evaporator of a refrigerator and some evaporators of an air conditioner circulates, and a second refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant passes through another evaporator of the air conditioner circulates. 2The refrigeration cycle can be operated selectively to improve cycle operation efficiency and reduce noise generated from the product.

In an embodiment of the present invention, load-responsive operation can be easily achieved by selectively driving the second compressor according to the operating load of the air conditioner.

In particular, when the operating load of the air conditioner is small, only the first refrigeration cycle is operated and only the primary cooling of the air is performed, enabling discharge into the indoor space.

On the other hand, when the operating load of the air conditioner is large, the first and second refrigeration cycles are operated together and the first and second cooling of the air is performed to ensure cooling performance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the air conditioner is installed on the upper side of the refrigerator, and the heat radiation passage passing through the condenser and the cooling passage passing through the evaporator can be divided into each other inside the housing, so that the passage for driving the product is provided. is easy to form.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the condensation fan and the evaporation fan for discharging conditioned air are configured as one fan assembly, so that the space for component installation within the housing can be compact.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the plurality of evaporators is composed of an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening degree, so that the amount of refrigerant flowing into each evaporator can be easily adjusted according to the load of the refrigerator and air conditioner. there is.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided on the upper side of the refrigerator, so the air discharged from the air conditioner can be easily discharged from a relatively high place toward the lower part of the indoor space.

An embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which a refrigerator provided with a refrigerator evaporator for cooling the storage compartment and an air conditioner provided with first and second air conditioner evaporators and a discharge portion for cooling the indoor space are integrally formed. It's about.

The integrated refrigerator is a cycle in which a first refrigerant circulates, and has a first refrigeration cycle including a first compressor, a first condenser provided on the outlet side of the first compressor, the refrigerator evaporator, and the first air conditioning evaporator. ; And a cycle in which the second refrigerant circulates may include a second refrigeration cycle including a second compressor, a second condenser provided on the outlet side of the second compressor, and the second air conditioning evaporator.

The first refrigeration cycle includes a plurality of evaporator inlet pipes branching from the outlet side of the first condenser to the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator; And it may include a plurality of evaporator outlet pipes connected to the outlet side of the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator.

The first refrigeration cycle may further include a low-pressure pipe that combines the plurality of evaporator outlet pipes to suck refrigerant into the first compressor.

It is provided in the plurality of evaporator inlet pipes and may include an expansion device for depressurizing the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator.

The expansion device may include an expansion valve whose opening can be adjusted to change the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioner evaporator according to the cooling load of the refrigerator and the air conditioner.

The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and the refrigerator evaporator may include a first evaporator for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a second evaporator for cooling the freezer compartment.

The expansion valve includes: a first expansion valve provided on an inlet side of the first evaporator; a second expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the second evaporator; And it may include a third expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the first air conditioning evaporator.

The second refrigeration cycle further includes a fourth expansion valve provided on the outlet side of the second condenser, and the integrated refrigerator determines whether the second compressor is driven and the fourth expansion valve according to the cooling load of the air conditioner. It may further include a control unit that determines whether to open the expansion valve.

When the control unit recognizes that the operating load of the air conditioner is a high load, the control unit drives the second compressor and opens the fourth expansion valve, and when the operating load of the air conditioner is recognized as a low load, the control unit drives the second compressor and opens the fourth expansion valve. The second compressor can be stopped and the fourth expansion valve can be closed.

It further includes an indoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the indoor space where the air conditioner is installed, and the control unit determines whether the difference between the temperature value detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the set temperature of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to the set value. Accordingly, it can be determined whether the operating load of the air conditioner is high load or low load.

The refrigerator may include a refrigerator main body that forms the storage compartment, and the air conditioner may include a housing provided adjacent to the refrigerator main body and accommodating the first and second air conditioning evaporators.

The housing includes a suction part that sucks air from an indoor space; an air conditioner fan provided on one side of the first and second air conditioning evaporators and blowing air sucked from the suction unit into the first and second air conditioning evaporators; And it may include a cooling discharge unit that discharges air that has passed through the air conditioner fan.

The first and second air conditioning evaporators may be disposed between the air conditioner fan and the cooling discharge unit so that air sequentially passes through the second air conditioning evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator.

Inside the housing, the first and second condensers may be installed.

The housing includes a condensation fan provided on one side of the first and second condensers to form a heat dissipation passage; And it may include a heat dissipation discharge unit that discharges air heat-exchanged in the first and second condensers.

The first and second condensers may be disposed between the condensation fan and the heat dissipation discharge unit so that air passes through the second condenser and the first condenser in that order.

One or two motors connected to the condensation fan and the air conditioner fan may be provided between the condensation fan and the air conditioner fan.

The condensation fan includes a first fan discharge portion that sucks air in the axial direction and discharges air to the rear of the refrigerator, and the air conditioner fan sucks air in the axial direction and discharges air to the front of the refrigerator. It may include a second fan discharge portion.

The housing includes a suction part that sucks air from an indoor space; a cooling discharge unit that discharges air that has passed through the first and second air conditioning evaporators; And it may include a heat dissipation discharge unit that discharges air that has passed through the first and second condensers.

A partition wall dividing a plurality of installation spaces may be provided inside the housing.

The partition wall divides the space where the first and second condensers are installed and the space where the air conditioner fan is installed, and the space where the first and second air conditioning evaporators are installed and the space where the condensation fan is installed. It may include other partition walls that partition.

According to the present invention, a refrigerator and an air conditioner can be efficiently operated by driving a refrigeration cycle.

According to the present invention, a compact product can be implemented by integrating a refrigerator and an air conditioner into one body.

According to the present invention, an evaporator for driving a refrigerator and an evaporator for driving an air conditioner are provided, and an expansion valve can be used to easily distribute the required amount of refrigerant to each evaporator.

According to the present invention, a cooling passage and a heat dissipation passage can be easily formed by compactly arranging cycle components inside the housing of an air conditioner.

According to the present invention, sufficient cooling power can be generated in the air conditioner by operating the refrigerator and the air conditioner together using two compressors.

According to the present invention, when the air conditioner is not operated, only one of the two compressors is operated to reduce noise generated from the compressor and prevent unnecessary cooling power from being generated.

According to the present invention, when the air conditioner operates, two refrigeration cycles are driven and air is discharged into the indoor space through two evaporators, thereby improving the cooling performance of the air conditioner.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a housing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the housing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6' in Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a flow chart showing a control method of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in the drawings, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, when describing the components of an embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term.

When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Figure 1 is a front view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment, Figure 4 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the housing of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a plan view showing the internal structure of the housing of the conditioner, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6' in Figure 1.

1 to 6, an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator 10 (hereinafter referred to as “integrated refrigerator”) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator 100 forming a storage compartment for storing goods and the integrated refrigerator. (10) may include an air conditioner (200) that discharges air to condition the indoor space where it is installed.

The refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 may be integrated. For example, the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 may be provided in one body.

As another example, the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 may be manufactured separately and provided to be coupled to each other.

The refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 may be arranged in a vertical direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 200 may be provided above the refrigerator 100. In this case, the discharge unit 220 provided in the air conditioner 200 is formed at a relatively high position in the indoor space, and the air discharged from the discharge unit 220 flows toward the lower part of the indoor space. You can.

Unlike shown in the drawing, the air conditioner 200 may be placed above the refrigerator 100.

The refrigerator 100 may include a refrigerator main body 110 that forms storage compartments 101 and 105 for storing goods. The storage compartments 101 and 105 include first and second storage compartments, and the first and second storage compartments may constitute a refrigerating compartment 101 and a freezing compartment 105, respectively.

The refrigerating compartment 101 may be formed above the freezing compartment 105. However, differently from this, the refrigerating compartment 101 may be formed below the freezing compartment 105, or the refrigerating compartment 101 and the freezing compartment 105 may be formed to be disposed left and right.

The refrigerator main body 110 may include a barrier 106 that partitions the refrigerating chamber 101 and the freezing chamber 105. The barrier 106 may include an insulating material to thermally separate the refrigerating compartment 101 and the freezing compartment 105.

The refrigerator main body 110 may include a shelf 141 for storing items. The shelf 141 may be provided in the refrigerator compartment 101 and the freezer compartment 105, respectively.

The refrigerator main body 110 may include refrigerator evaporators 330 and 340 that generate cold air to be supplied to the storage compartments 101 and 105. The refrigerator evaporators 330 and 340 may include a first evaporator 330 that generates cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment 101 and a second evaporator 340 that generates cold air to be supplied to the freezing compartment 105.

The refrigerator evaporators 330 and 340 may be installed on the rear wall of the refrigerator main body 110. For example, the first evaporator 330 may be installed on the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 101, and the second evaporator 340 may be installed on the rear wall of the freezing compartment 105.

The refrigerator main body 110 may include evaporation fans 335 and 345 for supplying cold air generated in the refrigerator evaporators 330 and 340 to the storage compartments 101 and 105. The evaporation fans 335 and 345 may be called “refrigerator fans.”

The evaporation fans 335 and 345 may include a first evaporation fan 335 provided on the downstream side of the first evaporator 330 to generate circulation of cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment 101. For example, the first evaporation fan 335 is provided on the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 101 and may be installed above the first evaporator 330.

The evaporation fans 335 and 345 may include a second evaporation fan 345 provided on the downstream side of the second evaporator 340 to generate circulation of cold air to be supplied to the freezing chamber 105. For example, the second evaporation fan 345 is provided on the rear wall of the freezer 105 and may be installed above the second evaporator 340.

The refrigerator 100 may include doors 121 and 125 for opening and closing the storage compartments 101 and 105. For example, the doors 121 and 125 may be rotatably provided on the refrigerator main body 110.

However, unlike this, the doors 121 and 125 may be configured as a drawer type that slides forward.

The doors 121 and 125 may include a refrigerator compartment door 121 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 101 and a freezer compartment door 125 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 105.

The doors 121 and 125 may include a door basket 145 for storing items. The door basket 145 may be provided on the refrigerating compartment door 121 and the freezing compartment door 125, respectively.

The air conditioner 200 may include a housing 210. The housing 210 forms an internal space for installing parts of the refrigeration cycle, and can form an inlet and an outlet to guide the suction and discharge of air.

For example, the housing 210 may have the shape of a polyhedron with an empty interior.

For example, the housing 210 may be provided on the upper side of the refrigerator 100. For example, the housing 210 may be configured to be seated on the upper surface 115 of the refrigerator main body 110.

A depression 210a may be formed in the front bottom of the housing 210.

The recessed portion 210a may be configured to avoid interference between the housing 210 and the door hinge H protruding from the upper surface of the refrigerator 100. The recessed portion 210a may be recessed upward from the bottom of the housing 210.

Inside the housing 210, an installation space may be formed for installing parts of the refrigeration cycle. For example, parts of the refrigeration cycle may include condensers (321 and 322), expansion valves (363 and 364), and evaporators (351 and 352).

The condensers 321 and 322 may include a first condenser 321 and a second condenser 322.

The evaporators 351 and 352 may include a third evaporator 351 and a fourth evaporator 352.

The evaporators 351 and 352 can be understood as “air conditioning evaporators” for cooling the indoor space.

The components of the refrigeration cycle may further include a refrigerant pipe (300a) that connects the condenser (321, 322) and the evaporator (351, 352) to allow the flow of refrigerant.

Components of the refrigeration cycle may further include a fan assembly 300b to form an air flow path. The fan assembly 300b may be disposed between the evaporators 351 and 352 and the condensers 321 and 322.

For example, the evaporators 351 and 352 may be disposed in the front part of the housing 210 to discharge conditioned air to the front of the integrated refrigerator.

The condensers 321 and 322 may be disposed on opposite sides of the evaporators 351 and 352, that is, at the rear of the housing 210. Additionally, the fan assembly 300b may be installed at a point between the condensers 321 and 322 and the evaporators 351 and 352, that is, approximately in the center of the housing 210.

The fan assembly 300b includes a condensation fan 325 for forming an air path passing through the condensers 321 and 322, and a third evaporation fan 355 for forming an air path passing through the evaporators 351 and 352. can do.

The third evaporation fan 355 may be called an “air conditioner fan.”

The integrated refrigerator 10 may include a first motor 300d1 that drives the condensation fan 325 and a second motor 300d2 that drives the third evaporation fan 355. For example, the first and second motors 300d1 and 300d2 may be provided between the condensation fan 325 and the third evaporation fan 355.

The axis of the first motor 300d1 may extend in one direction from the first motor 300d1 toward the condensation fan 325 and be connected to the condensation fan 325.

The axis of the second motor 300d2 may extend in another direction from the second motor 300d2 toward the third evaporation fan 355 and be connected to the third evaporation fan 355.

The one direction and the other direction may be opposite directions.

The condensation fan 325 may include a centrifugal fan that sucks air in the axial direction and discharges it in the circumferential direction. For example, the condensation fan 325 may include a multi-blade fan (also called a sirocco fan).

The condensation fan 325 may include a first fan discharge portion 325a for discharging air in the circumferential direction of the plurality of blades. The first fan discharge portion 325a may be directed toward the condensers 321 and 322 to send air to the condensers 321 and 322.

For example, the first fan discharge portion 325a may be connected to the second partition wall 216b.

The third evaporation fan 355 may include a centrifugal fan that sucks air in the axial direction and discharges it in the circumferential direction. For example, the third evaporation fan 355 may include a multi-blade blower.

The third evaporation fan 355 may include a second fan discharge portion 355a for discharging air in the circumferential direction of the plurality of blades. The second fan discharge portion 355a may be directed toward the evaporators 351 and 352 to send air to the evaporators 351 and 352.

For example, the second fan discharge portion 355a may be connected to the third partition wall 216c.

Another embodiment is proposed.

In the above embodiment, it was explained that the condensation fan 325 and the third evaporation fan 355 are connected to the first and second motors, respectively, but unlike this, two axes extend on both sides of one motor, and the two axes may be connected to the condensation fan 325 and the third evaporation fan 355, respectively.

In this case, the condensation fan 325 and the third evaporation fan 355 can be driven together by one motor.

The housing 210 may form a suction part 231 for sucking air into the interior of the housing 210. For example, the suction part 231 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 210.

The suction part 231 may be provided with a suction grill 232 to prevent foreign substances from being inhaled.

The housing 210 may form discharge portions 218 and 220 through which air that has exchanged heat with the condensers 321 and 322 and the evaporators 351 and 352 is discharged. The discharge portions 218 and 220 may form a plurality of discharge portions through which air of different temperatures is discharged.

In detail, the discharge parts 218 and 220 may include a heat dissipation discharge part 218 through which air that has exchanged heat with the condensers 321 and 322 is discharged.

For example, the heat dissipation outlet 218 may be formed on the rear portion of the housing 210 to prevent air discharged through the heat dissipation outlet 218 from directly reaching the user.

Some of the air sucked in from the suction unit 231 may pass through the condensers 321 and 322 and then be discharged to the outside of the housing 210 through the heat dissipation discharge unit 218.

The condensers 321 and 322 are the first condenser 321 through which the first refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration cycle (C1, see FIG. 7) flows and the second refrigerant circulating through the second refrigeration cycle (C2, see FIG. 7). It may include a second condenser 322 in which flows.

The first and second refrigeration cycles are independent cycles, and the first and second refrigerants may be non-mixed refrigerants.

The first and second condensers 321 and 322 may be disposed between the condensation fan 325 and the heat dissipation discharge portion 218.

The air passing through the condensation fan 325 flows to the condensers (321 and 322) through the first fan discharge portion (325a), exchanges heat in the condensers (321 and 322), and is then discharged through the heat dissipation discharge portion (218). It can be.

The condensation fan 325 may function as a “common fan” of the first and second condensers (321 and 322).

The second condenser 322 and the first condenser 321 may be arranged in a direction from the condensation fan 325 toward the heat dissipation discharge unit 218, that is, in the direction in which air flows.

For example, the first condenser 321 may be placed downstream of the second condenser 322. Accordingly, the air heat-exchanged in the second condenser 322 may be additionally heat-exchanged (heated) while passing through the first condenser 321.

In this case, the second condenser 322 can be understood as a primary condenser that primarily heats air at room temperature. And, the first condenser 321 can be understood as a secondary condenser that secondarily heats the air that has passed through the second condenser 322.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second condenser 322 may be disposed downstream of the first condenser 321.

The heat dissipation discharge part 218 may be connected to the exhaust duct 90. For example, the exhaust duct 90 may be attached to or embedded in a wall of an indoor space, or may be attached to a wall of a cupboard or furniture provided in an indoor space.

In addition, the exhaust duct 90 is ultimately connected to an exhaust hood provided in the kitchen and can be fluidly connected to the outside of the indoor space. The air discharged through the heat dissipation discharge unit 218 may be discharged to the outside of the indoor space through the exhaust hood.

The discharge portions 218 and 220 may include a cooling discharge portion 220 through which air that has exchanged heat with the evaporators 351 and 352 is discharged.

For example, the cooling discharge part 220 is formed on the front part of the housing 210, so that the air discharged through the cooling discharge part 220 flows to the front of the integrated refrigerator and is easily delivered to the user. there is.

Some of the air sucked in from the suction unit 231 may pass through the evaporators 351 and 352 and then be discharged to the outside of the housing 210 through the cooling discharge unit 220.

The evaporators 351 and 352 may include a third evaporator 351 through which the first refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration cycle flows and a fourth evaporator 352 through which the second refrigerant circulating through the second refrigeration cycle flows. .

The third and fourth evaporators 351 and 352 may be disposed between the third evaporation fan 355 and the cooling discharge unit 220.

The air that has passed through the third evaporation fan 355 flows to the evaporators 351 and 352 through the second fan discharge portion 355a, exchanges heat in the evaporators 351 and 352, and then flows to the cooling discharge portion 220. It can be discharged through

The third evaporation fan 355 may function as a “common fan” of the third and fourth evaporators 351 and 352.

The fourth evaporator 352 and the third evaporator 351 may be arranged in a direction from the third evaporation fan 355 toward the cooling discharge unit 220, that is, in the direction in which air flows.

For example, the third evaporator 351 may be placed downstream of the fourth evaporator 352. Accordingly, the air heat-exchanged in the fourth evaporator 352 may be additionally heat-exchanged (cooled) while passing through the third evaporator 351.

In this case, the fourth evaporator 352 is a primary evaporator that primarily cools room temperature air and can be understood as a “high pressure evaporator.” Additionally, the third evaporator 351 is a secondary evaporator that secondary cools the air that has passed through the fourth evaporator 352 and can be understood as a “low pressure evaporator.”

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fourth evaporator 352 may be disposed downstream of the third evaporator 351.

The cooling discharge unit 220 may be provided with a discharge vane 221 that can open or close the cooling discharge unit 220. The discharge vane 221 may be provided to be movable. For example, the discharge vane 221 may rotate in the up and down direction.

When the discharge vane 221 moves with the cooling discharge unit 220 open, the flow direction of air discharged from the cooling discharge unit 220 may change.

When the third evaporation fan 355 is turned off, the discharge vane 221 may be closed. Of course, even if the third evaporation fan 355 is driven, if the discharge vane 221 is closed, air may not be discharged through the cooling discharge unit 220.

Inside the housing 210, partition walls 216a, 216b, 216c, and 216d may be provided to partition a plurality of installation spaces for installing parts of the refrigeration cycle.

The plurality of installation spaces may include a first installation space 211 for installation of the third and fourth expansion valves 363 and 364. The first installation space 211 may be divided from other installation spaces by a first partition 216a.

The third expansion valve 363 is an expansion device provided in the first refrigeration cycle in which the first refrigerant circulates, and is disposed on the outlet side of the first condenser 321 and the inlet side of the third evaporator 351. You can.

The fourth expansion valve 364 is an expansion device provided in the second refrigeration cycle in which the second refrigerant circulates, and is disposed on the outlet side of the second condenser 322 and the inlet side of the fourth evaporator 352. You can.

At least a portion of the refrigerant pipe 300a may be located in the first installation space 211.

The plurality of installation spaces may include a second installation space 212 for installation of the first and second condensers 321 and 322. The second installation space 212 may be divided from the fourth installation space 214 by a second partition wall 216b.

The plurality of installation spaces may include a third installation space 213 for installation of the third and fourth evaporators 351 and 352. The third installation space 213 may be divided from the fourth installation space 214 by a third partition 216c.

The plurality of installation spaces may include a fourth installation space 214 for installing the fan assembly 300b. The fourth installation space 214 may be understood as a space defined by a plurality of partition walls, for example, first to fourth partition walls 216a, 216b, 216c, and 216d.

The fourth installation space 214 may be disposed between the second and third installation spaces 212 and 213.

The plurality of installation spaces may include a fifth installation space 215 for installation of the electrical unit 217. The electrical unit 217 may include control components for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 100 or the air conditioner 200.

The fifth installation space 215 may be divided from the second to fourth installation spaces 212, 213, and 214 by a fourth partition 216d.

The first partition wall 216a is configured to be in contact with the second partition wall 216b and the third partition wall 216c, so that the first to fourth installation spaces 211, 212, 213, and 214 are partitioned from each other.

The fifth installation space 215 may be formed opposite the first installation space 211 with the third and fourth installation spaces 213 and 214 as the center.

The first to fifth installation spaces 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 may form different temperature environments. Accordingly, at least one of the first to fourth partitions is provided with an insulating material, so that the first to fifth installation spaces 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 are insulated from each other.

The first fan discharge portion 325a of the fan assembly 300b is coupled to the second partition wall 216b and can discharge air from the fourth installation space 214 into the second installation space 212. there is.

The second fan discharge portion 355a of the fan assembly 300b is coupled to the third partition 216c and can discharge air from the fourth installation space 214 into the third installation space 213. there is.

The housing 210 may form a first machine room (M1) in which some of the components of the refrigeration cycle are installed.

Some of the other parts of the refrigeration cycle may be placed in the second machine room (M2) provided at the lower part of the refrigerator 100. The second machine room M2 may be formed at the lower end of the rear wall of the refrigerator storage compartment.

A first compressor 311 and a second compressor 312 may be placed in the second machine room (M2). The first compressor 311 is a compressor driven for circulation of the first refrigerant in the first refrigeration cycle (C1), and the second compressor 312 is a compressor that operates for the circulation of the second refrigerant in the second refrigeration cycle (C2). It can be understood as a compressor that operates for circulation.

The first compressor 311 may be connected to the first condenser 321 of the first machine room (M1) through a refrigerant pipe (300a). The refrigerant pipe (300a) includes a first refrigerant pipe that guides the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration cycle (C1), and the first refrigerant pipe is connected to the first compressor (311) and the first condenser (321). ) can be connected.

The second compressor 312 may be connected to the second condenser 322 of the first machine room (M1) through a refrigerant pipe (300a). The refrigerant pipe (300a) includes a second refrigerant pipe that guides the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration cycle (C2), and the second refrigerant pipe is connected to the second compressor (312) and the first condenser (322). ) can be connected.

Referring to FIG. 6, the air flow in the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 will be briefly described.

In the first refrigeration cycle (C1), the first compressor 311 and the condensation fan 325 are driven, and the refrigerant compressed in the first compressor 311 is condensed in the first condenser 321 and decompressed in the expansion valve. After that, it can be evaporated in the first and second evaporators (330,340). Also, some of the refrigerant condensed in the first condenser 321 may be evaporated in the third evaporator 351 after being decompressed in the expansion valve.

In the second refrigeration cycle (C2), the second compressor 312 is driven, and the refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 312 is condensed in the second condenser 322, and after being decompressed in the expansion valve, the fourth evaporator ( 352) can be evaporated.

In the refrigerator 100, when the first evaporation fan 335 is driven, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 101 flows from the lower space of the refrigerator compartment 101 to the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 101 through the return hole formed in the rear wall. It may flow to the suction side of the first evaporator 330.

Cold air is cooled while passing through the first evaporator 330 and can be supplied to the refrigerating compartment 101 through the first evaporation fan 335. A supply hole may be formed in the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 101 through which cold air passing through the first evaporation fan 335 is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 101.

When the second evaporation fan 345 is driven, cold air in the freezer compartment 105 flows from the lower space of the freezer compartment 101 to the rear wall of the freezer compartment 105, and passes through the return hole formed in the rear wall to the second evaporator 340. ) can flow to the suction side.

Cold air is cooled in the process of passing through the second evaporator 340, and may be supplied to the freezing chamber 105 through the second evaporation fan 345. A supply hole may be formed in the rear wall of the freezing chamber 105 to discharge cold air that has passed through the second evaporation fan 345 into the freezing chamber 105.

When the air conditioner 200 is operated, the third evaporation fan 355 is driven, and air from the indoor space can be introduced into the housing 210 through the suction part 231.

The air introduced through the suction part 231 flows into the fourth installation space 214 and is sucked into the fan assembly 300b.

Some of the air sucked into the fan assembly 300b flows backward through the condensation fan 325 and flows into the second installation space where the condensers 321 and 322 are located.

The air is heated by heat exchange with the condensers 321 and 322 in the second installation space, and the heated air can be discharged to the outside of the housing 210 through the heat dissipation discharge part 218.

The remaining air among the air sucked into the fan assembly 300b flows forward through the third evaporation fan 355 and flows into the third installation space where the evaporators 351 and 352 are located.

The air is cooled by heat exchange with the evaporators 351 and 352 in the third installation space, and the cooled air can be discharged to the outside of the housing 210 through the cooling discharge part 220.

When the cooled air is discharged through the cooling discharge part 220, the discharge vane 221 is opened, and the direction can be changed by the discharge vane 221. For example, the discharge vane 221 may rotate or slide downward to discharge air to the front lower part of the integrated refrigerator.

FIG. 7 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the integrated refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can drive a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle may be driven by multiple cycle components.

The refrigeration cycle may include a first refrigeration cycle (C1) in which a first refrigerant circulates. The first refrigeration cycle (C1) can be operated when the refrigerator 100 is operated alone or when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are operated together.

For example, when the air conditioner 200 is operated at a low load, the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 can be operated together through the first refrigeration cycle C1.

The first refrigeration cycle (C1) is disposed on the outlet side of the first compressor 311 and the first compressor 311 for compressing the first refrigerant, and the high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed in the first compressor 311. It may include a first condenser 321 that condenses.

The first refrigeration cycle (C1) may include expansion valves (361, 362, 363) for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 321, and a plurality of evaporators (330, 340, 351) for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion valves (361, 362, 363). You can.

The plurality of evaporators 330, 340, and 351 may include a first evaporator 330, a second evaporator 340, and a third evaporator 351. For example, the first to third evaporators 330, 340, and 351 may constitute a “refrigerator evaporator,” a “freezer evaporator,” and a “first air conditioning evaporator,” respectively.

The expansion valves 361, 362, and 363 include a first expansion valve 361 provided on the inlet side of the first evaporator 330, a second expansion valve 362 provided on the inlet side of the second evaporator 340, and It may include a third expansion valve 363 provided on the inlet side of the third evaporator 351.

The first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 may be referred to as “refrigerator expansion valves,” and the third expansion valve 363 may be referred to as “first air conditioning expansion valve.”

The first compressor 311, the first condenser 321, the expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and a plurality of evaporators 330, 340, 351 are connected by a first refrigerant pipe among the refrigerant pipes 300a to allow circulation of the refrigerant. .

The first refrigerant pipe may include a discharge pipe 301 that guides the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 311 to the first condenser 321. The discharge pipe 301 may be connected to the inlet side of the first condenser 321.

The first refrigerant pipe may include a condensation pipe 302 that is connected to the outlet side of the first condenser 321 and allows the refrigerant condensed in the first condenser 321 to flow.

The condensation pipe 302 may be connected to the inlet side of the second evaporator 340.

The first refrigerant pipe may include evaporator inlet pipes (303a, 303b, 303c) branched from the condensation pipe (302) or connected to the condensation pipe (320) and connected to the first to third evaporators (330, 340, 351). .

The evaporator inlet pipes 303a, 303b, and 303c may include a first evaporator inlet pipe 303a branched from the first branch 302a of the condensation pipe 302 and connected to the first evaporator 330. there is.

The evaporator inlet pipes 303a, 303b, and 303c may include a second evaporator inlet pipe 303b that is connected to the condensation pipe 302 and introduces refrigerant into the second evaporator 340. The second evaporator inlet pipe 303b may be understood as forming a part of the condensation pipe 302.

The evaporator inlet pipes 303a, 303b, and 303c may include a third evaporator inlet pipe 303c branched from the second branch 302b of the condensation pipe 302 and connected to the third evaporator 351. there is.

The first expansion valve 361 may be installed in the first evaporator inlet pipe 303a.

The second expansion valve 362 may be installed in the second evaporator inlet pipe 303b.

The third expansion valve 363 may be installed in the third evaporator inlet pipe 303c.

At least one valve among the first to third expansion valves 361, 362, and 363 may be configured as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening degree is adjustable. For example, the first to third expansion valves 361, 362, and 363 may be configured as electronic expansion valves (EEV).

The refrigeration load of the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 may be formed differently. For example, the refrigeration load of the air conditioner 200 may be larger than that of the refrigerator 100.

The evaporation pressure of the third evaporator 351 provided in the air conditioner 200 may be greater than the evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 330 provided in the refrigerating compartment 101. Additionally, the evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 330 may be greater than the evaporation pressure of the second evaporator 340 provided in the freezing chamber 105.

The amount of refrigerant required to operate the air conditioner 200 may be greater than the amount of refrigerant required to operate the refrigerator 100.

To this end, the opening degree of the third expansion valve 363, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 351, is determined by the opening degree of the first expansion valve 361, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 330. It can be formed larger than the opening size.

That is, when the third expansion valve 363 is fully opened, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 363 is equal to that of the first expansion valve 361 when the first expansion valve 361 is fully opened. 361) can also be formed larger than the diameter.

The opening degree of the third expansion valve 363, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 351, is larger than the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 340. It can be formed to a large extent.

That is, when the third expansion valve 363 is fully opened, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 363 is equal to the second expansion valve (362) when the second expansion valve 362 is fully opened. 362) can also be formed larger than the diameter.

For example, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are driven together, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 363 is the opening diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or the opening diameter of the second expansion valve 361. The opening of the valve 362 may also be formed to be larger than the diameter.

In this case, when the refrigerant that has passed through the first condenser 321 branches and flows into the first to third evaporators (330, 340, 351), the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator (351) flows into the first and second evaporators ( 330,340), it may be more than the amount of refrigerant flowing into it.

However, when the user changes the set temperature of the storage compartments 101 and 105 of the refrigerator 100 or changes the set temperature of the indoor space through the air conditioner 200, the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 Cooling load can vary.

In response to the changing cooling load, the opening degrees of the first to third expansion valves 361, 362, and 363 may be adjusted. At this time, the opening degrees of the first to third expansion valves (361, 362, and 363) may be controlled so that the refrigerant at the outlet side of the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351) can be in an overheated state.

When the refrigerator 100 is driven while the air conditioner 200 is not driven, the third expansion valve 363 is turned off (closed), and the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 are opened. You can.

In this case, the refrigerant condensed in the first condenser 321 may branch and flow into the first and second evaporators 330 and 340. And, depending on the load of the refrigerating compartment 101 and the freezing compartment 105, the opening degrees of the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 can be adjusted.

The opening degree of the first expansion valve 361 may be similar to, for example, the same as the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362.

That is, when the first expansion valve 361 is fully opened, the flow path diameter of the first expansion valve 361 is equal to the second expansion valve (362) when the second expansion valve 362 is fully opened. 362) may be formed similarly or identically to the channel diameter.

The cooling load of the refrigerating compartment 101 and the cooling load of the freezing compartment 105 may vary depending on the operating environment of the refrigerator.

For example, if the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment 101 is maintained below the set temperature while the internal temperature of the freezing compartment 105 is above the set temperature, the cooling load of the refrigerating compartment 101 is small while the cooling of the freezing compartment 105 The load may increase.

In this case, the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362 is controlled to be greater than the opening degree of the first expansion valve 361, so that the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 340 flows into the first evaporator 330. It can be adjusted to exceed the required amount of refrigerant.

Conversely, if the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 105 is maintained below the set temperature while the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 is above the set temperature, the cooling load of the freezer compartment 105 is small while the cooling load of the refrigerator compartment 101 is small. can increase.

In this case, the opening degree of the first expansion valve 361 is controlled to be greater than the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362, so that the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 330 flows into the second evaporator 340. It can be adjusted to exceed the required amount of refrigerant.

The first refrigerant pipe may include evaporator outlet pipes (304a, 304b, and 304c) connected to the outlet sides of the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351).

The evaporator outlet pipes 304a, 304b, and 304c include a first evaporator outlet pipe 304a connected to the outlet side of the first evaporator 330, and a second evaporator outlet connected to the outlet side of the second evaporator 340. It may include a pipe 304b and a third evaporator outlet pipe 304c connected to the outlet side of the third evaporator 351.

The first to third evaporator outlet pipes (304a, 304b, and 304c) may be joined to the low pressure pipe (305). The low pressure pipe 305 is connected to the second evaporator outlet pipe 304b and may be connected to the suction side of the first compressor 311.

The low-pressure pipe 305 may include a first joint portion 305a connected to the first evaporator outlet pipe 304a.

The low-pressure pipe 305 may include a second joint portion 305b connected to the third evaporator outlet pipe 304c.

When the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 operate together, the refrigerant evaporated from the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351) flows through the first to third evaporator outlet pipes (304a, 304b, and 304c). It can be discharged and combined in the low pressure pipe 305. And, the refrigerant in the low pressure pipe 305 can be sucked into the first compressor 311.

The evaporation pressure on the first evaporator 330 side may be higher than the evaporation pressure on the second evaporator 340 side. Also, the evaporation pressure on the third evaporator 351 side may be higher than the evaporation pressure on the first evaporator 330 side.

When the refrigerant evaporated from the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351) is combined with the low pressure pipe (305), the refrigerant flows into the first evaporator outlet pipe (304a) or the second evaporator outlet pipe due to the difference in evaporation pressure. Check valves 381 and 382 may be provided to prevent backflow to (304b).

The check valves 381 and 382 may include a first check valve 381 installed in the first evaporator outlet pipe 304a.

The check valves 381 and 382 may include a second check valve 382 installed in the second evaporator outlet pipe 304b.

By the check valves 381 and 382, the low-pressure refrigerant combined in the low-pressure pipe 305 can be easily sucked into the first compressor 311.

The first refrigeration cycle (C1) may further include temperature sensors (371, 372, 373) that detect the degree of superheat of the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351).

Based on the temperature values detected by the temperature sensors (371, 372, and 373), the superheat of the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351) is detected, and the first to third expansion valves (361, 362, and 363) are controlled to adjust the superheat. You can.

The temperature sensors 371, 372, and 373 may include a first temperature sensor 371 for detecting the degree of superheat of the first evaporator 330. The first temperature sensor 371 may include a first inlet temperature sensor installed at the inlet end of the first evaporator 330 and a first outlet temperature sensor installed at the outlet end of the first evaporator 330. .

The temperature sensors 371, 372, and 373 may include a second temperature sensor 372 for detecting the degree of superheat of the second evaporator 340. The second temperature sensor 372 may include a second inlet temperature sensor installed at the inlet end of the second evaporator 340 and a second outlet temperature sensor installed at the outlet end of the second evaporator 340. .

The temperature sensors 371, 372, and 373 may include a third temperature sensor 373 for detecting the degree of superheat of the third evaporator 351. The third temperature sensor 373 may include a third inlet temperature sensor installed at the inlet end of the third evaporator 351 and a third outlet temperature sensor installed at the outlet end of the third evaporator 351. .

The superheat of the evaporator can be calculated by subtracting the value detected by the inlet temperature sensor from the value detected by the outlet temperature sensor of each evaporator (330, 340, 350), and the calculated superheat is within the set superheat, so that the first ~3The opening degree of the expansion valves (361, 362, 363) can be adjusted.

In this way, a refrigeration cycle including the first compressor 311 and the first condenser 321 is driven to drive the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200, and respond to the cooling load of the refrigerator and the air conditioner. Therefore, cold air can be generated by selecting the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351) with appropriate cooling capacity.

Due to the characteristics of the refrigerator 100, which is always operated, and the air conditioner 200, which is operated intermittently when an on command is given by the user, the load of the refrigeration cycle may vary depending on the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator.

In response to the changing load of the refrigeration cycle, pressure control of the refrigeration cycle can be easily performed by adjusting the opening degrees of the first to third expansion valves (361, 362, and 363) provided at the inlet ends of the evaporators (330, 340, and 351).

An evaporation fan for blowing cold air may be provided on one side of each evaporator (330, 340, 351). The evaporation pan may include first to third evaporation fans (335, 345, and 355) provided on each side of the first to third evaporators (330, 340, and 351).

The refrigeration cycle may further include a second refrigeration cycle (C2) in which a second refrigerant circulates. The second refrigeration cycle (C2) can be operated when the air conditioner (200) is operated. When the air conditioner 200 is not driven, the second refrigeration cycle (C2) may not be driven.

In the integrated refrigerator 10, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are driven together, if the required load of the air conditioner 200 is relatively large, the operation of the first refrigeration cycle (C1) alone is sufficient. It may not be able to cope with the load of the air conditioner 200.

Therefore, in the present invention, in order to appropriately respond to the load of the air conditioner 200, the second refrigeration cycle C2 is additionally driven when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are driven together. It is possible to prevent a lack of cooling power of the air conditioner 200.

For example, when operating the air conditioner 200 at a high load, the first refrigeration cycle (C1) and the second refrigeration cycle (C2) can be operated together to operate the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 together. there is.

On the other hand, during low load operation of the air conditioner 200, only the first refrigeration cycle (C1) can be driven without driving the second refrigeration cycle (C2). Accordingly, noise generated from the second compressor 312 of the second refrigeration cycle C2 can be reduced.

When the air conditioner 200 is not operating, the third expansion valve 363 of the first refrigeration cycle C1 may be closed to stop the supply of refrigerant to the third evaporator 351.

The second refrigeration cycle (C2) can be operated as an independent cycle from the first refrigeration cycle (C1).

The second refrigeration cycle (C2) is disposed on the outlet side of the second compressor 312 and the second compressor 312 for compressing the second refrigerant and the high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 312. It may include a second condenser 322 that condenses.

The second refrigeration cycle (C2) includes a fourth expansion valve 364 for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the second condenser 322, and a fourth evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the fourth expansion valve 364. It may include (352).

The fourth expansion valve 364 may be disposed on the outlet side of the second condenser 322, and the fourth evaporator 352 may be disposed on the outlet side of the fourth expansion valve 364.

The fourth expansion valve 364 may be configured as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening degree is adjustable. For example, the fourth expansion valve 364 may be configured as an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

The fourth evaporator 352 may constitute a “second air conditioning evaporator.”

The fourth expansion valve 364 may be called a “second air conditioning expansion valve.”

The second compressor 312, the second condenser 322, the fourth expansion valve 364, and the fourth evaporator 352 are connected by a second refrigerant pipe among the refrigerant pipes 300a to allow circulation of the refrigerant. You can.

When the second compressor 312 operates, the second refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 312 may be condensed in the second condenser 322. The condensed refrigerant may be reduced in pressure in the fourth expansion valve 364 and then evaporated in the fourth evaporator 352.

The refrigerant flowing through the second condenser 322 can exchange heat with the air flow generated by driving the condensation fan 325. The condensation fan 325 may be understood as a “common condensation fan” for condensing refrigerant in the first condenser 321 and the second condenser 322.

As described above, the first and second condensers 321 and 322 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the condensation fan 325 inside the housing 210. The first and second condensers 321 and 322 may be provided in the second installation space 212 of the housing 210.

The refrigerant flowing through the fourth evaporator 352 may exchange heat with the air flow generated by driving the third evaporation fan 355. The third evaporation fan 355 may be understood as a “common evaporation fan” for evaporating the refrigerant in the third evaporator 351 and the fourth evaporator 352.

As described above, the third and fourth evaporators 351 and 352 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the third evaporation fan 355 inside the housing 210. The third and fourth evaporators 351 and 352 may be provided in the third installation space 213 of the housing 210.

The second refrigeration cycle (C2) may further include a fourth temperature sensor 374 that detects the degree of superheat of the fourth evaporator 352.

Based on the temperature value detected by the fourth temperature sensor 374, the degree of superheat of the fourth evaporator 352 is detected, and the fourth expansion valve 364 can be controlled to adjust the degree of superheat. .

The fourth temperature sensor 374 may include a fourth inlet temperature sensor installed at the inlet end of the fourth evaporator 351 and a fourth outlet temperature sensor installed at the outlet end of the fourth evaporator 352. .

Referring to FIG. 8, the integrated refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit 410 for inputting an operation command for the integrated refrigerator 10.

For example, the input unit 410 may include a power input unit for turning on or off the power of the refrigerator 100 or the air conditioner 200.

The input unit 410 may include a storage room temperature input unit for inputting the set temperature of the storage compartments 101 and 105 of the refrigerator 100.

The input unit 410 may include an indoor space temperature input unit for inputting the set temperature of the indoor space.

The input unit 410 may include an air volume input unit for setting the air volume discharged from the discharge unit 220 of the air conditioner 200.

A command input from the input unit 410 may change the load of the integrated refrigerator 10. In particular, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are operated together, the load required may be greater than the load when the refrigerator 100 is operated alone.

When the set temperature of the storage compartments 101 and 105 of the refrigerator 100 is lowered or a command is input through the input unit 410 to lower the set temperature of the indoor space, the load on the integrated refrigerator 10 may increase.

When a command is input through the input unit 410 to increase the amount of air discharged from the discharge unit 220 of the air conditioner 200, the load on the integrated refrigerator 10 may increase.

The integrated refrigerator 10 may further include an indoor temperature sensor 375 that detects the temperature of the indoor space where the integrated refrigerator 10 is installed.

In response to the changing load of the integrated refrigerator 10, the control unit 400 can control the driving components of the refrigeration cycle.

For example, when the temperature of the storage compartments 101 and 105 of the refrigerator 100 is lowered or the set temperature of the indoor space is input to be lowered, the control unit 400 operates at least one of the first compressor 311 and the second compressor 312. At least one control of a first control to increase one operating frequency, a second control to increase the rotation speed of the condensation fan 325, and a third control to increase the rotation speed of the first to third evaporation fans (335, 345, 355). It can be done.

When the volume of air discharged from the discharge unit 220 of the air conditioner 200 increases, the control unit 400 may increase the rotation speed of the third evaporation fan 355.

The control unit 400 can calculate the superheat of the first to fourth evaporators (330, 340, 351, and 352) through the first to fourth temperature sensors (371, 372, 373, and 374), and the 4The opening degree of the expansion valves (361, 362, 363, 364) can be adjusted.

For example, when the degree of superheat of a specific evaporator becomes too large, it is possible to recognize that the amount of refrigerant is insufficient and increase the opening degree of the expansion valve provided at the inlet side of the evaporator.

On the other hand, when the degree of superheat of a specific evaporator becomes too small, it is possible to recognize that the amount of refrigerant is excessive and reduce the opening degree of the expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the evaporator.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a control method of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 and 10, the control method and refrigerant flow of the integrated refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

When the refrigerator 100 is turned on, the first refrigeration cycle (C1) in which the first refrigerant circulates may be driven. The first compressor 311 operates to compress the refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant may be condensed as it passes through the first condenser 321. The condensed refrigerant may flow through the condensation pipe 302.

The first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 may be opened to supply the condensed refrigerant to the first and second evaporators 330 and 340. The refrigerant may be depressurized in the process of passing through the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362.

Some of the refrigerant may branch from the first branch portion (302a) and flow into the first evaporator (330) through the first evaporator inlet pipe (303a). The remaining refrigerant may flow into the second evaporator 340 through the second evaporator inlet pipe 303b.

The opening degrees of the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 may be adjusted depending on the load of the storage chambers 101 and 105 (S11 and S12).

For example, when the load of the refrigerating compartment 101 is greater than the load of the freezing compartment 105, the opening degree of the first expansion valve 361 may be adjusted to be greater than the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362.

The load may be determined based on whether the set temperature of the storage room is met and the difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the storage room. The larger the difference value, the larger the load can be perceived.

On the other hand, when the load of the freezing compartment 105 is greater than the load of the refrigerating compartment 101, the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362 may be adjusted to be greater than the opening degree of the first expansion valve 361.

The refrigerant evaporated from the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 is combined at the first joining portion 305a of the low pressure pipe 305, and the combined refrigerant can be sucked into the compressor 310.

It can be recognized whether an operation command for the air conditioner 200 has been input.

If an operation command for the air conditioner 200 is not input, the air conditioner 200 may not be driven. In this case, the third expansion valve 363 of the first refrigeration cycle (C1) and the fourth expansion valve 364 of the second refrigeration cycle (C2) may be turned off and closed. Additionally, the discharge vane 221 can close the cooling discharge portion 220 to prevent air from being discharged through the cooling discharge portion 220 (S14, S15).

When a command is input to operate the air conditioner 200, operation of the air conditioner 200 may begin.

The load of the air conditioner 200 may be determined. For example, the load of the air conditioner 200 may be determined depending on whether the difference between the set temperature input through the input unit 410 and the temperature value detected through the indoor temperature sensor 375 is greater than or equal to the set value. There is (S16).

If the temperature difference is greater than the set value, the operating load of the air conditioner 200 is recognized as high load, and if the temperature difference is less than the set value, the operating load of the air conditioner 200 is recognized as low load. It can be.

If the difference between the temperature values is greater than or equal to the set value, the second compressor 312 may be driven and the third and fourth expansion valves 363 and 364 may be opened.

In detail, in the first refrigeration cycle (C1), at least some of the refrigerant condensed in the first condenser 321 is reduced in pressure while passing through the open third expansion valve 363, and the reduced refrigerant is transferred to the third expansion valve 363. It may flow into the evaporator 351 and be evaporated.

Meanwhile, the second refrigeration cycle (C2) in which the second refrigerant circulates can be operated. The second compressor 312 can be driven. The first and second compressors 311 and 312 may be driven together.

For example, in order to prevent vibration and noise in the second machine room (M2) where the first and second compressors (311 and 312) are installed, the operating frequencies of the first and second compressors (311 and 312) may be controlled differently.

The refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 312 may be condensed in the second condenser 322. The condensed refrigerant may be depressurized in the opened fourth expansion valve 364 and then flow into the fourth evaporator 352 to evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant may be sucked into the second compressor 312. This cycle can be repeated.

In this way, when the load of the air conditioner 200 is recognized as high, the first and second refrigeration cycles (C1 and C2) operate together, and evaporation of the refrigerant occurs in the third and fourth evaporators (351 and 352). This can generate cold air to be supplied to the indoor space.

For example, the air in the indoor space is cooled twice while sequentially passing through the fourth evaporator 352 and the third evaporator 351, and the resulting cold air can be supplied to the indoor space (S17, S19,S20).

On the other hand, if the difference between the temperature values is less than the set value, the second refrigeration cycle (C2) may not be driven. That is, the second compressor 312 does not operate, and the fourth expansion valve 364 of the second refrigeration cycle C2 may be closed. Therefore, the refrigerant may not flow into the fourth evaporator 352.

However, the third expansion valve 363 of the first refrigeration cycle (C1) may be opened.

In the first refrigeration cycle (C1), at least some of the refrigerant condensed in the first condenser 321 is depressurized while passing through the open third expansion valve 363, and the decompressed refrigerant is supplied to the third evaporator. It may flow into (351) and evaporate.

In this way, when the load of the air conditioner 200 is recognized as low, only the first refrigeration cycle C1 is driven, and the refrigerant is evaporated in the third evaporator 351 to be supplied to the indoor space. Cold air may be generated.

For example, the air in the indoor space is cooled once in the third evaporator 351, and the resulting cold air can be supplied to the indoor space (S18).

Depending on the load of the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200, the opening degrees of the first to third expansion valves 361, 362, and 363 of the first refrigeration cycle C1 may be adjusted.

For example, in the first refrigeration cycle C1, the amount of refrigerant required to operate the air conditioner 200 may be greater than the amount of refrigerant required to operate the refrigerator. In this case, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 351 may be greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first and second evaporators 330 and 340.

To this end, based on full opening, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 363 may be larger than the opening diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or the second expansion valve 362.

For example, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 363 may be 2 to 5 times larger than the opening diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or the second expansion valve 362.

In other words, even if the expansion valves are opened at the same opening rate, the opening amount (or opening area) of the third expansion valve 363 is greater than the opening amount of the first expansion valve 361 or the second expansion valve 362. It can be big.

According to this configuration, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are driven together, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 351 is equal to the amount of the first evaporator 330 or the second evaporator 340. It may be more than the amount of refrigerant flowing into the side.

Of course, while the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are being driven together, if the load on the air conditioner 200 is very small and the load on the refrigerator 100 is large, the third expansion valve 363 The opening degree can be greatly reduced and the opening degree of the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 can be increased.

At this time, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 330 or the second evaporator 340 may be greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 351.

The refrigerant evaporated in the third evaporator 351 may pass through the third evaporator outlet pipe 304c and flow into the low pressure pipe 305 through the second joint portion 305b. Additionally, the refrigerant may be combined with the refrigerant that has passed through the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 and then sucked into the compressor 310.

Meanwhile, in the second refrigeration cycle C2, the opening degree of the fourth expansion valve 364 may be adjusted according to the load of the air conditioner 200. For example, the load of the air conditioner 200 may be determined based on the degree of superheat of the fourth evaporator 352.

If the superheat detected by the fourth temperature sensor 374 is greater than the set value, the opening degree of the fourth expansion valve 364 is increased, and if the detected superheat is less than the set value, the fourth expansion valve ( 364) can be reduced (S21).

The refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 may be driven until the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are turned off.

Since the refrigerator 100 is a product that operates continuously, it is not specifically described in FIG. 9, but if the refrigerator 100 is turned off, the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 are turned off and closed in the first refrigeration cycle (C1). And, only the third expansion valve 363 is opened so that the refrigeration cycle can be circulated.

In addition, when the load of the air conditioner 200 is large, the second refrigeration cycle (C2) is additionally driven as described above to prevent the cooling power of the air conditioner 200 from being insufficient (S22) ).

10: integrated refrigerator 100: refrigerator
101: 1st storage room (refrigerator) 105: 2nd storage room (freezer)
200: air conditioner 210: housing
218: heat dissipation discharge part 220: cooling discharge part
231: Suction unit 311,312: 1st and 2nd compressors
321,322: 1st and 2nd condenser 325: Condensation fan
330: first evaporator 335: first evaporation fan
340: second evaporator 345: second evaporation fan
351: Third evaporator 355: Third evaporation fan
352: Fourth evaporator

Claims (19)

In an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which a refrigerator equipped with a refrigerator evaporator for cooling the storage compartment and an air conditioner including first and second air conditioner evaporators and a discharge portion for cooling the indoor space are integrally formed,
A cycle in which a first refrigerant circulates, a first refrigeration cycle including a first compressor, a first condenser provided on an outlet side of the first compressor, the refrigerator evaporator, and the first air conditioning evaporator; and
A refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner, which is a cycle in which a second refrigerant circulates and includes a second refrigeration cycle including a second compressor, a second condenser provided on an outlet side of the second compressor, and the second air conditioner evaporator. According to paragraph 1,
The first refrigeration cycle is,
a plurality of evaporator inlet pipes branching from the outlet side of the first condenser to the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator;
a plurality of evaporator outlet pipes connected to outlet sides of the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator; and
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator further comprising a low-pressure pipe that combines the plurality of evaporator outlet pipes to suck refrigerant into the first compressor. According to paragraph 2,
It is provided in the plurality of evaporator inlet pipes and includes an expansion device for depressurizing the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioning evaporator,
The expansion device includes an expansion valve whose opening can be adjusted to change the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the refrigerator evaporator and the first air conditioner evaporator according to the cooling load of the refrigerator and the air conditioner. According to paragraph 3,
The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment,
The refrigerator evaporator is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator including a first evaporator for cooling the refrigerating compartment and a second evaporator for cooling the freezing compartment. According to paragraph 4,
The expansion valve is,
a first expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the first evaporator;
a second expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the second evaporator; and
An air conditioner integrated refrigerator including a third expansion valve provided on the inlet side of the first air conditioner evaporator. According to paragraph 1,
The second refrigeration cycle further includes a fourth expansion valve provided on the outlet side of the second condenser,
A refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner, further comprising a control unit that determines whether to operate the second compressor and whether to open the fourth expansion valve according to the cooling load of the air conditioner. According to clause 6,
The control unit,
When the operating load of the air conditioner is recognized as high, the second compressor is driven and the fourth expansion valve is opened,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that stops the second compressor and closes the fourth expansion valve when the operating load of the air conditioner is recognized as low load. In clause 7,
It further includes an indoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the indoor space where the air conditioner is installed,
The control unit,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that determines whether the operating load of the air conditioner is high load or low load, depending on whether the difference between the temperature value detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the set temperature of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to the set value. . According to paragraph 1,
The refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body forming the storage compartment,
The air conditioner is provided adjacent to the refrigerator main body and includes a housing that accommodates the first and second air conditioner evaporators. According to clause 9,
The housing is,
An intake unit that sucks air from the indoor space;
an air conditioner fan provided on one side of the first and second air conditioning evaporators and blowing air sucked from the suction unit into the first and second air conditioning evaporators; and
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator including a cooling discharge unit that discharges air that has passed through the air conditioner fan. According to clause 10,
The first and second air conditioning evaporators,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator disposed between the air conditioner fan and the cooling discharge unit so that air passes through the second air conditioner evaporator and the first air conditioner evaporator in that order. According to clause 10,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which the first and second condensers are installed inside the housing. According to clause 12,
The housing is,
A condensation fan provided on one side of the first and second condensers to form a heat dissipation passage; and
A refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner including a heat dissipation discharge unit that discharges air heat exchanged in the first and second condensers. According to clause 13,
The first and second condensers,
A refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner disposed between the condensation fan and the heat dissipation discharge unit so that air passes through the second condenser and the first condenser in order. According to clause 13,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator, wherein one motor or two motors connected to the condensation fan and the air conditioner fan are provided between the condensation fan and the air conditioner fan. According to clause 13,
The condensation fan includes a first fan discharge portion that sucks air in an axial direction and discharges air to the rear of the refrigerator,
The air conditioner fan is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator including a second fan discharge portion that sucks air in an axial direction and discharges air to the front of the refrigerator. According to clause 9,
The housing is,
An intake unit that sucks air from the indoor space;
a cooling discharge unit that discharges air that has passed through the first and second air conditioning evaporators; and
A refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner including a heat dissipation discharge unit that discharges air that has passed through the first and second condensers. According to clause 13,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator provided with a partition wall dividing a plurality of installation spaces inside the housing. According to clause 18,
The bulkhead is,
One partition partitioning the space where the first and second condensers are installed and the space where the air conditioner fan is installed, and the other dividing the space where the first and second air conditioning evaporators are installed and the space where the condensation fan is installed. An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that includes a partition wall.

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