KR102671345B1 - Refrigerator incorporated with air conditioner and a method controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator and a control method thereof.
An embodiment of the present invention may include a compressor with variable capacity to operate at least one of a refrigerator and an air conditioner.
In one embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator is operated independently, the operating capacity of one compressor is set low, and when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together, the operating capacity of one compressor is set high, thereby creating an efficient integrated refrigerator. Driving can be done.
In another embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator is operated independently, one of the two compressors is driven, and when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together, two compressors are driven to ensure efficient operation of the integrated refrigerator. can do.

Description

Refrigerator incorporated with air conditioner and a method controlling the same}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator and a control method thereof.

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 one 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 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 present invention is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that has two heat exchangers and two evaporators so that a refrigerator and an air conditioner with different cooling loads can be operated simultaneously, and can easily control the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into each evaporator. The purpose is to provide.

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 that can selectively perform cooling or heating operation depending on the environment in which the integrated refrigerator is installed.

In particular, the purpose is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that can easily perform air conditioning operation in indoor spaces by performing cooling operation or heating operation not only in summer but also in winter, depending on the kitchen environment in which the integrated refrigerator is installed. Do this.

In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that does not require a separate outdoor unit to drive the refrigeration cycle and can prevent a pressure drop in the refrigerant and improve efficiency by reducing the length of the refrigerant pipe.

In addition, while providing a compressor of sufficient capacity to operate the refrigerator and the air conditioner together, the operating capacity (compression capacity) of the compressor is set differently when the refrigerator is operated alone and when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together for efficient operation. The purpose is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that makes this possible.

In particular, when using one compressor, the purpose is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that enables efficient operation by setting the operating capacity of the compressor differently depending on the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator.

In addition, when using two compressors, the purpose is to provide an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that enables efficient operation by setting the number of operating compressors differently depending on the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator.

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, a refrigerator and an air conditioner can be driven together by driving one refrigeration cycle, thereby reducing the number of refrigeration cycle parts and thus reducing the weight of the product.

In an embodiment of the present invention, efficient operation of the refrigeration cycle can be possible by switching between one of the two heat exchangers as a condenser and the other as an evaporator depending on the cooling or heating operation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser can be distributed and introduced into a plurality of evaporators in response to the load of the refrigerator and air conditioner using an expansion valve, making it easy to respond to the load.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the air conditioner is installed on the upper side of the refrigerator, and the first flow path passing through the first heat exchanger and the second flow path passing through the second heat exchanger can be divided into each other inside the housing, It is easy to form a flow path for driving the product.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first heat exchanger fan and the second heat exchanger fan are configured as one fan assembly, so that the space for installing components 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.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator having a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a storage compartment, and an air conditioner having two heat exchangers and a discharge portion for cooling or heating an indoor space may be formed as one body.

An embodiment of the present invention may include a compressor with variable capacity to operate at least one of a refrigerator and an air conditioner.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator is operated independently, the operating capacity of one compressor is set low, and when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together, the operating capacity of one compressor is set high, thereby creating an efficient integrated refrigerator. Driving can be done.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator is operated independently, one of the two compressors is driven, and when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together, two compressors are driven to ensure efficient operation of the integrated refrigerator. can do.

The air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator equipped with a refrigerator evaporator for cooling the storage compartment, and an air conditioner provided with first and second heat exchangers and a discharge portion for cooling or heating the indoor space. It can be formed as

The integrated refrigerator may include a compressor that compresses refrigerant, and a condenser provided on the discharge side of the compressor and consisting of one of the first and second heat exchangers.

The integrated refrigerator is provided on an outlet side of the condenser, and includes a refrigerator expansion device for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; And it is provided on the outlet side of the condenser, and may further include an air conditioner expansion device for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser.

The integrated refrigerator may be provided on an outlet side of the air conditioner expansion device and may include an air conditioning evaporator comprised of another one of the first and second heat exchangers.

The compressor may include a capacity variable compressor capable of changing compression capacity based on whether the refrigerator is operated alone or the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated simultaneously.

The compressor includes one inverter compressor whose operating frequency can be adjusted, and when the air conditioner starts operating while the refrigerator is operating, the operating frequency of the one inverter compressor may be increased.

The load of the air conditioner is greater than that of the refrigerator, and if the air conditioner starts operating while the refrigerator is operating, the compression capacity of the one inverter compressor can be increased by more than two times.

It may further include a low pressure sensor that detects the low pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor.

When the refrigerator and the air conditioner are simultaneously operated and the air conditioner performs a cooling operation, the operation frequency of the one inverter compressor may be increased or decreased based on the pressure detected by the low pressure sensor.

It may further include a high pressure sensor that detects the high pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor.

When the refrigerator and the air conditioner are simultaneously operated and a heating operation of the air conditioner is performed, the operation frequency of the one inverter compressor may be increased or decreased based on the pressure detected by the high pressure sensor.

The compressor may include first and second compressors, and may drive only the first compressor when the refrigerator is operated independently, and may drive the first and second compressors together when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated simultaneously.

The compression capacity of the first compressor may be smaller than that of the second compressor.

It further includes first and second suction branch pipes provided on the suction side of the first and second compressors to suck refrigerant into the first and second compressors, and in the second suction branch pipe, the refrigerant to the second compressor. A branch valve may be installed to selectively allow suction.

It further includes first and second discharge branch pipes provided on the discharge side of the first and second compressors through which the refrigerant compressed by the first and second compressors flows, and in the second discharge branch pipes, when the refrigerator is operated independently, A discharge-side check valve may be installed to limit refrigerant intake into the second compressor.

It may further include an oil equalization pipe that connects the first and second compressors to guide equal distribution of oil.

It may further include a flow switching valve provided on the discharge side of the first and second compressors and adjustable to supply the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to one of the first and second heat exchangers.

At least one of the refrigerator expansion device and the air conditioner expansion device may be configured as an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

The air conditioner includes a housing provided on one side of the refrigerator, and the first and second heat exchangers and the fans of the first and second heat exchangers may be disposed inside the housing.

The housing includes a suction part that intakes air from an indoor space, and the discharge part includes a first discharge part that discharges air that has passed through the first heat exchanger and a second discharge part that discharges air that has passed through the second heat exchanger. can do.

From another aspect of the present invention, an integrated air conditioner in which a refrigerator equipped with a refrigerator evaporator for cooling the storage compartment and an air conditioner provided with first and second heat exchangers and a discharge unit for cooling or heating the indoor space are integrally formed. A control method for a refrigerator may be provided.

The control method includes driving a compressor to operate a refrigerator; Recognizing a command for operating an air conditioner while operating the refrigerator; And when a command for operating the air conditioner is input, it may include increasing the compression capacity of the compressor.

The compressor includes one inverter compressor whose operating frequency can be adjusted, and in order to increase the compression capacity of the compressor, the operating frequency of the one inverter compressor can be increased.

The compressor may include first and second compressors, and may drive only the first compressor when the refrigerator is operated independently, and may drive the first and second compressors together when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated simultaneously.

The compression capacity of the first compressor may be smaller than that of the second compressor.

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

In particular, depending on whether the air conditioner is in cooling or heating operation, it is easy to switch between the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner by using one of the two heat exchangers provided in the air conditioner as a condenser and the other as an evaporator. You can.

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, two heat exchangers and two evaporators are provided so that a refrigerator and an air conditioner with different cooling loads can be operated simultaneously, and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into each evaporator can be easily controlled.

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, the refrigeration cycle parts excluding the refrigerator evaporator are disposed inside the housing of the air conditioner, so the storage compartment volume of the refrigerator can be expanded.

According to the present invention, user convenience can be increased because cooling or heating operation can be selectively performed depending on the environment in which the integrated refrigerator is installed.

In particular, depending on the kitchen environment in which the integrated refrigerator is installed, it is possible to easily perform air conditioning operation in the indoor space by performing cooling operation or heating operation not only in summer but also in winter.

According to the present invention, there is no need to provide a separate outdoor unit to drive the refrigeration cycle, and by reducing the length of the refrigerant pipe, the pressure drop of the refrigerant can be prevented and efficiency can be improved.

According to the present invention, while providing a compressor of sufficient capacity to drive the refrigerator and the air conditioner together, efficient operation is possible by setting the operating capacity of the compressor differently when the refrigerator is used alone and when the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated together. do.

In particular, when using one compressor, efficient operation is possible by setting the operating capacity of the compressor differently depending on the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator.

In addition, when two compressors are used, efficient operation is possible by setting the number of operating compressors differently depending on the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator.

1 is a front view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the housing of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5' in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cycle block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a flow chart showing a control method of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of the air conditioner in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of the air conditioner in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of portion “A” of FIG. 11.
Figure 13 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention when only the refrigerator is operated without the air conditioner.
Figure 14 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the refrigerator and the air conditioner operate together in the air conditioner integrated refrigerator according to the second 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, in describing the components of the embodiments 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.”

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

1 to 5, the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator 10 (hereinafter referred to as “integrated refrigerator”) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator 100 forming a storage compartment for storing items, and the above. It may include an air conditioner 200 that discharges air to condition the indoor space where the integrated refrigerator 10 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 freezer 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 arranged 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 chambers 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, the parts of the refrigeration cycle may include a compressor 310, a first heat exchanger 320, a second heat exchanger 350, a third expansion valve 363, and a fourth expansion valve 364. You can.

The first heat exchanger 320 may function as a “condenser” during cooling operation to cool the indoor space. On the other hand, the first heat exchanger 320 may function as an “air conditioning evaporator” during a heating operation to heat an indoor space. Accordingly, the first heat exchanger 320 may be called a “heat source side heat exchanger.”

The second heat exchanger 350 may function as an “air conditioning evaporator” during cooling operation to cool the indoor space. On the other hand, the second heat exchanger 350 may function as a “condenser” during heating operation to heat the indoor space. Accordingly, the second heat exchanger 350 may be called a “use-side heat exchanger.”

Components of the refrigeration cycle may further include a refrigerant pipe 300a that connects the compressor 310, the first heat exchanger 320, and the second heat exchanger 350 to allow the refrigerant to flow.

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 second heat exchanger 350 and the first heat exchanger 320.

For example, the second heat exchanger 350 may be disposed in the front part of the housing 210 to discharge conditioned air to the front of the integrated refrigerator.

The first heat exchanger 320 may be disposed on the opposite side of the second heat exchanger 350, that is, at the rear of the housing 210. Additionally, the fan assembly 300b may be installed at a point between the first heat exchanger 320 and the second heat exchanger 350, that is, approximately in the center of the housing 210.

The fan assembly 300b includes a first heat exchanger fan 325 for forming an air passage passing through the first heat exchanger 320 and a first heat exchanger fan 325 for forming an air passage passing through the second heat exchanger 350. It may include a two-heat exchanger fan (355).

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

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

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

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

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

The first heat exchanger 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 first heat exchanger 320 to send air to the first heat exchanger 320.

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

The second heat exchanger fan 355 may include a centrifugal fan that intakes air in the axial direction and discharges it in the circumferential direction. For example, the second heat exchanger fan 355 may include a multi-blade blower.

The second heat exchanger 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 second heat exchanger 350 to send air to the second heat exchanger 350.

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 first heat exchanger fan 325 and the second heat exchanger 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 2 It can be connected to the first heat exchanger fan 325 and the second heat exchanger fan 355 on each axis.

In this case, the first heat exchanger fan 325 and the second heat exchanger fan 355 can be driven together by driving 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 heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger 320 and the second heat exchanger 350 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 first discharge part 218 through which air heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger 320 is discharged.

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

The first discharge unit 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 first 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 second discharge portion 220 through which air heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger 350 is discharged.

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

The second discharge part 220 may be provided with a discharge vane 221 that can open or close the second discharge part 220. The discharge vane 221 may be provided to be movable. For example, the discharge vane 221 may rotate in the vertical direction.

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

When the second heat exchanger fan 355 is turned off, the discharge vane 221 may be closed. Of course, even if the second heat exchanger fan 355 is driven, if the discharge vane 221 is closed, air may not be discharged through the second discharge part 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 compressor 310. The first installation space 211 may be divided from other installation spaces by a first partition 216a.

A gas-liquid separator 312 may be provided in the first installation space 211, which is provided on the suction side of the compressor 310 to separate gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant and transfer it to the compressor 310. However, the gas-liquid separator 312 may be omitted.

At least a portion of the third expansion valve 363, the fourth expansion valve 364, and 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 heat exchanger 320. 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 second heat exchanger 350. 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.

Referring to FIG. 5, the air flow in the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 will be briefly described.

When the first evaporation fan 335 is driven, the cold air in the refrigerating compartment 101 flows from the lower space of the refrigerating compartment 101 to the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 101, and the first evaporator ( 330) may flow to the suction side.

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 second heat exchanger fan 355 is driven, and air from the indoor space can be introduced into the interior of 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 first heat exchanger fan 325 and flows into the second installation space where the first heat exchanger 320 is located.

Air exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 320 in the second installation space, and the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the housing 210 through the first discharge part 218.

For example, during cooling operation of the air conditioner 200, air may be heated by heat exchange with the first heat exchanger 320 in the second installation space. That is, heat can be dissipated in the first heat exchanger 320.

On the other hand, during heating operation of the air conditioner 200, the air may be cooled by heat exchange with the first heat exchanger 320 in the second installation space. That is, heat absorption can occur in the first heat exchanger 320.

The remaining air among the air sucked into the fan assembly (300b) flows forward through the second heat exchanger fan (355) and flows into the third installation space where the second heat exchanger (350) is located.

Air exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 350 in the third installation space, and the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the housing 210 through the second discharge part 220.

For example, during cooling operation of the air conditioner 200, air may be cooled by heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 350 in the third installation space. That is, heat absorption can occur in the second heat exchanger 350.

On the other hand, during heating operation of the air conditioner 200, air may be heated by heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 350 in the third installation space. That is, heat can be dissipated in the second heat exchanger 350.

When the air heat-exchanged in the third installation space is discharged through the second 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. 6 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cycle block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the integrated refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can drive a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle may be driven by multiple cycle components.

The integrated refrigerator 10 may include a compressor 310 for compressing refrigerant. The compressor 310 may include a suction port 311 for sucking in refrigerant and a discharge port 312 for discharging the high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310.

The integrated refrigerator 10 may include a first heat exchanger 320 and a second heat exchanger 350 disposed on the outlet side of the compressor 310.

Depending on whether the air conditioner 200 is in a cooling or heating operation, one of the first and second heat exchangers 320 and 350 may function as a condenser, and the other may function as an evaporator for air conditioning.

For example, when the air conditioner 200 performs a cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 may flow into the first heat exchanger 320 and be condensed. That is, the first heat exchanger 320 may function as a “condenser.”

And, when the air conditioner (200) performs a cooling operation, the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger (320) is decompressed in the fourth expansion valve (364) and then transferred to the second heat exchanger (350). It can flow in and evaporate. That is, the second heat exchanger 350 may function as an “evaporator.”

As another example, when the air conditioner 200 performs a heating operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 may flow into the second heat exchanger 350 and be condensed. That is, the second heat exchanger 350 may function as a “condenser.”

And, when the air conditioner (200) performs a heating operation, the refrigerant condensed in the second heat exchanger (350) is depressurized in the third expansion valve (363) and then transferred to the first heat exchanger (320). It can flow in and evaporate. That is, the first heat exchanger 320 may function as an “evaporator.”

Meanwhile, when the air conditioner 200 is turned off and only the refrigerator 100 is driven, the first heat exchanger 320 functions as a condenser, while the refrigerant is not supplied to the second heat exchanger 350. The fourth expansion valve 364 may be closed.

On the inflow side of the first and second heat exchangers (320,350), there is a flow switching valve 400 for sending the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 to the first heat exchanger 320 or the second heat exchanger 350. may include.

For example, the flow switching valve 400 may include a four-way valve having four ports for entering and exiting refrigerant.

The flow switching valve 400 is connected to the discharge port 312 of the compressor 310 and may include a first port 401 through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 flows.

The flow switching valve 400 may include a second port 402 for discharging the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 to the first heat exchanger 320.

The flow switching valve 400 may include a third port 403 for discharging the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 to the second heat exchanger 350.

The flow switching valve 400 may include a fourth port 404 that discharges low-pressure refrigerant from the flow switching valve 400 in order to suck the low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator into the compressor 310. . The fourth port 404 may be connected to the suction port 311 of the compressor 310.

The integrated refrigerator 10 has expansion valves 361, 362, 363, 364 for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 or the second heat exchanger 350, and evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion valves 361, 362, 363, 364. It may include a plurality of evaporators (330,340).

The plurality of evaporators 330, 340, and 350 may include a first evaporator 330 and a second evaporator 340. For example, the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 may constitute a “refrigerator evaporator” and a “freezer evaporator,” respectively.

The plurality of evaporators may include the first heat exchanger 320 or the second heat exchanger 350. During cooling operation of the air conditioner 200, the second heat exchanger 350 may function as a third evaporator.

On the other hand, during heating operation of the air conditioner 200, the first heat exchanger 320 may function as a third evaporator.

The expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 include a first expansion valve 361 provided on the inlet side of the first evaporator 330 and a second expansion valve 362 provided on the inlet side of the second evaporator 340. can do.

The expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 may include a third expansion valve 363 provided at the inlet side of the first heat exchanger 320. During the heating operation of the air conditioner 200, the refrigerant may be depressurized in the third expansion valve 363 and then flow into the first heat exchanger 320 and evaporate.

The expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 may include a fourth expansion valve 364 provided at the inlet side of the second heat exchanger 350. During cooling operation of the air conditioner 200, the refrigerant may be depressurized in the fourth expansion valve 364 and then flow into the second heat exchanger 350 and evaporate.

The first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 may be called “refrigerator expansion valves,” and the third expansion valve 363 or fourth expansion valve 364 may be called “air conditioner expansion valve.”

The compressor 310, the first heat exchanger 320, the expansion valves 361, 362, 363, 364, the first and second evaporators (330, 340), and the first and second heat exchangers (320, 350) are connected by a refrigerant pipe (300a) to distribute the refrigerant. Circulation may be permitted.

The refrigerant pipe 300a may include a suction pipe 313 that sucks refrigerant into the compressor 310. The suction pipe 313 may extend from the fourth port 404 of the flow conversion valve 400 and be connected to the suction port 311 of the compressor 310.

The refrigerant pipe 300a may include a discharge pipe 314 that guides the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 310 to the flow switching valve 400. The discharge pipe 314 may extend from the discharge port 312 of the compressor 310 and be connected to the first port 401 of the flow conversion valve 400.

The refrigerant pipe (300a) is connected to the outlet side of the first heat exchanger (320) or the second heat exchanger (350) to collect the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger (320) or the second heat exchanger (350). It may include a condensation pipe 302 that allows the flow of.

The refrigerant pipe 300a is a first heat exchanger inlet pipe 391 that introduces the refrigerant discharged from the flow switching valve 400 into the first heat exchanger 320 based on the cooling operation of the air conditioner 200. may include.

The first heat exchanger inlet pipe 391 may extend from the second port 402 of the flow switching valve 400 and be connected to the first heat exchanger 320.

The refrigerant pipe 300a may include a first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392 that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 320 to the condensation pipe 302. The first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392 may be connected to the condensation pipe 302. For example, the first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392 may form a part of the condensation pipe 302.

The first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392 can be called an “evaporator inlet pipe” in that it guides the inflow of refrigerant into the first heat exchanger 320, which acts as an evaporator during the heating operation of the air conditioner 200. there is.

The refrigerant pipe 300a is a second heat exchanger inlet pipe 393 that introduces the refrigerant discharged from the flow switching valve 400 into the second heat exchanger 350 based on the heating operation of the air conditioner 200. may include.

The second heat exchanger inlet pipe 393 may extend from the third port 403 of the flow conversion valve 400 and be connected to the second heat exchanger 350.

The refrigerant pipe 300a may include a second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394 that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger 350 to the condensation pipe 302. The second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394 may be connected to the condensation pipe 302. For example, the second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394 may form a part of the condensation pipe 302.

The second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394 can be called an “evaporator inlet pipe” in that it guides the inflow of refrigerant into the second heat exchanger 350, which acts as an evaporator during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 200. there is.

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

The refrigerant pipe 300a may include evaporator inlet pipes 303a and 303b branched from the condensation pipe 302 or connected to the condensation pipe 320 and connected to the first and second evaporators 330 and 340.

The evaporator inlet pipes 303a and 303b 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.

The evaporator inlet pipes 303a and 303b 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 first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392 may be connected to the condensation pipe 302.

The second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394 may be branched from the second branch portion 302b of the condensation pipe 302.

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 first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392.

The third expansion valve 364 may be installed in the second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394.

At least one valve among the first to fourth expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 may be configured as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening degree is adjustable. For example, the first to third expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 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 first and second heat exchangers 320 and 350 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.

For this purpose, the opening degree of the third expansion valve 363, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 320, is determined by 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 of .

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 fourth expansion valve 364, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 350, is the opening size of the first expansion valve 361, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 330. It can be formed larger.

That is, when the fourth expansion valve 364 is fully opened, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 364 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 may be larger than the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362, which controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 340.

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.

The opening degree of the fourth expansion valve 364 may be larger than the opening degree of the second expansion valve 362.

That is, when the fourth expansion valve 364 is fully opened, the opening diameter of the fourth expansion valve 364 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 is driven and the air conditioner 200 performs a cooling operation, the opening degree diameter of the fourth expansion valve 364 is the opening degree diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or The opening degree of the second expansion valve 362 may be larger than the diameter.

At this time, the third expansion valve 363 may be fully opened. Therefore, when the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 passes through the third expansion valve 363, the refrigerant may not be decompressed.

In this case, when the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (320) branches and flows into the second heat exchanger (350) and the first and second evaporators (330,340), it flows into the second heat exchanger (350). 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 first evaporator 330 or the second evaporator 340.

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, second, and fourth expansion valves 361, 362, and 364 can be adjusted. At this time, the opening degrees of the first, second, and fourth expansion valves (361, 362, and 364) can be controlled so that the refrigerant on the outlet side of the second heat exchanger (350) and the first and second evaporators (330, 340) can be in an overheated state. .

As another example, when the refrigerator 100 is driven and the air conditioner 200 performs a heating operation, the opening degree diameter of the third expansion valve 363 is the opening degree diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or The opening degree of the second expansion valve 362 may be larger than the diameter.

At this time, the fourth expansion valve 364 may be fully opened. Therefore, when the refrigerant condensed in the second heat exchanger 350 passes through the fourth expansion valve 364, the refrigerant may not be decompressed.

In this case, when the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (350) branches and flows into the first heat exchanger (320) and the first and second evaporators (330,340), it flows into the first heat exchanger (320). 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 first evaporator 330 or the second evaporator 340.

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, second, and third expansion valves 361, 362, and 363 can be adjusted. At this time, the opening degrees of the first, second, and third expansion valves (361, 362, and 363) can be controlled so that the refrigerant on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger (320) and the first and second evaporators (330, 340) can be in an overheated state. .

When the refrigerator 100 is driven while the air conditioner 200 is not driven, the fourth expansion valve 364 may be turned off (closed). Also, when the third expansion valve 363 is fully opened and the refrigerant passes through the third expansion valve 363, pressure reduction may not occur.

Additionally, the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 may be partially opened to depressurize the refrigerant to be introduced into the first and second evaporators 330 and 340, respectively.

In this case, the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 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 opening diameter of the first expansion valve 361 is equal to that of the second expansion valve 362 when the second expansion valve 362 is fully opened. 362) may be formed similarly or identically to the 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 can 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 refrigerant pipe 100a may include evaporator outlet pipes 304a and 304b connected to the outlet sides of the first and second evaporators 330 and 340.

The evaporator outlet pipes 304a and 304b include a first evaporator outlet pipe 304a connected to the outlet side of the first evaporator 330 and a second evaporator outlet pipe 304b connected to the outlet side of the second evaporator 340. ) may include.

The first and second evaporator outlet pipes (304a, 304b) 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 compressor 310.

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 be connected to the suction pipe 313. The suction pipe 313 may include a second joint portion 313a to which the low-pressure pipe 305 is connected.

The refrigerant evaporated in the first evaporator 330 and the refrigerant evaporated in the second evaporator 340 are laminated in the first lamination portion 305a, and the laminated refrigerant passes through the second lamination portion 313a. It can flow into the suction pipe (313). And, the refrigerant can be sucked into the compressor 310 through the suction port 311.

During cooling operation of the air conditioner (200), the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger (350) flows into the flow switching valve (400) through the second heat exchanger inlet pipe (393) and the suction pipe. It can be sucked into the compressor 310 through (313).

During the heating operation of the air conditioner (200), the refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger (320) flows into the flow switching valve (400) through the first heat exchanger inlet pipe (391) and the suction pipe. It can be sucked into the compressor 310 through (313).

The evaporation pressure on the first evaporator 330 side may be higher than the evaporation pressure on the second evaporator 340 side. Additionally, the evaporation pressure on the first heat exchanger 320 or the second heat exchanger 350 may be higher than the evaporation pressure on the first evaporator 330.

When the refrigerant evaporated from the first and second evaporators (330,340) and the first and second heat exchangers (320,350) are combined in the suction pipe (313), the refrigerant is transferred to the first evaporator due to the difference in evaporation pressure. Check valves 381 and 382 may be provided to prevent backflow to the outlet pipe 304a or the second evaporator outlet pipe 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 compressor 310.

The integrated refrigerator 10 may further include temperature sensors 371, 372, 373, and 374 that detect the degree of superheat of the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 and the first and second heat exchangers 320 and 350.

Based on the temperature values detected by the temperature sensors (371, 372, 373, and 374), the degree of superheat of the first and second evaporators (330, 340) and the first and second heat exchangers (320, 350) is detected, and the degree of superheat is adjusted to adjust the degree of superheat. ~4 Expansion valves (361, 362, 363, 364) can be controlled.

The temperature sensors 371, 372, 373, and 374 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, 373, and 374 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, 373, and 374 may include a third temperature sensor 373 for detecting the degree of superheat of the first heat exchanger 320. The third temperature sensor 373 may include a third inlet temperature sensor installed at the inlet end of the first heat exchanger 320 and a third outlet temperature sensor installed at the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 320. You can.

The temperature sensors 371, 372, 373, and 374 may include a fourth temperature sensor 374 for detecting the degree of superheat of the second heat exchanger 350. The fourth temperature sensor 374 may include a fourth inlet temperature sensor installed at the inlet end of the second heat exchanger 350 and a fourth outlet temperature sensor installed at the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 350. You can.

The degree of 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 the first and second evaporators (330,340) and the first and second heat exchangers (320,350), and the calculated superheat The opening degrees of the first to fourth expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 can be adjusted so that the superheat degree is within the set superheat degree.

In this way, a refrigeration cycle including one compressor 310 and one condenser (either 320 or 350) is driven to drive the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200, and the refrigerator and the air conditioner 200 are operated. Cold air can be generated by selecting the first and second evaporators (330, 340) and the third evaporator (the other of 320 and 350) with appropriate cooling capacity in response to the cooling load.

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 fourth expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364.

An evaporation fan may be provided to blow air for heat exchange with the first and second evaporators 330 and 340. The evaporation fan may include a first evaporation fan 335 provided on one side of the first evaporator 330 and a second evaporation fan 345 provided on one side of the second evaporator 340.

A heat exchanger fan may be provided to blow air for heat exchange with the first and second heat exchangers (320,350). The heat exchanger fan may include a first heat exchanger fan 325 provided on one side of the first heat exchanger 320 and a second heat exchanger fan 355 provided on one side of the second heat exchanger 350.

Referring to FIG. 7, the integrated refrigerator 10 according to the first 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 operation mode input unit that can select an operation mode of the air conditioner 200, for example, a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode.

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

Even when a command is input through the input unit 410 to increase the set temperature of the heating standard 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.

In this way, the control unit 450 can control the driving components of the refrigeration cycle in response to the changing load.

For example, when the set 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 450 performs a first control to increase the operating frequency of the compressor 310, At least one of the second control to increase the rotation speed of the first and second heat exchanger fans (325 and 355) and the third control to increase the rotation speed of the first and second evaporation fans (330 and 340) may be performed.

When the volume of air discharged from the discharge unit 220 of the air conditioner 200 increases, the control unit 450 may increase the rotation speed of the second heat exchanger fan 355.

The control unit 450 can calculate the superheat of the first and second evaporators (330,340) and the first and second heat exchangers (320,350) through the first to fourth temperature sensors (371,372,373,374), and the first and second evaporators (330,340) ) and the opening degrees of the first to fourth expansion valves (361, 362, 363, and 364) can be adjusted so that the superheating degrees of each of the first and second heat exchangers (320, 350) can be maintained in a normal range.

For example, when the degree of superheat of a specific evaporator or heat exchanger 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 on the inlet side of the evaporator or heat exchanger.

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 or heat exchanger.

When the cooling operation or heating operation mode is input through the operation mode input unit, the control unit 450 can control the flow of refrigerant by changing the mode of the flow switching valve 400.

The integrated refrigerator 10 may further include a low pressure sensor 420 for detecting low pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The pressure on the suction side of the compressor 310 can be detected through the low pressure sensor 420.

For example, the low pressure sensor 420 may be installed in the low pressure pipe 305.

As another example, the low pressure sensor 420 may be omitted and the temperature value of the first outlet temperature sensor 371 or the second outlet temperature sensor 372 may be converted into a pressure value to calculate the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle. .

When the refrigerator 100 is operated independently, or when the refrigerator is operated and the air conditioner is operated for cooling, the control unit 450 uses information about the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle to determine the operating capacity (operating frequency) of the compressor 310. can be adjusted.

The integrated refrigerator 10 may further include a high pressure sensor 430 for detecting the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle. The pressure on the discharge side of the compressor 310 can be sensed through the high pressure sensor 430.

For example, the high pressure sensor 430 may be installed in the discharge pipe 314.

When operating the refrigerator 100 and heating the air conditioner, the control unit 450 can adjust the operating capacity (operating frequency) of the compressor 310 using information about the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle.

Figure 8 is a flow chart showing a control method of the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the cooling of the air conditioner in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during operation, and FIG. 10 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of the air conditioner in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

When the refrigerator 100 is turned on, the compressor 310 operates to compress the refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant may be condensed while passing through the first heat exchanger 320. The condensed refrigerant may flow through the condensation pipe 302.

The compressor 310 may include an inverter compressor whose operating capacity is variable.

The compressor 310 may be operated in the first mode. The first mode is understood as a mode in which the integrated refrigerator 10 is operated at a low load, and the operating capacity of the compressor 310 may be set to be low.

The operating capacity of the compressor 310 may be adjusted according to the operating frequency of the compressor 310.

When operating the compressor 310 in the first mode, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 may be in the range of 40 to 50% of the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 310.

For example, the compressor 310 may be configured as a twin rotary compressor capable of forming two compression chambers. When operating in the first mode, the compressor 310 may be operated to form only one compression chamber (S11, S12).

The third expansion valve 363 is fully open, so the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 may not be depressurized while passing through the third expansion valve 363.

The fourth expansion valve 364 is closed so that the refrigerant in the condensation pipe 302 does not flow toward the second heat exchanger 350.

The first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 are turned on and can be opened to the set opening degree. The refrigerant may be depressurized in the process of passing through the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362.

Some of the refrigerants 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 (S13).

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 (330,340) is combined in the first joining part (305a) of the low pressure pipe (305), and the combined refrigerant is combined in the second joining part (313a) of the suction pipe (313). It can be sucked into the compressor 310 through.

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

When the operation command of the air conditioner 200 is not input, as described above, the third expansion valve 363 may be maintained in a fully open state, and the fourth expansion valve 364 may be maintained in a closed state. (S15).

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

The operation mode of the air conditioner 200 can be recognized. For example, a cooling or heating operation mode may be input, and operation of the air conditioner 200 according to the input mode may begin (S14).

If the operation mode is recognized as a cooling operation mode, the compressor 310 can be operated in the second mode. The second mode is understood as a mode in which the integrated refrigerator 10 is operated at a high load, and the compression capacity of the compressor 310 can be formed to have a high capacity.

When operating the compressor 310 in the second mode, the compression capacity of the compressor 310 may be more than twice the compression capacity of the compressor 310 when operating the compressor 310 in the first mode.

When the compressor 310 is operated in the second mode, the compressor 310 may be operated at an operating frequency close to the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 310.

For example, when operating in the second mode, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 may be in the range of 90 to 100% of the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 310.

When operating the compressor 310 in the second mode, the compressor 310 may adjust the operating frequency of the compressor 310 based on the low pressure detected by the low pressure sensor 420.

When the detected low pressure is higher than the set low pressure, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 can be increased to the maximum operating frequency or the maximum operating frequency can be maintained while maintaining the operating capacity of the compressor 310 in the high capacity range. .

On the other hand, when the detected low pressure is lower than the set low pressure, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 can be reduced while maintaining the operating capacity of the compressor 310 in the high capacity range (S16, S17).

When the operation mode is a cooling operation mode, the third expansion valve 363 may be maintained in a fully open state, and the fourth expansion valve 364 may be partially opened to a set opening degree.

The refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 may not be depressurized while passing through the third expansion valve 363. Some of the condensed refrigerant may be branched from the second branch portion 302b and flow into the second heat exchanger 350.

At this time, the refrigerant may be decompressed in the fourth expansion valve 364 before flowing into the second heat exchanger 350, flow into the second heat exchanger 350, and evaporate.

Some of the other refrigerants among the condensed refrigerants may be branched from the first branch portion 302a and flow into the first evaporator 330.

At this time, the refrigerant may be decompressed in the first expansion valve 361 before flowing into the first evaporator 330, flow into the first evaporator 330, and evaporate.

The remaining refrigerant among the condensed refrigerants may flow into the second evaporator 340. At this time, the refrigerant may be decompressed in the second expansion valve 362 before flowing into the second evaporator 340 and then flow into the second evaporator 340 and evaporate.

The refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 350 flows into the flow conversion valve 400, flows through the suction pipe 313, and can be sucked into the compressor 310. At this time, the refrigerant may be combined with the refrigerant evaporated from the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 at the second joining portion 313a and then sucked into the compressor 310.

When the air conditioner 200 starts cooling operation, the load on the integrated refrigerator 10 increases accordingly, and compared to the case where only the refrigerator 100 is operated, the opening degrees of the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 decrease. The opening degree of the fourth expansion valve 364 can be increased (S18).

When the air conditioner 200 performs a cooling operation, the first heat exchanger 320 functions as a condenser to dissipate heat, and the second heat exchanger 350 functions as an evaporator to absorb heat. .

Even when the air conditioner 200 is not running, the first heat exchanger 320 can function as a condenser to dissipate heat, and the second heat exchanger 350 can function as an evaporator to absorb heat ( S19).

Meanwhile, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 200 is input to the heating operation mode in step S16, the heating operation mode may be started.

When the heating operation mode starts, the compressor 310 may be operated in the third mode. The third mode is understood as a mode in which the integrated refrigerator 10 is operated at a high load, and the operating capacity of the compressor 310 can be set to be high.

When the compressor 310 is operated in the third mode, the compressor 310 may be operated at an operating frequency close to the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 310. For example, when operating in the third mode, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 may be in the range of 90 to 100% of the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 310.

When operating the compressor 310 in the third mode, the compressor 310 may adjust the operating frequency of the compressor 310 based on the high pressure detected by the high pressure sensor 430.

If the detected high pressure is lower than the set high pressure, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 can be increased to the maximum operating frequency or the maximum operating frequency can be maintained while maintaining the operating capacity of the compressor 310 in the high capacity range. .

On the other hand, when the detected high pressure is higher than the set high pressure, the operating frequency of the compressor 310 can be reduced while maintaining the operating capacity of the compressor 310 in the high capacity range (S20, S21).

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 may flow into the second heat exchanger 350 and be condensed. The condensed refrigerant may flow through the condensation pipe 302.

The fourth expansion valve 364 may be maintained in a fully open state, and the third expansion valve 363 may be partially opened at a set opening degree.

The refrigerant condensed in the second heat exchanger 350 may not be depressurized while passing through the fourth expansion valve 364. Some of the condensed refrigerant may be branched from the second branch portion 302b and flow into the first heat exchanger 320.

Before flowing into the first heat exchanger 320, the refrigerant may be depressurized in the third expansion valve 363, flow into the first heat exchanger 320, and evaporate.

Some of the other refrigerants among the condensed refrigerants may be branched from the first branch portion 302a, flow into the first evaporator 330, and evaporate. And, the remaining refrigerant among the condenser refrigerants may flow into the second evaporator 340 and evaporate.

When the air conditioner 200 performs the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode, refrigerant circulation in the refrigerator 100 may be performed in the same manner. Therefore, the process in which the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 310 through the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 when performing the heating mode uses the information described when performing the cooling mode above.

In this way, when the air conditioner 200 starts the heating operation, compared to the case where only the refrigerator 100 is operated, the opening degrees of the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 decrease and the opening degrees of the third expansion valve 363 decrease. The opening degree can be increased (S22).

When the heating operation of the air conditioner 200 is performed, the second heat exchanger 350 functions as a condenser to dissipate heat, and the first heat exchanger 320 functions as an evaporator to absorb heat. (S23).

Depending on the load of the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200, the opening degrees of the first to fourth expansion valves 361, 362, 363, and 364 may be adjusted.

When the air conditioner 200 performs a cooling or heating operation, 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 second heat exchanger 350 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 or the fourth expansion valve 364 may be larger than the opening diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or the second expansion valve 362, respectively. .

For example, the opening diameter of the third expansion valve 363 or the fourth expansion valve 364 may be 2 to 5 times larger than the opening diameter of the first expansion valve 361 or the second expansion valve 362, respectively.

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 or the fourth expansion valve 364 is the same as that of the first expansion valve 361 or the second expansion valve 361. It may be larger than the opening amount of the valve 362.

According to this configuration, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are driven together, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 320 or the second heat exchanger 350 increases with the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 330. ) Or, it may be greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 340.

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 Alternatively, the opening degree of the fourth expansion valve 364 may be greatly reduced and the opening degree of the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 may 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 first heat exchanger 320 or the second heat exchanger 350 (S24) .

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 depicted in FIG. 8. However, if the refrigerator 100 is turned off, the first and second expansion valves 361 and 362 are turned off and the third and fourth expansion valves are closed. Only (363,364) will be opened so that the refrigeration cycle can be circulated (S25).

Referring to FIG. 9, when the refrigerator 100 is running and the air conditioner 200 is in cooling operation, the first heat exchanger 320 can function as a condenser and the second heat exchanger 350 can function as an evaporator. The valve mode of the flow conversion valve 400 may be switched to the first valve mode.

In detail, the control unit 450 controls the flow switching valve 400 to fluidly connect the first port 401 and the second port 402, and the third port 403 and the fourth port 404. It can be connected dynamically.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 may flow into the first port 401 of the flow switching valve 400 through the discharge pipe 314 and be discharged from the second port 402. The refrigerant discharged from the flow switching valve 400 may flow into the first heat exchanger 320 through the first heat exchanger inlet pipe 391.

The refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 may flow into the condensation pipe 302 through the fully open third expansion valve 363.

Some of the refrigerant in the condensation pipe 302 is branched from the second branch portion 302b and flows into the second heat exchanger outlet pipe 394, and is decompressed in the fourth expansion valve 364 and then transferred to the second heat exchanger. It may be evaporated in group 350.

The evaporated refrigerant may flow into the third port 403 of the flow conversion valve 400 through the second heat exchanger inlet pipe 393 and be discharged through the fourth port 404. The refrigerant discharged from the flow switching valve 400 may be sucked into the compressor 310 through the suction pipe 313.

Another part of the refrigerant in the condensation pipe 302 is branched from the first branch portion 302a and flows into the first evaporator inlet pipe 303a, and after being decompressed in the first expansion valve 361, the first evaporator It can be evaporated at (330).

The remaining refrigerant among the refrigerants in the condensation pipe 302 may flow into the second evaporator inlet pipe 303b, be decompressed in the second expansion valve 362, and then evaporate in the second evaporator 340.

The refrigerant evaporated from the first and second evaporators 330 and 340, respectively, is combined in the first lamination part 305a, flows through the low pressure pipe 305, and flows into the suction pipe 313 through the second lamination part 313a. do. As the refrigerant flows into the suction pipe 313, it may combine with the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 350.

The combined refrigerant may be sucked into the compressor 310. This circulation of refrigerant may be repeated.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, when the refrigerator 100 is running and the air conditioner 200 is in heating operation, the second heat exchanger 350 functions as a condenser and the first heat exchanger 320 functions as an evaporator. To do this, the valve mode of the flow conversion valve 400 can be switched to the second valve mode.

The control unit 450 controls the flow conversion valve 400 to fluidly connect the first port 401 and the third port 403, and to fluidly connect the second port 402 and the fourth port 404. You can.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 310 may flow into the first port 401 of the flow switching valve 400 through the discharge pipe 314 and be discharged through the third port 403. The refrigerant discharged from the flow switching valve 400 may flow into the second heat exchanger 350 through the second heat exchanger inlet pipe 393.

The refrigerant condensed in the second heat exchanger 350 may flow into the condensation pipe 302 through the fully open fourth expansion valve 364.

Some of the refrigerant in the condensation pipe 302 is branched from the second branch portion 302b and flows into the first heat exchanger outlet pipe 392, and is decompressed in the third expansion valve 363 and then transferred to the first heat exchanger. It may be evaporated in group 320.

The evaporated refrigerant may flow into the second port 402 of the flow conversion valve 400 through the first heat exchanger inlet pipe 391 and be discharged through the fourth port 404. The refrigerant discharged from the flow switching valve 400 may be sucked into the compressor 310 through the suction pipe 313.

Another part of the refrigerant in the condensation pipe 302 is branched from the first branch portion 302a and flows into the first evaporator inlet pipe 303a, and after being decompressed in the first expansion valve 361, the first evaporator It can be evaporated at (330).

The remaining refrigerant among the refrigerants in the condensation pipe 302 may flow into the second evaporator inlet pipe 303b, be decompressed in the second expansion valve 362, and then evaporate in the second evaporator 340.

In this way, regardless of whether the air conditioner 200 is in a cooling or heating operation mode, the appearance of the refrigerant passing through the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 may be the same.

The refrigerant evaporated from the first and second evaporators 330 and 340, respectively, is combined in the first lamination part 305a, flows through the low pressure pipe 305, and flows into the suction pipe 313 through the second lamination part 313a. do. As the refrigerant flows into the suction pipe 313, it may combine with the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 350.

The combined refrigerant may be sucked into the compressor 310. This circulation of refrigerant may be repeated.

Meanwhile, when only the refrigerator 100 is operated and the air conditioner 200 is not operated, the valve mode of the flow switching valve 400 may be controlled to the first valve mode.

However, unlike when the air conditioner 200 is in a cooling operation, the fourth expansion valve 364 is closed, and thus the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 is discharged from the second heat exchanger outlet. It may flow into the first and second evaporators 330 and 340 without flowing into the pipe 394.

As described above, the refrigerator 100 for cooling and storing items by operating one refrigeration cycle and the air conditioner 200 for harmonizing the indoor space can be operated selectively or simultaneously, thereby increasing user convenience. You can.

Below, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the compressor. In explaining this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and the description and reference numerals of the first embodiment will be used for parts that are the same as the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of portion “A” of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the integrated refrigerator 10a according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include two compressors 310a and 310b for driving one refrigeration cycle.

The two compressors 310a and 310b may be provided on the inlet side of the flow switching valve 400 described in the first embodiment.

The compressors 310a and 310b may include a first compressor 310a and a second compressor 310b connected in parallel.

The compressors 310a and 310b may have different operating capacities. For example, the first compressor 310a may have an operating capacity that is smaller than that of the second compressor 310b.

The low-pressure pipe 305 described in the first embodiment may be connected to the second joint portion 313a of the suction pipe 313.

The suction pipe 313 may be branched and connected to the suction side of the first and second compressors 310a and 310b.

In detail, the suction pipe 313 may include a compressor branch portion 313b to which the first and second suction branch pipes 316a and 316b are connected. For convenience of explanation, the compressor branch portion 313b may be referred to as a “third joint portion.”

The first suction branch pipe 316a may extend from the compressor branch portion 313b to the suction port of the first compressor 310a.

The second suction branch pipe 316b may extend from the compressor branch portion 313b to the suction port of the second compressor 310b.

When the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are operated together, the refrigerant in the suction pipe 313 is branched into the first and second suction branch pipes 316a and 316b to be used in the first and second compressors 310a. , 310b) can be inhaled.

A branch valve 317 that can be adjusted to open and close so that refrigerant is selectively sucked into the second compressor 310b may be installed in the second suction branch pipe 316b.

When only the refrigerator 100 is operated independently and the air conditioner 200 is not operated, the branch valve 317 may be turned off. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the suction pipe 313 can be sucked into the first compressor 310a through the first suction branch pipe 316a.

On the other hand, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are operated together, the branch valve 317 may be opened. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the suction pipe 313 is branched into the first and second suction branch pipes 316a and 316b and can be sucked into the first and second compressors 310a and 310b, respectively.

The first and second compressors 310a and 310b may be connected by an oil equalization pipe 319 to equalize the amount of oil inside the first and second compressors 310a and 310b. The oil equalization pipe 319 may extend in the horizontal direction at the same height based on the installation surfaces of the first and second compressors 310a and 310b.

By the oil equalization pipe 319, an equal amount of oil can be distributed to the first and second compressors 310a and 310b, thereby preventing the compressor's operating performance from deteriorating.

The discharge pipe 314 described in the first embodiment may be connected to the discharge side of the first and second compressors 310a and 310b.

A first discharge branch pipe 318a may be connected to the discharge port of the first compressor 310a. A second discharge branch pipe 318b may be connected to the discharge port of the second compressor 310b.

The first and second discharge branch pipes 318a and 318b may be joined at the discharge joining portion 314a of the discharge pipe 314. For convenience of explanation, the discharge lamination portion 314a may be referred to as the “fourth lamination portion.”

The refrigerant compressed in the first compressor (310a) and the refrigerant compressed in the second compressor (310b) are combined in the discharge joint portion (314a) and may flow through the discharge pipe (314).

The discharge pipe 314 may flow into the flow conversion valve 400 described in the first embodiment.

In the second discharge branch pipe 318b, a discharge side check valve 314b may be installed to limit the flow of refrigerant in the direction from the discharge joint portion 314a toward the discharge port of the second compressor 310b. there is.

When the first compressor (310a) is running and the second compressor (310b) is not driving, the refrigerant compressed in the first compressor (310a) is transferred to the second compressor (310b) by the discharge side check valve (314b). ) can be prevented from being inhaled.

The first and second compressors 310a and 310b may be selectively driven depending on the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator 10a. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 13 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention when only the refrigerator is operated without the air conditioner, and FIG. 14 is the second embodiment of the present invention. In an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator according to , this is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the refrigerator and air conditioner operate together. In a refrigerator, this is a cycle diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation of the air conditioner.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the integrated refrigerator 10a according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when only the refrigerator 100 is operated, the refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 320 is branched to the first and second evaporators. It can be evaporated at (330,340).

At this time, the fourth expansion valve 364 is closed and the condensed refrigerant may not flow into the second heat exchanger 350. The explanation related to this refers to the content described in the first embodiment. Here, the explanation will focus on the compression process in the compressor.

The refrigerant flowing in the low pressure pipe 305 may flow into the suction pipe 313 from the second joint portion 313a.

The branch valve 317 may be closed. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the suction pipe 313 may flow from the compressor branch portion 313b into the first suction branch pipe 316a and may not flow into the second suction branch pipe 316b.

The first compressor 310a may be driven and the second compressor 310b may be turned off. Therefore, among the first and second compressors 310a and 310b, only the first compressor 310a, which has a smaller compression capacity, can be driven. This can be understood to be because, among the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200, only the refrigerator 100, which has a smaller load, is required to be driven.

The refrigerant compressed in the first compressor 310a flows through the first discharge branch pipe 318a and may flow into the discharge pipe 314 through the discharge joint portion 314a. The refrigerant in the discharge pipe 314 may be restricted from being sucked into the second compressor 310b by the discharge side check valve 314b.

Referring to FIG. 14, in the integrated refrigerator 10a according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200 are operated together, the refrigerant compressed in the compressors 310a and 310b is It can pass through the flow switching valve 400.

During cooling operation of the air conditioner (200), the refrigerant passing through the flow switching valve (400) is condensed in the first heat exchanger (320), and during heating operation, the refrigerant may be condensed in the second heat exchanger (350). there is. The explanation related to this refers to the content described in the first embodiment.

It should be noted in advance that the arrows related to refrigerant flow in FIG. 14 are displayed based on the cooling operation of the air conditioner 200.

Here, the explanation will focus on the compression process in the compressor.

The refrigerant flowing in the low pressure pipe 305 may flow into the suction pipe 313 from the second joint portion 313a. At this time, the refrigerant evaporated from the second heat exchanger 350 during cooling operation, and the refrigerant evaporated from the first heat exchanger 320 during heating operation may be combined with the refrigerant of the low pressure pipe 305.

The branch valve 317 may be opened. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the suction pipe 313 may branch from the compressor branch portion 313b and flow into the first and second suction branch pipes 316a and 316b.

The first compressor 310a and the second compressor 310b can be driven together.

Therefore, compared to the case where only the refrigerator 100 is driven, the compression capacity of the first and second compressors 310a and 310b can be increased by more than two times. This can be understood to be because the air conditioner 200, which has a larger load among the refrigerator 100 and the air conditioner 200, operates additionally.

The refrigerant compressed in the first compressor (310a) may flow through the first discharge branch pipe (318a), and the refrigerant compressed in the second compressor (310b) may flow through the second discharge branch pipe (318b).

The refrigerant in the first and second discharge branch pipes 318a and 318b may flow into the discharge pipe 314 through the discharge joint portion 314a. In addition, the refrigerant flows into the flow switching valve 400, may flow into the first heat exchanger 320 during cooling operation, and may flow into the second heat exchanger 350 during heating operation. Hereafter, the description of the first embodiment can be used for the state of evaporation after the refrigerant expands (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

The first and second compressors 310a and 310b may be configured as inverter compressors with variable capacity.

As described in the first embodiment, the operating frequencies of the first and second compressors 310a and 310b may be increased or decreased based on the low pressure of the cycle detected by the low pressure sensor 420 during cooling operation.

On the other hand, during heating operation, the operating frequencies of the first and second compressors 310a and 310b may be increased or decreased based on the high pressure of the cycle detected by the high pressure sensor 430.

In this way, by providing two compressors to drive one refrigeration cycle and operating at least one of the two compressors according to the operation mode of the integrated refrigerator, the operating performance of the integrated refrigerator can be improved. .

10: integrated refrigerator 100: refrigerator
101: 1st storage room (refrigerator) 105: 2nd storage room (freezer)
200: air conditioner 210: housing
218: first discharge part 220: second discharge part
231: Suction unit 310a, 310b: 1st and 2nd compressors
320: first heat exchanger 325: first heat exchanger fan
330: first evaporator 335: first evaporation fan
340: second evaporator 345: second evaporation fan
350: second heat exchanger 355: second heat exchanger fan
361,362,363,364: Expansion valve 400: Flow conversion valve

Claims (18)

In an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which a refrigerator provided with a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a storage compartment and an air conditioner provided with first and second heat exchangers and a discharge portion for cooling or heating the indoor space are integrally formed,
First and second compressors connected in parallel and compressing the refrigerant;
a flow switching valve provided on the discharge side of the first and second compressors and adjustable to supply refrigerant compressed in the first and second compressors to one of the first and second heat exchangers;
A condenser provided on the discharge side of the first and second compressors and composed of one of the first and second heat exchangers;
a refrigerator expansion device provided on the outlet side of the condenser to depressurize the refrigerant condensed in the condenser;
an air conditioner expansion device provided on the outlet side of the condenser to depressurize the refrigerant condensed in the condenser;
an air conditioning evaporator provided on an outlet side of the air conditioner expansion device and consisting of another one of the first and second heat exchangers;
a suction pipe extending from the outlet side of the flow switching valve to the compressor branch;
a first suction branch pipe extending from the compressor branch to a suction port of the first compressor;
a second suction branch pipe extending from the compressor branch to a suction port of the second compressor; and
A branch valve installed in the second suction branch pipe to selectively allow suction of refrigerant into the second compressor,
When the refrigerator is operated independently, the branch valve is closed so that only the first compressor is driven,
When the refrigerator and the air conditioner are operated simultaneously, the branch valve is opened to operate the first and second compressors together. According to paragraph 1,
The first and second compressors are air conditioner-integrated refrigerators including inverter compressors whose operating frequencies can be adjusted. delete According to paragraph 2,
It further includes a low pressure sensor that detects the low pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the first and second compressors,
When the refrigerator and the air conditioner are simultaneously operated and the air conditioner performs a cooling operation,
The inverter compressor is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that increases or decreases the operating frequency based on the pressure detected by the low pressure sensor. According to paragraph 2,
It further includes a high pressure sensor that detects the high pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the first and second compressors,
When the refrigerator and the air conditioner are simultaneously operated and the heating operation of the air conditioner is performed,
The inverter compressor is an air conditioner-integrated refrigerator that increases or decreases the operating frequency based on the pressure detected by the high pressure sensor. delete According to paragraph 1,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which the compression capacity of the first compressor is smaller than that of the second compressor. delete According to paragraph 1,
It further includes first and second discharge branch pipes provided on the discharge side of the first and second compressors through which the refrigerant compressed in the first and second compressors flows,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which a discharge-side check valve is installed in the second discharge branch pipe to limit refrigerant intake into the second compressor when the refrigerator is operated independently. According to paragraph 1,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator further comprising an oil equalization pipe that connects the first and second compressors and guides equal distribution of oil. delete According to paragraph 1,
A refrigerator integrated with an air conditioner, wherein at least one of the refrigerator expansion device and the air conditioner expansion device is comprised of an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable. According to paragraph 1,
a first heat exchanger fan forming an air flow path passing through the first heat exchanger; and
Further comprising a second heat exchanger fan forming an air flow path passing through the second heat exchanger,
The air conditioner includes a housing provided on one side of the refrigerator,
An air conditioner-integrated refrigerator in which the first and second heat exchangers and the first and second heat exchanger fans are disposed inside the housing. According to clause 13,
The housing includes a suction part that sucks air from the indoor space,
The air conditioner-integrated refrigerator includes a first discharge portion that discharges air that has passed through the first heat exchanger and a second discharge portion that discharges air that has passed through the second heat exchanger. delete delete delete delete

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