KR102926552B1 - Under counter type refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an under-counter type refrigerator.
An under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with two or more evaporators for implementing independent temperatures in multiple storage compartments, and the height of the machine room can be lowered to increase the volume of the storage compartment.

Description

Under counter type refrigerator

The present invention relates to an under-counter type refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space enclosed by a door.

Recently, products that combine furniture and home appliances have been appearing, and under-counter refrigerators, which are installed on a table or sink in the kitchen, are becoming a popular choice for many consumers.

Convenience is enhanced as users can take out drinks or food ingredients from the nearby refrigerator while eating at the table or cooking at the sink.

Information on prior art regarding under-counter type storage is as follows.

1. Patent Publication Number (Publication Date): Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-180968 (July 12, 1996)

2. Name of invention: Under-counter type refrigerator

In the case of under-counter refrigerators, the height of the refrigerator must be formed below the height of the table or sink, so the size of the refrigerator is inevitably limited.

Meanwhile, a refrigerator must include components of a refrigeration cycle to generate cold air, such as a compressor, heat exchanger, and valve device. However, there is a problem in that the storage compartment volume of the refrigerator is limited by the volume of the machine room where these components are installed.

In particular, when a refrigerator includes multiple storage rooms and different types of storage items are stored in each of the multiple storage rooms, and two or more evaporators must be installed to implement independent storage temperatures, the storage room volume of the refrigerator may be limited by the evaporator installation space and the volume of the machine room.

Meanwhile, if one of the above-described multiple storage compartments is configured as a freezer or a convertible storage compartment capable of switching between refrigeration and freezing, a freezer evaporator needs to be installed in the storage compartment. Since the freezer evaporator is formed with a relatively large volume, the storage compartment volume of the refrigerator may be further limited.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an under-counter type refrigerator capable of expanding the storage room volume by implementing a compact machine room.

In particular, the purpose is to provide an under-counter type refrigerator in which the volume of the storage compartment is not greatly reduced even if the height of the refrigerator is reduced by forming the height of the machine room relatively small.

In order to implement the above compact machine room, the purpose is to provide an under-counter type refrigerator that forms a heat dissipation path in the machine room that enables forward intake and forward discharge of the machine room.

In order to implement the above-described forward suction and forward discharge, the purpose is to provide an under-counter type refrigerator in which the machine room is divided into left and right based on the guide wall of the machine room, and a compressor and a condenser are respectively installed in the divided left and right spaces so as to increase the space efficiency of the components.

The purpose of this embodiment is to provide an under-counter type refrigerator capable of expanding the storage room volume by forming the machine room heights of the area where the compressor is positioned, which is formed to be relatively tall, and the area where the condenser is positioned, differently.

The present embodiment aims to provide an under-counter type refrigerator including a suction path formed from the front to the rear of the refrigerator, and a condensing fan arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle from the front to increase the air suction capacity.

The purpose of this embodiment is to provide an under-counter refrigerator capable of implementing independent temperatures for each storage compartment by arranging two or more evaporators, and in particular, capable of implementing a freezer compartment.

The purpose of this embodiment is to provide an under-counter type refrigerator that can evaporate water generated in an evaporator by sending it to a machine room.

An under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with two or more evaporators for implementing independent temperatures in multiple storage compartments, and the height of the machine room can be lowered to increase the volume of the storage compartment.

In addition, a guide wall is provided between each space where a compressor and a condenser are installed in the machine room, and the air passing through the condenser is configured to pass through the compressor, making it easy to form a heat dissipation path.

In particular, a suction path is formed from the front of the machine room and flows backward, through which air is sucked in, and a discharge path is formed from the front to the rear, through which air is discharged forward from the rear of the machine room, through which air is discharged forward, enabling compact implementation of the suction path and discharge path.

The condensation fan that generates the above air flow can be arranged at a set angle with respect to the front of the machine room to increase the air intake capacity. For example, the set angle is formed between 35° and 55°, so that air passing through the suction path can easily flow into the discharge path after passing through the condensation fan.

The above guide wall is formed to be inclined or rounded from the front to the rear, and the width of the suction path is configured to narrow toward the rear by the guide wall, thereby sufficiently securing the air flow rate sucked into the blower fan.

A tray pipe is provided at the rear of the condenser, and the defrost water stored in the tray is easily evaporated by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the tray pipe.

From a refrigerant flow perspective, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows to the condenser after passing through the tray pipe, thereby increasing the calorific value of the refrigerant passing through the tray pipe.

An under-counter refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is a kitchen furniture having a main body in which a first width (W1) in the left-right direction is formed to be greater than a second width (W2) in the front-back direction or a third width (W3) in the up-down direction, and a plurality of storage spaces provided in the main body and arranged in the left-right direction, and is an under-counter refrigerator installed in at least one of the plurality of storage spaces, the under-counter refrigerator including: a main body forming first and second storage rooms; first and second evaporators for generating cold air supplied to the first and second storage rooms; and a machine room provided in a lower portion of the main body and defining an installation space in which a compressor and a condenser are provided.

The above machine room includes a guide wall dividing the installation space into a first space in which the condenser is installed and a second space in which the compressor is installed; a condensation fan installed on the guide wall; a suction path of the condensation fan formed in the first space; and a discharge path of the condensation fan formed in the second space, wherein the condensation fan may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the suction path or the discharge path.

The above machine room includes a front part and a rear part, and the suction path and the discharge path can be formed in a front-back direction from the front part toward the rear part.

The vertical extension line of the axis of the above condensation fan can be formed to be inclined at a set angle with respect to the front or rear part.

The above setting angle can be formed in the range of 35 to 55°.

The above setting angle can be formed at practically 45°.

The above condensation fan may include an axial fan.

The machine room further includes a suction unit provided at the front of the main body and sucking air into the inside of the machine room; and a discharge unit provided at the front of the main body and discharging air inside the machine room forward.

The above guide wall can extend to the rear of the suction portion and the discharge portion.

The above machine room includes a lower plate and side plates provided on both sides of the lower plate, and the installation space is defined by the lower plate and the side plates.

The axis of the above condensation pan is formed to meet the side plate.

The above guide wall protrudes upward from the lower plate and extends in the front-back direction, and the first and second spaces can be formed in the left-right direction based on the guide wall.

The above guide wall includes a first part extending linearly in the front-back direction; and a second part extending inclinedly or roundly rearward from the first part.

The width (C) of the front part of the first space is defined as the distance between the first part and the side plate, and the width (D) of the rear part of the first space is defined as the distance between the second part and the side plate.

The width (C) of the front part of the first space may be formed to be larger than the width (D) of the rear part of the first space.

The above machine room may further include a defrost water tray placed on the upper part of the lower plate and storing defrost water; and a tray pipe provided on the defrost water tray and through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor flows.

The above machine room further includes a control box installed in the second space, and the control box can be placed in front of the compressor.

The above body includes an inner case forming the inner wall of the first and second storage rooms, an outer case forming the outer appearance, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

The above insulation material may include a wall condenser embedded therein, through which refrigerant condensed in the condenser flows, and the wall condenser may include a portion disposed on both side walls of the main body.

The above wall condenser may include a first condensing section provided on the front side of the main body; and second and third condensing sections provided on both sides of the first condensing section and extending by being bent multiple times in the vertical direction.

The above-described solution allows for a compact machine room, thereby expanding the storage volume. In particular, by designing the machine room with a relatively small height, even if the refrigerator height is reduced, the storage volume does not decrease significantly.

In order to implement the above compact machine room, a heat dissipation passage in the machine room capable of forward intake and forward discharge of the machine room can be formed.

In order to implement the above forward suction and forward discharge, the machine room is divided into left and right based on the guide wall of the machine room, and a compressor and a condenser are installed in the separated left and right spaces, respectively, so that the space efficiency of the components can be increased.

In this embodiment, the machine room heights of the area where the compressor is positioned and the area where the condenser is positioned can be formed differently to increase the storage room volume.

The present embodiment aims to provide an under-counter type refrigerator including a suction path formed from the front to the rear of the refrigerator, and a condensing fan arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle from the front to increase the air suction capacity.

This embodiment can implement independent temperatures for each storage room by arranging two or more evaporators, and in particular, can even implement a freezer room.

In this embodiment, the water generated in the evaporator can be sent to the machine room and evaporated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an under-counter refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on kitchen furniture.
FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an open door of an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an under-counter refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on kitchen furniture.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the arrangement of internal storage compartments and refrigeration cycle components when the door of an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is open.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5' of Figure 4.
Fig. 6 is a rear view of an under-counter type refrigerator showing the appearance of a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a front view of an under-counter refrigerator showing a machine room provided at the bottom of a storage room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front perspective view showing the configuration of a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the flow of air in a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the inclined arrangement of a condensation fan in a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is an experimental graph showing the results of changes in suction flow rate depending on the inclined arrangement of the condensation fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a wall condenser provided on the front and side of an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a side view showing a wall condenser provided on the front and side of an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a simulation drawing showing that the side wall temperature of the refrigerator rises above the dew point temperature when the above wall condenser is installed.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an undercounter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on kitchen furniture, FIG. 2 is a view showing an undercounter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention with its door open, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing an undercounter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on kitchen furniture.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed in kitchen furniture (1).

For example, the kitchen furniture (1) may include a dining table that extends in one direction from a wall (W) in an area that forms the boundary between the kitchen and the living room, and is used for dining or cooking. The kitchen furniture (1) may be referred to as an "island dining table."

The above kitchen furniture (1) includes a furniture body (2) having a roughly rectangular shape and a top plate (3) forming the upper surface of the furniture (1).

At the lower part of the above furniture body (2), a recessed portion (6) that recesses from the front of the above furniture body (2) to the rear to form a mop holder can be formed.

The above-mentioned recessed portion (6) is provided with a lower cover (7). The lower cover (7) can be understood as a cover covering the lower front portion of the refrigerator. A perforation for discharging air sucked into the refrigerator or air discharged from the refrigerator can be formed in the lower cover (7).

The above top plate (3) can be attached to the upper side of the furniture body (2).

Kitchen convenience facilities or home appliances may be installed on the above-mentioned tabletop (3). For example, a water purifier (4) and a cooking appliance (5) may be installed on the above-mentioned tabletop (3).

The dimensions of the above furniture (1) can be determined by a first direction width (W1), a second direction width (W2), and a third direction width (W3). For example, the first direction is a direction extending perpendicular to a wall (W), and the first direction width (W1) defines the horizontal (left-right) length of the furniture (1), and can be adjusted according to the size of a kitchen or living room.

The above second direction width (W2) defines the front-back length of the furniture (1), and the above third direction width (W3) can define the height of the furniture (1).

In general, the first direction width (W1) may be formed to be larger than the second and third direction widths (W2, W3). In addition, the third direction width (W3) may be formed to be slightly larger than the second direction width (W2).

For example, the first direction width (W1) can be determined in a range of about 1,000 to 2,500 mm, the second direction width (W2) can be formed in a range of about 500 to 700 mm, and the third direction width (W3) can be formed in a range of 700 to 1,000 mm.

The above under-counter type refrigerator (10, 20, 30) can be installed in the above furniture body (2). In other words, the above under-counter type refrigerator can constitute the above furniture body (2).

The above under-counter type refrigerator may be provided in multiple units in the furniture body (2). For example, the above under-counter type refrigerator includes a first refrigerator (10), a second refrigerator (20), and a third refrigerator (3).

The first to third refrigerators (10, 20, 30) may be arranged horizontally. The first to third refrigerators (10, 20, 30) are separate refrigerators that are separated from each other and can perform independent functions. For example, the first refrigerator (10) may be a refrigerator for storing beverages or wine. The second refrigerator (20) may be a convertible refrigerator capable of switching the storage compartment (refrigeration or freezing). The third refrigerator (30) may be a refrigerator exclusively for a refrigeration compartment or a refrigerator exclusively for a freezer compartment.

However, these refrigerator types can be combined in various ways depending on user preferences. Therefore, refrigerator types are not limited to just one.

And, in the drawing, the first refrigerator (10), the second refrigerator (20), and the third refrigerator (30) are arranged in that order, but, alternatively, the first refrigerator (10) may be arranged between the second and third refrigerators (20, 30).

The front of the first refrigerator (10) is provided with a first door (15). The first door (15) is hingedly connected to the refrigerator body and can be opened by rotating forward. Similarly, the front of the second refrigerator (20) is provided with a second door (25) that is hingedly connected to the refrigerator body and can be opened by rotating forward.

The third refrigerator (30) includes a third door (35) that is provided to be pulled out forward. A basket for storing food may be provided at the rear of the third door (35).

The opening and closing method of the refrigerator door, i.e., whether it is a rotary type or a sliding type, can be combined in various ways. That is, the first refrigerator (10) and the second refrigerator (20) may include sliding doors, and the third refrigerator (30) may include a rotary type door. Accordingly, the opening and closing method of the refrigerator door is not limited to any one.

Referring to Fig. 3, the height of the kitchen furniture (1) will be described.

The height of the above kitchen furniture (1) needs to be formed to a size that allows the user to cook without discomfort when standing in front of the furniture (1) or to sit and eat. In addition, the height needs to be formed to a size that allows the user to approach the undercounter refrigerator to operate the door or take out food inside without discomfort.

For example, the first height (H1) of the furniture body (2) is formed in a range of about 800 to 900 mm, the second height (H2) of the top plate (3) is formed in a range of about 40 to 60 mm, and the height of the recessed portion (6, mop holder) can be formed in a range of about 100 to 150 mm.

The height of the under-counter type refrigerator (10, 20, 30) provided in the above furniture body (2) is formed within the range of the first height (H1), and the horizontal width (S1) of each refrigerator (10, 20, 30) can be formed within the range of about 550 to 600 mm.

In this way, the above under-counter type refrigerator (10, 20, 30) has the limitation that it must be designed with smaller dimensions than a typical refrigerator.

Meanwhile, a refrigerator must include a machine room housing the refrigeration cycle components, namely a compressor and condenser, for generating cold air, and an evaporator located on one side of the storage compartment. The machine room and evaporator, as key components that determine the refrigerator's performance, must be of a certain size or larger. In particular, if a refrigerator includes a freezer compartment, a relatively larger evaporator must be installed compared to a refrigerator with only a refrigerator compartment.

Due to these limitations regarding the size of the refrigerator and its major components, the refrigerator's storage compartment may become cramped. This embodiment attempts to address this issue through the configuration of the machine room, appropriate placement of the evaporator, and compact design of the heat dissipation duct.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the arrangement of internal storage compartments and refrigeration cycle components when the door of an under-counter refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is open, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5' of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a rear view of an under-counter refrigerator showing a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a front view of an under-counter refrigerator showing a machine room provided below a storage compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, an under-counter type refrigerator (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (110) forming a storage compartment (121, 122). The main body (110) includes an outer case (111) forming an outer wall, an inner case (112) forming an inner wall of the storage compartment (121, 122), and an insulating material (113) provided between the outer case (111) and the inner case (112).

The refrigerator (100) further includes a barrier (125) that divides the storage compartment (121, 122) into a first storage compartment (121) and a second storage compartment (122). For example, the first and second storage compartments (121, 122) may be divided vertically by the barrier (125).

The first storage room (121) and the second storage room (122) can implement independent temperatures. That is, the types of food stored in the first storage room (121) and the second storage room (122) can be different.

For example, one of the first and second storage rooms (121, 122) may be configured as a refrigerator and capable of storing refrigerated food, while the other may be configured as a freezer and capable of storing frozen food. In this case, the temperature ranges of the first and second storage rooms (121, 122) may be formed differently.

As another example, one of the first and second storage rooms (121, 122) may be configured as a wine storage room, capable of storing wine, and the other may be configured as a beverage storage room, capable of storing beverages. In this case, the temperature ranges of the first and second storage rooms (121, 122) may be configured differently.

Of course, the first and second storage rooms (121, 122) are formed with the same temperature range, so the same type of food can be stored therein.

The above refrigerator (100) may further include a refrigeration cycle component for supplying cold air to the first and second storage rooms (121, 122).

In detail, the refrigerator (100) further includes a first evaporator (131) and a first evaporation fan (135) installed on the rear wall of the first storage compartment (121), i.e., the front of the rear portion of the inner case (112). The first evaporation fan (135) may be located above the first evaporator (131).

When the first evaporation fan (135) is driven, the cold air in the first storage room (121) is cooled through the first evaporator (131) and can be supplied back to the first storage room (121) through the first evaporation fan (135).

The refrigerator (100) further includes a second evaporator (141) and a second evaporator fan (145) installed on the rear wall of the second storage compartment (122), i.e., in front of the rear portion of the inner case (112). The second evaporator fan (145) may be located above the second evaporator (141).

When the second evaporation fan (145) is driven, the cold air in the second storage room (122) is cooled through the second evaporator (141) and can be supplied back to the second storage room (122) through the second evaporation fan (145).

Although not shown in FIG. 4, a first evaporator cover for shielding the first evaporator (131) may be provided in front of the first evaporator (131), and a second evaporator cover for shielding the second evaporator (141) may be provided in front of the second evaporator (141).

The above refrigerator (100) is provided on the lower side of the main body (110) and further includes a machine room (200) in which a compressor (210) and a condenser (240) are installed.

The above machine room (200) can be formed from the lower front end to the rear end of the refrigerator (100). The bottom surface (115a, 115b) of the main body (110) can form the upper end of the machine room (200).

The bottom surface (115a, 115b) of the main body (110) includes a first bottom surface (115a) formed at the upper front portion of the machine room (200) and a second bottom surface (115b) formed at the upper rear portion of the machine room (200). The second bottom surface (115b) is formed at the rear portion of the first bottom surface (115a).

A heat dissipation path through which air flows can be formed between the first bottom surface (115a) and the lower part of the machine room (200).

A compressor (210) may be installed between the second bottom portion (115b) and the lower portion of the machine room (200). The compressor (210) is installed on a lower plate (221), and a support damper (215) is provided at the lower portion of the compressor (210) to reduce the amount of vibration generated by the compressor (210) transmitted to the lower plate (221).

Since the above compressor (210) must be formed to a certain height or higher due to its structure, the distance between the second bottom portion (115b) and the lower part of the machine room (200) is formed to be relatively large.

In detail, the height (H5) between the lower end of the machine room (200) and the second bottom portion (115b) may be formed to be greater than the height (H4) between the lower end of the machine room (200) and the first bottom portion (115a). Accordingly, the second bottom portion (115b) may be positioned at a higher position than the first bottom portion (115a).

The bottom surface of the main body (110) further includes a third bottom surface (115c) that extends upwardly in an inclined direction from the first bottom surface (115a) toward the second bottom surface (115b).

The front part of the above machine room (200) can form the front exterior of the above refrigerator (100). Air can be sucked in from the front of the machine room (200), pass through a heat dissipation passage, and then be discharged to the front of the machine room (200).

The front of the above-mentioned machine room (200) is provided with a front grille (201) through which air passes. The front grille (201) includes an intake grille (203) as an "intake portion" for sucking in air and an exhaust grille (205) as an "exhaust portion" for exhausting air. The intake grille (203) and exhaust grille (205) may be arranged left and right.

In front of the above front grill (201), a lower cover (7) as described in Fig. 3 may be provided.

Inside the above-described machine room (200), a number of components for driving a refrigeration cycle may be installed. The number of components includes a compressor (210) that compresses refrigerant, a condenser (240) that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (210), and a condensation fan (245) that forces air flow for suction and discharge of refrigerant through the suction grill (203) and the discharge grill (205).

The above-described plurality of components further include a valve (260) for distributing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (240) to the first evaporator (131) and the second evaporator (141). The valve (260) includes a three-way valve.

The internal space of the machine room (200) can be defined by a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates form the bottom surface of the machine room (200) and include a lower plate (221) that provides an installation surface for installing the plurality of components.

The above plurality of plates further include two side plates (223a, 223b) extending upward from both sides of the lower plate (221). The two side plates (223a, 223b) include a first side plate (223a) and a second side plate (223b).

The above-described plurality of plates further include a first upper plate (225) provided on the upper side of the condensation pan (245). The first upper plate (225) may be formed slightly higher than the upper end of the condensation pan (245) and configured to cover the condensation pan (245). In addition, the first upper plate (225) may extend forward in parallel with the lower plate (221) by a predetermined length.

The above-described plurality of plates further includes a second upper plate (226) provided on the upper side of the compressor (210). The height of the upper end of the compressor (210) may be formed higher than the height of the upper end of the condensation pan (245). Accordingly, the second upper plate (226) may be positioned higher than the first upper plate (225). In addition, the second upper plate (226) may extend forward in parallel to the lower plate (221) by a predetermined length.

The second upper plate (226) may be understood to form a surface corresponding to the second lower surface (115b) of the main body (110). Accordingly, the distance from the lower plate (221) to the second upper plate (226) may form a height (H5).

The above-described plurality of plates further include an inclined plate (227) extending downwardly and slantingly forward from the first upper plate (225) and the second upper plate (226). It can be understood that the inclined plate (227) forms a surface corresponding to the third bottom surface (115c) of the main body (110).

The above plurality of plates further include a front plate (228) extending forward from the lower end of the inclined plate (227). The front plate (228) may extend parallel to the lower plate (221).

The front plate (228) may be understood to form a surface corresponding to the first bottom surface (115a) of the main body (110). Accordingly, the distance from the lower plate (221) to the front plate (228) may form a height (H4).

Meanwhile, the distance from the lower plate (221) to the first upper plate (225) may form a height (H6). The height (H6) may be greater than the height (H4) and less than the height (H5).

The first upper plate (225) is arranged to cover the upper side of the condensation pan (245) and the valve (260). The second plate (226) is arranged to cover the upper side of the compressor (210).

A dryer (250) for removing moisture or foreign substances from the condensed refrigerant may be provided between the compressor (210) and the condensation pan (245).

The components of the refrigeration cycle placed in the above machine room (200), i.e., the compressor (210), the condenser (240) and the dryer (250), are connected by a refrigerant pipe (255), and the circulation of the refrigerant in the components can be guided through the refrigerant pipe (255).

The refrigerator (100) further includes a drain pipe (290) that guides the defrost water or condensate generated from the evaporator (131, 141) into the interior of the machine room (200). A tray (not shown) that collects the defrost water or condensate may be provided at the lower side of each of the evaporators (131, 141), and the drain pipe (290) may be connected to the tray and extend downward.

The above drain pipe (290) can extend into the internal space of the machine room (200). The above drain pipe (290) can be fixed by penetrating through any part of the plurality of plates.

For example, the drain pipe (290) may extend downward through the first upper plate (225). However, the penetration location of the drain pipe (290) is not limited thereto, and may be arranged to penetrate the inclined plate (227) or the front plate (228).

The internal space of the above machine room (200) can be configured to be divided into a first space and a second space by a guide wall (230). The first and second spaces can be arranged left and right.

In detail, referring to FIG. 7, when the refrigerator (100) is viewed from the front, the machine room (200) is divided left and right based on the guide wall (230), and a condenser (240) can be placed in the first space on the left. In addition, a control box (238) can be placed in the second space on the right.

The above control box (238) includes a control component that controls the operation of the refrigerator (100).

Air outside the refrigerator (100) flows into the first space from the front of the refrigerator (100) and cools the condenser (240). In addition, the air flows backward and passes through the condensing fan (245) and the compressor (210), thereby cooling the compressor (210).

After this, the air passes through the control box (238) located in front of the compressor (210), cools the control box (238), and can be discharged to the front of the refrigerator (100).

The above condensing pan (245) is installed on the guide wall (230), the condenser (240) can be placed in the first space, and the compressor (210) and the control box (238) can be placed in the second space.

Fig. 8 is a front perspective view showing the configuration of a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the machine room (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a lower plate (221) and side plates (223a, 223b) defining an installation space for refrigeration cycle components.

The above machine room (200) includes a guide wall (230) that separates the installation space. The guide wall (230) can extend from the front to the rear of the machine room (200) where air is sucked in and discharged.

The above guide wall (230) protrudes upward from the lower plate (221) and divides the installation space into a first space (235) and a second space (236). The first space (235) forms a suction-side space of the condensation pan (245) and forms a suction path (208a), and the second space (236) forms a discharge-side space of the condensation pan (245) and forms a discharge path (208b).

A condenser (240) and a valve (260) may be installed in the first space (235). The condenser (240) may be positioned in the front portion of the first space (235), and the valve (260) may be positioned in the rear portion of the first space (235). In addition, the valve (260) may be positioned on the outlet side of the condenser (240) based on the air flow.

A compressor (210) and a control box (238) may be placed in the second space (236). The control box (238) may be placed in the front portion of the second space (236), and the compressor (210) may be placed in the rear portion of the second space (236). In addition, the control box (238) may be positioned on the outlet side of the compressor (210) based on the air flow.

Since the first and second spaces (235, 236) are separated left and right and formed long from the front end to the rear end of the refrigerator (100) and the refrigeration cycle components are installed in the left and right direction, the height of the machine room (200) can be reduced.

The size of the storage room (121, 122) can be formed to be as large as the height of the reduced machine room (200), and the size of the evaporator (131, 141) provided on the rear wall of the storage room (121, 122) can be formed to be large. In particular, the evaporator for driving the freezer needs to be formed to be relatively large in order to increase the evaporation heat amount, and by implementing such a compact machine room (200), the installation of the freezer evaporator can be facilitated.

The left-right width of the first space (235) may be formed to decrease toward the rear of the machine room (200). To this end, the guide wall (230) may be formed to be rounded or inclined toward the rear.

In detail, the guide wall (230) includes a first part (231) that extends linearly rearward from the front end of the machine room (200) and a second part (232) that extends roundly or obliquely from the first part (231) to reduce the left-right width of the first space (235).

Based on the above first part (231), a condenser (240) is placed on one side and a control box (238) is placed on the other side.

Based on the first part (231), the left-right width (C) of the first space (235) may be formed to be larger than the left-right width (E) of the second space (236). In addition, the condenser (240) may be provided in the first space (235) formed on the side of the first part (231).

That is, by means of the first part (231), the width of the front part of the first space (235) where the condenser (240) is provided is formed relatively large, so that the size of the condenser (240) can be formed relatively large. Accordingly, the heat dissipation performance of the refrigeration cycle can be improved.

The width of the left and right sides of the front part of the second space (236), that is, the opposite side of the condenser (240) based on the first part (231), is formed relatively small, so that a control box (238) that is easy to manufacture by reducing the width relatively can be installed.

The above condenser (240) may be configured as a microchannel flat tube type heat exchanger (MF heat exchanger). The MF heat exchanger has the advantages of a compact configuration and excellent efficiency.

The second part (232) may extend rearward from the outlet side of the condenser (240) based on the air flow. Due to the rounded or inclined configuration of the second part (232), the rear portion of the first space (235) may have a relatively small width.

The width of the front part of the first space (235), that is, the left-right width (C) of the first space (235) based on the first part (231), can be formed to be larger than the width of the rear part, that is, the left-right width (D) of the first space (235) based on the second part (232).

Accordingly, the velocity of air passing through the condenser (240) increases and can be sucked into the condensation fan (240).

Due to the configuration of the second part (232), the rear portion of the second space (236) can have a relatively large width. That is, a large space for installing components can be secured. A relatively large compressor (210) can be easily installed in the rear portion of the second space (236).

A defrosting water tray (280) is installed at the bottom of the first space (235). Water discharged from the drain pipe (290) can fall and be stored in the defrosting water tray (280). The defrosting water tray (280) can be formed so that the cross-sectional area of the rear portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the front portion, corresponding to the shape of the guide wall (230).

The above defrost water tray (280) is provided with a tray pipe (282) that provides heat for evaporation of the defrost water. The tray pipe (282) may be placed on the upper surface of the defrost water tray (280). The high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor (210) flows through the tray pipe (282) to assist in evaporation of the defrost water. Since the condenser (240) is provided at the outlet side of the tray pipe (282), the refrigerant flowing through the tray pipe (282) can be introduced into the condenser (240) and condensed.

A fan shroud (246) is provided at the rear of the guide wall (230). From another perspective, the fan shroud (246) may be provided at the rear portion of the guide wall (230). The fan shroud (246) may be arranged to be inclined at a set angle with respect to the front or rear of the machine room. For example, the set angle may be formed in a range of 35° to 55°.

A condensation fan (245) is installed in the above fan shroud (246). The condensation fan (245) can rotate inside the fan shroud (246) to generate air flow. For example, the condensation fan (245) can be configured as an axial fan.

By the inclined arrangement of the fan shroud (246), the condensation fan (245) can also be inclined with respect to the front or rear of the machine room.

A water pump (265) and a water valve (266) may be provided at the rear of the first space (235).

The refrigerator (100) may include an ice maker. The ice maker may be installed in a storage room formed as a freezer among the storage rooms (121, 122). The water pump (265) and the water valve (266) may be understood as devices for supplying water to the ice maker. The water pump (265) and the water valve (266) may be installed on the first side plate (223a).

The above valve (260) is placed at the rear of the second space (236), and the valve (260) can be supported on the water tray (280).

In detail, a valve bracket (263) may be provided on the upper portion of the water tray (280). The valve bracket (263) extends upward from the upper portion of the water tray (280) and may be coupled to the valve (260).

The condensation pan (245) may be positioned spaced upwards by a set height from the lower plate (221). For example, the lower end of the condensation pan (245) may be positioned corresponding to the upper end of the defrost water tray (280). Accordingly, the phenomenon of air flow being obstructed by the defrost water present in the defrost water tray (280) can be prevented.

The first vertical center of the compressor (210) and the second vertical center of the condensation fan (245) can be formed at the same height. That is, the extension line connecting the first center and the second center can be parallel to the lower plate (221). By arranging the compressor (210) and the condensation fan (245) in this manner, the air discharged from the condensation fan (245) can easily cool the compressor (210).

Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the flow of air in a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 10, a description will be given of a heat dissipation path flowing through the machine room (200). When the condensation fan (245) is driven, air outside the refrigerator is drawn into the first space (235) from the front through the suction grill (203).

The air introduced into the first space (235) flows backwards, passes through the condenser (240), and passes through the upper space of the defrost water tray (280), thereby helping to evaporate the defrost water.

Air is sucked into the condensation fan (245) and can be diverted laterally from the first space (235) toward the second space (236). At this time, the condensation fan (245) is arranged so that the axis of the condensation fan (245) is inclined toward the rear and side of the machine room, so that the air of the first space (235) can be easily sucked into the condensation fan (245).

The air discharged from the above condensation fan (245) can cool the compressor (210) as it passes through the compressor (210).

The air that has passed through the compressor (210) is directed forward and cools the control box (238) located in front of the compressor (210) while passing through the control box (238).

The air passing through the above control box (238) flows forward and can be discharged to the front of the refrigerator through the discharge grill (205).

Explains the flow of refrigerant.

The high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor (210) flows through the tray pipe (282) to help evaporate the defrost water stored in the defrost water tray (280).

The refrigerant passing through the above tray pipe (282) flows into the condenser (240) and is condensed, and then passes through the dryer (250) where moisture or foreign substances can be separated.

The refrigerant that has passed through the above dryer (250) flows into the valve (260), branches off from the valve (260), and flows toward the first and second evaporators (231, 241). A capillary (not shown) is provided at the inlet side of the first and second evaporators (231, 241), and the refrigerant is depressurized in the capillary and then flows into the first and second evaporators (231, 241) to be evaporated.

The refrigerant evaporated in the first and second evaporators (231, 241) is sucked back into the compressor (210), and the circulation described above can be repeated.

Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the inclined arrangement of a condensation fan in a machine room according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is an experimental graph showing the results of changes in suction flow rate depending on the inclined arrangement of a condensation fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 11, the condensation fan (245) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be arranged to be inclined at a set angle (α1) with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200). The front part (200a) and the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200) may be parallel to each other.

In other words, the vertical center line of the condensation fan (245) with respect to the axis can be arranged to be inclined at a set angle (α1) with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200).

The suction path (208a) and the discharge path (208b) inside the machine room (200) may be formed to face forward and backward, and the condensation fan (245) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the suction path (208a) or the discharge path (208b). In other words, the axial direction of the condensation fan (245) may be configured to intersect with respect to the front and rear.

The axis of the above condensation fan (245) can be arranged to pass through the rear part (200b) and the side part (side plate) of the machine room (200).

According to this configuration, the front of the condensation fan (245) can be arranged to face the front end of the machine room (200), so that the air flowing through the suction path (208a) can be sucked into the condensation fan (245) without excessive bending.

The above setting angle (α1) can be formed in a range of 35° to 55°.

The five center lines (ℓo, ℓ1, ℓ2, ℓ3, ℓ4) illustrated in Fig. 11 can be understood as center lines (perpendicular extensions to the axis) that represent different angles of inclination of the condensation pan (245).

In detail, the first center line (ℓo) perpendicular to the axis of the inclined condensation fan (245) is understood as a center line forming a 45° angle with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200).

As another example, the second center line (ℓ1) perpendicular to the axis of the inclined condensation fan (245) is understood as a center line forming an angle of 25° with respect to the front (200a) or the rear (200b) of the machine room (200). That is, the second center line (ℓ1) may be a center line rotated by 20° (-20°) counterclockwise (based on FIG. 11) with respect to the first center line (ℓo).

As another example, the third center line (ℓ2) perpendicular to the axis of the inclined condensation fan (245) is understood as a center line forming an angle of 35° with respect to the front (200a) or the rear (200b) of the machine room (200). That is, the third center line (ℓ2) may be a center line rotated by 10° (-10°) counterclockwise (based on FIG. 11) with respect to the first center line (ℓo).

As another example, the fourth center line (ℓ3) perpendicular to the axis of the inclinedly arranged condensation fan (245) is understood as a center line forming an angle of 55° with respect to the front (200a) or the rear (200b) of the machine room (200). That is, the fourth center line (ℓ3) may be a center line rotated by 10° (+10°) clockwise (based on FIG. 11) with respect to the first center line (ℓo).

As another example, the fifth center line (ℓ4) perpendicular to the axis of the inclinedly arranged condensation fan (245) is understood as a center line forming an angle of 65° with respect to the front (200a) or the rear (200b) of the machine room (200). That is, the fifth center line (ℓ4) may be a center line rotated by 20° (+20°) clockwise (based on FIG. 11) with respect to the first center line (ℓo).

Referring to the graph of Fig. 12, the horizontal axis represents the inclination angle of the condensation pan (245) and the vertical axis shows the change in suction flow rate according to the inclination angle of the condensation pan (245).

Condensation pan angle (°) Suction flow rate (CMM) -20 (ℓ1) 0.568 -10 (ℓ2) 0.595 0 (ℓO) 0.6 10 (ℓ3) 0.593 20 (ℓ4) 0.566

The above [Table 1] shows the change in suction flow rate measured according to the angle of inclination of the condensation pan (245) when the condensation pan (245) is arranged to be inclined to form the five center lines (ℓo, ℓ1, ℓ2, ℓ3, ℓ4).

In detail, when the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle so that the center line of the condensation pan (245) passes through the first center line (ℓo), the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle of 45° with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200). At this time, the suction flow rate represents 0.6 (CMM).

When the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle so that the center line of the condensation pan (245) passes through the second center line (ℓ1), the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle of 25° with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200). At this time, the suction flow rate represents 0.568 (CMM).

When the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle so that the center line of the condensation pan (245) passes through the third center line (ℓ2), the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle of 35° with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200). At this time, the suction flow rate represents 0.595 (CMM).

When the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle so that the center line of the condensation pan (245) passes through the fourth center line (ℓ3), the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle of 55° with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200). At this time, the suction flow rate represents 0.593 (CMM).

When the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle so that the center line of the condensation pan (245) passes through the fifth center line (ℓ4), the condensation pan (245) is arranged at an angle of 65° with respect to the front part (200a) or the rear part (200b) of the machine room (200). At this time, the suction flow rate represents 0.566 (CMM).

In order to secure sufficient heat dissipation capacity in the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the suction flow rate must be secured at least 0.590 (CMM). The angle of the condensing fan satisfying this condition must be formed as an angle between the third center line (ℓ3) and the fourth center line (ℓ3) based on the first center line (ℓO).

In this case, the angle at which the condensation fan (245) is inclined with respect to the front (200a) or rear (200b) of the machine room (200) may be in the range of 35 to 55°. An increase in the suction flow rate can be achieved within this inclination angle range.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a wall condenser provided on the front and side of an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a side view showing the appearance of a wall condenser provided on the front and side of an under-counter type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a simulation diagram showing the appearance of the side wall temperature of the refrigerator rising above the dew point temperature when the wall condenser is installed.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the under-counter refrigerator (100) further includes a wall condenser (300). A plurality of under-counter refrigerators (100) may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction adjacent to the furniture (1), and when the temperature of the outer wall of the refrigerator is formed at a low temperature below the dew point temperature due to the influence of the adjacent refrigerators, dew may form on the surface of the refrigerator.

Accordingly, the present embodiment can prevent dew from forming on the surface of the refrigerator by installing a wall condenser (300) through which high-temperature refrigerant flows on the side wall of the refrigerator (100).

The above wall condenser (300) may be configured to be embedded in the insulation material (113) between the outer case (111) and the inner case (112). The refrigerant condensed in the condenser (240) flows into the wall condenser (300), and the refrigerant passing through the wall condenser (300) may flow to the dryer (250).

The above wall condenser (300) includes a first condensing unit (310) provided on the front edge of the main body (110), a second condensing unit (320) provided on one side wall of the main body (110), and a third condensing unit (330) provided on the other side wall.

The above first condensing unit (310) can be placed at a position corresponding to a gasket provided on the back side of the refrigerator door.

The first to third condensing units (310, 320, 330) are connected to enable continuous flow of refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may flow sequentially through the first condensing unit (310), the second condensing unit (320), and the third condensing unit (330).

The second condensing unit (320) may be bent and extended so as to act on a wide area of the side wall of the main body (110). In detail, the second condensing unit (320) includes a first part (321) extending vertically at the rear of the main body (110), a second part (322) extending forward from the upper portion of the first part (321), a third part (323) extending downward from the second part (322), and a fourth part (324) extending rearward from the third part (323).

For example, the first part (321) may be configured with a length set within a range of 570 to 590 mm, the second part (322) may be configured with a length set within a range of 390 to 410 mm, the third part (323) may be configured with a length set within a range of 190 to 200 mm, and the fourth part (324) may be configured with a length set within a range of 350 to 370 mm.

In addition, the second to fourth parts (322, 323, 324) may be configured to be symmetrical in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical center of the first part (321). That is, the second to fourth parts (322, 323, 324) may be provided at the upper and lower portions of the second condensing unit (320), respectively.

Since the third condensing unit (330) has the same shape as the third condensing unit (320), the description regarding the second condensing unit (320) is used.

With this configuration, when refrigerant flows through the wall condenser (300), the side wall of the refrigerator body (110) can be maintained above the dew point temperature. Referring to FIG. 15, the side wall of the body (110) can form a temperature above the dew point temperature, i.e., a temperature indicated in red, yellow, and green. Accordingly, the phenomenon of dew forming on the outer wall of the refrigerator can be prevented.

1: Kitchen furniture 2: Furniture body
10,20,30,100: Undercounter refrigerator 110: Main unit
131,141: Evaporator 135,145: Evaporator pan
200: Machine room 203: Suction grill
205: Exhaust grill 210: Compressor
230: Guide wall 238: Control box
240: Condenser 245: Condensing pan
250: Dryer 280: Defrost tray
282: Tray pipe 290: Drain pipe

Claims (15)

Regarding kitchen furniture having a furniture body in which a first width (W1) in the left-right direction is formed larger than a second width (W2) in the front-back direction or a third width (W3) in the up-down direction, and a plurality of storage spaces provided in the furniture body and arranged in the left-right direction,
An under-counter refrigerator installed in at least one of the above multiple storage spaces,
The main body forming the first and second storage rooms;
First and second evaporators that generate cold air supplied to the first and second storage rooms; and
It is provided at the lower part of the above body and includes a machine room defining an installation space where a compressor and a condenser are installed.
The above machine room,
An intake port through which air is drawn in and an exhaust port through which air is discharged;
A guide wall dividing the above installation space into a first space and a second space;
A condensation fan installed on the above guide wall and arranged at an angle with respect to the air intake direction from the suction portion or the air discharge direction from the discharge portion;
A suction path of the condensation pan formed in the first space and in which the condenser is installed;
A discharge path of the condensation pan formed in the second space and in which the compressor is installed; and
It includes a defrost water tray for storing defrost water and a tray pipe arranged on the defrost water tray and through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor flows.
An under-counter type refrigerator in which the tray pipe is arranged in the suction path of the condensing pan so that the refrigerant flowing through the tray pipe is introduced into the condenser. In the first paragraph,
The above machine room includes a front part and a rear part forming the suction part and the discharge part,
An under-counter type refrigerator in which the above suction path and the above discharge path are formed in a front-back direction from the front part toward the rear part. In the second paragraph,
An under-counter type refrigerator in which a vertical extension line of the axis of the condensation pan is formed to be inclined at a set angle with respect to the front or rear part. In the third paragraph,
The above setting angle is formed in the range of 35 to 55° for an under-counter type refrigerator. In paragraph 4,
The above setting angle is an under-counter type refrigerator formed at 45°. In the third paragraph,
The above condensing pan is an under-counter type refrigerator including an axial fan. In the first paragraph,
An under-counter refrigerator in which the above guide wall extends to the rear of the suction portion and the discharge portion. In the first paragraph,
The above machine room includes a lower plate and side plates provided on both sides of the lower plate,
The above installation space is defined by the lower plate and the side plate,
An under-counter refrigerator in which the axis of the above condensation pan is formed to meet the side plate. In paragraph 8,
The above guide wall protrudes upward from the lower plate and extends in the front-back direction,
An under-counter refrigerator in which the first and second spaces are formed in the left and right directions based on the guide wall. In paragraph 8,
The above guide wall,
a first part extending linearly in the forward-backward direction; and
An under-counter refrigerator comprising a second part extending backwardly in a slanted or rounded manner from the first part. In paragraph 10,
The width (C) of the front part of the first space is defined as the distance between the first part and the side plate,
The width (D) of the rear part of the first space is defined as the distance between the second part and the side plate,
An under-counter type refrigerator in which the width (C) of the front part of the first space is formed to be larger than the width (D) of the rear part of the first space. In paragraph 8,
An under-counter type refrigerator in which the above-mentioned water tray is placed on top of the lower plate. In the first paragraph,
The above machine room further includes a control box installed in the second space,
The above control box is an under-counter type refrigerator placed in front of the above compressor. In the first paragraph,
The above body includes an inner case forming the inner wall of the first and second storage rooms, an outer case forming the outer appearance, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.
A wall condenser through which refrigerant condensed in the condenser flows is embedded in the above insulation material,
An under-counter refrigerator wherein the wall condenser comprises a portion disposed on both side walls of the main body. In paragraph 14,
The above wall condenser,
A first condensing unit provided on the front side of the main body; and
An under-counter type refrigerator comprising second and third condensing sections provided on both sides of the first condensing section and extending by being bent multiple times in the vertical direction.