Valve device

Abstract

A valve device includes a housing having an open lower portion and a receiving space formed therein, a bottom plate covering the open lower portion of the housing, an inlet pipe connected to the bottom plate and through which a refrigerant is introduced into the receiving space, a boss installed at the bottom plate and including a plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet holes into or out of which the refrigerant introduced from the receiving space is introduced or discharged, a plurality of inlet / outlet pipes respectively connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet holes and through which the refrigerant is introduced or discharged from or to the boss, and a gasket having an open cavity formed therein to selectively open one refrigerant inlet / outlet hole and a connection cavity formed therein to selectively connect two refrigerant inlet / outlet holes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device including an improved structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in a cooling device applying a refrigeration cycle, a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator to generate cool air.

[0003] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor is delivered to the condenser through a refrigerant pipe, and then condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser is delivered to the expansion device and expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion device is delivered to the evaporator, and cool air can be generated by heat exchange in the evaporator.

[0004] In the case of a refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is delivered to the expansion device through a refrigerant pipe, and in particular, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is directly delivered to the expansion device, or delivered to the expansion device through a branch pipe branched from the refrigerant pipe through a heat pipe.

[0005] The heat pipe is a pipe installed to prevent dew formation on a gasket portion of a refrigerator door, which is a temperature-sensitive portion of the refrigerator. That is, the high-temperature refrigerant in the high-pressure portion of the refrigeration cycle passes through the heat pipe to prevent dew formation on the gasket portion of the refrigerator door. Depending on the humidity of the outside air, the heat pipe only needs to maintain a temperature greater than or equal to the dew point, but when the temperature is maintained to be greater than or equal to the dew point in the refrigerator, the heat pipe acts as a heat load inside the refrigerator, thereby increasing the power consumption of the refrigerator.

[0006] Therefore, depending on the operating conditions, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is delivered to the expansion device through the heat pipe, or directly delivered to the expansion device without passing through the heat pipe. When the refrigerant does not need to be delivered to the heat pipe, energy efficiency can be increased by preventing the refrigerant from being delivered to the branch pipe connected to the heat pipe. To this end, a three-way valve is installed at a portion branched from the refrigerant pipe to the branch pipe.

[0007] However, the portion of the refrigerant directly delivered to the expansion device without passing through the heat pipe by the three-way valve is introduced into the branch pipe at the junction of the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe, and then delivered to the heat pipe. That is, at the junction of the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe, a portion of the refrigerant backflows into the heat pipe. To prevent this, a check valve can be installed between the junction of the heat pipe and the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe, or a three-way valve can be additionally installed at the junction of the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe, which can cause additional costs. Furthermore, the check valve is difficult to completely prevent backflow, and thus the check valve can not be very effective. Furthermore, when the three-way valve is additionally installed, difficulties such as securing the installation space of the three-way valve and complex pipe connection can occur.

[0008] Further, the capillary tube as an expansion device can be provided with various inner diameters and various lengths in order to respond to a cooling load varying according to an outside temperature, a set temperature, an input load, etc. In this case, it is necessary to control a proper capillary tube into which refrigerant flows among the plurality of capillary tubes according to the cooling load. SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide a valve device including an improved structure configured to prevent refrigerant condensed in a condenser from being backflowed to a heat pipe when the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is not directly delivered to an expansion device through the heat pipe.

[0011] Further, the present disclosure aims to provide a valve device which can be improved to allow refrigerant condensed in a condenser to flow to a proper capillary tube among a plurality of capillary tubes according to a cooling load.

[0012] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a valve device including: a housing including an open lower portion and an accommodation space provided therein; a bottom plate covering the open lower portion of the housing; an inlet pipe connected to the bottom plate through which refrigerant is introduced into the accommodation space; a boss mounted to the bottom plate and including a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes through which the refrigerant introduced from the accommodation space is introduced and discharged; a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, respectively, through which the refrigerant is introduced from or discharged to the boss; and a gasket including an open cavity provided to selectively open one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and a connection cavity formed in the gasket to selectively connect two refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes. The open cavity includes a first area formed at one side of the open cavity and a second area formed at the other side of the open cavity and provided at a position rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the first area with respect to the center of the gasket.

[0014] The open cavity can selectively open one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to the rotation of the gasket, and when the one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened, the opening state of the one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole can be maintained in response to the rotation of the gasket by 45 degrees or less.

[0015] The open cavity and the connection cavity can be formed in the shape of a groove recessed from a bottom surface of the gasket.

[0016] The open cavity can extend to an edge of the gasket in a radial direction of the gasket, and the open cavity can have a size of 75 degrees to 80 degrees in a circumferential direction of the gasket with respect to the center of the gasket.

[0017] The connection cavity can selectively connect two refrigerant inlet and outlet holes adjacent to each other among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes.

[0018] The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can include a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole with respect to the center of the boss, a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole with respect to the center of the boss, and a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole with respect to the center of the boss.

[0019] The plurality of inlet and outlet tubes can include a first inlet and outlet tube connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a second inlet and outlet tube connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a third inlet and outlet tube connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a fourth inlet and outlet tube connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

[0020] The inlet tube can be connected to the outlet tube of the condenser to receive refrigerant therefrom, the first inlet and outlet tube and the third inlet and outlet tube can be connected to the heat pipe, the fourth inlet and outlet tube can be connected to the first capillary tube, and the second inlet and outlet tube can be connected to the second capillary tube.

[0021] In response to the second region of the open cavity being located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, the valve device is in a closed state, so only the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole can be opened by the open cavity, and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole are closed, and the refrigerant from the accommodation space can be discharged to the first inlet and outlet tube through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and then introduced into the heat pipe.

[0022] In response to the first region of the open cavity being located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole when the gasket is rotated 45 degrees clockwise with respect to the center of the boss, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole can be opened, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole can be closed, and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole can be connected by the connection cavity.

[0023] The refrigerant from the accommodation space can be discharged to the first inlet and outlet tube through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, introduced into the third inlet and outlet tube through the heat pipe, discharged to the fourth inlet and outlet tube through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole by the connection cavity, and then introduced into the first capillary tube.

[0024] In response to the second region of the open cavity being located in the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes when the gasket is rotated 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the center of the boss, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be opened, thus, the refrigerant from the accommodation space can be discharged to the second inlet and outlet tubes through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, and introduced into the second capillary tube, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be closed to prevent the refrigerant from being discharged to the first inlet and outlet tubes and the third inlet and outlet tubes.

[0025] In response to the first region of the open cavity being located in the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes when the gasket is rotated 225 degrees clockwise with respect to the center of the boss, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be opened, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be closed, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be connected through the connection cavity.

[0026] The refrigerant from the accommodation space can be discharged to the third inlet and outlet tubes through the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, introduced into the first inlet and outlet tubes through the heat pipe, and can be discharged to the second inlet and outlet tubes through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes by the connection cavity, and then introduced into the second capillary tube.

[0027] In response to the second region of the open cavity being located in the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes when the gasket is rotated 270 degrees clockwise with respect to the center of the boss, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be opened, thus, the refrigerant from the accommodation space can be discharged to the fourth inlet and outlet tubes through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, and introduced into the first capillary tube, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes can be closed to prevent the refrigerant from being discharged to the first inlet and outlet tubes and the third inlet and outlet tubes.

[0028] Advantageous effects

[0029] It is possible to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back without additionally installing a check valve or other valve device by using a single valve device, thus, it is not necessary to secure a space for additionally installing the valve device, and additional cost increase can be minimized.

[0030] Furthermore, depending on a cooling load, it is possible to allow the refrigerant to flow in an appropriate capillary tube among a plurality of capillary tubes having different inner diameters and lengths, thus, various cooling load areas can be effectively operated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1A perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 A view showing a state in which a pad gear is coupled to a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 A view showing a state in which a pad is disposed on an upper side of a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 A view showing a lower surface of a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 A side sectional view of a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 A side sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 A view showing a state in which, among a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is open and the remaining refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by a pad.

[0040] Figure 9 A side sectional view schematically showing a state in which, among a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is open and the remaining refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by a pad.

[0041] Figure 10 A view showing a state in which, among a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is open and a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is connected to a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through a pad.

[0042] Figure 11 A side sectional view schematically showing a state in which, among a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is open and a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is connected to a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through a pad.

[0043] Figure 12 A view showing a state in which, among a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is open and a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole are closed by a pad.

[0044] Figure 13 FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are open and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by the gaskets.

[0045] Figure 14 FIG. 11 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are open through the gaskets and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes through the connection cavity.

[0046] Figure 15 FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are open through the gaskets and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet holes through the connection cavity.

[0047] Figure 16 FIG. 13 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are open and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by the gaskets.

[0048] Figure 17 FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are open and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by the gaskets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The embodiments described in the disclosure and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and can be modified in various different ways to replace the embodiments of the disclosure and the drawings at the time of filing the present application.

[0050] In addition, the same reference numerals or symbols shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0051] In addition, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the disclosure, the terms "include," "have," and the like are used to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof are present, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof.

[0052] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, the terms "front end", "rear end", "upper portion", "lower portion", "upper end", "lower end", etc. can be defined by the drawings, but the shape and position of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which a gasket gear is coupled to a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a view showing a state in which a gasket is arranged on an upper side of a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a view showing a lower surface of a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a side sectional view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a side sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 7 , the valve device can include a housing 10, a bottom plate 20 provided to cover an open lower portion of the housing 10, an inlet pipe 100 through which a refrigerant is introduced, a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes 200 through which the refrigerant is introduced and discharged, a boss 80 including a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 through which the refrigerant is introduced and discharged, and a gasket 90 rotatably arranged on an upper side of the boss 80.

[0057] The housing 10 can be provided such that a lower portion thereof is open and a receiving space 11 is formed therein.

[0058] A rotor 30 can be provided in the receiving space 11 within the housing 10. The rotor 30 can include a rotor shaft 31.

[0059] Further, a pinion gear 40 can be provided in the receiving space 11. The pinion gear 40 can be connected to the rotor 30. The pinion gear 40 can be connected to the rotor shaft 31 so as to be rotatable together with the rotor 30.

[0060] Further, a gasket gear 50 can be disposed in the accommodation space 11. The gasket gear 50 can be disposed at a lateral side of the pinion gear 40. The gasket gear 50 can be engaged with the pinion gear 40, thereby interlocking with the pinion gear 40. Accordingly, in response to the pinion gear 40 being rotated by the rotation of the rotor 30, the gasket gear 50 can be rotated by the pinion gear 40. The gasket gear 50 can include a gasket valve shaft 51 as a rotation shaft. The gasket valve shaft 51 can be connected to the gasket 90 to allow the gasket 90 to rotate together with the gasket gear 50. The gasket gear 50 can include a gasket coupling protrusion 53 coupled to the gasket 90. The gasket coupling protrusion 53 can be provided in plural. The gasket coupling protrusion 53 can be provided on a lower surface of the gasket gear 50. The gasket coupling protrusion 53 can be coupled to a gasket gear coupling hole 93 formed on an upper surface of the gasket 90.

[0061] Further, an elastic support spring 60 can be provided in the accommodation space 11. The elastic support spring 60 can be fixed to the housing 10 in the accommodation space 11. The elastic support spring 60 can be formed in a plate shape. The elastic support spring 60 can elastically support an upper central portion of the gasket gear 50. The gasket gear 50 can be rotatably mounted on the elastic support spring 60.

[0062] Further, a rotor support leaf spring 70 can be provided in the accommodation space 11. The rotor support leaf spring 70 can be fixed to the housing 10 in the accommodation space 11. The rotor support leaf spring 70 can elastically support the rotor 30. The rotor 30 can be rotatably supported by the rotor support leaf spring 70.

[0063] The bottom plate 20 can cover an open lower portion of the housing 10. The bottom plate 20 can include a rotor shaft support hole 21 through which the rotor shaft 31 is rotatably supported. The bottom plate 20 can include a refrigerant inlet hole 23 to which an inlet pipe 100 through which a refrigerant is introduced is connected. The bottom plate 20 can include a boss hole 25 in which the boss 80 is installed.

[0064] The boss 80 can be installed in the boss hole 25 of the bottom plate 20. An upper portion of the boss 80 can be disposed in the accommodation space 11. A lower portion of the boss 80 can be disposed outside the accommodation space 11. The boss 80 can include a gasket valve shaft hole 81 in which the gasket valve shaft 51 is rotatably inserted. The boss 80 can include a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 through which a refrigerant is introduced or discharged. The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 can be connected to a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes 200 through which a refrigerant is introduced or discharged. The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 can be provided as four. The plurality of inlet and outlet pipes 200 connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 can be provided as four. The boss 80 can include a plurality of insertion holes 82a into which the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes 200 are inserted. The plurality of insertion holes 82a can be provided as four to correspond to the number of the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes 200. The plurality of insertion holes 82a can be connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82.

[0065] The gasket 90 can be rotatably disposed on an upper side of the boss 80. The gasket 90 can include a gasket valve shaft coupling hole 91 to which the gasket valve shaft 51 is coupled. The gasket 90 can include a gasket gear coupling hole 93 to which the gasket coupling protrusion 53 of the gasket gear 50 is coupled. Accordingly, the gasket 90 can rotate together with the gasket gear 50.

[0066] The gasket 90 can include an open cavity 95 provided to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 formed in the boss 80. The open cavity 95 can be formed in a lower portion of the gasket 90. The open cavity 95 can be provided in a shape in which a groove is recessed upward on a lower surface of the gasket 90. The open cavity 95 can be provided to extend to an edge of the gasket 90 in a radial direction of the gasket 90. In a circumferential direction of the gasket 90, the open cavity 95 can have a size of 75 to 80 degrees with respect to a center of the gasket 90. The open cavity 95 can include a first area 95a formed on one side of the open cavity 95 and a second area 95b formed on the other side of the open cavity 95. (Refer to Figure 8The first region 95a can be a portion adjacent to the left end when the gasket 90 is viewed from the top. The second region 95b can be a portion adjacent to the right end when the gasket 90 is viewed from the top. The second region 95b can be formed at a position rotated by 45 degrees from the first region 95a with respect to the center of the gasket 90. The open cavity 95 can have a size that allows the first region 95a or the second region 95b to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82. The open cavity 95 can have a size that prevents two of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 from being simultaneously opened. That is, one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 can be located in the first region 95a and then opened, or one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 can be located in the second region 95b and then opened. The gasket 90 can be rotated together with the gasket gear 50 to selectively open one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 formed in the boss 80.

[0067] The gasket 90 can include a connection cavity 97 provided to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 formed in the boss 80. The connection cavity 97 can be formed in a lower portion of the gasket 90. The connection cavity 97 can be provided in a shape in which a groove is recessed upward on a lower surface of the gasket 90. The connection cavity 97 can connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 adjacent to each other.

[0068] The valve device can further include a stator (not shown). The stator can be provided to surround a portion in which the rotor 30 is disposed from the outside of the housing 10.

[0069] The valve device can further include a bracket (not shown). The bracket can allow the housing 10 and the stator to be coupled to each other. The bracket can allow the valve device to be fixed to an external device.

[0070] Figure 8 A view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the remaining refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by a gasket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 A side cross-sectional view to schematically show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the remaining refrigerant inlet and outlet holes are closed by a gasket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 A view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is connected to a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole by a gasket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11FIG. 7 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through the gasket. Figure 12 FIG. 8 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole are closed by the gasket. Figure 13 FIG. 9 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole are closed by the gasket. Figure 14 FIG. 10 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened through the gasket and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through the connection cavity. Figure 15 FIG. 11 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened through the gasket and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through the connection cavity. Figure 16 FIG. 12 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole are closed by the gasket. Figure 17 FIG. 13 is a view to show a state in which, among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is opened and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole are closed by the gasket.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 10, 20, 30, and 40 can be connected to each other through the gasket 50. Figure 8 And Figure 9 The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (not shown) can be transferred to the condenser C and then condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be transferred to the capillary CA as an expansion device and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the capillary CA can be transferred to the evaporator E and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E.

[0072] In the refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be transferred to the capillary CA, and in particular, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be directly transferred to the capillary CA, or can be transferred to the capillary CA through the heat pipe H.

[0073] The heat pipe H is a pipe installed to prevent dew formation on a gasket portion of a refrigerator door, which is a temperature-sensitive portion of the refrigerator. That is, high-temperature refrigerant in a high-pressure portion of a refrigeration cycle passes through the heat pipe H to prevent dew formation on the gasket portion of the refrigerator door.

[0074] The heat pipe H needs to maintain a temperature greater than or equal to a dew point only according to humidity of outside air, but when a temperature is maintained greater than or equal to a dew point in the refrigerator, the heat pipe H acts as a heat load inside the refrigerator, thereby increasing power consumption of the refrigerator. Accordingly, depending on operating conditions, refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be delivered to the capillary tube CA through the heat pipe H, or can be directly delivered to the capillary tube CA without passing through the heat pipe H. To this end, a valve device can be installed on an outlet pipe through which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C is discharged.

[0075] Basically, in response to the compressor being turned on, the heat pipe H can be bypassed, so that the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be directly delivered to the capillary tube CA without passing through the heat pipe H. In response to a predetermined period of time elapsing after the compressor is turned on, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be delivered to the capillary tube CA through the heat pipe H. When the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C is delivered to the capillary tube CA through the heat pipe H, the time for which the refrigerant passes through the heat pipe H can be operated once, or by being divided into a plurality of times.

[0076] The capillary tube CA can include a first capillary tube CA1 and a second capillary tube CA2. The first capillary tube CA1 and the second capillary tube CA2 can have different inner diameters and different lengths. The first capillary tube CA1 can have a large inner diameter and a short length. That is, when a cooling load is high, the refrigerant can be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1 having a low refrigerant flow resistance and then expanded. The second capillary tube CA2 can have a smaller inner diameter and a longer length than the first capillary tube CA1. That is, when the cooling load is low, the refrigerant can be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2 having a high refrigerant flow resistance and then expanded.

[0077] When the capillary tube CA is composed of a single capillary tube, it can be difficult to satisfy all cooling loads of various regions, so it can be difficult to effectively perform operations. That is, in a region in which a cooling load is relatively high, the capillary tube CA can have difficulty delivering as much refrigerant as the flow rate of the compressor. Accordingly, a refrigerant shortage can occur, so it can be difficult to effectively perform operations. Further, in a region in which a cooling load is low, the capillary tube CA can deliver more refrigerant than the flow rate of the compressor. Accordingly, a refrigerant excess can occur, so it can be difficult to effectively perform operations.

[0078] The cooling load can vary according to an outside temperature, a set temperature, an input load, etc. That is, the cooling load can be high when the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Also, the cooling load can be high when the temperature of the storage compartment is greater than or equal to the set temperature. Also, the cooling load can be high when the opening time for opening and closing the door of the storage compartment is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, or when the number of times the door is opened is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times. Also, the cooling load can be high when the temperature drop speed of the storage compartment is less than or equal to a set speed due to an increase in the load inside the refrigerator.

[0079] As described above, when the cooling load is high, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be delivered to the first capillary tube CA1 having a relatively low refrigerant flow resistance and expanded. That is, because a refrigerant shortage occurs when the cooling load is high, the refrigerant can be delivered to the first capillary tube CA1 having a relatively low flow resistance, thereby preventing the refrigerant shortage.

[0080] When the cooling load is low, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be delivered to the second capillary tube CA2 having a relatively high refrigerant flow resistance and expanded. That is, because a refrigerant excess occurs when the cooling load is low, the refrigerant can be delivered to the second capillary tube CA2 having a relatively high flow resistance, thereby preventing the refrigerant excess.

[0081] That is, by controlling the valve device to allow the refrigerant to be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1 or the second capillary tube CA2 according to the cooling load, it is possible to efficiently operate in a wider cooling load region.

[0082] The inlet pipe 100 can be connected to an outlet pipe of the condenser C. The inlet pipe 100 can be connected to the accommodation space 11 inside the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 23 (see Figure 2 and Figure 7 ).

[0083] The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 82 can include a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83, a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84 provided at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 with respect to the center of the boss 80, a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 provided at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84 with respect to the center of the boss 80, and a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 86 provided at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 with respect to the center of the boss 80.

[0084] The plurality of inlet and outlet pipes 200 may include a first inlet and outlet pipe 210 connected to a first refrigerant inlet and outlet port 83, a second inlet and outlet pipe 220 connected to a second refrigerant inlet and outlet port 84, a third inlet and outlet pipe 230 connected to a third refrigerant inlet and outlet port 85, and a fourth inlet and outlet pipe 240 connected to a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet port 86.

[0085] The first inlet and outlet pipe 210 and the third inlet and outlet pipe 230 can be connected to heat pipe H. Refrigerant can be introduced into the first inlet and outlet pipe 210 and discharged into the third inlet and outlet pipe 230 through heat pipe H. Furthermore, refrigerant can be introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe 230 and discharged into the first inlet and outlet pipe 210 through heat pipe H. The fourth inlet and outlet pipe 240 can be connected to the first capillary tube CA1. The second inlet and outlet pipe 220 can be connected to the second capillary tube CA2.

[0086] The second region 95b of the open cavity 95 in response to the gasket 90 is located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83, and the open cavity 95 can only open the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83. The remaining refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices 84, 85, and 86, other than the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83, can be closed by the gasket 90. Therefore, refrigerant introduced into the receiving space 11 through the inlet pipe 100 can be discharged through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83 into the first inlet and outlet pipe 210, and then introduced into the heat pipe. However, because the refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices 84, 85, and 86, other than the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83, are closed by the gasket 90, the valve device can be in a closed state where refrigerant no longer flows.

[0087] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the refrigerant condensed in condenser C can be transferred to the first capillary tube CA1 via heat pipe H, and then expands. The refrigerant expanding in the first capillary tube CA1 can be transferred to evaporator E, and cold air can be generated through heat exchange in evaporator E.

[0088] In response to the gasket 90 rotating 45 degrees clockwise relative to the center of the boss 80 while in the closed state, the first region 95a of the open cavity 95 can be located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83. In response to the first region 95a being located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 83 can be opened by the open cavity 95. The second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 84 can be closed by the gasket 90. The third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 85 and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice 86 can be connected via the connecting cavity 97.

[0089] The refrigerant introduced into the inlet pipe 100 from the condenser C can be introduced into the accommodation space 11 through the refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see Figure 2 and Figure 7 ). The introduced refrigerant can be discharged to the first inlet and outlet pipe 210 through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. The refrigerant discharged to the first inlet and outlet pipe 210 can be introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe 230 through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe 230 can be discharged to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe 240 through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 86 connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 by the connection cavity 97. The refrigerant discharged to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe 240 can be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1. The refrigerant introduced into the first capillary tube CA1 and expanded can be transferred to the evaporator E and generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E. In the drawings, a single evaporator E is shown connected to the first capillary tube CA1 and the second capillary tube CA2, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E can be provided. When two evaporators E are provided, the first capillary tube CA1 and the second capillary tube CA2 can be connected to different evaporators E, respectively.

[0090] As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2 and then expanded without passing through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant expanded in the second capillary tube CA2 can be transferred to the evaporator E and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E.

[0091] In response to the gasket 90 being rotated 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the center of the boss 80 in the closed state, the second region 95b of the open cavity 95 can be positioned in the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84. In response to the second region 95b being positioned in the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84 can be opened by the open cavity 95. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 can be closed by the gasket 90.

[0092] The refrigerant introduced into the inlet pipe 100 from the condenser C can be introduced into the accommodation space 11 through the refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see Figure 2 and Figure 7). The introduced refrigerant can be discharged to the second inlet and outlet tube 220 through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. The refrigerant discharged to the second inlet and outlet tube 220 can be introduced into the second capillary CA2. The refrigerant introduced into the second capillary CA2 and expanded can be delivered to the evaporator E, and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E. In the drawing, a single evaporator E is shown connected to the first capillary CA1 and the second capillary CA2, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E can be provided. When two evaporators E are provided, the first capillary CA1 and the second capillary CA2 can be connected to different evaporators E, respectively. In this case, because the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 are closed, the refrigerant is prevented from being discharged to the first inlet and outlet tube 210 and the third inlet and outlet tube 230.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be delivered to the second capillary CA2 through the heat pipe H, and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the second capillary CA2 can be delivered to the evaporator E, and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E. Figure 14 Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be delivered to the second capillary CA2 through the heat pipe H, and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the second capillary CA2 can be delivered to the evaporator E, and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E.

[0094] In response to the clockwise rotation of the gasket 90 by 225 degrees with respect to the center of the boss 80 in the closed state, the first region 95a of the open cavity 95 can be located in the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85. In response to the first region 95a being located in the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 can be opened by the open cavity 95. The fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 86 can be closed by the gasket 90. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84 can be connected through the connection cavity 97.

[0095] The refrigerant introduced into the inlet tube 100 from the condenser C can be introduced into the accommodation space 11 through the refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see Figure 2 Figure 7 ​​). The introduced refrigerant can be discharged to the third inlet and outlet tube 230 through the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. The refrigerant discharged to the third inlet and outlet tube 230 can be introduced to the first inlet and outlet tube 210 through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant introduced to the first inlet and outlet tube 210 can be discharged to the second inlet and outlet tube 220 through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 84 connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 through the connection cavity 97. The refrigerant discharged to the second inlet and outlet tube 220 can be introduced to the second capillary CA2. The refrigerant introduced to the second capillary CA2 and expanded can be delivered to the evaporator E, and cold air can be generated by heat exchange in the evaporator E. In the drawing, a single evaporator E is shown connected to the first capillary CA1 and the second capillary CA2, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E can be provided. When two evaporators E are provided, the first capillary CA1 and the second capillary CA2 can be connected to different evaporators E, respectively.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerant introduced to the first inlet and outlet tube 210 can be introduced to the first capillary CA1 through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. The refrigerant introduced to the first capillary CA1 can be expanded without passing through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant expanded in the first capillary CA1 can be delivered to the evaporator E, and cold air can be generated by heat exchange in the evaporator E. Figure 16 Figure 17 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerant introduced to the first inlet and outlet tube 210 can be introduced to the first capillary CA1 through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. The refrigerant introduced to the first capillary CA1 can be expanded without passing through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant expanded in the first capillary CA1 can be delivered to the evaporator E, and cold air can be generated by heat exchange in the evaporator E.

[0097] In response to the gasket 90 being rotated 270 degrees clockwise with respect to the center of the boss 80 in the closed state, the second region 95b of the open cavity 95 can be positioned in the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 86. In response to the second region 95b being positioned in the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 86, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 86 can be opened by the open cavity 95. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 85 can be closed by the gasket 90.

[0098] The refrigerant introduced to the inlet tube 100 from the condenser C can be introduced to the accommodation space 11 through the refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see FIG. 1). The refrigerant introduced to the accommodation space 11 can be introduced to the first inlet and outlet tube 210 through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole 83 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. Figure 2 Figure 7 ​​). The introduced refrigerant can be discharged to the fourth inlet and outlet tube 240 through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 86 opened by the open cavity 95 of the gasket 90. The refrigerant discharged to the fourth inlet and outlet tube 240 can be introduced into the first capillary CA1. The refrigerant introduced into the first capillary CA1 and expanded can be delivered to the evaporator E, and can generate cool air through heat exchange in the evaporator E. In the drawing, a single evaporator E is shown connected to the first capillary CA1 and the second capillary CA2, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E can be provided. When two evaporators E are provided, the first capillary CA1 and the second capillary CA2 can be connected to different evaporators E, respectively. In this case, because the first refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 83 and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet holes 85 are closed, the refrigerant is prevented from being discharged into the first inlet and outlet tube 210 and the third inlet and outlet tube 230.

[0099] Although the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A valve device, comprising: The shell includes an open lower portion and a receiving space formed therein; A base plate that covers the open lower portion of the housing; An inlet pipe is connected to the base plate, and refrigerant is introduced into the containment space through the inlet pipe; A boss is mounted to the base plate and includes multiple refrigerant inlet and outlet holes through which refrigerant introduced from the receiving space is introduced and discharged. Multiple inlet and outlet pipes are respectively connected to the multiple refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, and the refrigerant is introduced into or discharged into the boss from the boss through the multiple inlet and outlet pipes; as well as The gasket includes an open cavity formed therein to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices by rotation, and a connecting cavity formed therein to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices by rotation. The open cavity includes a first region formed on one side of the open cavity and a second region formed on the other side of the open cavity and located at a position 45 degrees clockwise from the first region relative to the center of the liner. The open cavity extends radially to the edge of the liner, and has a dimension of 75 to 80 degrees relative to the center of the liner in the circumferential direction. The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes include a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a position 90 degrees clockwise from the center of the boss relative to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a position 90 degrees clockwise from the center of the boss relative to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a position 90 degrees clockwise from the center of the boss relative to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein... The open cavity selectively opens one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to the rotation of the gasket, and in response to the opening of the one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, the gasket rotates 45 degrees or less to maintain the open state of the one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein... The open cavity and the connecting cavity are formed into the shape of a groove recessed from the bottom surface of the liner.

4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein The connecting cavity selectively connects two adjacent refrigerant inlets and outlets among the plurality of refrigerant inlets and outlets.

5. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein... The plurality of inlet and outlet pipes include a first inlet and outlet pipe connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet port, a second inlet and outlet pipe connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet port, a third inlet and outlet pipe connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet port, and a fourth inlet and outlet pipe connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet port.

6. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein... The inlet pipe is connected to the outlet pipe of the condenser to receive refrigerant from the condenser through it; the first inlet and outlet pipes and the third inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the heat pipe; the fourth inlet and outlet pipe is connected to the first capillary tube; and the second inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the second capillary tube.

7. The valve device according to claim 6, wherein... In response to the second region of the open cavity being located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices, the valve device is in a closed state such that only the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices are opened by the open cavity while the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices, and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices are closed, and the refrigerant from the containment space is discharged through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifices into the first inlet and outlet pipe, and then introduced into the heat pipe.

8. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein In response to the first region of the open cavity being located in the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice when the gasket is rotated 45 degrees clockwise relative to the center of the boss, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is opened, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is closed, and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice are connected through the connecting cavity.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein The refrigerant from the containment space is discharged into the first inlet and outlet pipe through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice, introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe through the heat pipe, discharged into the fourth inlet and outlet pipe through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice by the connecting cavity, and then introduced into the first capillary tube.

10. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein In response to the second region of the open cavity being located in the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice when the gasket is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the center of the boss, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is opened, and the refrigerant from the receiving space is discharged through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice into the second inlet and outlet pipe and introduced into the second capillary. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice are closed to prevent the refrigerant from being discharged into the first inlet and outlet pipe and the third inlet and outlet pipe.

11. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein In response to the first region of the open cavity being located in the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice when the gasket is rotated 225 degrees clockwise relative to the center of the boss, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is opened, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is closed, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice through the connecting cavity.

12. The valve device according to claim 11, wherein The refrigerant from the containment space is discharged into the third inlet and outlet pipe through the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice, introduced into the first inlet and outlet pipe through the heat pipe, and discharged into the second inlet and outlet pipe through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice by the connecting cavity, and then introduced into the second capillary.

13. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein In response to the second region of the open cavity being located in the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice when the gasket is rotated 270 degrees clockwise relative to the center of the boss, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice is opened, and the refrigerant from the receiving space is discharged through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice into the fourth inlet and outlet pipe and introduced into the first capillary. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet orifice are closed to prevent the refrigerant from being discharged into the first inlet and outlet pipe and the third inlet and outlet pipe.

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