Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present invention provides a noise reduction unit at a position where noise in an audible frequency band that is audible to a person is generated in a place other than a machine room and provided to the rear of the refrigerator, thereby preventing the noise from penetrating the rear wall of the refrigerator or reducing the noise penetrating the rear wall of the refrigerator so that consumer satisfaction can be improved.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a noise reduction structure applied thereto for reducing operating noise generated from the rear of the refrigerator.

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance that utilizes cold air to store items for long periods of time. Such a refrigerator provides at least one storage compartment for storing items, and the storage compartment is configured to be opened and closed by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator described above has various noise sources. For example, there is operating noise generated during the process of generating cold air for cooling the storage compartment and operating noise generated during the process of circulating cold air within the storage compartment.

[0004] Accordingly, various noise reduction structures have been recently provided to reduce the noise generated from the aforementioned refrigerators.

[0005] For example, in the case of domestic patent registration No. 10-2492677 (prior document 1), a technology is provided for providing a noise reduction part to the rear cover of the machine room of a refrigerator to reduce noise generated in the machine room of the refrigerator.

[0006] In addition, in the case of domestic patent registration No. 10-0750252 (prior document 2), a technology is provided to reduce noise by creating an additional wall inside the machine room of a refrigerator to reduce noise.

[0007] In addition, in the case of domestic public utility model No. 20-1999-0004841 (prior document 3), a technology is provided for attaching a sound-absorbing and noise-blocking material to the outside of the casing of the compressor to reduce noise generated from the compressor when the refrigerator is in operation.

[0008] However, the above-mentioned prior documents 1 to 3 are all technologies designed to reduce noise generated in the mechanical room of the refrigerator, and are not able to reduce noise emitted to the rear of the refrigerator outside the mechanical room.

[0009] Of course, in the case of domestic patent registration No. 10-1106643 (prior document 4), a technology is provided in which a noise reduction member is attached between the inner case and the insulating member to prevent friction noise with the insulating member due to thermal deformation of the inner case forming the wall of the refrigerator. In other words, the prior document 4 provides a technology capable of reducing noise outside of the machine room.

[0010] However, in the case of the aforementioned prior art document 4, there is a disadvantage in that noise cannot be reduced in areas where thermal deformation does not occur.

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve various problems of the above-mentioned prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator that can reduce noise generated from the rear of the refrigerator from a part other than the refrigerator machine room.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the noise reduction effect can be sufficiently obtained regardless of the refrigerator model by specifying an installation location for noise reduction.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of reducing noise penetrating the rear wall of the refrigerator.

[0014] According to the refrigerator of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a noise reduction unit may be provided to block the noise of the refrigerant flowing from being transmitted to the outside of the cabinet.

[0015] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a noise reduction unit is provided in the cabinet to block noise from penetrating the cabinet.

[0016] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a noise reduction unit may be provided to block noise generated within a cabinet other than a machine room from being transmitted to the outside.

[0017] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a noise reduction unit may be provided to block the transmission of noise toward the rear of the cabinet.

[0018] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be provided on the inner wall surface of the inner case.

[0019] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a noise reduction unit may be provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0020] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be provided on at least one wall surface between the inner case and the outer case.

[0021] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be provided on the outer wall of the outer case.

[0022] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, an insulator is provided between the inner case and the outer case, and the noise reduction unit can be positioned between the inner case and the insulator or between the insulator and the outer case.

[0023] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can block or reduce noise generated when the blower fan operates from penetrating to the rear of the cabinet.

[0024] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be located at the rear of the blower fan.

[0025] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be located at the rear of at least a portion of the blower fans.

[0026] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction portion may be formed so as to block at least a portion of the blower fan.

[0027] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed larger than the blower fan.

[0028] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can reduce or block noise generated from a refrigerant inlet pipe through which refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator or a refrigerant outlet pipe through which refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator from being transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator.

[0029] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be formed so as to block at least a portion of the refrigerant inlet pipe or the refrigerant outlet pipe of the evaporator.

[0030] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, an expansion valve may be connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe of the evaporator.

[0031] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can block or reduce noise generated when the expansion valve operates from being transmitted to the rear of the cabinet.

[0032] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be located at the rear of the expansion valve.

[0033] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be located behind at least a portion of the expansion valve.

[0034] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction portion may be formed so as to block at least a portion of the expansion valve.

[0035] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed larger than the expansion valve.

[0036] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, an accumulator may be connected to the refrigerant outlet pipe of the evaporator.

[0037] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can block or reduce noise generated during operation of the accumulator from being transmitted to the rear of the cabinet.

[0038] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be located at the rear of the accumulator.

[0039] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be located at the rear of at least a portion of the accumulator.

[0040] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction section may be formed so that at least a portion thereof blocks at least a portion of the accumulator.

[0041] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed larger than the accumulator.

[0042] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe of the evaporator can be arranged adjacent to each other at any part of the evaporator.

[0043] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the accumulator and the expansion valve can be arranged adjacent to each other on either side of the upper portion of the evaporator.

[0044] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can simultaneously block or reduce noise generated during the operation of the accumulator and the expansion valve from being transmitted to the rear of the cabinet.

[0045] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be formed to simultaneously block at least a portion of the accumulator and the expansion valve.

[0046] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed to simultaneously block at least a portion of the accumulator and the blower fan.

[0047] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed to simultaneously block at least a portion of the expansion valve and the blower fan.

[0048] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed to simultaneously block at least a portion of the accumulator, the expansion valve, and the blower fan.

[0049] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction part can be formed of a plate-shaped member.

[0050] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit may be provided to be attached to, coupled to, or in contact with the cabinet.

[0051] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction unit can be formed to have an air layer inside.

[0052] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction portion may be formed to protrude outward from the rear wall surface of the outer case and have an air layer inside.

[0053] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction section can be formed to be recessed inward from the rear wall surface of the outer case and have an air layer inside.

[0054] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the air layer provided by the noise reduction unit can be formed by a plurality of protrusions or grooves that are partitioned from each other.

[0055] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the air layer provided by the noise reduction unit can be formed to have a regular arrangement.

[0056] A refrigerator having a noise reduction unit of the present invention as described above can provide the following various effects.

[0057] The refrigerator of the present invention has a noise reduction unit that can block or reduce noise transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator, thereby reducing user complaints due to noise.

[0058] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of obtaining the maximum noise reduction effect at the minimum location, as the noise reduction part is provided only at a local location considering the components that generate noise toward the rear.

[0059] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has a noise reduction unit that can reduce noise transmitted from the blower fan to the rear of the refrigerator, thereby reducing user complaints caused by noise caused by the operation of the blower fan.

[0060] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has a noise reduction unit that can reduce noise transmitted from the expansion valve to the rear of the refrigerator, thereby reducing user complaints caused by noise caused by the operation of the expansion valve.

[0061] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has a noise reduction unit that can reduce noise transmitted from the accumulator to the rear of the refrigerator, thereby reducing user complaints caused by noise generated by the operation of the accumulator.

[0062] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of reducing the flow noise of refrigerant generated at the connection part between the refrigerant inlet pipe and the expansion valve among the refrigerant pipes forming the evaporator or the connection part between the refrigerant outlet pipe and the accumulator.

[0063] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of effectively blocking or reducing noise transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator even with a minimum size due to the shape characteristics of the noise reduction part.

[0064] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of reducing user complaints due to noise by blocking noise in the audible range among fan noise and refrigerant flow noise through the noise reduction unit.

[0065] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 is a rear view of the structure inside the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the grill fan assembly according to the refrigerator of the present invention as viewed from the rear side.

[0068] Figures 4 to 8 are state diagrams of each embodiment of the installation location of the noise reduction unit according to the refrigerator of the present invention.

[0069] Figures 9 to 12 are state diagrams of each embodiment of the installation location of the noise reduction unit according to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figures 13 to 18 are state diagrams of each embodiment of the shape of the noise reduction part according to the refrigerator of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the noise reduction unit of an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a type of refrigerator different from that of the embodiment.

[0072] Figure 20 is a graph evaluating the sound insulation performance for rear noise of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 21 is a graph for noise evaluation of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that when adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, identical components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0075] In addition, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0076] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0077] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a refrigerator having a noise reduction unit of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 21.

[0078] Attached Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a state diagram of the internal structure of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side.

[0079] As shown in these drawings, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention is designed to prevent or reduce noise in the audible frequency band that can be heard by people outside the machine room from penetrating the rear wall of the refrigerator, thereby improving consumer satisfaction.

[0080] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail for each component.

[0081] First, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet (100) forming an exterior.

[0082] The above cabinet (100) can be formed in a box shape with an open front.

[0083] The above cabinet (100) may be configured to include an outer case (110) forming an outer wall surface and an inner case (120) forming an inner wall surface.

[0084] A storage room (121) is provided inside the inner case (120). The storage room (121) is a space where stored items such as food, beverages, or food products are stored. The storage room (121) can be configured to store stored items in the space for a long period of time by utilizing cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle.

[0085] The above storage chamber (121) may be provided in one or two or more pluralities. To provide multiple storage chambers (121), multiple inner cases (120) may be provided. Of course, multiple storage chambers (121) may be provided by dividing the interior of one inner case (120) into upper and lower or left and right sides with separate walls.

[0086] When the above storage chambers (121) are provided in multiple forms, each storage chamber (121) can be maintained at a different temperature. For example, one storage chamber (the upper storage chamber in the drawing) (121) can be maintained at a refrigerated temperature, while another storage chamber (the lower storage chamber in the drawing) (121) can be maintained at a frozen temperature. Conversely, one storage chamber (121) can be maintained at a frozen temperature, while another storage chamber (121) can be maintained at a refrigerated temperature.

[0087] Meanwhile, the storage room (121) can be opened and closed by a door (130). If the storage room (121) is provided in multiple numbers, the doors (130) can also be provided in multiple numbers.

[0088] The above outer case (110) may be formed to be spaced apart from the inner case (120). In this case, a foam material is filled between the outer case (110) and the inner case (120), thereby reducing heat transfer between the two cases (110, 120).

[0089] Within the above outer case (110), only one inner case (120) may be provided, but two or more inner cases (120) may be provided. When a plurality of inner cases (120) are provided, a separate member may be provided between the plurality of inner cases (120) for partitioning each other, or they may be simply formed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0090] Next, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an evaporator (240).

[0091] The above evaporator (240) is one of the components that constitutes the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator and functions to exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant pipe (241) and the air passing through the surroundings.

[0092] The above refrigeration cycle generates cold air by sequentially compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the circulating refrigerant, and is composed of a compressor (210), a condenser (not shown), an expansion valve (230), and an evaporator (240).

[0093] Here, the compressor (210) and the condenser that form the refrigeration cycle are provided in a machine room (140) that provides a separate compartmentalized space from the storage room (121) of the cabinet (100). The machine room (140) may be located at the lower rear side of the cabinet (100). A ventilation hole (141) through which air flows into and out of the machine room (140) may be formed on at least one of the two sides or the rear side of the machine room (140). That is, air may be introduced into one ventilation hole (141) and the air that has flowed within the machine room (140) may be discharged through the other ventilation hole (141).

[0094] The above evaporator (240) may be positioned within the inner case (120) forming the cabinet (100). If there are multiple inner cases (120), the evaporator (240) may be provided within at least one inner case (120) among the multiple inner cases (120). For example, the evaporator (240) may be provided within only one inner case (120) or may be provided within all inner cases (120).

[0095] The above evaporator (240) may be positioned in contact with the rear wall surface within the inner case (120) or adjacent to the rear wall surface.

[0096] This evaporator (240) may be composed of a refrigerant pipe (241) and a plurality of cooling fins (242) as shown in FIG. 3. Here, a refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) through which refrigerant flows in and a refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) through which refrigerant flows out are respectively provided at both ends of the refrigerant pipe (241). The refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) may be defined as a portion of the refrigerant pipe (241) through which refrigerant flows in, and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) may be defined as a portion of the refrigerant pipe (241) through which refrigerant flows out. Of course, the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) may be formed separately from the refrigerant pipe (241) and then connected to both ends of the refrigerant pipe (241), respectively.

[0097] The refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) are formed to be positioned at any one part of the evaporator (240). For example, the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) or the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) is formed to be positioned at any one side of the upper portion of the evaporator (240). That is, considering that the blower fan (310), which will be described later, is positioned at the upper portion of the evaporator (240), the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) or the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) is provided at any one side of the blower fan (310) among the upper portions of the evaporator (240) while avoiding the location of the blower fan (310).

[0098] In particular, the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240) are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other. This allows the noise reduction unit (400) to be described later to be formed to simultaneously block the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240) with a minimum size.

[0099] Meanwhile, an expansion valve (capillary tube) (230) may be connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) of the evaporator (240). The expansion valve (230) lowers the pressure of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to the evaporator (240) and expands it, thereby lowering the temperature.

[0100] Additionally, an accumulator (liquid separator) (250) may be provided in the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240). The accumulator (250) functions to separate the liquid refrigerant that has not been completely vaporized while passing through the evaporator (240) from the refrigerant gas.

[0101] The expansion valve (230) and the accumulator (250) may be provided adjacent to each other. For example, the expansion valve (230) and the accumulator (250) may be positioned on either side of the upper portion of the evaporator (240).

[0102] Next, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a grill pan assembly (300).

[0103] The grill fan assembly (300) may be formed to divide the interior of the inner case (120) into a rear space where the evaporator (240) is located and a front space provided as the storage chamber (121). To this end, the grill fan assembly (300) may be positioned in front of the evaporator (240) within the inner case (120).

[0104] In particular, the rear surface of the grill fan assembly (300) may be arranged as close as possible to the front surface of the evaporator (240) or may be arranged to be in contact with the front surface of the evaporator (240). This prevents or minimizes the problem of air flowing into the lower portion of the evaporator (240) and exchanging heat while passing through the evaporator (240) not being heat exchanged as it passes directly through the gap between the rear surface of the grill fan assembly (300) and the front surface of the evaporator (240). Of course, when the grill fan assembly (300) is arranged as close as possible to the evaporator (240), the space for the storage compartment (121) within the inner case (120) can be maximized.

[0105] The above grill fan assembly (300) is equipped with a blower fan (310) for blowing air. The air inside the storage chamber (121) is heat-exchanged while passing through the evaporator (240) by the air blowing force generated by the operation of the blower fan (310), and then can be supplied back into the storage chamber (121).

[0106] The blower fan (310) is positioned above the evaporator (240). Preferably, the blower fan (310) may be positioned at the upper central portion of the evaporator (240). This allows the air sucked into the blower fan (310) to evenly pass through the entire area of ​​the evaporator (240).

[0107] The distance between the blower fan (310) and the evaporator (240) may vary depending on the type of refrigerator. For example, in a refrigerator having a high vertical height of the storage compartment (121), the distance between the blower fan (310) and the evaporator (240) may be formed to be longer than in a refrigerator having a relatively short vertical height of the storage compartment (121). In this case, when the distance between the blower fan (310) and the evaporator (240) is formed to be long, the blower fan (310) may be positioned at the upper part of one side rather than the upper part of the center of the evaporator (240).

[0108] Meanwhile, the grill fan assembly (300) may be formed to guide the air that has exchanged heat while passing through the evaporator (240) within the inner case (120) to flow into the storage room (121) within the inner case (120). To this end, the grill fan assembly (300) may be formed with a plurality of outlets (omitted from the drawing) that communicate with the inside of the storage room (121). That is, the cold air that has been cooled by heat exchange in the evaporator (240) is provided into the storage room (121) through each outlet of the grill fan assembly (300) to cool the stored items (e.g., food) within the storage room (121).

[0109] In addition, the grill fan assembly (300) may further be provided with a guide guide (302) that guides the cold air flowing within the storage chamber (121) to flow toward the air inlet side of the evaporator (240). At this time, the guide guide (302) may be provided at the bottom of the grill fan assembly (300).

[0110] Next, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a noise reduction unit (400).

[0111] The above noise reduction unit (400) is provided to block the transmission of noise toward the rear of the cabinet (100).

[0112] The above noise reduction unit (400) can be configured to reduce noise generated in areas other than the machine room. That is, considering that various noise reduction structures are provided in the machine room, the noise reduction unit (400) can reduce noise generated in areas other than the machine room.

[0113] Of course, conventionally, a filler is provided between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110) forming the cabinet (100), and in some types of refrigerators, an insulating material is additionally provided between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110), so that some of the noise directed toward the rear of the refrigerator can be blocked. However, the above-mentioned filler or insulating material is a material provided for the purpose of insulation, and has limitations in effectively blocking or reducing noise generated in the audible frequency band felt by consumers. In particular, the sound insulation performance gradually deteriorates in the frequency band of approximately 1000 Hz or higher.

[0114] Accordingly, in the present invention, by additionally providing the noise reduction unit (400), noise in the audible frequency band can be prevented to the greatest extent possible without reducing the insulation effect of the inner case (120) and the outer case (110).

[0115] Depending on the installation site, installation location, and shape of this noise reduction unit (400), there may be differences in the impact on surrounding components, the overall weight of the refrigerator, the difficulty of operation, and the effect of noise reduction or blocking.

[0116] Below, the features of the installation portion of the noise reduction unit (400) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the features of the installation position, and the features of the shape (or structure) are described in more detail for each feature.

[0117] First, the characteristics of the installation site of the noise reduction unit (400) are explained with reference to the attached drawings 4 to 8.

[0118] The above noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on the rear wall of the cabinet (100). In particular, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on at least one of the rear wall of the inner case (120) or the rear wall of the outer case (110), or between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110).

[0119] As an example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on the inner case (120) forming the cabinet (100). For example, as shown in the attached FIG. 4, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on the inner surface of the rear wall of the inner case (120) (the surface facing the grill pan assembly (300)), or as shown in the attached FIG. 5, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on the outer surface of the rear wall (the surface facing the outer case (110)).

[0120] When the noise reduction unit (400) is installed on the inner surface of the rear wall of the inner case (120), there is an advantage in that the problem of noise directly affecting the inner case (120) can be prevented. That is, when noise directly hits the inner case (120), some of the noise may flow along the wall of the inner case (120) and be transmitted to the surroundings. Since the noise reduction unit (400) can block this problem, it may be preferable to install the noise reduction unit (400) on the inner surface of the rear wall of the inner case (120) in a refrigerator model in which the rear wall of the inner case (120) is relatively large.

[0121] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on the outer case (110) forming the cabinet (100). For example, as shown in the attached Fig. 6, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on the inner surface of the rear wall of the outer case (110) (the surface facing the inner case (120)) or on the outer surface of the rear wall (the surface exposed to the interior) as shown in the attached Fig. 7.

[0122] The installation of the noise reduction unit (400) in this way in the outer case (110) has the advantage of being advantageous when the structure of the inner case (120) is complex. That is, since a structure for connection to a cold air duct or a structure for installing components installed in the inner case (120) (e.g., an evaporator (240), an accumulator (250), or a grill fan assembly (300)) is formed on the rear wall of the inner case (120), it may be difficult to install the noise reduction unit (400) in a sufficient area. Considering this, it may be desirable to install the noise reduction unit (400) in the outer case (110) in a refrigerator model in which the rear wall of the inner case (120) is relatively small.

[0123] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110) forming the cabinet (100). For example, it may be provided in the space between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110). If an insulator (150) is provided in the space between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110) as shown in FIG. 8, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided on one wall surface of the insulator (150).

[0124] The noise reduction unit (400) being installed between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110) has the advantage of being applicable without changing the existing structure of the inner case (120) and the outer case (110).

[0125] Next, the characteristics of the installation location of the noise reduction unit (400) are explained with reference to the attached drawings 9 to 12.

[0126] The noise reduction unit (400) according to the embodiment of the present invention may have different overall work difficulty, manufacturing cost, and overall weight depending on the installation location, and it is desirable to determine the installation location by taking this into consideration.

[0127] For example, although not shown, the noise reduction portion (400) may be formed to cover the entire rear wall of the cabinet (100). In this case, noise transmitted from the entire rear wall of the cabinet (100) to the rear of the refrigerator can be blocked, thereby achieving the greatest noise reduction effect.

[0128] However, considering the overall weight of the noise reduction unit (400), the increase in manufacturing cost due to it, the difficulty of assembly work, etc., it may be more desirable to provide it so that it is located only on a part of the rear wall of the cabinet (100) in a size that is the cheapest, minimizes weight increase, and is easy to assemble.

[0129] Considering this, it may be more desirable for the noise reduction unit (400) to be provided only on a part of the rear wall of the cabinet (100), as in the example below.

[0130] As an example, as shown in the attached Fig. 9, the noise reduction unit (400) may be positioned behind the blower fan (310) among the rear walls of the cabinet (100) and may be formed so that at least a portion of it blocks at least a portion of the blower fan (310).

[0131] This structure is advantageous in blocking or reducing noise generated by the operation of the blower fan (310) and transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator.

[0132] And, in the case of the above structure, the noise reduction part (400) may be formed to have a height and width greater than that of the blower fan (310) and may be positioned to completely block the blower fan (310). Preferably, the noise reduction part (400) is formed to have a size that can block the inlet hole (303) of the grill fan assembly (300). The inlet hole (303) is a hole formed so that air passing through the evaporator (240) is introduced into the grill fan assembly (300) when the blower fan (310) is positioned.

[0133] In addition, when the noise reduction unit (400) is positioned to block the blower fan (310), the noise reduction unit (400) is formed to be smaller than the left-right width of the grill fan assembly (300) or smaller than the vertical height of the grill fan assembly (300).

[0134] As another example, as shown in the attached drawing 10, the noise reduction unit (400) may be positioned at the rear of the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) through which refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator (240) or the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) through which refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator (240), and may be formed so that at least a portion of the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) or the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240) is blocked.

[0135] This structure is advantageous in that the noise reduction unit (400) blocks or reduces noise generated at the point where the refrigerant flows into and out of the evaporator (240) and is transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator.

[0136] If the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240) are positioned adjacent to each other, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to a size that can simultaneously block the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240).

[0137] If the blower fan (310) provided in the grill fan assembly (300) and the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240) are positioned adjacent to each other, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to a size that can simultaneously block the blower fan (310) and the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240), as shown in FIG. 10.

[0138] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed so as to block at least a portion of the expansion valve (230) connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a). At this time, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed so as to block the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) as well.

[0139] This structure is advantageous in blocking or reducing noise generated during the process of refrigerant expanding as it passes through the expansion valve (230) or during the process of the expanded refrigerant flowing into the evaporator (240) from being transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator.

[0140] If, as shown in the attached drawing 11, the expansion valve (230) is positioned adjacent to the blower fan (310), the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to block both the expansion valve (230) and the blower fan (310).

[0141] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed so as to block at least a portion of the accumulator (250) connected to the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b). At this time, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed so as to block the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) as well.

[0142] This structure is advantageous in blocking or reducing noise generated while the refrigerant flows through the evaporator (240) to the accumulator (250) or while passing through the accumulator (250) from being transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator.

[0143] If the accumulator (250) is positioned adjacent to the blower fan (310), the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to block both the accumulator (250) and the blower fan (310).

[0144] If the accumulator (250) is positioned adjacent to the expansion valve (230), the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to block both the accumulator (250) and the expansion valve (230).

[0145] If, as shown in the attached drawing 12, the accumulator (250), the expansion valve (230), and the blower fan (310) are all positioned adjacent to each other, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to block all of the accumulator (250), the expansion valve (230), and the blower fan (310).

[0146] Next, the shape (or structural) characteristics of the noise reduction unit (400) are described.

[0147] It is preferable that the above noise reduction unit (400) be formed with a structure, material, or shape that can block or reduce fan noise or refrigerant noise.

[0148] As an example for this, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed as a plate-shaped member. For example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed as a plate made of a sound-absorbing material such as rubber, fiber, or wood. Preferably, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed as a plate with a high density so as to effectively block noise.

[0149] When a noise reduction section (400) is formed using such a plate, it has the advantage of being easy to install while minimizing the increase in manufacturing cost.

[0150] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed with a structure having an air layer (401) inside, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0151] When manufacturing a noise reduction part (400) with this structure, the weight of the noise reduction part (400) can be made as light as possible by the air layer (401) formed in the noise reduction part (400), and there is an advantage in that noise penetrating the noise reduction part (400) can be reduced by the air layer (401).

[0152] The above noise reduction part (400) may be formed of a plate material with a portion formed to provide the air layer (401). That is, the rear wall of the cabinet (100) and the noise reduction part (400) with a portion formed form a double-walled structure so that an air layer (401) can be provided between them. At this time, the opening of the forming part may be configured to be closed using the wall surface of the cabinet (100). For example, by closing the opening of the forming part by closely contacting the wall surface of the cabinet (100), a noise reduction part (400) having an air layer (401) inside may be provided.

[0153] The wall surface that closes the opening of the above-mentioned forming portion may be the outer or inner surface of the outer case (110) forming the cabinet (100). That is, considering that the rear wall surface of the inner case (120) may be insufficient for the installation area of ​​the noise reduction unit (400) for connecting various cooling ducts (not shown), the noise reduction unit (400) is provided on the outer case (110).

[0154] In particular, the noise reduction part (400) formed by the forming can be formed to protrude rearward from the outer surface of the outer case (110) or can be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the outer case (110) toward the inner case (120).

[0155] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 15a to 15c, the noise reduction part (400) formed by foaming may be provided to the outer case (110) in a state where the foaming portion of the noise reduction part (400) is closed with a separate closing member (420).

[0156] In addition, the air layer (401) formed in the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed as a single space, or may be formed as multiple spaces. For example, a plurality of protrusions or recesses that are mutually partitioned may be formed in the noise reduction unit (400) so that the air layer (401) is provided in multiple spaces. Through this, the noise reduction effect can be further improved.

[0157] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions or recesses may be formed in a regular arrangement so that the noise reduction effect can be uniformly achieved. For example, the plurality of protrusions or recesses may be formed in a regularly arranged structure such as a circle or polygon (see FIGS. 16 and 18), an oval, or a track shape (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

[0158] The following describes an example of how to install the noise reduction unit (400).

[0159] As an example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided separately from the rear wall of the cabinet (100) (rear wall of the inner case (120) and rear wall of the outer case (110)) and may be fixed to the rear wall of the cabinet (100).

[0160] The above fixing can be accomplished in various ways, such as by adhesive, tape, screw or bolt fastening, welding, hooking, or riveting.

[0161] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be integrally formed with the rear wall of the cabinet (100) (the rear wall of the inner case (120) and the rear wall of the outer case (110)). For example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed by forming the rear wall of the inner case (120) or by forming the rear wall of the outer case (110). Of course, the noise reduction unit (400) may also be formed by forming both the inner case (120) and the outer case (110) together.

[0162] As another example, the noise reduction unit (400) may be installed on the rear wall of the cabinet (100) using a separate installation member. For example, a separate structure in which the noise reduction unit (400) can be accommodated may be formed on the rear wall of the inner case (120), the rear wall of the outer case (110), or between the inner case (120) and the outer case (110), and then the noise reduction unit (400) may be installed by mounting it on the structure.

[0163] In this way, the noise reduction unit (400) can be provided on the rear wall of the cabinet (100) in various ways.

[0164] The following describes an example in which the noise reduction unit (400) can be applied depending on the type of refrigerator.

[0165] For example, in the case of a refrigerator having multiple storage rooms (121) but only one evaporator (240), the noise reduction unit (400) may be provided at least in one of the rear walls of the cabinet (100), the rear of the blower fan (310), the rear of the accumulator (250), the rear of the expansion valve (230), the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240), or may be provided to block at least two of these parts simultaneously. This is the same as in the embodiment described above.

[0166] As another example, in the case of a refrigerator having multiple storage compartments (121) as in Fig. 19 and having an evaporator (240) and a grill fan assembly (300) provided for each storage compartment (121), a noise reduction unit (400) may be provided for each storage compartment (121) on the rear wall of the cabinet (100). In this case, the storage compartments (121) may be provided in multiple positions above and below the cabinet (100), or may be provided in multiple positions on the left and right of the cabinet (100).

[0167] If the distance between the noise reduction units (400) installed in each of the above storage rooms (121) is close, it may be configured to simultaneously block or reduce noise transmitted directly from two storage rooms (121) with one noise reduction unit (400).

[0168] If each storage room (121) has a vertically long structure and the locations of the blower fan (310) and the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the evaporator (240) are arranged far apart, a plurality of noise reduction units (400) may be provided and installed at the rear of each noise-generating area.

[0169] As another example, in the case of a refrigerator having two or more blower fans (310) installed in one grill fan assembly (300), the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to block each blower fan (310) simultaneously or separately.

[0170] At this time, the noise reduction unit (400) may be formed to block at least one of the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) of the accumulator (250), the expansion valve (230), or the evaporator (240).

[0171] As described above, the refrigerator having the noise reduction unit (400) of the present invention can block or reduce noise transmitted to the rear, thereby reducing user complaints due to noise.

[0172] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can obtain the maximum noise reduction effect at the minimum location since the noise reduction unit (400) is provided only at a local location that takes into account the components that generate noise toward the rear.

[0173] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can reduce the noise transmitted from the blower fan (310) to the rear of the refrigerator by the noise reduction unit (400), thereby reducing user complaints caused by noise generated by the operation of the blower fan (310).

[0174] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can reduce user complaints caused by noise due to operation of the expansion valve (230) by reducing the noise transmitted from the expansion valve (230) to the rear of the refrigerator through the noise reduction unit (400).

[0175] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can reduce user complaints caused by noise due to operation of the accumulator (250) by reducing noise transmitted from the accumulator (250) to the rear of the refrigerator through the noise reduction unit (400).

[0176] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can also reduce the flow noise of the refrigerant generated at the connection portion between the refrigerant inlet pipe (241a) and the expansion valve (230) among the refrigerant pipes (241) forming the evaporator (240) or the connection portion between the refrigerant outlet pipe (241b) and the accumulator (250).

[0177] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can effectively block or reduce noise transmitted to the rear of the refrigerator even with a minimum size due to the shape characteristics of the noise reduction unit (400).

[0178] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can reduce user complaints due to noise by blocking noise in the audible range among fan noise and refrigerant flow noise through the noise reduction unit (400).

[0179] That is, as shown in the graph evaluating the sound insulation performance for the rear noise of the refrigerator in Fig. 20, it can be clearly seen that the sound insulation performance of the refrigerator to which the noise reduction unit (400) of the present invention is applied is improved above 700 Hz compared to the existing refrigerator that was simply provided with insulation material. The graph at this time is a graph comparing the transmission loss for each Hz range as a result of the transmission loss measured in the impedance tube.

[0180] In addition, as shown in the graph for refrigerator noise evaluation of Fig. 21, it can be seen that the base noise in the band below 2 kHz is reduced in the refrigerator to which the noise reduction unit (400) of the present invention is applied compared to the existing refrigerator that was simply provided with insulation. The graph at this time is a graph comparing the noise level (PWL) for each Hz range with the existing refrigerator to which the noise reduction unit (400) was actually applied.

[0181] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be present, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0182] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet including an inner case forming an inner wall surface and an outer case forming an outer wall surface; An evaporator provided within the inner case and receiving refrigerant through a refrigerant pipe to exchange heat; A grill fan assembly provided within the inner case and having at least one blower fan that operates to blow air through the evaporator into the storage chamber; A refrigerator characterized in that the above cabinet is provided with a noise reduction part to block the transmission of noise toward the rear.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction unit is provided on the inner wall surface of the inner case.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction unit is provided on one wall surface between the inner case and the outer case.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction unit is provided on the outer wall of the outer case.

5. In paragraph 1, An insulator is provided between the inner case and the outer case. A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction unit is located between the inner case and the insulator or between the insulator and the outer case.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction part is positioned behind the blower fan among the rear walls of the cabinet and is formed so that at least a portion of the noise reduction part blocks the blower fan.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction unit is positioned at the rear of a refrigerant inlet pipe through which refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator or a refrigerant outlet pipe through which refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator, and is formed so that at least a portion thereof blocks the refrigerant inlet pipe or the refrigerant outlet pipe of the evaporator.

8. In paragraph 7, The refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe of the above evaporator are arranged adjacent to each other on one side of the upper portion of the above evaporator, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction section is positioned behind the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe of the evaporator among the rear walls of the cabinet and is formed to a size that can simultaneously block the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe.

9. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction section is formed to have a height and width sufficient to block the blower fan.

10. In paragraph 7, An expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant supplied to the evaporator is connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe of the evaporator inside the inner case. A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction section is formed so as to block at least a portion of the expansion valve.

11. In paragraph 7, An accumulator is provided in the refrigerant outlet pipe of the evaporator inside the inner case to separate refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas supplied to the compressor through the evaporator. A refrigerator characterized in that the noise reduction section is formed so as to block at least a portion of the accumulator.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the above noise reduction part is formed as a plate-shaped member and is attached and fixed to the rear wall of the cabinet.

13. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the above noise reduction part is formed to protrude outward from the rear wall of the outer case.

14. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the above noise reduction part is formed to be recessed into the interior from the rear wall of the outer case.

15. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the above noise reduction unit is formed to have an air layer closed from the external environment.

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