Check valve and refrigerator having same

Abstract

This refrigerator has: a main body having a freezer chamber and a refrigeration chamber; a compressor; a condenser; a first evaporator provided in the freezer chamber so as to cool the freezer chamber; a second evaporator provided in the refrigeration chamber so as to cool the refrigeration chamber; an outlet pipe connected to an outlet of the first evaporator so as to transfer, to the compressor, a refrigerant having passed through the first evaporator; and a check valve provided in the outlet pipe so as to prevent a backflow from the outlet pipe toward the first evaporator, wherein the check valve includes: a valve housing having an inlet, an outlet and a guide flow path through which a refrigerant can flow; and a core, which advances and retreats in the valve housing so as to permit the flow of the refrigerant from the inlet to the outlet and block the flow of the refrigerant from the outlet to the inlet, the valve housing includes a side opening formed at the side surface of the valve housing, and at least a portion of the core is accommodated in the guide flow path of the valve housing through the side opening.

Description

Check valve and refrigerator containing the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a check valve applicable to a refrigerator.

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a device that lowers the temperature inside a storage space by discharging cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle to freeze or refrigerate food, etc.

[0003] In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant continuously transforms into a gas and then back into a liquid. This cycle is divided into three stages: compression in the compressor, condensation and heat release in the condenser, expansion through the capillary tube, and evaporation in the evaporator. These processes are interconnected to perform refrigeration and freezing functions.

[0004] The evaporator is operated using a compressor, and at this time, the refrigerant may flow backward due to the difference in evaporation pressure inside the refrigerant pipe.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a check valve that prevents backflow of refrigerant.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a simplified check valve having a simple configuration and easy assembly.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a check valve that reduces noise generated when opening and closing a flow path.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a main body having a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, a compressor, a condenser, a first evaporator provided in the freezer compartment to cool the freezer compartment, a second evaporator provided in the refrigerator compartment to cool the refrigerator compartment, an outlet pipe connected to an outlet of the first evaporator to transfer refrigerant passing through the first evaporator to the compressor, and a check valve provided in the outlet pipe to prevent backflow from the outlet pipe to the first evaporator, wherein the check valve comprises a valve housing forming an inlet, an outlet, and a guide path through which refrigerant can flow, and a core provided to move back and forth in the valve housing to allow the flow of refrigerant from the inlet to the outlet and block the flow of refrigerant from the outlet to the inlet, the valve housing including a side opening formed in a side surface of the valve housing, and at least a portion of the core is received in the guide path of the valve housing through the side opening.

[0010] A check valve according to the invention comprises an inlet through which refrigerant flows, an outlet through which refrigerant flows out, an inlet body including the inlet, an outlet body including the outlet, a connecting body provided to connect the inlet body and the outlet body, a valve housing including a side opening formed between the outlet body and the inlet body and a guide path through which refrigerant can flow, a plate provided to be in contact with the inlet body, and a guide pin connected to the plate, and a core provided such that at least a portion thereof is received in the guide path through the side opening, and the outlet body includes a guide groove formed on an outer surface of the outlet body to receive the guide pin and allow the guide pin to move forward and backward.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a simplified check valve having a simple configuration and easy assembly can be provided, and the cooling efficiency can be increased by preventing a phenomenon of refrigerant flowing backwards in an outlet pipe of an evaporator having a low pressure among a plurality of evaporators having different evaporation pressures.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a simplified check valve having a simple configuration and easy assembly can be provided.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator including a check valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a cold air supply device of a refrigerator including a check valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a check valve coupled to an outlet pipe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a check valve applied to a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a check valve applied to a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded plan view of a check valve applied to a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a refrigerant flowing in a forward direction in a check valve applied to a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which refrigerant flows in the reverse direction in a check valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 7.

[0022] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 7.

[0023] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0024] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0027] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0029] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0030] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0032] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0033] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0034] The "body" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0035] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0036] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0037] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0038] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0039] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0040] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0041] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0042] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0043] The "door" may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0045] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0046] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0047] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0049] A "cold air supply device" may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0050] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0052] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0053] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0054] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0056] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0057] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0059] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0060] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0061] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0062] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0063] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0064] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0065] The check valve (100) according to the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to being applied to the refrigerator (1) described above, and can be applied to various types of devices that utilize a refrigeration cycle.

[0066] Hereinafter, one embodiment is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator (1) including a check valve (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a cold air supply device of a refrigerator (1) including a check valve (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) formed as a compartment within the main body (10), a door (50) that can open and close the storage compartment (20), and a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment (20).

[0069] The main body (10) may include an inner case (12) forming a storage room (20), an outer case (11) that is joined to the outside of the inner case (12) to form an exterior, and an insulating material that is foamed between the inner case (12) and the outer case (11) to insulate the storage room (20). The inner case (12) may be formed of a plastic material, and the outer case (11) may be formed of a metal material.

[0070] A compressor (2) capable of compressing a refrigerant and a condenser (3) for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (2) may be arranged at the lower rear side of the main body (10). The main body (10) may be formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and may include a bottom surface (14) forming the lower portion of the main body (10). The bottom surface (14) may be arranged to be substantially parallel to the ground when the refrigerator (1) is installed.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 2, a refrigeration supply device comprising a compressor (2), a condenser (3), a capillary tube (4), and an evaporator (30) may be included in a refrigerator (1). The compressor (2) compresses a gaseous refrigerant to create a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, and the condenser (3) can convert the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into a liquefied refrigerant by releasing heat. The pressure of the liquid, high-pressure refrigerant may decrease as it passes through the capillary tube (4).

[0072] The refrigerant depressurized through the capillary tube (4) can be selectively supplied by a three-way valve (5) arranged in a branch area where a pipe dividing into the first evaporator (31) and the second evaporator (32) is installed.

[0073] In other words, when the branch pipe (7) through which the refrigerant can flow to the second evaporator (32) is closed by the three-way valve (5) and the inlet pipe (9) through which the refrigerant can flow to the first evaporator (31) is opened, the refrigerant that has passed through the capillary tube (4) can be supplied to the first evaporator (31). Conversely, when the inlet pipe (9) is closed and the branch pipe (7) is opened, the refrigerant that has passed through the capillary tube (4) can be supplied to the second evaporator (32).

[0074] The refrigerant that has passed through the capillary tube (4) can be introduced into the evaporator (30) and vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings and cools the air around the evaporator (30), and the generated cold air can be blown into the storage chamber (20) of the refrigerator (1) by the blower fan (6). Then, the vaporized refrigerant is introduced into the compressor (2) and compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas.

[0075] The storage room (20) can be formed by dividing it into a freezer room (21) and a refrigerator room (22), and the evaporator (30) can also be arranged with a first evaporator (31) corresponding to the freezer room (21) and a second evaporator (32) corresponding to the refrigerator room (22).

[0076] A three-way valve (5) may be installed in a section that selectively distributes refrigerant to the first evaporator (31) and the second evaporator (32) through the capillary tube (4). The refrigerant, which has been depressurized while passing through the capillary tube (4), may flow along the flow path and may be selectively supplied by the three-way valve (5) installed in the branch section that divides into the first evaporator (31) and the second evaporator (32).

[0077] The refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator (31) can be evaporated within the first evaporator (31), and cold air can be formed by absorbing heat from the surroundings. The formed refrigerant can then be supplied to the compressor (2). The second evaporator (32) can also form cold air.

[0078] The cold air formed in the first evaporator (31) and the second evaporator (32) can be supplied to the freezer (21) and refrigerator (22) through the corresponding blower fans (6), respectively.

[0079] When refrigerant is supplied from the condenser (3) to the evaporator (30) through the capillary tube (4), the load applied to the plurality of evaporators (30) may be different depending on the temperature difference between the freezer (21) and the refrigerator (22). As the loads of the freezer (21) and the refrigerator (22) are different from each other, the evaporation pressure of the first evaporator (31) and the evaporation pressure of the second evaporator (32) may be different.

[0080] In other words, the pressure of the refrigerant in the rear pipe (8) connected to the outlet through the branch pipe (7) and the second evaporator (32) may be higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the outlet pipe (33) due to the operation of the three-way valve (5). As a result, the refrigerant may flow in the opposite direction rather than toward the compressor (2).

[0081] To solve this problem, a check valve (100) may be placed in the outlet pipe (33) of the first evaporator (31) to block the high-pressure refrigerant from flowing backward into the first evaporator (31) through the outlet pipe (33) of the first evaporator (31).

[0082] In other words, the check valve (100) can prevent the reverse flow of refrigerant from the evaporator (30) to the compressor (2) and maintain the flow of refrigerant in one direction.

[0083] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a check valve (100) coupled to an outlet pipe (33) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of a check valve (100) applied to a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a check valve (100) may be coupled inside the outlet pipe (33) to maintain the flow of refrigerant in one direction in the outlet pipe (33).

[0085] A check valve (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a valve housing (110) and a core (150). FIG. 3 shows a state in which the core (150) is inserted and assembled through a side opening (111) (see FIG. 6) of the valve housing (110) and is inserted and coupled to an outlet pipe (33). FIG. 4 shows the core (150) not inserted into the valve housing (110) and the side opening (111) before being coupled to the outlet pipe (33).

[0086] The valve housing (110) may be composed of an inlet body (120), an outlet body (140), and a connecting body (130) connecting the inlet body (120) and the outlet body (140). A side opening (111) into which a core (150) can be inserted may be formed on a side of the valve housing (110) that is on the same surface as the connecting body (130).

[0087] The refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator (31) can be introduced through the inlet (121) of the check valve (100) and discharged through the outlet (141). At this time, the refrigerant that passes through can sequentially pass through the inlet body (120), connection body (130), and outlet body (140) that are components of the valve housing (110).

[0088] The inlet body (120) may include an inlet protrusion (122) having a shape protruding toward the outlet body (140), and the outlet body (140) may include an outlet protrusion (142) having a shape protruding toward the inlet protrusion (122).

[0089] When the valve housing (110) is coupled to the inside of the outlet pipe (33), a guide path (40), which is a space that allows refrigerant to flow from the inlet (121) to the outlet (141), can be formed.

[0090] The core (150) inserted through the side opening (111) of the valve housing (110) may include a plate (151) capable of blocking the guide passage (40) and a guide pin (152) capable of guiding the movement of the plate (151) so that the plate (151) can block the guide passage (40).

[0091] In order to block the flow of refrigerant when the refrigerant flows from the discharge port (141) to the inlet port (121) (reverse direction) rather than when the refrigerant flows from the inlet port (121) to the discharge port (141) (forward direction), the inner diameter of the guide passage (40) formed in the inlet protrusion (122) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the plate (151).

[0092] In Fig. 4, the plate (151) is illustrated as a plate (151) having a circular shape, but the plate (151) does not necessarily have to be formed in a circular shape, and it is sufficient if it is formed in a shape capable of blocking the flow of refrigerant.

[0093] In a state where the refrigerant is not flowing, the core (150) can maintain contact with the inlet protrusion (122) by gravity. At this time, the plate (151) of the core (150) can close the refrigerant passage (40) of the inlet body (120).

[0094] In order to cause the core (150) to be influenced by gravity toward the inlet body (120), the inlet (121) may be formed closer to the bottom surface (14) than the outlet (141) when the check valve (100) is placed in the outlet pipe (33) inside the refrigerator (1). In other words, the core (150) may be placed so that the plate (151) blocks the refrigerant path (40) of the inlet body (120) due to the influence of gravity, thereby preventing the refrigerant from flowing in the reverse direction in the check valve (100). The check valve (100) does not necessarily have to be placed vertically to the ground, and it is sufficient if the core (150) can be in contact with the inlet body (120) when the refrigerant does not flow.

[0095] The valve housing (110) may be formed of a material that does not deform under the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant. When the core (150) moves back and forth inside the valve housing (110) to open and close the refrigerant passage (40), noise may be generated when the core (150) and the valve, or the core (150) and the outlet pipe (33) collide.

[0096] To solve this problem, the core (150) may be formed of a nylon material. Specifically, it may be formed of PA66. However, it is not necessarily limited to this material, and it is sufficient if it is formed of a material that can generate less noise.

[0097] The inlet body (120) of the valve housing (110) may be formed with a joining groove (123) for joining to the inside of the outlet pipe (33). The outlet pipe (33) may include a corresponding sealing portion (331). Specifically, after the check valve (100) with the core (150) inserted into the inside of the valve housing (110) is inserted into the inside of the outlet pipe (33), pressure may be applied from the outside of the outlet pipe (33) toward the sealing portion (331) corresponding to the joining groove (123) to join the check valve (100) so that it is fixed. As a result, the refrigerant can be prevented from flowing between the outer surface of the valve housing (110) and the inner surface of the outlet pipe (33).

[0098] However, it is not necessary that the check valve (100) and the outlet pipe (33) be connected through the connecting groove (123) and the sealing portion (331). For example, the check valve (100) may be secured inside the outlet pipe (33) in such a way that sealing portions (331) are formed at both ends of the valve housing (110) and the check valve (100) is secured between a plurality of sealing portions (331).

[0099] The outlet body (140) may include a guide groove (143) formed on the outer surface of the outlet body (140) in a grooved shape so that the guide pin (152) of the core (150) can move forward and backward. The guide groove may correspond to a portion of the inner surface of the outlet pipe (33) and enable the core (150) to move smoothly at a position where the refrigerant passage (40) can be opened and closed. The guide groove (143) may be formed to be wider than the thickness of the guide pin (152) so that the guide pin (152) can move smoothly.

[0100] When the connecting body (130) is formed in a form that completely surrounds the outer surface of the valve housing (110) except for the side opening (111) positioned between the inlet body (120) and the outlet body (140), the advancing and retreating movement of the core (150) may be impeded.

[0101] To solve this problem, referring to FIG. 5, the connecting body (130) may be formed in the form of multiple columns to connect the inlet body (120) and the outlet body (140). However, it is not necessary to form it in the form of two columns as shown in the drawing, but it is sufficient to form it so as to stably connect the inlet body (120) and the outlet body (140) to a degree that can withstand the pressure of the refrigerant and not impede the movement of the core (150).

[0102] The connecting body (130) can be connected to the outlet protrusion (142) of the outlet body (140). The outlet protrusion (142) must be formed so that the refrigerant can pass along the circumference of the plate (151) when the plate (151) comes into contact with the outlet protrusion (142). In other words, a separation space (112) is formed between the outer surface of the valve housing (110) and the outer circumference of the plate (151) at a certain distance so that the refrigerant can flow.

[0103] When the plate (151) moves toward the outlet protrusion (142) without coming into contact with the inlet protrusion (122), a separation space (112) sufficient for the refrigerant to flow can be formed (see FIG. 10).

[0104] FIG. 6 is an exploded plan view of a check valve (100) applied to a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The valve housing (110) may include a side opening (111) formed so that a core (150) can be inserted between the outlet body (140) and the inlet body (120) in a direction in which a guide groove (143) is formed based on the connecting body (130).

[0106] The core (150) can be assembled so that it is provided on the inside of the valve housing (110) through the side opening (111) in the order of the plate (151) to the guide groove (143). The side opening (111) can be combined so that the core (150) cannot be disassembled from the valve housing (110) when the check valve (100) is inserted into the outlet pipe (33).

[0107] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which refrigerant flows in a forward direction in a check valve (100) applied to a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] When the refrigerant does not flow or a very small amount of refrigerant exists in the outlet pipe (33), the core (150) can come into contact with the inlet protrusion (122) by gravity and block the refrigerant flow path (40). When a sufficient amount of refrigerant passes through the first evaporator (31), the refrigerant can flow into the check valve (100) through the inlet (121).

[0109] In case the inlet port (121) is small, when the refrigerant flows in, the outer surface of the valve housing (110) formed around the inlet port (121) may be subjected to pressure due to the refrigerant, which may cause the check valve (100) or outlet pipe (33) to be damaged or the flow of the refrigerant to be unsmooth.

[0110] To prevent this, a slope (124) that gradually narrows the flow path from the inlet (121) to the inlet protrusion (122) may be formed on the inlet side of the inlet body (120). This allows the check valve (100) to operate smoothly.

[0111] Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which refrigerant flows in the reverse direction in a check valve (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. That is, it is a drawing illustrating a state in which the plate (151) of the core (150) comes into contact with the inlet protrusion (122) of the inlet body (120), thereby closing the flow path formed in the inlet body (120) to prevent the refrigerant from flowing therethrough.

[0112] When the pressure of the refrigerant on the outlet body (140) side is greater than that on the inlet body (120) side and the refrigerant flows in the direction from the outlet to the inlet, the plate (151) in contact with the inlet protrusion (122) blocks the inlet of the passage formed at the end of the inlet protrusion (122), so the refrigerant may not flow in the passage formed in the inlet body (120). At this time, the pressure of the refrigerant in the opposite direction to gravity may be applied to the core (150).

[0113] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 7. If the outlet protrusion (142) is formed in a pipe shape like the inlet protrusion (122) and comes into contact with the plate (151), the refrigerant may not flow to the outlet (141) through the guide passage (40).

[0114] To solve this problem, the outlet protrusion (142) can be formed in a shape having a plurality of protrusions that are arranged to be connected to the connecting body (130). That is, a space can be created within the valve housing (110) between each of the plurality of protrusions, thereby forming an intermediate flow path (41) through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0115] The refrigerant that has passed through the intermediate passage (41) can be discharged toward the compressor (2) through the discharge port (141).

[0116] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 7. That is, it is a cross-sectional view taken along a line including the plate (151) of the check valve (100) through which the refrigerant flows in the positive direction when the plate (151) comes into contact with the outlet protrusion (142).

[0117] Referring to Fig. 10, a separation space (112) may be formed between the outer surface of the plate (151) and the outer surface of the valve housing (110) in a cross-sectional view. That is, refrigerant may flow from the inlet (121) toward the outlet (141) through the separation space (112).

[0118] A refrigerator (1) according to the invention comprises a main body (10) having a freezer (21) and a refrigerator (22), a compressor (2), a condenser (3), a first evaporator (31) provided in the freezer (21) to cool the freezer (21), a second evaporator (32) provided in the refrigerator (22) to cool the refrigerator (22), an outlet pipe (33) connected to the outlet of the first evaporator (31) to transfer the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator (31) to the compressor (2), and a check valve (100) provided in the outlet pipe (33) to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back to the first evaporator (31), and the check valve (100) comprises a valve housing (110) forming an inlet (121), an outlet (141), and a guide path (40) through which the refrigerant can flow, and the A core (150) is provided to move back and forth in the valve housing (110) so as to allow the flow of refrigerant from the inlet (121) to the outlet (141) and block the flow of refrigerant from the outlet (141) to the inlet (121), and the valve housing (110) includes a side opening (111) formed on a side surface of the valve housing (110), and at least a portion of the core (150) is received in the guide passage (40) of the valve housing (110) through the side opening (111). According to this configuration, a refrigerator (1) including a simplified check valve (100) having a simple configuration and easy assembly can be provided, and a phenomenon of refrigerant flowing back in an outlet pipe (33) of an evaporator (30) having a low pressure among a plurality of evaporators (30) having different evaporation pressures can be prevented, thereby increasing cooling efficiency.

[0119] The above inlet (121) may be positioned closer to the bottom surface (14) of the main body than the outlet (141). According to this configuration, the core (150) can efficiently block the flow path when the refrigerant flows backward due to the influence of gravity.

[0120] The above valve housing (110) may include an inlet body (120) in which the inlet port (121) is formed, an outlet body (140) in which the outlet port (141) is formed, and a connecting body (130) provided to connect the inlet body (120) and the outlet body (140).

[0121] The core (150) may include a plate (151) that is provided to be in contact with the inlet body (120), and a guide pin (152) that protrudes from the plate (151) in a direction toward the outlet (141).

[0122] The above outlet body (140) may include a guide groove (143) formed on the outer surface of the outlet body (140) to accommodate the guide pin (152).

[0123] The above inlet body (120) is formed to protrude in a direction toward the outlet body (140) and includes an inlet protrusion (122) provided to be in contact with the plate (151), and the inner diameter of the guide path (40) at the end of the inlet protrusion (122) may be smaller than the diameter of the plate (151).

[0124] The above outlet body (140) may include an outlet protrusion (142) that extends from the connecting body (130) and is provided to be in contact with the plate (151).

[0125] The above-mentioned outlet protrusion (142) is composed of a plurality of protrusions arranged at regular intervals, and the guide path may include an intermediate path (41) formed so that refrigerant can flow between each of the plurality of protrusions.

[0126] The above connecting body (130) includes a first connecting body (131) and a second connecting body (132), and the diameter of the plate (151) may be smaller than the distance between the first connecting body (131) and the second connecting body (132).

[0127] The above inlet body (120) may include an inclined surface (124) whose diameter gradually narrows in the direction from the inlet port (121) toward the inlet protrusion (122). According to this configuration, the flow of refrigerant flowing into the inlet port (121) can be made smooth without being obstructed.

[0128] The above core (150) may be formed of a silicone material. According to this configuration, noise generated by the collision between the valve housing (110) and the core (150) when the flow path is opened or closed can be reduced.

[0129] The above inlet body (120) may include a coupling groove (123) formed along the circumference of the inlet body (120) so that the check valve (100) can be coupled to the inside of the outlet pipe (33).

[0130] The above guide pin (152) can be arranged to move forward and backward in the space formed between the inner surface of the outlet pipe (33) corresponding to the above guide groove (143) and the above guide groove (143).

[0131] The above outlet pipe (33) may include a sealing portion (331) corresponding to the coupling groove (123) to secure the check valve (100).

[0132] The above valve housing (110) and the core (150) may be formed of different materials.

[0133] A check valve (100) according to the invention comprises an inlet (121) through which refrigerant flows in, an outlet (141) through which refrigerant flows out, an inlet body (120) including the inlet (121), an outlet body (140) including the outlet (141), a connecting body (130) provided to connect the inlet body (120) and the outlet body (140), a valve housing (110) including a side opening (111) formed between the outlet body (140) and the inlet body (120) and a guide passage (40) through which refrigerant can flow, and a plate (151) provided to be in contact with the inlet body (120), a guide pin (152) connected to the plate (151), and a core (150) provided such that at least a portion thereof is received in the guide passage (40) through the side opening (111). The above outlet body (140) may include a guide groove (143) formed on the outer surface of the outlet body (140) to accommodate the guide pin (152) and allow the guide pin (152) to move forward and backward. According to this configuration, a simplified check valve (100) with a simple configuration and easy assembly can be provided.

[0134] The above inlet body (120) is formed to protrude in a direction toward the outlet body (140) and includes an inlet protrusion (122) provided to be in contact with the plate (151), and the inner diameter of the guide passage (40) at the end of the inlet protrusion (122) may be smaller than the diameter of the plate.

[0135] The above core may be formed of a silicone material. With this configuration, noise generated by the collision between the valve housing (110) and the core (150) when the euro is opened or closed can be reduced.

[0136] The above inlet body (120) may include a joining groove (123) formed along the periphery of the above inlet body (120).

[0137] The above inlet body (120) may include an inclined surface (124) whose diameter gradually narrows in the direction from the inlet (121) toward the outlet (141).

[0138] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0139] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A main body having a freezer and a refrigerator; compressor; condenser; A first evaporator provided in the freezer to cool the freezer; A second evaporator provided in the refrigerator to cool the refrigerator; and An outlet pipe connected to the outlet of the first evaporator to deliver the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator to the compressor; and Including a check valve provided in the outlet pipe to prevent backflow from the outlet pipe to the first evaporator, The above check valve, A valve housing forming an inlet, an outlet, and a guide path through which refrigerant can flow; and A core is provided to move back and forth in the valve housing to allow the flow of refrigerant from the inlet to the outlet and to block the flow of refrigerant from the outlet to the inlet. The above valve housing includes a side opening formed on a side of the valve housing, A refrigerator wherein at least a portion of said core is accommodated in the guide path of said valve housing through said side opening.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the inlet is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the main body than the outlet.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the valve housing includes an inlet body in which the inlet port is formed, an outlet body in which the outlet port is formed, and a connecting body provided to connect the inlet body and the outlet body.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the core comprises a plate provided to be in contact with the inlet body and a guide pin protruding from the plate in a direction toward the outlet.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the outlet body includes a guide groove formed on an outer surface of the outlet body to accommodate the guide pin.

6. In paragraph 5, The above inlet body includes an inlet protrusion formed to protrude in a direction toward the outlet body and provided to be in contact with the plate, A refrigerator in which the inner diameter of the guide path at the end of the above inlet protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the plate.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator wherein the above outlet body includes an outlet protrusion extending from the connecting body and provided so as to be in contact with the plate.

8. In paragraph 7, The above-mentioned exit protrusion is composed of a plurality of protrusions arranged at regular intervals, A refrigerator in which the above guide path includes an intermediate path formed so that refrigerant can flow between each of the plurality of protrusions.

9. In paragraph 6, The above connecting body includes a first connecting body and a second connecting body, A refrigerator wherein the diameter of the above plate is smaller than the distance between the first connecting body and the second connecting body.

10. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the above inlet body includes a sloped surface whose diameter gradually narrows in the direction from the inlet port toward the inlet protrusion.

11. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator wherein the above core is formed of silicone material.

12. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator in which the inlet body includes a joining groove formed along the periphery of the inlet body so that the check valve can be joined inside the outlet pipe.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the above guide pin is arranged to move forward and backward in a space formed between the inner surface of the outlet pipe corresponding to the above guide groove and the above guide groove.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator wherein the outlet pipe includes a sealing portion corresponding to the joining groove to secure the check valve.

15. In paragraph 11, A refrigerator wherein the valve housing and the core are formed of different materials.

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