Heat exchanger and refrigerator having same

Abstract

This heat exchanger comprises: a pipe through which a refrigerant flows; and a fin coupled to the pipe to be in contact with the pipe. The pipe includes an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy contains, in mass%, 0.45-1.0% of Mn, 0.05-0.25% of Mg, 0.05-0.40% of Zn, and 0.05-0.20% of Cr, with the remainder comprising aluminum (Al) and inevitable impurities.

Description

Heat exchanger and refrigerator including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger having excellent corrosion resistance using an aluminum alloy and a refrigerator including the same.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that has a main body with a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment to keep food fresh.

[0003] A refrigerator uses a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator to repeat the refrigeration cycle, in which the refrigerant compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates. The evaporator can be configured so that the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings as it evaporates, thereby exchanging heat with the air in the storage compartment.

[0004] The evaporator is a critical component in the refrigeration cycle, determining the performance and lifespan of a refrigerator. Therefore, the development of highly corrosion-resistant evaporator materials is essential.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger configured to prevent corrosion of a pipe through which a refrigerant flows and a refrigerator including the same.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger including an aluminum alloy having high corrosion resistance and a refrigerator including the same.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger and a refrigerator including the same having improved corrosion resistance through a corrosion potential design of an aluminum alloy constituting a pipe and a fin / side plate.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger having improved corrosion resistance through an integral design of the pipe or the elimination of welds within the pipe, and a refrigerator including the same.

[0009] 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.

[0010] A heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pipe through which a refrigerant flows, and fins coupled to the pipe so as to be in contact with the pipe. The pipe may include an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy may include, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder being aluminum (Al) and unavoidable impurities.

[0011] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment evaporator configured to cool the refrigerator compartment, and a freezer compartment evaporator configured to cool the freezer compartment. At least one of the refrigerator compartment evaporator or the freezer evaporator may include a pipe configured to allow a refrigerant to flow, and a fin coupled to the pipe so as to be in contact with the pipe. The pipe may include an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy may include, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder being aluminum (Al) and unavoidable impurities.

[0012] According to the invention, the heat exchanger, which is a core component of a refrigerator, is designed to prevent corrosion of pipes, thereby increasing the lifespan of the refrigerator.

[0013] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, corrosion resistance is improved by controlling the composition of the pipe, so that refrigerant leakage in the pipe and poor freezing in the refrigerator can be prevented even in a corrosive environment rich in metal ions and sodium chloride.

[0014] According to the invention of the present invention, corrosion resistance is improved through the corrosion potential design of the aluminum alloy constituting the pipe, so that accelerated corrosion of the pipe due to galvanic corrosion can be prevented.

[0015] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since the pipe is designed as a single piece, corrosion occurring at the welded portion vulnerable to corrosion can be minimized, thereby increasing the life of the pipe.

[0016] The effects according to the idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the results of a CASS test (Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Saltspray Test) after 50 days according to the Mg content in the aluminum alloy constituting the heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a photograph showing the results of a CASS test (Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Saltspray Test) after 50 days according to the Zn content in the aluminum alloy constituting the heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the results of a CASS test (Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Saltspray Test) according to the Mn content in an aluminum alloy constituting a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a photograph showing the results of a SWAAT test (Sea Water Acetic Acid Test) according to the Cr content in an aluminum alloy constituting a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing the results of a SWAAT test (Sea Water Acetic Acid Test) according to the Cu content in an aluminum alloy constituting a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the results of a corrosion test according to a potential difference design in an aluminum alloy constituting a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] 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 substitutes of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] The terms “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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0037] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0038] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or 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 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.

[0039] "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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room 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 room 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 in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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), and the like. The processor may generate control signals for controlling the operation of the cooling device. 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 device based on the temperature information.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0067] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 1, a heat exchanger (100, 200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to exchange heat between refrigerant within the heat exchanger and external air. The heat exchanger (100, 200) may cool external air as the refrigerant evaporates within the heat exchanger. That is, the heat exchanger (100, 200) may be an evaporator. As the refrigerant condenses within the heat exchanger (100, 200), the external air may be heated.

[0071] The heat exchanger (100, 200) can be applied to various home appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Below, an example in which the heat exchanger (100, 200) is applied as an evaporator to a refrigerator is described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] The heat exchanger (100) may include a pipe (110, 111, 112) through which refrigerant flows, a fin (120) coupled to the pipe so as to contact the pipe (110, 111, 112), and a side plate (130) coupled to a lateral end of the pipe heat exchanger (110).

[0073] The pipe (110, 111, 112) may include a heat exchanger (110). The heat exchanger (110) may be formed by bending the pipe (110, 111, 112). In addition, the heat exchanger (110) may be arranged to be in contact with and coupled to the fin (120) and the side plate (130).

[0074] The pipe (110, 111, 112) may include an inlet portion (111). The inlet portion (111) may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow into the heat exchange portion (110).

[0075] That is, the inlet (111) can be connected to the expander in a cycle that goes through the compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator and then returns to the compressor.

[0076] The pipe (110, 111, 112) may include an outlet portion (112). The outlet portion (112) may be configured to allow refrigerant discharged from the heat exchange portion (110) to flow.

[0077] That is, the outlet section (112) can be connected to the compressor in a cycle that goes through the compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator and then returns to the compressor.

[0078] The pipe (110, 111, 112) may include an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may have a controlled content of each alloying element to improve corrosion resistance. The heat exchanger (110), the inlet (111), and the outlet (112) within the pipe (110, 111, 112) may be formed of an aluminum alloy of the same material. For example, the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may include, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder aluminum (Al), and unavoidable impurities. The heat exchanger (100) can have improved corrosion resistance through an integral design of the pipes (110, 111, 112) or by eliminating welds within the pipes.

[0079] Hereinafter, the composition of the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) will be described in detail. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the unit is weight%.

[0080] The inclusion of magnesium and zinc in aluminum alloys can improve the corrosion resistance of the alloys through the formation of fine precipitates at grain boundaries. This improvement in corrosion resistance is achieved by suppressing microscopic galvanic corrosion.

[0081] Magnesium (Mg): 0.05 to 0.25%

[0082] Magnesium (Mg) is an element that forms a fine Al8Mg5 phase with Al, thereby refining grains and improving corrosion resistance. Mg is an effective element for improving the mechanical strength of aluminum alloys. If the content of Mg is too low, the corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloy may deteriorate. Considering this, Mg can be added in an amount of 0.05 wt% or more. However, when Mg is added to aluminum, the Mg element diffuses into the grain boundaries and forms a secondary phase of β-(Al3Mg2). The β phase is a direct cause of intergranular corrosion, which can lead to stress corrosion. Considering this, the upper limit of the Mg content can be limited to 0.25 wt%. Alternatively, it can be 0.15 wt% or less.

[0083] Zinc (Zn): 0.05 to 0.40%

[0084] Zn is an effective element for increasing resistance to pitting corrosion by inducing the formation of the AlMgZn phase and suppressing the formation of Al3Mg2. Pitting refers to corrosion that creates holes or pits on the metal surface due to local corrosion. Specifically, the AlMgZn phase is formed as a discontinuous precipitate at the grain boundaries, suppressing the occurrence of intergranular corrosion, which can induce general corrosion. In addition, when the Zn element is added to an aluminum alloy in which a β phase is formed by adding Mg, another secondary phase, τ-Mg, is formed. 32 (Al,Zn) 49 is formed. When the τ phase is formed at the grain boundary, the corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloy can be improved. To form the τ phase, the aluminum alloy may contain more than 0.05% of Zn.

[0085] Manganese (Mn): 0.45 to 1.0%

[0086] Manganese (Mn) forms intermetallic compounds within aluminum alloys, thereby removing impurities within the alloy. For example, Mn removes impurities such as iron (Fe) within the alloy and reduces the fraction of the FeAl3 phase. To remove impurities, Mn may be added in amounts greater than 0.45 wt%. However, if the amount exceeds 1.0 wt%, corrosion resistance may be reduced. Therefore, the upper limit of Mn may be 1.0 wt%. Alternatively, it may be 0.8 wt% or less.

[0087] Iron (Fe): 0.01 to 0.20%

[0088] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may further contain 0.01 to 0.20 wt% of Fe as an impurity. This is an inevitable impurity included in the manufacturing process of the aluminum alloy, and may be controlled to 0.20 wt% or less. If Fe is included in the aluminum alloy, an FeAl3 phase may be formed, which may reduce corrosion resistance. To control Fe, the above-mentioned manganese may be included. To improve corrosion resistance, [Mn] / [Fe] may be 2 or more, where [Mn] and [Fe] represent the weight percent of each element.

[0089] Copper (Cu): 0.04% or less (excluding 0)

[0090] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may further contain 0.04 wt% or less (excluding 0) of Cu as an impurity.

[0091] Copper, like iron, is an unavoidable impurity contained in aluminum alloys. Because copper reduces pitting resistance and thus corrosion resistance, its upper limit may be 0.04 wt%.

[0092] Chromium (Cr): 0.05 to 0.20%

[0093] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may further include Cr: 0.05 to 0.20% by weight.

[0094] Chromium (Cr) is an essential element for improving the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys. Cr acts as a grain refining element, increasing grain boundary density and forming a passive layer, thereby enhancing corrosion resistance. When the Cr content is less than 0.05 wt%, the grain refining and strength enhancement effects of Cr addition are difficult to achieve. Conversely, when the Cr content exceeds 0.20 wt%, corrosion resistance may deteriorate. Therefore, the upper limit of Cr may be 0.20 wt%. Alternatively, it may be 0.15 wt% or less.

[0095] Silicon (Si): 0.01 to 0.20%

[0096] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may further include, in wt%, Si: 0.01 to 0.20%.

[0097] Silicon (Si) is a major impurity found in industrial aluminum, found in the form of silica in bauxite, the raw material for aluminum. It forms intermetallic compounds with Al and Cu, reducing the alloy's corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the strengthening effects of solid solutions and precipitates within the alloy can enhance strength. Since the aluminum alloy is formed into a bent pipe, formability must be ensured. Therefore, Si is controlled as an impurity, with an upper limit of 0.2%.

[0098] Titanium (Ti): 0.05% or less (excluding 0)

[0099] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may further include, in wt%, Ti: 0.05% or less (excluding 0).

[0100] Like silicon, titanium can enhance strength in aluminum alloys through the effects of solid solution and precipitate strengthening. Therefore, its upper limit may be limited to 0.05 wt% to ensure formability.

[0101] Aluminum (Al): remainder

[0102] The remaining component included in the high-corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy according to one embodiment is Al (aluminum). Al is a lightweight element that exhibits high corrosion resistance due to an oxide film formed on the surface.

[0103] However, during the typical manufacturing process, unintended impurities from raw materials or the surrounding environment may inevitably be mixed in, and thus this cannot be ruled out. Since these impurities are readily apparent to anyone skilled in the typical manufacturing process, their full details are not specifically addressed in this specification.

[0104] A high-corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy according to one embodiment may further include one or more elements of silicon (Si) and iron (Fe) as unavoidable impurities.

[0105] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may be [Mn]+[Mg]+[Zn]+[Cr] < 1.2 wt%.

[0106] Here, [Mn], [Mg], [Zn], and [Cr] represent the weight percent of each element.

[0107] When the calculated composition content of the above elements is controlled to 1.2 wt% or less, corrosion resistance can be further improved. By limiting the values ​​of [Mn], [Mg], [Zn], and [Cr] in the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112), an aluminum alloy having the calculated values ​​as above can be included.

[0108] The aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may have a corrosion potential of -700 mV to -680 mV to improve corrosion resistance. The corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy can be calculated as follows.

[0109] -720 + 53.2[Mn] - 8.44[Mg] - 131.9[Zn] + 0.01[Cr]

[0110] Here, [Mn], [Mg], [Zn], and [Cr] represent the weight percent of each element.

[0111] In order to improve the corrosion resistance of the heat exchanger (100), it is necessary to control the galvanic corrosion of the aluminum alloy constituting the heat exchanger (100), and therefore, control of the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy is necessary. The corrosion potential value of the aluminum alloy can be calculated based on the content of the element. The corrosion resistance can be improved by controlling the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy constituting the pipe (110, 111, 112) to be greater than the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy constituting the fin (120) or the side plate (130). Therefore, the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may be -700 mV to -680 mV. Preferably, it is -698 mV to -686 mV.

[0112] The fin (120) can be coupled to be in contact with the pipe (110, 111, 112). The fin (120) is provided to expand the heat exchange area between the refrigerant flowing inside the pipe (110, 111, 112) and the outside air.

[0113] The pin (120) may include an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy may be a commercial 1000 series aluminum alloy. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to, A1100, A1050, or A1070.

[0114] In order to improve the corrosion resistance of the pipe (110, 111, 112), the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the fin (120) can be controlled. The corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the fin (120) can be controlled to be lower than the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112). For example, the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the fin (120) can be set to be lower than -700 mV to -680 mV.

[0115] The corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) may be +10 mV to +30 mV based on the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the pin (120). If materials having similar corrosion potentials of the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) and the pin (120) are used, a potential difference reversal may occur between the aluminum alloy forming the pipe (110, 111, 112) and the pin (120), which may accelerate corrosion.

[0116] The side plate (130) can be formed by being joined to the side end of the heat exchange section (110) of the pipe. The side plate (130) is formed to support the pipe (110, 111, 112) and expand the heat exchange area.

[0117] The side plate (130) may include an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy may be a commercial 1000 series aluminum alloy. For example, A1100, A1050, or A1070 may be used, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The configuration of the heat exchanger (100) described above with reference to FIG. 1 is merely an example for explaining a heat exchanger according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat exchanger (100) according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of evaporating the refrigerant therein and exchanging heat with the outside.

[0119] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigerator compartment (300), a freezer compartment (400), a refrigerator compartment evaporator (500), and a freezer compartment evaporator (600).

[0120] The refrigerator (300) can be configured to keep food refrigerated by maintaining a temperature of approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.

[0121] The freezer (400) can be configured to keep food frozen by maintaining a temperature of approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger (100) of Fig. 1 can be applied as a refrigerator evaporator (500).

[0123] The freezer evaporator (600) can be configured to cool the freezer (400).

[0124] In the above, referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment is described as a BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include various types of refrigerators, such as a side-by-side type in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are arranged left and right, a TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type in which a freezer compartment is arranged on the top and a refrigerator compartment is arranged on the bottom, or a French door type. For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 2, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may be a one-door type.

[0125] The configuration of the refrigerator (1) described above with reference to FIG. 2 is merely an example for explaining a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage room for storing food.

[0126] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger (200) that can be used in a freezer evaporator (600) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 3, an accumulator (240) may be included in a heat exchanger (200). The heat exchanger (200) may be applied as a freezer evaporator (600) as shown in FIG. 2. A freezer evaporator (600) is installed in the freezer (400) to cool the air inside the freezer, and an accumulator (240) may be provided on the upper side of the freezer evaporator (600) and connected between the outlet side of the freezer evaporator and a suction pipe of a compressor (not shown). The accumulator (240) may be provided to separate the refrigerant discharged from the freezer evaporator (600) into gas and liquid. The accumulator (240) may be provided to receive the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchange unit (210). In addition, the accumulator (240) may be configured to be connected to an outlet unit (212) on the outlet side.

[0128] In the above, referring to FIG. 3, the heat exchanger (200) according to one embodiment is described as a freezer evaporator (600), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat exchanger (200) can be applied to various home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

[0129] The corrosion resistance of the pipes (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) of the heat exchanger (100, 200) having the alloy composition according to the above-described example was evaluated.

[0130] The CASS test (Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Saltspray Test) was performed by spraying a solution containing 5% NaCl and CuCl2 at a pH of 3.1 to 3.3 at a rate of 1.0 to 2.0 ml / h for 24 hours.

[0131] The results of corrosion rate evaluation according to Mg content are as shown in Table 1, and the corresponding photographs are shown in Fig. 4.

[0132] Classification CASS 50 days Analysis Composition Mn (wt%) Mg (wt%) Corrosion rate (%) Comparative example 10.35067.1 Comparative example 20.7027.0 Example 10.70.122.0 Example 20.70.1522.5 Example 30.70.2523.0

[0133] Comparative Examples 1 and 2 showed corrosion rates of 67.1% and 27.0%, respectively, as they did not contain Mg, indicating that corrosion resistance was insufficient. On the other hand, Examples 1 to 3 showed corrosion rates of 23.0% or less, satisfying Mg content of 0.05 to 0.25 wt%, indicating that the aluminum alloy had excellent corrosion resistance.

[0134] The results of corrosion rate evaluation according to Zn content are as shown in Table 2, and the corresponding photographs are shown in Fig. 5.

[0135] Classification CASS 50 days Analysis Composition Mn (wt%) Zn (wt%) Corrosion rate (%) Comparative Example 10.35067.1 Example 10.70.121.6 Example 20.70.3121.8 Example 30.70.4022.3 Comparative Example 20.70.5027.1

[0136] Comparative Example 1 showed a corrosion rate of 67.1% as it did not contain Zn, indicating that the desired corrosion resistance was insufficient. In addition, Comparative Example 2 showed a corrosion rate of 27.1% as the Zn content exceeded 0.40 wt%, indicating that the corrosion resistance was insufficient.

[0137] On the other hand, in the case of Examples 1 to 3, Zn satisfies 0.05 to 0.40 wt%, showing a corrosion rate of 22.3% or less, indicating that the aluminum alloy has excellent corrosion resistance.

[0138] Table 3 shows the predicted, measured, and average measured corrosion potential values ​​for different aluminum alloy materials.

[0139] Predicted potential value (mV) Measured potential value (mV) Average measured potential value (mV) 1st time 2nd time 3rd time Inventor 1-695-695-698-686-693 Comparative material 1 (A1100)-710-684-687-688-686 Comparative material 2 (A1050)-715-717-710-711-713 Comparative material 3 (A1070)-720-716-719-722-719

[0140] Table 4 shows the types of aluminum alloys that make up the pipes (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) and the types of aluminum alloys that make up the fins (120, 220) / side plates (130, 230) and the differences in their corrosion potentials. In addition, Fig. 9 is a graph showing the results of the SWAAT test (Sea Water Acetic Acid Test) according to the types.

[0141] ClassificationPipe TypeFin / Side Plate TypePipe Corrosion Potential - Pin / Plate Corrosion Potential (mV)Comparative Example 1Comparative Material 3Comparative Material 1-33Comparative Example 2Inventive Material 1Comparative Material 1-7Example 1Inventive Material 1Comparative Material 220

[0142] According to Fig. 9, in Comparative Example 1, the difference between the corrosion potential value of the aluminum alloy constituting the pipe and the corrosion potential value with the fin / side plate did not satisfy +10 to +30 mV, so the corrosion occurrence period was short at 24 days.

[0143] In Comparative Example 2, the corrosion potential value of the aluminum alloy constituting the pipe was satisfactory, but the difference in the corrosion potential value with the fin / side plate did not satisfy +10 to +30 mV, so the corrosion occurrence period was short at 50 days.

[0144] In Example 1, the corrosion occurrence period was 72 days, as the difference between the corrosion potential value of the aluminum alloy constituting the pipe and the corrosion potential value with respect to the fin / side plate satisfied +10 to +30 mV. This indicates that a heat exchanger with improved corrosion resistance can be obtained through potential difference design.

[0145] Figure 6 shows the corrosion evaluation according to the Mn content, which is the result of the CASS test. When Mn is included at 0 to 0.3 wt%, the penetration occurrence period is short at less than 36 days, indicating difficulty in ensuring corrosion resistance. On the other hand, when Mn is included at 0.45 to 1.0 wt%, the penetration occurrence period is long at more than 36 days, indicating that sufficient corrosion resistance is secured.

[0146] Figure 7 shows the corrosion evaluation according to Cr content, which is the result of a SWATT test. When Cr was contained at 0 to 0.01 wt%, the penetration occurrence period was short, less than 36 days, indicating difficulty in securing corrosion resistance. On the other hand, when Cr was contained at 0.05 to 0.20 wt%, the penetration occurrence period was long, exceeding 36 days, indicating sufficient corrosion resistance.

[0147] Figure 8 shows the corrosion evaluation according to Cu content, as shown in the SWATT test results. When Cu was present at 0.1 to 0.3 wt%, the penetration time was short, less than 36 days, indicating difficulty in ensuring corrosion resistance. On the other hand, when Cu was present at less than 0.04 wt%, the penetration time was longer, exceeding 36 days, indicating sufficient corrosion resistance.

[0148] A heat exchanger (100, 200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) through which a refrigerant flows, and a fin (120, 220) coupled to the pipe so as to be in contact with the pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212). The pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may include an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy may include, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder aluminum (Al) and unavoidable impurities.

[0149] The above aluminum alloy may be [Mn]+[Mg]+[Zn]+[Cr] < 1.2 wt%. Here, [Mn], [Mg], [Zn], and [Cr] represent the wt% of each element.

[0150] The above aluminum alloy may further include, in wt%, Cu: 0.04% or less (excluding 0).

[0151] The above aluminum alloy may further include Fe: 0.01 to 0.20% by weight. In addition, the aluminum alloy may have [Mn] / [Fe] of 2 or more. Here, [Mn] and [Fe] represent the weight percent of each element.

[0152] The above aluminum alloy may further include, in wt%, Si: 0.01 to 0.20%, Ti: 0.05% or less (excluding 0).

[0153] The corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the above pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may be -700 to -680 mV.

[0154] The above pin (120, 220) may include an aluminum alloy.

[0155] The corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the above pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may be +10 mV to +30 mV based on the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the above fin (120, 220).

[0156] The heat exchanger (100, 200) may further include a side plate (130, 230) coupled to the lateral end of the pipe heat exchanger (110, 210) and comprising an aluminum alloy.

[0157] The above pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may include a heat exchange part (110, 210) formed by bending the pipe and arranged to contact the fin (120, 220), an inlet part (111, 211) configured to allow refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange part (110, 210) to flow, and an outlet part (112, 212) configured to allow refrigerant discharged from the heat exchange part (110, 210) to flow.

[0158] The above heat exchanger (110, 210), inlet (111, 211) and outlet (112, 212) can be formed of an aluminum alloy of the same material.

[0159] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a refrigerator compartment (300), a freezer compartment (400), a refrigerator compartment evaporator (500) provided to cool the refrigerator compartment (300), and a freezer compartment evaporator (600) provided to cool the freezer compartment (400). At least one of the refrigerator compartment evaporator (500) or the freezer compartment evaporator (600) may include a pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) provided to allow refrigerant to flow, and a fin (120, 220) coupled to the pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) so as to come into contact with the pipe. The pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may include an aluminum alloy. The above aluminum alloy may contain, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder being aluminum (Al) and unavoidable impurities.

[0160] The above pin (120, 220) may include an aluminum alloy.

[0161] The heat exchanger (100, 200) within the refrigerator (1) may further include a side plate (130, 230) that is coupled to the lateral end of the pipe heat exchanger (110, 210) and includes an aluminum alloy.

[0162] The above aluminum alloy may be [Mn]+[Mg]+[Zn]+[Cr] < 1.2 wt%.

[0163] The above aluminum alloy may further include, in wt%, Cu: 0.04% or less (excluding 0).

[0164] The above aluminum alloy may further include Fe: 0.01 to 0.20% by weight. In addition, the aluminum alloy may have [Mn] / [Fe] of 2 or more. Here, [Mn] and [Fe] represent the weight percent of each element.

[0165] The corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the above pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may be +10 mV to +30 mV based on the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the above fin (120, 220).

[0166] The above pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may include a heat exchange part (110, 210) formed by bending the pipe and arranged to contact the fin (120, 220), an inlet part (111, 211) configured to allow refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange part (110, 210) to flow, and an outlet part (112, 212) configured to allow refrigerant discharged from the heat exchange part (110, 210) to flow.

[0167] The above heat exchanger (110, 210), inlet (111, 211) and outlet (112, 212) can be formed of an aluminum alloy of the same material.

[0168] The above pipe (110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212) may include a heat exchange part (110, 210) formed by bending the pipe and arranged to contact the fin (120, 220), an inlet part (111, 211) configured to allow refrigerant flowing into the heat exchange part (110, 210) to flow, and an outlet part (112, 212) connected to the outlet side of an accumulator (240) arranged to receive refrigerant discharged from the heat exchange part (110, 210).

[0169] The above heat exchanger (110, 210), inlet (111, 211) and outlet (112, 212) can be formed of an aluminum alloy of the same material.

[0170] 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 pipe provided to allow the refrigerant to flow; and comprising a pin coupled to the pipe so as to contact the pipe; The above pipe comprises an aluminum alloy, A heat exchanger comprising the aluminum alloy, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder being aluminum (Al) and unavoidable impurities.

2. In claim 1, The above aluminum alloy is a heat exchanger having [Mn]+[Mg]+[Zn]+[Cr] < 1.2 wt%. (Here, [Mn], [Mg], [Zn], and [Cr] represent the weight percent of each element.) 3. In claim 1, A heat exchanger wherein the aluminum alloy further comprises, in weight %, Cu: 0.04% or less (excluding 0).

4. In claim 1, The above aluminum alloy further comprises, in wt%, Fe: 0.01 to 0.20%, Heat exchanger with [Mn] / [Fe] of 2 or more. (Here, [Mn] and [Fe] represent the weight percent of each element.) 5. In claim 1, A heat exchanger wherein the aluminum alloy further comprises, in weight %, Si: 0.01 to 0.20%, Ti: 0.05% or less (excluding 0).

6. In claim 1, A heat exchanger in which the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the above pipe is -700 to -680 mV.

7. In claim 1, The above fin is a heat exchanger comprising an aluminum alloy.

8. In claim 7, A heat exchanger wherein the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the pipe is +10 mV to +30 mV based on the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy forming the fin.

9. In claim 1, A heat exchanger further comprising a side plate coupled to a lateral end of the above pipe heat exchanger and comprising an aluminum alloy.

10. In claim 1, The above pipe, The pipe comprises a heat exchanger formed by bending the pipe and arranged to contact the fin, an inlet configured to allow refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger, and an outlet configured to allow refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger to flow. A heat exchanger in which the above heat exchanger, inlet and outlet sections are formed of an aluminum alloy of the same material.

11. Refrigerator; freezer; A refrigerator evaporator provided to cool the above refrigerator; and Includes a freezer evaporator configured to cool the freezer, At least one of the above refrigerator evaporator or the above freezer evaporator, A pipe provided to allow refrigerant to flow; and comprising a pin coupled to the pipe so as to contact the pipe; The above pipe comprises an aluminum alloy, A refrigerator comprising the aluminum alloy, in wt%, Mn: 0.45 to 1.0%, Mg: 0.05 to 0.25%, Zn: 0.05 to 0.40%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.20%, the remainder being aluminum (Al) and unavoidable impurities.

12. In claim 11, The above fin is a refrigerator comprising an aluminum alloy.

13. In claim 11, A refrigerator further comprising a side plate coupled to a lateral end of the above pipe heat exchanger and comprising an aluminum alloy.

14. In claim 11, The above aluminum alloy is a refrigerator having [Mn]+[Mg]+[Zn]+[Cr] < 1.2 wt%. (Here, [Mn], [Mg], [Zn], and [Cr] represent the weight percent of each element.) 15. In claim 11, A refrigerator wherein the aluminum alloy further comprises, in weight %, Cu: 0.04% or less (excluding 0).

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