Heat exchanger and refrigerator containing same

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body including a storage compartment; a storage compartment air intake passage provided at a lower end of the storage compartment; and a heat exchanger accommodated in a cooling chamber provided at one side of the storage compartment and provided such that air introduced from the storage compartment is cooled, wherein the heat exchanger includes: an evaporator comprising refrigerant tubes arranged in two rows; and heat exchange fins coupled to the refrigerant tubes, and a planar heater provided between the refrigerant tubes, and each of the heat exchange fins includes: a coupling fin part having a through-hole through which the refrigerant tube passes; and a bent fin part bent from one end of the coupling fin part on a side of the planar heater so as to face the planar heater.

Description

Heat exchanger and refrigerator including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger including a planar heater and a refrigerator including the heat exchanger.

[0002] A heat exchanger is a device that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and external air, comprising a refrigerant tube through which the refrigerant flows and exchanges heat with external air, and a heat exchange fin coupled to the refrigerant tube to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0003] A refrigerator may include a heat exchanger to supply cold air to the storage compartment. The evaporator can cool the air through heat exchange, and the cooled air can be supplied to the storage compartment.

[0004] The evaporator is connected to the storage room and absorbs heat by coming into contact with humid air at a relatively high temperature. During this process, supersaturated water vapor contained in the humid air at a relatively low temperature condenses on the surface of the evaporator, forming frost.

[0005] As the refrigerator continues to operate, frost accumulates and thickens, reducing the airflow through the evaporator. Additionally, the thermal resistance of the evaporator surface increases, consequently degrading the performance of the refrigeration cycle.

[0006] The refrigerator removes frost by melting it through heat transfer via convection and radiation using heat generated from an electric heater placed adjacent to the evaporator.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator with improved cooling capacity through an increase in the heat transfer surface area of ​​the evaporator.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator with improved cooling efficiency while preventing early blockage of the flow path due to frost formation.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising an evaporator with improved defrosting efficiency.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body including a storage room, a storage room air intake passage provided at the bottom of the storage room, and a heat exchanger provided to be accommodated in a cooling room provided on one side of the storage room so as to cool air flowing in from the storage room.

[0012] The heat exchanger includes an evaporator comprising refrigerant tubes arranged in two rows and heat exchange fins coupled to the refrigerant tubes, and a planar heater arranged between the refrigerant tubes.

[0013] The heat exchange fin includes a coupling fin portion having a through hole formed therein through which a refrigerant pipe passes, and a bent fin portion formed by being bent at one end of the coupling fin portion on the planar heater side to face the planar heater.

[0014] A heat exchanger according to the concept of the present invention comprises a refrigerant tube that is bent several times and arranged in two rows through which a refrigerant flows, a heat exchange fin coupled to the refrigerant tube, and a planar heater provided between the refrigerant tubes.

[0015] The heat exchange fin includes a coupling fin portion having a through hole formed therein through which a refrigerant pipe passes, and a bent fin portion formed by being bent at one end of the coupling fin portion on the planar heater side to face the planar heater.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a cooling chamber of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the lower part of a cooling chamber of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat exchange fin according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heat exchange fin according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat exchange fin according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of a heat exchange fin according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a front view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 11.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a front view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of B in Fig. 13.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a front view of a planar heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a planar heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a planar heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0034] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “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.

[0037] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0038] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0039] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0040] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0043] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0044] The "main body" may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0045] The "inner body" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer body" may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0046] The "insulating material" can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0048] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0049] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0050] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0051] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0053] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0055] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0056] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0057] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0059] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a cold 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 supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0062] The "machine room" may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0063] According to 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 opening the door.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0066] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0067] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0068] 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 operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0069] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0070] 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 sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0072] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (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 be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0073] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0074] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0075] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0076] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (2) forming an exterior, a storage room (10) provided inside the main body (2) with an open front, and a door (6) rotatably coupled to the main body (2) to open and close the open front of the storage room (10).

[0078] The main body (2) includes an inner layer (3) forming a storage room (10) and an outer layer (4) forming an outer layer, and an insulating material (5) may be foamed between the inner layer (3) and the outer layer (4) to prevent cold air leakage from the storage room (10).

[0079] Additionally, the storage room (10) may include a refrigerator room (12) and a freezer room (11). More specifically, the main body (2) includes a partition (7) that divides the storage room (10) into a refrigerator room (12) and a freezer room (11), and the storage room (10) is divided vertically by the partition (7), and different temperatures may be provided for each divided space. For example, a refrigerator room (12) may be provided on the upper side of the main body (2), and a freezer room (11) may be provided on the lower side of the main body (2). Cold air may be supplied to the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12) by a cooling room (100) provided on the rear side of the freezer room (11).

[0080] However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and a refrigerator (1) of one embodiment may be provided to have one storage room (10). A detailed description of the refrigerator (1) provided to have one storage room (10) will be provided later through another drawing (Fig. 3) below.

[0081] A cooling room (100) that accommodates a heat exchanger (300) and generates cold air may be provided at the rear of the freezer room (11). The cold air generated in the cooling room (100) may be supplied to the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12). For example, the cold air generated in the cooling room (100) may be discharged to the freezer room (11) through a cold air duct (200) in which a blower fan (240) and a cold air discharge port (210) are formed, and the cold air generated in the cooling room (100) may be discharged to the refrigerator room (12) through a refrigerator room cold air duct (200a) in which a refrigerator room cold air discharge port (210a) is formed. The cooling room (100) may be separated from the freezer room (11) by the cold air duct (200).

[0082] A refrigerator (1) may be provided with a cooling room (100) that accommodates a heat exchanger (300). Cold air generated in the cooling room (100) may be supplied to a refrigerator room (12) and a freezer room (11). The refrigerator room cold air duct (200a) and the cold air duct (200) may be connected by a connecting duct (230). A damper (250) may be provided on one side of the connecting duct (230) to control the flow of cold air to the refrigerator room cold air duct (200a).

[0083] The refrigerator room cold air duct (200a) may be located at the rear of the refrigerator room (12). A refrigerator room cold air discharge port (210a) may be formed at the front of the refrigerator room cold air duct (200a) to discharge cold air into the refrigerator room (12).

[0084] The cold air duct (200) may be located in front of the cooling room (100). The cold air duct (200) may cover the front of the cooling room (100). A cold air discharge opening (210) may be formed in front of the cold air duct (200) to discharge cold air into the freezer room (11).

[0085] The upper part of the cold air duct (200) may protrude backward to form an inner space of the cold air duct (200). A blower fan (240) may be provided in the inner space of the cold air duct (200). One side of the upper part of the cold air duct (200) may be connected to a connecting duct (230). A damper (250) for opening and closing the connecting duct (230) may be provided on one side of the connecting duct (230). Cold air flowing into the cold air duct (200) may be guided to the refrigerator room cold air duct (200a) through the connecting duct (230).

[0086] A suction force is generated at the bottom of the cooling chamber (100) by the airflow formed by the blower fan (240), allowing air to flow into the cooling chamber (100) from the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12). The air flowing into the cooling chamber (100) can be cooled by exchanging heat with the heat exchanger (300) while flowing from the bottom to the top of the cooling chamber (100). The air cooled by the heat exchanger (300) can flow into the cold air duct (200).

[0087] A first inlet (111) may be formed on the front of the cooling chamber (100) to recover air from the freezer chamber (11) into the cooling chamber (100). A second inlet (112) may be formed on the rear of the cooling chamber (100) to recover air from the refrigerator chamber (12) into the cooling chamber (100).

[0088] The first inlet (111) can be connected to the freezer (11) through the air intake path (120) of the freezer (11). The second inlet (112) can be connected to the refrigerator (12) through the return duct (160).

[0089] Air introduced into the cooling chamber (100) can be cooled through heat exchange with the heat exchanger (300). In the cooling chamber (100), air can be cooled by flowing upward.

[0090] Air can form a circulating flow in which it is cooled in the cooling room (100), supplied to the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12) through the cold air discharge port (210), and then returned to the cooling room (100) by the return duct (160) connected to the air intake path (120) provided in the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12).

[0091] The damper (250) can be controlled by a control unit (not shown) to open and close the connecting duct (230). When the connecting duct (230) is closed, cold air can be discharged only to the freezer room (11). When the connecting duct (230) is open, cold air can be discharged to the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12), respectively.

[0092] A defrost water receiving area (130) may be provided on the lower side of the cooling chamber (100). The defrost water receiving area (130) may be provided on the lower side of the heat exchanger (300). The defrost water receiving area (130) may be formed by being recessed to receive defrost water that falls by gravity as frost or ice melts. The defrost water receiving area (130) may be perforated to allow the received defrost water to be discharged.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a cooling chamber of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, substantially identical or similar configurations to those described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 3, the heat exchanger (300) provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber (100) may include evaporators (310) arranged in two rows in the front-rear direction (x-axis direction) and a planar heater (340) provided between the evaporators (310). In this case, the +x direction may mean the front and the -x direction may mean the rear relative to the heat exchanger (300).

[0096] The evaporator (310) may include refrigerant pipes (320) arranged in two rows and heat exchange fins (330) connected to the refrigerant pipes (320). Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipes (320), and air passing through the refrigerant pipes (320) and the heat exchange fins (330) can be cooled. Air flowing into the cooling chamber (100) and rising can exchange heat with the heat exchange fins (330).

[0097] The refrigerant pipe (320) can be divided into a heat transfer refrigerant pipe section and a heat transfer refrigerant pipe section. That is, the refrigerant pipe (320) can be arranged in two rows along the x-axis direction. A planar heater (340) can be placed between the heat transfer refrigerant pipe section and the heat transfer refrigerant pipe section. A heat transfer heat exchanger fin can be attached to the heat transfer refrigerant pipe section. A heat transfer heat exchanger fin can be attached to the heat transfer refrigerant pipe section.

[0098] A planar heater (340) may be provided to partially partition the cooling chamber (100) on one side of the evaporator (310). For example, the planar heater (340) may be provided to partition the lower part of the cooling chamber (100) into a front-rear area along the x-axis direction from the lower part of the evaporator (310). The planar heater (340) may be provided between the first inlet (111) and the second inlet (112).

[0099] Accordingly, air introduced through the inlet (110) at the bottom of the cooling chamber (100) can be arranged to exchange heat with the heat exchange fin (330) on one side of the evaporator (310). Air introduced into the cooling chamber (100) through the first inlet (111) can exchange heat only with the heat transfer portion of the evaporator (310) at the bottom of the evaporator (310). Air introduced into the cooling chamber (100) through the second inlet (112) can exchange heat only with the heat transfer portion of the evaporator (310) at the bottom of the evaporator (310).

[0100] Meanwhile, the air introduced into the cooling chamber can exchange heat with the front and rear sections of the evaporator (310) at the top of the evaporator (310). Accordingly, the evaporator (310) can have a relatively larger heat transfer surface area at the top than at the bottom.

[0101] A cooling chamber (100) may be formed between a cold air duct (200) and an inner chamber (3). The cold air duct (200) may include a rear duct surface (202), a guide surface (203) protruding downward from the lower side of the rear duct surface (202) toward the front, a protruding surface (204) protruding backward from the upper side of the rear duct surface (202), and a blower fan intake port (206) formed on the protruding surface (204). A cooling chamber (100) may be formed at the rear of the rear duct surface (202).

[0102] By the operation of the blower fan (240), cold air from the cooling chamber (100) can be drawn into the interior of the cold air duct (200) through the blower fan intake port (206). The blower fan (240) and the blower fan intake port (206) can be provided on the upper side of the evaporator (310).

[0103] Air that flows into the interior of the cooling chamber (100) and is cooled can be moved to the upper part of the cooling chamber (100) by the operation of the blower fan (240). Air that has passed through the heat transfer portion of the evaporator (310) can be guided to the rear side of the upper part of the cooling chamber (100) by the protruding surface (204) at the upper side of the cooling chamber (100).

[0104] The cooling chamber (100) can be configured to be separated only at the bottom of the evaporator (310) by means of a surface heater (340). At the top of the evaporator (310), the cooling chamber (100) can be integrated into a single space. Accordingly, the air introduced into the cooling chamber (100) can exchange heat with a large heat transfer surface area at least at the top of the heat exchanger (300).

[0105] The planar heater (340) may include a heating element (341, FIG. 15). The heating element (341) may include a graphene heater.

[0106] The planar heater (340) may further include aluminum plates (342, FIG. 15) coupled to both sides of the heating element (341). Accordingly, except during defrosting, the planar heater (340) can exchange heat with the air introduced into the cooling chamber (100), thereby increasing cooling efficiency.

[0107] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the lower part of a cooling chamber of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 3 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may be configured to include a storage room (10). A cooling room (100) in which a heat exchanger (300) is housed may be provided at the rear of the storage room (10). Cold air formed in the cooling room (100) may be supplied to the storage room (10). The storage room (10) may be separated from the cooling room (100) by a cold air duct (200). That is, the cold air duct (200) may be positioned at the front of the cooling room (100). The cold air duct (200) may have a cold air discharge port (210) provided at the front of the duct (201), and an air intake path (120) may be provided at the lower side of the cold air duct (200).

[0110] A heat exchanger (300) housed in a cooling chamber (100) may include an evaporator (310) and a surface heater (340). The evaporator (310) may include refrigerant pipes (320) arranged in two rows and heat exchange pins (330) connected to a heat exchanger section and a heat exchanger section. A heat exchanger pin may be connected to the heat exchanger section and a heat exchanger pin may be connected to the heat exchanger section.

[0111] Air in contact with the evaporator (310) can exchange heat with the surface of the refrigerant pipe (320) through which the refrigerant flows and with the heat exchange fins (330) connected to the refrigerant pipe (320). Air that is relatively high temperature compared to the refrigerant pipe (320) and the heat exchange fins (330) can be cooled by having heat taken away from the refrigerant pipe (320) and the heat exchange fins (330), which are relatively low temperature, as it passes through the evaporator (310).

[0112] A planar heater (340) may be provided between the front refrigerant pipe section and the rear refrigerant pipe section. The planar heater (340) may be received between the evaporator (310) and the lower side of the evaporator (310). The planar heater (340) may be located at the bottom of the evaporator (310).

[0113] The cooling chamber (100) can be configured so that air entering through an inlet (110) formed at the lower side of the cooling chamber (100) exchanges heat with both the front and rear heat of the evaporator (310). That is, air entering the cooling chamber (100) through the inlet (110) can be introduced from the bottom of the surface heater (340) to the front and rear of the surface heater (340) respectively to exchange heat. In other words, a portion of the air introduced from the lower side of the front of the cooling chamber (100) can be introduced to the front of the surface heater (340), and another portion of the introduced air can pass under the bottom of the surface heater (340) and be introduced to the rear of the surface heater (340).

[0114] The surface heater (340) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the defrost temperature sensor (350) to prevent the radiant heat of the surface heater (340) from directly affecting the defrost temperature sensor (350) located on the upper side of the evaporator (300). Accordingly, the surface heater (340) may be located in the lower region of the evaporator (300). As the surface heater (340) is positioned at the lower part of the evaporator (310), there may be cases where air flowing into the inlet (110) is blocked by the surface heater (340). For example, it can be assumed that the lower end of the surface heater (340) is positioned to extend to a lower position than the location of the inlet (110), so that most of the air flowing in through the inlet (110) cannot flow to the rear of the surface heater (340) and flows only to the front of the surface heater (340). In this case, the lower rear portion of the evaporator (310) may not exchange heat with the air flowing into the cooling chamber (100). In other words, the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310) may be substantially reduced.

[0115] However, even in the above case, the upper part of the evaporator (310) is not separated by the surface heater (340), so the air flowing into the front of the surface heater (340) can exchange heat again with both the front heat of the evaporator (310) and the rear heat of the evaporator (310) at the upper part of the evaporator (310). That is, the effect of reducing the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310) can be reduced.

[0116] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, the evaporator (310) may include a refrigerant pipe (320) through which refrigerant flows and a heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (320) to facilitate smooth heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (320) and the outside air. The heat exchange fin (330) may be coupled vertically to the refrigerant pipe (320). In a cooling cycle, the evaporator (310) can evaporate the refrigerant as the refrigerant, which is in a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state, moves along the refrigerant pipe (320). Additionally, the evaporator (310) can absorb the heat required for the refrigerant to evaporate from the surrounding air. Accordingly, cold air cooled by the evaporator (310) can be formed around the evaporator (310).

[0118] As the air around the evaporator (310) cools and the relative humidity decreases, condensation may occur in which water vapor contained in the air passing through the evaporator (310) condenses. Water that has dropped below the freezing point may freeze and form frost on the surface of the evaporator (310). Water vapor in the air may sublimate and become frost upon hitting the low-temperature surface of the evaporator (310). The formation of frost and ice can cause the airflow to close prematurely, especially when cooling the air in the refrigerator room (12), which has a relatively high temperature and contains a lot of moisture.

[0119] Accordingly, the heat exchange fins (330) can be arranged sparsely in the lower part of the evaporator (310) where the air introduced from the storage room (10) comes into contact first. That is, the spacing between the heat exchange fins (330) in the lower part of the evaporator (310) can be arranged to be greater than the spacing between the heat exchange fins (330) in the upper part of the evaporator (310). The fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) connected to the refrigerant pipe (320) in the lower part of the evaporator (310) can be arranged to be greater than the fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) connected to the refrigerant pipe (320) in the upper part of the evaporator (310). In addition, the heat exchange fins (330) may not be arranged in the area located in front of the inlet (110) where the air introduced from the storage room (10) comes into direct contact. This allows each region of the evaporator (310) to be uniformly affected by frost.

[0120] The refrigerant pipe (320) may include an inlet pipe (321) into which refrigerant flows, and an outlet pipe (322) into which refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant pipe (320) and exchanged heat with air flows out. Meanwhile, an accumulator (325) for vaporizing the outflowing refrigerant may be provided in the outlet pipe (322). A defrost temperature sensor (350) may be provided between the accumulator (325) and the outlet pipe (322). That is, the defrost temperature sensor (350) may be provided on the upper part of the heat exchanger (300).

[0121] The planar heater (340) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the defrost temperature sensor (350). By being positioned so as to be spaced apart from the defrost temperature sensor (350), the effect of the planar heater (340) on the defrost temperature sensor (350) can be reduced.

[0122] Additionally, the refrigerant pipe (320) may include a cooling pipe (324) to which a heat exchange fin (330) is coupled and which is arranged to cool the air passing through the evaporator (310) together with the coupled heat exchange fin (330), and a bending pipe (323) to which the cooling pipe (324) is bent. In this case, the cooling pipe (324) and the bending pipe (323) may be formed as a single unit.

[0123] It is preferable that the cooling pipe (324) of the refrigerant pipe (320) be formed long to increase the heat exchange area between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outside air. Accordingly, the cooling pipe (324) may not be formed long in only one direction, but may be provided with a shape that is bent several times in the vertical direction. Through this, the cooling pipe (324) can overcome spatial constraints and efficiently increase the heat exchange area in a limited space. In addition, the cooling pipe (324) may be provided with a shape that is bent several times in the vertical direction to form two rows in the front-rear direction.

[0124] The heat exchanger (300) may include a bracket (360) to support a cooling tube (324) that is bent to have multiple heats. The bracket (360) may be placed on both sides of the heat exchanger (300). The bracket (360) may have multiple holes formed to allow the cooling tube (324) to pass through. Several cooling tubes (324) formed by bending a refrigerant tube (320) multiple times may be supported by the bracket (360). The spacing between several cooling tubes (324) may be fixed by the bracket (360) provided on both sides of the heat exchanger (300).

[0125] The bracket (360) may include a first bracket (361) provided to simultaneously support a plurality of cooling tubes (324) in the front-rear direction and a second bracket (362) provided to simultaneously support a plurality of cooling tubes (324) in the up-down direction.

[0126] The cooling pipes (324) penetrating the holes formed in the first bracket (361) may each be the cooling pipes (324) of the heat transfer refrigerant section and the cooling pipes (324) of the heat transfer refrigerant section. The heat transfer refrigerant section and the heat transfer refrigerant section can be supported by the first bracket (361) to maintain a predetermined separation distance. Accordingly, the planar heater (340) can be stably accommodated between the heat transfer refrigerant section and the heat transfer refrigerant section.

[0127] The second bracket (362) may be provided to support the multiple rows of cooling pipes (324) formed in the vertical direction on the refrigerant pipe (320) in the vertical direction. The refrigerant pipe (320), which is bent several times by the second bracket (362), can be stably supported.

[0128] A heat exchange fin (330) may be vertically connected to the cooling pipe (324). The heat exchange fin (330) may be connected to the cooling pipe (324) of the heat transfer refrigerant section and the cooling pipe (324) of the heat transfer refrigerant section, respectively. A through hole (332) through which the cooling pipe (324) passes may be provided in the heat exchange fin (330).

[0129] The heat exchange fin (330) may include a bent fin portion (333) to increase the heat transfer area. The bent fin portion (333) may be formed by being bent and protruding from one side (331c, FIG. 6) of the heat exchange fin (330). The bent fin portion (333) may be provided on one side close to the planar heater (340).

[0130] The bending pin portion (333) may be provided to have a surface facing the planar heater (340). That is, the bending pin portion (333) may be provided parallel to the heating surface of the planar heater (340) and may be provided in the shape of a roughly rectangular surface. More specifically, the heating surface of the planar heater (340) and the bent surface of the bending pin portion (333) may be provided to face each other. In this case, the heating surface of the planar heater (340) may refer to the surface of the defrosting portion (343, FIG. 6) of the planar heater (340).

[0131] Additionally, the bending pin portion (333) can be formed to protrude vertically from the heat exchange pin (330).

[0132] The bending pin portion (333) is arranged to face the heating surface of the planar heater (340), thereby increasing defrosting efficiency. When defrosting by the planar heater (340), the heat exchange pin (330) may be arranged to radiate surface heat with the planar heater (340) through the bending pin portion (333). Preferably, the planar heater (340) and the bending pin portion (333) may be arranged to have a separation distance of approximately 4 mm or less. However, this is not limited to this embodiment, and the planar heater (340) and the bending pin portion (333) may be separated by a distance greater than 4 mm, or may be arranged to be in contact without separation so as to defrost by conductive heat.

[0133] The heat exchange fin (330) may include various types of heat exchange fins (330) with different areas of the bent fin portion (333), and two or more types of heat exchange fins (330) may be included for one heat exchanger (300). The various types of heat exchange fins (330) and the specific shapes of the heat exchange fins (330) will be described later through other drawings below.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat exchange fin according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heat exchange fin according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat exchange fin according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view of a heat exchange fin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] In the following description, the description regarding the state in which the heat exchange fin is coupled to the refrigerant tube can be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 through 9, the heat exchange fin (330) may include a coupling pin portion (331) having a through hole (332) through which a refrigerant pipe (320) passes, and a bent pin portion (333) formed by bending on one side of the coupling pin portion (331). The coupling pin portion (331) may be formed in a plate shape. A bent pin portion (333) may be formed protrudingly on a corner (331c) on one side of the coupling pin portion (331). The two vertices of the corner (331a) where the bent pin portion (333) is not formed may include cutouts (334).

[0137] The coupling pin portion (331) may include a through hole (332) through which the refrigerant pipe (320) passes. The through hole (332) may include a hole portion (332a) provided to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (320), and a boss portion (332b) provided to support the heat exchange pin (330) that passes through the refrigerant pipe (320) on the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (320). The boss portion (332b) may be formed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the coupling pin portion (331) along the diameter of the hole portion (332a). At this time, the direction in which the boss portion (332b) protrudes and the direction in which the bending pin portion (333) protrudes may be the same.

[0138] The heat exchange fin (330) can form a stable connection with the refrigerant pipe (320) by means of the boss portion (331b) formed on the connecting fin portion (331). The heat exchange fin (330) can be connected vertically to the refrigerant pipe (320).

[0139] The heat exchange fins (330) may be provided as a pair of heat exchange fins (330) connected to the front heat refrigerant pipe section and the rear heat refrigerant pipe section. The pair of heat exchange fins (330) may be provided spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. A planar heater (340) may be provided between the pair of heat exchange fins (330). In the pair of heat exchange fins (330), the bending pin section (333) of each heat exchange fin (330) may be formed on one side close to the position where the pair of heat exchange fins (330) are spaced apart. That is, the corner (331c) where the bending pin section (333) protrudes may refer to the corner close to the midpoint of the pair of heat exchange fins (330). In the pair of heat exchange fins (330), the bending pin section (333) may be formed between a pair of through holes (332).

[0140] That is, in the heat exchanger (300), a planar heater (340) may be placed in the center based on the front-rear direction, and in a pair of heat exchange fins (330) coupled to the front-rear refrigerant pipe section and the rear-rear refrigerant pipe section, a bent fin section (333) may be formed at one edge (331c) close to the planar heater (340).

[0141] The bending pin portion (333) can be provided to have various protrusion lengths (w). If the protrusion length (w) of the bending pin portion (333) is increased, the heat transfer surface area of ​​the heat exchanger (300) is widened, and the cooling effect can be increased. In addition, if the protrusion length (w) of the bending pin portion (333) is increased, the area where heat can be exchanged through surface radiation is widened, and thus the defrosting efficiency can be increased.

[0142] Various types of heat exchange fins (330) can be placed at appropriate heights in the evaporator (310) as needed. That is, different types of heat exchange fins (330) can be provided in the vertical direction depending on the area in the evaporator (310), and each heat exchange fin (330) can be spaced apart to have a different fin pitch.

[0143] In the heat exchange fins (330) arranged according to the height of the evaporator (310), the protruding length (w) of the bent fin portion (333) can be arranged to be smaller than the spacing distance between the heat exchange fins (330). That is, the protruding length (w) of the bent fin portion (333) of the heat exchange fins (330) arranged according to the height of the evaporator (310) can have a positive correlation with the fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330).

[0144] The fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) may be correlated with the size of the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310). For example, if the fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) increases, the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310) may decrease. Accordingly, if the heat exchange fins (330) are arranged densely, the effect of increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310) can be obtained.

[0145] However, if the heat exchange fins (330) are densely arranged in all areas of the evaporator (310), the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310) may be increased, but instead, an early blockage of the flow path due to frost formation may occur.

[0146] Specifically, frost may form on the evaporator (310) during the process of cooling the high-temperature humid air flowing in from the storage room (10). Accordingly, an inlet (110) through which humid air from the storage room (10) flows in is provided at the bottom of the cooling room (100). When the air flowing in through the inlet (110) passes between the heat exchange fins (330) of the evaporator (310) and moves from the bottom toward the top while undergoing heat exchange in the evaporator (310), frost may first begin to form on the heat exchange fins (330) located at the bottom of the evaporator (310). At this time, if the heat exchange fins (330) are densely arranged at the bottom of the evaporator (310), the air passage formed between the heat exchange fins (330) may easily become blocked by the frost formed on the heat exchange fins (330). Accordingly, the air flowing into the lower part of the cooling chamber (100) cannot move upward, so the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator (310) may be reduced.

[0147] Accordingly, the arrangement of the heat exchange fins (330) of the evaporator (310) can take into account the phenomenon of early flow path blockage and the heat transfer area. In other words, the evaporator (310) can be arranged to increase the heat transfer area while preventing early flow path blockage.

[0148] For example, to prevent premature blockage of the air passage, the fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) can be made large at the bottom of the evaporator (310) where frost forms first. Accordingly, even if frost forms on the heat exchange fins (330) at the bottom of the evaporator (310), the air passage formed between the heat exchange fins (330) is not blocked, so the humid air can continue to move upward.

[0149] For example, in order to increase the heat transfer area of ​​the evaporator (310), the fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) at the top of the evaporator (310) may be made small. When frost forms on all the heat exchange fins (330) located at the top of the evaporator (310), the defrosting heater (340) can be operated to remove the frost formed on the evaporator (310).

[0150] In the evaporator (310), the heat exchange fins (330) may be provided such that the fin pitch at the bottom is greater than the fin pitch at the top. Accordingly, in the evaporator (310), the protruding length (w) of the bent fin portion (333) of the heat exchange fin (330) disposed at the bottom of the evaporator (310) may be provided such that it is longer than the protruding length (w) of the bent fin portion (333) of the heat exchange fin (330) disposed at the top of the evaporator (310).

[0151] The heat exchange fin (330) may include a first heat exchange fin (330a), a second heat exchange fin (330b), and a third heat exchange fin (330c), each having a different protruding length (w) of the bending fin portion (333). The second protruding length (w2) of the second bending fin portion (333b) provided on the second heat exchange fin (330b) may be provided to be greater than the first protruding length (w1) of the first bending fin portion (333a) provided on the first heat exchange fin (330a). The third protruding length (w3) of the third bending fin portion (333c) provided on the third heat exchange fin (330c) may be provided to be greater than the second protruding length (w2) of the second bending fin portion (333b) provided on the second heat exchange fin (330b).

[0152] A cutout (334) may be included at the ends of the second bending pin portion (333b) and the third bending pin portion (333c). However, this is not limited to this embodiment, and a cutout (334) may also be included at the end of the connecting pin portion (331), and a cutout (334) may also be included at the end of the first bending pin portion (333a).

[0153] The heat exchange fin (330) may include a cutout (334) to facilitate the removal of water and frost during defrosting. However, the heat exchange fin (330) is not limited to this embodiment and may not include a cutout (334).

[0154] FIG. 10 is a front view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 5 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 10, only one type of heat exchange fin (330) may be provided in the heat exchanger (300). In this case, the one type of heat exchange fin (330) may be a first heat exchange fin (330a). The arrangement of the heat exchange fin (330a) in the front and rear heat of the evaporator (310) may be provided identically. The fin pitch of the heat exchange fin (330a) in the lower part of the evaporator (310) may be formed larger than the fin pitch of the heat exchange fin (330a) in the upper part of the evaporator (310).

[0157] At this time, the lower part of the evaporator (310) may refer to an area formed in front of the second inlet (112) to which the return duct (160) is connected. In other words, the lower part of the evaporator (310) may refer to an area that is directly contacted by the humid air passing through the return duct (160).

[0158] On the other hand, the air in contact with the upper part of the evaporator (310) may contain only a relatively small amount of moisture. In other words, the humid air that has moved from the lower part of the evaporator (310) to the upper part after passing through the return duct (160) may contain only a small amount of moisture at the upper part of the evaporator (310) by first forming frost at the lower part of the evaporator (310). As the air containing moisture at the lower part of the evaporator (310) is cooled and the moisture settles on the heat exchange fins (330) at the lower part of the evaporator (310) in the form of frost and ice, the air that has moved from the lower part of the evaporator (310) to the upper part of the evaporator (310) may contain relatively less moisture compared to when it passes through the return duct (160) and enters the lower part of the evaporator (310).

[0159] Accordingly, the air that exchanges heat with the evaporator (310) at the top of the evaporator (310) may contain relatively less moisture (which can be formed on the heat exchange fins (330) in the form of frost and ice) than when it exchanges heat with the bottom of the evaporator (310) at the bottom of the evaporator (310). That is, a relatively smaller amount of frost may be formed at the top of the evaporator (310) than at the bottom of the evaporator (310), and accordingly, the thickness of the frost formed on the heat exchange fins (330) at the top of the evaporator (310) may be smaller than at the bottom of the evaporator, thereby reducing the impact of the frost.

[0160] For example, at the upper part of the evaporator (310), the degree to which frost formed at the upper part of the evaporator (310) blocks the air passage formed between the heat exchange fins (330) may be smaller than at the lower part of the evaporator (310). Accordingly, even if the fin pitch at the upper part of the evaporator (310) is provided small, the problem of early blockage of the air passage may not occur as in the case where the fin pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) at the lower part of the evaporator (310) is provided small. Accordingly, the fin pitch at the upper part of the evaporator (310) may be provided relatively smaller than the fin pitch at the lower part of the evaporator (310).

[0161] In an evaporator (310) according to one embodiment, the cooling pipes (324) provided in the refrigerant pipe (320) may be provided in a plurality of rows in a vertical direction. For example, the cooling pipes (324) may be provided in 7 rows, and the cooling pipes (324) may be sequentially referred to as the 1st row cooling pipe (324) and the 7th row cooling pipe (324) by the uppermost cooling pipe (324).

[0162] At this time, the area where the 1st to 3rd row cooling pipes (324) are located can be referred to as the upper part of the evaporator (310), the area where the 4th and 5th row cooling pipes (324) are located can be referred to as the middle part of the evaporator (310), and the area where the 6th and 7th row cooling pipes (324) are located can be referred to as the lower part of the evaporator (310). At this time, the formation location of the second inlet can be provided at a location that has a height similar to the location of at least one of the 6th row cooling pipes and the 7th row cooling pipes (324).

[0163] However, the method of dividing the regions of the evaporator (310) is not limited to this embodiment, and the evaporator (310) may be divided only into upper and lower regions excluding the middle section. For example, the region where the 1st to 3rd row cooling pipes (324) are located may be called the upper region of the evaporator (310), and the region where the 4th to 7th row cooling pipes (324) are located may be called the lower region of the evaporator (310).

[0164] The heat exchange fin (330a) positioned at the bottom of the evaporator (310) can be positioned so that early blockage of the flow path does not occur even if there is a relatively large amount of frost buildup at the bottom of the evaporator (310) compared to the top of the evaporator (310). Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the evaporator can be increased.

[0165] However, it is not limited to these embodiments, and one type of heat exchange fin (330) may be a second heat exchange fin (330b) or a third heat exchange fin (330c).

[0166] FIG. 11 is a front view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of A in FIG. 11.

[0167] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, two types of heat exchange fins (330) may be provided in the evaporator (310). That is, a first heat exchange fin (330a) and a second heat exchange fin (330b) may be connected to the refrigerant pipe (320). The spacing between the heat exchange fins (330b) at the bottom of the evaporator (310) may be provided to be greater than the spacing between the heat exchange fins (330a) at the top of the evaporator (310).

[0169] A second heat exchange fin (330b) may be attached to the lower part of the refrigerant pipe (320). A first heat exchange fin (330a) may be attached to the upper part of the refrigerant pipe (320). The second protruding length (w2) of the second bending fin portion (333b) may be provided to be greater than the first protruding length (w1) of the first bending fin portion (333a).

[0170] The evaporator (310) may have increased cooling efficiency by including a second heat exchange fin (330b) that includes a second bent fin portion (333b) having a larger area than the first bent fin portion (333a) in the lower region.

[0171] However, the combination of the two types of heat exchange pins (330) is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the two types of heat exchange pins (330) may include a first heat exchange pin (330a) and a third heat exchange pin (330c) or a second heat exchange pin (330b) and a third heat exchange pin (330c).

[0172] FIG. 13 is a front view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of B in FIG. 13.

[0173] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, three types of heat exchange fins (330) may be provided in the evaporator (310). A first heat exchange fin (330a), a second heat exchange fin (330b), and a third heat exchange fin (330c) may be connected to the refrigerant pipe (320). The evaporator (310) may be divided into upper, middle, and lower regions according to height. The spacing of the heat exchange fins (330) arranged in the evaporator (310) may be arranged to be smallest in the upper region of the evaporator (310) and largest in the lower region of the evaporator (310).

[0175] A third heat exchange fin (330c) may be attached to the lower part of the refrigerant pipe (320). A second heat exchange fin (330b) may be attached to the middle part of the refrigerant pipe (320). A first heat exchange fin (330a) may be attached to the upper part of the refrigerant pipe (320).

[0176] The second protruding length (w2) of the second bending pin portion (333b) may be provided to be greater than the first protruding length (w1) of the first bending pin portion (333a), and the third protruding length (w3) of the third bending pin portion (333c) may be provided to be greater than the second protruding length (w2) of the second bending pin portion (333b).

[0177] That is, the width of the bent pin portion (333) of the heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the lower side of the refrigerant pipe (320) can be made larger than the width of the bent pin portion (333) of the heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the upper side of the refrigerant pipe (320). In addition, the heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the lower side of the refrigerant pipe (320) is arranged to have a relatively wide spacing so that a relatively small number of heat exchange fins (330) can be coupled to the lower side of the refrigerant pipe (320). Accordingly, the protruding length (w) of the bent pin portion (333) in the heat exchanger (300) can be adjusted so that the cooling force between the upper and lower parts of the refrigerant pipe (320) is balanced.

[0178] However, the types of heat exchange fins (330) provided in the evaporator (310) are not limited to the above embodiment, and more diverse heat exchange fins (330) may be provided as needed.

[0179] FIG. 15 is a front view of a planar heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a planar heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a planar heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] In the following description, the description regarding the state in which a planar heater is accommodated between evaporators can be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

[0181] Referring to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 15 to 17, the planar heater (340) may include a heating element (343) that emits defrosting heat, a fixing element (344) that accommodates and fixes the planar heater (340) between the evaporator (310), and a connecting element (345) that connects the heating element (343) and the fixing element (344). The heating element (343) is accommodated between the front and rear refrigerant pipe sections of the refrigerant pipe (320) to supply defrosting heat from the inside to the outside of the evaporator (310). Accordingly, defrosting heat can be supplied to the lower part of the evaporator (310) through surface radiation to the bending pin section (333) facing the heating element (343). Defrosting heat can be supplied to the upper part of the evaporator (310) through convection and linear radiation.

[0182] The fixed part (344) may be provided to support the outer surface of the bracket (360) of the heat exchanger (300).

[0183] A connecting portion (345) may be provided at the bottom of the surface heater (340). By means of the connecting portion (345), the fixing portion (344) may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the heating portion (343) by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, a receiving portion (346) may be provided at the top of the connecting portion (345).

[0184] A bracket (360) coupled to the heat exchanger (300) can be received in the receiving portion (346). Accordingly, the planar heater (340) can be received between the evaporator (310) and the lower side of the heat exchanger (300). The distance between the fixed portion (344) and the heating portion (343) separated by the connecting portion (345) may correspond to the distance between the first bracket (361) and the second bracket (362). The planar heater (340) may include a heating element (341). The heating element (341) may include a graphene heating layer. The planar heater (340) may be referred to as a graphene planar heater.

[0185] The planar heater (340) may include aluminum plates (342) coupled to both sides of the heating element (341). The aluminum plates (342) may be provided to evenly transfer the defrosting heat of the heating element (341) in the front-rear direction. The aluminum plates (342) may be provided to reinforce the heating element (341) on both sides in the front-rear direction. The aluminum plates (342) may be provided to support both sides of the heating element (341). The aluminum plates (342) may be referred to as a conductive layer.

[0186] The aluminum plate (342) may be provided to correspond to the shape of the heating element (341). Alternatively, it may be provided to be slightly larger than the heating element (341) so as to cover the heating element (341).

[0187] The planar heater (340) including the aluminum plate (342) can increase the heat transfer area by exchanging heat with the air flowing into the cooling chamber (100) except during defrosting.

[0188] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises a main body (2) including a storage room (10), an air intake passage (120) for the storage room (10) provided at the bottom of the storage room (10), and a heat exchanger (300) provided to be accommodated in a cooling room (100) provided on one side of the storage room (10) so as to cool air flowing in from the storage room (10). The heat exchanger (300) includes an evaporator (310) including refrigerant pipes (320) arranged in two rows and a heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the refrigerant pipes (320), and a planar heater (340) provided between the refrigerant pipes (320). The heat exchange fin (330) includes a coupling pin portion (331) having a through hole (332) through which the refrigerant pipes (320) pass, and the planar heater (340) side of the coupling pin portion (331). It includes a bending pin portion (333) that is bent at one end (331c) and arranged to face the surface heater (340).

[0189] The bent pin portion (333) of the heat exchange pin (330) and the planar heater (340) may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0190] The bent pin portion (333) of the heat exchange pin (330) can be positioned to be in contact with the planar heater (340).

[0191] A defrosting temperature sensor (350) may be further included at the upper part of the refrigerant pipe (320), and the surface heater (340) may be arranged to be located at the lower part of the evaporator (310).

[0192] The heat exchange fin (330) may have a cutout (334) formed at the end of the bent fin portion (333).

[0193] The above-mentioned planar heater (340) may include a heating element (341).

[0194] The above-described surface heater (340) may include an aluminum plate (342) that surrounds the front and rear of the heating element (341).

[0195] The above through hole (332) may further include a boss portion (332b) formed by protruding from the above coupling pin portion (331).

[0196] The above-mentioned surface heater (340) can have both upper sides recessed downward.

[0197] The heat exchanger (300) may be configured such that the pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) positioned at the bottom is smaller than the pitch of the heat exchange fins (330) positioned at the top.

[0198] The heat exchange fin (330) is a first heat exchange fin (330a) comprising a coupling fin portion (331) and a first bending fin portion (333a), and the evaporator (310) comprises a second heat exchange fin (330b) comprising a coupling fin portion (331) and a second bending fin portion (333b), and the first protruding length (w1) of the first bending fin portion (333a) may be provided to be smaller than the second protruding length (w2) of the second bending fin portion (333b).

[0199] The first heat exchange fin (330a) may be arranged to be positioned in the refrigerant pipe (320) at a higher position than the second heat exchange fin (330b).

[0200] The above evaporator (310) includes a third heat exchange fin (330c) comprising a coupling fin portion (331) and a third bending fin portion (333c), and the third protruding length (w3) of the third bending fin portion (333c) may be provided to be greater than the second protruding length (w2) of the second bending fin portion (333b).

[0201] The above evaporator (310) may be configured such that a first heat exchange fin (330a) is positioned at the top of the refrigerant pipe (320), a second heat exchange fin (330b) is positioned in the middle of the refrigerant pipe (320), and a third heat exchange fin (330c) is positioned at the bottom of the refrigerant pipe (320).

[0202] A heat exchanger (300) according to one embodiment comprises a refrigerant pipe (320) that is folded several times and arranged in two rows through which refrigerant flows, a heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the refrigerant pipe (320), and a planar heater (340) provided between the refrigerant pipes (320). The heat exchange fin (330) comprises a coupling pin portion (331) having a through hole (332) through which the refrigerant pipe (320) passes, and a folded pin portion (333) that is folded at one end of the coupling pin portion (331) on the side of the planar heater (340) and is provided to face the planar heater (340).

[0203] The heat exchange fin (330) may be positioned so as to have a wider spacing at the bottom of the refrigerant pipe (320) than at the top of the refrigerant pipe (320), and the protruding length (w) of the bent fin portion (333) positioned at the bottom of the refrigerant pipe (320) may be greater than the protruding length (w) of the bent fin portion (333) positioned at the top of the refrigerant pipe (320).

[0204] The above refrigerant pipe (320) further includes a defrost temperature sensor (350) on the upper side, and the surface heater (340) is provided on the lower side of the refrigerant pipe (320) spaced apart from the defrost temperature sensor (350), and the surface heater (340) and the bending pin portion (333) may be provided spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0205] The above-mentioned planar heater (340) may include an aluminum plate (342) surrounding a heating element (341).

[0206] The heat exchange fin (330) may be provided such that the end of the bent fin portion (333) is cut out (334).

[0207] The heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the upper part of the refrigerant pipe (320) is a first heat exchange fin (330a), the heat exchange fin (330) coupled to the lower part of the refrigerant pipe (320) is a third heat exchange fin (330c), and the refrigerant pipe (320) may be coupled with a second heat exchange fin (330b) having a second protruding length (w2) that is longer than the first protruding length (w1) of the first bending pin portion (333a) included in the first heat exchange fin (330a) and shorter than the third protruding length (w3) of the third bending pin portion (333c) included in the third heat exchange fin (330c), between the upper and lower parts of the refrigerant pipe (320).

[0208] According to the concept of the present invention, a heat exchange fin with one end bent and extended is provided in the heat exchanger of a refrigerator, so that the heat transfer surface area can be increased when cooling air introduced into the cooling chamber.

[0209] According to the concept of the present invention, the heat exchange fins of the heat exchanger include a bent fin portion facing a planar heater, thereby increasing defrosting efficiency.

[0210] According to the concept of the present invention, a planar heater located between the front and rear refrigerant pipe sections in a heat exchanger is positioned at the bottom of the evaporator, thereby enabling a balance of cooling power between the front and rear sections of the evaporator.

[0211] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A main body including a storage chamber; A storage room air intake passage provided at the bottom of the above storage room; A heat exchanger configured to be housed in a cooling chamber provided on one side of the storage chamber and configured to cool air flowing in from the storage chamber; The heat exchanger comprises an evaporator including refrigerant tubes arranged in two rows and heat exchange fins coupled to the refrigerant tubes, and a planar heater arranged between the refrigerant tubes. The above heat exchange fins are, A coupling pin portion having a through hole formed therein through which the above-mentioned refrigerant pipe passes; and A refrigerator comprising: a bent pin portion formed by being bent at one end of the planar heater side of the coupling pin portion and arranged to face the planar heater.

2. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the bent pin portion of the heat exchange fin and the planar heater are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

3. In Paragraph 1 A refrigerator in which the bent pin portion of the above heat exchange fin is positioned to be in contact with the above-mentioned planar heater.

4. In Paragraph 1, The upper part of the above refrigerant pipe further includes a defrost temperature sensor, and A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned planar heater is positioned at the bottom of the evaporator.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above heat exchange fin is a refrigerator in which a cutout is formed at the end of the above-mentioned bent fin portion.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned planar heater is a refrigerator comprising a heating element including a graphene heating layer.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above-described surface heater is a refrigerator comprising an aluminum plate that surrounds the front and rear of the heating element.

8. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned through hole further includes a boss portion formed by protruding from the above-mentioned coupling pin portion.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above-described surface heater is a refrigerator configured such that both upper sides are recessed downwards.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above heat exchanger is a refrigerator configured such that the pitch of the heat exchange fins positioned at the bottom is smaller than the pitch of the heat exchange fins positioned at the top.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above heat exchange fin is a first heat exchange fin comprising the above coupling fin portion and the first bending fin portion, and The above evaporator includes a second heat exchange fin comprising the coupling fin portion and the second bending fin portion, and A refrigerator in which the first protrusion length of the first bending pin portion is smaller than the second protrusion length of the second bending pin portion.

12. In Paragraph 11, A refrigerator in which the first heat exchange fin is arranged to be positioned in the refrigerant pipe at a higher position than the second heat exchange fin.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above evaporator includes a third heat exchange fin comprising the connecting fin portion and the third bending fin portion, and A refrigerator in which the third protrusion length of the third bending pin portion is greater than the second protrusion length of the second bending pin portion.

14. In Paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which the above evaporator is configured such that a first heat exchange fin is positioned at the upper part of the refrigerant tube, a second heat exchange fin is positioned in the middle of the refrigerant tube, and a third heat exchange fin is positioned at the lower part of the refrigerant tube.

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