REFRIGERATOR

A refrigerator may include a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a condenser to condense the refrigerant having passed through compressor, a capillary tube to lower a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant having passed though the condenser, an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant having passed through the capillary tube, and a heat exchanger coupled to a refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor to cool the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe. With components so arranged, operational efficiency of the refrigerator may be enhanced, and energy may be saved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It may be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the dimensions and shapes of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. In addition, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation embodiments as broadly described herein may be differently defined according to intention of an operator or practices. These terms may be defined based on the entire context of this disclosure.

A refrigerator according to a first embodiment as broadly described herein may include a compression unit110, or compressor110, to compress a refrigerant, a condensation unit120, or condenser120, to condense the refrigerant having passed through the compression unit110, a capillary tube130to decrease the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant having passed through the condensation unit120, and an evaporation unit140, or evaporator140, to evaporate the refrigerant having passed through the capillary tube130. The refrigeration cycle is implemented as the refrigerant sequentially passes through the compression unit110, the condensation unit120, and the capillary tube130, supplies coldness to the external air in the evaporation unit140, and then undergoes compression in the compression unit110.

The refrigerator further includes a first refrigerant pipe150to connect the compression unit110to the condensation unit120and a second refrigerant pipe160to connect the evaporation unit140to the compression unit110. The refrigerant is guided from the compression unit110to the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150, and guided from the evaporation unit140to the compression unit110through the second refrigerant pipe160.

The refrigerator further includes a heat exchange unit200, or heat exchanger200, provided with the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160contacting each other to exchange heat with each other. The heat exchange unit200is configured to have the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160contacting each other such that heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150and the refrigerant passing through the second refrigerant pipe160.

That is, heat exchange may occur while the refrigerant moves along the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160, and moves from position c to position d and from position a to position b in the heat exchange unit200. Since the refrigerant passing through the heat exchange unit200is individually and independently guided in the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160, the refrigerants in the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160may move without being mixed with each other in the heat exchange unit200. That is, the refrigerants passing through the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160may be independent from each other, and may exchange heat with each other through the heat exchange unit200without affecting movement of the other.

A gaseous refrigerant at a relatively high temperature may be present in the first refrigerant pipe150, while a gaseous refrigerant at a relatively low temperature may be present in the second refrigerant pipe160.

Typically, the refrigerant guided from the compression unit110to the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150remains in a gaseous state at about 50 degrees Celsius, which is the highest temperature in the path of the refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates. This is because the temperature of the refrigerant increases as the refrigerant is compressed in the compression unit110, and the first refrigerant pipe150provides the flow path for the refrigerant exiting the compression unit110. The overall temperature of the refrigerant may decrease while the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe150.

On the other hand, the refrigerant guided from the evaporation unit140to the compression unit110through the second refrigerant pipe160is in a gaseous state at about −10 degrees Celsius. The refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe160is introduced into the compression unit110and compressed after supplying coldness to the outer space through the evaporation unit140. Accordingly, in view of the overall refrigeration cycle, the remaining coldness held by the refrigerant having passed through the second refrigerant pipe160is substantially wasted energy that is not supplied to the outer space. That is, the refrigerant guided to the compression unit110through the second refrigerant pipe160fails to supply coldness to the outer space through the second refrigerant pipe160, and accordingly the temperature thereof increases. The refrigerant would typically waste coldness while moving through the second refrigerant pipe160.

According to this embodiment, the coldness of the refrigerant otherwise wasted through the second refrigerant pipe160is used to decrease the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150, which has the highest temperature in the refrigeration cycle, and thus the operational efficiency of the refrigeration cycle may be enhanced. That is, the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150decreases, and thereby the temperature of the refrigerant guided to the evaporation unit140is lowered. As a result, the portion of coldness supplied to the outer space through the evaporation unit140may increase.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate the machine room in which various components of the refrigeration cycle may be housed. InFIGS. 2 and 3, pipes through which the refrigerant moves and other constituents unnecessary for the description are omitted for simple and clear illustration.

The refrigerator may include a machine room2in which the compression unit110and the condensation unit120are installed. The machine room2may be arranged at the lower portion of the refrigerator body. Alternatively, the machine room2may be arranged at the upper portion of the refrigerator, unlike the configuration shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The machine room2is a space where various constituents of the refrigerator are installed. Unlike the refrigeration compartment or the freezer compartment, the machine room2allows introduction of external air and discharge of internal air.

In the case that the machine room2is arranged at the lower portion of the refrigerator, storage compartments including the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment may be provided above the machine room2. In addition, the evaporation unit140to supply coldness to the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment may be installed to adjoin the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment, rather than being installed in the machine room2, and the pipe to guide the refrigerant to the evaporation unit140may extend out of the machine room2to the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment. Herein, part of the pipe may be installed between the inner case and outer case of the refrigerator body. An insulating material may be introduced into the space between the inner case and the outer case and foamed to insulate the pipe. Thereby, the pipe installed between the inner case and the outer case is prevented from exchanging heat with the external air.

Plural pipes to guide flow of the refrigerant may be installed in the machine room2, and a fan80to cool the compression unit110and the condensation unit120may be provided in the machine room2, such that the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle.

The fan80may be disposed between the compression unit110and the condensation unit120. Thereby, the compression unit110and the condensation unit120may be cooled by one fan80. That is, when the fan80is driven, one of the compression unit110or the condensation unit120may be cooled by the external air drawn into the machine room2by the fan80, before it is introduced into the fan80, and the other of the compression unit110or the condensation unit120may be cooled by the air discharged from the fan80. At this time, the fan80may operate only when the compression unit110is driven. Whether or not the compression unit110is driven may be determined by a separate temperature sensor.

The refrigerant may be guided from the compression unit110installed in the machine room2to the heat exchange unit200through the first refrigerant pipe150. When passing through the heat exchange unit200, the refrigerant is guided from position c to position d, and is then moved to the condensation unit120.

After passing through the evaporation unit140, the refrigerant is guided to the compression unit110through the second refrigerant pipe160. When passing through the heat exchange unit200, the refrigerant is guided from position a to position b, and is then moved to the compression unit110.

The heat exchange unit200is arranged in the machine room2where the compression unit110is installed. The heat exchange unit200may be installed to be exposed to the inner space of the machine room2to contact the air received in the machine room2. At typical room temperature, the machine room2usually remains at about 32 degrees Celsius. Since the heat exchange unit200is exposed to the inner space of the machine room2, the relatively hot refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150, i.e., the refrigerant at about 50 degrees Celsius may be cooled by the air in the machine room2through the heat exchange process.

Meanwhile, a part of the second refrigerant pipe160may be installed outside the machine room2. That is, the second refrigerant pipe160connects the evaporation unit140, which may not be installed in the machine room2but instead adjacent to the refrigeration compartment or the freezer compartment, to the compression unit110to allow movement of the refrigerant. Accordingly, a part of the second refrigerant pipe160is installed in the machine room2and a part extends out of the machine room2.

As shown inFIG. 4, the heat exchange unit200includes an outer-side part210, or outer portion210, connected to the first refrigerant pipe150, and an inner-side part220, or inner portion220, connected to the second refrigerant pipe160. The outer-side part210may surround the inner-side part220. Since the outer-side part210is connected to the first refrigerant pipe150, through which the relatively hot refrigerant passes, the outer-side part210remains at a relatively high temperature. On the other hand, the inner-side part220is connected to the second refrigerant pipe160, through which the relatively cold refrigerant passes, and thus the inner-side part220remains at a relatively low temperature.

Herein, the outer-side part210may have substantially the same cross sectional area as that of the first refrigerant pipe150so as not to influence movement of the refrigerant. In the case that the cross sectional area varies when the refrigerant guided through the first refrigerant pipe150enters the outer-side part210, the pressure of the refrigerant could change, and accordingly movement of the refrigerant could be affected.

Similarly, the inner-side part220may have substantially the same cross sectional area as that of the second refrigerant pipe160so as not to influence movement of the refrigerant. In the case that the area of cross section varies when the refrigerant guided through the second refrigerant pipe160enters the inner-side part220, the pressure of the refrigerant could change, and accordingly movement of the refrigerant could be affected.

Since the heat exchange unit200is installed in the machine room2and contacts the air, the outer-side part210may exchange heat with the inner-side part220positioned therein, while also exchanging heat with the air in the machine room2. Accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150may be effectively lowered. That is, the outer-side part210simultaneously exchanges heat with the inner-side part220and the air inside machine room2.

In addition, the inner-side part220, which remains at a relatively low temperature, does not undergo heat exchange with the air in the machine room2. Accordingly, a larger portion of coldness of the inner-side part220may be transferred to the outer-side part210.

In the case that the outer-side part210remains at a relatively low temperature, coldness of the outer-side part210may be transferred to the air in the machine room2. However, since in embodiments as broadly described herein, the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150is lowered, coldness of the refrigerant passing through the second refrigerant pipe160may be transferred to the first refrigerant pipe150as much as possible without being wasted to the surroundings. Accordingly, the second refrigerant pipe160is not exposed to the air inside the machine room2.

Since the fan80illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3causes forced convection heat transfer between the outer-side part210and the air in the machine room2, the efficiency of cooling the refrigerant in the outer-side part210may be enhanced. Heat exchange occurs between the outer-side part210and the inner-side part220by conduction, while heat exchange occurs between the outer-side part210and the air in the machine room2by convection.

The flow direction of the refrigerant in the outer-side part210may be opposite to the flow direction in the inner-side part220. Since the refrigerant flows in different directions in the outer-side part210and the inner-side part220, better heat exchange may occur between the outer-side part210and the inner-side part220.

Particularly, the outer-side part210and the inner-side part220may be concentrically arranged. That is, the inner-side part220may be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the outer-side part210may be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder having a larger diameter than the inner-side part220and having the inner-side part220positioned at the center thereof. Alternatively, the outer-side part210and the inner-side part220may have a different configuration such that the area of contact therebetween is increased with the area of cross section kept constant.

The second refrigerant pipe160may be perpendicularly connected to the outer-side part210. That is, as shown inFIG. 4, the flow path of the refrigerant moving along the outer-side part210may be arranged perpendicular to the flow path of the refrigerant as it is introduced into or discharged from the outer-side part210from/to the first refrigerant pipe150. That is, since the flow path of the refrigerant introduced into the outer-side part210from the first refrigerant pipe150is perpendicular with respect to the outer-side part210, sufficient heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and the surface forming the external shape of the outer-side part210due to various types of flows.

In the heat exchange unit200, the refrigerant moving along the first refrigerant pipe150and the refrigerant moving along the second refrigerant pipe160make contact or surface contact with each other at plural points. Accordingly, the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant moving along the first refrigerant pipe150and the refrigerant moving along the second refrigerant pipe160may be enhanced.

In addition, since the heat exchange unit200is formed as a single component, separation of the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160from each other due to vibration possibly caused by movement of the refrigerant may be prevented, compared to the case in which the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160are attached to each other through welding. Moreover, the risk of occurrence of noise due to fine vibration caused by separation of the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160from each other is also eliminated.

Hereinafter, operation of the heat exchange unit200will be described based on the principle of movement of the refrigerant according to one embodiment of the present invention.

First, the hot refrigerant compressed by the compression unit110is guided to the first refrigerant pipe150. Then, the refrigerant flows along the first refrigerant pipe150and passes through the outer-side part210of the heat exchange unit200. At this time, the refrigerant may be guided from position c to position d. Accordingly, the temperature of the outer-side part210may be increased due to the temperature of the refrigerant, and may be partially lowered due to the temperature of the air in the machine room2.

At this time, the fan80is driven to cause forced convection between the inner space of the machine room2and the outer-side part210. Thereby, the outer-side part210may be cooled by convection.

After being discharged from the outer-side part210, the refrigerant may be guided to the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150and condensed in the condensation unit120. Then, the refrigerant may supply coldness thereof to the refrigeration compartment or the freezer compartment while passing through the capillary tube unit130and the evaporation unit140. The refrigerant may supply coldness to the external area by being cooled to about −20 degrees Celsius in the evaporation unit140.

After being discharged from the evaporation unit140, the refrigerant is guided to the inner-side part220of the heat exchange unit200through the second refrigerant pipe160. At this time, the refrigerant may be guided from position a to position b.

Even after the refrigerant supplies coldness to the outside of the evaporation unit140by passing through the evaporation unit140, the temperature of the refrigerant is relatively low. Therefore, while passing through the inner-side part220, the refrigerant may cool the refrigerant passing through the outer-side part210.

Particularly, since the inner-side part220and the outer-side part210make surface contact with each other at plural points, the refrigerant passing through the inner-side part220may efficiently cool the refrigerant passing through the outer-side part210. For example, without the heat exchange unit200, the coldness held by the refrigerant guided to the second refrigerant pipe160may be wasted without being used. In this embodiment, the coldness held by the refrigerant having passed through the evaporation unit140is used to cool the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle may be improved.

Furthermore, since flows of the refrigerant in the inner-side part220and the outer-side part210are in opposite directions, the heat exchange efficiency may be improved due to the different way of heat transfer to the flows of the refrigerant.

In experimentation with the heat exchange unit200, or heat exchanger200, as embodied and broadly described herein, it has been found that the power consumption may be improved by about 2.5%. Specifically, in a case in which this type of heat exchange unit was not adopted, 60.1 watts (W) was needed to operate the refrigeration cycle. In contrast, by employing the above described heat exchange unit200, it was possible to operate the refrigeration cycle with 58.7 W.

FIG. 5illustrates a refrigeration cycle according to another embodiment as broadly described herein. In this embodiment, two compression units, or compressors, are provided, in contrast with the previous embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1. The components other than the two compression units are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

The compression units may include a first compression unit112, or first compressor112, to primarily compress the refrigerant guided thereinto from the evaporation unit140, or evaporator140, and a second compression unit114, or second compressor114, to secondarily compress the refrigerant compressed by the first compression unit112and guide the same to the condensation unit120, or condenser120.

After being compressed by the first compression unit112, the refrigerant is additionally compressed while passing through the second compression unit114. The compressed gaseous refrigerant may be supplied to the condensation unit120. While the refrigerant passes through the second compression unit114, the pressure thereof is increased. Accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant guided from the second compression unit114to the condensation unit120may be higher than in any other constituents of the refrigeration cycle.

FIG. 6illustrates a machine room in which various components of the refrigeration cycle are housed. InFIG. 6, pipes through which the refrigerant moves and other constituents unnecessary for the description are omitted for simple and clear illustration. In addition, to simplify the illustration, components associated with the pipe through which the refrigerant discharged from the first compression unit112is guided to the second compression unit114are omitted inFIG. 6. Compared to the previous embodiment inFIG. 2, the condensation unit120is disposed at a position other than the machine room2.

After being compressed in the first compression unit112and the second compression unit114, the refrigerant is guided to the heat exchange unit200through the first refrigerant pipe150. Herein, when the refrigerant passes through the heat exchange unit200, it may be guided from position c to position d. After passing through the heat exchange unit200, the refrigerant is guided to the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150.

On the other hand, the refrigerant having passed through the evaporation unit140is guided to the heat exchange unit200through the second refrigerant pipe160. When passing through the heat exchange unit200, the refrigerant may be guided from position a to position b. After passing through the heat exchange unit200, the refrigerant may be guided to the first compression unit112through the second refrigerant pipe160.

That is, in the heat exchange unit200, one stream of the refrigerant is guided from position a to position b, and the other stream of the refrigerant is guided from position c to position d.

The shape and operation of the heat exchange unit200are the same as those described above with reference toFIG. 4. In the heat exchange unit200, heat exchange may occur between the outer-side part210and the air in the machine room by convection, while heat exchange may occur between the outer-side part210and the inner-side part220by conduction. The heat exchange unit200according to this embodiment operates in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a refrigerator according to another embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 15.

As shown inFIG. 7, the refrigerator according to this embodiment includes a body1, a storage compartment3provided in the body1, and a door5to open and close the storage compartment3. The door5is pivotably arranged at the body1. An ice making compartment23to make and store ice and a dispenser40to dispense water are installed at the door5. An ice maker26to make ice and an ice storage case29to store ice made by and removed from the ice maker26are installed in the ice making compartment23. Arranged at the lower portion of the ice making compartment23is a water tank13to store water to be supplied to the dispenser40in a cooled state. A flow path control valve33to selectively or simultaneously guide water to the dispenser40and the ice maker26is arranged at one side of the water tank13.

The flow path control valve33may be a three-way valve having one discharge portion connected to the water tank13and the other discharge portion connected to the ice maker26. Herein, the flow path control valve33may selectively or simultaneously supply water to the water tank13and the ice maker26. That is, the flow path control valve33may configured to supply water to only one of the water tank13or the ice maker26, or to both the water tank13and the ice maker26.

In addition, a flow sensor16to calculate the flow rate of water is provided at the inlet side of the flow path control valve33. Herein, the flow sensor16is a device that measures the flow rate of water supplied to the ice maker26or the dispenser40when the flow path control valve33guides water to the ice maker26or the dispenser40. The flow sensor16is mounted to a second water hose54, which is connected to an external water source50. A water supply valve12and a filter14to filter water are arranged between the flow sensor16and the external water source50.

The water supply valve12functions to open and close the flow path along which water flows from the external water source50into the refrigerator. That is, when the water supply valve12opens the flow path, water may flow from the external water source50into the refrigerator. When the water supply valve12closes the flow path, water is not allowed to flow from the external water source50into the refrigerator.

An outlet-side water supply valve may be provided to the ice maker26or the dispenser40to open and close flow path along which water flows. Herein, the outlet-side water supply valve includes a second water supply valve17and a third water supply valve18.

Herein, the second water hose54is disposed along one side of the body1and arranged to extend through a hinge60connecting the door5to the body1and be connected to the flow sensor16and the flow path control valve33along one side of the door5.

A first connection hose19connected to the one discharge portion of the flow path control valve33is connected to the water tank33and the dispenser40. Herein, the third water supply valve18to open and close the flow path for water moving to the dispenser40is arranged in the first connection hose19. When the third water supply valve18opens the flow path, water may be supplied to the dispenser40through the first connection hose19.

A second connection hose56connected to the other discharge portion of the flow path control valve33is disposed to extend upward along one side of the door5and to transport water to an ice-making tray27. Herein, the second water supply valve17to open and close the flow path along which water moves to the ice maker26is arranged in the second connection hose56. When the second water supply valve17opens the flow path, water may be supplied to the ice maker26through the second connection hose56.

Herein, the inner space of the ice making compartment23is closed by an ice making compartment door pivotably provided to one sidewall of the ice making compartment23. Thereby, the inner space of the ice making compartment23is differentiated from the interior of the storage compartment3.

Meanwhile, the external water source50is connected to the water supply valve12via a connection pipe51. The connection pipe51is always filled with water according to water pressure supplied by the external water source50. The water contained in the connection pipe51moves through the water supply valve12when the water supply valve12opens the flow path. On the other hand, when the water supply valve12closes the flow path, the water remains stationary in the connection pipe51.

Meanwhile, the water supply valve12and the filter14are sequentially connected by the first water hose52and the second water hose54. A heat exchange unit300, or heat exchanger300, is arranged between the first water hose52and the second water hose54, and accordingly water having passed through the first water hose52may move to the second water hose54. The heat exchange unit300may be capable of cooling the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

The water supply valve12is connected to the heat exchange unit300via the first water hose52, and the heat exchange unit300is connected to the filter14via the second water hose54. Accordingly, the water supplied from the external water source50passes through the first water hose52and then through the heat exchange unit300. Then the water is guided to the filter14via the second water hose54.

At this time, the temperature of the water supplied from the external water source50may be equal to or lower than the room temperature. Typically, water supplied from an external source through water pipes is moved to homes or offices via the underground. Accordingly, the temperature of the supplied water is usually lower than the room temperature. Particularly, in the case that the external water source50is underground water, the temperature of the supplied water is lower than the room temperature.

FIG. 8illustrates a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator shown inFIG. 7, according to an embodiment. The refrigerator according to this embodiment includes a compression unit110, or compressor110, to compress a refrigerant, a condensation unit120, or condenser120, to condense the refrigerant having passed through the compression unit110, a capillary tube130to decrease the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant having passed through the condensation unit120, and an evaporation unit140, or evaporator140, to evaporate the refrigerant having passed through the capillary tube130. The refrigeration cycle is implemented as the refrigerant sequentially passes through the compression unit110, the condensation unit120, and the capillary tube unit130, supplies coldness to the external air in the evaporation unit140, and then undergoes compression in the compression unit110.

In the compression unit110, the heat exchange unit300, or heat exchanger300, is installed at the first refrigerant pipe150connected to the condensation unit120. The first refrigerant pipe150extending through the heat exchange unit300is arranged to perform heat exchange with water in the heat exchange unit300, and is provided with an independent flow path along which the refrigerant flows without being mixed with water in the heat exchange unit300.

The heat exchange unit300is connected to the first water hose52and the second water hose54to allow water to pass through the heat exchange unit300. That is, heat exchange may occur between water and the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit300by conduction. Thereby, the water whose temperature is relatively low may lower the temperature of the refrigerant. That is, in the heat exchange unit300, heat exchange may occur between the water guided by the first water hose52and the second water hose54and the refrigerant flowing along the first refrigerant pipe150.

The temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle usually increases to the highest temperature as the refrigerant from the compression unit110flows through the condensation unit120. This is because the compression unit110compresses the refrigerant, thereby causing the temperature of the compressed refrigerant to increase.

Meanwhile, the water supplied from the external water source50is guided to the heat exchange unit300only through the water supply valve12, and thus the temperature thereof remains substantially constant. Accordingly, as heat exchange occurs between the water, which is at a relatively low temperature, and the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150, the temperature of the refrigerant may be lowered.

Further, the amount of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerator is not so large. Accordingly, even if heat exchange occurs between the water and the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit300, the temperature of the water, the amount of which is relatively large, does not greatly increase. Therefore, the temperature of the water is not increased that much when it is supplied to the user. As a result, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle may be enhanced by lowering the temperature of the refrigerant, without causing great inconvenience to the user.

Unlike the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, the heat exchange unit300may be installed at a third refrigerant pipe170connecting the condensation unit120to the capillary tube130. A related embodiment will be described later with reference toFIG. 14.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the refrigerator shown inFIGS. 7 and 8may include a machine room2in which the compression unit110and the condensation unit120are installed. The machine room2may be arranged at the lower portion of the refrigerator body1. Alternatively, the machine room2may be arranged at the upper portion of the refrigerator, unlike the configuration shown inFIGS. 9 and 10.

Plural pipes to guide flow of the refrigerant may be installed in the machine room2, and a fan80to cool the compression unit110and the condensation unit120may be provided in the machine room2, such that the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle.

The heat exchange unit300is arranged in the machine room2where the compression unit110is installed. The heat exchange unit300may be installed to be exposed to the inner space of the machine room2to contact the air received in the machine room2. At room temperature, the machine room2usually remains at about 32 degrees Celsius. Since the heat exchange unit300is exposed to the inner space of the machine room2, the relatively hot refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150, i.e., the refrigerant at about 50 degrees Celsius may be cooled by the air in the machine room through the heat exchange process.

Meanwhile, the first refrigerant pipe150is cooled in the heat exchange unit300not by air but by water. Accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant may be greatly decreased while the refrigerant passes through the first refrigerant pipe150. This is because the efficiency of cooling by water is generally greater than by air.

A connection pipe51to guide water from the external water source50to the water supply valve12is installed at one side of the water supply valve12. In addition, a first water hose52to guide water to the heat exchange unit300is installed at the water supply valve12. According to opening and closing of the flow path by the water supply valve12, water in the connection pipe51may be guided to the first water hose52and moved to the heat exchange unit300.

As shown inFIG. 11, the heat exchange unit300includes an outer-side part310, or outer portion310, connected to the first refrigerant pipe150, and an inner-side part320, or inner portion320, connected to the first water hose52and the second water hose54. The outer-side part310may be arranged to surround the inner-side part320. Since the outer-side part310is connected to the first refrigerant pipe150, through which the relatively hot refrigerant passes, the outer-side part310remains at a relatively high temperature. On the other hand, the inner-side part320is connected to the first water hose52and the second water hose54, through which the relatively cold water passes, and thus the inner-side part320remains at a relatively low temperature.

Herein, the outer-side part310may have substantially the same cross sectional area as that of the first refrigerant pipe150so as not to influence movement of the refrigerant. In a case in which the cross sectional area varies when the refrigerant guided through the first refrigerant pipe150enters the outer-side part310, the pressure of the refrigerant may change, and accordingly movement of the refrigerant may be affected.

Similarly, the inner-side part320may have substantially the same cross sectional area as that of the first water hose52and the second water hose54so as not to influence movement of the refrigerant. Unlike the outer-side part310, however, the cross sectional area of the inner-side part320may be different from that the first water hose52and the second water hose54, because a change in flow rate of the water flowing through the first water hose52and the second water hose54does not produce a large load to the ice maker26or the dispenser40.

Since the heat exchange unit300is installed in the machine room2to contact the air contained therein, the outer-side part310may exchange heat with the inner-side part320positioned therein, while exchanging heat with the air in the machine room2. Accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150may be effectively lowered. That is, the outer-side part310simultaneously exchanges heat with the inner-side part320and the air inside machine room2. In addition, the inner-side part320, which remains at a relatively low temperature, does not undergo heat exchange with the air in the machine room2. Accordingly, a larger portion of coldness of the water in the inner-side part320may be transferred to the outer-side part310

In a case in which the outer-side part310remains at a relatively low temperature, coldness of the outer-side part310may be used to cool the air in the machine room2. However, in order to lower the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150, coldness of the water passing through the first water hose52and the second water hose54may be transferred to the first refrigerant pipe150as much as possible without being wasted to the surroundings.

Since the fan80illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10causes forced convection heat transfer between the outer-side part310and the air in the machine room2, the efficiency of cooling the refrigerant in the outer-side part310may be enhanced.

Heat exchange occurs between the outer-side part310and the inner-side part320by conduction, while heat exchange occurs between the outer-side part310and the air in the machine room by convection.

The flow direction of the refrigerant in the outer-side part310may be opposite to the flow direction of the water in the inner-side part320. Since the refrigerant and the water in the outer-side part310and the inner-side part320flows in different directions, better heat exchange may occur between the outer-side part310and the inner-side part320. Herein, flow of water in the inner-side part320occurs when the dispenser40or the ice maker26is used, and stops when neither of the dispenser40and the ice maker26is used.

When flow of water occurs in the inner-side part320, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerant passing through the outer-side part310may be enhanced.

Particularly, the outer-side part310and the inner-side part320may be concentrically arranged. That is, the inner-side part320may be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the outer-side part310may be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder having a larger diameter than the inner-side part320and having the inner-side part320positioned at the center thereof. Alternatively, the outer-side part310and the inner-side part320may have a different configuration such that the area of contact therebetween is increased with the area of cross section kept constant.

The first refrigerant pipe150may be perpendicularly connected to the outer-side part310. That is, as shown inFIG. 11, the flow path of the refrigerant moving along the outer-side part310may be arranged perpendicular to the flow path of the refrigerant introduced into or discharged from the outer-side part310from/to the first refrigerant pipe150. That is, since the flow path of the refrigerant introduced into the outer-side part310is perpendicular with respect to the outer-side part310, sufficient heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and the surface forming the external shape of the outer-side part310due to various types of flows.

In the heat exchange unit300, the refrigerant moving along the outer-side part310and the water moving along the inner-side part320make contact or surface contact with each other at plural points. Accordingly, the efficiency of heat exchange may be enhanced.

In addition, since the heat exchange unit300is formed as a single component, separation of the first refrigerant pipe150from the first water hose52and the second water hose54due to vibration possibly caused by movement of the refrigerant or water may be prevented, compared to the case in which the first refrigerant pipe150is attached to the first water hose52and the second water hose54through welding.

Hereinafter, operation of the heat exchange unit300will be described based on the principle of movement of water according to one embodiment as broadly described herein.

First, the hot refrigerant compressed by the compression unit110is guided to the first refrigerant pipe150. Then, the refrigerant flows along the first refrigerant pipe150and passes through the outer-side part310of the heat exchange unit300. Accordingly, the temperature of the outer-side part310may be increased due to the temperature of the refrigerant, and may be partially lowered by heat exchange with the air in the machine room2. At this time, the fan80is driven to cause forced convection between the inner space of the machine room2and the outer-side part310. Thereby, the outer-side part310may be cooled by convection.

Compared to a case in which the above described heat exchange unit300is not provided, the area of the outer-side part310that contacts the air in the machine room2increases, and therefore the efficiency of cooling by convection may be improved. This is because the outer-side part310is arranged to surround the inner-side part320, thereby having an increased area of contact with the air in the machine room2.

After being discharged from the outer-side part310, the refrigerant may be guided to the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150and condensed in the condensation unit120. Then, the refrigerant may supply coldness thereof to the refrigeration compartment or the freezer compartment while passing through the capillary tube130and the evaporation unit140. The refrigerant may supply coldness to the external area by being cooled to about −20 degrees Celsius in the evaporation unit140. At this time, the compression unit110is driven, and thus the water contained in the inner-side part320may remain stationary or flow while the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle.

For example, in the case in which water is not dispensed using the dispenser40, or the ice maker26does not need to produce ice, the flow path of the flow path control valve33is kept in a closed state, and the water supply valve12also closes the flow path. Accordingly, water remains stationary in the inner-side part320.

However, as the inner-side part320is filled with water, heat exchange may occur between the inner-side part320and the outer-side part310.

On the other hand, in the case in which water is dispensed using the dispenser40, or the ice maker26needs to produce ice, the flow path of the flow path control valve33is opened, and the water supply valve12also opens the flow path. Accordingly, water flows from the external water source50into the inner-side part320.

Thereby, flow of water occurs in the inner-side part320, and the water and the refrigerant flow independently through the heat exchange unit300, exchanging heat with each other. Thereby, the refrigerant is cooled while passing through the heat exchange unit300.

The flow path control valve33may simultaneously supply water to both the dispenser40and the ice maker26, or supply water to only one of the dispenser40or the ice maker26. In either of these two cases, one flow path of the flow path control valve33is opened, and the flow path of the water supply valve12is also opened. Accordingly, flow of water may occur in the inner-side part320.

Even when the compression unit110is not driven, water may be dispensed using the dispenser40or the ice maker26may need to produce ice. In this case, flow of water may occur in the inner-side part320and thus the refrigerant accommodated in the outer-side part310may be cooled. In addition, the water in the inner-side part320the temperature of which is substantially increased may be replaced by the water from the external water source50which is at a relatively low temperature. Accordingly, the operational efficiency of the refrigerator may be enhanced.

Since the inner-side part320and the outer-side part310contact each other at plural points through surface contact, the water passing through the inner-side part320may efficiently cool the refrigerant passing through the outer-side part310.

In experimentation with the heat exchange unit300, it has been found that the power consumption may be improved by about 3.9%. Specifically, in the case in which a heat exchange unit as embodied and broadly described herein was not adopted, 62.2 watts (W) was needed to operate the refrigeration cycle. In contrast, when the heat exchange unit300was adopted, 59.8 W was needed to operate the refrigeration cycle.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate a machine room implemented in a different manner from that ofFIG. 8. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13. InFIGS. 12 and 13, pipes through which the refrigerant moves and other components unnecessary for the description are omitted for simple and clear illustration.

Unlike the previous embodiment, the heat exchange unit300according to this embodiment is installed in a space of the body1sealed by an insulation member, rather than in the machine room2. Other elements may be substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment. Accordingly, the description given below is focused on the details different from the previous embodiment, and a description of the elements discussed above will be omitted.

A part of the first refrigerant pipe150to guide the refrigerant to the heat exchange unit300, the first water hose52to supply water to the heat exchange unit300, and a part of the second water hose54to discharge water from the heat exchange unit300are installed in a space sealed by an insulation member. In this embodiment, the outer-side part310is not exposed to the interior of the machine room2, and therefore the outer-side part310is not cooled by the air in the machine room2through convection. However, since the inner-side part320through which water passes is installed in the sealed space, a larger portion of coldness may be used to cool the refrigerant passing through the outer-side part310without being used to cool the inner space of the machine room2.

FIG. 14illustrates a refrigeration cycle according to another embodiment.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the heat exchange unit300is installed at the third refrigerant pipe170extending from the condensation unit120and introduced into the capillary tube130. The other elements and operation thereof may be substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment.

Since the refrigerant from the condensation unit120flows through the third refrigerant pipe170, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the third refrigerant pipe170may be lower than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150. In this case, the degree of decrease in temperature of the refrigerant by water may be lowered. On the other hand, since the increase in temperature of the water passing through the heat exchange unit300is small, the water may be less influenced.

The heat exchange unit300shown inFIG. 14may be installed in the machine room2. Alternatively, the heat exchange unit300may be installed in a space of the body1sealed by an insulation member instead of the machine room2.

The heat exchange unit300is provided with the first water hose52and the second water hose54to allow water to flow into or out of the heat exchange unit300. Accordingly, heat exchange occurs between the water and the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit300, as described above in the previous embodiment. That is, heat exchange is performed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, and thus some details as described above in the previous embodiment will be omitted for convenience of illustration.

FIG. 15illustrates a refrigeration cycle according to another embodiment.

This embodiment employs two compression units112and114, or two compressors112and114. The other components are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a first compression unit112primarily compress the refrigerant guided thereinto from the evaporation unit140, and a second compression unit114may secondarily compress the refrigerant compressed by the first compression unit112and guide the same to the condensation unit120. After being compressed by the first compression unit112, the refrigerant is additionally compressed while passing through the second compression unit114. The compressed gaseous refrigerant may be supplied to the condensation unit120. While the refrigerant passes through the second compression unit114, the pressure thereof is increased. Accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant guided from the second compression unit114to the condensation unit120may be higher than in any other components of the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, by installing the heat exchange unit300at the first refrigerant pipe150which remains at a relatively high temperature and lowering the temperature of the refrigerant through heat exchange between water and the refrigerant, the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle may be enhanced.

A description will now be provided of a refrigerator having a refrigeration cycle according to another embodiment, with reference toFIG. 16. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle includes the compression unit110, the condensation unit120, the capillary tube130, and the evaporation unit140, which are connected to each other by refrigerant pipes. A first refrigerant pipe150connects the compression unit110to the condensation unit120, a second refrigerant pipe160connects the evaporation unit140to the compression unit110, and a third refrigerant pipe170connects the condensation unit120to the capillary tube130. The refrigerant is guided from the compression unit110to the condensation unit120through the first refrigerant pipe150, guided from the evaporation unit140to the compression unit110through the second refrigerant pipe160, and guided from the condensation unit120to the capillary tube130through the third refrigerant pipe170.

The refrigerator may also include a first heat exchange unit200, in which the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160contact each other to allow the refrigerants therein to exchange heat with each other, a second heat exchange unit300, in which the first refrigerant pipe150or the third refrigerant pipe170contacts water to cool the refrigerant therein, and a water supply valve12(seeFIG. 7) to supply water to the second heat exchange unit300.

In the first heat exchange unit200, the first refrigerant pipe150and the second refrigerant pipe160are arranged to contact each other such that the refrigerant passing through the first refrigerant pipe150exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through the second refrigerant pipe160.

In the second heat exchange unit300, to allow heat exchange to occur between the refrigerant passing through the third refrigerant pipe170and water supplied through the water hoses52and54, the third refrigerant pipe170is arranged to contact the water hoses.

Details of the first heat exchange unit200and the second heat exchange unit300have been described above, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

While the second heat exchange unit300is illustrated inFIG. 16as being disposed at the third refrigerant pipe170, it may be disposed at the first refrigerant pipe150.

In experimentation, a refrigerator in accordance with this embodiment including both the first heat exchange unit200and the second heat exchange unit300, it was found that power consumption may be improved by about 8.5%. Specifically, in a case in which the heat exchange units200and300were not adopted, 62.2 watts (W) was needed to operate the refrigeration cycle. In contrast, when both the first heat exchange unit200and the second heat exchange unit300were adopted, 56.9 W was needed to operate the refrigeration cycle. This result may be due to a combination of the enhanced efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by the first heat exchange unit200and the enhanced efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by the second heat exchange unit300.

According to one embodiment, operational efficiency of the refrigerator as broadly described herein may be enhanced, and accordingly energy may be saved.

According to one embodiment, using coldness of the refrigerant flowing into the compression unit after cooling the surroundings in the evaporation unit, the refrigerant guided from the compression unit to the condensation unit may be cooled. Accordingly, coldness of the refrigerant may be efficiently used without being wasted.

In addition, according to one embodiment, the refrigerant flowing into the compression unit may be cooled by the air in the machine room. Accordingly, overloading of the compression unit due to heat may be prevented.

According to one embodiment, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into or out of the condensation unit may be lowered. Thereby, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle may be enhanced.

According to one embodiment, a separate drive unit to operate to lower the temperature of the refrigerant is not needed. The interior of the refrigerator may be simplified.

A refrigerator is provided which has an improved operational efficiency.

A refrigerator is provided that allows heat exchange to occur between different portions of a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering a compression unit and decreasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering a condensation unit.

A refrigerator is provided that may enhance the refrigeration cycle by decreasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering or leaving a condensation unit.

A refrigerator, as embodied and broadly described herein, may include a compression unit to compress a refrigerant, a condensation unit to condense the refrigerant having passed through compression unit, a capillary tube unit to lower temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing though the condensation unit, an evaporation unit to evaporate the refrigerant having passed through the capillary tube unit, and a heat exchange unit combined to a refrigerant pipe connected from the compression unit to cool the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe.

The heat exchange unit may be configured to allow a first refrigerant pipe connecting the compression unit to the condensation unit and a second refrigerant pipe connecting the evaporation unit to the compression unit to contact each other to exchange heat with each other.

A refrigerant remaining at a relatively high temperature in a gaseous state may be present in the first refrigerant pipe, and a refrigerant remaining at a relatively low temperature in a gaseous state may be present in the second refrigerant pipe.

The heat exchange unit may be disposed in a machine room having the compression unit installed therein to contact air in the machine room.

The refrigerator according to claim2, wherein the heat exchange unit may include an outer-side part connected to the first refrigerant pipe, and an inner-side part connected to the second refrigerant pipe, wherein the outer-side part may be arranged to surround the inner-side part.

A direction of flow of the refrigerant in the outer-side part may be opposite to a direction of flow of the refrigerant in the inner-side part.

The second refrigerant pipe may be perpendicularly connected to the outer-side part.

In the heat exchange unit, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant guided from the compression unit to the condensation unit and the refrigerant guided from the evaporation unit to the compression unit.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve to supply water to the heat exchange unit, wherein the heat exchange unit may allow the refrigerant pipe entering or leaving the condensation unit to contact water to cool the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe.

The water supply valve may be connected to an external water source to supply water from the external water source into the refrigerator or to interrupt supply of the water into the refrigerator.

The water having passed through the heat exchange unit may be supplied to a dispenser or an ice maker, wherein, when the water is supplied to the dispenser or the ice maker, a flow path of the water supply valve may be opened, and the water may flow through the heat exchange unit.

The refrigerator may further include a flow path control valve to guide the water having passed through the heat exchange unit such that the water may move to the dispenser or the ice maker.

The heat exchange unit may include an outer-side part allowing the refrigerant to pass therethrough, and an inner-side part allowing water to pass therethrough, wherein the outer-side part may be arranged to surround the inner-side part.

The refrigerant guided to the outer-side part may be introduced into and discharged from the outer-side part in a direction perpendicular to the outer-side part.

The refrigerator heat exchange unit may be installed to be exposed to the machine room having the compression unit installed therein to exchange heat with air in the machine room.

The heat exchange unit may be installed in a space sealed by an insulation member formed in a body of the refrigerator through foaming.

The refrigerator according to claim1, wherein the compression unit may include a first compression unit to primarily compress the refrigerant guided from the evaporation unit, and a second compression unit to secondarily compress the refrigerant compressed by the first compression unit and guide the compressed refrigerant to the condensation unit.

In another embodiment as broadly described herein, a refrigerator may include a compression unit to compress a refrigerant, a condensation unit to condense the refrigerant having passed through compression unit, a capillary tube unit to lower temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing though the condensation unit, an evaporation unit to evaporate the refrigerant having passed through the capillary tube unit, a first refrigerant pipe to connect the compression unit to the condensation unit, a second refrigerant pipe to connect the evaporation unit to the compression unit, a third refrigerant pipe to connect the condensation unit to the capillary tube unit, a first heat exchange unit allowing the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe to contact each other such that heat exchange occurs between the refrigerants in the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, a second heat exchange unit allowing the first refrigerant pipe or the third refrigerant pipe to contact water to cool the refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe or the third refrigerant pipe, and a water supply valve to supply water to the second heat exchange unit.

The first heat exchange unit may include an outer-side part connected to the first refrigerant pipe, and an inner-side part connected to the second refrigerant pipe and surrounded by the outer-side part.

The second heat exchange unit may include an outer-side part allowing the refrigerant to pass therethrough, and an inner-side part surrounded by the outer-side part and allowing water to pass therethrough.