Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that may store food at low temperatures in an internal storage space covered by a door. For example, the refrigerator may keep the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

In some cases, a refrigerator may include a machine compartment that is provided apart from the storage space to accommodate components such as a compressor and a condenser for driving the refrigeration cycle. The machine compartment may include an internal space defining a flow path of cooling air for cooling the components inside the machine compartment.

The machine compartment may be a space separated from the storage space in the refrigerator, and as a volume of the machine compartment increases, a capacity of the storage space in the refrigerator decreases. In some cases, to minimize the space of the machine compartment, the compressor and the condenser may have reduced sizes, while maintaining performance and efficiency thereof.

In some cases, a refrigerator may include heat exchanges units having a plurality of rows that are efficiently arranged in a limited internal space of a machine compartment. For instance, an internal space of a machine compartment may be efficiently utilized using a parallel flow condenser with one side bent.

In some cases, an inlet and an outlet connected to an inlet header and an outlet header of a condenser may be seated to face a blow fan. In such a mounting structure of the condenser, it may be difficult to work due to insufficient space for connecting or assembling various devices performing heat exchange in the internal space of the machine compartment.

For example, after the arrangement of the internal components of the machine compartment, a welding operation for connecting a refrigerant pipe connected to a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, or the like may be performed. A small inner space of the machine compartment may limit such operations and cause damage to other components during the operations. In addition, the small inner space may limit device connection and separation in service activities for repair or maintenance of the condenser or the machine compartment.

In some cases, an increase in the volume inside the machine compartment may degrade insulation performance of the refrigerator or cause loss of storage capacity.

<CIT> relates to a refrigerator. A second condenser having an additional cooling cycle is formed to surround a first condenser to minimize a space occupied by the condenser and effectively exchanging heat. The refrigerator comprises: a refrigerator main body; a first cooling device; and a second cooling device. <CIT> relates to a further refrigerator having a condenser with one connection portion of an outlet pipe extending from one of the headers of the condenser towards the second header of the condenser.

It is an object of the invention to provide a refrigerator having a space for facilitating installation and maintenance work of components inside a machine compartment, while a volume of the machine compartment is maintained.

It is an object of the invention to provide a refrigerator having an increased internal capacity, while a working space in a machine compartment is secured, by minimizing the space of the machine compartment.

It is an object of the invention to provide a refrigerator that facilitates assembly and a service.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claim.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a storage space and a machine compartment therein, where the machine compartment is separate from the storage space and accommodates a compressor, a blow fan, and a condenser. The condenser is curved. The refrigerator includes an input connection portion connected to the first header and an output connection portion connected to the first header and spaced apart from the input connection portion.

Preferably, the output connection portion may be configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the first header.

Preferably, the condenser may be curved along front, rear, and side surfaces of the machine compartment.

The condenser includes a first header disposed at a first end of the condenser, a second header disposed at a second end of the condenser.

Preferably, a plurality of tubes may be provided that connect the first header and the second header to each other.

Preferably, a plurality of heat exchange fins may be provided that are disposed between the plurality of tubes.

The input connection portion may extend from the first header toward the second header and/or may be is configured to supply refrigerant to the first header.

The output connection portion may extend from the first header toward the second header.

Implementations according to this aspect can include one or more of the following features. For example, the condenser can include a pair of linear portions that are spaced apart from each other and extends parallel to each other.

Preferably, the pair of linear portions may include the first header and the second header, respectively.

The condenser can further include a bent portion that connects the pair of linear portions to each other.

Preferably, the input connection portion and the output connection portion extend perpendicular to the pair of linear portions.

In some implementations, the second header can be disposed forward relative to the first header.

In some examples, the output connection portion can extend forward from a lower portion of the first header toward the second header
Preferably, the output connection portion may be curved into an inner space defined by the plurality of tubes that are bent and connect between the first header and the second header.

In some implementations, the input connection portion can have a first end connected to the first header and a second end that faces the second header.

In some implementations, the output connection portion a first end connected to the first header and a second end that faces the second header.

In some implementations, the blow fan can be disposed between the compressor and the condenser.

Preferably, the blow fan can extend parallel to the input connection portion and the output connection portion.

In some examples, the input connection portion and the output connection portion can be located outside a space defined between the blow fan and the condenser.

In some implementations, the refrigerator can further include an input pipe that connects the compressor to an end of the input connection portion.

In some implementations, the refrigerator can further include an output pipe connected to an end of the output connection portion.

In some implementations, the refrigerator can further include an expansion device connected to the output pipe.

In some implementations, the plurality of tubes can be inserted into the first header along a first direction.

In some implementations, the the input connection portion and the output connection portion may be connected to the first header along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In some implementations, the plurality of tubes can include an inclined surface that is inserted into the first header.

In some examples, the inclined surface can be inclined by <NUM>° to <NUM>° with respect to an extension direction of the input connection portion or the output connection portion.

In some examples, a distance between a rear end of the inclined surface and the blow fan can be less than a distance between a front end of the inclined surface and the blow fan.

In some examples, the inclined surface has a contact area that is in contact with an inner side of the first header and that is disposed rearward relative to a rear side of the output connection portion or the input connection portion.

According to another aspect, a condenser includes a pair of linear portions that are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other, where the pair of linear portions include a first header disposed at a first end of the condenser and a second header disposed at a second end of the condenser. The condenser further includes a bent portion that connects the pair of linear portions to each other, where the bent portion includes a plurality of tubes that are bent and connect the first header and the second header to each other. The condenser may further include a plurality of heat exchange fins disposed between the plurality of tubes, an input connection portion that extends from the first header toward the second header and that is configured to supply refrigerant to the first header, and an output connection portion that extends from the first header toward the second header and is spaced apart from the input connection portion. The output connection portion is configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the first header.

Implementations according to this aspect can include one or more of the following features and the features of the condenser described above.

For example, the input connection portion and the output connection portion can be connected to the first header along a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the pair of linear portions.

In some examples, parts of the input connection portion and the output connection portion can be located in an inner space defined by the plurality of tubes in the bent portion.

In some implementations, the plurality of tubes comprise an inclined surface that is inserted into the first header.

In some implementations, the input connection portion for supplying refrigerant and the output connection portion for discharging the refrigerant are vertically spaced apart from each other.

In some implementations, the input connection portion and the output connection portion may extend from the first header toward the second header. That is, the input connection portion and the output connection portion can be provided in an inner space defined by bending the condenser.

Accordingly, the input connection portion and the output connection portion may not be located in the space between the blow fan unit and the condenser, thereby improving space efficiency of the machine compartment. In addition, it may be possible to additionally secure a working space for welding, screw fastening, etc. through the space between the blow fan unit and the condenser.

In some examples, the tube can have an inclined surface inserted into the first header and inclined at a certain angle with respect to the input connection portion or output connection portion such that a refrigerant can flow while flow loss is minimized. For example, a cross-section of the tube has the inclined surface inclined to the output connection portion such that the refrigerant discharged from the tube can flow to the output connection portion, while flow resistance is minimized.

Hereinafter, one or more implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail together with the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the implementations in which the idea of the present disclosure is presented, and any other degenerative disclosure or any other implementations within the scope of the present disclosure can be easily proposed by adding, modifying, or deleting other components.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of a refrigerator having a machine compartment that is open at a rear side of the refrigerator. <FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of an internal structure of the machine compartment. <FIG> is a plan view showing an example of air flow in the machine compartment.

Hereinafter, for the convenience of understanding of the description, a direction toward a door <NUM> is defined as a front side and a direction toward a machine compartment cover <NUM> shielding a machine compartment opening 101a is defined as a rear side.

In some implementations, a refrigerator <NUM> can include a cabinet <NUM> that defines a storage space, and a door <NUM> configured to open and close the storage space.

The storage space can include a plurality of spaces that are divided horizontally or vertically and cooled to different temperatures so as to be used as a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment.

In some examples, the door <NUM> can be configured to open and close each of the plurality of storage spaces. In addition, the door <NUM> can be mounted at the cabinet <NUM> so as to be rotatably or slidably drawn in and out and can independently open or close each storage space. In some implementations, a case in which the storage space is divided vertically and the door <NUM> includes an upper door <NUM> and a lower door <NUM> will be described as an example.

In some examples, a cabinet <NUM> can include an outer case <NUM> forming an exterior and an inner case forming the storage space inside the outer case <NUM>. In addition, an insulating material can fill a gap between the outer case <NUM> and the inner case to insulate the storage space.

In some implementations, a machine compartment <NUM> can be provided at a lower end of the rear of the cabinet <NUM>. The machine compartment <NUM> includes components constituting a refrigeration cycle for cooling the storage space to form a space in which a plurality of electrical components are disposed, and can be partitioned from the storage space to form an independent space. In addition, the machine compartment <NUM> can be in communication with an external space so that components inside the machine compartment <NUM> can be cooled or heat-exchanged.

In detail, a bottom surface of the machine compartment <NUM> can be formed by a bottom plate <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> can be provided with a compressor <NUM> for compressing and supplying a refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure, a condenser <NUM> for dissipating heat of the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant supplied from the compressor <NUM>, and a blow fan unit <NUM> for forcibly causing air inside the machine compartment <NUM> to flow. The compressor <NUM>, the condenser <NUM>, and the blow fan unit <NUM> can be directly or indirectly mounted on the bottom plate <NUM>.

Based on the blow fan unit <NUM>, the inside of the machine compartment <NUM> can be divided left and right, and as shown in <FIG>, the condenser <NUM> is disposed on the right and the compressor <NUM> is disposed on the left. The region on the right side where the condenser <NUM> is disposed can be referred to as an intake part 11a through which outside air is intaken, and the region on the left side where the compressor <NUM> is disposed can be referred to as a discharge part 11b through which outside air is discharged.

A machine compartment cover <NUM> can be mounted in a machine compartment opening 101a formed on a rear surface of the machine compartment <NUM>. The machine compartment cover <NUM> can form the exterior of the rear of the machine compartment <NUM> and a part of the rear of the refrigerator <NUM> and shield the machine compartment opening 101a to prevent the components inside the machine compartment <NUM> from being exposed to the outside.

The height H of the machine compartment opening 101a can have a height corresponding to a height of an upper end of the condenser <NUM>. A lower surface of the machine compartment <NUM> can be formed by the bottom plate <NUM>, and an upper surface including a front surface of the machine compartment <NUM> can be formed by a top plate <NUM>. In addition, the height H of the opening of the machine compartment <NUM> can be defined by a distance between a rear end of the bottom plate <NUM> and a rear end of the top plate <NUM> and can be equal to or substantially equal to a height of the condenser <NUM>.

That is, when the machine compartment cover <NUM> is opened, the machine compartment opening 101a can be exposed to the outside, and at this time, the condenser <NUM> can be slidably drawn in and out in a front-rear direction so as to be installed and disassembled, and the condenser <NUM> can be separated or mounted through the machine compartment opening 101a. Therefore, even if the height H of the machine compartment opening 101a is substantially the same as the height of the condenser <NUM>, the height and space of the machine compartment <NUM> can be minimized without interference during assembly and disassembly for service.

In some examples, the machine compartment cover <NUM> can be formed with an inlet <NUM> through which external air is intaken and an outlet <NUM> through which air inside the machine compartment <NUM> is discharged to the outside. The inlet <NUM> can be formed at a position corresponding to the condenser <NUM>, and the outlet <NUM> can be formed at a position corresponding to the compressor <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> and the inlet <NUM> can be formed in a grille shape including a plurality of holes and can be formed to be inclined or rounded so that intaken and discharged air can have directionality.

In addition, a cabinet inlet and a cabinet outlet 101b can be formed on both sides of the cabinet <NUM> corresponding to both sides of the machine compartment <NUM>. The cabinet inlet, as a passage through which external air is intaken, can be formed to communicate with the intake part 11a, that is, a region in which the condenser <NUM>. The cabinet outlet 101b, as a passage through which the air inside the machine compartment <NUM> is discharged to the outside, can be formed to communicate with the discharge part 11b, that is, a region in which the compressor <NUM> is disposed.

Side frames <NUM> forming side surfaces of the machine compartment <NUM> can be provided on both left and right sides of the bottom plate <NUM>. In addition, a frame inlet 113a and a frame outlet 113b can be formed in the side frame <NUM>. Here, the frame inlet 113a can be opened at a position corresponding to the cabinet inlet to communicate with each other, and the frame outlet 113b can be opened at a position corresponding to the cabinet outlet 101b to communicate with each other.

In addition, a plate inlet 111a and a plate outlet can be formed at the bottom plate <NUM> forming a bottom surface of the machine compartment <NUM>. The plate inlet 111a can be formed at a region of the intake part 11a and can be horizontally elongated at a front end of the bottom plate <NUM>. In addition, the plate outlet 111b can be formed at a region of the discharge part 11b and can be horizontally elongated at a front end of the bottom plate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, inside the machine compartment <NUM>, the intake part 11a and the discharge part 11b are disposed on the left and right by the blow fan unit <NUM> as a whole and air can be intaken and discharged three-dimensionally.

In detail, external air can be forcibly intaken through the inlet <NUM> at the front, the plate inlet 111a at the rear, and the cabinet inlet on the side based on the condenser <NUM> and flow to the inside of the intake part 11a and can pass through the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface of the condenser <NUM> formed along the inner circumference of the intake part 11a. That is, external air passes evenly over the entire surface of the condenser <NUM> so that heat from the condenser <NUM> can be effectively dissipated.

Also, air inside the machine compartment <NUM> can cool the compressor <NUM> through the front outlet <NUM>, the rear plate outlet 111b, and the side cabinet outlet 101b based on the compressor <NUM> and can be subsequently discharged to the outside. That is, air discharged by the blow fan unit <NUM> can cool the compressor <NUM>, while passing through the compressor <NUM> at the side, and can be discharged to the front, rear and side of the discharge part 11b.

In this manner, while external air is three-dimensionally supplied to the intake part 11a according to the operation of the blow fan unit <NUM>, heat from the condenser <NUM> is dissipated, the compressor <NUM> is three-dimensionally cooled, and the air can then be discharged to the outside through the discharge part 11b.

In addition, a base pan <NUM> on which the condenser <NUM> is mounted can be provided on the bottom plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a separated state of the condenser and the blow fan in the machine compartment.

As shown in the drawings, the bottom plate <NUM> can be formed in a planar shape to form the bottom surface of the machine compartment <NUM>. In addition, side frames <NUM> can be formed at both left and right ends of the bottom plate <NUM>. The side frame <NUM> can form a side surface of the machine compartment <NUM> and can be coupled to both side ends of the top plate <NUM>. In addition, the frame inlet 113a and the frame outlet 113b can be formed at the center of the side frame <NUM>.

In addition, the base pan <NUM> can be mounted on the bottom plate <NUM>. The base pan <NUM> can be located in a region of the intake part 11a in which the condenser <NUM> is mounted among both left and right sides. In addition, the condenser <NUM> and the blow fan unit <NUM> can be mounted at an upper surface of the base pan <NUM>.

The condenser <NUM> and the base pan <NUM> are configured to be easily separated and mounted through the machine compartment opening 101a for service even after the machine compartment <NUM> is assembled and mounted in the cabinet <NUM>. In particular, the condenser <NUM> and the base pan <NUM> can be moved in and out of the machine compartment <NUM> in a front-rear direction through the machine compartment opening 101a. Therefore, the machine compartment <NUM> may not include a separate extra space for separate mounting of the condenser <NUM> and the blow fan <NUM> on the upper side, and thus the machine compartment <NUM> can have a minimum height and a minimum volume.

The blow fan unit <NUM> can include a blow fan <NUM>, a fan motor <NUM> for rotating the blow fan <NUM>, and a fan guide <NUM> in which the blow fan <NUM> and the fan motor <NUM> are disposed.

In some examples, the blow fan unit <NUM> can be mounted on the base pan <NUM> in an assembled state. Here, the blow fan unit <NUM> can be inserted into the machine compartment <NUM> in an inclined state to avoid interference with refrigerant pipes extending from the compressor <NUM> to the condenser <NUM> and can be mounted at a blow fan unit mounting part <NUM> by horizontally moving a lower end of the fan guide <NUM> inside the machine compartment <NUM>.

In particular, the base pan <NUM> can be provided with fixing portions <NUM> and <NUM> that allow the condenser <NUM> to be detached and attached, while sliding in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the condenser <NUM> can be mounted and removed very easily even in the machine compartment <NUM> narrow in height.

Hereinafter, a structure of the condenser <NUM> and the base pan <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the condenser. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of portion A of <FIG>, illustrating an example flow of air. <FIG> is a plan view showing an example state in which the condenser is mounted.

As shown in the drawings, the condenser <NUM> can include a first linear portion <NUM> extending in parallel with the machine compartment cover <NUM> from a rear surface of the machine compartment <NUM>, that is, a position facing the machine compartment cover <NUM>, a second linear portion <NUM> disposed in parallel with the first linear portion <NUM> at a position spaced apart from the first linear portion <NUM>, and a bent portion <NUM> connecting ends of the first linear portion <NUM> and the second linear portion <NUM> and formed at a position facing a side surface of the machine compartment <NUM>. That is, the condenser <NUM> can have a bent or curved shape along the front, rear and side surfaces of the intake part 11a. For example, the curved shape can include being bent to be curved.

In addition, the condenser <NUM> is formed to extend from the base pan <NUM> to an upper end of the machine compartment <NUM> in an up-down direction. Accordingly, air intaken in each direction toward the inside of the intake part 11a can entirely pass through the condenser <NUM> and can be directed to the blow fan unit <NUM>.

In detail, the condenser <NUM> can include a pair of a first header <NUM> and a second header <NUM>, a tube <NUM> connecting the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM>, and heat exchange fins <NUM> connecting the tubes <NUM> disposed above and below. Such a configuration is generally referred to as a micro channel condenser, can have a relatively compact size, and can have excellent heat exchange performance.

In some examples, the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM> can be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction and can be elongated in the up-down direction at the same height. The first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM> can be connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes <NUM>, respectively, and can have a partition wall therein to determine a flow path of a refrigerant flowing along the plurality of tubes <NUM>.

In the first header <NUM>, an input connection portion <NUM> for supplying a refrigerant to the condenser <NUM> and an output connection portion <NUM> for discharging the refrigerant from the condenser <NUM> can be vertically disposed. In addition, an input pipe <NUM> connected to the compressor <NUM> can be connected to the input connection portion <NUM>, and an output pipe <NUM> connected to an expansion device <NUM> can be connected to the output connection portion <NUM>. In some examples, the input connection portion <NUM> and the output connection portion <NUM> can include a tube or a pipe.

The input connection portion <NUM> and the output connection portion <NUM> can be provided to be spaced apart in the up-down direction on the first header <NUM>, and the input connection portion <NUM> and the output connection portion <NUM> can extend from the first header <NUM> toward the second header <NUM>.

In detail, the input connection portion <NUM> is connected to an upper portion of the first header <NUM> and extends forward from the front side of the first header <NUM> and traverse an inner space 50a formed as the condenser <NUM> is bent. In addition, an end of the input connection portion <NUM> can be disposed at a position facing the second header <NUM>.

That is, the input connection portion <NUM> is connected to the first header <NUM> and extends linearly toward the second header <NUM>. The input connection portion <NUM> does not extend toward the side of the first header <NUM>, that is, in a direction in which the blow fan unit <NUM> is mounted.

In other words, the input connection portion <NUM> extends forward in parallel with the blow fan unit <NUM> from the front of the first header <NUM> so as to be provided in the inner space 50a of the condenser <NUM>. In addition, the input connection portion <NUM> can be formed to be perpendicular to the first and second linear portions <NUM> and <NUM> and can be formed in parallel with the bent portion <NUM>.

That is, one end of the input connection portion <NUM> can be connected to the first header <NUM>, and the other end of the input connection portion <NUM> can be formed at a position facing the second header <NUM>. In addition, the input connection portion <NUM> can be formed to traverse the inner space in a state parallel to the bent portion <NUM> as a whole.

Also, the other end of the input connection portion <NUM> can be connected to the input pipe <NUM> connected to the compressor <NUM>, a high temperature and high pressure refrigerant through the input pipe <NUM> can flow to the first header <NUM> through the input connection portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the input connection portion <NUM> may not be located in a space between the blow fan unit <NUM> and the condenser <NUM>.

The output connection portion <NUM> can be spaced apart from the input connection portion <NUM> in a downward direction and can be connected to the first header <NUM>. In addition, the output connection portion <NUM> extends forward from the front of the first header <NUM> and is formed to traverse the inner space 50a of the condenser <NUM>, and the end of the output connection portion <NUM> can be disposed at a position facing the second header <NUM>. That is, the output connection portion <NUM> can be vertically spaced apart from the input connection portion <NUM> and formed in parallel.

Therefore, the output connection portion <NUM> also extends linearly from the first header <NUM> toward the second header <NUM> and does not extend to the side of the first header <NUM>, that is, in a direction in which the blow fan unit <NUM> is provided.

The output connection portion <NUM> extends in a direction parallel to the blow fan unit <NUM> from the front of the first header <NUM> and can be located in the inner space 50a of the condenser <NUM>. In addition, the output connection portion <NUM> can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the first and second linear portions <NUM> and <NUM> or in a vertical direction and can be formed in parallel with the bent portion <NUM>.

One end of the output connection portion <NUM> can be connected to the first header <NUM>, and the other end of the output connection portion <NUM> can be connected to an output pipe <NUM> connected to the expansion device <NUM>.

With this structure, the input connection portion <NUM> and the output connection portion <NUM> can be located in parallel with the blow fan unit <NUM> mounted on the base pan <NUM> in a state connected to the first header <NUM>. In addition, since the input connection portion <NUM> and the output connection portion <NUM> are not located in the space S between the first header <NUM> and the blow fan unit <NUM>, an additional space S of the machine compartment <NUM> can be secured. In other words, there is an advantage of increasing space efficiency of the condenser <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, a welding operation may be performed to fix devices such as the condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> in the machine compartment <NUM> to the bottom plate <NUM> or the base pan <NUM>. In some examples, a control valve or the like for controlling a flow of a refrigerant supplied to the evaporator can be fixed to one wall surface of the machine compartment, and then be connected to a pipe that is connected to the compressor and the evaporator by welding. Since other components such as the input connection portion <NUM> and the output connection portion <NUM> are not located in the additional space S, an operator can perform the welding operation more easily in the additional space S.

In addition, the input connection portion <NUM> can be connected to the first header <NUM> as a single input connection portion <NUM>, or a plurality of input connection portions <NUM> can be connected to the first header <NUM>. In addition, the output connection portion <NUM> can be connected to the first header <NUM> as a single output connection portion <NUM>, or a plurality of output connection portions <NUM> can be connected to the first header <NUM>.

The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant introduced through the input connection portion <NUM> can flow to the second header <NUM> through the plurality of tubes <NUM> through the first header <NUM>. In addition, the refrigerant introduced into the second header <NUM> can be changed in direction by the second header <NUM>, flow to the first header <NUM> by passing through the plurality of other tubes <NUM>, and is finally directed to the expansion device <NUM> through the output connection portion <NUM> and the output pipe <NUM>.

The tube <NUM> can be formed in a structure in which a plurality of channels or flow paths are continuously arranged in a horizontal direction, and both ends thereof can connect the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM>. In addition, the tubes <NUM> can have the same structure and shape and can be continuously arranged at regular intervals in the up-down direction along the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM>.

In some implementations, the heat exchange fins <NUM> can be provided in a space between the plurality of tubes <NUM>. For example, the heat exchange fins <NUM> can be disposed between any two tubes among the plurality of tubes <NUM>. The heat exchange fins <NUM> can be continuously bent in a zigzag shape and formed along the space between the tubes <NUM>. Fin openings <NUM> are formed between bent portions of the heat exchange fins <NUM> and the tubes <NUM> as the heat exchange fins <NUM> are mounted. In addition, a contact region of air passing through the fin openings <NUM> formed by the heat exchange fins <NUM> can be increased, and heat exchange efficiency with the refrigerant inside the tube <NUM> can be increased.

Also, the tubes <NUM> can be inserted into the inner side of the first header to allow the refrigerant introduced through the input connection portion <NUM> to flow into the condenser or the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to flow into the output connection portion <NUM>. In addition, the tubes <NUM> inserted into the first header and the input connection portion or output connection portion <NUM> connected to the first header can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to each other or vertically.

In addition, a cross-section of a portion of the tube <NUM> inserted into the inner side of the first header <NUM> can include an inclined surface inclined in a diagonal direction toward the inside of the first header <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The cross-section of the tube <NUM> can be formed in an inclined shape at an angle of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, for example. In detail, an inclined surface <NUM> can be formed such that a rear end 511b is closer to the blow fan unit <NUM> than a front end 511a, that is, a cross-section in contact with the inner space 50a of the condenser <NUM>.

In other words, a point in contact with the first header <NUM> at the front end 511a of the inclined surface <NUM> can be spaced apart from the output connection portion <NUM> to one side. In addition, a point in contact with the inner side of the first header <NUM> at the rear end 511b can be located to be spaced apart from the output connection portion <NUM> to the rear side. That is, the inclined surface <NUM> can have a shape opened toward the output connection portion <NUM>.

If the cross-section of the tube <NUM> accommodated inside the first header is formed horizontally, the refrigerant flowing into the first header through the tube <NUM> flows in the same direction as the direction in which the tube <NUM> extends. Thus, the refrigerant may not flow smoothly to the output connection portion <NUM> connected to the tube <NUM> in a vertical direction.

In some implementations, the inclined surface <NUM> is included in the cross-section of the tube <NUM>, so that the refrigerant passing through the tube <NUM> effectively flows to the output connection portion <NUM> without loss of flow path.

Such an inclined surface <NUM> is not limited thereto, but can be formed on the tube <NUM> in communication with the output connection portion <NUM> or can also be formed on the tube <NUM> in communication with the input connection portion <NUM>.

In some examples, the input pipe <NUM> connecting the condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> can be bent a plurality of times, and at least part of the input pipe <NUM> can be disposed in the inner space 50a in which the condenser <NUM> is bent to be formed.

In detail, the input pipe <NUM> can include an input pipe extension portion <NUM> extending from the compressor <NUM> toward the bottom of the inner space 50a, a lower bent portion extending from an end of the input pipe extension portion <NUM> to the inner side of the base pan <NUM>, and an upper bent portion <NUM> connecting an end of the lower bent portion <NUM> and the first header <NUM>.

The input pipe extension portion <NUM> can be connected to the outlet of the compressor <NUM> and can extend to the bottom of the inner space 50a. In addition, the lower bent portion <NUM> can be formed by repeatedly bending the base pan <NUM> from the inside a plurality of times.

In addition, the upper bent portion <NUM> can be formed to extend upward from one end of the lower bent portion <NUM> and can be bent along the inner surface of the condenser <NUM>. In addition, an end of the upper bent portion <NUM> can be connected to the input connection portion <NUM>. The upper bent portion <NUM> is bent along the inner surface of the condenser <NUM> in the process of extending toward the first header <NUM>, so that the input pipe <NUM> is prevented from shaking when air flows by the operation of the blow fan unit <NUM>. In addition, the upper bent portion <NUM> can be disposed along the inner surface of the condenser <NUM> so that additional cooling can be performed by air passing through the condenser <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure for mounting the condenser <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a plan view showing an example state in which the condenser is mounted.

In some implementations, the base pan <NUM> can include a bottom surface <NUM> formed in a plate shape and an edge <NUM> formed along the circumference of the bottom surface <NUM>.

The base pan <NUM> can be formed to be injection-molded with a plastic material and can have a structure in which the condenser <NUM> and the blow fan unit <NUM>, drain hoses <NUM> and <NUM> for discharging defrost water formed in the condenser <NUM> to the base pan <NUM>, the expansion device <NUM>, etc. can be mounted.

On the bottom surface <NUM> of the base pan <NUM>, a first supporter <NUM> and a second supporter <NUM> protruding upward can be formed at positions corresponding positions where the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM> are disposed. In addition, a first fixing portion <NUM> and a second fixing portion <NUM> can be formed on upper surfaces of the first supporter <NUM> and the second supporter <NUM>, respectively. The first fixing portion <NUM> and the second fixing portion <NUM> restrain lower ends of the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM> so that the condenser <NUM> is fixed to and mounted on the base pan <NUM>.

In some examples, the second fixing portion <NUM> can have the same structure as the first fixing portion <NUM> and can protrude from an upper surface of the second supporter <NUM>. The second fixing portion <NUM> can be formed higher than the first fixing portion <NUM> to thereby restrain the second header <NUM> of the condenser <NUM> moved forward after passing through the first fixing portion <NUM>.

In some examples, only any one of the first fixing portion <NUM> and the second fixing portion <NUM> can be provided to fix the head of the condenser <NUM>.

A barrier <NUM> forming a water collection space can be provided on the bottom surface <NUM> of the base pan <NUM>. Both ends of the barrier <NUM> are connected to the first supporter <NUM> and the second supporter <NUM> and can extend to the side. Here, the barrier <NUM> can extend along a lower end of the condenser <NUM>, thus forming a space between the first supporter <NUM> and the second supporter <NUM> in which defrost water can be guided. In addition, a pipe supporter <NUM> supporting the lower bent portion <NUM> can be provided in the water collecting space.

The blow fan unit <NUM> can be mounted at one end of the base pan <NUM> facing the compressor <NUM> side.

A third fixing portion <NUM> for fixing the bent portion <NUM> of the condenser <NUM> can be formed at a position corresponding to one side of the cabinet <NUM> among both sides of the base pan <NUM>.

A fixing member <NUM> can be mounted on an upper surface of the third fixing portion <NUM>. A fastening hole through which a screw <NUM> penetrating the fixing member <NUM> is fastened can be formed at the third fixing portion <NUM>.

That is, one side surface of the condenser <NUM> corresponding to the bent portion <NUM> can be fixed by the fixing member <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> can be mounted on the third fixing portion <NUM> in a state in which the first header <NUM> and the second header <NUM> are fixed. By mounting the fixing member <NUM>, the condenser <NUM> can be fixed at three points and a solid mounting state of the condenser <NUM> can be maintained.

The fixing member <NUM> is integrally molded with the base pan <NUM> and then mounted on the third fixing portion <NUM> in a state in which the condenser <NUM> is seated on the base pan <NUM>.

In particular, the fixing member <NUM> can have a structure mounted through the bending portion <NUM> of the condenser <NUM> to restrain movement of the condenser <NUM> in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, it is possible to fundamentally prevent an unintended separation situation of the condenser <NUM> that can occur due to the movement mounting and separating structure of the condenser <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

With this structure, since the first linear portion <NUM>, the second linear portion <NUM>, and the bent portion <NUM> are fixed to the first fixing portion <NUM>, the second fixing portion <NUM>, and the third fixing portion <NUM>, respectively, the condenser <NUM> can be maintained in a stable mounting state.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) that defines a storage space and a machine compartment (<NUM>) therein, the machine compartment being separated from the storage space;
a compressor (<NUM>) disposed in the machine compartment (<NUM>);
a blow fan (<NUM>) disposed in the machine compartment;
a condenser (<NUM>) disposed in the machine compartment, the condenser (<NUM>) being curved, the condenser (<NUM>) comprising:
a first header (<NUM>) disposed at a first end of the condenser (<NUM>),
a second header (<NUM>) disposed at a second end of the condenser (<NUM>),
an input connection portion (<NUM>) connected to the first header (<NUM>), and
an output connection portion (<NUM>) connected to the first header (<NUM>) and being spaced apart from the input connection portion (<NUM>);
wherein the blow fan (<NUM>) is disposed between the compressor (<NUM>) and the condenser (<NUM>), and extends parallel to the input connection portion (<NUM>) and the output connection portion (<NUM>);
wherein
the input connection portion (<NUM>) extends from the first header (<NUM>) toward the second header (<NUM>), and
the output connection portion (<NUM>) extends from the first header (<NUM>) toward the second header (<NUM>).