[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for a refrigerator.
[Background Art]
[0002] In general, a heat exchanger may be used as a condenser or an evaporator in a refrigeration
cycle apparatus, which is composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expander and an
evaporator.
[0003] A heat exchanger is mounted in a vehicle, a refrigerator or the like so as to exchange
heat between refrigerant and air.
[0004] A heat exchanger may be classified into a fin-tube-type heat exchanger, a microchannel-type
heat exchanger and the like.
[0005] The fin-tube-type heat exchanger is made of a copper material, and the microchannel-type
heat exchanger is made of an aluminum material.
[0006] Since the microchannel-type heat exchanger is provided therein with fine flow passages,
the microchannel-type heat exchanger has an advantage in that efficiency thereof is
better than that of the fin-tube-type heat exchanger.
[0007] Because a small-sized microchannel-type heat exchanger, which is used in a conventional
refrigerator or the like, is manufactured in a one turn manner, there are problems
in that only a simple refrigerant pass can be designed and in that heat exchange efficiency
is decreased. Furthermore, since the small-sized microchannel-type heat exchanger,
which is used in a refrigerator or the like, is constructed such that the numbers
of refrigerant tubes disposed at an inlet and an outlet are equal to each other, the
heat exchange capability is increased but efficiency of heat exchange is decreased
in a zone in which a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced because the difference
in temperature between the refrigerant and air is increased, whereas the heat exchange
capability is decreased but efficiency of heat exchange is increased in a zone in
which a low-temperature refrigerant is discharged because the difference in temperature
between the refrigerant and air is decreased, thereby producing a problem whereby
the overall efficiency of heat exchange is deteriorated.
[0008] In addition, because a refrigerant tube of the conventional heat exchanger has the
same cross-sectional area in the zone in which the refrigerant is introduced and in
the zone in which the refrigerant is discharged, it is impossible to consider variation
in the specific volume of the refrigerant, thereby causing a problem in which the
amount of heat exchange is decreased.
[Disclosure]
[Technical Problem]
[0009] It is an object, which is intended to be accomplished by the present invention, to
provide a heat exchanger for a refrigerator, which enables refrigerant to efficiently
flow even when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger for a refrigerator,
which includes a plurality of rows in order to improve heat exchange.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger for a
refrigerator, which minimizes the difference in pressure between the plurality of
rows.
[0012] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects,
and other objects, which are not mentioned, will be apparent to and understood by
those skilled in the art from the following disclosure.
[Technical Solution]
[0013] A heat exchanger for a refrigerator according to the present invention is characterized
in that a second heat exchange unit first exchanges heat with external air before
a first heat exchange unit and in that the total cross-sectional area of the flat
tubes of the first heat exchange unit is larger than the total cross-sectional area
of the flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit.
[0014] The heat exchanger for a refrigerator is characterized in that, when an intermediate
heat exchange unit is disposed between the first heat exchange unit and the second
heat exchange unit, the total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the intermediate
heat exchange unit is equal to or smaller than the total cross-sectional area of the
flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit.
[0015] The heat exchanger for a refrigerator according to the present invention is characterized
in that the inner diameter of the flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit is equal
to the inner diameter of the second flat tubes and in that the number of flat tubes
of the first heat exchange unit is larger than the number of flat tubes of the second
heat exchange unit.
[Advantageous Effects]
[0016] The heat exchanger for a refrigerator according to the present invention has one
or more of the following effects.
[0017] First, since the second heat exchange unit first exchanges heat with external air
before the first heat exchange unit and since the total cross-sectional area of the
flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit is larger than the total cross-sectional
area of the flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit, there is an advantage in
that it is possible to realize the optimal amount and efficiency of heat exchange
relative to the specific volume of the refrigerant.
[0018] Second, it is possible to maximize utilization of space by arranging the heat exchange
planes of the first heat exchange unit in a plurality of rows.
[0019] Third, since the difference in refrigerant pressure between the first heat exchange
unit and the second heat exchange unit is decreased even when a plurality of microchannel-type
heat exchangers are layered one on top of another, there is an advantage in that the
refrigerant efficiently flows.
[0020] Fourth, it is possible to use the intermediate heat exchange unit when an increased
amount of heat exchange is strongly required, and it is also possible to increase
the efficiency and amount of heat exchange when the intermediate heat exchange unit
is used.
[Description of Drawings]
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of an outdoor unit shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger shown in FIG.
2;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first heat exchange unit shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second heat exchange unit shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an amount of heat exchange according to the area ratio
of the flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit and the flat tubes of the second
heat exchange unit;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of an outdoor heat exchanger according to a second embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an outdoor heat exchanger according to a third embodiment
of the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outdoor heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
[Best Mode]
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated
in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those
skilled in the art. The present disclosure is defined only by the categories of the
claims. In certain embodiments, detailed descriptions of device constructions or processes
well known in the art may be omitted in order to avoid obscuring appreciation of the
disclosure by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0023] Spatially relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", or "upper"
may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated
in the figures. It will be understood that such spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted
in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is inverted, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the
other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass
the positional relationships of both above and below. Since the device may be oriented
in another direction, the spatially-relative terms may be interpreted in accordance
with the orientation of the device.
[0024] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in the disclosure
and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include
the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will
be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising", when used in
this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used
herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly
used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and are not
to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined
herein.
[0026] In the drawings, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated, omitted, or
schematically illustrated for convenience of description and clarity. Also, the size
or area of each constituent element may not accurately reflect the actual size thereof.
[0027] Angles or directions used to describe the structures according to embodiments are
based on those shown in the drawings. Unless there is, in the specification, no definition
of a reference point to describe angular positional relations in the structures according
to embodiments, reference may be made to the associated drawings.
[0028] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating
the interior of an outdoor unit shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the embodiment
may include a compressor 10 for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger
20 at which the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air, an expander 12 at
which the refrigerant is expanded, and an indoor heat exchanger 13 at which the refrigerant
exchanges heat with the indoor air.
[0031] The refrigerant, which has been compressed in the compressor 10, may exchange heat
with the outdoor air and may thus be condensed while passing through the outdoor heat
exchanger 20.
[0032] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may be used as a condenser.
[0033] The refrigerant, which has been condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, may flow
to the expander 12 and may then be expanded therein. The refrigerant, which is expanded
in the expander 12, may exchange heat with the indoor air and may thus evaporated
while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 13.
[0034] The indoor heat exchanger 12 may be used as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant.
[0035] The refrigerant, which has been evaporated in the heat exchanger 12, may be recovered
to the compressor 10.
[0036] The refrigerant is circulated through the compressor 10, the outdoor heat exchanger
20, the expander 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 in a cooling cycle.
[0037] An introduction flow passage for the compressor 10, which serves to guide the refrigerant
that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 13 to the compressor 10, may be
connected to the compressor 10. The introduction flow passage for the compressor 10
may be provided with an accumulator 14 in which the liquid refrigerant is accumulated.
[0038] A refrigerant flow passage, through which the refrigerant passes, may be formed in
the indoor heat exchanger 13.
[0039] The refrigeration cycle apparatus may be a split-type air conditioner, in which the
indoor unit I and the outdoor unit O are separated from each other. In this case,
the compressor 10 and the outdoor heat exchanger 20 may be provided in the outdoor
unit I. The refrigeration cycle apparatus may be a refrigerator, in which the indoor
heat exchanger 13 may be disposed so as to exchange heat with the air in a foodstuff
storage compartment and the outdoor heat exchanger 20 may be disposed so as to exchange
heat with the air outside the foodstuff storage compartment. In the case of a refrigerator,
both the indoor unit I and the outdoor unit O may be disposed in the refrigerator
body.
[0040] The expander 12 may be provided in any one of the indoor unit I and the outdoor unit
O.
[0041] The indoor heat exchanger 13 may be provided in the indoor unit I.
[0042] The outdoor unit O may be provided with an outdoor fan 15 for blowing the outdoor
air to the outdoor heat exchanger 20.
[0043] The indoor unit I may be provided with an indoor fan 16 for blowing the indoor air
to the indoor heat exchanger 13.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first heat exchange unit 100 shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second heat exchange unit 200 shown in FIG.
4.
[0045] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is a microchannel-type heat exchanger. The outdoor
heat exchanger 20 is made of an aluminum material.
[0046] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is composed of the first heat exchange unit 100 and
the second heat exchange unit 200. Unlike the embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger
20 may be composed of two or more heat exchange units, which are layered one on top
of another.
[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 includes the first heat exchange unit 100, the second
heat exchange unit 200, which is layered on the first heat exchange unit 100, an introduction
pipe 22 connected to the first heat exchange unit 100 so as to supply the refrigerant
thereto, a discharge pipe 24 connected to the second heat exchange unit 200 so as
to discharge the refrigerant, and a connecting pipe 25 connecting the first heat exchange
unit 100 to the second heat exchange unit 200 so as to allow the refrigerant to flow
from the first heat exchange unit 100 to the second heat exchange unit 200.
[0048] The first heat exchange unit 100 is disposed so as to exchange heat with the air
that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchange unit 200. Specifically, the
first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 are disposed along
the path through which the outdoor air flows. The outdoor air primarily exchanges
heat with the second heat exchange unit 200 and secondly exchanges heat with the first
heat exchange unit 100. More specifically, the outdoor unit is provided with an air
introduction part HI, into which the outdoor air is introduced, and an air discharge
part H2, from which the air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchange units is
discharged. The second heat exchange unit 200 is disposed closer to the air introduction
part H1 than the first heat exchange unit 100 is.
[0049] Consequently, the first heat exchange unit 100, through which high-temperature refrigerant
flows, is disposed in a zone in which the temperature of external air is high, and
the second heat exchange unit 200, through which low-temperature refrigerant flows,
is disposed in a zone in which the temperature of external air is low, thereby improving
the efficiency of heat exchange of the outdoor heat exchanger 20.
[0050] The first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 may be disposed
so as to define heat exchange planes P, which are orthogonal to the direction in which
air flows. The first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200
define heat exchange planes, which are orthogonal to the direction in which the air
flows and through which the air passes while exchanging heat therewith. The first
heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 may be layered one on
top of another in the direction in which the air flows.
[0051] Each of the first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 is
prepared by layering a plurality of flat tubes 50 one on top of another. The first
heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 are constructed such
that the flat tubes 50 are disposed horizontally so as to allow the refrigerant to
flow horizontally.
[0052] Specifically, when the air flows in an anteroposterior direction, the flat tubes
50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 may be
longitudinally disposed horizontally (laterally) and may be layered one on top of
another vertically. The air exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the flat tubes
50 while passing through the spaces between the plurality of flat tubes 50, which
are layered one on top of another vertically (longitudinally). The plurality of flat
tubes 50, which are layered one on top of another vertically, define the heat exchange
plane P1 in conjunction with fins 60, which will be described later.
[0053] The first heat exchange unit 100 may include the flat tubes 50, a left header, a
right header and the fins 60. Specifically, the first heat exchange unit 100 includes
a plurality of first flat tubes 51 in which a plurality of flow passages are defined,
first fins 61 connecting the first flat tubes 51 to each other in order to allow heat
to be conducted therebetween, a first left header 71, which is coupled to first side
ends of the plurality of first flat tubes 51 and which communicates with the first
side ends of the plurality of first flat tubes 51 so as to allow the refrigerant to
flow therethrough, and a first right header 81, which is coupled to the second side
ends of the plurality of first flat tubes 51 and which communicates with the second
side ends of the plurality of first flat tubes 51 so as to allow the refrigerant to
flow therethrough.
[0054] The first flat tubes 51 are disposed so as to extend laterally. The first flat tubes
51 include therein flow passages, through which the refrigerant flows.
[0055] The first flat tubes 51 are disposed horizontally. The plurality of first flat tubes
51 are layered one on top of another in an up-and-down direction. The first flat tubes
51 may be provided therein with a plurality of flow passages.
[0056] The left side ends of the first flat tubes 51 communicate with the first left header
71, and the right side ends of the first flat tubes 51 communicate with the first
right header 81.
[0057] Each of the first fins 61 is bent in an up-and-down direction so as to connect two
adjacent first flat tubes 51, which are layered one on top of another in an up-and-down
direction, thereby allowing heat to be conducted therebetween.
[0058] The first right header 81 communicates with the second side ends of the plurality
of first flat tubes 51. The right header 81 is oriented so as to extend in an up-and-down
direction and is connected to the introduction pipe 22. The first right header 81
defines therein a single space such that the refrigerant, introduced through the introduction
pipe 22, is distributed to the plurality of first flat tubes 51.
[0059] The first right header 81 may be connected to a single introduction pipe 22 or to
a plurality of introductions pipes 22. In a first embodiment, the introduction pipe
22 may include a first introduction pipe 22a and a second introduction pipe 22b, which
is disposed lower than the first introduction pipe 22.
[0060] The first left header 71 communicates with the first side ends of the plurality of
first flat tubes 51. The first left header 71 is oriented so as to extend in an up-and-down
direction and is connected to the connecting pipe 25. The first left header 71 defines
therein a single space such that the refrigerant discharged from the second side ends
of the plurality of first flat tubes 51 is guided to the connecting pipe 25.
[0061] The first left header 71 may be connected to a single connecting pipe 25 or to a
plurality of connecting pipes 25. In the first embodiment, a single connecting pipe
25 is connected to the center of the first left header 71. The first side end of the
connecting pipe 25 is connected to the first left header 71 of the first heat exchange
unit 100, and the second side end of the connecting pipe 25 is connected to the second
left header 70 of the second heat exchange unit 200.
[0062] The refrigerant that has been introduced through the introduction pipe 22 is supplied
to the plurality of first flat tubes 51 through the first right header 81. The refrigerant
that passes through the first flat tubes 51 exchanges heat with air, and is supplied
to the connecting pipe 25 through the first left header 71. The introduction pipe
22 is connected to the compressor 10 so as to supply high-temperature and high-pressure
refrigerant to the first heat exchange unit 100.
[0063] Like the first heat exchange unit 100, the second heat exchange unit 200 may include
the plurality of flat tubes 50, the fins 60, the left header and the right header.
[0064] Specifically, the second heat exchange unit 200 includes a plurality of second flat
tubes 52, second fins 62, a second left header 70 and a second right header 80.
[0065] The second heat exchange unit 200 includes the plurality of second flat tubes 52,
which define therein a plurality of flow passages, the second fins 62 connecting the
second flat tubes 52 to each other in order to allow heat to be conducted therebetween,
the second left header 70, which is coupled to first side ends of the plurality of
second flat tubes 52 and which communicate with the first side ends of the plurality
of second flat tubes 52 so as to allow the refrigerant to flow therethrough, and the
second right header 80, which is coupled to the second side ends of the plurality
of second flat tubes 52 and which communicates with the second side ends of the plurality
of second flat tubes 52 so as to allow the refrigerant to flow therethrough.
[0066] The second flat tubes 52 are disposed so as to extend laterally. The second flat
tubes 52 define therein the flow passages through which the refrigerant flows.
[0067] The second flat tubes 52 are disposed horizontally. The plurality of second flat
tubes 52 are layered one on top of another in an up-and-down direction. The second
flat tubes 52 define therein a plurality of flow passages.
[0068] The left side ends of the second flat tubes 52 communicate with the second left header
70, and the right side ends of the second flat tubes 52 communicate with the second
right header 80.
[0069] The second fins 62 are bent in an up-and-down direction. Each of the second fins
62 connects two adjacent flat tubes 52, which are layered one on top of another in
an up-and-down direction, in order to allow heat to be conducted therebetween.
[0070] The second right header 80 communicates with the second side ends of the second flat
tubes 52. The second right header 80 is disposed so as to extend in an up-and-down
direction, and is connected to the discharge pipe 24. The second right header 80 is
provided therein with a single space such that the refrigerant that has been discharged
from the plurality of second flat tubes 52 is supplied to the discharge pipe 24.
[0071] The second right header 80 may be connected to a single discharge pipe 24 or to a
plurality of discharge pipes 24.
[0072] The second left header 70 communicates with the first side ends of the plurality
of second flat tubes 52. The second left header 70 is disposed so as to extend vertically,
and is connected to the connecting pipe 25. The second left header 70 is provided
therein with a single space such that the refrigerant that has been supplied through
the connecting pipe 25 is supplied to the second flat tubes 52.
[0073] The second left header 70 may be connected to a single connecting pipe 25 or to a
plurality of connecting pipes 25. In the first embodiment, a single connecting pipe
25 is connected to the center of the second left header 70. Since the connecting pipe
25 connects the first left header 71 to the second left header 70, there are advantages
in that the length of the connecting pipe 25 is reduced and manufacturing costs reduced.
[0074] Because the refrigerant, which exchanges heat in the first heat exchange unit 100,
is high-temperature and high-pressure gas that is discharged from the compressor 10,
the refrigerant has a high specific volume. The refrigerant, which exchanges heat
in the second heat exchange unit 200, is gas or a mixture of gas and liquid that has
a lower temperature than the refrigerant in the first heat exchange unit 100, which
completes the heat exchange. Accordingly, the refrigerant that exchanges heat in the
second heat exchange unit has a lower specific volume that the refrigerant that exchanges
heat in the first heat exchange unit 100.
[0075] If the first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 are constructed
such that the surface area of heat exchange of the first heat exchange unit 100 is
equal to the surface area of heat exchange of the second heat exchange unit 200, there
is a problem in that the amount of heat exchange and the efficiency of heat exchange
in the first heat exchange unit 100 are greatly lowered because of the higher specific
volume of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange unit 100.
[0076] Accordingly, according to the embodiment, by setting the total surface area of the
flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 to be higher than the total surface
area of the flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200, it is possible to
increase the amount of heat exchange in the first heat exchange unit 100.
[0077] For example, the ratio of the total surface area of the flat tubes 50 of the first
heat exchange unit 10 to the total surface area of the flat tubes 50 of the second
heat exchange unit 200 may be set to be 7-9 : 1-2. The ratio of the total surface
area of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 10 to the total surface
area of the flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200 is preferably 8 : 2.
Here, the heat exchange between the first heat exchange unit 100 and the second heat
exchange unit 200 is preferably minimized. Specifically, the heat exchange plane Pa
of the first heat exchange unit 100 and the heat exchange plane P2 of the second heat
exchange unit 200 are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other.
[0078] Specifically, although the cross-sectional area of the flat tubes 50 of the first
heat exchange unit 100 and the cross-sectional area of the flat tubes 50 of the second
heat exchange unit 20 may be controlled by changing the inner diameters of the flat
tubes 50, the number of flat tubes 50 having the same diameter is preferably changed
in consideration of manufacturing cost and convenience.
[0079] The inner diameter of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 may be
equal to the inner diameter of the second flat tubes 52, and the number of flat tubes
50 of the first exchange unit 100 may be greater than the number of flat tubes 50
of the second heat exchange unit 200. The inner diameter of the flat tubes 50 of the
first heat exchange unit 100 may be equal to the inner diameter of the second flat
tubes 52, and the ratio of the number of flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange
unit 100 to the number of flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200 may be
7-9 : 1-2. The inner diameter of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit
100 is preferably equal to the inner diameter of the second flat tubes 52, and the
ratio of the number of flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 to the number
of flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200 is preferably 8 : 2.
[0080] If the number of flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 is larger than
the number of flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200, the pitch between
the first flat tubes 51 of the first heat exchange unit 100 is preferably equal to
the pitch between the second flat tubes 52 of the second heat exchange unit 200. The
pitch between the first flat tubes 51 of the first heat exchange unit 100 may, of
course, be smaller than the pitch between the second flat tubes 52 of the second heat
exchange unit 200.
[0081] For the purpose of more efficient heat exchange and air flow, the first flat tubes
51 of the first heat exchange unit 100 and the second flat tubes 52 of the second
heat exchange unit may be disposed so as not overlap each other in a direction in
which air flows (in an anteroposterior direction). The air that has passed through
the space between the first flat tubes 51 of the first heat exchange unit 100 flows
into the space between the second flat tubes 52 of the second heat exchange unit and
is changed in direction thereat, whereby the time period for which the air remains
is increased.
[0082] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the amount of heat exchange according to the area
ratio of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 and the flat tubes
50 of the second heat exchange unit 200.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, it noted that the maximum amount of heat exchange is achieved
when the inner diameter of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 is
equal to the inner diameter of the second flat tubes 52 and the ratio of the number
of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 to the number of the flat
tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200 is 8 : 2.
[0084] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an outdoor heat exchanger 20 according to a second embodiment
of the present invention.
[0085] Comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, there is a difference
as to the number of heat exchange planes of the first heat exchange unit 100 or the
second heat exchange unit 200.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 8, the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 or the
second heat exchange unit 200 may be classified into a plurality of groups of flat
tube 50, and the plurality of groups of flat tubes 50 may constitute a plurality of
rows in the direction in which air flows.
[0087] Because the refrigerant in the first heat exchange unit 100 has a greater specific
volume than the refrigerant in the second heat exchange unit 200, the number of flat
tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100 has to be larger than the number of flat
tube 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200. Here, when each of the first heat exchange
unit 100 and the second heat exchange unit 200 is disposed in a single row, there
is a problem in that the size of the first heat exchange unit 100 is overly increased.
[0088] Accordingly, the heat exchange planes of the first heat exchange unit 100 are disposed
in multiple rows in the second embodiment. Specifically, the plurality of first flat
tubes 51 of the first heat exchange unit 100 are disposed at a predetermined pitch
in an up-and-down direction so as to constitute one group, thereby defining one heat
exchange plane P1. The plurality of groups of flat tubes 50 may define a plurality
of rows in the direction in which air flows (in an anteroposterior direction). In
other words, the heat exchange planes pla, plb and P1c are spaced apart from each
other in an anteroposterior direction, thereby defining a plurality of rows.
[0089] In this case, the left header or the right header may be composed of a plurality
of headers, which correspond to the respective heat exchange planes. The right header
81 is composed of three headers, which are disposed at the first side of three heat
exchange planes of the first heat exchange unit 100. Each of the first right headers
81 is connected to the introduction pipe 22. The first left header 71 may be disposed
at each of the heat exchange planes of the first heat exchange unit 100. The first
left header 71 is composed of three headers, which are disposed at the second side
ends of the three heat exchange planes of the first heat exchange unit 100. Each of
the first left headers 71 is connected to the connecting pipe 25.
[0090] Consequently, it is possible to maximize utilization of space by arranging the first
heat exchange unit 100 in a plurality of rows in a confined space while increasing
the area of heat exchange of the first heat exchange unit 100.
[0091] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an outdoor heat exchanger 20 according to a third embodiment
of the present invention.
[0092] Comparing the third embodiment with the second embodiment, there is a difference
as to the structure of the left header or the right header.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 9, the left header or the right header according to the third embodiment
may communicate with a plurality of flat tubes 50, which are disposed on each of heat
exchange planes. Specifically, the first left header 71 of the first heat exchange
unit 100 communicates with the plurality of heat exchange planes. The first heat exchange
unit 100 has a structure in which one first left header 71 communicates with the plurality
of heat exchange planes. The first right header 81 of the first heat exchange unit
100 communicates with the plurality of heat exchange planes. The first heat exchange
unit 100 has a structure in which one first right header 81 communicates with the
plurality of heat exchange planes.
[0094] Consequently, since it is possible to share the left header or the right header,
manufacturing costs are reduced.
[0095] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outdoor heat exchanger 20 according to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0096] Comparing the fourth embodiment with the third embodiment, there is a difference
in that an intermediate heat exchange unit 300 is further provided.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 10, the intermediate heat exchange unit 300 includes a plurality
of flat tubes 50, in which the refrigerant and air exchange heat with each other.
The intermediate heat exchange unit 300 exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has
been discharged from the first heat exchange unit 100 and supplies the refrigerant
to the second heat exchange unit 200.
[0098] The intermediate heat exchange unit 300 is disposed so as to exchange heat with the
refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchange unit 100 and then to supply
the refrigerant to the second heat exchange unit 200.
[0099] Like the first heat exchange unit 100, the intermediate heat exchange unit 300 may
include the flat tubes 50, a third left header 73, a third right header 83 and fins
60.
[0100] Specifically, the left side ends of the flat tubes 50 of the intermediate heat exchange
unit 300 are connected to the third left header 73, and the right side ends of the
flat tubes 50 are connected to the third right header 83. The flat tubes 50 of the
intermediate heat exchange unit 300 define heat exchange planes P3.
[0101] The third left header 73 is connected to the first left header 71 via a first connecting
pipe 25a, and the third right header 83 is connected to the second right header 80
via a second connecting pipe 25b.
[0102] The specific volume of the refrigerant in the intermediate heat exchange unit 300
is smaller than the specific volume of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange
unit 100 but is larger than the specific volume of the refrigerant in the second heat
exchange unit 200.
[0103] The total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes 50 of the intermediate heat exchange
unit 300 may be equal to or smaller than the total cross-sectional area of the flat
tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100, but may be equal to or greater than
the total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit
200.
[0104] The ratio of the total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat
exchange unit 100, the total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes 50 of the intermediate
heat exchange unit 300 and the total cross-sectional are of the flat tubes of the
second heat exchange unit 200 may be 7-9 : 7-9 : 1-2.
[0105] Specifically, as mentioned above, for the purpose of convenience in manufacture,
the inner diameter of the flat tubes 50 of the first heat exchange unit 100, the inner
diameter of the second flat tubes 52 and the inner diameter of the flat tubes 50 of
the intermediate heat exchange unit 300 may be equal to one another, and the number
of flat tubes 50 of the intermediate heat exchange unit 300 may be equal to or smaller
than the number of flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit 100 but may be equal
to or larger than the number of flat tubes 50 of the second heat exchange unit 200.
[0106] Accordingly, it is possible to use the intermediate heat exchange unit 300 in a circumstance
in which a greatly increased amount of heat exchange is required. It is possible to
increase the efficiency of heat exchange and the amount of heat exchange even when
the intermediate heat exchange unit 300 is used.
[0107] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that the present invention is
not limited to the above embodiments and may be embodied in various forms and that
other specific forms may be advised by a person having ordinary skill in the art to
which the present invention pertains without changing the technical idea or the essential
characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects.
1. A heat exchanger for a refrigerator, which is of a microchannel type, comprising:
a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between refrigerant and air, the first heat exchange unit being connected to an introduction
pipe into which the refrigerant is introduced;
a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between the refrigerant and air, the second heat exchange unit being disposed outside
the first heat exchange unit and being connected to a discharge tube from which the
refrigerant is discharged; and
a connecting pipe connecting the first heat exchange unit to the second heat exchange
unit so as to supply the refrigerant that has been discharged from the first heat
exchange unit to the second heat exchange unit,
wherein the first heat exchange unit is disposed so as to exchange heat with air that
has exchanged heat with the second heat exchange unit, and
wherein a ratio of a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the first heat
exchange unit and a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the second heat
exchange unit is 7-9 : 1-2.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising:
an air introduction portion into which external air is introduced; and
an air discharge portion, from which the air that has been introduced into the air
introduction portion and has exchanged heat with the heat exchange units, is discharged,
wherein the second heat exchange unit is disposed closer to the air introduction portion
than the first heat exchange unit is.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the flat tubes of the first heat
exchange unit are classified into a plurality of groups of flat tubes, the plurality
of groups of flat tubes defining a plurality of rows in a direction in which air flows.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchange unit or the
second heat exchange unit includes:
the plurality of flat tubes, which extend laterally and which are longitudinally spaced
apart from each other;
fins connecting the plurality of flat tubes to each other so as to conduct heat therebetween;
a left header coupled to first side ends of the plurality of flat tubes so as to communicate
therewith and to allow the refrigerant to flow thereinto; and
a right header coupled to second side ends of the plurality of flat tubes so as to
communicate therewith and to allow the refrigerant to flow thereinto.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein, in the first heat exchange unit,
the plurality of flat tubes and the plurality of fins connecting the plurality of
flat tubes to each other define a heat exchange plane, which is orthogonal to a direction
in which air flows, and
wherein the heat exchange plane includes a plurality of heat exchange planes, which
are spaced apart from each other.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the left header or the right header
includes a plurality of headers, which are disposed so as to correspond to respective
ones among the plurality of heat exchange planes.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the left header or the right header
communicates with the plurality of flat tubes, which are disposed at the heat exchange
plane.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the connecting pipe connects the
left header of the first heat exchange unit to the right header of the second heat
exchange unit.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate heat exchange
unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat between the refrigerant
and air, the intermediate heat exchange unit exchanging heat with refrigerant from
the first heat exchange unit and supplying the refrigerant to the second heat exchange
unit,
wherein a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the intermediate heat exchange
unit is equal to or smaller than a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of
the first heat exchange unit but is equal to or larger than a total cross-sectional
area of the flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit.
10. A heat exchanger for a refrigerator, which is of a microchannel type, comprising:
a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between refrigerant and air, the first heat exchange unit being connected to an introduction
pipe into which the refrigerant is introduced;
a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between the refrigerant and air, the second heat exchange unit being disposed outside
the first heat exchange unit and being connected to a discharge tube from which the
refrigerant is discharged; and
a connecting pipe connecting the first heat exchange unit to the second heat exchange
unit so as to supply the refrigerant that has been discharged from the first heat
exchange unit to the second heat exchange unit,
wherein the first heat exchange unit is disposed so as to exchange heat with air that
has exchanged heat with the second heat exchange unit,
wherein an inner diameter of the flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit is equal
to an inner diameter of the second flat tubes, and
wherein a ratio of a number of flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit and a number
of flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit is 7-9 : 1-2.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, further comprising an intermediate heat
exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat between the
refrigerant and air, the intermediate heat exchange unit exchanging heat with refrigerant
from the first heat exchange unit and supplying the refrigerant to the second heat
exchange unit,
wherein a number of flat tubes of the intermediate heat exchange unit is equal to
or smaller than a number of flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit but is equal
to or larger than a number of flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit.
12. A heat exchanger for a refrigerator, which is of a microchannel type, comprising:
a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between refrigerant and air, the first heat exchange unit being connected to an introduction
pipe into which the refrigerant is introduced;
a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between the refrigerant and air, the second heat exchange unit being disposed outside
the first heat exchange unit and being connected to a discharge tube from which the
refrigerant is discharged; and
a connecting pipe connecting the first heat exchange unit to the second heat exchange
unit so as to supply the refrigerant that has been discharged from the first heat
exchange unit to the second heat exchange unit,
wherein the first heat exchange unit is disposed so as to exchange heat with air that
has exchanged heat with the second heat exchange unit, and
wherein a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the first heat exchange
unit is larger than a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the second heat
exchange unit.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, further comprising an intermediate heat
exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat between the
refrigerant and air, the intermediate heat exchange unit exchanging heat with refrigerant
from the first heat exchange unit and supplying the refrigerant to the second heat
exchange unit,
wherein a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of the intermediate heat exchange
unit is equal to or smaller than a total cross-sectional area of the flat tubes of
the first heat exchange unit but is equal to or larger than a total cross-sectional
area of the flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit.
14. A heat exchanger for a refrigerator, which is of a microchannel type, comprising:
a first heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between refrigerant and air, the first heat exchange unit being connected to an introduction
pipe into which the refrigerant is introduced;
a second heat exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat
between the refrigerant and air, the second heat exchange unit being disposed outside
the first heat exchange unit and being connected to a discharge tube from which the
refrigerant is discharged; and
a connecting pipe connecting the first heat exchange unit to the second heat exchange
unit so as to supply the refrigerant that has been discharged from the first heat
exchange unit to the second heat exchange unit,
wherein the first heat exchange unit is disposed so as to exchange heat with air that
has exchanged heat with the second heat exchange unit,
wherein an inner diameter of the flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit is equal
to an inner diameter of the second flat tubes, and
wherein a number of flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit is larger than a number
of flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit.
15. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, further comprising an intermediate heat
exchange unit including a plurality of flat tubes for exchanging heat between the
refrigerant and air, the intermediate heat exchange unit exchanging heat with refrigerant
from the first heat exchange unit and supplying the refrigerant to the second heat
exchange unit,
wherein an inner diameter of the third heat exchange unit is equal to an inner diameter
of the first flat tubes, and
wherein a number of flat tubes of the third heat exchange unit is equal to or smaller
than a number of flat tubes of the first heat exchange unit but is equal to or larger
than a number of flat tubes of the second heat exchange unit.