Patent Application
20240318893
The present disclosure relates to a storehouse.
A storehouse may include a storage space for storing goods. Examples of the storehouse may include a refrigerator.
The refrigerator is an apparatus that cools objects to be cooled (e.g., food, drugs, and cosmetics) (hereinafter referred to as food for convenience), or stores food at low temperature so as to prevent spoilage and deterioration. The refrigerator includes a storage space in which food is stored, and a refrigeration cycle part that cools the storage space.
The refrigeration cycle part may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, through which a refrigerant circulates.
A refrigerator according to the related art may include an outer case, and an inner case located inside the outer case and having an opened front side. Such a refrigerator may include a cold air discharge duct disposed inside the inner case to partition the inside of the inner case into a storage space and a heat exchange space. For example, the storage space may be defined in front of the cold air discharge duct, and the heat exchange space may be defined in the rear of the cold air discharge duct. An evaporator and an evaporating fan may be disposed in the heat exchange space.
The refrigerator may have a separate machine space defined outside the inner case. A compressor, a condenser, and a condensing fan may be disposed in the machine space. The compressor in the machine space may be connected to the evaporator in the heat exchange space through a refrigerant pipe.
The storage space may be provided with a withdrawable drawer. A plurality of the drawers may be provided in a vertical direction.
However, the refrigerator according to the related art as described above has the following problems.
First, the compressor in the machine space and the evaporator in the inner case are disposed in spaces separated from each other and are connected to each other by the refrigerant pipe. Therefore, when it is necessary to repair the refrigeration cycle part, it is inconvenient to take out food stored in the refrigerator so as to check and repair failure.
Second, since the evaporator has to be integrally formed inside the refrigerator body and the evaporator has to be fixed to the refrigerator body by welding or the like, there is an inconvenience in manufacturing the refrigerator. In addition, when the evaporator defrosts, heat exchange with the storage space increases the internal temperature of the refrigerator.
Third, since the heat exchange space is disposed in the rear of the storage space, the width of the rear wall of the refrigerator body in the front-and-rear direction increases as much as the size of the heat exchange space. Therefore, the volume of the storage space is reduced as much.
In order to solve these problems, a refrigerator including a cooling module that integrally configures a heat absorbing portion and a heat dissipating portion has been proposed.
An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a storehouse in which a first storage space configured to provide a space in which goods are stored is fluidly connected to a second storage space configured to provide a space in which a first heat exchanger is accommodated.
An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a storehouse including a heat exchanger case forming a second wall and in which a first heat exchanger is installed.
An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a storehouse in which, when a heat exchange device is mounted on a storehouse body, a gap between the heat exchange device and the storehouse body is maintained to facilitate the mounting, and after the heat exchange device is coupled to the storehouse body, the heat exchange device is installed in the storehouse body. The sealing effect can be improved by bringing the heat exchange device into close contact with the storehouse body.
An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to enable sealing of the heat exchange device by moving the heat exchange device toward the storehouse body so as to be in close contact with the storehouse body. For example, the heat exchange device may be in close contact with the storehouse body through a lift device.
An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a storehouse in which a coupling portion of a heat exchange device to a storehouse body can be formed at an appropriate position so as not to interfere with a fluid suction/discharge port.
The present disclosure may be a storehouse including a first storage space configured to provide a space in which goods are stored within a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature range and a second storage space configured to provide a space in which a first heat exchanger is accommodated.
The storehouse may include a third storage space configured to provide a space in which a second heat exchanger is accommodated.
The storehouse may include a first wall defining at least a part of the first storage space.
The storehouse may include a second wall defining at least a part of the second storage space.
The storehouse may include a third wall defining at least a part of the third storage space.
The storehouse may include a heat exchanger case accommodating the first heat exchanger and constituting at least a part of the second wall of the second storage space.
In a state in which the heat exchange device is inserted into the device accommodation space, the heat exchange device may be located at a position spaced apart from the partition wall of the storehouse body.
The heat exchanger case of the heat exchange device may be moved to the partition wall by a lift device, and a first surface of the heat exchanger case may be in contact with a second surface of the partition wall.
For example, the first surface of the heat exchanger case may include an upper surface, and the second surface of the partition wall may include a bottom surface.
A sealing member may be provided on the first surface of the heat exchanger case so as to prevent the fluid generated inside the heat exchange device from leaking out to the outside. The sealing member may be in contact with the second surface of the partition wall.
The lift device for moving the heat exchanger case toward the partition wall may include an operation bar that can be rotated. When the operation bar rotates, the heat exchanger case may move toward the partition wall through a power transmission device.
For example, the heat exchanger case may move upward toward the partition wall.
The power transmission device may include a worm gear assembly.
The worm gear assembly may include a worm rotating together with the operation bar and a worm wheel interlocking with the worm.
As an example, the worm gear assembly may include a worm rotating together with the operation bar and having a first screw thread, and a worm wheel forming a second screw thread interlocking with the first screw thread.
The worm gear assembly may further include a screw portion interlocking with the worm wheel.
As an example, the lift device may further include a screw portion inserted into the worm wheel and forming a fourth screw thread interlocking with the third screw thread of the worm wheel.
When the worm wheel and the screw portion interlock with each other, the worm wheel may move along the longitudinal direction of the screw portion.
The lift device may further include a gear housing configured to accommodate the worm gear assembly and coupled to the upper side or the lower side of the support plate.
The lift device may further include a screw portion passing through the gear housing and interlocking with the worm gear assembly, and the screw portion may include a screw body forming the screw thread and a screw head provided at the end of the screw body.
The gear housing may support the lower side of the support plate, and the screw head may be placed on the ground.
The gear housing may be located above the support plate, and the screw head may be supported on the partition wall.
The lift device may further include a plate supporter provided between the gear housing and the support plate in order to absorb impact force generated when the support plate and the gear housing move in the vertical direction.
The heat exchanger case may be supported by the support plate.
The support plate may be coupled to the worm gear assembly. When the worm wheel moves, the support plate may move together with the worm gear assembly.
The screw portion may pass through the support plate, and the support plate may move in the longitudinal direction of the screw portion.
When the support plate moves, the heat exchanger case supported by the support plate may move together with the support plate to come into contact with the storehouse body.
Since the heat exchanger case is in close contact with the storehouse body, the inner space of the heat exchanger case may be sealed to the outside of the storehouse body. Accordingly, the fluid generated in the heat exchanger case may be supplied to the storehouse body without leakage.
As an example, the worm gear assembly may be provided at the lower end portion of the storehouse.
Wheels for moving the storehouse may be provided at the lower end portion of the storehouse, and the worm gear assembly may be aligned with the wheels in the front-and-rear direction of the storehouse.
The worm gear assembly may be provided below the support plate, and when the worm wheel rotates, the worm gear assembly may push the support plate upward.
As another example, the worm gear assembly may be provided above the support plate, and when the worm wheel rotates, the worm gear assembly may push the support plate upward.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a storehouse may include a first storage space configured to provide a space in which goods are stored within a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature range and a second storage space configured to provide a space in which a first heat exchanger is accommodated.
The storehouse may include a third storage space configured to provide a space in which a second heat exchanger is accommodated.
The storehouse may include a first wall defining at least a part of the first storage space, a second wall defining at least a part of the second storage space, and a third wall defining at least a part of the third storage space.
The storehouse may include a coupling device configured to transmit power to the second storage space so that the second storage space is coupled to the first storage space.
The second storage space may be fluidly connected to the first storage space.
The coupling device may include an operation bar exposed to an outside of the second storage space.
The operation bar may include a rotating bar.
The storehouse may further include a heat exchanger case forming the second storage space, and the heat exchanger case may be supported by a support plate provided on the second wall or the third wall.
The coupling device may include a power transmission device configured to move the support plate based on the operation of the operation bar.
The power transmission device may include a worm gear assembly that interlocks with the operation bar.
The worm gear assembly may include a worm rotating together with the operation bar and having a first screw thread, and a worm wheel forming a second screw thread interlocking with the first screw thread.
The power transmission device may further include a gear housing configured to accommodate the worm gear assembly and coupled to one side of the support plate.
The lift device may further include a screw portion passing through the gear housing and interlocking with the worm gear assembly, and the screw portion may include a screw body forming the screw thread and a screw head provided at the end of the screw body.
The screw head may be placed on a ground, and the gear housing may be configured to move the support plate toward a partition wall of the first and second storage spaces between the support plate and the screw head.
The screw head may be supported on the partition wall of the first and second storage spaces, and the gear housing may be configured to move the support plate toward the partition wall between the support plate and the screw head.
The coupling device may further include a plate supporter provided between the gear housing and the support plate in order to absorb impact force generated when the support plate and the gear housing move.
The second storage space may be provided below the first storage space and coupled to the first storage space, and the coupling device may be configured to move the second storage space upward toward the first storage space.
The second storage space may be coupled to a lower side of the first storage space, and the first and second storage spaces may be thermally separated by a partition wall.
The second storage space may include a heat exchanger case forming an accommodation space in which the heat exchanger is accommodated, the heat exchanger case having a contact surface which is in contact with the partition wall.
The storehouse may further include a sealing member on the contact surface of the heat exchanger case, and the sealing member may be deformed to reduce a gap between the first and second storage spaces when the first and second storage spaces are coupled to each other by the coupling device.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, first and second storage spaces are fluidly connected to each other. Therefore, the fluid heat-exchanged in a first heat exchanger may be easily supplied to the first storage space, and the fluid in the first storage space may be easily returned to the second storage space.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first fan is installed inside a heat exchanger case, so that a flow through the first heat exchanger can be easily generated.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a heat exchange device is mounted on a storehouse body, a gap between the heat exchange device and the storehouse body is maintained to facilitate the mounting, and after the heat exchange device is coupled to the storehouse body, the heat exchange device is installed in the storehouse body. The sealing effect can be improved by bringing the heat exchange device into close contact with the storehouse body.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to enable sealing of the heat exchange device by moving the heat exchange device toward the storehouse body so as to be in close contact with the storehouse body.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling portion of a heat exchange device to a storehouse body can be formed at an appropriate position so as not to interfere with a fluid suction/discharge port.
The present disclosure may be a storehouse including a first storage space configured to provide a space in which goods are stored within a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature range and a second storage space configured to provide a space in which a first heat exchanger is accommodated.
Examples of the storehouse may be a refrigerator, a heating cabinet, and the like.
Examples of the goods may include food, medical products, and the like.
The storehouse may include a third storage space configured to provide a space in which a second heat exchanger is accommodated.
The storehouse may include a first wall defining at least a part of the first storage space.
The storehouse may include a second wall defining at least a part of the second storage space.
The storehouse may include a third wall defining at least a part of the third storage space.
The second storage space may be fluidly connected to the first storage space.
The first heat exchanger may be a heat exchanger that is fluidly connected to an inner space of the first storage space to exchange heat with a fluid present in the inner space.
The second heat exchanger may be a heat exchanger that is fluidly connected to an outer space of the first storage space to exchange heat with a fluid present in the outer space.
Examples of a heat exchange method of the heat exchanger may include direct heat exchange by conduction or indirect heat exchange by convection or radiation.
An example of the heat exchanger may be a heat absorbing portion, a cooling power generator, and a heat exchanger provided as a cold source. An example of the cold source may be an evaporator, a heat absorbing surface of a thermoelectric element as a heat absorbing portion of a thermoelectric module, or a cold sink connected to the heat absorbing surface.
Another example of the heat exchanger may be a heat dissipating portion, a heat power generator, and a heat exchanger provided as a heat source. Examples of the heat source may be a condenser, a heat generating surface of a thermoelectric element as a heat dissipating portion of a thermoelectric module, or a heat sink connected to the heat generating surface. Examples of the fluid may include a liquid or a gas, such as air, water, and a refrigerant.
The first wall may be provided to separate the inner space of the first storage space from the outer space of the first storage space.
The second wall may be provided to separate the inner space of the second storage space from the outer space of the second storage space.
The third wall may be provided to separate the inner space of the third storage space from the outer space of the third storage space.
The first wall may be provided to separate the first storage space from at least one of the second storage space and the third storage space.
The second wall may be provided to separate the second storage space from at least one of the first storage space and the third storage space.
The third wall may be provided to separate the third storage space from at least one of the first storage space and the second storage space.
The wall provided to separate the first storage space from the second storage space may be provided as a common wall between the first wall and the second wall.
The wall provided to separate the second storage space from the third storage space may be provided as a common wall between the second wall and the third wall.
The wall provided to separate the first storage space from the third storage space may be provided as a common wall between the first wall and the third wall.
The wall may be provided as one wall including a plurality of layers. A plurality of walls may be connected in a longitudinal direction and provided as one wall.
Fluidly connecting the first space and the second space may be defined as follows: the fluid in one of the first space and the second space is movable to the other one of the first space and the second space.
The storehouse may include a door provided to open or close the first storage space. The door may be provided to cover at least a part of the second storage space. The door may be provided to cover at least a part of the third storage space.
In the present disclosure, when an object is divided into three equal portions based on the longitudinal direction of the object, the central portion of the object may be defined as the position located in the center among the three equally-divided portions. The peripheral portion of the object may be defined as a portion located to the left or right of the central portion among the three equally-divided portions. The peripheral portion of the object may include a surface in contact with the central portion and a surface opposite thereto. The opposite surface may be defined as a border or an edge of the object.
The storehouse may include a fluid generator disposed on a path through which the fluid flows so that the fluid in the inner space of the storage space flows to the outer space of the storage space.
The fluid generator may include a fluid generator for the second storage space disposed on a path through which the fluid flows so that the fluid in the second storage space flows to the outer space of the second storage space.
The fluid generator may include a fluid generator for the third storage space disposed on a path through which the fluid flows so that the fluid in the third storage space flows to the outer space of the third storage space.
Examples of the fluid generator may include a fan allowing air to flow, a pump allowing water to flow, a compressor allowing a refrigerant to flow, and the like.
A first passage, through which the fluid flows, may be provided inside of the first wall or in the vicinity of the first wall.
Examples of the first passage may be a through hole defined to pass through the inside of the wall, a duct provided inside the wall, or a duct provided outside the wall.
The first passage may include an inlet passage configured to guide the fluid in the outer space of the first storage space to flow to the inner space of the first storage space.
The first passage may include an outlet passage configured to guide the fluid in the inner space of the first storage space to flow to the outer space of the first storage space.
The first passage may include an inlet passage configured to guide the fluid heat-exchanged in the outer space of the first storage space to flow to the inside of the first storage space.
The first passage may include an outlet passage configured to guide the fluid heat-exchanged with goods in the inner space of the first storage space to flow to the outer space of the first storage space.
The inlet passage may be provided in at least one of a front wall, a rear wall, a side wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall of the first storage space.
The outlet passage may be provided in at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the side wall, the upper wall, and the lower wall of the first storage space.
For example, the inlet passage may be provided as a through hole or a duct disposed in the rear wall of the first storage space.
For example, the outlet passage may be provided as a through hole or a duct disposed in the lower wall of the first storage space.
A second passage, through which the fluid flows, may be provided inside of the second wall or in the vicinity of the second wall.
Examples of the second passage may be a through hole defined to pass through the inside of the wall, a duct provided inside the wall, or a duct provided outside the wall.
The second passage may include an inlet passage configured to guide the fluid in the outer space of the second storage space to flow to the inner space of the second storage space.
The second passage may include an outlet passage configured to guide the fluid in the inner space of the second storage space to flow to the outer space of the second storage space.
The second passage may include an inlet passage configured to guide the fluid heat-exchanged in the outer space of the second storage space to flow to the inside of the second storage space.
The second passage may include an outlet passage configured to guide the fluid heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger to flow to the outer space of the second storage space.
The inlet passage may be provided in at least one of a front wall, a rear wall, a side wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall of the second storage space.
For example, the inlet passage may be provided as a through hole or a duct disposed in the upper wall of the second storage space.
For example, the outlet passage may be provided as a through hole or a duct disposed in the upper wall of the second storage space.
A third passage, through which the fluid flows, may be provided inside of the third wall or in the vicinity of the third wall.
Examples of the third passage may be a through hole defined to pass through the inside of the wall, a duct provided inside the wall, or a duct provided outside the wall.
The third passage may include an inlet passage configured to guide the fluid in the outer space of the third storage space to flow to the inner space of the third storage space.
The third passage may include an outlet passage configured to guide the fluid in the inner space of the third storage space to flow to the outer space of the third storage space.
The third passage may include an inlet passage configured to guide the fluid heat-exchanged in the outer space of the third storage space to flow to the inside of the third storage space.
The third passage may include an outlet passage configured to guide the fluid heat-exchanged with the second heat exchanger to flow to the outer space of the third storage space.
The inlet passage may be provided in at least one of a front wall, a rear wall, a side wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall of the third storage space.
The outlet passage may be provided in at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the side wall, the upper wall, and the lower wall of the third storage space.
For example, the inlet passage may be provided as a through hole or a duct disposed in the front wall of the third storage space.
For example, the outlet passage may be provided as a through hole or a duct disposed in the front wall of the third storage space.
The fluid in the inner space of the first storage space may be fluidly connected to one of the second storage space and the third storage space.
For example, the fluid in the inner space of the first storage space may flow to the inner space of the second storage space via the second passage.
The fluid in the inner space of the second storage space may flow to the inner space of the first storage space via the first passage.
The fluid in the outer space of the storehouse may be fluidly connected to one of the second storage space and the third storage space.
For example, the fluid in the inner space of the third storage space may flow to the outer space of the third storage space via the third passage.
The fluid in the outer space of the third storage space may flow to the inner space of the third storage space via the third passage.
The second storage space may be disposed in the outer space of the first storage space together with the third storage space.
At least a part of the second wall may be coupled to at least a part of the third wall and then disposed in the outer space of the first storage space.
At least a part of the second wall may be integrally provided with at least a part of the third wall and then disposed in the outer space of the first storage space.
At least a part of the second wall may extend so as to be provided as at least a part of the third wall.
At least a part of the third wall may extend so as to be provided as at least a part of the second wall.
At least a part of the second wall may extend to support at least a part of the third wall.
At least a part of the third wall may extend to support at least a part of the second wall.
The portion from which the second wall extends may be provided on at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the side wall, the upper wall, and the rear wall of the second storage space.
The portion from which the third wall extends may be provided on at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the side wall, the upper wall, and the rear wall of the third storage space.
For example, the portion from which the second wall extends may be provided on the lower wall of the second storage space.
As another example, the portion from which the third wall extends may be provided on the lower wall of the third storage space.
The first heat exchanger acting as a cold source may be provided in the second storage space.
A heat source that removes frost generated in the first heat exchanger may be disposed in the vicinity of the first heat exchanger.
For example, the heat source may be a defrosting heat source.
The first heat exchanger acting as a heat source may be provided in the second storage space.
A cold source that removes steam generated in the first heat exchanger may be disposed in the vicinity of the first heat exchanger.
For example, the cold source may be a steam removing cold source.
The second wall may include a through hole through which the second storage space is fluidly connected to the first storage space.
The second wall may include a portion having a higher degree of insulation than the third wall.
The second wall may be a wall that partitions the first storage space and the second storage space.
In this manner, it is possible to reduce the transfer of the heat of the defrosting heat source or the cold of the steam removing cold source to the first storage space or the outer space of the second storage space.
The second wall may include a through hole through which the second storage space is fluidly connected to the first passage.
The second wall may include a portion having a higher degree of insulation than the wall defining the first passage. In this manner, it is possible to reduce the transfer of the heat of the defrosting heat source or the cold of the steam removing cold source to the first storage space or the outer space of the second storage space.
The first storage space may include a plurality of storage compartments.
The first storage space may include at least one of a partition wall, a drawer, and a shelf so as to form the plurality of storage compartments. A passage through which a fluid flows may be provided between the plurality of storage compartments.
An embodiment capable of reducing heat exchange between the defrosting heat source or the steam removing cold source and some of the plurality of storage compartments is as follows. In this manner, when the storehouse is provided as a refrigerator, cooling efficiency may be improved, and when the storehouse is provided as a heating cabinet, heating efficiency may be improved.
First, one of the plurality of storage compartments may include a surface that faces the second storage space and a surface that faces another one of the plurality of storage compartments.
One of the plurality of storage compartments may be disposed between the second storage space and another one of the plurality of storage compartments. In this case, one of the plurality of storage compartments may be provided as an insulating space for reducing heat transfer between another one of the plurality of storage compartments and the defrosting heat source or the steam removing cold source.
Second, one of the plurality of storage compartments may include both the through hole through which the fluid flows into the second storage space and the through hole through which the fluid flows out from the second storage space, and another one of the plurality of storage compartments may include only one of the through hole through which the fluid flows into the second storage space and the through hole through which the fluid flows out from the second storage space.
For example, the through hole of one of the plurality of storage compartments may be provided inside of the second wall or in the vicinity of the second wall. The through hole of another one of the plurality of storage compartments may be provided inside of the first wall or in the vicinity of the first wall.
Third, only one of the plurality of storage compartments may be disposed to face the second storage space or may be disposed adjacent to the second storage space. For example, one of the plurality of storage compartments may be provided in at least one of the uppermost end, the lowermost end, the rightmost end, the leftmost end, the rearmost end, and the foremost end of the second storage space.
Fourth, the fluid inside the first storage compartment among the plurality of storage compartments may be provided to flow into the second storage space without passing through another one of the plurality of storage compartments, and the fluid inside the second storage compartment among the plurality of storage compartments may be provided to flow into the second storage space through another one of the plurality of storage compartments.
An embodiment in which the second storage space and the third storage space are disposed is as follows.
First, the first storage space may include a portion extending in a horizontal direction, i.e., X-axis direction, and a portion extending in a vertical direction, i.e., Y-axis direction. The second storage space may be disposed adjacent to the third storage space in the X-axis direction. A wall that partitions the second storage space and the third storage space may include a portion extending in the Y-axis direction.
Second, the first storage space may include a portion extending in a horizontal direction, i.e., X-axis direction, and a portion extending in a vertical direction, i.e., Y-axis direction. The second storage space may be disposed adjacent to the third storage space in the Y-axis direction. A wall that partitions the second storage space and the third storage space may include a portion extending in the X-axis direction.
An embodiment in which the first heat exchanger and the fluid generator are disposed is as follows.
First, the first heat exchanger may include a long portion extending in the X-axis direction and a short portion extending in the Y-axis direction, and the fluid generator may be disposed such that a length in the X-axis direction is longer than a length in the Y-axis direction.
The fluid generator may be disposed spaced apart from the first heat exchanger in the Y-axis direction.
For example, the fluid generator may be disposed above or below the first heat exchanger.
The fluid generator may be disposed to overlap the first heat exchanger in the Y-axis direction. The fluid generator may be disposed in an inclined direction with respect to the ground.
A suction hole through which the fluid is sucked into the first heat exchanger may be disposed to be lower than a discharge hole through which the fluid heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger is discharged.
In this manner, the effect of reducing the flow loss of the fluid generator may be obtained.
Second, the first heat exchanger may include a long portion extending in the X-axis direction and a short portion extending in the Y-axis direction, and the fluid generator may be disposed such that a length in the X-axis direction is shorter than a length in the Y-axis direction.
The fluid generator may be disposed spaced apart from the first heat exchanger in the X-axis direction. For example, the fluid generator may be disposed in the front or rear of the first heat exchanger. The fluid generator may be disposed to overlap the first heat exchanger in the X-axis direction.
The storehouse may include a fluid generator for the second storage space. An embodiment of the arrangement of the fluid generator is as follows.
First, an imaginary line extending from the center of the fluid generator toward the first heat exchanger may be disposed to pass through the first heat exchanger. The center of the fluid generator may be defined as at least one of the center of gravity, the center of mass, the center of volume, and the center of rotation of the fluid generator. The imaginary line may be disposed to pass through the central portion of the first heat exchanger. The imaginary line may be disposed to pass through the peripheral portion of the first heat exchanger.
Second, an imaginary line extending from the center of the fluid generator toward the first storage space may be disposed to pass through the first storage space. An imaginary line extending from the center of the fluid generator toward the first heat exchanger may be disposed so as not to overlap the first heat exchanger.
Third, the fluid generator may be disposed inside the second storage space. In this case, the first heat exchanger and the fluid generator may be disposed inside the second storage space, which may be advantageous in designing a module for the second storage space. At least a part of the second passage may be provided to be exposed to the second storage space.
Fourth, the fluid generator may be disposed in at least one of the inside of the first passage and the inside of the second passage. In this case, since the distance between the first heat exchanger and the fluid generator may be separated, there is an advantage that can reduce a dead zone that may occur in the flow passage of the fluid. The passage on which the fluid generator is disposed may include a portion protruding toward the first storage space. Therefore, the volume of the first storage space may be increased. The fluid generator may be disposed inside the protruding portion.
Fifth, at least a part of the fluid generator may be provided to form at least a part of the first passage or at least a part of the second passage. For example, the fluid generator may include a fan and a fan housing. The fan housing may define at least a part of the first passage, or the fan housing may define at least a part of the second passage.
Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In assigning reference numerals to the components of the drawings, it should be noted that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible even though the components are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the detailed description of the relevant known functions or configurations is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof is omitted.
In addition, the terms, such as “first”, “second”, “A”, “B”, “(a)”, or “(b)” may be used herein to describe the components of the present disclosure. These terms are only for distinguishing one component from another, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. When one component is described as being “connected”, “coupled”, or “linked” to another component, the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but it should be understood that another component may be “connected”, “coupled” or “linked” between components.
Referring to
The storehouse may be configured as a refrigerator or a heating cabinet.
The first storage space 15 may provide a space in which goods are stored within a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature range.
The storehouse 1 may include a first wall defining at least a part of the first storage space 15.
The first wall may include at least one of a front wall, a rear wall, a side wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall.
The first wall may include a plurality of walls.
For example, the storehouse body 10 may have a hexahedral shape with an opened front side. However, the shape of the storehouse body 10 is not limited thereto.
The storehouse body 10 may include a body outer case 11 (referring to
The storehouse 1 may further include a door 20 capable of opening or closing the first storage space 15. The door 20 may be movably provided in front of the storehouse body 10.
A shelf 23 on which food is supported may be provided in the first storage space 15. For example, a plurality of shelves 23 may be vertically spaced apart from each other in the first storage space 15.
A drawer 22 that accommodates food may be provided in the first storage space 15. The drawer 22 is provided to be withdrawable. The drawer 22 may be provided in plurality. For example, the plurality of drawers 22 may be vertically spaced apart from each other in the first storage space 15.
A plurality of storage compartments may be defined by the plurality of shelves 23 or the plurality of drawers 22.
A duct 30 for supplying a fluid to the first storage space 15 may be provided on the rear wall of the first storage space 15.
The duct 30 may constitute a first passage through which the fluid flows, the first passage being provided inside of the first wall or in the vicinity of the first wall defining the first storage space 15.
The duct 30 may be located in the rear of the plurality of drawers 22.
The fluid heat-exchanged in a second storage space 16 flows through the duct 30, and a duct discharge hole 35 through which the fluid is discharged to the first storage space 15 may be defined on the front surface of the duct 30.
A plurality of duct discharge holes 35 may be defined. The plurality of duct discharge holes 35 may be disposed vertically.
The duct 30 extends in the vertical direction and is configured to have a constant width w in the front-and-rear direction. Due to the duct 30 having a constant width, the plurality of drawers 22 may be disposed vertically with the same size and shape.
The storehouse 1 may include the second storage space 16 providing a space in which a first heat exchanger E1 is accommodated.
The second storage space 16 may be partitioned from the first storage space 15 by a partition wall B1.
The partition wall B1 may constitute at least a part of the first storage space 15.
The partition wall B1 may constitute at least a part of the second storage space 16.
The partition wall B1 may constitute at least a part of the third storage space 17.
The storehouse 1 may include a third storage space 17 providing a space in which a second heat exchanger E2 is accommodated.
The first heat exchanger E1 and the second heat exchanger E2 may be separated by an insulating wall B2.
The insulating wall B2 may constitute at least a part of the second storage space 16.
The insulating wall B2 may constitute at least a part of the third storage space 17.
The storehouse 1 may include a heat exchange device 100. The heat exchange device 100 includes the first heat exchanger E1 and the second heat exchanger E2.
For example, the heat exchange device 100 may be detachably disposed at the lower portion of the storehouse body 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first heat exchanger E1 and the second heat exchanger E2 may be provided separately from each other.
The second heat exchanger E2 may be disposed in the front portion of the heat exchange device 100, and the first heat exchanger E1 may be disposed in the rear portion of the heat exchange device 100.
The insulating wall B2 may be located between the first heat exchanger E1 and the second heat exchanger E2.
Two independent flows may be generated in the heat exchange device 100. The two independent flows may include a first flow f1 circulating through the first and second storage spaces 15 and 16 and a second flow f2 passing through the inside and the outside of the third storage space 17.
The heat exchange device 100 may further include a cover B3 through which the second flow f2 passes.
The cover B3 may define at least a part of the third storage space 17.
The cover B3 may include a cover inlet portion through which the fluid outside the third storage space 17 is guided to flow into the third storage space 17, and a cover discharge portion through which the fluid heat-exchanged in the third storage space 17 is discharged.
For example, outside air may be introduced from the front side to the third storage space 17 through the cover inlet portion, and may be discharged from the third storage space 17 to the front side through the cover discharge portion. However, the direction in which the outside air is introduced and discharged is not limited thereto.
The second flow f2 may be generated by a fluid generator, for example, a second fan, and may circulate through the cover inlet portion of the cover B3, the third storage space 17, and the cover discharge portion of the cover B3.
At least a part of the cover B3 may be shielded by the door 20. For example, the lower end portion of the door 20 may be formed at a position lower than the upper end portion of the cover B3.
As another example, the cover B3 may be located under the door 20. The upper end portion of the cover B3 may be formed at a position corresponding to the lower end portion of the door 20 or a position lower than the lower end portion of the door 20.
However, the relative positions of the cover B3 and the door 20 may not be limited thereto.
An inlet portion P1 through which the fluid in the first storage space 15 is introduced into the second storage space 16 and an outlet portion P2 through which the fluid heat-exchanged in the second storage space 16 is discharged to the duct 30 may be formed in the partition wall B1.
For example, the inlet portion P1 may be disposed above the front portion of the second storage space 16, and the outlet portion P2 may be disposed above the rear portion of the second storage space 16.
The first flow f1 may circulate through the inlet portion P1, the second storage space 16, and the outlet portion P2.
For example, the first heat exchanger E1 may include an evaporator.
For example, the second heat exchanger E2 may include a condenser.
The storehouse 1 may include a fluid generator disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger E1 to generate a flow. For example, the fluid generator may include a first fan F.
The first fan F may be disposed inside the second storage space 16, inside the partition wall B1, or inside the first storage space 15.
For example, the first fan F may be disposed above the first heat exchanger E1. However, the location of the first fan F is not limited thereto, and the first fan F may be provided at another location if the first fan F is disposed on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger E1.
The first fan F may be fluidly connected to the inlet portion P1 and the outlet portion P2. For example, based on the passage of the fluid, the first fan F may be provided between the inlet portion P1 and the outlet portion P2.
The fluid, which is introduced into the second storage space 16 through the inlet portion P1, and may pass through the first heat exchanger E1 and the first fan F and may circulate to the duct 30 through the outlet portion P2.
Referring to
The door 20 may include a door handle 28 that allows a user to grip, and a display unit 25 that displays storehouse operation information.
The storehouse 1 may further include a heat exchange device 100 including a refrigeration cycle part.
The refrigeration cycle part may include a first heat exchanger 220 installed in a second storage space 16 as a first heat exchange portion, and a first fan 310 as a fluid generator. The fluid in the first storage space 15 may circulate through a space in which the first heat exchange portion is installed.
For example, the first heat exchanger 220 may include an evaporator, and the first fan 310 may include a cooling fan. In this case, the first heat exchange portion may constitute a cooling portion for generating cold air.
The refrigeration cycle part may include a compressor 121 and a second heat exchanger 123 as a second heat exchange portion, and a second fan 125 as a fluid generator. The fluid outside the third storage space 17 may circulate through a space in which the second heat exchange portion is installed.
For example, the second heat exchanger 123 may include a condenser, and the second fan 125 may include a condensing fan. In this case, the second heat exchange portion may constitute a heat dissipation portion that dissipates heat.
The heat exchange device 100 may be installed in a device accommodation space 18. The device accommodation space 18 may include a second storage space 16 in which the first heat exchanger 220 is installed, and a third storage space 17 in which the second heat exchanger 123 is installed.
The first storage space 15 and the device accommodation space 18 may be separated by a partition wall 50.
The partition wall 50 may be located between the first storage space 15 and the device accommodation space 18.
For example, the partition wall 50 may vertically separate the first storage space 15 and the device accommodation space 18.
For example, the partition wall 50 may constitute a part of a body inner case 12.
The partition wall 50 may include a wall insulating material 56 (see
The device accommodation space 18 may be located below the first storage space 15.
The device accommodation space 18 may have a smaller volume than the first storage space 15.
The heat exchange device 100 may be located at the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10.
An inlet portion 51 through which the fluid in the first storage space 15 is introduced into the second storage space 16 of the heat exchange device 100 is defined in the partition wall 50. The inlet portion 51 may pass through the partition wall 50 to communicate with the second storage space 16 of the heat exchange device 100.
The inlet portion 51 may include a hole defined to be lengthwise in the left-and-right direction.
The storehouse 1 may further include a cover 150 that is provided in front of the heat exchange device 100 and introduces the fluid from the outside of the third storage space 17.
The cover 150 may include a cover body 151 having a size corresponding to the front surface of the heat exchange device 100, a cover inlet portion 152 through which the fluid is introduced into the third storage space 17, and a cover outlet portion 153 through which the fluid passing through the third storage space 17 of the heat exchange device 100 is discharged.
The cover inlet portion 152 and the cover outlet portion 153 may be disposed on both sides of the cover body 151.
The cover inlet portion 152 may be located in front of the second heat exchanger 123. The cover outlet portion 153 may be located in front of the compressor 121.
The fluid, which is introduced into the third storage space 17 of the heat exchange device 100 through the cover inlet portion 152, may be heat-exchanged through the second heat exchanger 123 and the compressor 121 and may be discharged to the outside of the storehouse through the cover outlet portion 153.
The second heat exchange portion of the heat exchange device 100 may be disposed in the front region of the heat exchange device 100. The second heat exchange portion may include a compressor 121, a second fan 125, and a second heat exchanger 123.
The compressor 121, the second fan 125, and the second heat exchanger 123 may be disposed in the left-and-right direction. The compressor 121, the second fan 125, and the second heat exchanger 123 may be disposed in a line.
The second fan 125 may be disposed between the compressor 121 and the second heat exchanger 123.
The second fan 125 may include an axial fan.
The first heat exchange portion of the heat exchange device 100 may be disposed in the rear region of the heat exchange device 100. The first heat exchange portion may include the first heat exchanger 220 and the first fan 310.
The first heat exchange portion further includes a heat exchanger case 200 defining a space (case accommodation portion) 205 accommodating the first heat exchanger 220. The heat exchanger case 200 may be separated from the second heat exchange portion and configured to have an insulating wall.
The case accommodation portion 205 of the heat exchanger case 200 may define at least a part of the second storage space 16.
The heat exchanger case 200 includes a case body 210 provided in the rear of the second heat exchange portion. The case body 210 may have a polyhedral shape (e.g., a hexahedral shape) with an opened upper end portion.
The first heat exchanger 220 may be disposed inside the heat exchanger case 200.
The inner space of the heat exchanger case 200 may define at least a part of the second storage space 16. The heat exchanger case 200 may include a case insulating material 213 that insulates the inner space and the outer space of the heat exchanger case 200.
The fluid, which is heat-exchanged while passing through the first heat exchanger 220, may flow to the duct 30 of the storehouse body 10 and may be supplied to the first storage space 15 through the duct discharge hole 35.
The heat exchanger case 200 may be coupled to the storehouse body 10.
The heat exchanger case 200 may be in close contact with the partition wall 50.
The heat exchanger case 200 further includes a sealing member 240 that seals the space between the heat exchanger case 200 and the partition wall 50.
The sealing member 240 may be provided on the upper surface of the heat exchanger case 200 and may be disposed to be in contact with the bottom surface of the partition wall 50.
The sealing member 240 may include a gasket, an O-ring, or a square ring.
A sealing groove 210e, in which the sealing member 240 is installed, may be defined in a case top portion 210c of the heat exchanger case 200. The sealing groove 210e may be defined by being recessed in the case top portion 210c.
For example, the sealing groove 210e may have a quadrangular groove shape corresponding to the shape of the sealing member 240.
Before the heat exchanger case 200 is coupled to the first storage space 15, the sealing member 240 may protrude from the heat exchanger case 200 by a predetermined height.
After the heat exchanger case 200 is coupled to the first storage space 15, the sealing member 240 is pressed by the partition wall 50 to achieve sealing. In this process, the protruding height of the sealing member 240 may be reduced or eliminated.
The heat exchange device 100 may further include a base 110 on which at least one of the first heat exchange portion and the second heat exchange portion is installed. The base 110 may have a shape corresponding to the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10.
The base 110 may form at least a part of a common plate.
It is shown that the first and second heat exchange portions are installed on the base 110 together. However, unlike this, the first and second heat exchange portions may be installed on separate bases, and the first heat exchange portion or the second heat exchange portion may be installed on the ground without a base.
For example, when the base 110 is provided with the common plate of the first and second heat exchangers, the upper surface of the base 110 may provide the installation surface of the first and second heat exchangers, the second heat exchanger 123 may be disposed on the front portion of the installation surface, and the first heat exchanger 220 may be disposed in the rear portion of the installation surface.
The compressor 121, the second fan 125, and the second heat exchanger 123 are provided on the front portion of the installation surface. The second fan 125 may be provided between the compressor 121 and the second heat exchanger 123.
The base 110 may include a compressor support portion 121a that supports the compressor 121. A plurality of compressor support portions 121a may be provided and may be coupled to legs of the compressor 121.
The heat exchanger 100 may further include a wheel plate (see 460 of
The first heat exchanger 220 may be installed on the base 110. The rear portion of the base 110 may define the installation space for the first heat exchanger 220.
The heat exchange device 100 may further include a tray 130 for collecting the fluid discharged from the heat exchanger case 200, for example, water or water vapor. When the first heat exchanger 220 is configured as an evaporator, the fluid may include condensed water.
The tray 130 may include a tray body 131 forming a fluid collecting surface for collecting the fluid, and an edge portion 132 protruding upward from the edge of the fluid collecting surface to prevent overflow of the fluid. The edge portion may include a wall (storage wall) that blocks the flow of collected water or water vapor so as to store the collected water or water vapor.
The tray 130 may further include a support wall 133 provided on the tray body 131 to support the heat exchanger case 200. The support wall 133 may protrude upward from the tray body 131.
When the heat exchanger case 200 is installed on the tray 130, the heat exchanger case 200 may be supported on the upper side of the support wall 130. When the heat exchanger case 200 is supported by the support wall 130, the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200 may be spaced upward apart from the tray body 131.
The heat exchange device 100 may include a structure for supporting the second fan 125. The structure may include a second fan seat 134.
The second fan seat 134 may be provided outside the edge portion 132 of the tray 130 and may be coupled to the lower portion of the second fan 125. However, the second fan seat 134 may be omitted, and the second fan 125 may be directly coupled to the base 110.
The structure may further include a fan fixing bracket 136. The fan fixing bracket 136 may protrude upward from the second fan seat 134 and support the side surface of the second fan 125. However, the fan fixing bracket 136 may be omitted.
The heat exchange device 100 may further include a second heat exchanger seat 135 configured to support the second heat exchanger 123. The second heat exchanger seat 135 may be provided outside the edge portion 132 of the tray 130 and may support the lower surface of the second heat exchanger 123. However, the second heat exchanger seat 135 may be omitted, and the second heat exchanger 123 may be directly supported on the base 110.
The heat exchange device 100 may further include a blocking bracket 137 for preventing the heat radiation flow passing through the second heat exchanger 123 from flowing toward the heat exchanger case 200. The blocking bracket 137 may be provided outside the edge portion 132 of the tray 130 and may protrude upward from the second heat exchanger seat 135. However, the blocking bracket 137 may be omitted.
A drain hole 208 through which condensed water is discharged is defined in the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200. The drain hole 208 may be defined in the rear portion of the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200. Since the inner bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200 is inclined downward to the rear, the condensed water existing in the heat exchanger case 200 can be easily discharged through the drain hole 208.
The condensed water discharged through the drain hole 208 may be collected in the tray 130.
The heat exchanger case 200 may have a hexahedral shape with an opened upper end portion. The heat exchanger case 200 may include a case front portion 210a, a case side portion 210b extending rearward from both sides of the case front portion 210a, a case top portion 210c forming the upper end portion of the heat exchanger case 200, and a case rear portion 210d facing the case front portion 210a.
The heat exchange device 100 further includes a fan assembly 300 configured to generate the fluid flow. The fan assembly 300 may be located inside the heat exchanger case 200, and may be provided on one side of the first heat exchanger 220. For example, the fan assembly 300 may be mounted on the inner surface of the case rear portion 210d.
However, it should be noted that the mounting position of the fan assembly 300 described below is only an example, and is not necessarily related to a configuration of a lift device described in the present disclosure.
As another example, the fan assembly may be located at another location on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger 220, for example, the inside of the first storage space 15 or the duct 30 rather than the inside of the heat exchanger case 200.
A fan mounting portion 215 on which the fan assembly 300 is seated is formed on the inner surface of the case rear portion 210d. The fan mounting portion 215 may be formed by recessing a portion of the inner surface of the case rear portion 210d. A motor seat 215a on which the fan motor of the fan assembly 300 is seated may be formed on the inner surface of the case rear portion 210d. The motor seat 215a may be formed by being slightly recessed from the fan mounting portion 215.
A part of the fan assembly 300 may protrude upward from the heat exchanger case 200 and may be connected to the lower portion of the duct 30.
The fan assembly 300 may include the first fan 310. The first fan 310 may include a centrifugal fan.
The fan assembly 300 further includes a shroud 320 on which the first fan 310 is installed to define a passage. The shroud 320 includes a fan inlet portion 323 through which the fluid passing through the first heat exchanger 220 is introduced and a fan outlet portion 326 through which the fluid passing through the first fan 310 is discharged.
The fan inlet portion 323 may be formed on the front surface of the shroud 320, and the first fan 310 may be disposed behind the fan inlet portion 323.
The fan outlet portion 326 may be formed on the upper surface of the shroud 320. The fluid, which is introduced through the fan inlet portion 323 in the axial direction of the first fan 310, may flow upward after passing through the first fan 310 and may be discharged from the shroud 320 through the fan outlet portion 326.
The fluid discharged from the shroud 320 may flow through the duct 30 provided downstream of the fan assembly 300.
A passage is defined in the heat exchanger case 200. The passage may be defined in the case accommodation portion 205 in which the first heat exchanger 220 and the fan assembly 300 are installed.
The first heat exchanger 220 includes a refrigerant pipe 221 through which a refrigerant flows, and a fin 222 coupled to the refrigerant pipe 221. The refrigerant pipe 221 may be formed in multiple stages, and both sides of the refrigerant pipe 221 may have a bent shape.
A plurality of fins 222 may be provided. The plurality of fins 222 may be spaced apart from each other in the left-and-right direction. The fin 222 may extend in the front-and-rear direction.
The heat exchange surface of the fin 222 may be disposed to face the left-and-right inner surfaces of the heat exchanger case 200.
Due to the refrigerant pipe 221 and the fin 222, the first heat exchanger 220 may be configured to have a hexahedral shape as a whole. The case accommodation portion 205 may be defined by recessing downward from the upper end portion of the heat exchanger case 200 to correspond to the shape of the first heat exchanger 220.
The drain hole 208 may be formed below the case accommodation portion 205.
The drain hole 208 may be defined in the central portion of the heat exchanger case 200 with respect to the left-and-right direction. That is, the distance from the drain hole 208 to the left end of the heat exchanger case 200 may be equal to the distance from the drain hole 208 to the right end of the heat exchanger case 200.
The left portion and the right portion of the heat exchanger case 200 may be symmetrical with respect to the drain hole 208.
The heat exchanger case 200 includes an outer case (see 211 of
The storehouse 1 may include wheels 401 and 405 for facilitating movement of the storehouse body 10. The wheels 401 and 405 may be provided on both sides of the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10.
The wheels 401 and 405 may include a first wheel 401 provided on the front portion of the storehouse body 10 and a second wheel 405 provided on the rear portion of the storehouse body 10.
The wheels 401 and 405 may be rotatably supported by a wheel plate 460. The wheel plate 460 may be provided at the lower edge of the device accommodation space 18. For example, the wheel plate 460 may be provided on the inner surface of the storehouse body 10.
For example, the first wheel 401 may include one roller, and the second wheel 405 may include two or more rollers. However, the number of rollers will not be limited thereto.
The storehouse 1 may further include a support plate 401 configured to support the heat exchanger case 200 and move the heat exchanger case 200 when the lift device is driven.
The support plate 410 may be provided on both sides of the device accommodation space 18.
The support plate 410 may be provided to be movable in the vertical direction.
The lift device may include worm gear assemblies 420 and 430. The worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 may be provided on both sides of the lower end of the storehouse body 10.
The worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 may include a first assembly 420 provided in the front portion of the storehouse body 10 and a second assembly 430 provided in the rear portion of the storehouse body 10.
Since the worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 are provided on both sides of the lower end of the storehouse body 10, for example, a total of four assemblies may be included.
The worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 may be arranged to be aligned in the front-and-rear direction with respect to the wheels 401 and 405. For example, the first assembly 420 may be disposed between the first and second wheels 401 and 405, and the second assembly 430 may be disposed in the rear of the second wheel 405.
The lift device may further include an operation bar 440 that may interlock with the worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 and may be operated by a user. When the user operates the operation bar 440, the support plate 410 may move in the vertical direction by the interlocking between the operation bar 440 and the worm gear assemblies 420 and 430.
The operation bar 440 may be coupled to the first assembly 420 and the second assembly 430. The operation bar 440 may include a bar body 441 passing through the first assembly 420 and coupled to the second assembly 430. The bar body 441 may extend in the front-and-rear direction.
The worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 may be coupled to the support plate 410.
The worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 may support the support plate 410 under the support plate 410.
The storehouse 1 may further include a mounting bracket 450 provided on the side surface of the storehouse body 10. The mounting bracket 450 may be coupled to the storehouse body 10 forming the storage space 15.
Although not shown, a separate cover member may be provided outside the mounting bracket 450 so as to implement the neat appearance of the storehouse body 10.
Referring to
For example, the heat exchanger case 200 and the support plate 410 may move upward toward the partition wall 50. The heat exchanger case 200 may be disposed to be in contact with the partition wall 50.
The support plate 410 may include a plate body 411 having a plate shape extending in the front-and-rear direction. The worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 may be coupled to the plate body 411.
Through holes 418, through which screw portions 470 of the worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 pass, may be formed in the plate body 411.
A plurality of through holes 418 maybe formed. The plurality of through holes 418 may include a first through hole to which the screw portion 470 of the first assembly 420 is coupled and a second through hole to which the screw portion 470 of the second assembly 430 is coupled.
The support plate 410 may further include a case seat 412 protruding from the plate body 411 toward the center of the device accommodation space 18. The case seat 412 may form a support surface for supporting the heat exchanger case 200.
A plurality of support plates 410 may be provided. The plurality of support plates 410 may be provided on both sides of the device accommodation space 18. The plurality of support plates 410 may support both sides of the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200.
The storehouse 1 may further include wheels 401 and 405 for facilitating movement of the storehouse body 10. The wheels 401 and 405 may be provided on both sides of the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10.
The wheels 401 and 405 may be rotatably coupled to the wheel bracket 402. In detail, the wheels 401 and 405 may be axially coupled to the wheel bracket 402 so as to be rollable. The wheel bracket 402 may be configured to cover both sides of the wheels 401 and 405, and the shafts of the wheels 401 and 405 may be coupled to both sides of the wheel bracket 402.
The storehouse 1 may further include a wheel plate 460 on which the wheels 401 and 405 are supported. The wheel plate 460 may be fixed to the storehouse body 10.
The wheel plate 460 may be coupled to the mounting bracket 450.
The mounting bracket 450 may include a bracket body 451 constituting the side portion of the device accommodation space 18. The body coupling portion 452 of the bracket body 451 may be coupled to a portion of the storehouse body 10 located on the side of the partition wall 50. The body coupling portion 452 may be formed at the upper end portion of the bracket body 451.
The lower end portion of the bracket body 451 may be coupled to the wheel plate 460.
The wheel bracket 402 may be coupled to the mounting bracket 450. For example, the wheel bracket 402 may include a bracket coupling portion 403 coupled to the mounting bracket 450. The bracket coupling portion 403 may be coupled to a wheel coupling portion 454 provided below the mounting bracket 450.
The upper portion of the wheel bracket 402 may be configured to cover the upper portions of the wheels 401 and 405, and the bracket coupling portion 403 may be provided to protrude upward from the upper portion of the wheel bracket 402.
The wheel bracket 402 may be coupled to the wheel plate 460.
The wheel plate 460 may include two side parts 461 provided on both sides of the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10 and a rear part 462 connecting the rear ends of the two side parts 461.
Due to the configuration of the two side parts 461 and the rear part 462, the wheel plate 460 may have a “⊏” shape with an opened front end.
Cover brackets 463 coupled to the cover 150 may be provided on both sides of the front end portion of the wheel plate 460.
The lift device for lifting the heat exchanger case 200 may include the worm gear assemblies 420 and 430. The worm gear assemblies may include first and second assemblies 420 and 430 disposed to be spaced apart from each other at the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10 in the front-and-rear direction.
For example, the second assembly 430 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the rear of the first assembly 420.
The first and second assemblies 420 and 430 may be interlocked by an operation bar 440. The operation bar 440 may extend rearward through the first assembly 420 and may be coupled to the second assembly 430.
When the operation bar 440 rotates, the first and second assemblies 420 and 430 may interlock with each other to transmit power for lifting the heat exchanger case 200.
The front portion of the operation bar 440 may extend forward from the first assembly 420 and may form an operation portion that the user can hold and rotate.
The configurations of the worm gear assemblies 420 and 430 will be described in detail. Since the configuration of the first assembly 420 is the same as the configuration of the second assembly 430, the description will be given based on the first assembly 420 and the description thereof is also applied to the second assembly 430.
The worm gear assembly 420 may include a worm 442 rotating with the operation bar 440, and a worm wheel 425 geared to the worm 442 and rotating in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the worm 442.
The worm 442 may be coupled to the operation bar 440.
The worm 442 may be concentric with the operation bar 440 and may rotate about an axis in the front-and-rear direction. When the user rotates the operation bar 440, the worm 442 may rotate in the same direction as the operation bar 440.
The worm 442 may have a first screw thread.
The worm gear assembly 420 may further include a worm wheel 425 geared to the worm 442. The worm wheel 425 may rotate about an axis in the vertical direction, and may change the rotating direction of the worm 442 to the vertical direction.
The worm wheel 425 may be configured to have a ring shape so that the screw portion 470 can be inserted thereinto.
The worm wheel 425 may have a second screw thread 425a interlocking with the first screw thread 442a of the worm 442. The second screw thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the worm wheel 425.
The worm gear assembly 420 may include a screw portion 470 geared to the worm wheel 425. The screw portion 470 is configured to be fixed to the ground.
The screw portion 470 may include a screw body 471 inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel 425. The screw body 471 may have a bar shape and may extend vertically through the worm wheel 425.
A fourth screw thread 472 geared to a third screw thread 425b of the worm wheel 425 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw body 471. The third screw thread 425b may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel 425.
When the worm wheel 425 rotates, the worm wheel 425 may move in the vertical direction by the interlocking between the third screw thread 425b and the fourth screw thread 472.
The screw portion 470 may further include a screw head 473 provided at the lower end portion of the screw body 471. The screw head 473 may have a plate shape.
The screw head 473 may be supported on the ground E on which the storehouse body 10 is placed.
The worm gear assembly 420 may further include a gear housing 421 accommodating the worm 442 and the worm wheel 425 therein. The gear housing 421 may be configured to have a box shape forming the accommodation space therein.
A bar penetration portion 422, through which the operation bar 440 passes, may be formed in the gear housing 421. For example, the bar penetration portion 422 may be formed on the side surface of the gear housing 421.
The bar penetration portion 422 may be formed on both sides of the gear housing 421 so that the operation bar 440 can pass through the gear housing 421 and protrude to both sides of the gear housing 421.
The gear housing 421 may further include a housing flange 423 provided in the upper portion of the gear housing 421. The housing flange 423 may be bent outward from the body portion of the gear housing 421 to form a support surface for supporting the support plate 410.
The support plate 410, that is, the plate body 411 may be seated on the upper side of the housing flange 423.
A plate supporter 480 may be provided between the housing flange 423 and the support plate 410. The plate supporter 480 may firmly couple the support plate 410 to the gear housing 421, and may be configured to absorb impact force generated when the support plate 410 and the gear housing 421 move in the vertical direction.
For example, the plate supporter 480 may be made of a rubber material, a metal, or a plastic material.
The support plate 410, the plate supporter 480, and the gear housing 421 may be coupled by a predetermined coupling member. A coupling hole 425, into which the coupling member is inserted, may be formed in the support plate 410.
Coupling holes may also be formed in the plate supporter 480 and the gear housing 421.
Screw penetration portions 424a and 424b, through which the screw portion 470 passes, may be formed in the gear housing 421. The screw penetration portions 424a and 424b may include a first penetration portion 424a and a second penetration portion 424b formed on the surfaces of the gear housing 421 facing each other.
For example, the first penetration portion 424a may be formed on the upper surface of the gear housing 421, and the second penetration portion 424b may be formed on the lower surface of the gear housing 421.
The upper end portion of the screw portion 470 may be located above the first penetration portion 424a, and the lower end portion of the screw portion 470, that is, the screw head 473 may be located below the second penetration portion 424b.
When the gear housing 421 moves in the vertical direction, the screw portion 470 may function as a “moving guide member” so that the gear housing 421 can move without shaking.
Referring to
The heat exchanger case 200 may be inserted toward the device accommodation space 18 at the position of
In order for the heat exchanger case 200 to be inserted smoothly without interfering with the support plate 410, the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200 is higher than the case seat 412 by a predetermined distance S1.
After the heat exchanger case 200 is inserted, the user may rotate the operation bar 440. According to the rotation of the operation bar 440, the worm 442 may rotate about an axis in the front-and-rear direction together with the operation bar 440. The worm 442 may be integrally formed with the operation bar 440, or may be coupled to the operation bar 440 by a separate coupling means.
The worm 442 may interlock with the worm wheel 425, and the power transmission direction may be changed so that the worm wheel 425 rotates about an axis in the vertical direction.
When the worm wheel 425 rotates, the third screw thread 425b formed on the inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel 425 may interlock with the fourth screw thread 472 of the screw portion 470. Since the screw portion 470 has a fixed configuration, the worm wheel 425 may move upward according to the interlocking between the third and fourth screw threads 425b and 472.
As the worm wheel 425 moves upward, the operation bar 440, the worm 442, the worm wheel 425, and the gear housing 421 may move upward together (see
When the gear housing 421 moves upward, the support plate 410 may also move upward. When the support plate 410 moves upward, the support plate 410 supports and pushes the heat exchanger case 200 upward.
The heat exchanger case 200 may move upward until the heat exchanger case 200 comes into contact with the storehouse body 10, that is, until the heat exchanger case 200 comes into contact with the partition wall 50.
The heat exchanger case 200 may move toward the partition wall 50 by a first distance. As the heat exchanger case 200 moves upward, the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200 may be spaced upward apart from the case support portion 133 supporting the heat exchanger case 200.
As the heat exchanger case 200 moves, a gap between the heat exchanger case 200 and the partition wall 50 may be reduced. The sealing member 240 provided in the heat exchanger case 200 may be in contact with the heat exchanger case 200 and the partition wall 50 to seal the inner space and the outer space of the heat exchanger case 200. That is, the gap is sealed by the sealing member 240 to prevent the fluid in the heat exchanger case 200 from leaking out to the outside of the duct 30.
The fluid in the storage space 15 may be introduced into the inside of the heat exchanger case 200 through the inlet portion 51 of the partition wall 50, and may pass through the first heat exchanger 220. In the process of passing through the first heat exchanger 220, the fluid may flow from the front portion to the rear portion of the first heat exchanger 220.
The fluid passing through the first heat exchanger 220 may be introduced in the axial direction of the first fan 310 and discharged in the radial direction, and the fluid passing through the first fan 310 may be discharged from the fan assembly 300 through the fan outlet portion 326 and may flow into the duct 30.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Since these embodiments differ in the structure of coupling the heat exchanger case to the storehouse body, the differences will be mainly described. The same description and reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are equally applied to the same parts as those of the first embodiment.
Referring to
The worm gear assemblies 520 and 530 may include a first assembly 520 provided in the front portion of the storehouse body 10 and a second assembly 530 provided in the rear portion of the storehouse body 10. For example, the second assembly 530 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the rear of the first assembly 420.
Since the worm gear assemblies 520 and 530 are provided on both sides of the lower end of the partition wall 50, for example, a total of four assemblies may be included.
The storehouse 1a may include a support plate 510 configured to support the heat exchanger case 200 and move the heat exchanger case 200 so as to come into contact with the storehouse body 10.
The support plate 510 may include a plate body 511 having a plate shape extending in the front-and-rear direction. The plate body 511 may be configured to have a constant height in the vertical direction.
The support plate 510 may further include a plate upper portion 512 that forms the upper end portion of the plate body 511 and may be coupled to the worm gear assemblies 530 and 540.
Through holes 518, through which screw portions 570 of the worm gear assemblies 520 and 530 pass, may be formed in the plate upper portion 512.
A plurality of through holes 518 maybe formed. The plurality of through holes 518 may include a first through hole to which the screw portion 570 of the first assembly 520 is coupled and a second through hole to which the screw portion 570 of the second assembly 530 is coupled.
The support plate 510 may further include a plate lower portion 513 protruding from the lower end of the plate body 511 toward the center of the device accommodation space 18. The plate lower portion 513 may form a support surface for supporting the heat exchanger case 200.
A plurality of support plates 510 may be provided. The plurality of support plates 510 may be provided on both sides of the device accommodation space 18. The plurality of support plates 510 may support both sides of the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200.
The storehouse 1a may further include wheels 401 and 405 for facilitating movement of the storehouse body 10. The wheels 401 and 405 may be provided on both sides of the lower end portion of the storehouse body 10. The same description as that of the first embodiment is equally applied to the configuration of the wheels 401 and 405 and the structure coupled to the storehouse body 10.
The partition wall 50 may include a lower plate 58 configured to support the worm gear assemblies 520 and 530. The lower plate 58 may constitute the bottom surface of the partition wall 50. The lower plate 58 may be integrally formed with the partition wall 50, or may be configured to be coupled to the partition wall 50 as a separate component.
The lower plate 58 may form a head insertion portion 58a accommodating a screw head 573. The head insertion portion 58a may be defined by being recessed from the bottom surface of the lower plate 58. The screw body 571 may extend downward from the head insertion portion 58a.
The first and second assemblies 520 and 530 may be interlocked by an operation bar 540. The operation bar 540 may extend rearward through the first assembly 520 and may be coupled to the second assembly 530.
When the operation bar 540 rotates, the first and second assemblies 520 and 530 may interlock with each other to transmit power for lifting the heat exchanger case 200.
The front portion of the operation bar 540 may extend forward from the first assembly 520 and may form an operation portion that the user can hold and rotate.
The configurations of the worm gear assemblies 520 and 530 will be described in detail. Since the configuration of the first assembly 520 is the same as the configuration of the second assembly 530, the description will be given based on the first assembly 520 and the description thereof is also applied to the second assembly 530.
The worm gear assembly 520 may include a worm 542 rotating with the operation bar 540, and a worm wheel 525 geared to the worm 542 and rotating in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the worm 542.
The worm 542 may be coupled to the operation bar 540.
The worm 542 may be concentric with the operation bar 540 and may rotate about an axis in the front-and-rear direction. When the user rotates the operation bar 540, the worm 542 may rotate in the same direction as the operation bar 540.
The worm 542 may have a first screw thread.
The worm gear assembly 520 may further include a worm wheel 525 geared to the worm 542. The worm wheel 525 may rotate about an axis in the vertical direction, and may change the rotating direction of the worm 542 to the vertical direction.
The worm wheel 525 may be configured to have a ring shape so that the screw portion 570 can be inserted thereinto.
The worm wheel 525 may have a second screw thread interlocking with the first screw thread of the worm 542. The second screw thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the worm wheel 525.
The worm gear assembly 520 may include a screw portion 470 geared to the worm wheel 425. The screw portion 570 is fixed to the lower plate 58.
The screw portion 570 may include a screw body 571 inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel 525. The thread body 571 may have a bar shape and may extend vertically through the worm wheel 525.
A fourth screw thread geared to a third screw thread of the worm wheel 525 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw body 571. The third screw thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel 525.
When the worm wheel 525 rotates, the worm wheel 525 may move in the vertical direction by the interlocking between the third screw thread and the fourth screw thread.
The screw portion 570 may further include a screw head 573 provided at the upper end portion of the screw body 571. The screw head 573 may have a plate shape.
The screw head 573 may be supported by the lower plate 58 in a state of being inserted into the head insertion portion 58 of the lower plate 58.
The worm gear assembly 520 may further include a gear housing 521 accommodating the worm 542 and the worm wheel 525 therein. The gear housing 521 may be configured to have a box shape forming the accommodation space therein.
A bar penetration portion 522, through which the operation bar 440 passes, may be formed in the gear housing 521. For example, the bar penetration portion 522 may be formed on the side surface of the gear housing 521.
The bar penetration portion 522 may be formed on both sides of the gear housing 521 so that the operation bar 540 can pass through the gear housing 521 and protrude to both sides of the gear housing 521.
The gear housing 521 may further include a housing flange 523 provided in the lower portion of the gear housing 521. The housing flange 523 may be bent outward from the body portion of the gear housing 521 and coupled to the support plate 510.
The gear housing 521 may be located above the support plate 510 and may be coupled to the support plate 510. For example, the support plate 510, that is, the plate body 511 may be coupled to the lower side of the housing flange 523.
A plate supporter 580 may be provided between the housing flange 523 and the support plate 510. The plate supporter 580 may firmly couple the support plate 510 to the gear housing 521, and may be configured to absorb impact force generated when the support plate 510 and the gear housing 521 move in the vertical direction.
For example, the plate supporter 580 may be made of a rubber material, a metal, or a plastic material.
The support plate 510, the plate supporter 580, and the gear housing 521 may be coupled by a predetermined coupling member.
Screw penetration portions 524a and 524b, through which the screw portion 570 passes, may be formed in the gear housing 521. The screw penetration portions 524a and 524b may include a first penetration portion 524a and a second penetration portion 524b formed on the surfaces of the gear housing 521 facing each other.
For example, the first penetration portion 524a may be formed on the lower surface of the gear housing 521, and the second penetration portion 524b may be formed on the upper surface of the gear housing 521.
The upper end portion of the screw portion 570, that is, the screw head 573 may be located above the second penetration portion 524b, and the lower end portion of the screw portion 570 may be located below the first penetration portion 524a.
When the gear housing 521 moves in the vertical direction, the screw portion 570 may function as a “moving guide member” so that the gear housing 521 can move without shaking.
Referring to
When the heat exchanger case 200 is inserted into the device accommodation space 18, the bottom surface of the heat exchanger case 200 is positioned higher than the lower plate 513 by a predetermined distance so that the heat exchanger case 200 can be smoothly inserted without interfering with the support plate 510.
After the heat exchanger case 200 is inserted, the user may rotate the operation bar 540. According to the rotation of the operation bar 540, the worm 542 may rotate about an axis in the front-and-rear direction together with the operation bar 540.
The worm 542 may interlock with the worm wheel 525, and the power transmission direction may be changed so that the worm wheel 525 rotates about an axis in the vertical direction.
When the worm wheel 525 rotates, the third screw thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the worm wheel 525 and the fourth screw thread of the screw portion 570 may interlock with each other, and the worm wheel 525 may move upward.
As the worm wheel 525 moves upward, the operation bar 540, the worm 542, the worm wheel 525, and the gear housing 521 may move upward together (see
When the gear housing 521 moves upward, the support plate 510 may also move upward. When the support plate 510 moves upward, the support plate 510 supports and pushes the heat exchanger case 200 upward.
The heat exchanger case 200 may move upward until the heat exchanger case 200 comes into contact with the storehouse body 10, that is, until the heat exchanger case 200 comes into contact with the partition wall 50.
As the heat exchanger case 200 moves, a gap between the heat exchanger case 200 and the partition wall 50 may be reduced. The sealing member 240 provided in the heat exchanger case 200 may be in contact with the heat exchanger case 200 and the partition wall 50 to seal the inner space and the outer space of the heat exchanger case 200. That is, the gap is sealed by the sealing member 240 to prevent the fluid in the heat exchanger case 200 from leaking out to the outside of the duct 30.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, first and second storage spaces are fluidly connected to each other. Therefore, the fluid heat-exchanged in a first heat exchanger may be easily supplied to the first storage space, and the fluid in the first storage space may be easily returned to the second storage space. Therefore, the industrial applicability is remarkable.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2021-0089702 | Jul 2021 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2022/009805 | 7/6/2022 | WO |
