Refrigerator with Hot Air Blow Type Condensate Removing Device

Abstract

A refrigerator includes an enclosure that is adapted to store and cool down food, a refrigeration circuit that cools down the inside of the enclosure and a condensate evaporation device. The refrigeration circuit includes an evaporator that evaporates coolant to cool down the inside of the enclosure and a condenser that condenses coolant. The condensate evaporation device includes a drain case into which condensate generated is collected, and a heating device that provides heat to the drain case to evaporate the condensate. The heating device includes a hot air guide device that guides air heated with heat generated by the condenser into the drain case. The hot air guide device includes an air duct that is provided between the drain case and the condenser.

1 . A refrigerator with hot air blow type condensate removing device comprising:
 a) an enclosure that is adapted to store and cool down food;   b) a refrigeration circuit that cools down the inside of the enclosure; and   c) a condensate evaporation device;   wherein the refrigeration circuit comprises:   1) an evaporator that evaporates coolant to cool down the inside of the enclosure;   2) a condenser that condenses coolant; and   3) a compressor that compresses coolant;   wherein the condensate evaporation device comprises:   1) a drain case into which condensate generated is collected; and   2) a heating device that provides heat to the drain case to evaporate the condensate, wherein the heating device comprises a hot air guide device that guides air heated with heat generated by the condenser into the drain case.   
   
   
       2 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the hot air guide device comprises an air duct that is provided between the drain case and the condenser. 
   
   
       3 . The refrigerator of  claim 2 , wherein the condenser comprises a condenser pipe inside which the coolant flows and a condenser fan that blows air toward at least part of the condenser pipe, wherein the condenser fan blows hot air into the air duct. 
   
   
       4 . The refrigerator of  claim 3 , wherein the enclosure has a rectangular shape and comprises a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls, wherein the condenser is positioned on the top wall, wherein the drain case is positioned on the back wall. 
   
   
       5 . The refrigerator of  claim 4 , wherein the air duct is attached on the back wall. 
   
   
       6 . The refrigerator of  claim 4 , wherein the evaporator is positioned below the top wall and inside the enclosure, wherein a drain pipe is provided through the back wall and connects the inside of the enclosure with the drain case, wherein the drain pipe collects the condensate into the drain case. 
   
   
       7 . The refrigerator of  claim 6 , wherein the drain case comprises one or more vent holes that communicate inside of the drain case with ambient air. 
   
   
       8 . The refrigerator of  claim 7 , wherein part of the condenser pipe pass through inside of the drain case whereby the condensate contact the condenser pipe. 
   
   
       9 . The refrigerator of  claim 7 , wherein the compressor is fixed on the top wall and positioned between the air duct and the condenser fan.