KR100880636B1 - Kimchi Refrigerator and Control Method for the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kimchi refrigerator, and more particularly to a kimchi refrigerator and a control method for switching to a second storage mode with a lower temperature during the first storage mode to improve the taste of kimchi. Kimchi refrigerator according to the present invention, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber containing kimchi; And a controller controlling the cooling device to perform a second storage mode for storing the kimchi at a second storage temperature lower than the first storage temperature during a first storage mode for storing the kimchi at a first storage temperature. .

Kimchi Refrigerator, Storage, Cold Shock

Description

Kimchi Refrigerator and Control Method for the Same}

1 shows a conventional kimchi refrigerator.

Figure 2 is an embodiment of a kimchi refrigerator according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a control panel that can be provided in the kimchi refrigerator according to the present invention.

4 is an input device which may be additionally provided in the control panel as shown in FIG.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the control process of the kimchi refrigerator according to the present invention.

6 shows another form of cold shock operation.

7 illustrates a process of performing a cold shock operation when the internal temperature rises.

8 shows a process of performing a cold shock operation when the door is opened and closed.

* Description of the main parts of the drawings *

210: Upper Kimchi Storage Room 211,213,215,217: Kimchi Storage Container

310: Lower Kimchi Storage Room

311: Kimchi storage container 370: lower door

420: input device 421: LCD screen

422: setting button 423: time button

424: minute button 430: taste button

440: control panel 441: LCD screen

442: power button 443: storage compartment selection knob

444: Course selection knob

The present invention relates to a kimchi refrigerator, and more particularly to a kimchi refrigerator and a control method for switching to a second storage mode with a lower temperature during the first storage mode to improve the taste of kimchi.

In the case of general refrigerators, not only kimchi is stored, but also other foods are stored together, so the internal temperature of the refrigerator is severely changed due to frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door, and when it is brought out of the refrigerator to put kimchi into a bowl, it comes into contact with outside air. The quality change of kimchi is severe and it is difficult to preserve for a long time in the state of kimchi taste desired by the user.

In addition, conventional conventional refrigerators do not have a function of quickly ripening kimchi to the user's preference.

Kimchi Refrigerator Appeared to solve the shortcomings of the existing conventional refrigerators, Kimchi dedicated to fermenting kimchi according to user's preference regardless of the external environment such as seasons, and to maintain the matured kimchi taste for a long time. It is a refrigerator.

Let's take a brief look at how the cooling of the storage room by the cooling device of the Kimchi refrigerator is done.

The refrigerant used in the kimchi refrigerator is compressed to high temperature and high pressure in a compressor and sent to the condenser along the refrigerant pipe. After that, the refrigerant is liquefied in the condenser, and is moved to the expansion valve along the refrigerant pipe and then the low temperature and low pressure state by the expansion valve. It is then moved back to the evaporator, which is wrapped around the outside of the storage compartment. In addition, the refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator to instantly take away the surrounding heat, thereby cooling the storage chamber in which the kimchi is stored.

Referring to Figure 1, when describing the structure of the conventional kimchi refrigerator storage room as follows.

Conventional kimchi refrigerator 10 is provided with an upper kimchi storage room 21, the lower kimchi storage room 31 for storing kimchi, respectively. And the upper door 27 which opens and closes the upper kimchi storage room 21 is provided, and the lower door 37 which consists of a drawer type which opens and closes the lower kimchi storage room 31 by a sliding method is provided.

The upper door 27 and the lower door 37 are installed at the upper portion of the kimchi refrigerator 10 body to open and close the upper and lower kimchi storage rooms 21 and 31. Here, the upper door 27 is made of a structure that is opened and closed by a hinge, the lower door 37 is made of a structure that is opened and closed in a sliding manner.

The doors 27 and 37 may be made of the same material as the main body of the kimchi refrigerator 10, and the inside may be filled with a heat insulating material. And gaskets (not shown) are installed at the edges of the upper and lower doors 27 and 37 to prevent the inflow and outflow of air generated between the kimchi storage chambers 21 and 31 and the external atmosphere. It serves to seal.

On the other hand, although not shown, a separate machine room is provided inside the main body of the kimchi refrigerator 10. Inside the machine room, various components for a cooling system, such as a compressor for compressing a refrigerant flowing inside the evaporator, are mounted in interconnection. In addition, the kimchi refrigerator is equipped with various accessories such as various controls and sensors required for ripening and storing the kimchi for a long time.

In addition, a control panel 40 is provided on the front surface of the main body of the kimchi refrigerator 10 to control the overall operation of the kimchi refrigerator.

Until now, the kimchi refrigerator has been described as an example in which the kimchi storage chambers are provided at the top and the bottom, respectively, but the kimchi refrigerator in which the upper and lower parts are not divided, or the refrigerator or freezer compartment for storing various foods is generally combined. Used.

Even in the kimchi refrigerator developed for long-term maintenance of kimchi taste, the following problems still exist when storing kimchi.

That is, the existing kimchi refrigerator after the user inputs the conditions, such as the type, temperature and time, aging degree of kimchi to the desired state, it is simply kept at a constant temperature (Ts).

However, even when stored at the conventional storage temperature as described above, fermentation of kimchi can be made little by little, especially by the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum, which gives the sour taste of kimchi as a causative agent of kimchi rancidity, deterioration of the taste of kimchi in a bad direction There was a problem.

This problem also limits the period of storage of kimchi in the conventional storage mode.

In addition, in the past, even if a user opens a door or the temperature inside the height rises, such as a factor that may affect the quality of kimchi occurs, it is not possible to control the temperature so that it can immediately protect the quality of kimchi, There were disadvantages such as not maintaining the taste of Kimchi as long as it caused the quality change or making it difficult to store for a long time.

For example, when the temperature rises due to the characteristics of kimchi, microbiologically, the growth of Lactobacillus becomes more active, so that the sour taste of kimchi becomes stronger, making kimchi's long-term storage more difficult.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, so that the storage mode is made of at least two or more steps so that the taste of kimchi can be stored without deterioration for a long time.

In addition, it provides a kimchi refrigerator and a control method for applying a cold shock to the kimchi at a predetermined time interval during the storage mode.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a kimchi refrigerator and its control method to enable long-term storage of kimchi in the desired taste state by suppressing sour taste by effectively coping with environmental changes such as high internal temperature change and door opening. .

In addition, when the taste of kimchi is perfect for the taste of the user during the kimchi storage provides a kimchi refrigerator and its control method that can be stored for a long time from that time.

Kimchi refrigerator according to the present invention, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber containing kimchi; During the first storage mode for storing the kimchi at a first storage temperature for long-term storage, a second storage mode for storing at the second storage temperature lower than the first storage temperature to maintain the taste of the current kimchi. And a control unit for controlling the cooling device to control the cooling device.

Generally, after making kimchi and putting it into the kimchi refrigerator, the user selects the desired taste of kimchi, and the control unit proceeds with the storage mode for long-term storage in the mature state after fermenting and ripening kimchi early through the fermentation mode. do.

In the present invention, the storage mode as described above comprises at least two steps.

In the present invention, the cold shock operation may be performed at a predetermined time interval during the storage mode.

Such cold shock operation may be performed immediately after switching from the fermentation mode to the storage mode, but may be performed automatically or by the user's selection after the storage mode has been progressed for a predetermined time.

The control unit controls the cooling apparatus to maintain the temperature of the storage compartment at a specific storage temperature in the storage mode.

At this time, the control unit is to control the cooling device to perform a cold shock operation at a predetermined time interval during the storage mode.

The cold shock operation is an operation for cooling the temperature of the storage chamber at a cold shock temperature lower than the storage temperature of the storage mode for a predetermined time, thereby suppressing the growth of Lactobacillus that produces sour taste in kimchi through such cold shock operation. .

Here, the time interval of the cold shock operation as described above may be set in advance in the control unit, a predetermined input unit may be provided so that the user may set the time interval. Thus, if the user does not input the time interval, the control unit performs the cold shock operation at a predetermined time interval.

In the present invention, the storage mode includes a first storage mode controlled by a first storage temperature and a second storage mode controlled by a second storage temperature. Here, the second storage temperature is lower than the first storage temperature.

More preferably, the cold shock operation is not performed in the first storage mode but is performed at a predetermined time interval in the second storage mode.

And, more preferably, it is provided with an input unit such as an input button so that the user can select the time to switch from the first storage mode to the second storage mode.

Kimchi is fermented little by little even in the first storage mode. At this time, if the fermentation fits perfectly with the desired taste, the user presses the input button. In addition, the controller controls the cooling apparatus to switch from the first storage mode to the second storage mode, and also controls the cooling apparatus such that the cold shock operation is performed at a predetermined time interval in the second storage mode.

In this way, when the switch to the second storage mode, the cold shock operation is repeatedly performed at a time interval, the quality of the kimchi taste is minimized in the state of the taste desired by the user is maintained for a long time.

In some cases, an input button for allowing the user to select the cold shock operation and an input button for selecting by the user to switch from the first storage mode to the second storage mode may be separately provided.

The cold shock operation is preferably performed once from the start of the storage mode, and then continues at a time interval.

In addition, the cold shock operation is preferably performed at least once when the door is opened and closed. Detection of the opening and closing of the door can be done using a door sensor.

Such a door sensor may be by what is well known in the art.

Alternatively, the cold shock operation is preferably performed even when the temperature of the storage room is raised above a certain temperature. In the storage mode, the storage compartment may be controlled to be maintained at a constant temperature, in which case the temperature of the storage compartment may rise, in which case it is preferable to perform a cold shock operation.

In particular, when the user opens the door and keeps it for a certain time to take out some of the kimchi, the cold air in the storage compartment is leaked to the outside. In such cases, cold air needs to be replenished. The cold shock operation is to add a cold shock to the kimchi over the degree to supplement the cold as described above to further improve the kimchi taste.

For example, the user can take out the kimchi container from the storage room and take out some of the kimchi in the container. At this time, the inside of the container and the kimchi there are exposed to external warmth. Then, the warmth is introduced between the kimchi and incubated.

In addition, the warmth of the inside of the kimchi container or in the kimchi as described above serves to promote the growth of Lactobacillus, which makes the kimchi more sour.

However, when subjected to cold shock operation, the warmth in the kimchi container or inside the kimchi as described above is quenched, and the kimchi is subjected to a cold shock, thereby suppressing the growth of the Lactobacillus so that the sour taste of kimchi is stronger. Will not.

Therefore, the cold shock operation as described above is greatly performed to preserve the kimchi taste by being performed at a predetermined time interval even when the door is not opened and closed.

In cold shock operation, it may be controlled to raise and return the temperature of the storage chamber as soon as the cold shock temperature is reached. Alternatively, when the cold shock temperature is reached, the temperature may be controlled to be maintained at a cold shock temperature for a predetermined time and then raised to return. Cold shock is applied to the form of a triangular wave form, or may be a square wave form.

Here, the cold shock temperature of the cold shock operation is preferably -4 ℃ or -5 ℃. Alternatively, the cold shock temperature may be appropriately different. The cold shock temperature may be changed in consideration of the amount of kimchi, or in consideration of the taste of kimchi.

In addition, when switching from the fermentation mode to the storage mode or when switching from the first storage mode to the second storage mode, the cooling rate preferably includes a rapid cooling section.

The rapid cooling section refers to a section that cools faster than the average cooling rate of the mode change.

For example, when cooled from the first storage mode to the second storage mode over 13 hours, the average cooling rate at the time of mode switching is (first storage temperature-second storage temperature) / 13 hours. The rapid cooling section refers to a section for cooling at a cooling rate faster than the average cooling rate.

The rapid cooling section preferably has a cooling rate of -4 ℃ drop per hour. Alternatively, the rapid cooling section may have a rate of dropping -5 ° C per hour, or a rate of dropping of -2 ° C or -2.5 ° C per hour. In addition, the cooling rate of the rapid cooling section may have a different value as appropriate.

Further, preferably, the cooling rate at the time of mode switching consists of multiple stages, at first cooling at a high cooling rate, and then gradually having a cooling rate gradually relaxed. The cooling rate of each stage is preferably faster than the average cooling rate. However, it may be possible to have one fast cooling section and then cool it at a slower speed than the average cooling rate.

By having a rapid cooling section as described above to be able to quickly switch between modes, thereby keeping the taste of kimchi better in a good state. If the mode switching time is longer, the sour taste of kimchi may become stronger. And by cooling rapidly, the growth of Lactobacillus by cooling is suppressed.

On the other hand, the control method according to the present invention relates to a method for controlling the kimchi refrigerator according to the present invention described above, such a control method will be set as a program in the microcomputer of the control unit. Therefore, the description of the control method as described above will be replaced with the description of the kimchi refrigerator of the present invention described above.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

Kimchi refrigerator 100 of Figure 2 is basically a kimchi storage room for storing kimchi (210,310), and a cooling device including a compressor 500 for cooling the kimchi storage room (210,310) is provided. And, the front panel is provided with a control panel 440 as shown in FIG.

The control panel 440 includes a display unit such as an input unit 442-444 or 430 through which a user can input an operation command and a display unit such as an LCD screen 441 and a microcomputer as a part for controlling the operation of the kimchi refrigerator according to the user's input. A control unit (not shown) including a is provided.

The kimchi storage chambers 210 and 310 are storage spaces for storing kimchi and are formed by a body wall and a bottom surface. And in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the kimchi storage room (210,310) is provided in the upper kimchi storage room 210 and the lower kimchi storage room 310, respectively, the kimchi storage room (210,310) provided in the upper and lower parts again The left and right sections are divided into four forms. However, if necessary, the kimchi storage compartment may be partitioned only to the left and right side without the lower kimchi storage compartment.

In the present embodiment, the upper kimchi storage room 210 is configured to be opened and closed by an upper door 270 installed in the main body by a hinge on the upper side, and the lower kimchi storage room 310 is configured to be opened and closed in a sliding manner. .

Although not shown, gaskets (not shown) are installed at edges of the upper door 270 and the lower door 370 to prevent inflow and outflow of air generated between the kimchi storage chambers 210 and 310 and the outside atmosphere. .

As shown in FIG. 2, kimchi is generally stored in the kimchi storage chambers 210 and 310 in a form stored in the kimchi storage containers 211, 213, 215, 217, 311 storing the kimchi.

FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus 420 that allows a user to input a time period of cold shock operation as an input and display means that may be additionally provided in the control panel 440.

As shown in the drawing, the input device 420 includes a setting button 422 and a minute button 424 for inputting a minute of the time button 423 for time input.

After inputting the cycle of the cold shock operation using the time button 423 and the minute button 424, the cycle of the cold shock operation is input by pressing the setting button 423.

And, the LCD screen 421 is included to display the input time to the outside.

On the other hand, the input device 420 as described above may not be included, in this case, the period is previously set in the controller. Even in such a case, the input device 420 may be further provided to allow the user to input the period if desired.

The control panel of FIG. 3 includes a power button 442, a storage compartment selection knob 443 for selecting a storage compartment, and a course selection knob 444 for selecting various courses. The taste button 430 is included in FIG. 3, which will be described later.

When the user puts kimchi into the kimchi refrigerator and selects a suitable course through the control panel 442, the controller controls the kimchi refrigerator according to the selected course.

For example, when the user selects a specific course, the controller controls the related device such as a cooling device to perform the fermentation mode as set in the course and to perform the storage mode for long-term storage after fermentation.

5 shows a process in which a specific course is performed by the kimchi refrigerator as an example.

First, fermentation mode is carried out, kimchi is fermented and aged, storage mode is performed for long-term storage. Here, the storage mode is composed of a first storage mode and a second storage mode. The second storage mode is a mode for maintaining the taste of the current kimchi is lower in storage temperature than the first storage mode. Preferably the first storage temperature is -1 degrees Celsius and the second storage temperature is -1.5 degrees Celsius.

In this example, the cold shock operation CS is performed in the second storage mode, but not in the first storage mode. However, in another embodiment, the cold shock operation may be performed even in the first storage mode.

Preferably, the cold shock operation is repeatedly performed, the cycle is about 8 hours, the time to return to the storage temperature again after the start of the cold shock operation is about 15 minutes.

On the other hand, when switching from the fermentation mode to the storage mode (MC1), the cooling rate is cooled to a rapid cooling rate (2, 3) faster than the average cooling rate (1) of mode switching. Preferably, the first cooling rate (2) of the rapid cooling rate is the rate of cooling 4 degrees Celsius per hour.

In addition, when switching from the first storage mode to the second storage mode, the cooling is cooled with cooling rates 5 and 6 that are faster than the average cooling rate 4 of the mode switching MC.

As shown, the cold shock operation (CS) is performed once as soon as the mode is switched, and then repeatedly performed at regular intervals.

In addition, in the present example, when the user presses the taste button 430 of FIG. 3, the user switches from the first storage mode to the second storage mode (MC2) as shown in FIG. 5, and starts to perform the cold shock operation (CS). will be.

Kimchi is fermented to a moderate degree in the fermentation mode and then cooled to the first storage temperature and stored in the first storage mode, the kimchi is slightly changed taste in the first storage mode. At this time, when the user determines that the taste of kimchi is suitable for his or her taste, the user can press the taste button 430, thereby switching to the second storage mode and starting the cold shock operation (CS).

As described above, as the second storage mode is switched and the cold shock operation CS is performed, the taste selected by the user is maintained without change for a long time.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 illustrates a case in which the cold shock operation (CS) is performed and the form in which the form returns to the storage mode is a triangular wave form. Here, the control unit stops the cold shock operation (CS) when the storage temperature reaches the cold shock temperature and controls the cooling device to increase the temperature of the storage compartment.

6 shows another form of cold shock operation CS, which is a case where the temperature is maintained for a predetermined time after reaching the cold shock temperature. In this example, the form in which the cold shock operation CS is performed and returned to the storage temperature is in the form of a quadrilateral waveform.

7 is a block diagram illustrating a process of performing a cold shock operation when the internal temperature, that is, the temperature in the storage room, rises above a predetermined temperature during the storage mode.

As shown, while the storage mode is in progress using a temperature sensor (not shown) in the interior to continuously detect the temperature in the storage room stored kimchi.

The detected temperature in the furnace is continuously compared with the temperature set in the microcomputer.

Thus, when the measured internal temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the cold shock operation is performed to cool for a predetermined time at a control temperature lower than the preset storage temperature.

When the cold shock operation reaches a predetermined operation time by a predetermined time, the control temperature is restored to the preset storage temperature.

At this time, if the internal temperature reaches the cold shock operation control temperature, that is, the cold shock temperature by using the temperature sensor during the cold shock operation, the cold shock operation is stopped and return to storage mode again.

8 shows a process of performing a cold shock operation when the door is opened and closed.

The control unit continuously determines whether the door of the kimchi refrigerator is opened using a door sensor (not shown) while the storage mode is in progress.

When it is determined that the door is opened and closed from the signal of the door sensor, a cold shock operation is performed for cooling for a predetermined time at a control temperature lower than the preset storage temperature.

On the other hand, when the cold shock operation reaches a set operation time by a predetermined time, the control temperature is restored to the preset storage temperature.

In this case, when the internal temperature reaches the cold shock operation control temperature, that is, the cold shock temperature by using the temperature sensor during the cold shock operation, the cold shock operation is stopped and returned to the storage mode.

7 and 8 described above can be used together with the case of repeating the cold shock operation at a predetermined time interval as the control method described above.

In addition, the cold shock operation in the second storage mode is performed with a certain period of time, even in the same situation as in the case of Figure 7 or 8, but may be performed only in the situation of Figure 7 or 8 in the first storage mode. It may be.

According to the present invention, the storage mode consists of at least two or more steps so that the taste of kimchi can be stored without deterioration for a long time.

In addition, by applying a cold shock to the kimchi at a predetermined time interval during the storage mode it can maintain the taste of the kimchi better.

In addition, by effectively responding to changes in the environment, such as high temperature change and door opening, the kimchi is suppressed so that it can be stored for a long time in the taste state desired by the user.

In addition, when the taste of kimchi is perfect for the taste of the user during the kimchi storage can be stored for a long time from then on.

Claims (21)

Cooling apparatus for cooling the storage room containing kimchi; During the first storage mode for storing the kimchi at a first storage temperature for long-term storage, a second storage mode for storing at the second storage temperature lower than the first storage temperature to maintain the taste of the current kimchi. A control unit for controlling the cooling device to make; Kimchi refrigerator comprising a; input unit for receiving a command for the user to switch from the first storage mode to the second storage mode. delete The method of claim 1, The controller may perform a cold shock operation for cooling to a cold shock temperature lower than the first storage temperature or the second storage temperature for a predetermined time when the time progressed during the first storage mode or the second storage mode is constant. Kimchi refrigerator, characterized in that for controlling the cooling device to. The method of claim 3, wherein The control unit is a kimchi refrigerator, characterized in that for controlling the cooling device to be performed repeatedly the cold shock operation. The method according to claim 3 or 4, When the temperature of the storage chamber reaches the cold shock temperature, the controller stops the cold shock operation and controls the cooling device so that the temperature of the storage chamber is raised. The method according to claim 3 or 4, The control unit, the kimchi refrigerator characterized in that for controlling the cooling device so that the storage room temperature is maintained for a predetermined time at the cold shock temperature. The method of claim 3, wherein The control unit is a kimchi refrigerator, characterized in that for controlling the cooling device to perform the cold shock operation even when it is determined that the door is opened and closed using a door sensor. The method according to claim 3 or 7, The control unit is a kimchi refrigerator characterized in that for controlling the cooling device to perform the cold shock operation even when the storage room temperature is raised above a predetermined temperature by using a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the storage room. The method of claim 4, wherein Kimchi refrigerator further comprises an input unit for the user to input the cycle of the cold shock operation. The method of claim 3, The control unit, when the mode is switched from the first storage mode to the second storage mode to cool the second storage temperature at the first storage temperature, the rapid freezing section for cooling faster than the average cooling rate of the mode switch Kimchi refrigerator characterized in that for controlling the cooling device to cool with at least one. The method of claim 3, The control unit, in the fermentation mode for fermenting kimchi, the mode is switched to the first storage mode to cool faster than the average cooling rate of the mode switching when the temperature of the storage room to the first storage temperature, the rapid freezing section Kimchi refrigerator characterized in that for controlling the cooling device to have at least one. Performing a fermentation mode for fermenting kimchi; Performing a first storage mode for storing the kimchi at a first storage temperature for long-term storage of kimchi during the fermentation mode; Receiving a command to switch the mode to a second storage mode for storing the kimchi at a second storage temperature lower than the first storage temperature to maintain the taste of the current kimchi in the first storage mode; And Switching to the second storage mode in the first storage mode is carried out; control method of the kimchi refrigerator comprising a. delete The method of claim 12, Performing the first storage mode and performing the second storage mode, The control method of the kimchi refrigerator further comprising the step of performing a cold shock operation for a predetermined time to cool to a cold shock temperature lower than the first storage temperature or the second storage temperature. The method of claim 14, The step of performing the cold shock operation control method of the kimchi refrigerator, characterized in that when the progress of the first storage mode or the progress of the second storage mode is a predetermined time. The method of claim 15, The step of performing the cold shock operation is a kimchi refrigerator control method characterized in that it is performed repeatedly with a cycle. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, And stopping the cold shock operation and increasing the storage temperature when the storage temperature at which the kimchi is stored reaches the cold shock temperature. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, The step of performing the cold shock operation control method of the kimchi refrigerator, characterized in that is performed when it is determined that the door is opened and closed. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, The step of performing the cold shock operation control method of the kimchi refrigerator, characterized in that performed when the temperature of the storage room containing the kimchi is raised above a certain temperature. The method of claim 15, Kimchi refrigerator control method further comprises the step of varying the cycle of the cold shock operation according to the user input. The method of claim 12, During the step of performing the fermentation mode, the mode is switched to the step of performing a first storage mode for storing the kimchi at a first storage temperature for long-term storage of kimchi to cool the temperature of the storage room to the first storage temperature. When the control method of the kimchi refrigerator further comprising the step of switching to the cooling mode having at least one or more rapid freezing section cooling faster than the average cooling speed of the mode switching.

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