KR102009660B1 - Cooling apparatus and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A carbonated water tank for storing carbonated water, a water tank for supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank, a carbon dioxide cylinder for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank, a carbon dioxide supply valve for controlling carbon dioxide supply to the carbonated water tank, and a concentration of the carbonated water from a user A selected input unit, a controller configured to generate the carbonated water by supplying the purified water to the carbonated water tank and repeating the opening and closing of the carbon dioxide supply valve when the supply of the purified water is completed; The refrigerator which varies the number of times of opening of the carbon dioxide valve according to the concentration may selectively provide purified water and carbonated water to the user, as well as provide carbonated water of different concentrations according to the user's selection.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method {COOLING APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including a carbonated water production apparatus and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance that stores food freshly by including a storage compartment for storing food and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. In response to the needs of the user, the refrigerator may be provided with an ice making device for generating ice and a dispenser for extracting purified water or ice from the outside without opening the door.

The user has a demand to receive not only purified water or ice but also processed beverages from the refrigerator, but the conventional refrigerator only provides purified water or ice to the user and cannot provide processed drinks.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can selectively take purified water and carbonated water, the concentration of the carbonated water according to the user's preference.

A refrigerator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a carbonated water tank for storing carbonated water, a water tank for supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank, a carbon dioxide cylinder for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank, and a carbon dioxide supply for controlling carbon dioxide supply to the carbonated water tank. A valve, an input unit configured to select a concentration of the carbonated water from a user, and a controller configured to generate the carbonated water by supplying the purified water to the carbonated water tank and repeating the opening and closing of the carbon dioxide supply valve when supply of the purified water is completed, The controller may vary the number of openings of the carbon dioxide valve according to the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user.

The controller may increase the number of openings of the carbon dioxide supply valve as the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is high.

The controller may lengthen the closing time of the carbon dioxide as the number of openings of the carbon dioxide valve increases.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank for storing carbonated water, a water tank for supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank, a carbon dioxide cylinder for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank, and an input unit for selecting a concentration of the carbonated water from a user; A display unit displaying the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user; supplying the purified water to the carbonated water tank and supplying the carbon dioxide at least once when the supply of the purified water is completed, and supplying the carbon dioxide to dissolve the supplied carbon dioxide. A control unit for generating the carbonated water by stopping at least once, the control unit may vary the number of supply of the carbon dioxide according to the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user.

The refrigerator may further include a display configured to display the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user, and the controller may control the display to display the selected concentration of the carbonated water.

The control unit may intermittently supply the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank by repeating the supply of the carbon dioxide and stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide.

The control unit may increase the number of supply of carbon dioxide as the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is high.

In addition, the control unit may increase the time to stop the supply of carbon dioxide as the number of supply of carbon dioxide increases.

The control unit may supply the carbon dioxide at least once within 4 seconds to 8 seconds according to the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user.

The controller may stop the supply of the supplied carbon dioxide at least once for 2 to 18 minutes after supplying the carbon dioxide.

A control method of a refrigerator according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method of a refrigerator including a carbonated water tank for generating and storing carbonated water, the concentration of the carbonated water being selected by a user, and supplying the purified water to the carbonated water tank, Supplying the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank at least once when the supply of the purified water is completed, and stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide at least once to dissolve the supplied carbon dioxide, wherein supplying the carbon dioxide at least once It may include varying the number of supply of the carbon dioxide in accordance with the concentration of the carbonated water.

The method may further include displaying a concentration of the selected carbonated water.

In addition, varying the number of times of supply of carbon dioxide may increase the number of times of supply of carbon dioxide as the concentration of the selected carbonated water is high concentration.

In addition, stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide at least once may increase the time for stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide as the number of supply of the carbon dioxide increases.

In addition, supplying the carbon dioxide at least once may supply the carbon dioxide at least once within 4 seconds to 8 seconds depending on the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user.

In addition, stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide at least once may stop the supply of the supplied carbon dioxide at least once for 2 to 18 minutes after supplying the carbon dioxide.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the refrigerator may selectively provide purified water and carbonated water to the user, as well as provide the carbonated water of different concentrations according to the user's selection.

1 is a view showing the appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view illustrating the inside of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view illustrating an assembly structure of a carbonated water preparing module of a refrigerator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing a state in which the cover of the carbonated water production module of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated.
5 is a view showing a carbonated water production and discharge process of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram illustrating a control flow of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view illustrating a control panel of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator receiving an operation command related to carbonated water production from a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9A and 9B are views schematically illustrating that the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention prepares carbonated water.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating that the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention starts the production of carbonated water according to a user's carbonated water preparing command.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating that the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention starts the production of carbonated water by determining whether to prepare carbonated water.
12 is a view illustrating a method for producing carbonated water in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13A and 13B are flowcharts illustrating a method of preparing carbonated water according to the manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 12.
14 is a flowchart illustrating another method of preparing carbonated water in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating another method of preparing carbonated water in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating control of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention when an exceptional situation occurs during the production of carbonated water.
15A to 15C are flowcharts illustrating a refrigerator supplying carbon dioxide to a carbonated water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sensing a pressure of carbon dioxide by a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view schematically illustrating that the refrigerator discharges carbonated water according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a view illustrating a discharge of carbonated water by the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings described herein are merely preferred examples of the present invention, and at the time of filing of the present application, there may be various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of the present specification.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include cold air in the main body 10, the storage compartments 20 and 30 and the storage compartments 20 and 30 formed inside the main body 10. It may include a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying.

The main body 10 may include an inner wound forming the storage compartments 20 and 30, an outer wound coupled to an outer side of the inner wound to form an exterior of the refrigerator, and an insulating material disposed between the inner wound and the outer wound to insulate the storage compartments 20 and 30. Can be.

The storage compartments 20 and 30 may be partitioned into an upper refrigerating compartment 20 and a lower freezing compartment 30 by the intermediate partition 11. The refrigerating chamber 20 may be kept at a temperature of approximately 3 ° C. to store food, and the freezing chamber 30 may be kept at a temperature of approximately 18.5 ° C. to freeze and store food. The refrigerating compartment 20 may be provided with a shelf 23 on which food can be placed and at least one storage box 27 for storing the food in an airtight manner.

In addition, an ice making chamber 81 capable of manufacturing ice may be formed at the upper corner of the refrigerating chamber 20 so as to be partitioned from the refrigerating chamber 20 by the ice making chamber case 82. The ice making chamber 81 may be provided with an ice making device 80 including an ice making tray for manufacturing ice and an ice bucket for storing ice produced in the ice making tray.

On the other hand, the refrigerating chamber 20 may be provided with a water tank 70 for storing water. The water tank 70 may be provided between the plurality of storage boxes 27 as shown in FIG. 2, but the water tank 70 is not limited thereto, and water in the water tank 70 may be cooled by cold air in the refrigerating chamber 20. It is sufficient to be provided only inside the refrigerating chamber 20 to be cooled.

The water tank 70 may be connected to an external water supply source 40 (FIG. 5) such as tap water, and may store purified water through the water filter 50 (FIG. 5). A flow path switching valve 60 may be provided in the water supply pipe connecting the external water supply source 40 and the water tank 70, and water may be supplied to the ice making device 80 through the flow path switching valve 50. .

The refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30 each have a front face open to store food, and the open front face of the refrigerating compartment 20 is a pair of rotary doors 21 and 22 hinged to the main body 10. The front and rear surfaces of the freezer compartment 30 may be opened and closed by a sliding door 31 which is slidably movable with respect to the main body 10. The rear surface of the refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 may be provided with a door guard 24 for storing food.

On the other hand, when the refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 are closed, the rear edges of the refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 seal between the refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 and the main body 10 to control the cold air of the refrigerating chamber 20. A gasket 28 may be provided. In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 21 of any one of the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 is sealed between the refrigerator compartment door 21 and the refrigerator compartment door 22 when the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 are closed. Rotating bar 26 to control the cold air of may be provided.

In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 21 of any one of the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 may be provided with a dispenser 90 capable of extracting purified water, carbonated water, or ice from the outside without opening the refrigerator compartment door 21.

Dispenser 90 is a dispenser lever 93 for inserting a container such as a cup to take in water or ice, a dispenser lever 93 for operating the dispenser 90 to discharge purified water, carbonated water or ice Or a dispenser nozzle 95 through which carbonated water is discharged. The user can input the carbonated water discharge command or the purified water discharge command to the refrigerator 1 by pressing the dispenser lever 93, and input the carbonated water discharge end command or the purified water discharge end command by stopping pressing the dispenser lever 93. can do. That is, when the dispenser lever 93 is pressurized, the refrigerator 1 discharges purified water or carbonated water until pressurization of the dispenser lever 93 is completed.

In addition, the dispenser 90 may include an ice guide passage 94 connecting the ice maker 80 and the water intake space 91 such that the ice produced in the ice making device 80 is discharged to the water intake space 91. .

The control panel 300 receives an operation command of the refrigerator 1 from the user and displays operation information of the refrigerator 1 to the user. The control panel will be described in detail below.

Meanwhile, a carbonated water preparing module 100 for preparing carbonated water may be mounted on a rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21 in which the dispenser 90 of the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided. Carbonated water production module 100 will be described in detail below.

3 is a view showing the assembly structure of the carbonated water production module of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a view showing a state in which the cover of the carbonated water production module of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention removed. 5 is a view showing a carbonated water production and discharge process of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Carbonated water production module 100 is for producing carbonated water in the refrigerator 1, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the carbon dioxide cylinder 120, the purified water and carbon dioxide stored therein a high-pressure carbon dioxide therein Module case having a carbonated water tank 110 for producing and storing carbonated water, a carbon dioxide cylinder 120 and accommodation spaces 151, 152, and 153 for accommodating the carbonated water tank 110 and coupled to the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21. 140, an integrated valve assembly 130 that controls the flow of purified or carbonated water.

The carbon dioxide cylinder 120 may store high pressure carbon dioxide of about 45 to 60 bar. The carbon dioxide cylinder 120 may be mounted to the cylinder connector 157 of the module case 140 and may be accommodated in the lower accommodating space 153 of the module case 140.

Carbon dioxide inside the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 may be supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 through a carbon dioxide supply passage 200 connecting the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 and the carbonated water tank 110.

The carbon dioxide supply passage 200 includes a carbon dioxide regulator 201 for adjusting the pressure of carbon dioxide, a pressure sensor 204 for detecting the discharge pressure of carbon dioxide, a carbon dioxide supply valve 202 for opening and closing the carbon dioxide supply passage 200, and A carbon dioxide backflow prevention valve 203 may be provided to prevent backflow.

The carbon dioxide regulator 201 may be provided at the carbon dioxide outlet of the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 to adjust the pressure of the carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide cylinder 120. Specifically, the carbon dioxide regulator 201 may lower the pressure of carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 to approximately 8.5 bar.

The pressure sensor 204 is provided at the carbon dioxide outlet of the carbon dioxide regulator 201. In addition, the pressure sensor 204 senses the pressure of the carbon dioxide depressurized by the carbon dioxide regulator 201 and outputs a signal corresponding to the sensed pressure. The carbon dioxide pressure sensor 204 may employ a pressure switch that outputs a signal corresponding to the pressure of the carbon dioxide decompressed by the carbon dioxide regulator 201 below a predetermined reference pressure.

The carbonated water tank 110 may prepare carbonated water by mixing carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 and purified water supplied from the water tank 70 and store the produced carbonated water.

The carbonated water tank 110 has a carbonated water discharge passage 230 for discharging the purified water supply passage 210 for receiving purified water from the water tank 70 and the produced carbonated water to the dispenser nozzle 95 in addition to the carbon dioxide supply passage 200 described above. ) And an exhaust passage 250 for exhausting carbon dioxide remaining in the carbonated water tank 110 to supply purified water to the carbonated water tank 110.

The purified water supply passage 210 may be provided with a purified water supply valve 211 for opening and closing the purified water supply passage 210. The carbonated water discharge passage 230 may be provided with a carbonated water discharge valve 231 for opening and closing the carbonated water discharge passage 230 and a carbonated water regulator 232 for adjusting the pressure of the discharged carbonated water. The exhaust passage 250 may be provided with an exhaust valve 251 for opening and closing the exhaust passage 250. Here, the purified water supply valve 211 and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 may each be a solenoid valve.

On the other hand, the carbonated water tank 110 is produced by the water level sensor 111 that can measure the amount of purified water supplied to the carbonated water tank 110, the temperature of purified water supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 or carbonated water tank 110 A temperature sensor 112 capable of measuring the temperature of the carbonated water may be provided.

In addition, the carbonated water tank 110 may be provided with a safety valve 114 for discharging carbon dioxide having a high pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure due to a malfunction of the carbon dioxide regulator 201. have.

The carbonated water tank 110 may be formed in a predetermined size, and may be formed to accommodate an integer of approximately 1L. In addition, the carbonated water tank 110 may be formed of a stainless material to withstand high pressure and minimize corrosion while minimizing the size occupied. The carbonated water tank 110 may be accommodated in the first upper accommodating space 151 of the module case 140. The carbonated water tank 110 may be supported by the bottom support 155 and the guide 156 of the module case 140.

In addition, the first upper accommodating space or the second upper accommodating space 152 may be provided with a leak detection sensor (not shown) for detecting whether the carbonated water tank 110 leaks. The leak detection sensor includes a pair of electrodes and may detect whether there is a leak by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes and sensing a flowing current.

Meanwhile, the above-described purified water supply valve 211 and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 may include the purified water discharge valve 221 provided in the purified water discharge passage 220 for directly discharging purified water from the water tank 70 to the intake space 91. Together the integral valve assembly 130 can be formed. That is, the purified water supply valve 211, the carbonated water discharge valve 231, and the purified water discharge valve 221 may be integrally formed. Here, the purified water discharge valve 221 may be provided as a solenoid valve similar to the purified water supply valve 211 and the carbonated water discharge valve 231.

The integrated valve assembly 130 includes a first inlet port 130a connected to the water tank 70, a second inlet port 130b connected to the carbonated water tank 110, and a first outlet connected to the carbonated water tank 110. The port 130c may include a second outlet port 130d and a third outlet port 130e connected to the dispenser nozzle 95.

The purified water supply passage 210 and the purified water discharge passage 220 may pass through the first inflow port 130a, and the carbonated water discharge passage 230 may pass through the second inflow port 130b. The purified water supply passage 210 may pass through the first outlet port 130c, the purified water discharge passage 220 may pass through the second outlet port 130d, and the carbonated water may be discharged through the third outlet port 130e. The flow path 230 may pass through.

However, the purified water supply valve 211, the purified water discharge valve 221, and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 are independently opened and closed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the integrated valve assembly 130 is composed of three independent valves 211, 221, and 231 as described above. However, the integral valve assembly 130 may be purified from the water tank 70 to the carbonated water tank 110 or the intake space 91. A three-way flow path switching valve for selectively flowing water and another three-way flow path for supplying purified water from the water tank 70 to the intake space 91 or for supplying carbonated water from the carbonated water tank 110 to the intake space 91. Of course, it can be configured as a switching valve.

The integrated valve assembly 130 may be accommodated in the second upper accommodating space 152 of the module case 140.

On the other hand, the purified water discharge passage 220 for directly discharging purified water from the water tank 70 to the intake space 91, and the carbonated water discharge passage 230 for discharging the carbonated water of the carbonated water tank 110 to the intake space 91 Joining at one point may form an integrated discharge passage 240.

The purified water discharge passage 210 and the carbonated water discharge passage 230 may be joined outside the integrated valve assembly 130. Therefore, the dispenser nozzle 95 may be provided integrally with one of the purified water discharge passage 210 and the carbonated water discharge passage 230 without being separately provided. Of course, the purified water discharge passage 210 and the carbonated water discharge passage 230 may extend to the dispenser nozzle 95 separately without being joined.

The integrated discharge passage 240 includes an integrated discharge passage so that purified water or carbonated water remaining in the integrated discharge passage 240 is not discharged to the intake space 91 while the purified water discharge valve 221 and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 are closed. Residual water discharge prevention valve 241 for opening and closing the 240 may be provided. This residual water discharge prevention valve 241 is preferably provided at the end of the integrated discharge passage 240 as possible.

The module case 140 may include a back case 150 having one surface opened and a cover 160 coupled to an open one surface of the back case 150.

At least one insertion groove 154 may be formed in the module case 140 at a position corresponding to the at least one insertion protrusion 25 formed on the rear surface of the door 21. Therefore, the module case 140 can be easily mounted on the rear surface of the door 21 by inserting the insertion protrusion 25 into the insertion groove 154. However, as the coupling structure is an example, the module case 140 may be detachably mounted to the rear surface of the door 21 through various coupling structures such as a screw coupling structure or a hook coupling structure in addition to the insertion structure.

In addition, the back case 150 and the cover 160 may have insertion grooves 158 and insertion protrusions 162 formed at positions corresponding to each other, such that the cover 160 may be coupled to the back case 150. However, such a coupling structure is also exemplary, and the back case 150 and the cover 160 may also be detachably coupled through various coupling structures.

Meanwhile, the carbon dioxide cylinder 120, the carbonated water tank 110, and the integrated module assembly 130 inside the module case 140 may not be exposed to the outside while the cover 160 is coupled to the bag case 150. Can be. Therefore, the aesthetics of the door 21 may not be impaired.

However, the cover 160 has a vent 161 communicating with the inside and the outside of the module case 140, so that the carbonated water tank inside the module case 140 even when the cover 160 is coupled to the back case 150. Cold air inside the storage compartment may be supplied to the 110, and the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 may be cooled or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

In addition, the cover 160 may include a first cover 160a for opening and closing the upper accommodating spaces 151 and 152 in which the carbonated water tank 110 and the integrated valve assembly 130 are accommodated, and a lower accommodating space in which the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is accommodated. The second cover 160b that opens and closes 153 may be detachably provided. The first cover 160a and the second cover 160b may be opened and closed independently of each other.

Therefore, when the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is depleted and the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is replaced, the first cover 160a may be removed to replace the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 by removing only the second cover 160b. Can be. Therefore, even when the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is replaced, the first cover 160a may be kept closed so that cold air of the upper accommodating space 151 may be prevented from flowing out.

In another aspect, the carbonated water preparing module 100 of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first module having a carbonated water tank 110 and a first accommodating space 151 for accommodating the carbonated water tank 110. , A carbon dioxide cylinder 120 and a second accommodation space 153 for accommodating the carbon dioxide cylinder 120.

In this case, the second module may be provided below the first module. In addition, the second module may be provided at the side of the ice guide passage 94 for guiding the ice of the ice making device 80 to the water intake space 91.

In addition, the first module includes a first cover 160a for opening and closing the first accommodating space 151, and the second module opens and closes the second accommodating space 153 and opens and closes independently of the first cover 160a. It may include a second cover 160b.

6 is a block diagram illustrating a control flow of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a control panel of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 7, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention is a water level sensor 111, temperature sensor 112, leak detection sensor 114, pressure sensor 204, exhaust valve ( 251, a carbon dioxide supply valve 202, an integral valve assembly 130 in which the purified water supply valve 211, the purified water discharge valve 221, and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 are integrally formed. The control panel 300 receives an operation command from a user and displays operation information of the refrigerator 1, a control unit 310 that manages the operation of the refrigerator 1, a program and data for controlling the refrigerator 1. It includes a storage unit 320 for storing.

Based on the information received from the water level sensor 111, the temperature sensor 112, the leak detection sensor 114, the carbon dioxide pressure sensor 204, the control panel 300 described above, the exhaust valve 251, the carbon dioxide supply valve ( 202, the integrated valve assembly 130 in which the purified water supply valve 211, the purified water discharge valve 221, and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 are integrally described will be omitted.

The control panel 300 includes an input unit for receiving an operation command of a user and a display unit for displaying operation information of the refrigerator 1. In particular, the control panel 300 includes a carbonated water production command input unit 303 for receiving a user's operation command regarding the production of carbonated water, and a carbonated water production information display unit 301 for displaying operation information of the refrigerator 1 regarding carbonated water production. do.

The carbonated water production command input unit 303 may include a carbonated water production activation command for activating carbonated water production from a user, a carbonated water production deactivation command for deactivating carbonated water production, and concentration of carbonated water produced by the refrigerator 1 (steps 1, 2, and 3). You are asked to select a carbonated water concentration selection command. The input unit including the carbonated water preparing command input unit 303 may employ a pressure switch or a touch pad.

The carbonated water production information display unit 301 displays a carbonated water concentration display area 301a indicating a concentration of carbonated water produced by the refrigerator 1 and a carbonated water production display area 301b indicating whether carbonated water production of the refrigerator 1 is activated. ), A carbonated water production status display area 301c for displaying the progress of producing carbonated water in the refrigerator 1, and a carbon dioxide low pressure display area 305 for indicating a replacement time of the carbon dioxide cylinder 120. The display unit including the carbonated water production information display unit 301 may employ a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or a light emitting diode (LED) panel.

The control panel 300 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided separately from the input unit and the display unit, but is not limited thereto, and employs a touch screen panel (TSP) in which the input unit and the display unit are integrally provided. can do.

The control unit 310 is based on the information received from the water level sensor 111, temperature sensor 112, carbon dioxide pressure sensor 204, the control panel 300, exhaust valve 251, carbon dioxide supply valve 202, water purification The integrated valve assembly 130 and the control panel 300 are integrally formed with the supply valve 211, the purified water discharge valve 221, and the carbonated water discharge valve 231 integrally.

The storage unit 320 may temporarily store operation information of the refrigerator 1 as well as programs and data for controlling the refrigerator 1.

8 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator receiving an operation command related to carbonated water production from a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When power is first applied to the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator 1 sets the carbonated water production to an inactive state, and as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the carbonated water production display area 301b of the carbonated water production information display unit 301. ) Indicates that carbonated water production is disabled (OFF).

The user may input a carbonated water production activation command for activating carbonated water production or a carbonated water production deactivation command for deactivating carbonated water through the carbonated water production command input unit 303. Specifically, when the user touches or long presses the carbonated water production command input unit 303 while the carbonated water production is inactivated, the refrigerator 1 activates the production of carbonated water. In addition, the refrigerator 1 indicates that carbonated water production is activated (ON) in the carbonated water production display area 301b as shown in FIG. 8B, and the initial value is displayed in the carbonated water production concentration display area 301a. "Step 1" or "Low Concentration" is indicated.

When the user touches or long presses the carbonated water production command input unit 303 while the carbonated water production is activated, the refrigerator 1 deactivates the production of carbonated water and indicates that the carbonated water production is disabled in the carbonated water production display area 301b (OFF). Display.

In addition, the user may select the concentration of the carbonated water through the carbonated water production command input unit 303. Specifically, when the user briefly touches or shortens the carbonated water production command input unit 303 while the carbonated water production is activated, the refrigerator 1 raises the concentration of the produced carbonated water by one step. That is, when the carbonated water concentration is "stage 1" or "low concentration", when the user touches or shortly touches the carbonated water production command input unit 303, the refrigerator 1 changes the carbonated water concentration as shown in (c) of FIG. The process proceeds to "second stage" or "medium concentration", and displays "initial stage" or "low concentration" which are initial values in the carbonated water production concentration display region 301a. When the carbonated water concentration is "second stage" or "medium concentration", when the user touches or shortly touches the carbonated water production command input unit 303, the refrigerator 1 raises the carbonated water concentration to "three stages" or "high concentration". However, when the carbonated water concentration is "three levels" or "high concentration", when the user touches or shortly touches the carbonated water production command input unit 303, the refrigerator 1 lowers the carbonated water concentration to "one level" or "low concentration". .

When the refrigerator 1 is preparing carbonated water, the refrigerator 1 displays that the carbonated water is being manufactured in the carbonated water production status display area 301c as shown in FIG.

In the above, the configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described for producing the carbonated water. The refrigerator 1 manufactures carbonated water in a state in which carbonated water production is activated, and does not produce carbonated water in a state in which carbonated water production is inactivated.

9A to 9B are views schematically illustrating that the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention prepares carbonated water.

9A and 9B, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described to manufacture carbonated water. For the production of carbonated water, the refrigerator 1 first supplies purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 and then. Carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonated water tank 110. Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 waits for a predetermined time so that the supplied carbon dioxide is dissolved in purified water.

FIG. 9A illustrates that the refrigerator 1 supplies purified water to the carbonated water tank 110. When the refrigerator 1 opens the purified water supply valve 211 as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the purified water may be a water tank ( 70 is moved along the purified water supply passage 210 and is supplied to the carbonated water tank 110.

FIG. 9B illustrates that the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110. When the refrigerator 1 opens the carbon dioxide supply valve 211 as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is illustrated. Carbon dioxide discharged from) is decompressed by a carbon dioxide regulator, the reduced carbon dioxide is moved along the carbon dioxide supply passage 200 is supplied to the carbonated water tank (110).

In this way, the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 is dissolved in purified water to produce carbonated water.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with respect to the method of producing the carbonated water.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may not only manufacture carbonated water manually when a user inputs a carbonated water preparing command, but also automatically prepare carbonated water when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating that the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention starts the production of carbonated water according to a user's carbonated water preparing command.

Referring to FIG. 10, first, the refrigerator 1 determines whether a carbonated water production activation command is input from a user (680). As described above, the user may input the carbonated water production activation command by touching or pressing the carbonated water production command input unit 303 provided in the control panel 300 for a long time.

When the carbonated water production activation command is input (YES in 680), the refrigerator 1 determines whether carbonated water is being produced (682). This is because the carbonated water production activation command may be input while the carbonated water production is in progress when the user inputs the carbonated water production deactivation command after the carbonated water production deactivation command is activated while the carbonated water production is activated for the production of the carbonated water.

If carbonated water production was in progress (YES in 682), the refrigerator 1 resumes production of the carbonated water in progress (686).

If carbonated water production is not in progress (NO in 682), the refrigerator 1 starts the production of carbonated water (684).

As described above, the refrigerator 1 starts or resumes carbonated water production when a carbonated water production activation command is input by the user in the carbonated water production deactivation state.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating that the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention starts the production of carbonated water by determining whether to prepare carbonated water.

Referring to FIG. 11, first, the refrigerator 1 initializes the accumulated carbonated discharge time (610). The accumulated carbonated discharge time means the total time that the user discharges the carbonated water by operating the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90 after the carbonated water is manufactured. Since the carbonated water is discharged at a constant rate by the carbonated water regulator 232, the amount of carbonated water remaining in the carbonated water tank 110 may be estimated through the accumulated carbonated discharge time.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 initializes the carbonated water discharge command waiting time (615). The carbonated water discharge command waiting time means a time elapsed after the user discharges the carbonated water by operating the dispenser lever 93.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether a carbonated water discharge command is input from the user (620). As described above, the user may input the carbonated water discharge command by pressing the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90.

When the carbonated water discharge command is input from the user (YES in 620), the refrigerator 1 opens the carbonated water discharge valve 231 to discharge the carbonated water (625). When the carbonated water discharge valve 231 is opened as described above, the carbonated water is discharged at a constant speed by the pressure of the carbonated water tank 110.

The refrigerator 1 calculates the carbonated water discharging time while discharging the carbonated water (630). Specifically, the refrigerator 1 may calculate the carbonated water discharge time by calculating the opening time of the carbonated water discharge valve 231 or the operating time of the dispenser lever 93.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 updates the cumulative carbonated water discharging time (635). In detail, the refrigerator 1 may update the cumulative carbonated water discharging time by storing the sum of the carbonated water discharging time calculated in operation 630 above in the cumulative carbonated water discharging time.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 calculates the carbonated water discharging time each time the carbonated water is discharged, and updates the accumulated carbonated water discharging time based on the calculated carbonated water discharging time. ) Can estimate the carbonated water discharge after the production of carbonated water, and can also estimate the carbonated water remaining in the carbonated water tank 110 from the carbonated water discharge.

Then, the refrigerator 1 detects the carbonated water level using the water level sensor 111 (640). Thus, the refrigerator 1 detects the carbonated water level when the user inputs the carbonated water discharge command. This is because the level sensor 111 detects the level of carbonated water based on the current value flowing between the plurality of electrodes, if the level is continuously detected, bubbles are generated around the electrode due to the chemical reaction between the carbonated water and the electrode, thereby Errors may occur. In order to prevent the malfunction of the water level sensor 111, the refrigerator 1 detects the carbonated water level when the user inputs the carbonated water discharge command.

In addition, the refrigerator 1 compares the detected carbonated water level with the minimum water level (645), and if the detected carbonated water level is lower than or equal to the minimum water level (Yes of 645), the refrigerator 1 starts producing carbonated water (650). . That is, the refrigerator 1 measures the amount of carbonated water remaining in the carbonated water tank 110 after discharging the carbonated water, and starts the production of carbonated water if the amount of carbonated water remaining is less than the reference value.

If the detected carbonated water level is higher than the minimum level (No of 645), the refrigerator 1 returns to step 615 to initialize the carbonated water discharge command waiting time (615). Since the carbonated water is discharged by the carbonated water discharge command, the waiting time for the carbonated water discharge command is initialized.

If the carbonated water discharge command is not input in step 620 (NO in 620), the refrigerator 1 calculates the carbonated water discharge command waiting time (655). Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 compares the carbonated water discharge command waiting time with a predetermined maximum waiting time (660). As a result, if the carbonated water discharge command waiting time is greater than or equal to the maximum waiting time (Yes of 660), the refrigerator 1 compares the accumulated carbonated water discharge time with a predetermined maximum accumulated discharge time (665), and the accumulated carbonated water discharge time is the maximum accumulated discharge time. If it is more than time (YES of 665), the refrigerator 1 starts producing carbonated water.

As described above, the carbonated water discharge command waiting time means a time elapsed since the user inputs the most recent carbonated water discharge command. If the carbonated water discharge command waiting time is longer than the predetermined maximum waiting time means that the user has not used the carbonated water for a long time, which means that the user will not use the carbonated water for a while. In addition, the amount of carbonated water discharged and the remaining amount of carbonated water can be estimated through the accumulated carbonated discharge time.

As such, if the user is expected not to input the carbonated water discharge command for a while and it is determined that a predetermined amount of carbonated water is discharged, it is necessary to further prepare the carbonated water. That is, in order to prevent the user from waiting while the carbonated water is at the minimum level to produce the carbonated water, the refrigerator 1 does not use the carbonated water for a while even if the level of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 is not lower than the minimum level. If not expected, carbonated water can be produced.

Accordingly, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the user intends to drink carbonated water by comparing the carbonated water discharge command waiting time with the maximum discharge command waiting time, and compares the carbonated water accumulated discharge time and the maximum accumulated discharge time to compare the carbonated water tank. Estimating the amount of carbonated water remaining in (110), and as a result, the user is expected not to input the carbonated water discharge command for a while and if the carbonated water remaining in the carbonated water tank 110 is expected to be below a certain amount to start the production of carbonated water. .

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention starts the production of carbonated water when the carbonated water discharge command wait time is greater than or equal to the maximum discharge command wait time and the carbonated water accumulated discharge time is greater than or equal to the maximum accumulated discharge time, but is not limited thereto. If the discharge time is more than the maximum cumulative discharge time can be produced carbonated water.

12 is a view illustrating a method for producing carbonated water in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may prepare carbonated water having three concentrations of one, two, and three stages (low concentration, medium concentration, and high concentration), and carbonated water. The concentration of depends on the number of times carbonated water is supplied.

Specifically, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 for the first carbon dioxide supply time (six seconds) after supplying the carbonated water tank 110 to the highest level in order to produce the carbonated water in the first stage (low concentration). And dissolve the supplied carbon dioxide during the first carbon dioxide dissolution time (4 minutes).

In addition, the refrigerator 1 performs the process of preparing the first stage (low concentration) of the carbonated water in order to produce the second stage (medium concentration) of the carbonated water, and then the carbonated water tank 110 for the second carbon dioxide supply time (4 seconds). The carbon dioxide is supplied and the supplied carbon dioxide is dissolved for a second carbon dioxide dissolution time (8 minutes).

In addition, the refrigerator 1 performs the process of preparing the second step (medium concentration) of the carbonated water in order to produce the third step (high concentration) of carbonated water, and then the carbonated water tank 110 for the third carbon dioxide supply time (5.5 seconds). The carbon dioxide is supplied, the carbon dioxide supplied during the third carbon dioxide dissolution time (12 minutes) is dissolved, and the carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 for the fourth carbon dioxide supply time (5.5 seconds).

13A and 13B illustrate a method of preparing carbonated water according to the manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 12.

13A and 13B, first, the refrigerator 1 indicates that carbonated water is being manufactured (710). In detail, the refrigerator 1 may display that the carbonated water is being manufactured in the carbonated water production status display area 301c as illustrated in FIG. 8D.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 opens the exhaust valve 251 and then opens the purified water supply valve 211 (714). As described above, the refrigerator 1 smoothly supplies the purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 by opening the exhaust valve 251 and opening the purified water supply valve 211. In this case, the refrigerator 1 may continuously supply the purified water supply valve 211 to supply purified water to the carbonated water tank 110.

In the case where the solenoid valve is used as the purified water supply valve 211, in order to prevent the solenoid from overheating, the purified water supply valve 211 is closed for a while, and then the purified water supply valve 211 is closed for a while and the purified water supply valve 211 ) Can be opened for a certain time. Specifically, after opening the purified water supply valve 211 for 1 minute it may be repeated to close for 5 seconds.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 detects the purified water level through the water level sensor 111 (716), and compares the detected purified water level with a preset highest water level to determine whether the purified water in the carbonated water tank 110 reaches the highest water level. Determine (718).

When the purified water in the carbonated water tank 110 reaches the highest water level (YES in 716), the refrigerator 1 closes the purified water supply valve 211 (720) and closes the exhaust valve 251 (722).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the first carbon dioxide supply time (for example, six seconds) has elapsed after opening the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 and opening the carbon dioxide supply valve 202. If the first carbon dioxide supply time (for example, six seconds) has elapsed (726), the refrigerator 1 closes the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (728). In this manner, the refrigerator 1 allows carbon dioxide to be supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 for a first carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 6 seconds).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 waits for a first carbon dioxide dissolution time (eg, 4 minutes) (730). That is, the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 may be sufficiently dissolved in the purified water.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is “first step (low concentration)” (732).

If the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user through the control panel 300 is the first step (low concentration) (YES in 732), the refrigerator 1 displays the completion of the production of the carbonated water (758) and ends the production of the carbonated water.

If the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is not the first stage (low concentration) (NO of 732), the refrigerator 1 opens the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (734), and then passes the product after opening the carbon dioxide supply valve 202. 2, it is determined whether the carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 4 seconds) has elapsed (736), and if the second carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 4 seconds) has elapsed (example of 736), the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide. The valve 202 is closed (738). In this manner, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 for a second carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 4 seconds).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 waits for a second carbon dioxide dissolution time (eg, 8 minutes) (740). That is, the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 may be sufficiently dissolved in the purified water.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is “second stage (medium concentration)” (742).

If the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is the second step (medium concentration) (Yes of 742), the refrigerator 1 displays the completion of the production of the carbonated water (758) and ends the production of the carbonated water.

If the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is not the second stage (medium concentration) (NO of 742), the refrigerator 1 opens the third carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 5.5 seconds) after opening the carbon dioxide supply valve 202. It is determined whether it has passed (746), and if the third carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 5.5 seconds) has passed (YES in 746), the refrigerator 1 closes the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (748). In this manner, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 for a third carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 5.5 seconds).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 waits for a third carbon dioxide dissolution time (eg, 12 minutes) (750). That is, the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 may be sufficiently dissolved in the purified water.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the fourth carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 5.5 seconds) has elapsed after the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 is opened (752) (754), and the fourth carbon dioxide supply time ( For example, when 5.5 seconds) elapse (step 754), the refrigerator 1 closes the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (756). In this manner, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 for a fourth carbon dioxide supply time (for example, 5.5 seconds).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 displays the completion of the production of the carbonated water (758) and ends the production of the carbonated water.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention does not consider the temperature of purified water at the time of preparing carbonated water, and produces carbonated water when the start requirement for producing carbonated water is satisfied.

Since the solubility of the gas in the liquid is higher as the temperature of the liquid is lower, carbonated water may be prepared in consideration of the temperature of the purified water. For example, after the purified water is supplied to the carbonated water tank 110, the temperature of the purified water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 is measured, and if the temperature of the purified water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the refrigerator 1 Delays the supply of carbon dioxide. As described above, since the carbonated water tank 110 is located in the refrigerating chamber 20, the temperature of the purified water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 is lowered after time. Therefore, when the measured temperature of the purified water is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature, the refrigerator 1 may supply carbon dioxide to produce carbonated water.

Hereinafter, the operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described when an exceptional situation occurs, such as when a user inputs a clean water discharge command or the user opens the refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22 during the production of carbonated water according to an embodiment of the present invention. do.

During the production of the carbonated water, in particular, when the user inputs a purified water discharge command by pressing the dispenser lever 93 while supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 stops supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110. The purified water is discharged to the outside through the dispenser 90.

The purified water supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 and the purified water discharged to the outside through the dispenser 90 are both supplied by the water tank 70, and the water pressure of the purified water is limited when the water tank 70 supplies the purified water. . Therefore, when the water tank 70 supplies purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 and discharges purified water through the dispenser 90, the water pressure of the purified water discharged through the dispenser 90 may be lowered. This is because when the water pressure of the purified water discharged through the dispenser 90 is lowered, the user may be mistaken that the refrigerator 1 is broken.

In order to prevent the water pressure of the purified water discharged through the dispenser 90 as described above, when the user inputs the purified water discharge command while supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 returns to the carbonated water tank 110. The supply of purified water is stopped and the purified water is discharged through the dispenser 90. Thereafter, when the user inputs the purified water discharge end command, the refrigerator 1 stops discharging the purified water through the dispenser 90 and supplies the purified water to the carbonated water tank 110.

In addition, when the user opens the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 during the production of the carbonated water, the refrigerator 1 stops the production of the carbonated water. That is, when the user opens the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment while supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 stops supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 and the carbonated water tank 110 If the user opens the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment in which the carbonated water production module 100 is provided while supplying carbon dioxide to the refrigerator, the refrigerator 1 allows the user to open the door of the refrigerating compartment, even if conditions for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 are satisfied. The supply of carbon dioxide is delayed until (21, 22) is closed. In addition, the refrigerator 1 stops supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110. The water tank 70 supplies purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 at a high water pressure, and the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 also supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 at a high pressure, so that noise may occur in the carbonated water manufacturing process. In this way, when the user opens the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment, there is a concern that the user may be offended, and furthermore, the user may mistake the refrigerator 1 for failure.

As described above, in order to prevent noise from being generated in the carbonated water preparing module 100 when the user opens the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating chamber, the refrigerator 1 stops producing carbonated water after storing the advanced carbonated water manufacturing process. When the user closes the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating chamber, the refrigerator 1 continues to produce carbonated water.

14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating control of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention when an exceptional situation occurs during the production of carbonated water.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the refrigerator 1 first displays carbonated water production on the control panel 300 (902).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 supplies the purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 by opening the exhaust valve 251 (904) and opening the purified water supply valve 211 (906).

While supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 determines whether a purified water discharge command is input (908). That is, it is determined whether the user presses the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90.

If the user inputs the purified water discharge command (YES of 908), the refrigerator 1 stores the ongoing carbonated water production situation (940).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 stops supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank 110 by closing the purified water supply valve 211 (942), and the refrigerator 1 opens the purified water discharge valve 221 (944). Drain the purified water outside.

While discharging the purified water to the outside, the refrigerator 1 determines whether a purified water discharge end command is input (946). That is, it is determined whether the user has stopped pressing the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90.

When the user inputs the purified water discharge end command (YES in 946), the refrigerator 1 stops discharging the purified water to the outside by closing the purified water discharge valve 221 (948), and the refrigerator 1 supplies the purified water supply valve ( By opening 211), the production of the carbonated water is resumed.

If the user does not input the purified water discharge command (NO in 908), the refrigerator 1 determines whether the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 are opened (910).

When the user opens the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment, the refrigerator 1 stores an ongoing carbonated water production situation (930).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 stops the production of the carbonated water by closing the purified water supply valve 211 (932).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 are closed (934).

When the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment are closed (YES in 934), the refrigerator 1 resumes the production of the carbonated water by opening the purified water supply valve 211 (936).

If the user does not open the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment (NO in 910), the refrigerator 1 detects the purified water level of the carbonated water tank 110 (912).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the purified water level of the carbonated water tank 110 reaches the highest level (914).

If the purified water level of the carbonated water tank 110 has not reached the highest level (NO of 914), the refrigerator 1 determines whether a purified water discharge command has been input, whether the refrigerating compartment door is opened, and the purified water level of the carbonated water tank 110 The determination of whether or not the highest water level has been reached is repeated.

If the purified water level of the carbonated water tank 110 has reached the highest level (Yes of 914), the refrigerator 1 closes the purified water supply valve 211 (916) and closes the exhaust valve 251 (918). Supply of the purified water to 110 is terminated.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 by opening the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (920).

While supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment are opened (922).

When the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating chamber are opened, the refrigerator 1 stores an ongoing carbonated water production situation (960).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 stops the production of the carbonated water by closing the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (962).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the refrigerator compartment doors 21 and 22 are closed (964).

When the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating compartment are closed (YES in 964), the refrigerator 1 resumes the production of the carbonated water by opening the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (966).

If the doors 21 and 22 of the refrigerating chamber are not opened, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the carbon dioxide supply time has elapsed (924).

If the carbon dioxide supply time has not elapsed, the refrigerator 1 repeats whether the refrigerator doors 21 and 22 are opened and whether the carbon dioxide supply time has elapsed.

If the carbon dioxide supply time has elapsed, the refrigerator 1 closes the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (926).

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the carbon dioxide dissolution time has elapsed (928).

After the carbon dioxide dissolution time has elapsed, the refrigerator 1 displays completion of carbonated water production on the control panel 300 (929).

In the above, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described for producing the carbonated water.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described for managing the produced carbonated water after producing the carbonated water.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention discharges the carbonated water to the outside by using the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonated water tank 110. Therefore, the pressure of carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 must be maintained above a certain value. If the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 is not maintained above a predetermined value, the water pressure of the carbonated water discharged by the refrigerator 1 is lowered, which may cause a user to mistake the refrigerator 1.

However, as time passes after preparing the carbonated water, the carbon dioxide is dissolved in the purified water so that the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 is gradually lowered. Therefore, in order to maintain the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110, if a certain condition is satisfied, it is necessary to supply carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110.

There are three main causes for the pressure of carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 to be lowered.

The first reason is that the temperature of the carbonated water is lowered. The solubility of the gas in the liquid increases as the temperature of the liquid decreases. Since the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the carbonated water increases as the temperature of the carbonated water decreases, the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 is lowered as the temperature of the carbonated water decreases. Therefore, when the temperature of the carbonated water in the carbonated water tank 110 is lowered, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110.

15A is a flowchart illustrating resupply of carbon dioxide to a carbonated water tank according to a temperature of carbonated water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15A, first, the refrigerator 1 determines whether carbonated water production is completed (812).

If the production of the carbonated water is not completed (NO in 812), the refrigerator 1 waits until the production of the carbonated water is completed, and when the production of the carbonated water is completed (YES in 812), the refrigerator 1 is connected to the temperature sensor 112. The carbonated water temperature is sensed (813), and the refrigerator 1 sets the difference between the temperature of the carbonated water detected in step 813 and the preset temperature interval as the reference temperature (814). That is, the reference temperature is initialized to the temperature of the carbonated water immediately after the production of the carbonated water is completed. For example, if the current temperature of the carbonated water is 15 degrees and the temperature interval is 5 degrees, the reference temperature is initialized to 10 degrees.

Then, the refrigerator 1 detects the carbonated water temperature through the temperature sensor 112 (815).

In operation 816, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the temperature of the carbonated water is equal to or less than the reference temperature by comparing the temperature of the carbonated water detected in operation 815 with the reference temperature. For example, it is determined whether the temperature of the carbonated water is 10 degrees or less.

If the temperature of the carbonated water is less than the reference temperature (Yes of 816), the refrigerator 1 opens the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (818), and determines whether the carbon dioxide resupply time has elapsed (820), the carbon dioxide resupply time is After elapsed (example of 820), the carbon dioxide supply valve is closed (822). That is, when the temperature of the carbonated water is less than the reference temperature, the refrigerator 1 supplies the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 during the carbon dioxide resupply time. At this time, the carbon dioxide resupply time may be set to 1 second. At this time, the supply of carbon dioxide is not intended for the production of carbonated water, but for maintaining the internal pressure of the carbonated water tank 110, so the carbon dioxide resupply time is preferably shorter than the carbon dioxide supply time for producing carbonated water.

After re-supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 sets a value obtained by subtracting the temperature interval from the reference temperature to a new reference temperature (824). For example, if the reference temperature is 10 degrees and the temperature interval is 5 degrees, 5 degrees becomes a new reference temperature.

If the temperature of the carbonated water is not lower than the reference temperature in step 816 (NO in 816), the refrigerator 1 skips resupplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the carbonated water production conditions are satisfied (826), and if the carbonated water is not started, the refrigerator 1 returns to step 815 to sense the temperature of the carbonated water, and the temperature of the carbonated water and the reference temperature. Repeat to compare.

In conclusion, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 whenever the temperature of the carbonated water is lowered by the temperature interval when the carbonated water is manufactured. For example, when the temperature of the carbonated water at the completion of the production of the carbonated water is 15 degrees and the first temperature interval is 5 degrees, whenever the temperature of the carbonated water reaches 10 degrees 5 degrees 0 degrees, the refrigerator 1 recharges carbon dioxide into the carbonated water tank 110. Supply.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may re- supply carbon dioxide whenever the temperature of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 is lowered by a predetermined temperature, but is not limited thereto. When the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, carbon dioxide may be supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 again.

The second cause is that the amount of carbonated water in the carbonated water tank 110 is reduced. When the user discharges the carbonated water after the preparation of the carbonated water, the volume of the carbonated water is reduced by the amount of the carbonated water discharged by the user, so the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 is lowered. Therefore, when the user discharges the carbonated water, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 again to increase the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110.

15B is a flowchart illustrating supplying carbon dioxide to a carbonated water tank when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is discharged from carbonated water.

Referring to FIG. 15B, the refrigerator 1 first determines whether carbonated water production is completed (832).

If the production of the carbonated water is not complete (NO in 832), the refrigerator 1 waits until the production of the carbonated water is completed, and when the production of the carbonated water is completed (YES in 832), the refrigerator 1 is set in advance at the first reference time. The first time interval is stored (834). That is, the first reference period is initialized to a preset first time interval. In this case, the first time interval is different depending on the capacity of the carbonated water tank 110 and the discharge rate of the carbonated water, but if the carbonated water tank 110 is approximately 1 liter and all the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank 110 is discharged in one minute, The one hour interval is preferably set to 10 seconds. That is, the first reference time may be initialized to 10 seconds.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the accumulated carbonated water discharge time is greater than or equal to the first reference time by comparing the accumulated carbonated water discharge time with the first reference time (836). Here, the cumulative discharge time of the carbonated water refers to the total time that the user discharges the carbonated water by operating the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90 after the carbonated water is manufactured. That is the same as the accumulated carbonated discharge time described in FIG. As described above, the amount of carbonated water remaining in the carbonated water tank 110 may be estimated through the accumulated carbonated discharge time.

If the accumulated carbonated discharge time is more than the first reference time (YES in 836), the refrigerator 1 opens the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (838), and determines whether the carbon dioxide resupply time has elapsed (840). When the supply time elapses (Yes of 840), the carbon dioxide supply valve is closed (842). That is, when the time when the user discharges the carbonated water is greater than or equal to the first reference time, the refrigerator 1 supplies the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 during the carbon dioxide resupply time. At this time, the carbon dioxide resupply time may be set to 1 second. As described above, the carbon dioxide resupply time for maintaining the pressure in the carbonated water tank 110 may be shorter than the carbon dioxide supply time for preparing the carbonated water.

After supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 again, the refrigerator 1 sets the sum of the first reference time and the first time interval to a new reference temperature (844). For example, if the first reference time is 10 seconds and the first time interval is 10 seconds, 20 seconds is the new first reference time.

If the cumulative discharge time of the carbonated water is not greater than or equal to the first reference time in step 836 (NO in 836), the refrigerator 1 skips resupplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the carbonated water production conditions are satisfied (846), and if the carbonated water is not started, the refrigerator 1 returns to step 836 to compare the accumulated carbonated water discharge time and the first reference time. Repeat.

As a result, after the carbonated water production is completed, the user discharges carbonated water so that the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 whenever the accumulated carbonated discharge time is increased by the first time interval. For example, when the first time interval is 10 seconds, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 whenever the carbonated water discharge time is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, and 50 seconds. .

The third cause is that carbonated water is not used and is stored in the carbonated water tank 110 for a long time. If carbonated water is stored in the carbonated water tank 110 for a long time without being discharged after production, carbon dioxide is gradually dissolved in the carbonated water to lower the pressure of carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110. Therefore, when the user does not discharge the carbonated water and the carbonated water is stored in the carbonated water tank 110 for a long time, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 to increase the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110.

15C is a flowchart illustrating supplying carbon dioxide to a carbonated water tank when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention does not discharge carbonated water.

Referring to FIG. 15C, first, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the preparation of the carbonated water is completed (852).

If the production of the carbonated water is not completed (NO in 852), the refrigerator 1 waits until the production of the carbonated water is completed, and when the production of the carbonated water is completed (YES in 852), the refrigerator 1 advances to the second reference time in advance. The set second time interval is stored (854). That is, the second reference period is initialized to a preset second time interval. At this time, the second time interval is different depending on the capacity of the carbonated water tank 110, the second time interval is preferably set to 2 hours if the carbonated water tank 110 is approximately 1 liter. That is, the second reference time may be initialized to two hours.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the carbonated water discharge command wait time is greater than or equal to the second reference time by comparing the carbonated water discharge command waiting time with the second reference time (856). Here, the cumulative discharge time of the carbonated water means a time that has elapsed since the user discharged the carbonated water by operating the dispenser lever 93. That is, the same as the carbonated water discharge command waiting time described in FIG.

If the carbonated water discharge command wait time is greater than or equal to the second reference time (Yes of 856), the refrigerator 1 opens the carbon dioxide supply valve 202 (858), and determines whether the carbon dioxide resupply time has elapsed (860). When the resupply time elapses (YES in 860), the carbon dioxide supply valve is closed (862). That is, if the time when the user does not discharge the carbonated water is more than the second reference time, the refrigerator 1 supplies the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 during the carbon dioxide resupply time. At this time, the carbon dioxide resupply time may be set to 1 second. As described above, the carbon dioxide resupply time for maintaining the pressure in the carbonated water tank 110 may be shorter than the carbon dioxide supply time for preparing the carbonated water.

After re-supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110, the refrigerator 1 sets the sum of the second reference time and the second time interval to a new reference temperature (864). For example, if the second reference time is two hours and the second time interval is two hours, four hours are the new second reference time.

If the waiting time for the carbonated water discharge command is not greater than or equal to the second reference time (NO in 856), the refrigerator 1 skips resupplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the carbonated water production conditions are satisfied (866), and if the carbonated water is not started, the refrigerator 1 returns to step 856 to compare the carbonated water discharge command waiting time with the second reference time. Repeat that.

In conclusion, the refrigerator 1 supplies carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank 110 whenever the user does not discharge carbonated water and the carbonated water discharge command waiting time is increased by a second time interval after the carbonated water production is completed. For example, if the second time interval is 2 hours, the refrigerator 1 recharges carbon dioxide into the carbonated water tank 110 whenever the carbonated water discharge command wait time is 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, or 10 hours. Supply.

As described above, purified water for preparing carbonated water is supplied through a water supply source, while carbon dioxide is supplied through a carbon dioxide cylinder 120, and the amount of carbon dioxide stored in the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is limited.

If the carbon dioxide stored in the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is mostly exhausted and the pressure of the carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is lowered, the concentration of the produced carbonated water is lowered above all. That is, since a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide is not supplied to the carbonated water tank 110, the concentration of the carbonated water is lowered. Thereafter, when all of the carbon dioxide stored in the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is exhausted, carbonated water is not produced.

In addition, when the pressure of the carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is lowered, the carbonated water is not discharged through the dispenser 90. As described above, the carbonated water is discharged to the outside by the atmospheric pressure in the carbonated water tank 110, and when the pressure of the carbon dioxide is lowered, carbon dioxide is supplied again to maintain a constant carbon dioxide pressure in the carbonated water tank 110. At this time, when the pressure of the carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 is lowered, even if carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonated water tank 110 again, the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water tank 110 may not be maintained at a sufficient pressure, and the carbonated water tank 110 When the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the interior is lowered, the carbonated water is not discharged through the dispenser 90.

Therefore, it is necessary to replace the carbon dioxide cylinder 120 at certain times. Accordingly, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention senses the pressure of the carbon dioxide through the pressure sensor 204 and displays the replacement of the carbon dioxide cylinder on the control panel 300 when the pressure is equal to or less than a predetermined reference pressure.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sensing a pressure of carbon dioxide by a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, first, the refrigerator 1 detects a pressure of carbon dioxide through a pressure sensor 204 (870). As described above, the pressure sensor 204 is provided at the output terminal of the carbon dioxide regulator 201 to sense the pressure of carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide regulator 201.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether the pressure of the carbon dioxide is less than or equal to the reference pressure by comparing the pressure of the carbon dioxide with the preset reference pressure (872).

If the pressure of the carbon dioxide is not below the reference pressure (NO in 872), the refrigerator 1 detects the pressure of the carbon dioxide, and repeats the comparison of the detected pressure of the carbon dioxide with the reference pressure.

If the pressure of the carbon dioxide is less than the reference pressure, the refrigerator 1 warns the user that the pressure of the carbon dioxide is lowered (874). That is, the refrigerator 1 warns that the carbon dioxide cylinder is replaced in the carbon dioxide low pressure display region 305 provided in the control panel 300. In addition, the refrigerator 1 may stop the production of carbonated water when the pressure of carbon dioxide is lower than the reference pressure.

In addition, if the pressure of the carbon dioxide is less than the reference pressure, the refrigerator 1 may not produce the carbonated water even if the above-described carbonated water production conditions are satisfied. For example, even if the level of the carbonated water is below the minimum level, the refrigerator 1 may not produce the carbonated water.

In the case of employing a pressure switch as the pressure sensor 204, when the output of the pressure switch is connected to the display unit, and the pressure of the carbon dioxide falls below the reference pressure, the pressure switch transmits a low pressure signal to the display unit, and the display unit displays the carbon dioxide low pressure display area 305. ) Can indicate the low pressure of carbon dioxide.

In the above described the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention to produce and manage the carbonated water.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described for discharging the carbonated water according to the user's command.

When the user inputs the carbonated water discharge command by pressing the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90, the refrigerator 1 opens the carbonated water discharge valve 231 to discharge the carbonated water, and the user presses the dispenser lever 93. When the carbonated water discharge end command is input by stopping the operation, the refrigerator 1 closes the carbonated water discharge valve 231 to stop the discharge of the carbonated water.

17 is a view schematically illustrating that the refrigerator discharges carbonated water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention discharges carbonated water through the dispenser 90 when a carbonated water discharge command is input from a user. Specifically, when the refrigerator 1 opens the carbonated water discharge valve 241, the carbonated water moves from the carbonated water tank 110 along the carbonated water discharge path 230, and in the process, the carbonated water regulator 232 and the carbonated water discharge valve 231. The water is discharged to the outside via the residual water discharge preventing valve 241.

18 is a view illustrating a discharge of carbonated water by the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, the refrigerator 1 determines whether a carbonated water discharge command is input from a user (880). As described above, the user may input the carbonated water discharge command by pressing the dispenser lever 93 provided in the dispenser 90.

When the carbonated water discharge command is input (Yes of 880), the refrigerator 1 opens the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 (882), and then the refrigerator 1 opens the carbonated water discharge valve 231 (884). .

As described above, when the carbonated water discharge valve 241 is first opened after the carbonated water discharge, the carbonated water discharge valve 231 is opened to prevent the residual water discharge valve 241 from being damaged.

Normally, the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 is not designed to withstand the high pressure because the residual water accumulated in the integrated discharge passage 240 is not discharged. That is, the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 may be easily damaged by the discharge pressure of the carbonated water as compared to the carbonated water discharge valve 231. In addition, when there is a lot of carbon dioxide 110 that is not dissolved in the carbonated water in the carbonated water tank 110, the discharge pressure of the carbonated water may be increased. When the high discharge pressure of the carbonated water is suddenly transferred to the residual water discharge preventing valve 24, the residual water discharge preventing valve 241 may be damaged.

Thereafter, the refrigerator 1 determines whether a carbonated water discharge termination command is input (886). As described above, when the pressure of the dispenser lever 93 is stopped, the user may input the carbonated water discharge end command.

When the carbonated water discharge termination command is input (YES in 886), the refrigerator 1 closes the carbonated water discharge valve 231 and then closes the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 (890).

As such, when the carbonated water discharge is ended, the closing of the carbonated water discharge valve 231 first and then closing the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 is to prevent damage of the residual water discharge prevention valve 241. That is, when the residual water discharge preventing valve 241 is closed while the carbonated water is discharged, the residual water discharge preventing valve 241 may be damaged by the discharge pressure of the carbonated water.

In conclusion, when the carbonated water is discharged, the remaining water discharge prevention valve 241 is opened and then the carbonated water discharge valve 231 is opened, and when the carbonated water discharge ends, the carbonated water discharge valve 231 is closed and the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 is opened. By closing the valve, damage of the residual water discharge prevention valve 241 is prevented.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and the general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by a person having the above and these modifications will not be individually understood from the technical spirit of the present invention.

1: refrigerator 70: water tank
90: dispenser 93: dispenser lever
100: carbonated water production module 110: carbonated water tank
111: water level sensor 112: temperature sensor
114: leak detection sensor 120: carbon dioxide cylinder
130: integrated valve assembly 200: carbon dioxide supply flow
201: carbon dioxide regulator 202: carbon dioxide supply valve
204: pressure sensor 210: purified water supply passage
211: purified water supply valve 220: purified water discharge passage
221: purified water discharge valve 230: carbonated water discharge passage
231: carbonated water discharge valve 232: carbonated water regulator
240: integrated discharge flow path 241: residual water discharge prevention valve
250: exhaust passage 251: exhaust valve
300: control panel 301: carbonated water production information display unit
303: carbonated water production command input unit 310: control unit
320: storage unit

Claims (16)

A carbonated water tank for storing carbonated water;
A water tank for supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank;
A carbon dioxide cylinder for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank;
A carbon dioxide supply valve for controlling carbon dioxide supply to the carbonated water tank;
An input unit configured to select a concentration of the carbonated water from a user; And
And a control unit for supplying the purified water to the carbonated water tank and generating the carbonated water by repeating opening and closing of the carbon dioxide supply valve when supply of the purified water is completed.
The control unit controls to increase the number of openings of the carbon dioxide supply valve as the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is high. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit increases the closing time of the carbon dioxide supply valve as the number of openings of the carbon dioxide supply valve increases. A carbonated water tank for storing carbonated water;
A water tank for supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank;
A carbon dioxide cylinder for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank;
An input unit configured to select a concentration of the carbonated water from a user;
A display unit displaying a concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user;
And a controller for supplying the purified water to the carbonated water tank and supplying the carbon dioxide at least once when the supply of the purified water is completed, and stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide at least once to dissolve the supplied carbon dioxide. ,
The control unit controls to increase the number of times the carbon dioxide is supplied as the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is a high concentration. The method of claim 4, wherein
And the control unit controls the display unit to display the concentration of the selected carbonated water. The method of claim 5,
The control unit is to supply the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank intermittently by repeating the supply of carbon dioxide and the supply of carbon dioxide during the production of carbonated water. The method of claim 6,
The control unit increases the number of times the carbon dioxide is supplied as the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user is a high concentration. The method of claim 7, wherein
The control unit will increase the time to stop the supply of carbon dioxide as the number of supply of carbon dioxide increases. The method of claim 4, wherein
And the control unit supplies the carbon dioxide at least once within 4 seconds to 8 seconds according to the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user. The method of claim 4, wherein
And the control unit stops the supply of the supplied carbon dioxide at least once for 2 to 18 minutes after supplying the carbon dioxide. In the control method of the refrigerator comprising a carbonated water tank for generating and storing the carbonated water,
Receiving a concentration of the carbonated water from a user;
Supplying purified water to the carbonated water tank;
Supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank at least once when the supply of purified water is completed,
Including discontinuing the supply of carbon dioxide at least once to dissolve the supplied carbon dioxide,
The supplying of the carbon dioxide at least once includes controlling the supply frequency of the carbon dioxide as the concentration of the selected carbonated water is higher. The method of claim 11,
And controlling the concentration of the selected carbonated water. delete The method of claim 11,
The stopping of the supply of the carbon dioxide at least once includes controlling the time for stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide as the number of supply of the carbon dioxide increases. The method of claim 11,
Supplying the carbon dioxide at least once includes controlling the carbon dioxide at least once within 4 to 8 seconds according to the concentration of the carbonated water selected by the user. The method of claim 11,
Stopping the supply of the carbon dioxide at least once includes stopping the supply of the supplied carbon dioxide at least once for 2 to 18 minutes after supplying the carbon dioxide.

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