KR102593575B1 - Refrigerator and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator control method of the present invention includes the steps of stopping the refrigeration cycle for cooling the refrigerator compartment and operating the refrigeration cycle for cooling the freezer compartment; During operation of the refrigerating cycle, when the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, operating the refrigerating cycle; While the refrigeration cycle is operating, determining whether a stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied; stopping the refrigeration cycle when the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied; and stopping the refrigerating cycle and operating the refrigerating cycle when the sensed refrigerating compartment temperature reaches a second refrigerating compartment reference temperature that is lower than the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature.

Description

Refrigerator and method for controlling the same {Refrigerator and method for controlling the same}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and its control method.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that stores food at low temperatures, and it is essential to ensure that the storage room is always maintained at a constant low temperature. Currently, in the case of home refrigerators, the storage room is maintained at a temperature within the upper and lower limit ranges based on the set temperature. That is, the refrigerator is controlled by driving the refrigeration cycle to cool the storage compartment when the storage compartment temperature rises to the upper limit temperature, and stopping the refrigeration cycle when the storage compartment temperature reaches the lower limit temperature.

Recently, refrigerators have been developed in which evaporators and expansion devices are installed in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, respectively. This refrigerator controls each expansion device to adjust the amount of refrigerant supplied from the compressor to each evaporator, thereby maintaining the internal temperatures of the freezer and refrigerator compartments at the refrigeration temperature and freezing temperature, respectively.

A prior document, Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0011110 (published on January 29, 2016), discloses a refrigerator and its control method.

In the case of the refrigerator in the prior literature, it includes a first refrigeration device for cooling the freezer compartment and a second refrigeration device for cooling the refrigerator compartment.

The first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device operate simultaneously to lower the temperatures of each of the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Also, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is lower than the desired temperature, the first refrigeration device is stopped.

At this time, if the temperature of the refrigerator compartment does not satisfy the desired temperature, the first and second refrigeration devices are controlled to continue operating.

Additionally, when the freezer temperature is lower than the desired temperature, the second freezer is stopped. At this time, if the temperature of the freezer does not satisfy the desired temperature, the first and second refrigeration devices are controlled to continue operating.

However, according to the prior literature, the first and second refrigeration devices operate simultaneously until the desired temperature in the refrigerating compartment is satisfied or until the desired temperature in the freezer compartment is satisfied, so there is a problem of increased power consumption.

Additionally, in the case of prior literature, the on/off of each refrigeration device is determined based on the desired temperature of each of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, so there is a problem of increased power consumption because the refrigeration device is frequently turned on/off.

If, in the prior literature, the first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device are operated alternately, power consumption can be reduced, but it is difficult to maintain the respective temperatures of the freezer and refrigerator at a constant temperature, that is, maintain a constant temperature. There is.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can maintain the temperature of the storage room at a constant temperature and a method of controlling the same.

Additionally, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can reduce power consumption due to the operation of a cooling cycle to maintain the temperature of the storage compartment at a constant temperature.

In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that are controlled to reduce the possibility that the temperature of the storage room deviates from the constant temperature state in order to improve the freshness of stored items.

Additionally, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can solve defrost reliability while the temperature of the storage compartment is maintained at a constant temperature.

Additionally, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can reduce the power consumption of the cold air supply means while maintaining the temperature of the storage compartment at a constant temperature.

The refrigerator control method of the present invention for achieving the above object includes the steps of stopping the refrigeration cycle for cooling the refrigerator compartment and operating the refrigeration cycle for cooling the freezer compartment; During operation of the refrigerating cycle, when the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, operating the refrigerating cycle; While the refrigeration cycle is operating, determining whether a stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied; stopping the refrigeration cycle when the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied; and stopping the refrigerating cycle and operating the refrigerating cycle when the sensed refrigerating compartment temperature reaches a second refrigerating compartment reference temperature that is lower than the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature.

In the step of determining whether the stopping condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied, it may be determined whether the freezer compartment temperature has reached a first freezer reference temperature lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment.

In the step of determining whether the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied, if it is determined that the detected refrigerating compartment temperature has reached the stop reference temperature before the freezer compartment temperature reaches the first freezer reference temperature, the refrigeration cycle is stopped. It can be.

The stop reference temperature may be a temperature between the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

In the step of determining whether the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied, it is determined whether a reference time has elapsed after starting the refrigeration cycle operation, and when the reference time has elapsed after the start of the refrigeration cycle operation, the refrigeration cycle is stopped. You can.

When the refrigerating cycle is stopped and the refrigerating cycle is operating, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the fan-on reference temperature, the refrigerating compartment fan is turned on.

After the refrigerating compartment fan is turned on, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the fan-off reference temperature, the refrigerating compartment fan is turned off.

The fan-on reference temperature is higher than the fan-off reference temperature, and the fan-off reference temperature is higher than the second refrigerator reference temperature.

The fan-on reference temperature is a temperature higher than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment and the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment.

In the stage where the refrigeration cycle is stopped and the refrigeration cycle is operated, when the refrigeration cycle is stopped and a first reference time has elapsed, the refrigerating compartment fan is turned on.

The refrigerating compartment fan is turned on, and when the second reference time elapses, the refrigerating compartment fan is turned off.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor for a freezer compartment and operates to cool the freezer compartment; A refrigerating cycle including a refrigerator compartment compressor and a refrigerator compartment fan, and operating to cool the refrigerator compartment; a freezer temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the freezer; A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerator compartment; and a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle based on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor.

The control unit operates the refrigerating cycle when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, which is higher than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment, and when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature lower than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment. Once reached, the refrigeration cycle is stopped and the refrigeration cycle is activated.

Additionally, the control unit stops the refrigeration cycle when the temperature of the freezer compartment reaches a first freezer reference temperature that is lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment.

If the detected refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the stop reference temperature before the freezer compartment temperature reaches the first freezer reference temperature, the control unit stops the refrigeration cycle.

If the refrigerating compartment fan on condition is satisfied after the refrigerating cycle is stopped, the refrigerating compartment fan is turned on and then stopped.

A method of controlling a refrigerator according to another aspect includes detecting the temperature of a first storage compartment; When the sensed temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value that is higher than the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment, increasing the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment; When the sensed temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value that is lower than the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment, reducing or stopping the output of at least one of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment; When a certain period of time elapses or the detected temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a first specific value between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment, at least one of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment increasing output; and when a certain period of time has elapsed or the detected temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a second specific value between the specific value and the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment, at least one of cold air supply means for the first storage compartment. It includes reducing or stopping the output.

The refrigerator control method of the present invention includes the steps of detecting the temperature of a second storage compartment; increasing the output of the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when the sensed temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value below the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment; After the detected temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value that is equal to or greater than the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment, a certain period of time has elapsed or the detected temperature of the first storage compartment has exceeded the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment and the second reference temperature. The method may further include reducing or stopping the output of the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when the temperature reaches a third preset specific value.

In the present invention, the third specific value is greater than or equal to the second specific value, and the second specific value may be set to be greater than the first specific value.

The condenser for the first storage compartment and the condenser for the second storage compartment form one heat exchanger, but may be configured to allow the refrigerant to flow into two parts.

The refrigerant for cooling the first storage compartment may flow through the first part of the condenser, and the refrigerant for cooling the second storage compartment may flow into the second part of the condenser.

The condenser pins for the first portion and the condenser pins for the second portion may be connected with a wire.

According to the proposed invention, not only can the temperature of the refrigerator compartment be maintained within the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment, but the temperature of the freezer compartment can be maintained within the set temperature range of the freezer compartment.

Therefore, the storage period of food stored in the refrigerator can be increased. In other words, there is an advantage that the phenomenon of overcooling or wilting of food stored in the refrigerator can be eliminated.

Additionally, in the process of maintaining a constant temperature in each of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, the time during which the refrigeration cycle and the freezer cycle operate simultaneously can be reduced, which has the advantage of reducing power consumption.

In addition, since the off period of the cooling cycle for cooling the refrigerator or freezer can be extended, the number of times the cold air supply means is turned on/off is reduced, which has the advantage of reducing power consumption.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the refrigerator of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing temperature changes in the freezing and refrigerating chambers and the operating state of the cooling cycle according to the refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a graph showing the storage period according to the temperature difference between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram of the refrigerator according to the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention includes a cabinet 10 in which a freezing chamber 111 and a refrigerating chamber 112 are formed, and is coupled to the cabinet 10 to store the freezing chamber ( It may include doors (not shown) that open and close the 111) and the refrigerating compartment 112, respectively.

Materials to be stored, such as food, may be stored in the freezer compartment 111 and the refrigerator compartment 112.

The freezing compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 112 may be partitioned left and right or up and down inside the cabinet 10 by a partition wall 113.

Additionally, the refrigerator 1 may include a cooling cycle for cooling the freezer compartment 111 and the refrigerator compartment 112, respectively.

The cooling cycle may include a refrigerating cycle for cooling the freezing compartment 111 and a refrigerating cycle for cooling the refrigerating compartment 112.

The refrigeration cycle may include a freezer compressor 11 (or first compressor), a condenser 13, a first expansion member 14, a first evaporator 16, and a freezer fan 18. You can. The freezer compartment fan 18 may blow air toward the first evaporator 16 to circulate cold air in the freezer compartment 111.

In the present invention, the compressor 11 for the freezer and the fan 18 for the freezer can be called “cold air supply means for the freezer” that operate only to supply cold air to the freezer 111.

The refrigeration cycle may include a compressor 12 (or second compressor) for the refrigerator compartment, a condenser 13, a second expansion member 15, a second evaporator 17, and a refrigerator compartment fan 19. You can. The refrigerating compartment fan 19 may blow air toward the second evaporator 17 to circulate cold air in the refrigerating compartment 112.

In the present invention, the compressor 12 for the refrigerator compartment and the fan 19 for the refrigerator compartment can be called "cold air supply means for the refrigerator compartment" that operates only to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment 112.

At this time, the condenser 13 forms one heat exchanger, but can be divided into two parts to allow the refrigerant to flow. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 11 may flow through the first part 131 of the condenser 13, and the refrigerant discharged from the second compressor 12 may flow through the second part 131 of the condenser 13. Portion 132 may be floating. To increase the condensation efficiency of the condenser, the condenser pins for the first part 131 and the condenser fins for the second part 132 may be connected.

Compared to installing two separate condensers inside the machine room, it has the advantage of increasing the condenser's condensing efficiency while reducing the condenser installation space. Accordingly, the first part 131 may be referred to as a first condenser, and the second part 132 may be referred to as a second condenser.

In addition, the refrigerator 1 includes a freezer compartment temperature sensor 31 (or first temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature of the freezer compartment 111, and a freezer compartment temperature sensor (or first temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 112. 32) (or a second temperature sensor), an input unit 33 for inputting target temperatures (or desired temperatures) for each of the freezer 111 and the refrigerator compartment 112, and the input target temperature and temperature sensor 31 , 33) may include a control unit 20 that controls the cooling cycle based on the temperature detected.

In this specification, a temperature higher than the target temperature of the freezer compartment 111 may be referred to as the second freezer reference temperature, and a temperature lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment 111 may be referred to as the first freezer reference temperature. Additionally, the range between the first freezer reference temperature and the second freezer reference temperature may be referred to as the freezer set temperature range.

Although not limited, the target temperature of the freezer compartment 111 may be the average temperature of the first freezer compartment reference temperature and the second freezer compartment reference temperature.

In the present invention, the control unit 20 controls the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 to be maintained within the set temperature range. At this time, control to maintain the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 within the set temperature range is called constant temperature control of the freezer compartment.

Additionally, in this specification, a temperature higher than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 may be referred to as the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, and a temperature lower than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 may be referred to as the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature. Additionally, the range between the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature may be referred to as the refrigerating compartment set temperature range.

Although not limited, the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 may be the average temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature.

In the present invention, the control unit 20 controls the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 to be maintained within the set temperature range. At this time, control to maintain the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 within the set temperature range is called constant temperature control of the refrigerating compartment.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a flowchart showing temperature changes in the freezer and refrigerating chambers and operating states of the cooling cycle according to a method of controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a drawing that shows.

Hereinafter, a control method for maintaining the temperature of the refrigerating cycle and refrigerating cycle according to temperature changes in the freezer and refrigerating chamber while the refrigerating cycle is operating while the refrigerating cycle is stopped will be described.

In the following, based on the description of steps S1 to S8 in FIG. 3, a cycle for cooling the first storage compartment (one of the freezer and the refrigerator compartment) and a cycle for cooling the second storage compartment (the other one of the freezer and the refrigerator compartment) are performed simultaneously. The operation logic to reduce power consumption and improve cooling cycle efficiency by reducing the operating section is explained.

The operation logic may be applied to a cycle having a section in which the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment are driven simultaneously.

The cooling cycle for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment is such that each cold air supply means is independent according to the first and second reference temperatures of the first storage compartment and the first and second reference temperatures of the second storage compartment. Each cooling cycle can be configured to operate as:

The cooling cycle for the first storage compartment increases the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment when the temperature of the first storage compartment reaches the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment, and increases the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment when the temperature of the first storage compartment reaches the first reference temperature. When the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment is reached, it can be operated to reduce the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment.

Separately, the cooling cycle for the second storage compartment increases the output of the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when the temperature of the second storage compartment reaches the first reference temperature for the second storage compartment, and When the temperature reaches the second reference temperature for the second storage compartment, the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment can be operated to reduce the output.

In this case, a section occurs in which the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment are operated simultaneously, which may increase power consumption. In particular, when the condenser for the first storage compartment and the condenser for the second storage compartment are shared, cooling efficiency may decrease in the simultaneous operation section and power consumption may further increase.

The cases where the condenser for the first storage room and the condenser for the second storage room are shared are as follows.

The condenser 13 forms one heat exchanger, but can be divided into two parts to allow the refrigerant to flow. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 11 may flow through the first part 131 of the condenser 13, and the refrigerant discharged from the second compressor 12 may flow through the second part 131 of the condenser 13. Portion 132 may be floating. Accordingly, the first part 131 may be referred to as a first condenser, and the second part 132 may be referred to as a second condenser.

Meanwhile, the cooling cycle for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment may be configured to operate according to the first and second reference temperatures of the first storage compartment and the second reference temperature of the second storage compartment. .

The cooling cycle for the first storage compartment increases the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment when the temperature of the first storage compartment reaches the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment, and increases the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment when the temperature of the first storage compartment reaches the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment. When the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment is reached, the output of the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment can be reduced or stopped.

The cooling cycle for the second storage compartment increases the output of the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when the temperature of the first storage compartment reaches the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment, and the temperature of the first storage compartment increases. Cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when a certain time has elapsed after reaching the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment or when a specific temperature (N+c) has been reached after reaching the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment. It can be configured to reduce or stop the output of.

By configuring the cycle in this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption and increase cooling efficiency of the cycle by reducing the simultaneous driving section.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , to describe an example, while the refrigeration cycle is stopped, the refrigeration cycle may operate to control the constant temperature of the freezer compartment 111 (S1). That is, the freezer compressor 11 and the freezer compartment fan 18 operate to control the constant temperature of the freezer compartment 111.

When the refrigeration cycle operates, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 decreases. On the other hand, when the refrigeration cycle is stopped, the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 increases.

The temperature of the refrigerator compartment 112 is periodically detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 32, and the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 is periodically detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 31.

The control unit 20 determines whether the detected refrigerating compartment temperature has reached the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature (S2).

If it is determined in step S2 that the sensed refrigerating compartment temperature has reached the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, the control unit 20 operates the refrigerating cycle (S3). That is, in order to lower the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112, the control unit 20 operates the refrigerating compartment compressor 12 and the refrigerating compartment fan 19.

At this time, the refrigeration cycle may already be in operation at the time the refrigeration cycle is operated.

After the refrigeration cycle operates, the control unit 20 may determine whether the detected refrigerating compartment temperature has reached the stop reference temperature (N+c) (third specific value) (S4).

In the present invention, the stop reference temperature is a temperature for determining whether the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied.

As a result of the determination in step S4, if it is determined that the detected refrigerator compartment temperature has reached the stop reference temperature, the control unit 20 stops the refrigeration cycle (S5). That is, the control unit 20 stops the freezer compartment compressor 11 and the freezer compartment fan 18.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the detected refrigerator compartment temperature has not reached the stop reference temperature, the control unit 20 determines that the freezer compartment temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 31 is equal to the first freezer reference temperature. Determine whether it has been reached (S6).

If it is determined in step S6 that the sensed freezer temperature has reached the first freezer reference temperature, the control unit 20 stops the refrigeration cycle (S5).

In the present invention, steps S4 and S6 may be referred to as a step of determining whether the stopping condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied.

In the present invention, the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle can operate simultaneously. At this time, as the time for which the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle operate simultaneously increases, power consumption increases.

Therefore, in the present invention, in order to reduce the time during which the refrigerating cycle and the freezing cycle operate simultaneously, the detected refrigerating compartment temperature is set to the stop reference temperature even before the freezer compartment temperature detected after the refrigeration cycle starts operating reaches the first freezer reference temperature. When it is determined that it has been reached, the refrigeration cycle is stopped.

Here, the stop reference temperature is a temperature between the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature.

When the stop reference temperature is close to the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment, the time for which the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle operate simultaneously increases, and when the stop reference temperature is close to the reference temperature of the first refrigerating compartment, the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle The time the cycles run simultaneously can be reduced.

Therefore, although not limited, the stop reference temperature may be set to a temperature between the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 and the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature.

As another example, if it is determined in step S4 that the detected refrigerator compartment temperature has not reached the stop reference temperature, the control unit 20 may determine whether the reference time has elapsed after the start of the refrigeration cycle operation. do. And, when the reference time has elapsed after the start of the refrigeration cycle operation, the refrigeration cycle can be stopped.

In the present invention, the step of determining whether the reference time has elapsed after the start of the refrigerating cycle operation may be referred to as the step of determining whether the stopping condition of the refrigerating cycle is satisfied.

Meanwhile, while the refrigerating cycle is operating, when the detected refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature, the control unit 20 stops the refrigerating cycle and operates the refrigerating cycle (S8).

That is, in the present invention, the starting point of operation of the refrigerating cycle is the point in time when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the reference temperature of the first refrigerating compartment, and the point in time when the refrigeration cycle is stopped is the point in time when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment. Additionally, the starting point of operation of the refrigeration cycle is when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment.

Ultimately, the starting point of the refrigeration cycle can be determined depending on the temperature change in the refrigerator compartment.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, one condenser is divided into two parts, so when the refrigeration cycle starts to operate and the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle operate simultaneously, the condensing temperature of the condenser increases, resulting in an increase in power consumption. The operating time of the refrigeration cycle increases.

When the operation start point of the refrigeration cycle is determined according to the temperature change in the refrigerating chamber, assuming that step S6 is not applied, the following problems may occur.

When the operation time of the refrigeration cycle is increased, the operation time of the next refrigeration cycle (N+1th) after stopping the current refrigeration cycle (Nth) is shortened. In this case, since the waiting period from when the next refrigerating cycle operates until the refrigerating cycle operates again becomes longer, the operating time of the next refrigerating cycle (N+2th) becomes longer. This causes the problem that power consumption of the compressor for the freezer increases as the operating time of the refrigeration cycle increases.

However, when the refrigerating cycle and the refrigerating cycle operate simultaneously as in the present invention, the detected refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the stop reference temperature even before the detected freezer compartment temperature reaches the first freezer reference temperature after the refrigeration cycle starts operating. If it is determined that the refrigeration cycle is stopped, the overlapping operation time of the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle can be prevented from increasing.

Hereinafter, the operation logic including the temperature rise delay output section will be described (steps S9 and S10).

The operation logic can be applied to all cycles regardless of whether there is a section in which the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment are operated simultaneously.

In order to improve the freshness of items stored in the refrigerator, it is necessary to reduce the amount of temperature change in the storage room over time.

In other words, the output control (including on/off) of at least one of the cold air supply means (compressor, blower fan, damper provided on the passage connecting the freezer and refrigerator compartment, cold switching valve for switching the flow of refrigerant, etc.) is determined. The freshness of the stored object can be improved by reducing the temperature difference between the first reference temperature (e.g., upper limit value) and the second reference temperature (e.g., lower limit value).

Figure 5 is a graph showing the storage period according to the temperature difference between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature.

For example, according to Figure 5, when the temperature difference between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature is reduced from 4 degrees to 1 degree, it can be seen that the storage period of the object is increased. there is. In other words, as an example, it can be seen that the number of days in which the weight of vegetables is reduced by 6% increases from 8.5 days to 12 days.

On the other hand, when the temperature difference between the first and second reference temperatures is reduced to improve freshness, the number of output adjustments (including the number of on/off times) of the cold air supply means increases, causing a problem in the reliability of the parts of the cold air supply means. may occur, and power consumption may increase due to frequent turning on/off of the cold air supply means. In order to improve component reliability and reduce power consumption due to frequent on/off, the temperature rise delay means may be activated at some point after the temperature of the storage compartment reaches the second reference temperature.

The refrigerator has a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, and the refrigerator has a first reference temperature (eg, upper limit value) and a second reference temperature (eg, lower limit value) for each storage compartment. And, the temperature of each storage compartment can be controlled to be maintained between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature.

For example, when the temperature of the storage compartment detected while the cooling cycle is in operation reaches the second reference temperature, the controller of the refrigerator may reduce or stop the output of the cold air blowing fan and maintain the operation of the compressor.

Meanwhile, when a certain time elapses or the temperature of the storage room reaches a certain temperature (e.g. N+a) (first specific value), the output of the compressor is reduced or stopped and the cold air blowing fan is turned on, The temperature increase in the storage compartment can be delayed.

As another example, when the temperature of the storage compartment detected during the cycle operation reaches the second reference temperature, the refrigerator control unit may reduce or stop the output of the cold air blowing fan and also reduce or stop the output of the compressor.

Meanwhile, when a certain time elapses or the temperature of the storage compartment reaches a certain temperature (for example, N+a), the output of the compressor is reduced or stopped and the cold air blowing fan is turned on, thereby increasing the temperature of the storage compartment. This can be delayed.

1 to 4, while the refrigeration cycle is operating, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected refrigerator compartment temperature has reached the fan on reference temperature (N+a) (S9). .

If it is determined in step S9 that the detected refrigerator compartment temperature has reached the fan-on reference temperature, the control unit 20 turns on the refrigerator compartment fan 19 (S10). That is, while the refrigeration cycle is stopped, the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is turned on to allow cold air to flow toward the refrigerating compartment evaporator 17.

The case where the detected refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the fan-on reference temperature can be said to be a case where the on condition of the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is satisfied.

The reason for turning on the refrigerating compartment fan 19 in the present invention is to lower the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 using the heat of evaporation of the evaporator 17 for the refrigerating compartment, thereby prolonging the off period of the refrigerating cycle. .

In general, a lot of cooling power is required at the initial stage of operation of the refrigerator compartment compressor 12, so power consumption of the refrigerator compartment compressor 12 increases. As the off cycle of the refrigerator compartment compressor 12 becomes longer, the number of times the refrigerator compartment compressor 12 is turned on is reduced, thereby lowering power consumption.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the detected refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the fan-on reference temperature while the refrigerator compartment compressor 12 and the refrigerator compartment fan 19 are stopped, the refrigerator compartment fan 19 is turned on. , the off period of the refrigeration cycle may be extended, thereby reducing power consumption.

In the present invention, the fan-on reference temperature may be a temperature between the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 and the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment. Additionally, the fan-on reference temperature is lower than the stop reference temperature.

Hereinafter, the protection logic (steps S11 and S12) that operates to stop the temperature rise delay output will be described.

The protection logic can be applied to all cycles regardless of whether there is a section in which the cold air supply means for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment are operated simultaneously.

As described above, if a section operated as a temperature rise delay output is added, the advantage of allowing the temperature of the storage compartment to fluctuate gently between the first and second reference temperatures can be obtained, but on the other hand, the entire cooling cycle By increasing the section operated to supply cold air during operation, the possibility of implantation in the evaporator may increase.

In order to solve the defrost reliability problem caused by excessive frosting on the evaporator, a protection logic that stops the temperature rise delay output can be added.

For example, after the cold air supply means starts operating with a temperature rise delay output, a certain period of time elapses or the temperature of the storage compartment reaches a certain temperature (e.g., N+b) (second specific value), The output of the cold air supply means can be reduced or stopped.

1 to 4, after the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is turned on, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected refrigerating compartment temperature has reached the fan-off reference temperature (N+b). (S11).

If it is determined in step S11 that the detected refrigerator compartment temperature has reached the fan-off reference temperature, the control unit 20 turns off the refrigerator compartment fan 19 (S12).

In the present invention, the fan-off reference temperature is lower than the fan-on reference temperature, and is a temperature between the fan-on reference temperature and the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature.

In the present invention, the reason for turning off the refrigerating compartment fan 19 when the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the fan-off reference temperature while the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is operating is to prevent freezing of the refrigerating compartment evaporator 17. am.

As another example, when the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is stopped and a first reference time has elapsed, the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is turned on, and when the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is turned on and a second reference time has elapsed, the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is turned on. This can be turned off.

At this time, the first reference time is the time for the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 to reach a temperature close to the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 in the process of stopping the refrigerating cycle and increasing the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112. can be decided.

In addition, the second reference time is when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 can reach a predetermined temperature higher than the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment when the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is turned on and the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 decreases. It can be determined over a period of time.

The case where the refrigeration cycle is stopped and the first reference time elapses can be said to be the case where the on condition of the refrigerating compartment fan 19 is satisfied.

If the refrigerator is not turned off after the refrigerator compartment fan 19 is turned off (S13), the process returns to step S2.

That is, while the refrigerating cycle is operating, when the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, the refrigerating cycle is activated.

At this time, although not shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to add a step of determining whether the freezer compartment temperature reaches the first freezer reference temperature while the refrigeration cycle is operating. That is, a step identical to step S6 may be added between step S1 and step S2.

In this case, while the refrigeration cycle is operating, the refrigeration cycle may be stopped when the freezer compartment temperature reaches the first refrigerator compartment reference temperature even before the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the first refrigerator compartment reference temperature. In this state, both the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle are stopped.

According to the present invention, not only can the temperature of the refrigerator compartment be maintained within the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment, but the temperature of the freezer compartment can be maintained within the set temperature range of the freezer compartment.

Therefore, the storage period of food stored in the refrigerator can be increased. In other words, there is an advantage that the phenomenon of overcooling or wilting of food stored in the refrigerator can be eliminated.

Additionally, in the process of maintaining a constant temperature in each of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, the time during which the refrigeration cycle and the freezer cycle operate simultaneously can be reduced, which has the advantage of reducing power consumption.

In addition, since the off period of the refrigerating cycle can be extended, the number of times the compressor for the refrigerating room is turned on is reduced, which has the advantage of reducing power consumption.

11: Compressor for freezer 12: Compressor for refrigerator
16: Evaporator for freezer 17: Evaporator for refrigerator
18: Freezer fan 19: Refrigerator fan
20: control unit

Claims (18)

stopping the refrigeration cycle for cooling the refrigerator compartment and operating the refrigeration cycle for cooling the freezer compartment;
During operation of the refrigerating cycle, when the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, operating the refrigerating cycle;
While the refrigeration cycle is operating, determining whether a stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied;
stopping the refrigeration cycle when the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied; and
When the detected refrigerating compartment temperature reaches a second refrigerating compartment reference temperature lower than the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature, the refrigerating cycle is stopped and the refrigerating cycle is operated,
The step of determining whether the stopping condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied includes determining whether the freezer compartment temperature has reached a first freezer reference temperature lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment,
If the detected refrigerator compartment temperature is determined to have first reached the stop reference temperature between the first refrigerator compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerator compartment reference temperature before the freezer compartment temperature is recognized as having reached the first freezer reference temperature,
A refrigerator control method in which the refrigeration cycle is stopped even if the freezer compartment temperature does not reach the first freezer reference temperature. delete delete According to claim 1,
The target temperature of the refrigerating compartment is a temperature between the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerating compartment reference temperature,
The stop reference temperature is a temperature between the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment. According to claim 1,
In the step of determining whether the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied, it is determined whether a reference time has elapsed after the start of operation of the refrigeration cycle,
A refrigerator control method in which the refrigeration cycle is stopped when a reference time has elapsed after the refrigeration cycle operation starts. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator control method in which the refrigerator compartment fan is turned on when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the fan-on reference temperature in the step where the refrigeration cycle is stopped and the refrigeration cycle is operated. According to claim 6,
A control method for a refrigerator in which the refrigerator compartment fan is turned off when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the fan-off reference temperature after the refrigerator compartment fan is turned on. According to claim 7,
The fan-on reference temperature is a temperature higher than the fan-off reference temperature,
A method of controlling a refrigerator in which the fan-off reference temperature is higher than the reference temperature of the second refrigerator. According to claim 8,
A method of controlling a refrigerator in which the fan-on reference temperature is higher than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment and the reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment. According to claim 1,
In the step where the refrigeration cycle is stopped and the refrigeration cycle is operated,
A refrigerator control method in which the refrigerator compartment fan is turned on when the refrigeration cycle is stopped and a first reference time has elapsed. According to claim 10,
A control method for a refrigerator in which the refrigerator compartment fan is turned on and the refrigerator compartment fan is turned off when a second reference time has elapsed. a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor for the freezer and operates to cool the freezer;
A refrigerating cycle including a refrigerator compartment compressor and a refrigerator compartment fan, and operating to cool the refrigerator compartment;
a freezer temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the freezer;
A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerator compartment; and
A control unit that controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle based on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor,
The control unit operates the refrigerating cycle when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches a reference temperature of the first refrigerating compartment, which is higher than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment,
When the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches a reference temperature of the second refrigerating compartment, which is lower than the target temperature of the refrigerating compartment, the refrigerating cycle is stopped and the refrigerating cycle is operated,
When the temperature of the freezer compartment reaches a reference temperature of the first freezer compartment, which is lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment, the refrigeration cycle is stopped,
The control unit,
Before the temperature of the freezer compartment reaches the reference temperature of the first freezer,
When it is determined that the temperature of the refrigerating compartment has reached the stop reference temperature between the first refrigerating compartment reference temperature and the target temperature, or when the time elapsed since the refrigeration cycle started operating is more than the set time,
A refrigerator that stops the refrigeration cycle even if the freezer compartment temperature does not reach the first freezer reference temperature. delete According to claim 12,
A refrigerator in which the refrigerating compartment fan is turned on and then stopped when the refrigerating compartment fan on condition is satisfied after the refrigerating cycle is stopped. detecting the temperature of a first storage room where a target temperature is set;
increasing the output of the first fan for the first storage compartment when the sensed temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value greater than the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment, which is higher than the target temperature;
Reducing or stopping the output of the first fan when the sensed temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value below the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment, which is lower than the target temperature;
increasing the output of the first fan when a certain time has elapsed or when the detected temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a first specific value between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment; and
Reducing or stopping the output of the first fan when a certain period of time has elapsed or when the detected temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a second specific value,
The first specific value is the target temperature of the first storage compartment so that the off period of the cooling cycle of the first storage compartment can be increased by transferring the evaporation heat of the first evaporator for cooling the first storage compartment to the first storage compartment. It is determined as a value between and the second reference temperature,
A refrigerator control method wherein the second specific value is determined between the first specific value and the second reference temperature to prevent freezing of the first evaporator. According to claim 15,
detecting the temperature of the second storage compartment;
increasing the output of the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when the sensed temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value below the second reference temperature for the first storage compartment;
After the detected temperature of the first storage compartment reaches a value that is equal to or greater than the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment, a certain period of time has elapsed or the detected temperature of the first storage compartment has exceeded the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment and the second reference temperature. A method of controlling a refrigerator further comprising reducing or stopping the output of the cold air supply means for the second storage compartment when the temperature reaches a third preset specific value. According to claim 16,
The third specific value is a value between the target temperature of the first storage compartment and the first reference temperature for the first storage compartment. According to claim 16,
The condenser for the first storage compartment and the condenser for the second storage compartment form one heat exchanger, and are configured to allow the refrigerant to flow into two parts,
The refrigerant for cooling the first storage compartment flows through the first part of the condenser, and the refrigerant for cooling the second storage compartment flows into the second part of the condenser,
A method of controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that the condenser pins for the first part and the condenser fins for the second part are connected to each other.

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