KR102595952B1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and includes a cabinet having a storage space, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage space, and a door disposed horizontally inside the cabinet to open and close the storage space. A barrier dividing the storage compartment into a plurality of storage compartments, a temperature sensor individually provided in each storage compartment to detect the temperature of each storage compartment, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, and an evaporator individually provided in each storage compartment, , an evaporator fan that is individually provided in each storage compartment, and a switching valve provided between the condenser and the evaporator based on the flow direction of the refrigerant to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to flow to one of the plurality of evaporators. It includes a cooling module and a control unit that controls the on/off operation of each evaporator fan and the opening/closing operation of the switching valve based on the temperature information of each storage compartment detected by the internal temperature sensor.

Description

Refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to refrigerators.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store objects such as food at low temperature in a storage compartment provided in a cabinet. Since the storage compartment is surrounded by an insulating wall, the inside of the storage compartment can be maintained at a temperature lower than the outside temperature.

Depending on the temperature range of the storage compartment, the storage compartment may be divided into a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. Also, depending on the type or condition of the food, the food can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

In recent years, refrigerators (hereinafter referred to as “functional refrigerators”) that can store items such as cosmetics and wine in addition to food have been developed.

In the case of a wine refrigerator for storing wine, the interior space is divided into a plurality of storage rooms by a barrier.

Additionally, the temperatures of each of the plurality of storage compartments may be set differently.

For example, the temperature of the lower storage compartment may be set to be lower than the upper storage compartment.

Additionally, each of the plurality of storage compartments may be cooled sequentially.

For example, when cooling of the upper storage compartment progresses and the temperature condition of the upper storage compartment is satisfied, cooling of the lower storage compartment may proceed.

Additionally, the refrigeration function may be turned on in some storage rooms, and the refrigeration function may be turned off in some other storage rooms.

In the above case, it is necessary to more securely block the space between each storage compartment when the refrigerator door is closed.

In detail, it is necessary to prevent the phenomenon in which cold air from the upper storage compartment flows into the lower storage compartment when the refrigerator door is closed, causing the temperature inside the upper storage compartment to rise and the temperature inside the lower storage compartment to decrease.

In addition, when multiple storage chambers are provided and simultaneous cooling logic is applied, in which multiple storage chambers are cooled at the same time with one evaporator and one evaporator fan, a problem occurs in which the compressor does not turn off, causing the compressor to be turned off. Problems such as lower reliability and lower compressor performance may occur.

Korean published patent 10-2018-0105929 ‘Refrigerator’

The present invention was proposed to solve the above-described conventional problems. In a state in which a plurality of storage compartments are provided, the storage compartment located at the upper side is first intensively cooled, and sequential cooling operation is performed from the upper side to the lower side, thereby improving cooling performance. The purpose is to provide a refrigerator that can improve control and secure control reliability through simplification of the algorithm.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention proposed to achieve the above object includes a cabinet having a storage space, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage space, and an inside of the cabinet. A barrier disposed horizontally and dividing the storage space into a plurality of storage chambers including a first storage chamber, an internal temperature sensor individually provided in each storage chamber to detect the temperature of each storage chamber, and a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. and an evaporator individually provided in each storage compartment, an evaporator fan individually provided in each storage compartment, and an evaporator fan provided between the condenser and the evaporator based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, to transfer the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser into the plurality of units. A cooling module including a switching valve that allows flow to one of the evaporators, and an on/off operation of each evaporator fan and an opening/closing operation of the switching valve based on the temperature information of each storage compartment detected by the internal temperature sensor. Includes a control unit that controls.

If the control unit determines that the temperature of the first storage compartment is unsatisfactory, the control unit controls the switching valve so that the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve is supplied to the evaporator of the first storage compartment, and the evaporator fan of the first storage compartment operates. Control it to do so.

The control unit controls the switching valve and the evaporator fan so that the storage compartment located relatively above the plurality of storage compartments is preferentially cooled, and when the temperature condition of the storage compartment located above is satisfied, the storage compartment located below is cooled. Controls the switching valve and the evaporator fan.

The control unit operates the evaporator fan for a set time and then controls the evaporator fan to turn off.

The control unit operates the evaporator fan until the temperature condition of the first storage compartment is satisfied and then turns it off.

When the operation of the evaporator fan is terminated, the switching valve is also closed, thereby restricting the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator disposed in the same storage compartment as the evaporator fan.

The control unit determines whether the temperature conditions of all storage compartments are satisfied when the cooling operation of at least one of the plurality of storage compartments is completed, and if the temperature conditions of all storage compartments are satisfied, turns off all of the evaporator fans. (off), and with all switching valves closed, additional operation of the compressor is performed for a standard time and then terminated.

If the outside temperature is below the reference temperature, the control unit ends or omits the additional operation.

The control unit ends the additional operation when a preset additional time elapses after starting the additional operation.

The control unit turns off the compressor when the temperature conditions of the plurality of storage chambers are all satisfied while the compressor is turned on.

The control unit turns on the compressor when the temperature condition of at least one of the plurality of storage chambers becomes unsatisfactory while the compressor is turned off.

The switching valve has one inlet and a plurality of discharge ports, wherein the plurality of discharge ports are each connected to different storage chambers, and the control unit discharges the refrigerant flowing in through the inlet to one selected among the plurality of discharge ports. Control the switching valve to ensure that

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

First, in a state where a plurality of storage compartments are provided, the storage compartment located at the upper side is first intensively cooled, and cooling operation is carried out sequentially from the upper side to the lower side, thereby improving cooling performance and controlling reliability through simplification of the algorithm. can be secured.

In addition, a gasket is provided to seal between the inner surface of the barrier and the door, so that the flow of air and cold air between the upper and lower storage compartments of the barrier can be reliably blocked.

In addition, the flow of air and cold air is blocked between the upper and lower storage compartments, so once the internal temperatures of each of the upper and lower storage compartments are satisfied, there is an advantage that the internal temperature is maintained for a longer period of time.

Additionally, as the temperature inside the furnace is maintained for a long time, the operating time of the compressor is reduced, which has the advantage of lowering power consumption.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the door of a refrigerator according to the present invention in an open state.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to the present invention.
3 to 6 are flowcharts showing a refrigerator control method according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a timing diagram showing the states of the evaporator fan, compressor, and switching valve for each situation of the refrigerator according to the present invention.

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

In the following description, the refrigerator of the present invention is described as an example of a wine refrigerator that stores wine, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the door of a refrigerator according to the present invention in an open state. And, Figure 2 is a diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator according to the present invention.

The wine refrigerator according to the present invention includes a cabinet 10 having a storage space, and a door 20 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10 to open and close the storage space.

In addition, at least one barrier 14, 15 that has a flat plate shape and is spaced apart in the vertical direction is installed inside the cabinet 10. The barriers 14 and 15 divide the storage space into a plurality of storage rooms 11, 12 and 13. The storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are arranged in the vertical direction. The storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 may include a first storage compartment 11 and a second storage compartment 12. For example, the first storage compartment 11 may be located at the top. Additionally, the second storage compartment 12 may be located below the first storage compartment 11. In this case, a first barrier 14 may be provided between the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12.

As another example, a second storage compartment 12 may be provided below the first storage compartment 11, and a third storage compartment 13 may be provided below the second storage compartment 12. In this case, a first barrier 14 is provided between the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, and a second barrier 15 is provided between the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13. ) may be provided.

In addition, there may be four or more storage rooms. Additionally, three or more barriers may be provided.

As a modified example, the barrier may be formed in a vertical direction, and the storage space may be divided in a horizontal direction.

In addition, when the door 20 is closed, a gasket that seals between the barriers 14 and 15 and the inner surface of the door 20 may be further included. As an example, the gasket may be coupled to the ends of the barriers 14 and 15 facing the door 20.

Additionally, when the door 20 is closed, at least a portion of the tip of the gasket may contact the inner surface of the door 20.

In addition, the rear end of the gasket combined with the front ends of the barriers 14 and 15 is formed of hard resin, and the front end that contacts the inner surface of the door 20 when the door 20 is closed is flexible ( It can be formed from a soft resin with flexibility.

With the configuration of the gasket, the flow of cold air between the barriers 14 and 15 and the door 20 can be blocked when the door 20 is closed. Accordingly, the flow of cold air between the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 can be blocked when the door 20 is closed.

In this embodiment, the door 20 may be individually provided for each storage compartment 11, 12, and 13.

As another example, the door 20 is not provided in each storage compartment (11, 12, and 13), and one door 20 can open a plurality of storage compartments (11, 12, and 13). That is, when the door 20 is opened, the entire storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 may be opened, and when the door 20 is closed, the entire storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 may be blocked from the outside.

Meanwhile, the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 may function as refrigerators for storing wine, etc., while maintaining the temperature set by the user.

Additionally, the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 may be provided with a wine rack 17 to support wine bottles. For example, a plurality of wine racks 17 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction within the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13. Additionally, the wine rack 17 may be made of wood.

Meanwhile, the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are individually provided with interior temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 that detect the interior temperature.

Each of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 is cooled by a cooling module.

The cooling module includes a compressor 110 that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser 120 that condenses the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 into a liquid state, and evaporates the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 120. It may include a plurality of evaporators (151, 152, and 153) that generate cold air.

The evaporators 151, 152, and 153 may be formed on the back of each storage compartment 11, 12, and 13.

Defrost sensors 1811, 182, and 183 may be installed in each of the evaporators 151, 152, and 153.

In addition, the cooling module further includes a plurality of evaporator fans (161, 162, and 163) that supply cold air generated in each of the evaporators (151, 152, and 153) into the storage compartments (11, 12, and 13). The evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 are provided in each storage compartment 11, 12, and 13.

That is, the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are provided with evaporators 151, 152, and 153 and evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163, respectively.

In addition, the cooling module is provided between the condenser 120 and the evaporators (151, 152, and 153) based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, and directs the refrigerant passing through the condenser 120 to any of the plurality of evaporators (151, 152, and 153). It may further include a switching valve 140 that allows flow to one side.

As an example, a plurality of switching valves 140 may be provided. The switching valves 140 may be provided as many as the number of storage chambers 11, 12, and 13. The switching valve 140 can individually control the flow of refrigerant flowing toward each storage compartment (11, 12, and 13).

As another example, the switching valve 140 has one inlet and a plurality of discharge ports, and the plurality of discharge ports may be connected to evaporators 151, 152, and 153 provided in different storage chambers. In addition, the control unit, which will be described later, may control the switching valve 140 to discharge the refrigerant flowing in through the inlet to one selected among the plurality of discharge ports.

The inlet or each outlet of the switching valve 140 may be provided with an actuator that opens the flow path when an open signal is input from the control unit and blocks the flow path where a close signal is input from the control unit.

In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention turns on and off ( off) operation and a control unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the switching valve 140.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit may control the switching valve 140 so that the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is discharged only in direction A for the cooling operation of the first storage compartment 11 located on the upper side. . Additionally, the control unit may control the switching valve 140 so that the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is discharged only in direction B for the cooling operation of the second storage compartment 12 located in the middle. Additionally, the control unit may control the switching valve 140 so that the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is discharged only in the C direction for the cooling operation of the third storage compartment 13 located in the middle.

In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention may further include an external temperature sensor 190 that detects external temperature and provides external temperature information to the control unit.

Meanwhile, when a plurality of storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are formed in the refrigerator by the barriers 14 and 15 as described above, the internal temperature of each storage compartment 11, 12, and 13 may be set differently.

For example, the internal temperature of the lower storage compartments 12 and 13 may be set lower than the internal temperature of the upper storage compartment 11.

Additionally, the plurality of storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 may each be cooled sequentially.

For example, cooling of the upper storage compartment 11 may proceed first, and if the temperature condition of the upper storage compartment 11 is satisfied, cooling of the lower storage compartments 12 and 13 may proceed sequentially.

Additionally, the refrigeration function may be turned on in some of the plurality of storage rooms 11, 12, and 13, and the refrigeration function may be turned off in some of the remaining storage rooms.

For example, the refrigeration function of the upper storage compartment 11 may be turned off, and the refrigeration function of the lower storage compartments 12 and 13 may be turned on.

Meanwhile, the control unit controls the compressor 110, the switching valve 140, and the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 based on the temperature information sensed by the temperature sensors 171, 172, 173, and 190 and the time information sensed by the timer.

First, if the control unit determines that the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is unsatisfactory, the control unit switches the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 to be supplied to the evaporator 151 of the first storage compartment 11. The valve 140 is controlled and the evaporator fan 161 of the first storage chamber 11 is controlled to operate.

In addition, if the control unit determines that the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit switches the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 to be supplied to the evaporator 152 of the second storage compartment 12. The valve 140 is controlled and the evaporator fan 162 of the second storage chamber 12 is controlled to operate.

In addition, if the control unit determines that the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is unsatisfactory, the control unit switches the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 to be supplied to the evaporator 153 of the third storage compartment 13. The valve 140 is controlled and the evaporator fan 163 of the third storage chamber 13 is controlled to operate.

The control unit controls the switching valve 140 and the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 to preferentially cool the storage compartment 11 located at the relatively upper side among the plurality of storage compartments 11, 12, and 13, and the storage compartment 11 located at the upper side. When the temperature condition of the storage compartment 11 is satisfied, the switching valve 140 and the evaporator fans 162 and 163 are controlled to cool the storage compartments 12 and 13 located on the lower side.

For example, when the internal temperature of the first storage compartment 11 located at the top, the second storage compartment 12 located in the middle, and the third storage compartment 13 located at the bottom are unsatisfactory, the controller (11) is cooled first, and the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13) are cooled sequentially.

As another example, when the internal temperature of the first storage compartment 11 located on the upper side and the third storage compartment 13 located on the lower side are unsatisfactory, the control unit preferentially cools the first storage compartment 11 and Cool the storage compartment (13).

As another example, when the internal temperature of the second storage compartment 12 located in the middle and the third storage compartment 13 located below is unsatisfactory, the control unit preferentially cools the second storage compartment 12 and 3 Cool the storage compartment (13).

Generally, cold air moves from the top to the bottom. Therefore, it is more advantageous to lower and maintain the temperature inside the storage compartment by preferentially cooling the upper storage compartment 11.

In the case of the present invention, the first storage compartment 11 is intensively cooled (independent cooling), and when the cooling of the first storage compartment 11 is completed, the second storage compartment 12 is intensively cooled (independent cooling). Accordingly, cooling performance can be improved, and control reliability can be secured through simplification of the algorithm.

On the other hand, unlike the present invention, when simultaneous cooling logic is applied, a problem may occur in which the compressor does not turn off, which may lower the reliability of the compressor and lower compressor performance.

Additionally, the control unit may control the evaporator fan to turn off after operating the evaporator fan for a set time.

For example, when cooling the first storage compartment 11, the control unit operates the evaporator fan 161 for a pre-entered set time (about 20 minutes), and when the set time (about 20 minutes) has elapsed, The evaporator fan 161 can be turned off.

Additionally, the control unit may operate the evaporator fan until the temperature condition of the storage compartment is satisfied and then turn it off.

For example, when cooling the first storage compartment 11, the control unit operates the evaporator fan 161 until the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is lowered by the pre-entered set temperature, and the first storage compartment 11 ) When the temperature reaches the set temperature, the evaporator fan 161 can be turned off.

Additionally, when the operation of the evaporator fan is terminated as described above, the switching valve may also be closed, thereby restricting the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator disposed in the same storage compartment as the evaporator fan.

For example, when the operation of the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 is terminated, the control unit operates the switching valve 140 to prevent refrigerant from being supplied to the evaporator 151 of the first storage compartment 11. Control to block the flow of refrigerant in direction A (see Figure 2).

As another example, when the operation of the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 is terminated, the control unit operates the switching valve 140 to prevent refrigerant from being supplied to the evaporator 152 of the second storage compartment 12. Control to block the flow of refrigerant in direction B (see FIG. 2).

As another example, when the operation of the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 is terminated, the control unit operates the switching valve 140 to prevent refrigerant from being supplied to the evaporator 153 of the third storage compartment 13. is controlled to block the flow of refrigerant in direction C (see FIG. 2).

In addition, the control unit determines that when the cooling operation (11, 12, 13) of at least one of the plurality of storage compartments (11, 12, 13) is completed, the temperature conditions of all storage compartments (11, 12, 13) are satisfied. state, and if the temperature conditions of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfied, all the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 are turned off and all switching valves 140 are closed. In , additional operation of the compressor 110 is performed for a reference time and then terminated.

With all switching valves 140 closed, the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is blocked from flowing in directions A, B, and C. Accordingly, the supply of refrigerant to all evaporators 151, 152, and 183 is blocked.

Additionally, the control unit may terminate or omit the additional operation when the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 190 is less than the reference temperature.

As an example, the control unit may terminate or omit the additional operation when the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 190 is less than 12.5°C.

Additionally, the controller may end the additional operation when a preset additional time elapses after starting the additional operation.

For example, the controller may end the additional operation when 60 seconds have elapsed after the additional operation starts.

Additionally, the control unit may turn off the compressor 110 when the temperature conditions of the plurality of storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are all satisfied while the compressor 110 is turned on.

In addition, the control unit turns on the compressor ( You can also turn it on.

In addition, when the cooling operation of the first storage compartment 11 is terminated, the control unit does not immediately turn off the evaporator fan 161 while blocking the inflow of refrigerant into the evaporator 151 disposed in the first storage compartment 11. , natural defrosting can be performed by additionally operating the evaporator fan 161 until the evaporator temperature detected by the defrost sensor 181 reaches the target temperature (about 4°C).

In addition, when the cooling operation of the second storage compartment 12 is terminated, the control unit does not immediately turn off the evaporator fan 162 while blocking the refrigerant from flowing into the evaporator 152 disposed in the second storage compartment 12. , natural defrosting may be performed by additionally operating the evaporator fan 162 until the evaporator temperature detected by the defrost sensor 182 reaches the target temperature (about 4°C).

In addition, when the cooling operation of the third storage chamber 13 is terminated, the control unit does not immediately turn off the evaporator fan 163 while blocking the inflow of refrigerant into the evaporator 153 disposed in the third storage chamber 13. , natural defrosting may be performed by additionally operating the evaporator fan 163 until the evaporator temperature detected by the defrost sensor 183 reaches the target temperature (about 4°C).

3 to 6 are flowcharts showing a refrigerator control method according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

First, referring to FIG. 3, the internal temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the control unit determines whether the internal temperature is satisfactory (S101).

At this time, the compressor 110 and the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 are in an off state.

Thereafter, when the temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 enters an unsatisfactory state, the control unit turns on the compressor 110 (S102).

And, cooling is performed with priority in the storage compartment located at the top.

First, it is determined whether the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory (S103).

If the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 (S104).

Then, intensive cooling of the first storage compartment 11 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 (S105).

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

If the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory (S109).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 (S107).

Then, intensive cooling of the second storage compartment 12 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 (S108).

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory (S109).

If the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the third storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 (S110).

Then, intensive cooling of the third storage compartment 13 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 (S111).

Then, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

If the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory, the control unit terminates the operation of the compressor 110 (S113).

Then, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the process returns to step S101, where the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory.

On the other hand, in step S112, if it is determined that the internal temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 is unsatisfactory, the process returns to step S103 to determine whether the temperature of the first storage chamber 11 is satisfactory. .

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory (S101).

At this time, the compressor 110 and the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 are in an off state, and all outlets of the switching valve 140 in directions A, B, and C (see FIG. 2) are closed. .

Thereafter, when the temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 enters an unsatisfactory state, the control unit turns on the compressor 110 (S102).

And, cooling is performed with priority in the storage compartment located at the top.

First, it is determined whether the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory (S103).

If the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 and directs the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 in direction A. The switching valve 140 is controlled to supply (see FIG. 2). (S1041)

Then, intensive cooling of the first storage compartment 11 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11, and the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is stopped. Control the switching valve 140 so that it is not supplied in direction A (see FIG. 2). (S1051)

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

If the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory (S109).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 and directs the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 in direction B. The switching valve 140 is controlled to supply (see FIG. 2). (S1071)

Then, intensive cooling of the second storage compartment 12 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12, and the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is stopped. Control the switching valve 140 so that it is not supplied in the B direction (see FIG. 2). (S1081)

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory (S109).

If the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the third storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 and directs the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 in the C direction. The switching valve 140 is controlled to supply (see FIG. 2). (S1101)

Then, intensive cooling of the third storage compartment 13 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13, and the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve 140 is stopped. Control the switching valve 140 so that it is not supplied in the C direction (see FIG. 2). (S1111)

Then, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

If the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory, the control unit terminates the operation of the compressor 110 (S113).

Then, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the process returns to step S101, where the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory.

On the other hand, in step S112, if it is determined that the internal temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 is unsatisfactory, the process returns to step S103 to determine whether the temperature of the first storage chamber 11 is satisfactory. .

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory (S101).

At this time, the compressor 110 and the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 are in an off state.

Thereafter, when the temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 enters an unsatisfactory state, the control unit turns on the compressor 110 (S102).

And, cooling is performed with priority in the storage compartment located at the top.

First, it is determined whether the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory (S103).

If the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 (S104).

Then, intensive cooling of the first storage compartment 11 proceeds.

Afterwards, it is determined whether the intensive cooling time (operating time of the evaporator fan) of the first storage chamber 11 has passed the first set time (S1042).

Then, when the intensive cooling time of the first storage compartment 11 elapses the first set time, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 (S105).

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

If the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory (S109).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 (S107).

Then, intensive cooling of the second storage compartment 12 proceeds.

Afterwards, it is determined whether the intensive cooling time (operating time of the evaporator fan) of the second storage chamber 12 has passed the second set time (S1072).

Then, when the intensive cooling time of the second storage compartment 12 elapses the second set time, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 (S108).

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory (S109).

If the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the third storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 (S110).

Then, intensive cooling of the third storage compartment 13 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the third storage compartment 13 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 (S111).

Thereafter, it is determined whether the intensive cooling time (operating time of the evaporator fan) of the third storage chamber 13 has passed the third set time (S1102).

And, when the intensive cooling time of the third storage compartment 13 elapses the third set time, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 163 installed in the third storage compartment 13 (S111).

Then, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

If the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory, the control unit terminates the operation of the compressor 110 (S113).

Then, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the process returns to step S101, where the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory.

On the other hand, in step S112, if it is determined that the internal temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 is unsatisfactory, the process returns to step S103 to determine whether the temperature of the first storage chamber 11 is satisfactory. .

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory (S101).

At this time, the compressor 110 and the evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 are in an off state.

Thereafter, when the temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 enters an unsatisfactory state, the control unit turns on the compressor 110 (S102).

And, cooling is performed with priority in the storage compartment located at the top.

First, it is determined whether the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory (S103).

If the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 (S104).

Then, intensive cooling of the first storage compartment 11 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the first storage compartment 11 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 161 installed in the first storage compartment 11 (S105).

Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory (S106).

If the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is satisfactory, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

On the other hand, if the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 is unsatisfactory, the control unit turns on the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 (S107).

Then, intensive cooling of the second storage compartment 12 proceeds.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the second storage compartment 12 enters a satisfactory state, the control unit turns off the evaporator fan 162 installed in the second storage compartment 12 (S108).

Then, it is determined whether the temperatures of all storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 are satisfactory (S112).

Thereafter, when the temperatures of all storage rooms (11, 12, and 13) are in a satisfactory state, the control unit maintains the operation of the compressor (110) for a preset additional time or determines whether the outside temperature is lower than the reference temperature (about 12.5°C). Determine whether or not (S1121)

And, with all evaporator fans 161, 162, and 163 turned off, when it is determined that the compressor 110 has completed additional operation for an additional time or the outside air temperature is lower than the reference temperature (about 12.5°C), the control unit ends the operation of the compressor 110 (S113).

Then, the inside temperature sensors 171, 172, and 173 detect the temperature of the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 in real time, and the process returns to step S101, where the control unit determines whether the inside temperature is satisfactory.

On the other hand, in step S112, if it is determined that the internal temperature of at least one of the storage chambers 11, 12, and 13 is unsatisfactory, the process returns to step S103 to determine whether the temperature of the first storage chamber 11 is satisfactory. .

Figure 7 is a timing diagram showing the states of the evaporator fan, compressor, and switching valve for each situation of the refrigerator according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the internal temperatures of the first storage rooms (room1, 11), the second storage rooms (room2, 12), and the third storage rooms (room3, 13) are all satisfied, all outlets of the switching valve 140 are All close, all evaporator fans (fan1,161), (fan2,162), (fan3,163) are kept off, and the compressor (comp, 110) is also turned off ( remain in the off state.

Thereafter, when the temperature of the first storage room (room1, 11) changes to an unsatisfactory state, the compressor (comp, 110) is turned on. Then, the evaporator fan (fan1, 161) of the first storage compartment is turned on, and the outlet in the A direction (see FIG. 2) of the switching valve 140 connected to the evaporator 151 of the first storage compartment is opened.

Accordingly, the compressed refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 151 of the first storage compartment, and the cold air generated in the evaporator 151 is supplied to the first storage compartment 11 through the evaporator fan (fan1, 161), Intensive cooling of the storage rooms (room 1, 11) is carried out.

Thereafter, when the cooling operation of the first storage room (room1, 11) is terminated, the evaporator fan (fan1, 161) of the first storage room is turned off, and the switching valve 140 connected to the evaporator 151 of the first storage room The exit in direction A (see Figure 2) is closed.

In addition, when the cooling operation of the first storage room (room1, 11) is completed and the temperature of the second storage room (room2, 12) is unsatisfactory, the evaporator fan (fan2, 162) of the second storage room is turned on. ), and the outlet in the B direction (see FIG. 2) of the switching valve 140 connected to the evaporator 152 of the second storage compartment is opened.

Accordingly, the compressed refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 152 of the second storage compartment, and the cold air generated in the evaporator 152 is supplied to the second storage compartment 12 through the evaporator fan (fan2, 162), Intensive cooling of the storage compartment 12 is carried out.

Thereafter, when the cooling operation of the second storage room (room2, 12) is terminated, the evaporator fan (fan2, 162) of the second storage room is turned off, and the switching valve 140 connected to the evaporator 152 of the second storage room The exit in direction B (see Figure 2) is closed.

In addition, when the cooling operation of the second storage room (room2, 12) is completed and the temperature of the third storage room (room3, 13) is unsatisfactory, the evaporator fan (fan3, 163) of the third storage room is turned on. ), and the outlet in the C direction (see FIG. 2) of the switching valve 140 connected to the evaporator 153 of the third storage compartment is opened.

Accordingly, the compressed refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 153 of the third storage compartment, and the cold air generated in the evaporator 153 is supplied to the third storage compartment 13 through the evaporator fans (fan3, 163), Intensive cooling of the storage compartment 13 is carried out.

Thereafter, when the cooling operation of the third storage room (room3, 13) is terminated, the evaporator fan (fan3, 163) of the third storage room is turned off, and the switching valve 140 connected to the evaporator 153 of the third storage room The exit in direction C (see Figure 2) is closed.

Afterwards, all evaporator fans (fan1,161), (fan2,162), and (fan3,163) are turned off, and all outlets of the switching valve 140 are closed, and the compressor 110 Additional operation that maintains operation for an additional period of time may optionally proceed.

And, in standby mode, all outlets of the switching valve 140 remain closed, and all evaporator fans (fan1, 161), (fan2, 162), and (fan3, 163) are turned off. The compressor (comp, 110) is maintained in an off state.

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims (15)

A cabinet with storage space;
a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage space;
a barrier disposed horizontally inside the cabinet and dividing the storage space into a plurality of storage rooms, including a first storage room;
An internal temperature sensor individually provided in each storage compartment to detect the temperature of each storage compartment;
A compressor for compressing the refrigerant, an evaporator individually provided in each storage compartment, an evaporator fan individually provided in each storage compartment, and based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, provided between the condenser and the evaporator to pass through the condenser. a cooling module including a switching valve that allows one refrigerant to flow to one of the plurality of evaporators;
A control unit that controls the on/off operation of each evaporator fan and the opening/closing operation of the switching valve based on the temperature information of each storage compartment detected by the internal temperature sensor,
The control unit controls the switching valve and the evaporator fan to preferentially cool a storage compartment located relatively above among the plurality of storage compartments, thereby intensively cooling the upper storage compartment,
A refrigerator that intensively cools the lower storage compartment by controlling the switching valve and the evaporator fan to cool the lower storage compartment when the temperature condition of the upper storage compartment is satisfied.
According to clause 1,
If the control unit determines that the temperature of the first storage compartment is unsatisfactory,
Controlling the switching valve so that the refrigerant flowing into the switching valve is supplied to the evaporator of the first storage chamber,
A refrigerator that controls the evaporator fan of the first storage compartment to operate.
delete According to clause 2,
The control unit operates the evaporator fan for a set time and then controls the evaporator fan to turn off.
According to clause 2,
The controller operates the evaporator fan until the temperature condition of the first storage compartment is satisfied and then turns it off.
According to claim 4 or 5,
A refrigerator in which when the operation of the evaporator fan ends, the switching valve is closed, thereby restricting the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator disposed in the same storage compartment as the evaporator fan.
According to clause 2,
The control unit determines whether the temperature conditions of all storage rooms are satisfied when the cooling operation of at least one of the plurality of storage rooms is completed,
When the temperature conditions of all storage rooms are satisfied, all evaporator fans are turned off, all switching valves are closed, additional operation of the compressor is performed for a standard time, and then the refrigerator is terminated.
According to clause 7,
The controller terminates or omits the additional operation when the outside temperature is below the reference temperature.
According to clause 7,
The controller terminates the additional operation when a preset additional time has elapsed after starting the additional operation.
According to clause 1,
The control unit turns off the compressor when the temperature conditions of the plurality of storage chambers are all satisfied while the compressor is turned on.
According to clause 1,
The controller is configured to turn on the compressor when the temperature condition of at least one of the plurality of storage chambers becomes unsatisfactory while the compressor is turned off.
According to clause 1,
The switching valve has one inlet and a plurality of discharge ports, and the plurality of discharge ports are each connected to different storage chambers,
The controller controls the switching valve to discharge the refrigerant flowing in through the inlet to one selected among the plurality of discharge ports.
According to clause 1,
The first storage compartment is located on the uppermost side,
The storage compartment includes a third storage compartment located lower than the first storage compartment, and a second storage compartment located between the first storage compartment and the third storage compartment.
According to clause 1,
A refrigerator in which the door simultaneously opens and closes the plurality of storage compartments.
According to clause 1,
A refrigerator further including an external temperature sensor that detects the external temperature of the refrigerator.

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