KR102630533B1 - Refrigerator and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerating compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the first and second refrigerating compartments, a freezer compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the freezing compartment, a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator or the freezer evaporator, and an opening and closing operation. A damper that allows or blocks the inflow of cold air into the first refrigerating compartment, a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment, and the opening and closing of the damper are controlled, and cold air is supplied from any one of the refrigerating compartment evaporator and the freezer evaporator. and a control unit that controls the valve to generate a control unit, wherein when the first refrigerating compartment reaches a reference temperature while cold air is flowing into only one of the second refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment, the first refrigerating compartment Disclosed is a refrigerator configured to open the damper to allow cold air to flow in.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method {REFRIGERATOR AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

This relates to a refrigerator having a freezer evaporator and a freezer evaporator, and a method of controlling the same.

A refrigerator is a device that keeps food stored inside at a low temperature using cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle in which the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation are performed continuously.

The refrigeration cycle consists of a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed from the compressor through heat dissipation, and a cooling effect that absorbs the surrounding latent heat as the refrigerant provided from the condenser evaporates, thereby purifying the surrounding air. Includes a cooling evaporator. A capillary tube (or expansion valve) is provided between the condenser and the evaporator to increase the flow rate and lower the pressure of the refrigerant so that evaporation of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator can easily occur.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the refrigerator 10, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the door 12 of the refrigerator 10 of FIG. 1 in an open state.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator main body 11 has at least one storage space therein for storing food. When a plurality of storage spaces are provided, each storage space may be separated from each other by a partition and may be maintained at different set temperatures.

This drawing shows that first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and a freezing chamber 11c are formed in the refrigerator main body 11. As shown, the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and the freezing chamber 11c may be arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

A door 12 is connected to the refrigerator body 11 to open and close the front opening of the refrigerator body 11. The door 12 may be configured in various ways, such as a rotary door rotatably connected to the refrigerator main body 11, a drawer-type door slidably connected to the refrigerator main body 11, etc.

In this drawing, the first and second refrigerating compartment doors 12a and 12b and the freezer compartment door 12c are shown to be configured to open and close the front portions of the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b and the freezer compartment 11c, respectively. As shown, the first and second refrigerating compartment doors 12a and 12b and the freezer compartment door 12c may be configured as rotary doors, and the second refrigerating compartment door 12b may be configured as a drawer-type door.

The first refrigerator compartment door 12a may include a main door 12a' and a sub door 12a". The main door 12a' rotates on the refrigerator body 11 to open and close the first refrigerator compartment 11a. The sub door 12a" may be rotatably connected to the main door 12a' to open and close the opening of the main door 12a'. At least one of the main door 12a' or the sub door 12a" may be provided with a storage portion 13 for storing food, and the user may enter the storage portion 13 just by opening the sub door 12a". can be accessed. Accordingly, user convenience and energy efficiency can be increased.

The refrigerator main body 11 is equipped with at least one storage unit (eg, shelf 13a, tray 13b, basket 13c, etc.) for efficient use of internal storage space. For example, the shelf 13a and the tray 13b may be installed inside the refrigerator body 11, and the basket 13c may be installed inside the door 12 connected to the refrigerator body 11.

Meanwhile, the classic refrigeration cycle includes one compressor, condenser, capillary tube, and evaporator, but recently, various types of refrigeration cycles have been proposed that include a plurality of at least one of the compressor, condenser, capillary tube, and evaporator.

Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle.

For example, the refrigeration cycle 20 may include two condensers, two capillaries, and two evaporators. Referring to FIG. 3, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 21 flows into either the refrigerating chamber capillary tube 23a or the freezing chamber capillary tube 23b through the three-way valve 22. Using the three-way valve 22, it is possible to selectively allow refrigerant to flow into one of the refrigerating chamber capillary tube 23a and the freezer chamber capillary tube 23b, or to prevent refrigerant from flowing into both capillaries.

The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerator compartment capillary tube (23a) is evaporated in the refrigerator compartment evaporator (14a) to form cold air. The refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a blows cold air formed in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a. By controlling the three-way valve 22, the inflow of refrigerant into the refrigerating chamber capillary 23a can be blocked and the refrigerant can be allowed to flow into the freezing chamber capillary 23b. The refrigerant flowing into the freezer capillary tube 23b is evaporated in the freezer evaporator 14b to form cold air. The freezer blowing fan 15b blows cold air formed in the freezer evaporator 14b.

The refrigerant evaporated from each of the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a and the freezer compartment evaporator 14b is compressed in the refrigerator compartment compressor 24a or the freezer compartment compressor 24b and flows back into the condenser 21.

According to the refrigeration cycle described in FIG. 3, cold air to be supplied to the refrigerator compartment and cold air to be supplied to the freezer compartment can be generated separately. Meanwhile, the refrigerator 10 described in FIG. 1 includes components for supplying cold air generated by the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a and the freezer compartment evaporator 14b to the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. In particular, the refrigerator 10 described in FIG. 1 includes components for selectively supplying cold air generated in the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a to the first and second refrigerator compartments 11a and 11b.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing configurations for introducing cold air into the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and the freezing chamber 11c of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, a refrigerating chamber evaporator 14a is provided on the rear side of the refrigerator main body 11 to generate cold air for cooling the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b. For example, the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a may be placed behind the first refrigerating compartment 11a. A freezer evaporator (not shown) that generates cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 11c may also be installed at the back of the freezer compartment 11c. In this drawing, for convenience of explanation, components for introducing cold air into the freezer compartment 11c are omitted.

In order to cool the first and second storage compartments 11a and 11b using the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a, the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerator compartment blower fan 15a for blowing cold air generated in the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a; A multi-duct 16 for supplying blown cold air to the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b, respectively, and a damper [17 (17a, 17b)] is provided.

Meanwhile, the freezer compartment evaporator (not shown) may be provided on the rear side of the refrigerator main body 11 and may be placed behind the freezer compartment 11c. In order to cool the freezer compartment 11c using the freezer evaporator, the refrigerator 10 includes a freezer blower fan (not shown) to blow cold air generated in the freezer evaporator, and a freezer compartment to supply the blown cold air to the freezer compartment 11c. A duct (not shown) and a freezer compartment damper (not shown) that controls the supply of cold air to the freezer compartment 11c may be provided.

The refrigerator 10 described in FIGS. 1 to 4 independently controls the temperature of each of the three storage compartments by alternately cooling the three storage compartments to the lower limit temperature. However, according to the above-described control method, cold air may not flow into each storage room for a certain period of time, and in this case, the temperature rise in the storage room becomes a problem.

Additionally, the larger the difference in temperature reduction rates between storage compartments, the longer the time period during which cold air does not flow into the storage compartment, resulting in the problem that the temperature of the storage compartment exceeds the upper limit temperature.

Additionally, when the error range of the storage room temperature is reduced, the upper limit temperature of the storage room is lowered, so there is a problem that the temperature of the storage room exceeds the upper limit temperature while cold air is not flowing into the storage room.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that prevents the temperature of some storage compartments into which cold air does not flow from rising excessively while alternately cooling a plurality of storage compartments.

The specific purposes related to this are as follows.

First, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator control method that can prevent cold air from flowing into only one of two independent refrigerator compartments while the temperature of the other refrigerator compartment increases excessively.

Second, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator control method that can prevent the temperature of the refrigerator compartment from excessively rising while cold air is flowing only into the freezer compartment.

In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, the present invention includes a refrigerating compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the first and second refrigerating compartments; First and second dampers that allow or block the inflow of cold air into each of the first and second refrigerating chambers through opening and closing operations; a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment; and a control unit that controls the opening and closing operations of the first and second dampers, wherein the control unit is configured to open a state in which only the second damper is opened while refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator, thereby allowing cold air to flow into the second refrigerating compartment. In, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reaches the first reference temperature, the first damper is additionally opened to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating compartment.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate the refrigerating compartment from the time when the first refrigerating compartment is cooled to the first target temperature while the refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator to the time when the first refrigerating compartment reaches the first reference temperature. The second damper may be opened so that cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator flows only into the second refrigerating compartment.

In one embodiment, the control unit further opens the first damper to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating compartment, and then operates the first and second refrigerating compartments until the second refrigerating compartment is cooled to the second target temperature. 2The damper can be kept open.

In one embodiment, the control unit further opens the first damper to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating compartment, and then operates the first and second refrigerating compartments until the second refrigerating compartment is cooled to the second target temperature. 2The damper can be kept open.

In addition, in order to achieve the second object of the present invention, the present invention includes a freezer; and

a freezer evaporator that generates cold air introduced into the freezer; It further includes a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerator compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator, and the control unit is configured to supply refrigerant to the freezer compartment evaporator so that cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, and the first refrigerator compartment is set to the second standard. When the temperature is reached, the first damper may be opened so that cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator flows into the first refrigerating compartment.

In one embodiment, the control unit repeats the opening and closing of the first damper at preset time intervals from the time the first refrigerating compartment reaches the second reference temperature while cold air is flowing into the freezing compartment. You can.

In one embodiment, the controller may repeat opening and closing the first damper until the freezing chamber is cooled to the third target temperature.

In one embodiment, when the first refrigerating compartment reaches the second reference temperature while the refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator and cold air is introduced only into the freezer compartment, the control unit controls the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator. The second damper can be opened together with the first damper so that some of it flows into the second refrigerating compartment.

Meanwhile, the second purpose is a refrigerator compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the refrigerator compartment; A freezer evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the freezer; A damper that allows or blocks the inflow of cold air into the refrigerating chamber evaporator through an opening and closing operation; a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the refrigerating compartment; and a control unit that controls the operation of the damper and the valve, wherein when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the reference temperature in a state in which refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator and cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, the control unit is configured to: This can also be achieved by a refrigerator characterized in that the damper is opened so that cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator flows into the refrigerating compartment.

In addition, the first and second purposes include a refrigerating chamber evaporator that generates cold air introduced into the first and second refrigerating chambers; A freezer evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the freezer; a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator; A damper that allows or blocks the inflow of cold air into the first refrigerating chamber through an opening and closing operation; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment; and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the damper and controls the valve to generate cold air in one of the refrigerating compartment evaporator and the freezer compartment evaporator, wherein the control unit controls the valve to generate cold air only in one of the second refrigerating compartment and the freezer compartment. When the first refrigerating compartment reaches the reference temperature while the coolant is flowing in, the damper is opened to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating compartment. This can be achieved simultaneously by the refrigerator.

The effects obtained through the above-mentioned solution are as follows.

First, in the present invention, when cold air is only introduced into the second refrigerator compartment and the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment reaches the first reference temperature, cold air is additionally introduced into the first refrigerator compartment. Through this, even if there is a large difference in the temperature reduction rate between the first and second refrigerating compartments, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment from excessively rising while the second refrigerating compartment is intensively cooled.

Second, in the present invention, the starting point of the circulation operation is determined according to the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber. Through this, the present invention can prevent the first and second refrigerating chambers from being overcooled or their temperature rising excessively through circulation operation. Here, the circular operation means that while cold air is flowing only into the freezer compartment, the cold air remaining in the refrigerator compartment evaporator is introduced into the first and second refrigerator compartments at regular intervals. The specific definition of circular operation is described later.

Overall, the present invention can reduce the amount of temperature change in the first refrigerating compartment by introducing cold air into the first refrigerating compartment according to the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment even while cooling other storage compartments in addition to the first refrigerating compartment. Therefore, according to the present invention, the error range of the storage room temperature can be reduced.

In addition, the present invention can fluidly introduce cold air depending on the temperature of the storage compartment when shift operation is performed at a certain cycle, thereby preventing the temperature of some storage compartments from excessively rising during shift operation. Therefore, the present invention enables the refrigerator to perform shift operation stably. Here, shift operation refers to an operation that alternately cools each of the plurality of storage rooms to a preset temperature. The specific definition of shift driving is described later.

1 is a front view showing an example of a refrigerator.
Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the door in the refrigerator of Figure 1 in an open state.
Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing configurations for introducing cold air into the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and the freezing chamber 11c of FIG. 2.
Figure 5 is a block diagram showing components for temperature control of a refrigerator storage compartment.
Figure 6 is a refrigerator control flow chart according to time.
Figure 7 is a graph showing the control flow of Figure 6 and the temperature change in the refrigerator compartment.
Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the operating states of components according to the control of Figure 6 and the temperature change in the refrigerator compartment.
Figure 9 is a control flowchart for solving the problem in the section t2 to t3 described in Figure 7.
FIG. 10 is a control flowchart from the time of additional opening of the first damper described in FIG. 9 to the time of blocking the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerating chamber evaporator.
Figure 11 is a control flowchart showing the independent opening timing of the second damper described in Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a control flowchart for solving the problem in the section t3 to t4 described in Figure 7.
FIG. 13 is a control flowchart illustrating the end point of the circular operation described in FIG. 12.
Figure 14 is a control flowchart for controlling the start point of circulation operation in a refrigerator having a single refrigerating chamber and a single freezer chamber.
15 is a control flowchart of a refrigerator according to the present invention over time.
Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the operating state of the refrigerator and the temperature change in the refrigerator compartment according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

The attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes, equivalents, and changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. It should be understood to include water or substitutes.

The refrigerator 10 described in FIGS. 1 to 4 independently controls the temperature of each of the three storage compartments. Before explaining the refrigerator according to the present invention, a temperature control method of a conventional refrigerator will be described in detail.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing components for temperature control of a refrigerator storage compartment.

The refrigerator 10 is equipped with a control unit 180, and the control unit 180 controls the three-way valve 22, the blower fan 15, and the damper 17 to control the temperature of each storage compartment.

The control unit 180 controls the three-way valve 22 to selectively supply refrigerant to either the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a or the freezer compartment evaporator 14b, or blocks the refrigerant supply to both evaporators. That is, the control unit 180 controls the three-way valve 22 to control a first state in which the three-way valve 22 does not supply cold air to the two evaporators, a second state in which refrigerant is supplied only to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, It is set to one of the third states in which refrigerant is supplied only to the freezer evaporator 14b. Hereinafter, the state of the three-way valve 22 is expressed as the first to third states described above.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 controls the blower fan 15 and the damper 17 to control the inflow of cold air into each of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b. Specifically, the control unit 180 drives the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a in the second state, opens the first and second dampers 17a and 17b, and opens the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b, respectively. Allow cold air to flow into. Meanwhile, while the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a is being driven in the second state, the control unit 180 opens one of the first and second dampers 17a and 17b to allow cold air to flow into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a. and 11b) can be selectively introduced. As described above, the control unit 180 controls the inflow of cold air into the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b, respectively, by linking the refrigerating chamber blower fan 15a and the first and second dampers 17a and 17b. .

However, the control unit 180 is not limited to this, and operates the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a even in the first and third states, that is, in a state in which refrigerant is not supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, and operates the first and third states. 2Dampers (17a and 17b) can be opened. Through this, the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a is allowed to flow into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b. That is, the control unit 180 drives the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a and opens the first and second dampers 17a and 17b, regardless of whether refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a. This will be described later.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 controls the blowing fan 15 to control the inflow of cold air into the freezing chamber 11c. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the inflow of cold air into the freezer compartment 11c is described as being controlled only by the freezer blower fan 15b, but the refrigerator 10 allows or blocks the inflow of cold air into the freezer compartment 11c. It may include a third damper. The third damper is linked to the freezer blowing fan 15b. That is, whether the third damper is opened or closed is determined depending on whether the freezer blower fan 15b is driven.

For example, when the freezer blower fan 15b is operating, the third damper is in an open state, and when the freezer blower fan 15b is not operating, the third damper is closed. Therefore, it is possible to predict whether the third damper is open or closed by only explaining whether the freezer blower fan 15b is driven. Hereinafter, whether cold air flows into the freezer compartment 11c will be explained only by whether or not the freezer blower fan 15b is driven.

In the third state, the control unit 180 drives the freezer blower fan 15b to allow cold air generated in the freezer evaporator 14b to flow into the freezer compartment 11c. Meanwhile, even in the first and second states, that is, in a state in which refrigerant is not supplied to the freezer evaporator 14b, the control unit 180 blows the freezer compartment so that the cold air remaining in the freezer evaporator 14b flows into the freezer compartment 11c. The fan 15b can be driven.

The control unit 180 controls the inflow of cold air into each of the three storage chambers in the manner described above, so that the three storage chambers can be cooled to the preset lower limit temperature in order.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 receives a temperature value from the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 18 disposed in the refrigerator compartment, and controls the temperature of the storage compartment based on the temperature value. Here, when the refrigerating compartment is composed of the first and second refrigerating compartments (11a and 11b), the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 18 is the first temperature sensor 18a and the second refrigerating compartment (11b) disposed inside the first refrigerating compartment (11a). It can be distinguished by the second temperature sensor 18b disposed inside.

Meanwhile, each of the first and second temperature sensors 18a and 18b may include a plurality of sensors. That is, a plurality of temperature sensors may be disposed in each of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b. In this case, the measured temperature may vary depending on where the sensor is placed. When there are a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in each of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b, the control unit 180 receives temperature values from each of the plurality of temperature sensors, and adjusts the temperature of the storage compartment based on the average value of the received temperature values. Temperature can be controlled.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 receives a temperature value from the freezer compartment temperature sensor 19 disposed in the freezer compartment 11c and controls the temperature of the storage compartment based on the temperature value. Here, the freezer compartment temperature sensor 19 may be comprised of a plurality of temperature sensors. In this case, the control unit 180 receives temperature values from each of the plurality of temperature sensors, and determines the temperature of the storage compartment based on the average value of the received temperature values. can be controlled.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a control method by which the control unit 180 cools the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and the freezing chamber 11c to their respective lower limit temperatures in order will be described over time. do.

Figure 6 is a refrigerator control flowchart over time.

The control unit 180 supplies cold air to the storage compartment, cools the storage compartment to the lower limit temperature, and blocks the supply of cold air for a certain period of time. Thereafter, the control unit 180 supplies cold air intensively to the other storage compartment to cool the other storage compartment to the lower limit temperature.

The temperature of the storage compartment to which cold air is not supplied after reaching the lower limit temperature increases over time, and the refrigerator 10 supplies cold air again before the storage compartment exceeds the upper limit temperature, so that the storage compartment maintains the lower limit temperature and the upper limit temperature. Make sure to maintain the temperature between the two.

In this specification, the lower limit temperature and upper limit temperature of the storage room can be understood as the minimum and maximum temperatures allowed in each storage room. These lower and upper limit temperatures can be automatically set based on the temperature value of the storage room set by the user. For example, when the user sets the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a to 3°C, the lower and upper limit temperatures may be set based on the error range for the set temperature. When the error range is set to ±10%, the lower and upper temperature limits are set to 2.7 and 3.3°C, respectively.

Meanwhile, the error range may be set not as a ratio to the set temperature, but as the temperature value itself. For example, the user may set the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a to 3°C and the error range to ±0.5°C. In this case, the lower and upper temperature limits are set to 2.5 and 3.5°C, respectively.

Meanwhile, the lower and upper temperature limits can be set by the user. In other words, the user can set the temperature range of the storage room. Meanwhile, the temperature range may be the temperature set when the product is shipped.

Meanwhile, the lower and upper limit temperatures set in each storage room may be different. Accordingly, in this specification, the lower and upper limit temperatures corresponding to the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and the freezer compartment 11c, respectively, are expressed by adding the ordinal numbers “first,” “second,” and “third.” . Additionally, in addition to the above-described expression methods, the lower and upper limit temperatures of each storage compartment may be expressed as the lower limit temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a, the upper limit temperature of the freezer compartment 11c, etc. Additionally, the expression lower limit temperature can be replaced with target temperature.

Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit 180 includes a three-way valve 22, a first damper 17a, a second damper 17b, a refrigerator blower fan (R blower fan 15a), and a freezer blower fan (F blower fan). , 15b) To control each, a control signal is transmitted to each of the components. The components vary their operating states depending on the value of the received control signal. Here, the signal value that determines the operating state of the components is called a control command value.

The control setpoint can have two or three different values for each component. For example, there may be two control command values for each of the first damper (17a), the second damper (17b), the refrigerating room blowing fan (R blowing fan, 15a), and the freezer blowing fan (F blowing fan, 15b). there is. Specifically, “High” and “Low” signals may be present. When the damper 17 or the blower fan 15 receives a High signal, the damper 17 is in an open state and the blower fan 15 is in a driving state. On the other hand, when the damper 17 or the blower fan 15 receives a Low signal, the damper 17 is closed and the blower fan 15 is not driven.

As another example, there may be three control command values for the three-way valve 22. The three-way valve 22 enters the first to third states in response to receiving different first to third signals.

6 according to the passage of time, the control unit 180 sends a second signal to the three-way valve 22 at t1 so that the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b are cooled to their respective target temperatures. Send. Accordingly, cold air is generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a. Meanwhile, just before the three-way valve 22 is switched to the second state, the control unit 180 sends a High signal to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b and the R blower fan 15a, respectively, and sends a High signal to both dampers. Open and drive the freezer blowing fan (15a).

Thereafter, the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to each of the first and second dampers 17a and 17b and the R blower fan 15a to a High signal until the first refrigerating compartment 11a is cooled to the first target temperature. maintain Accordingly, the cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a flows into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b, respectively.

At t2, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the first target temperature, the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the first damper 17a to a Low signal. Meanwhile, the control unit 180 maintains the signal transmitted to the three-way valve 22 as the second signal, and maintains the signal transmitted to each of the second damper 17b and the R blower fan 15a at high. Accordingly, among the first and second dampers 17a and 17b in the open state, only the first damper 17a is closed, and the cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a flows only into the second refrigerating compartment 11b. From this point on, the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a begins to increase, and the temperature of the second refrigerating compartment 11b continues to decrease.

At t3, when the temperature of the second refrigerating chamber (11b) reaches the second target temperature, the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the three-way valve 22 to the third signal, and the second damper (17b) And the signal transmitted to the R blower fan (15a) is changed to a low signal. Meanwhile, the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the F blower fan 15b to a High signal. Accordingly, the supply of cold air to the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a is blocked, and cold air begins to be supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator 14b. Additionally, the second damper 17b is closed, and as a result, both the first and second dampers 17a and 17b are closed. Additionally, the driving of the R blowing fan 15a stops, and the F blowing fan 15b begins to drive.

From t3, the inflow of cold air into both refrigerator compartments stops, and cold air begins to flow into the freezer compartment. Thereafter, in order to prevent each of the two refrigerating compartments from exceeding the upper limit temperature, the control unit 180 starts a circulation operation for the two refrigerating compartments when a preset time elapses from t3.

In this specification, circular operation can be explained as a signal transmitted to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b and the R blower fan 15a after t4 in FIG. 6. Specifically, at t4, the control unit 180 maintains the signal transmitted to the three-way valve 22 as the third signal and transmits it to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b and the R blower fan 15a. change the signal to High. Accordingly, the first and second dampers (17a and 17b) are opened, and the R blower fan (15a) begins to operate. At this time, cold air is not generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator (14a). However, the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a flows into each of the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b and the R blower fan 15a from Low to High or from High to Low at a constant period (T) from t4. Accordingly, the first and second dampers 17a and 17b repeat opening and closing at a constant cycle (T), and the R blower fan 15a repeats driving and stopping. At this time, the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a periodically flows into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b. That is, in this specification, circulation operation refers to an operation of periodically introducing cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b.

As described above, the control unit 180 starts the circulation operation after a certain period of time from the time cold air begins to flow into the freezer compartment to prevent the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b from exceeding the upper limit temperature, respectively. do.

Thereafter, when the freezer compartment is cooled to the third target temperature (t5), the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the three-way valve 22 to the first signal, and the first and second dampers 17a and 17b , a low signal is transmitted to the R blower fan (15a) and the F blower fan (15b), respectively. Accordingly, cold air is not generated in both evaporators, and cold air is not introduced into the freezer or any storage compartment.

In this specification, the above-described refrigerator driving method is referred to as shift operation. That is, the refrigerator described in FIG. 6 operates alternately so that each of the three storage chambers takes turns reaching the target temperature, and alternately repeats the alternate operation periodically to ensure that the temperature of each of the three storage chambers is within a preset temperature range.

However, there are two major problems with the shift driving method described above. Below, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, two problems that may occur during shift operation will be described. For reference, t1 to t4 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are the same as t1 to t4 described in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the control flow of FIG. 6 and the temperature change in the refrigerating compartment, and FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the operating states of components according to the control of FIG. 6 and the temperature change in the refrigerating compartment.

First, a problem may occur in the t2 to t3 section of FIG. 7. In the section t2 to t3, while refrigerant is being supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, the first damper 17a is closed and the second damper 17b is open. That is, in the section t2 to t3, refrigerant is supplied only to the second refrigerating chamber 11b.

After the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the first lower limit temperature at t2, cold air flows only into the second refrigerating compartment 11b, and the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a continues to increase. When the t2 to t3 section becomes longer, a problem occurs in which the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a increases excessively in the t2 to t3 section.

Furthermore, if the length of the section t2 to t3 exceeds a certain range, the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a in the section t2 to t3 may exceed the first upper limit temperature. Here, the factor that increases the length of the section t2 to t3 is the temperature of the second refrigerating chamber 11b when entering t2.

Specifically, when the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the first lower limit temperature (t2), the larger the difference between the temperature of the second refrigerating compartment 11b and the second lower limit temperature, the longer the section t2 to t3 becomes. Here, when the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the first lower limit temperature (t2), the temperature of the second refrigerating compartment 11b may be determined according to the difference in temperature reduction rate between the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b. .

For example, the temperature reduction rate of the first refrigerating compartment 11a is greater than that of the second refrigerating compartment 11b, and the greater the difference in temperature reduction rate between the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b, the greater the temperature reduction rate of the first refrigerating compartment 11a. When the lower limit temperature is reached (t2), the temperature of the second refrigerator compartment 11b increases. Due to the structure of the refrigerator, when the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a is placed at the rear of the first refrigerating compartment 11a, the first refrigerating compartment 11a cools faster than the second refrigerating compartment 11b due to contact with the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a. In this case, the temperature reduction rate between the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b may differ significantly.

As described above, a problem may occur in which the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a increases excessively in the t2 to t3 section due to the factor causing the t2 to t3 section to become longer.

Furthermore, when the error range of the storage room temperature set by the user is reduced, the temperature difference between the first lower limit temperature and the first upper limit temperature is reduced. In this case, since the time it takes for the first refrigerating chamber 11a to cool down to the first lower limit temperature and then reach the first upper limit temperature is shortened, the allowable time between t2 and t3 is shortened. When the error range of the storage compartment temperature set by the user is reduced below a certain level, the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a exceeds the first upper limit temperature in the section t2 to t3.

Due to the above-mentioned problems, it is difficult to continuously maintain the shift operation method, and it is limited to reduce the error range of the storage room temperature below a certain level.

Second, a problem may occur in the section t3 to t4 of FIG. 7. In the section t3 to t4, cold air is generated in the freezer evaporator 14b, and cold air flows only into the freezer compartment 11c. When a certain period of time passes from t3, a circulation operation is started to cool the first and second refrigerating chambers (11a and 11b). If the circulation operation is started too quickly, the second refrigerating chamber (11b) falls below the second lower limit temperature. There is a cooling problem, and if it starts too late, the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment (11a) exceeds the first upper limit temperature. As described above, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately set the start point of circular operation.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8, the conventional refrigerator used a method of additionally opening the first damper 17a in the t3 to t4 section to solve the problem occurring in the t2 to t3 section. A conventional refrigerator prevents the first refrigerator compartment (11a) from reaching the first upper limit temperature before circulation operation begins by introducing cold air remaining in the refrigerator compartment evaporator (14a) into the first refrigerator compartment (11a) in the section t3 to t4. do.

However, the method shown in FIG. 8 cannot fundamentally solve the problems that occur in the t2 to t3 section, and furthermore, it cannot solve the problems that occur in the t3 to t4 section.

Because the conventional method is not a method of introducing cold air into the first refrigerating chamber 11a in the section t2 to t3, when the section t2 to t3 becomes longer or the gap between the first lower limit temperature and the first upper limit temperature narrows, t2 It is impossible to prevent the first refrigerating chamber 11a from reaching the first upper limit temperature in the section ~ t3.

Additionally, because the conventional method excessively cools the first refrigerating compartment 11a, there is a problem in that the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a may fall below the first lower limit temperature in the section t3 to t4.

In addition, since the conventional method is not a method for setting an appropriate circulation operation start point, it cannot respond to a sudden temperature increase in the first refrigerating compartment (11a) while refrigerant is being supplied to the freezer evaporator (14b).

The refrigerator according to the present invention solves the problem described in FIG. 7. To this end, the refrigerator according to the present invention includes the first temperature sensor 18a, the second temperature sensor 18b, the freezer temperature sensor 19, the three-way valve 22, and the first and second dampers as described in FIG. 5. (17a and 17b), and may include a refrigerating chamber blowing fan (15a) and a freezer blowing fan (15b). However, since the above components are not essential components needed to solve the problem described in FIG. 7, descriptions of some components may be omitted.

Below, a refrigerator control method to solve problems in each of the t2 to t3 section and the t3 to t4 section will be described, and then the control method according to the passage of time from the start to the end of shift operation will be explained.

First, a refrigerator control method to solve problems in the t2 to t3 section will be described.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for solving the problem in the section t2 to t3 described in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 9, at the start of shift operation, the control unit 180 switches the three-way valve 22 from the first state to the second state to supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a (s11). Accordingly, cold air begins to be generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a.

At the time t2 described in FIG. 7, that is, when the first refrigerating chamber 11a has cooled to the first target temperature, the control unit 180 opens only the second damper 17b among the first and second dampers 17a and 17b. (S12), the first damper (17a) is closed to allow cold air to flow only into the second refrigerating chamber (11b).

Here, the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a is always driven when at least one of the first and second dampers 17a and 17b is open, and is driven when both the first and second dampers 17a and 17b are closed. It doesn't work. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, description of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a is omitted.

While cold air is flowing only into the second refrigerating compartment 11b, the first temperature sensor 18a measures the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a in real time (S13). The control unit 180 receives the temperature from the first temperature sensor 18a and determines whether the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a has reached the first reference temperature. Here, the first reference temperature must be lower than or equal to the upper limit temperature of the first refrigerating chamber (11a).

Meanwhile, it may be a temperature considering the length of the section t2 to t3 or the upper limit temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a. For example, as the length of the section t2 to t3 becomes longer, the first reference temperature may increase, and as the upper limit temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a becomes lower, the first reference temperature may decrease.

If the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a does not reach the first reference temperature, the control unit 180 continues to introduce cold air only into the second refrigerating compartment 11b. On the other hand, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment (11a) reaches the first reference temperature (S14), the control unit 180 further opens the first damper (17a) (S15), so that the first refrigerating compartment (11a) Allow cold air to flow into the furnace.

According to the above, while the refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, the time for cold air to flow only into the second refrigerating compartment 11b is from the time when the first refrigerating compartment 11a is cooled to the first target temperature, and the first refrigerating compartment (11a) 11a) is up to the point where the first reference temperature is reached.

Meanwhile, after the first damper (17a) is additionally opened to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating compartment (11a), the opening time of the first and second dampers (17a and 17b) is determined according to the temperature of the second refrigerating compartment. .

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart from the time of additional opening of the first damper described in FIG. 9 to the time of blocking the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerating chamber evaporator.

After additionally opening (A) the first damper (17a) with cold air flowing only into the second refrigerating chamber (11b), the control unit 180 receives the temperature measured (S21) from the second temperature sensor (18b). do.

If the second refrigerating compartment 11b is not cooled to the target temperature, the control unit 180 continues to introduce cold air into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b. On the other hand, when the second refrigerating chamber 11b reaches the second target temperature (S22), the control unit 180 switches the three-way valve 22 to the third state. That is, when the second refrigerating compartment 11b reaches the second target temperature, the control unit 180 blocks the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a (S23) and starts supplying refrigerant to the freezer evaporator 14b (S24) )do.

At this time, the control unit 180 blocks the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a and closes both the first and second dampers 17a and 17b. Accordingly, the inflow of cold air into the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b is blocked.

Meanwhile, as described in FIG. 9, immediately after cold air begins to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, both the first and second dampers 17a and 17b are opened. Afterwards, from a certain point in time, only the second damper (17b) becomes open. Hereinafter, the timing at which only the second damper 17b is opened will be described in detail.

FIG. 11 is a control flowchart showing the timing of independent opening of the second damper described in FIG. 9.

When the refrigerant begins to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a (S31), the control unit 180 ensures that both the first and second dampers 17a and 17b are opened (S32). Accordingly, the cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a flows into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b, respectively.

At this time, the temperature reduction rates of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b may be different. This may be due to the difference in volume between the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b, and the location of the refrigerating chamber evaporator 14a.

Specifically, the larger the volume of the refrigerating compartment, the smaller the temperature reduction rate due to cold air inflow, and the shorter the distance to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, the higher the temperature reduction rate. In the refrigerator described in this specification, the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a is disposed on the side wall of the first refrigerating compartment 11a, so that the temperature reduction rate of the first refrigerating compartment 11a may be greater than that of the second refrigerating compartment 11b. For this reason, even if cold air flows into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b, respectively, the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a can reach the first target temperature more quickly.

For the above-mentioned reason, the control unit 180 receives the temperature value measured (S33) from the first temperature sensor 18a after starting to supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a, and the first refrigerating compartment 11a is the first target. When the temperature is reached (S34), the first damper (17a) is closed (S35) and cold air is concentrated only in the second refrigerating chamber (11b). On the other hand, the control unit 180 introduces cold air into each of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b until the first refrigerating chamber 11a reaches the first target temperature.

To summarize the section t2 to t3, the present invention adjusts the time for cold air to flow only into the second refrigerator compartment (11b) based on the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment (11a), so that the first and second refrigerator compartments (11a and 11b) This solves the problem that occurs when the independent cooling time for the second refrigerating chamber (11b) becomes long due to the difference in temperature reduction rate between the two. In addition, according to the present invention, after the first refrigerating compartment (11a) reaches the first target, sufficient cooling time for the second refrigerating compartment (11b) can be obtained, so that the error range of the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment (11a) is maintained. can be reduced.

Next, a control method to solve problems that occur in the t3 to t4 section will be described.

FIG. 12 is a control flowchart for solving the problem in the section t3 to t4 described in FIG. 7.

When the second refrigerating chamber 11b is cooled to the second target temperature, the control unit 180 switches the three-way valve 22 from the second state to the third state. That is, the control unit 180 starts supplying refrigerant to the freezer evaporator 14b (S41). Accordingly, refrigerant flows into the freezer (S42).

The control unit 180 receives the temperature value measured (S43) by the first temperature sensor 18a and determines whether to start the circulation operation according to whether the received temperature value reaches the second reference temperature. Specifically, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a does not reach the second reference temperature, the control unit 180 continues to introduce cold air into the freezing compartment 11c. On the other hand, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the second reference temperature (S44), the control unit 180 opens the first damper 17a (S45) so that the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator is transferred to the first refrigerating compartment 11a. Let it flow into the refrigerating compartment (11a).

Here, the second reference temperature is lower than or equal to the first upper limit temperature, and does not necessarily need to be the same as the first reference temperature. The second reference temperature can be set considering the cooling efficiency of circulation operation. Specifically, the higher the cooling efficiency of the circulation operation, the higher the second reference temperature can be.

When the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the second reference temperature, the control unit 180 opens the first damper 17a and starts the circulation operation (S46). That is, the control unit 180 repeats opening and closing of the first damper 17a at preset time intervals from the time the first refrigerating chamber 11a reaches the second reference temperature. Accordingly, the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a flows into the first refrigerating compartment 11a at regular time intervals.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 can link the opening and closing of the first damper (17a) and the opening and closing of the second damper (17b) during circular operation. For example, the control unit 180 opens the second damper 17b together every time the first damper 17a is opened, so that the cold remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a flows into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and Let each flow into 11b). Here, the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a is driven in conjunction with the opening and closing of the first and second dampers 17a and 17b.

Meanwhile, the circulation operation continues until the freezer compartment 11c reaches the third target temperature.

FIG. 13 is a control flowchart explaining the end point of the circular operation described in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 13, after the circulation operation begins (B), the control unit 180 determines whether the circulation operation will end depending on the temperature of the freezer compartment 11c. Specifically, when the temperature of the freezer compartment 11c does not reach the third target temperature, the control unit 180 continues to introduce cold air into the freezer compartment 11c and maintains the circulation operation. On the other hand, when the freezer compartment 11c of the control unit 180 is cooled to the third target temperature (S52), the circulation operation is terminated (S53), and the three-way valve 22 is switched from the third state to the first state, The first and second dampers 17a and 17b are maintained in a closed state. Accordingly, the inflow of cold air into the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b and the freezing chamber 11c is blocked (S54).

To summarize the section t3 to t4, the refrigerator according to the present invention starts circulation operation at the time the first refrigerating compartment (11a) reaches the second reference temperature, thereby maintaining the appropriate temperature in the first and second refrigerating compartments (11a and 11b). You can allow cold air to flow in at this point. Through this, the temperature of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b can be prevented from falling below the lower limit temperature due to the circulation operation, and the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a can be prevented from exceeding the upper limit temperature.

Meanwhile, problems occurring in the t3 to t4 section may also occur in refrigerators equipped with a single refrigerator compartment and a single freezer compartment. Specifically, in a refrigerator that alternately introduces cold air into the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, a circulation operation may be performed to prevent excessive temperature rise in the refrigerator compartment while introducing cold air into the freezer compartment. Therefore, the starting point of circular operation may be problematic. Below, a control method for adjusting the starting point of circulation operation in a refrigerator having a single refrigerating chamber and a single freezing chamber will be described.

Figure 14 is a control flowchart for controlling the starting point of circulation operation in a refrigerator having a single refrigerating chamber and a single freezer chamber.

Since the refrigerator described in FIG. 14 includes one refrigerating compartment, the refrigerating compartment is not divided into first and second refrigerating compartments, and the damper 17 is not divided into first and second dampers. Additionally, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 18 is not divided into first and second temperature sensors.

When the freezer compartment reaches the target temperature of the freezer compartment, the control unit 180 controls the three-way valve 22 to block the supply of cold air to the refrigerator compartment evaporator 14a and starts supplying cold air to the freezer compartment evaporator 14b. (S61). Accordingly, refrigerant flows into the freezer (S62).

Afterwards, the control unit 180 determines whether to start the circulation operation according to the temperature of the refrigerating compartment. Specifically, the control unit 180 receives the temperature value of the refrigerating compartment measured (S63) from the freezer compartment temperature sensor 18, and does not start the circulation operation when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment does not reach the reference temperature. On the other hand, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the reference temperature (S64), the damper is opened (S65) to allow the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a to flow into the refrigerating compartment.

Thereafter, the control unit 180 repeatedly opens and closes the damper at preset time intervals to allow the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a to flow into the refrigerating compartment at regular intervals. At this time, the control unit 180 controls the refrigerating compartment blower fan 15a to be driven when the damper is opened and to stop driving when the damper is closed. That is, the control unit 180 starts the circular operation (S66).

Thereafter, when the freezer compartment reaches the target temperature of the freezer compartment, the control unit 180 switches the three-way valve 22 from the third state to the first state, maintains the damper in the closed state, and operates the refrigerator compartment blower fan 15a. Stop operating. Accordingly, the inflow of cold air into the refrigerator and freezer is blocked.

As described above, the control method described in FIG. 12 can be used to adjust the circulation operation timing of a single refrigerator and a refrigerator having a single freezer compartment.

Below, a control method according to the passage of time from the start to the end of shift operation will be described.

Figure 15 is a control flowchart of the refrigerator according to the present invention over time, and Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the operating state of the refrigerator according to the present invention and the temperature change in the refrigerator compartment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit 180 transmits a second signal value to the three-way valve 22 (t1), thereby allowing cold air to flow only into the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a. At this time, the signals transmitted to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b and the R blower fan 15a are all high signals.

If this is explained with reference to FIG. 16, the control unit 180 controls the three-way valve 22 to generate cold air (t1) in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a. At this time, both the first and second dampers 17a and 17b are open. Accordingly, cold air flows into the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b, respectively, and the temperature of the two refrigerating chambers decreases.

Next, referring to FIG. 15, the first refrigerating chamber 11a first reaches the first target temperature (t2), and the control unit 180 continues to transmit the second signal value to the three-way valve 22, A low signal is transmitted to the first damper (17a), and a high signal is continuously transmitted to the second damper (17b). At this time, the control unit 180 continues to transmit a high signal to the R blowing fan 15a.

If this is explained with reference to FIG. 16, the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the first target temperature first (t2), and at this time, the control unit 180 closes the first damper 17a, and the second refrigerating compartment 11b ) only introduces cold air. Accordingly, the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a begins to increase, and the temperature of the second refrigerating compartment 11b continues to decrease.

Next, referring to FIG. 15, when the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a reaches the first reference temperature (t'), the control unit 180 continues to transmit the second signal value to the three-way valve 22. While doing so, the signal transmitted to the first damper (17a) is changed to a High signal, and the High signal is continuously transmitted to the second damper (17b). At this time, the control unit 180 continues to transmit a high signal to the R blowing fan 15a.

To explain this with reference to FIG. 16, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment (11a) reaches the first reference temperature (t'), the control unit 180 additionally opens the first damper (17a) to close the first refrigerating compartment (11a). Allow cold air to flow into (11a) as well. Accordingly, the temperatures of the first and second refrigerating chambers 11a and 11b decrease together.

Next, referring to FIG. 15, when the temperature of the second refrigerating chamber 11b reaches the second target temperature (t3), the control unit 180 converts the signal transmitted to the three-way valve 22 into a third signal. change, and the signal transmitted to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b is changed to a low signal. At this time, the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the R blower fan 15a to a low signal and changes the signal transmitted to the F blower fan 15b to a high signal.

To explain this with reference to FIG. 16, when the temperature of the second refrigerating chamber 11b reaches the second target temperature (t3), the control unit 180 moves the three-way valve 22 from the second state to the third state. switch, and close the first and second dampers (17a and 17b). Accordingly, the inflow of cold air into the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b is blocked, and the inflow of cold air into the freezing compartment 11c begins.

Next, referring to FIG. 15, when the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber 11a reaches the second reference temperature (t4), the control unit 180 continues to transmit the third signal value to the three-way valve 22. , the signal transmitted to the first and second dampers (17a and 17b) is changed to a high signal. From this point on, the control unit 180 alternately transmits High and Low signals to each of the first and second dampers 17a and 17b at preset time intervals. At this time, the control unit 180 transmits the same signal as the signal transmitted to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b to the R blowing fan 15a.

To explain this with reference to FIG. 16, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the second reference temperature (t4), the control unit 180 starts the circulation operation and supplies refrigerant only to the freezing compartment evaporator 14b. Even in this state, the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 14a is allowed to flow into each of the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b, thereby continuously reducing the temperature of the first and second refrigerating compartments 11a and 11b.

Finally, referring to FIG. 15, when the temperature of the freezer compartment 11c reaches the third target temperature (t5), the control unit 180 changes the signal transmitted to the three-way valve 22 to the first signal value. And, the signal transmitted to the first and second dampers 17a and 17b is changed to a low signal. Additionally, the control unit 180 transmits a Low signal to each of the R blower fan 15a and the F blower fan 15b. Accordingly, the three-way valve 22 switches from the third state to the first state, and the operation of the first and second dampers 17a and 17b, the R blower fan 15a, and the F blower fan 15b stops. do. That is, the control unit 180 ends the circulation operation and blocks the supply of cold air to all storage rooms.

As described above, the control unit 180 determines whether the first refrigerating compartment 11a reaches the first reference temperature or the second reference temperature while cold air is flowing into only one of the second refrigerating compartment 11b and the freezing compartment 11c. In this case, the first damper 17a is opened to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating chamber 11a.

Through this, even if there is a large difference in the temperature reduction rate between the first and second refrigerating compartments, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment from excessively rising while the second refrigerating compartment is intensively cooled.

Additionally, in the present invention, the starting point of the circulation operation is determined according to the temperature of the first refrigerating chamber. Through this, the present invention can prevent the first and second refrigerating chambers from being overcooled or their temperature rising excessively through circulation operation.

Additionally, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

a refrigerating compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the first and second refrigerating compartments;
First and second dampers that allow or block the inflow of cold air into each of the first and second refrigerating chambers through opening and closing operations;
a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment; and
It includes a control unit that controls the opening and closing operations of the first and second dampers,
The first refrigerating room is,
While refrigerant is being supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator, when both the first and second dampers are open, the temperature reduction rate is higher than the temperature reduction rate of the second refrigerating compartment,
The control unit,
While refrigerant is being supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator, only the second damper is opened and cold air flows into the second refrigerating compartment, and when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reaches the first reference temperature, it is transferred to the first refrigerating compartment. The first damper is additionally opened to allow cold air to flow in,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the first damper is controlled to open only when the second damper is opened while the refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerator compartment evaporator. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
While refrigerant is being supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator, from the time when the first refrigerating compartment is cooled to the first target temperature until the time when the first refrigerating compartment reaches the first reference temperature, the cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator is transferred to the second refrigerating compartment. A refrigerator characterized in that the second damper is opened to allow inflow only into the refrigerating compartment. According to paragraph 2,
The control unit,
After additionally opening the first damper to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerating compartment, the first and second dampers are maintained in an open state until the second refrigerating compartment is cooled to the second target temperature. A refrigerator that does. According to paragraph 3,
The control unit,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the first and second dampers are closed when the second refrigerating chamber is cooled to the second target temperature. According to clause 4,
freezer; and
a freezer evaporator that generates cold air introduced into the freezer;
Further comprising a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerator compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator,
The control unit,
When the second refrigerating compartment is cooled to the second target temperature, the valve is controlled to stop supply of refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator, and then the refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator. According to clause 5,
The control unit,
While refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator and cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, when the first refrigerating compartment reaches the second reference temperature, the first damper allows the cold air remaining in the refrigerator compartment evaporator to flow into the first refrigerating compartment. A refrigerator characterized by opening. According to clause 6,
The control unit,
A refrigerator, wherein while cold air is flowing into the freezer compartment, opening and closing of the first damper is repeated at preset time intervals from the time the first refrigerating compartment reaches the second reference temperature. In clause 7,
The control unit,
A refrigerator, characterized in that opening and closing of the first damper is repeated until the freezer compartment is cooled to the third target temperature. According to clause 6,
The control unit,
While refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator and cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, when the first refrigerator compartment reaches the second reference temperature, a portion of the cold air remaining in the refrigerator compartment evaporator flows into the second refrigerator compartment. A refrigerator characterized in that the second damper is opened together with the first damper. According to paragraph 1,
A refrigerator, wherein the refrigerating compartment evaporator is disposed on one side of the first refrigerating compartment. A refrigerating compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the refrigerating compartment;
A freezer evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the freezer;
A damper that allows or blocks the inflow of cold air into the refrigerating compartment evaporator through an opening and closing operation;
a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator;
a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the refrigerating compartment; and
It includes a control unit that controls the operation of the damper and the valve,
The refrigerating room is,
Equipped with a first refrigerating compartment and a second refrigerating compartment with a lower temperature reduction rate than the first refrigerating compartment,
The damper is,
Equipped with at least one of first and second dampers that allow or block the inflow of cold air into each of the first and second refrigerating chambers,
The control unit,
In a state where the refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator and cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the reference temperature, the damper is opened so that the cold air remaining in the refrigerator compartment evaporator flows into the refrigerator compartment,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the damper is opened and closed so that cold air flows into the first refrigerator compartment only while cold air flows into the second refrigerator compartment. According to clause 11,
It further includes a refrigerating compartment fan that blows cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment,
The control unit,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the refrigerating compartment fan is driven when the damper is opened to allow cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator to flow into the refrigerating compartment. According to clause 12,
The control unit,
While cold air is flowing only into the freezer compartment, the damper is repeatedly opened and closed at preset time intervals from the time the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the reference temperature, and the refrigerator compartment fan is driven each time the damper is opened. Featured refrigerator. According to clause 13,
The control unit,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the damper is opened and closed at the preset time interval until the freezer compartment is cooled to the target temperature. According to clause 14,
The control unit,
When the freezer compartment is cooled to the target temperature, the valve is controlled to stop supplying refrigerant to the freezer compartment evaporator and the damper is closed. According to clause 11,
The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment,
The control unit,
A refrigerator characterized in that it determines whether to introduce cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator into the first and second refrigerating compartments based on the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment. a refrigerating compartment evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the first and second refrigerating compartments;
A freezer evaporator that generates cold air flowing into the freezer;
a valve configured to selectively supply refrigerant to the refrigerating compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator;
A damper that allows or blocks the inflow of cold air into the first refrigerating chamber through an opening and closing operation;
a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment; and
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the damper and controls the valve to generate cold air in one of the refrigerating compartment evaporator and the freezer compartment evaporator,
The first refrigerating room is,
The temperature reduction rate is higher than that of the second refrigerator,
The control unit,
When the first refrigerator compartment reaches the standard temperature while cold air is flowing into only one of the second refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, the damper is opened to allow cold air to flow into the first refrigerator compartment,
A refrigerator, wherein the damper is not opened while cold air is not flowing into the second refrigerator. According to clause 17,
The control unit,
When cold air is flowing into only the second refrigerating compartment and the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reaches the first reference temperature, the damper is opened so that cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator also flows into the first refrigerating compartment. A refrigerator that does. According to clause 17,
The control unit,
While cold air is flowing only into the freezing compartment, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reaches the second reference temperature, the damper is opened and closed at preset time intervals so that the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator flows into the first refrigerating compartment. A refrigerator characterized by repetition. Measuring the temperature of the first refrigerator compartment;
While refrigerant is being supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator, cold air flows only into the second refrigerating compartment, which has a lower temperature reduction rate than the first refrigerating compartment, and when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reaches the first reference temperature, it is generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator. opening the damper so that a portion of the cold air flows into the first refrigerating chamber;
When the second refrigerator compartment is cooled to the target temperature, closing the damper so that cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, stopping the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerator compartment evaporator, and supplying refrigerant to the freezer compartment evaporator; and
In a state in which refrigerant is supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator and cold air flows only into the freezer compartment, when the temperature of the first refrigerating compartment reaches the second reference temperature, the cold air remaining in the refrigerating compartment evaporator flows into the first refrigerating compartment. Including opening the damper,
The damper is,
Open only while cold air is flowing into the second refrigerating compartment, and unopened while cold air is not flowing into the second refrigerating compartment,
Refrigerator control method.

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