KR20070105809A - Hot water supply refrigerator and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A hot water supply refrigerator and a controlling method thereof are provided to supply hot water of constant temperature always and to prevent waste of water remained in a hot water pipe. A hot water supply refrigerator includes: a body(1) including a storage room(2); a door(30) for opening/closing the storage room; a dispenser(50) provided at the door; a hot water tank(60) storing water supplied from the outside; a heater(66) heating water stored in the hot water tank; a hot water pipe(64) connecting the hot water tank with the dispenser; a circulation unit(70) circulating water remained in the hot water pipe to the hot water tank; and a controller controlling driving of the heater.

Description

Hot water supply refrigerator and its control method {HOT WATER SUPPLY REFRIGERATOR AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF}

1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator according to the present invention,

2 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of a refrigerator according to the present invention;

Figure 3a is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the upper hinge portion and hot water pipe and circulation pipe of the refrigerator according to the present invention,

Figure 3b is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the lower hinge portion and the cold water pipe of the refrigerator according to the present invention,

4 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a steam discharge part of the refrigerator according to the present invention;

5a and 5b is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the steam discharge unit of the refrigerator according to the present invention,

6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigerator according to the present invention;

7 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present invention;

8a to 8d is a control flow chart of various embodiments of the pump control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention;

9 is a control flowchart of the operation of the heater switch of the refrigerator according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1: body 2: storage room

10: water purification unit 11: external connection

13: cold water tank 30: door

40: hinge portion 42: hinge plate

43: hollow hinge shaft 50: dispenser portion

51: water lever 52: ice lever

53: input unit 54: display unit

60: hot water tank 64: hot water piping

66: heater 66a: heater switch

67: water level sensor 68: the first temperature sensor

69: water supply valve 70: circulation

71: circulating piping 72: pump

72a: pump switch 73: second temperature sensor

75: intermittent valve 76: water supply piping

77: hot water valve 80: steam outlet

81: vent housing 85: opening and closing member

90: timer 100: control unit

The present invention relates to a hot water supply refrigerator and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a hot water supply refrigerator capable of supplying hot water at a constant temperature and a control method thereof.

Recently released refrigerators are equipped with a variety of additional units considering the functionality and convenience in addition to the basic device for keeping food fresh. In accordance with this trend, installation of home bars and dispensers provided in front of the doors is increasing.

Since the dispenser can take out water or ice inside without opening the door, it is possible to prevent cold air inside the refrigerator from leaking out. In addition, recently, a refrigerator having a hot water supply device capable of supplying hot water as well as cold water as a dispenser has been released.

In the conventional refrigerator, a method of pre-heating water with a heater and storing it in a hot water storage tank in order to generate and extract hot water, and then take it out of the dispenser when necessary. The heater was periodically driven to maintain the water stored in the hot water storage tank at a predetermined temperature, or the driving of the heater was controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor provided in the hot water storage tank.

On the other hand, the hot water pipe is connected between the hot water storage tank and the dispenser. When the user takes out hot water, the user takes out the remaining water remaining in the hot water pipe between the hot water storage tank and the dispenser at the initial stage of taking out the hot water.

However, since the residual water is cooled down, there is a problem that the user must discard the residual water remaining in the hot water pipe in order to take out hot water at a desired temperature.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply refrigerator and a control method thereof capable of supplying hot water at a constant temperature at all times.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply refrigerator and a control method thereof which can prevent waste of residual water remaining in the hot water pipe.

According to the present invention, a hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, the hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A heater for heating the water stored in the hot water tank; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation unit circulating water remaining in the hot water pipe to the hot water tank; It is achieved by including a control unit for controlling the driving of the heater.

The circulation portion is branched from the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe connected to the hot water tank; It is preferable to include a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank.

The pump is preferably disposed in one region of the circulation pipe.

A water supply pipe for supplying water introduced from the outside to the hot water tank, a water supply valve for regulating the water flowing into the hot water tank through the water supply pipe, a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the hot water tank, and the hot water tank And a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored therein; The controller controls the operation of the heater and the water supply valve based on the signals detected by the water level sensor and the first temperature sensor, so that the hot water tank can always maintain a predetermined amount of hot water at a predetermined temperature.

After detecting that the water level of the hot water tank is lower than the reference level by the water level sensor, if the level of the hot water tank is not detected by the water level sensor for a predetermined time, the controller opens the water supply valve to open the water in the hot water tank. By supplying the water, even if the user changes the container while taking out the hot water can be supplied with hot water.

The hot water pipe adjacent to the hot water tank and the water supply pipe further includes an intermittent valve for controlling the water drawn into and out of the hot water tank, thereby preventing the flow of hot water stored in the hot water tank when the refrigerator moves.

The circulation unit may further include a pump switch for selecting the driving or stopping of the pump, and the controller may drive the pump for a predetermined time when the driving of the pump is selected in the pump switch. Thereby, by driving the pump only at the time desired by the user, the user's convenience can be enhanced.

The controller may drive the pump at a predetermined cycle when the pump is selected from the pump switch. Thus, the user can always take out hot water at a constant temperature.

The circulation unit further includes a second temperature sensor provided in any one of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe; The controller may drive the pump when it is determined that the pump is selected by the pump switch and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is equal to or less than the set pump driving temperature.

The controller may be configured to stop the driving of the pump if it is determined that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the set pump stop temperature after driving the pump.

The control unit drives the heater in conjunction with the driving of the pump, so that the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe is circulated and introduced into the hot water tank, thereby maintaining the temperature of the hot water.

The hot water pipe may further include a hot water valve disposed at the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and discharging the hot water discharged to the dispenser.

The dispenser may include an input unit for selectively inputting cold water or hot water.

A valve switch for selectively opening and closing the hot water valve; When the hot water is input from the input unit and the valve switch is operated, the controller controls the operation of the hot water valve to open the hot water valve, thereby preventing a risk of burn accident due to user's carelessness.

The dispenser unit further includes a discharge unit connected to the hot water pipe to discharge hot water to the outside, and a water lever to selectively open and close the discharge unit; The valve switch is preferably provided to interlock with the water lever.

It is provided on the top of the hot water tank further comprises a steam discharge portion for adjusting the steam pressure inside the hot water tank, it is possible to adjust the steam pressure inside the hot water tank.

The steam discharge part has a vent inlet in which a steam inlet through which steam inside the hot water tank is introduced, a steam outlet through which steam introduced into the steam inlet is discharged to the outside, and a steam discharge passage in which the steam inlet is connected to the steam outlet are formed. and; It is preferable to include an opening / closing member provided to be reciprocally movable between the steam inlet and the steam outlet, accessing and separating the steam inlet and opening and closing the steam inlet according to the steam pressure in the hot water tank.

The heater further includes a heater switch provided to select one of a normal mode for selectively heating and releasing the water stored in the hot water tank and a stop mode for stopping the driving of the heater by releasing the normal mode of the heater. Thus, the heater can be driven only at the time desired by the user.

The control unit controls the driving of the heater to maintain the water of the hot water tank at a predetermined temperature when the normal mode is selected by the heater switch, and shuts off the water supply valve when the stop mode is selected by the heater switch, It is preferable to stop driving of the heater.

A hinge portion having a hollow hinge shaft provided in one of the main body and the door and a hinge shaft engaging portion provided in the other of the main body and the door so that the hollow hinge shaft is rotatably coupled; The hot water tank is disposed above the main body, and the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe are disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft, thereby preventing the heat of the hot water from being transferred to the storage compartment, and placing the hot water tank above. Even if it does not interfere with the rotation of the door.

On the other hand, the object is a hot water supply refrigerator having a main body forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment and a dispenser portion provided in the door according to the present invention, the water supplied from the outside provided on the upper portion of the main body A hot water tank for storing; A heater for heating the water stored in the hot water tank; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation unit circulating water remaining in the hot water pipe to the hot water tank; And a selector configured to select one of a normal mode for selectively heating and releasing water stored in the hot water tank and a stop mode for releasing the normal mode of the heater to stop driving of the heater. Can also be achieved.

The circulation portion is branched from the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe connected to the hot water tank; It is preferable to include a pump for forced circulation of the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank.

The circulation unit may further include a pump switch for selectively driving the pump.

It may further include a steam discharge portion provided on the hot water tank to adjust the steam pressure inside the hot water tank.

A water supply pipe for supplying water introduced from the outside to the hot water tank; A water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe; Controlling the operation of the heater to maintain the water of the hot water tank at a predetermined temperature when the normal mode is selected by the heater switch; and blocking the water supply valve and stopping the operation of the heater when the stop mode is selected by the heater switch. The control unit may further include.

A hinge portion having a hollow hinge shaft provided in one of the main body and the door and a hinge shaft engaging portion provided in the other of the main body and the door so that the hollow hinge shaft is rotatably coupled; The hot water tank is disposed on the upper portion of the body, the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe is preferably disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft.

The object is a hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, comprising: a hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank; A hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser part to regulate hot water discharged to the dispenser part; A temperature sensor provided between the hot water tank and the hot water valve; It may be achieved by including a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank.

If it is determined that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than the set pump driving temperature, it is preferable to further include a control unit for driving the pump in the state of shutting off the hot water valve.

The object is a hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, comprising: a hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank; A pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank; A hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser part to regulate hot water discharged to the dispenser part; A water lever for selectively opening and closing the hot water valve; It is also achieved by including a control unit for controlling the driving of the pump in conjunction with the water lever.

When the opening of the hot water valve is selected in the water lever, the controller may drive the pump for a predetermined time in a state where the hot water valve is closed, and then open the hot water valve.

On the other hand, the object and the body to form a storage chamber; A door to open and close the storage compartment, and a dispenser unit provided at the door; A hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A heater for heating the water stored in the hot water tank; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; In the control method of the hot water supply refrigerator including a circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe connected to the hot water tank, and a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank. It is also achieved by the step of driving the pump.

The driving of the pump may include driving the pump for a predetermined time.

Driving the pump may include driving the pump at regular intervals.

The driving of the pump may include driving the pump based on a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor provided in at least one of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe.

A hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser unit to intercept hot water discharged to the dispenser unit, and a hot water lever to open and close the hot water valve; The driving of the pump may include opening the hot water valve after driving the pump for a predetermined time in a state where the hot water valve is closed when opening of the hot water valve is selected in the water lever.

Prior to the description, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, a side by side type refrigerator will be described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto.

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

The refrigerator according to the present invention includes a main body 1 forming the storage compartment 2, a door 30 opening and closing the storage compartment 2, a dispenser unit 50 provided in the door 30, and supplied from the outside. Hot water tank 60, water is stored, the heater 66 for heating the water stored in the hot water tank 60, the hot water pipe (64) connecting the hot water tank 60 and the dispenser unit 50, hot water It includes a circulation unit 70 for circulating the water remaining in the pipe 64 to the hot water tank 60, and the control unit 100.

First, a schematic configuration of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The storage compartment 2 is partitioned left and right by the intermediate partition 5 inside the main body 1. As an example of the present invention, a freezing chamber 3 is formed on the left side of the intermediate partition 5, and a refrigerating chamber 4 is formed on the right side of the intermediate partition 5. The front opening of each storage compartment 2 is provided with a door 30 for opening and closing the storage compartment 2, and inside the door 30, a door guide (not shown) capable of storing cocurrent flow is disposed up and down. have.

An ice maker 6 for ice making is installed in an upper region of the freezer compartment 3, and an ice storage unit 7 is installed in the lower part of the ice maker 6, in which ice iced by the ice maker 6 is iced and stored. . The lower region of the ice storage unit 7 is provided with a shelf (not shown) and a drawer (not shown) for separately storing the storage.

The refrigerating chamber 4 has a water purifying unit 10 for purifying water supplied from the outside, a cold water tank 13 for storing the purified water in the water purifying unit 10 at low temperature, and a shelf for separately storing the stored matter (not shown). ) And a drawer (not shown).

The water purification unit 10 is provided in the refrigerating chamber 4 to purify the water supplied from the outside. The water purification unit 10 is preferably provided as a water filter to remove impurities of water introduced into the chamber through the external connection unit 11. The water purification unit 10 is preferably provided detachably so that it can be replaced periodically. The water purifying unit 10 has been described above as being provided in the refrigerating chamber 4, but is not limited thereto and may be provided anywhere in the main body 1.

The external connection part 11 is connected to an external water supply source 12 at one end so that water is introduced from the outside to the inside of the air, and the other end is connected to the water purification part 10 for removing impurities from the introduced water.

The refrigerator according to the present invention branched so that water introduced into the store through the external connection part 11 is supplied to the ice maker 6, the cold water tank 13, and the hot water tank 60 after the impurities are removed from the water purification unit 10. It includes a branch 20 to make.

The cold water tank 13 is disposed in the refrigerating compartment to store cold water supplied from the outside. A cold water pipe 15 is connected between the cold water tank 13 and the dispenser 50, and a cold water valve 16 for selectively opening and closing the cold water pipe 15 is provided in one region of the cold water pipe 15. . The cold water valve 16 may be provided as a solenoid valve. The cold water valve 16 is opened and closed by a valve switch 57 to be described later.

The branch section 20 includes a first branch section 21 and a second branch section 26. The first branch 21 is provided with three holes. The first branch 21 has an inlet 22 through which water is introduced from the purified water unit, a first outlet 23 connected to a pipe connected to the ice maker 6 and the hot water tank 60, and a cold water tank 13. And a second outlet 24 connected to the pipe connected to the pipe. Here, the water passing through the first outlet 23 is introduced into the second branch portion 26. The first branch 21 may be provided as a solenoid valve for selectively opening or closing the first outlet 23 and the second outlet 24 by the controller 100, or may be provided as a Y-shaped connector. .

The second branch section 26 is provided with three holes. The second branch part 26 is an inlet port 27 through which water passing through the first outlet port 23 of the first branch part 21 flows in, and a first outlet port connected to a pipe connected to the ice maker 6. 28 and a second outlet 29 connected to a water supply pipe 76 to be described later, which is connected to the hot water tank 60. The second branch part 26 may be provided as a solenoid valve that selectively opens or shuts off the first outlet 28 and the second outlet 29 by the controller 100, or may be provided as a Y-shaped connector. .

The door 30 is provided to open and close the front openings of the freezing compartment 3 and the refrigerating compartment 4. The door 30 includes a freezer compartment door 31 for opening and closing the front opening of the freezer compartment 3 and a refrigerating compartment door 33 for opening and closing the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 4. The freezer door 31 is provided with a dispenser 50 capable of receiving ice iced from the ice maker 6 and hot water stored in the cold water tank 13 or hot water stored in the hot water tank 60.

3A and 3B, the refrigerator further includes a hinge portion 40 provided so that the door 30 is rotatably coupled to the main body 1. The hinge portion 40 includes an upper hinge portion 41 disposed above the door 30 and the main body 1, and a lower hinge portion 41a disposed below the door 30 and the main body 1. do.

The upper hinge part 41 includes a hinge plate 42 provided on the main body 1, a hinge shaft coupling part 45 provided on the door 30, and a hinge cover 49.

The hinge plate 42 includes a hollow hinge shaft 43 penetrated to receive the hot water pipe 64 and the circulation pipe 71 to be described later, and a hinge shaft support 44 coupled to the main body. Here, the hot water pipe 64 and the circulation pipe 71 is disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft 43 of the upper hinge portion 41. In addition, an electric wire 8 for supplying power to the dispenser unit 50 may be disposed in the hollow hinge shaft 43 of the upper hinge portion 41.

The lower hinge portion 41a includes a hinge plate 42a provided on the main body 1 and a hinge shaft coupling portion 45a provided on the door 30.

The hinge plate 42a includes a hollow hinge shaft 43a penetrated thereinto to accommodate the cold water pipe 15 to be described later, and a hinge shaft support 44a coupled to the main body 1. Here, the cold water pipe 15 is disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft 43a of the lower hinge portion 41a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser unit 50 includes a discharge unit 58 through which cold water or hot water is discharged, a water lever 51 for selectively opening and closing the discharge unit 58, and ice stored in the ice storage unit. The ice discharge unit (not shown) to be discharged, the ice lever 52 for selectively opening and closing the ice discharge unit, and the input unit 53 is provided so that the user can select the type of cold or hot water or the amount of water discharged. The dispenser unit 50 may further include a display unit 54 that displays information input from the input unit 53 and an operation state of the refrigerator.

The discharge unit 58 is connected to the cold water pipe 15 and the hot water pipe 64. The discharge unit 58 selectively receives cold water or hot water from the cold water pipe 15 and the hot water pipe 64 to discharge the water. The discharge part 58 is opened and closed by the water lever 51. Here, the above-mentioned cold water valve 16 and the hot water valve 77 to be described later are preferably disposed adjacent to the discharge portion (58). In addition, the discharge unit 58 may be provided in a variety of known structures that can selectively discharge cold and hot water.

The water lever 51 selectively opens and closes the discharge portion 58. The water lever 51 may be provided in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the discharge unit 58 is opened when the water lever 51 is pressurized, and the discharge unit 58 is closed when the water lever 51 is released. It is prepared to be. The water lever 51 may also be provided as a button or a touch screen provided in the input unit 53.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water lever 51 may be provided with one lever connected to the hot water tank 60 and the cold water tank 13, or may be provided as a cold water lever and two hot water levers.

On the other hand, the structure of the discharge unit 58 and the water lever 51 may be applied to a variety of known structures, a structure provided with a safety button (not shown) for dual control when discharging hot water may be applied.

The input unit 53 is provided to select ice and water, cold water and hot water, and the amount of water according to a user's selection. The input unit 53 may be provided in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it may be provided as a mechanical button or may be provided as a reed switch or a touch screen. On the other hand, the input unit 53 may be integrally formed with the heater switch 66a and the pump switch 72a to be described later.

The display unit 54 is provided as a display to display information input from the input unit 53, temperatures of cold water and hot water, and an operating state of the refrigerator. When the input unit 53 is provided as a touch screen, the display unit 54 may be provided to have a function of the input unit 53.

The hot water tank 60 is provided between the purified water unit 10 and the dispenser 50. Hot water tank 60 is preferably provided at the top of the body (1). The hot water tank 60 has an inlet 61 through which water purified by the water purification unit 10 is introduced through the water supply pipe 76, a storage unit 62 in which water introduced into the inlet 61 is stored, and is stored. The water stored in the unit 62 includes an outlet 63 discharged to the outside of the hot water tank 60 through the hot water pipe (64).

The refrigerator according to the present invention is introduced into the inlet 61 of the hot water tank 60 through the water supply pipe 76 and the water supply pipe 76 for supplying the purified water from the water purification unit 10 to the hot water tank (60). It further includes a water supply valve 69 for regulating water. Here, the water supply valve 69 may be provided as a solenoid valve. That is, by intermittent the water supply valve 69, it is possible to control the water supplied to the hot water tank 60 to the water purified by the water purification unit 10. Here, when the second branch 26 is provided as a solenoid valve, the second branch 26 may serve as a water supply valve 69. In other words, by opening and blocking the second outlet 29 of the second branch 26, it is possible to selectively supply and block water to the hot water tank 60.

The hot water pipe 64 connects the outlet 63 of the hot water tank 60 and the dispenser unit 50. The hot water pipe 64 is preferably disposed in the hollow hinge shaft 43 of the above-described hinge portion 40, as shown in Figure 3a. Here, the hot water pipe 64 that penetrates the inside of the hollow hinge shaft 43 is embedded in the foam space of the door 30. Thus, even if the hot water tank 60 is disposed above the main body 1, the hot water tank 60 does not interfere with the rotation of the freezing chamber door 31. Here, the hot water pipe 64 is preferably made of a flexible material having heat resistance. In addition, the hot water pipe 64 adjacent to the hollow hinge shaft 43 is preferably formed with an extra length so as not to interfere with the rotation of the door.

A protective member 65 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the hot water pipe 64 accommodated in the hollow hinge shaft 43 so as to be spaced apart from the electric wire 8. The protection member 65 may be provided with a spring or elastic material to wrap the bent portion to protect the bent portion of the hot water pipe (64).

The refrigerator according to the present invention may further include an intermittent valve 75 provided at each of the hot water pipes 64 and the hot water pipes 64 and the water supply pipes 76 adjacent to the hot water tank 60 to control the water drawn into and out of the hot water tank 60. have. The intermittent valve 75 is provided as a manual on / off valve that can be directly opened and closed by the user to prevent the water in the hot water tank 60 from flowing into the hot water pipe 64 and the water supply pipe 76 when the refrigerator moves.

The hot water tank 60 includes a heater 66 for heating the water stored in the storage unit, a water level sensor 67 for measuring the amount of water stored in the storage unit, and a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the storage unit ( 68) is provided.

The heater 66 is provided in the hot water tank 60 to heat the water stored in the hot water tank 60. The heater 66 may be provided in various ways. For example, the heater 66 may be disposed inside the hot water tank, may be provided embedded in the hot water tank 60, or may be mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the hot water tank 60.

The water level sensor 67 detects the water level stored in the hot water tank 60. The water level sensor 67 detects the water level of the water stored in the hot water tank 60, and transmits the detected signal to the controller 100.

The first temperature sensor 68 detects the temperature of the water stored in the hot water tank 60. The first temperature sensor 68 detects the temperature of the water stored in the hot water tank 60, and transmits the detected signal to the control unit 100.

The refrigerator according to the present invention further includes a selection unit provided to separately control the power of the heater 66. In one example of the present invention, the selection unit is provided as a heater switch 66a. The heater switch 66a stops heating the heater 66 by releasing the normal mode of the heater 66 and releasing the normal mode of the heater 66 by selectively heating and releasing the water stored in the hot water tank 60. It is arranged to select any one of the modes. As shown in FIG. 1, the heater switch 66a may be provided integrally with the above-described input unit 53 or may be provided as a separate switch in the dispenser unit 50.

1, 2 and 6, the circulation unit 70 is branched from the hot water pipe 64 is connected to the hot water tank 60 and the circulation pipe 71 and the hot water pipe 64 and circulation A pump 72 for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the pipe 71 to the hot water tank 60, and a pump switch 72a for selecting the drive or stop of the pump (72).

The circulation pipe 71 is branched from the hot water pipe 64 and connected to the hot water tank 60. That is, the hot water tank 60, the hot water pipe 64 and the circulation pipe 71 is formed in communication. The circulation pipe 71 branches in one region of the hot water pipe 64 adjacent to the dispenser unit 50. The circulation pipe 71 is disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft 43 of the upper hinge portion 41 similarly to the hot water pipe 64. Here, the circulation pipe 71 penetrating the inside of the hollow hinge shaft 43 is embedded in the foaming space of the freezer compartment door 31. Thus, even if the hot water tank 60 is disposed in the upper portion is not interfered with the rotation of the freezer compartment door 31.

A protective member 65 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the circulation pipe 71 accommodated in the hollow hinge shaft 43 so as to be spaced apart from the electric wire 8 and the hot water pipe 64. The protection member 65 may be provided with a spring or elastic material to wrap the bent portion to protect the bent portion of the circulation pipe (71). Here, the circulation pipe 71 is preferably made of a flexible material having heat resistance. In addition, the circulation pipe 71 adjacent to the hollow hinge shaft 43 is preferably formed to have an extra length so as not to interfere with the rotation of the door (30).

Meanwhile, the hot water pipe 64 between the hot water pipe 64 and the branch area of the circulation pipe 71 and the dispenser part 50 further includes a hot water valve 77 for controlling hot water discharged to the dispenser part 50. do. The hot water valve 77 is opened and closed by a valve switch 57 which will be described later in conjunction with the water lever 51.

The pump 72 is disposed in one region of the circulation pipe 71. The pump 72 circulates the water stagnant in the hot water pipe 64 and the circulation pipe 71 between the hot water tank 60 and the hot water valve 77 to the hot water tank 60. The pump 72 is disposed above the main body 1. Here, the circulation direction of the water may be a direction for sequentially moving the hot water tank 60, the hot water pipe 64, the circulation pipe 71, or the reverse direction.

The pump switch 72a is provided to separately control the power of the pump 72. As shown in FIG. 1, the pump switch 72a may be provided integrally with the input unit 53 described above, or may be provided as a separate switch in the dispenser unit 50.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may further include a second temperature sensor 73 provided in the hot water pipe 64 or the circulation pipe between the hot water tank 60 and the hot water valve 77. The second temperature sensor 73 detects the temperature of the water remaining in the hot water pipe 64 or the circulation pipe 71 between the hot water tank 60 and the hot water valve 77 and transmits it to the controller 100.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may further include a timer 90 for measuring a time for controlling the driving of the heater 66 and the pump 72.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may further include a valve switch 57 for selectively opening and closing the cold water valve 16 and the hot water valve 77. The valve switch 57 may be provided in the rear region of the water lever 51 to interlock with the water lever 51. The valve switch 57 may be provided as a mechanical switch such as a push switch or a reed switch, or may be provided as a sensor such as a proximity sensor.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may further include a steam discharge unit 80 provided on the hot water tank 60 to adjust the steam pressure inside the hot water tank 60.

The steam discharge unit 80 includes a vent housing 81 for guiding the steam in the hot water tank 60 to the outside, and an opening and closing member 85. The steam discharge unit 80 may be provided integrally with the hot water tank 60, or may be provided detachably.

The vent housing 81 is provided in a tubular shape on the upper portion of the hot water tank 60. The vent housing 81 includes a steam inlet 82 through which steam in the hot water tank 60 flows in, a steam outlet 83 through which steam introduced into the steam inlet 82 is discharged to the outside, and a steam inlet 82. And a steam discharge passage 84 in which the steam outlet 83 is communicated with each other. The vent housing 81 may be provided in various ways. For example, it may be provided in a cylindrical shape, or may be provided in a polygonal cylinder shape such as a rectangular cylinder shape or a pentagonal cylinder shape. The vent housing 81 may be disposed downward from the upper surface of the hot water tank 60, or may be disposed upward from the upper surface of the hot water tank 60.

The steam inlet 82 penetrates a predetermined region of the lower surface of the vent housing 81, and the steam outlet 83 penetrates a predetermined region of the upper surface of the vent housing 81. The steam outlet 83 and the steam inlet 82 are preferably formed to face the upper and lower surfaces of the vent housing 81, but the vent housing 81 is disposed upward from the upper surface of the hot water tank 60. A steam outlet 83 may be formed on the side of the vent housing 81. The steam inlet 82 and the steam outlet 83 may be formed as one through hole, or may be formed as a plurality of through holes in a mesh shape.

The opening and closing member 85 is disposed in the steam discharge passage 84 between the steam inlet 82 and the steam outlet 83. The opening and closing member 85 moves between the open position B for opening the steam inlet 82 and the closed position A for closing the steam inlet 82 according to the steam pressure in the hot water tank 60. The opening and closing member 85 is provided in a plate shape, preferably made of a rubber material. The opening / closing member 85 moves to the open position B by the steam pressure to open the steam inlet 82 when the steam pressure in the hot water tank 60 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. Thus, the steam in the hot water tank 60 is discharged to the outside through the steam outlet (83). When the steam pressure in the hot water tank 60 is lowered after the steam in the hot water tank 60 is discharged to the outside, the opening and closing member 85 moves to the closed position A to close the steam inlet 82. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from penetrating into the hot water tank (60).

The opening and closing member 85 is preferably provided larger than the size of the steam inlet 82. Accordingly, when the opening and closing member 85 is in the closed position, the steam inlet 82 may be completely closed. When the pressure inside the hot water tank 60 is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure, the opening and closing member 85 is preferably provided with a weight enough to move to the open position (B).

Meanwhile, the vent housing 81 has a lower support portion 86 protruding upward from the lower surface of the vent housing 81 to support the lower surface of the opening and closing member 85, and the vent housing to support the upper surface of the opening and closing member 85. An upper support portion 87 protruding downward from the upper surface of the housing 81 may be formed.

The lower support portion 86 protrudes upward along the circumference of the steam inlet 82 so as to space the opening and closing member 85 from the lower surface of the vent housing 81. Accordingly, the lower support portion 86 is the opening and closing member 85 is in close contact with the circumference of the steam inlet 82 formed on the lower surface of the vent housing 81 by the steam so that the steam pressure inside the hot water tank 60 is more than a predetermined pressure. Even if it is possible to prevent the problem that the opening and closing member 85 may not move to the open position by the surface tension. Here, a through hole (not shown) may be further formed on the lower surface of the vent housing 81 so that water condensed in the vent housing 81 may flow into the hot water tank 60. .

The upper support portion 87 protrudes downward along the circumference of the steam outlet 83. The upper support portion 87 prevents the opening and closing member 85 from sticking to the upper surface of the vent housing 81 by moisture.

At least one vapor discharge hole 88 may be formed on the plate surface of the upper support part 87. The steam discharge hole 88 guides the steam passing through the steam oil inlet 82 to the steam outlet 83 even though the opening and closing member 85 is in close contact with the lower support portion 86. In addition, when the opening and closing member 85 is in close contact with the lower support portion 86, the steam discharge hole 88 communicates with the inside and outside of the hot water tank 60 to move the opening and closing member 85 to the closed position (A). To help.

The control unit 100 of the refrigerator according to the present invention controls each component, as described below.

First, a control method of the heater 66 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described.

When the normal mode is selected by the heater switch 66a, the controller 100 supplies water to maintain the water stored in the hot water tank 60 within a predetermined water level range and a predetermined temperature range based on a signal detected by the first temperature sensor and the water level sensor. The driving of the valve 69 and the heater 66 is controlled.

The controller 100 blocks the water supply valve 69 when the stop mode is selected by the heater switch 66a, and controls the heater 66 to be heated. Thus, the user discharges the water stored in the hot water tank 60 so that the water supply valve 69 is not opened even when the water level of the hot water tank 60 is detected to be below a predetermined water level range. The hygiene of the hot water tank 60 can be maintained by emptying the 60. In addition, since unnecessary driving of the heater 66 can be prevented, power consumption can be saved.

The controller 100 detects that the water level of the hot water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined water level range (reference water level) by the water level sensor 67, and then changes the water level of the hot water tank 60 in the water level sensor 67 for a predetermined time. If this is not detected, the water supply valve 69 is opened to supply water to the hot water tank 60. More specifically, while the user detects that the water level of the hot water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined water level range while the user takes out a predetermined amount of hot water, the water supply valve 69 is not opened, and the user takes out the container after taking out the hot water. The water supply valve 69 is controlled not to open even in the situation of replacement. Thus, even when the user receives hot water at a time difference such as replacing a container while receiving hot water, the user can receive hot water.

Hereinafter, a control method of the pump 72 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described.

When the driving of the pump 72 is selected by the pump switch 72a, the controller 100 drives the pump 72 for a predetermined time. Here, the time for driving the pump 72 is the time calculated through the experiment. The time for driving the pump 72 is preferably set to a value calculated by averaging the time that the water remaining in the hot water pipe 64 and the circulation pipe 71 is completely circulated after driving the pump 72. Thus, the user can always take out hot water at a constant temperature. In this case, if the user does not want to drive the pump 72, it is possible to solve the noise problem generated when the pump 72 is driven.

If the driving of the pump 72 is selected in the pump switch 72a, the controller 100 may drive the pump 72 at a predetermined cycle. Here, the period for driving the pump 72 is a period calculated through the experiment, it may be set differently depending on the set temperature and the external environment. Here, the period in which the pump 72 is driven is a value for calculating the average of the time that the temperature of the water remaining in the hot water pipe 64 or the circulation pipe 71 falls below the set temperature range after the user draws hot water. Is preferably set to. In this case, when the user desires, hot water of a predetermined temperature range can be supplied at any time.

The controller 100 drives the pump 72 when it is determined that the driving of the pump 72 is selected by the pump switch 72a and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 73 is lower than or equal to the set pump driving temperature. After driving 72, if it is determined that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 73 is equal to or higher than the set pump stop temperature, the driving of the pump 72 may be stopped. In this case, when the user desires, hot water of a predetermined temperature can be supplied at any time.

When the driving of the pump 72 is selected by the pump switch 72a and the opening of the discharge unit 58 is selected by the water lever 51 of the dispenser 50, the controller 100 shuts off the hot water valve 77. In this state, the pump 72 may be driven for a predetermined time. In detail, when the user selects the driving of the pump 72 in the pump switch 72a and pressurizes the water lever 51, the control unit 100 interlocks with the water lever 51 to operate the valve switch 57. Even if the hot water valve 77 is blocked, the pump 72 is driven for a predetermined time. The controller 100 opens the hot water valve 77 when a predetermined time elapses.

On the other hand, the refrigerator according to the present invention may not be provided with a pump switch 72a. In this case, when the hot water is input from the input unit 53 and the opening of the discharge unit 58 is selected from the water lever 51 of the dispenser unit 50, the control unit 100 performs the water lever 51 as described above. In conjunction with the control of the drive of the pump (72).

On the other hand, the controller 100 may enable the pump switch 72a to select the driving of the pump 72 only when the normal mode is selected by the heater switch 66a. In addition, the controller 100 may drive the heater 66 in conjunction with the pump 72 while the pump 72 is driven.

Hereinafter will be described a control method of the valve switch 57 of the refrigerator according to the present invention.

The controller 100 controls the operation of the hot water valve 77 to open the hot water valve 77 when the valve switch 57 is operated while the hot water is input from the input unit 53. In detail, the control unit 100 discharges hot water by opening the hot water valve 77 when the user presses the water lever 51 and the valve switch 57 is operated after the hot water is input from the input unit 53. After the cold water is input from the input unit 53, when the user presses the water lever 51 to operate the valve switch 57, the cold water valve 16 is opened to discharge cold water.

Referring to Figures 1, 5 and 6 the supply process of ice, cold water and hot water of the refrigerator according to the present invention having such a configuration as follows.

First, a process of supplying cold water to the dispenser unit 50 will be described.

Water introduced into the chamber through the external connection part 11 is free of impurities in the water purification part 10. The water purified by the water purification unit 10 flows into the inlet 22 of the first branch 21. The water passing through the second outlet 24 of the first branch 21 is moved to the cold water tank 13 disposed in the storage chamber 2. Here, when the user inputs the cold water from the input unit 53 and pressurizes the water lever 51, the valve switch 57 is operated to open the cold water valve 16, and the cold water is stored in the cold water tank 13 at a low temperature. It is supplied to the dispenser part 50 through the 15. Here, the cold water pipe 15 is disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft 43a of the lower hinge portion 41a. Meanwhile, a pump (not shown) may be provided in one region of the cold water pipe 15.

Next, a process of supplying hot water to the dispenser unit 50 will be described.

Water introduced into the chamber through the external connection part 11 is free of impurities in the water purification part 10. The water purified by the water purification unit 10 flows into the inlet 22 of the first branch 21. Water passing through the first outlet 23 of the first branch 21 enters the inlet 27 of the second branch 26, and opens the second outlet 29 of the second branch 26. Passed water is supplied to the water supply pipe (76). When the normal mode is selected in the heater switch 66a, the control unit 100 opens the water supply valve 69 and flows water from the water supply pipe 76 to the hot water tank 60 to store the water. When the predetermined water level is detected by the water level sensor 69, the heater 66 heats the water stored in the hot water tank 60 to a predetermined temperature based on the signal of the first temperature sensor 68. Next, when the user inputs hot water from the input unit 53 and pressurizes the water lever 51, the valve switch 57 is operated to open the hot water valve 77, and the hot water stored in the hot water tank 60 is discharged. . On the other hand, when the user selects the driving of the pump 72 in the pump switch 72a, the control unit 100 drives the pump 72 based on the above-described control method. Thus, when the user wants to supply hot water, the user can be supplied with hot water at a constant temperature.

Various embodiments of the control process of the pump 72 of the refrigerator having such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8A to 8D.

First, a first embodiment of a control process of the pump 72 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8A.

It is determined whether the heater switch 66a is in the normal mode (S11). Here, if it is determined that the normal mode, it is determined whether the pump switch 72a is in the ON state (S12). On the other hand, when it determines with stop mode, the control of the pump 72 is complete | finished.

When it is determined in step S12 that the pump switch 72a is in the ON state, the pump 72 is driven in a state where the hot water valve 77 is blocked (S13). On the other hand, when it is determined that the pump switch 72a is in the OFF state, the control of the pump 72 is terminated. Here, the driving state of the pump 66 is selected as the ON state of the pump switch 66a, and the driving stop of the pump 66 is selected as the OFF state of the pump switch 66a.

In operation S13, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the driving of the pump 72 (S14). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the pump 72 is stopped (S15). On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, S14 is repeated.

Next, a second embodiment of a control process of the pump 72 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8B.

It is determined whether the heater switch 66a is in the normal mode (S21). Here, if it is determined that the normal mode, it is determined whether the pump switch 72a is in the ON state (S22). On the other hand, when it determines with being in the stop mode, control of the pump 72 is complete | finished.

If it is determined in step S22 that the pump switch 72a is in the ON state, after the user receives hot water from the timer 90, the elapsed time is measured to determine whether a predetermined period for driving the pump 72 has arrived. (S23). On the other hand, when it is determined that the pump switch 72a is in the OFF state, the control of the pump 72 is terminated. Here, the driving state of the pump 66 is selected as the ON state of the pump switch 66a, and the driving stop of the pump 66 is selected as the OFF state of the pump switch 66a.

When it is determined in step S23 that the predetermined period has arrived, the pump 72 is driven in a state where the hot water valve 77 is blocked (S24). On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined period has not arrived, step S23 is repeated.

After driving the pump 72 in step S24, the driving time of the pump 72 is checked to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S25). Here, if it is determined that the drive time of the pump 72 has passed the predetermined time, the drive of the pump 72 is stopped (S26).

If it is determined in step S25 that the driving time of the pump 72 has not passed a predetermined time, step S25 is repeated.

Next, a third embodiment of a control process of the pump 72 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8C.

It is determined whether the heater switch 66a is in the normal mode (S31). Here, if it is determined that the normal mode, it is determined whether the pump switch 72a is in the ON state (S32). On the other hand, when it determines with being in the stop mode, control of the pump 72 is complete | finished.

If it is determined in step S32 that the pump switch 72a is in the ON state, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 73 is less than the predetermined pump driving temperature (S33). On the other hand, when it is determined that the pump switch 72a is in the OFF state, the control of the pump 72 is terminated. Here, the driving state of the pump 66 is selected as the ON state of the pump switch 66a, and the driving stop of the pump 66 is selected as the OFF state of the pump switch 66a.

If it is determined in step S33 that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 73 is less than or equal to the predetermined pump driving temperature, the pump 72 is driven in a state where the hot water valve 77 is blocked (S34). If it is determined that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 73 exceeds the predetermined pump driving temperature, the process moves to step S33.

After driving the pump 72 in step S34, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 73 is more than the predetermined pump stop temperature (S35).

If it is determined in step S35 that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 73 is equal to or higher than the predetermined pump stop temperature, the driving of the pump 72 is stopped (S36). On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 73 is less than the predetermined pump stop temperature, the flow moves to step S35.

Next, a fourth embodiment of a control process of the pump 72 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8D.

It is determined whether the heater switch 66a is in the normal mode (S41). Here, if it is determined that the normal mode, it is determined whether or not the pump switch 72a is in the ON state (S42). On the other hand, when it determines with being in the stop mode, control of the pump 72 is complete | finished.

If it is determined in step S42 that the pump switch 72a is in the ON state, it is determined whether the valve switch 57 is in the ON state (S43). Here, since the valve switch 57 is interlocked with the water lever 51, when the user presses the water lever 51, the valve switch 57 is turned on. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pump switch 72a is in the OFF state, the control of the pump 72 is terminated. Here, the driving state of the pump 66 is selected as the ON state of the pump switch 66a, and the driving stop of the pump 66 is selected as the OFF state of the pump switch 66a.

When it is determined in step S43 that the valve switch 57 is in the ON state, the pump 72 is driven in a state where the hot water valve 77 is blocked (S44). On the other hand, when it is determined that the valve switch 57 is in the OFF state, the control of the pump 72 is terminated.

After driving the pump 72 in step S44, the driving time of the pump 72 is checked to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S45). Here, if it is determined that the drive time of the pump 72 has passed the predetermined time, the drive of the pump 72 is stopped (S46).

If it is determined in step S45 that the driving time of the pump 72 has not passed a predetermined time, step S45 is repeated.

After stopping the driving of the pump 72 in step S46 opens the hot water valve 77 (S47).

Hereinafter, a control method according to an operation of the heater switch 66a of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

First, it is determined whether the heater switch 66a is in the normal mode (S100). Here, when it is determined that the normal mode, the water level sensor level sensor 67 detects the water level of the hot water tank 60, and determines whether the water level of the hot water tank 60 is less than the predetermined level (S110). On the other hand, when it is determined that the heater switch 66a is in the stop mode, the water supply valve 69 is blocked (S105), and the flow moves to step S190.

When the water level of the hot water tank 60 is detected by the water level sensor 67 at step S120, when it is determined that the water level of the hot water tank 60 is less than the predetermined water level, the water supply valve 69 is opened at step S130. When the water level of the hot water tank 60 is detected as a result of detecting the water level of the hot water tank 60 at 67, the flow moves to step S150.

After the water supply valve 69 is opened in step S130, the water level sensor 67 detects the water level of the hot water tank 60, and determines whether the water level of the hot water tank 60 is greater than or equal to the predetermined water level (S140). Here, when the water level sensor 67 detects the water level of the hot water tank 60 and determines that the water level of the hot water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined level, the water supply valve 69 is blocked (S150). On the other hand, if it is determined that the water level of the hot water tank 60 is less than the predetermined level as a result of detecting the water level of the hot water tank 60 in the water level sensor 67, the flow moves to step S130.

After blocking the water supply valve 69 in step S150, the first temperature sensor 68 detects the temperature of the water stored in the hot water tank (60). It is determined whether the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 60 detected by the first temperature sensor 68 is less than a predetermined temperature (S160). Here, when it is determined that the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 60 sensed by the first temperature sensor 68 is less than the predetermined temperature, the heater 66 is driven (S170). On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature of the water inside the hot water tank 60 detected by the first temperature sensor 68 is more than the predetermined temperature, the flow moves to step S190.

After driving the heater 66 in step S170, the first temperature sensor 68 detects the temperature of the water stored in the hot water tank 60. It is determined whether the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 60 detected by the first temperature sensor 68 is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature (S180). Here, when it is determined that the temperature of the water inside the hot water tank 60 detected by the first temperature sensor 68 is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the driving of the heater 66 is stopped (S190). On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature of the water inside the hot water tank 60 detected by the first temperature sensor 68 is less than the predetermined temperature, the flow moves to step S170.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may be modified in various ways to diverge from the water purification unit 10 to the ice maker 6, the cold water tank 13 and the hot water tank 60, respectively. For example, a branching unit may be provided as a single four-hole valve to branch the water flowing into the branching unit from the water purification unit 10 to the ice maker 6, the cold water tank 13, and the hot water tank 60, respectively. have.

As described above, by placing the hot water tank 60 in the upper portion of the main body 1, the hot water tank 60 and the storage compartment 2 are spaced apart with a blowing agent therebetween so that the heat of the hot water tank 60 is stored in the storage compartment. It can prevent the transmission inside. Accordingly, power consumption can be reduced, and reliability of the cooling performance of the storage compartment can be improved.

And, by disposing the hot water pipe 64 and the circulation pipe 71 in the hollow hinge shaft 43, even if the hot water tank 60 is disposed above the main body 1, so as not to interfere with the rotation of the door 30. You can do it.

In addition, by providing a pump 72 for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water tank 60 and the circulation pipe 71 to the hot water tank 60, when the user wants to supply hot water, hot water at a constant temperature is supplied. I can receive it.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to supply hot water at a constant temperature at all times, and to provide a hot water supply refrigerator and a control method thereof capable of preventing waste of residual water remaining in the hot water pipe.

Claims (36)

A hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, A hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A heater for heating the water stored in the hot water tank; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation unit circulating water remaining in the hot water pipe to the hot water tank; Hot water supply refrigerator comprising a control unit for controlling the driving of the heater. The method of claim 1, The circulation portion, A circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank; And a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank. The method of claim 2, The pump is hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that arranged in one region of the circulation pipe. The method of claim 2, A water supply pipe for supplying water introduced from the outside to the hot water tank, a water supply valve for regulating the water flowing into the hot water tank through the water supply pipe, a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the hot water tank, and the hot water tank Further comprising a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the; The control unit is a hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that for controlling the operation of the heater and the water supply valve based on the signal detected by the water level sensor and the first temperature sensor. The method of claim 4, wherein After detecting that the water level of the hot water tank is lower than the reference level by the water level sensor, if the level of the hot water tank is not detected by the water level sensor for a predetermined time, the controller opens the water supply valve to open the water in the hot water tank. Hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that for supplying. The method of claim 5, And an intermittent valve provided in the hot water pipe adjacent to the hot water tank and the water supply pipe to regulate water drawn in and out of the hot water tank. The method of claim 2, The circulation unit further comprises a pump switch for selecting the driving (ON) or (OFF) of the pump. The method of claim 7, wherein The control unit is a hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that for driving the pump for a predetermined time when the drive of the pump is selected in the pump switch. The method of claim 7, wherein The control unit is a hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that for driving the pump at a predetermined cycle when the drive of the pump is selected in the pump switch. The method of claim 7, wherein The circulation unit further includes a second temperature sensor provided in any one of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe; And the controller is configured to drive the pump when it is determined that the pump is selected by the pump switch and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is equal to or less than the set pump driving temperature. The method of claim 10, And the controller is configured to stop the driving of the pump if it is determined that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set pump stop temperature after driving the pump. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein The control unit is a hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that for driving the heater in conjunction with the drive of the pump. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein And a hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser part to regulate hot water discharged to the dispenser part. The method of claim 13, The dispenser unit includes an input unit for selectively inputting cold water or hot water. The method of claim 14, A valve switch for selectively opening and closing the hot water valve; And the control unit controls the operation of the hot water valve to open the hot water valve when the hot water is input from the input unit and the valve switch is operated. The method of claim 15, The dispenser unit further includes a discharge unit connected to the hot water pipe to discharge hot water to the outside, and a water lever to selectively open and close the discharge unit; The valve switch is a hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that provided with the water lever. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that it further comprises a steam discharge portion provided on the hot water tank to control the steam pressure inside the hot water tank. The method of claim 17, The steam discharge unit, A vent housing having a steam inlet through which steam in the hot water tank flows, a steam outlet through which steam introduced into the steam inlet is discharged to the outside, and a steam discharge passage in which the steam inlet and the steam outlet communicate with each other; It is provided to reciprocate between the steam inlet and the steam outlet, the hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that it comprises an opening and closing member for opening and closing the steam inlet and access and spaced apart from the steam inlet in accordance with the steam pressure in the hot water tank . The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, The heater further includes a heater switch provided to select one of a normal mode for selectively heating and releasing the water stored in the hot water tank and a stop mode for stopping the driving of the heater by releasing the normal mode of the heater. To; The control unit is a hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that for controlling the driving of the heater to maintain the water in the hot water tank at a predetermined temperature when the normal mode is selected by the heater switch. The method of claim 19, The control unit blocks the water supply valve when the stop mode is selected by the heater switch, the hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that to stop the driving of the heater. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein A hinge portion having a hollow hinge shaft provided in one of the main body and the door and a hinge shaft engaging portion provided in the other of the main body and the door so that the hollow hinge shaft is rotatably coupled; The hot water tank is disposed above the main body, the hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe is disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft. A hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, A hot water tank provided at an upper portion of the main body to store water supplied from the outside; A heater for heating the water stored in the hot water tank; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation unit circulating water remaining in the hot water pipe to the hot water tank; And a selector configured to select one of a normal mode for selectively heating and releasing water stored in the hot water tank and a stop mode for releasing the normal mode of the heater to stop driving of the heater. Hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that. The method of claim 22, The circulation portion, A circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank; And a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank. The method of claim 23, wherein The circulation unit further comprises a pump switch for selectively driving the pump. The method of claim 23, wherein Hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that it further comprises a steam discharge portion provided on the hot water tank to control the steam pressure inside the hot water tank. The method of claim 23, wherein A water supply pipe for supplying water introduced from the outside to the hot water tank; A water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe; Controlling the operation of the heater to maintain the water of the hot water tank at a predetermined temperature when the normal mode is selected by the heater switch; and blocking the water supply valve and stopping the operation of the heater when the stop mode is selected by the heater switch. Hot water supply refrigerator further comprising a control unit. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, A hinge portion having a hollow hinge shaft provided in one of the main body and the door and a hinge shaft engaging portion provided in the other of the main body and the door so that the hollow hinge shaft is rotatably coupled; The hot water tank is disposed above the main body, the hot water supply refrigerator characterized in that the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe is disposed inside the hollow hinge shaft. A hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, A hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank; A hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser part to regulate hot water discharged to the dispenser part; A temperature sensor provided between the hot water tank and the hot water valve; And a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank. The method of claim 28, And a controller for driving the pump in a state in which the hot water valve is shut off when it is determined that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a set pump driving temperature. A hot water supply refrigerator having a main body for forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser portion provided in the door, A hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; A circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank; A pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank; A hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser part to regulate hot water discharged to the dispenser part; A water lever for selectively opening and closing the hot water valve; And a controller for controlling the driving of the pump in association with the water lever. The method of claim 30, The control unit, if the opening of the hot water valve is selected in the water lever, the hot water supply refrigerator, characterized in that for opening the hot water valve after driving the pump for a predetermined time in the closed state. A main body forming a storage compartment; A door to open and close the storage compartment, and a dispenser unit provided at the door; A hot water tank for storing water supplied from the outside; A heater for heating the water stored in the hot water tank; A hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser; In the control method of the hot water supply refrigerator comprising a circulation pipe branched from the hot water pipe and connected to the hot water tank, and a pump for forcibly circulating the water remaining in the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe to the hot water tank. , Control method of the hot water supply storage, characterized in that it comprises the step of driving the pump. 33. The method of claim 32, The driving of the pump includes controlling the pump for a predetermined time. 33. The method of claim 32, The driving of the pump includes controlling the pump at a predetermined cycle. 33. The method of claim 32, The driving of the pump comprises controlling the pump based on a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor provided in at least one of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe. 33. The method of claim 32, A hot water valve provided in the hot water pipe between the branched area of the hot water pipe and the circulation pipe and the dispenser part to intercept hot water discharged to the dispenser part, and a hot water lever to open and close the hot water valve; The driving of the pump may include the step of opening the hot water valve after driving the pump for a predetermined time in a state where the hot water valve is closed when the opening of the hot water valve is selected in the water lever. How to control the supply refrigerator.

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