KR20180000512A - Refrigerator and Controlling Method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, comprising: a detection step for detecting an opening time of a door by unit time, and information regarding temperature change of a storage room after the door is opened, respectively; an information storing step for storing each information obtained from the detection step for 168 hours by unit time; a combining step for determining whether or not information stored for 168 hours by unit time satisfies a first condition and a second condition different from the first condition, respectively, and superimposing the first condition and the second condition to arrange into 7 units at 24 hours intervals; and an operation step for cooling the storage room according to an operation mode set by unit time of the 7 units. The present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator and a control method of a refrigerator capable of predicting a usage pattern of a future refrigerator by considering a previous usage pattern.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of controlling a refrigerator and a refrigerator,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method for a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator and a control method for a refrigerator.

The present invention also relates to a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator that can reduce energy consumption.

Generally, a refrigerator is a device that can cool a storage room (a freezer compartment or a refrigerating compartment) while repeating a refrigeration cycle to store food for a predetermined period of time.

The refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle to high temperature and high pressure. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor generates cold air while passing through the heat exchanger, and the generated cold air is supplied to the freezer compartment or the refrigerating compartment.

According to the conventional refrigerator, the compressor can be repeatedly turned on / off according to the temperature value in the refrigerator. If the temperature value in the refrigerator is equal to or higher than a preset temperature, the compressor is turned on to drive the refrigeration cycle. On the other hand, when the temperature value in the refrigerator falls below a preset temperature, the need for cold air supply is eliminated and the compressor can be turned off.

Recently, a refrigerator capable of reducing the power consumption of a refrigerator is being studied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator control method capable of predicting a usage pattern of a future refrigerator in consideration of a previous usage pattern.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method of a refrigerator which can change a cooling temperature of a storage compartment by considering a usage pattern of a user more precisely.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator and a control method of a refrigerator that can reduce power consumption in a refrigerator in consideration of a user's use of the refrigerator.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a refrigerator, comprising: detecting a door opening time and a temperature change of a storage room after a door is opened; An information storage step of storing each piece of information acquired in the sensing step for each unit time for 168 hours; Determining whether or not the information per unit time stored for 168 hours satisfies the first condition and the second condition different from the first condition, respectively, and arranging the information into seven units having overlapping intervals of 24 hours; And an operation step of cooling the storage room according to an operation mode set for each unit time of the seven units, wherein the operation mode includes a normal operation mode for maintaining the storage room at a first set temperature preset by the user, And a power saving operation mode in which the temperature of the refrigerator is maintained at a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature.

Wherein the normal operation mode is performed when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied in a unit time, and the power saving operation mode is a mode in which the first condition and the second condition are not all satisfied It is possible to carry out the case.

It is possible that the first condition is whether or not the opening time of the door exceeds a specific value for each unit time.

The specific value may be an average value of the time during which the door is opened during the unit time in which the door is opened within 168 hours.

The second condition is that if the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, it can be raised by more than 2 degrees from the first set temperature within 5 minutes after the door is opened.

The second condition is that if the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, it can be raised by 8 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 20 minutes after the door is opened.

The second condition is that, if the storage compartment is a freezing compartment, the temperature can be raised above the first set temperature within 3 minutes after the door is opened.

The sensing step may be performed at a specific point in time when the refrigerator is connected to the external device via the network and receives the information.

The specific time may be 0 o'clock.

The unit time can be one hour.

In the operation step, the normal operation mode may be performed before two steps of the unit time set in the normal operation mode.

In the operation step, when the overload is inputted into the storage chamber while the power saving operation mode is performed within one unit time, it is possible to lower the storage chamber to the first set temperature.

When the storage chamber is lowered to the first set temperature within the one unit time, the power saving operation mode may be performed again.

When the storage room is a refrigerator compartment, if the storage compartment is in the refrigerating compartment, the temperature is increased by 2 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 5 minutes after the door is opened. If the storage compartment is in the refrigerating compartment, Or if the storage room is a freezing room, it is possible to raise the temperature beyond the first set temperature within 3 minutes after the door is opened.

The information storing step is performed three times in succession and information is stored for each unit time for 504 hours. In the combining step, it is determined whether the unit time information stored for 504 hours satisfies the first condition and the second condition, respectively , It is possible to arrange them into seven units having a time interval of 168 hours and superimposing unit time so as to have an interval of 24 hours.

The normal operation mode may be performed when there is at least one unit time that satisfies either the first condition or the second condition in a unit time.

The normal operation mode may be performed when there are two or more unit times that satisfy either the first condition or the second condition in unit time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door open / close sensor for detecting whether or not a door is open; A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage chamber; A timer for measuring a unit time interval of one hour from a specific point in time, measuring an opening time of the door within a unit time, and measuring a time at which a temperature change of the storage room occurs; A storage unit for storing information on the opening time of the door and the temperature change of the storage room after the door is opened for every 168 hours; Determining whether or not the information per unit time stored for 168 hours satisfies the first condition and the second condition different from the first condition, and arranging the information into seven units overlapping each other with 24 hour intervals; And a control unit for cooling the storage compartment according to an operation mode set by time, wherein the operation mode includes a normal operation mode for maintaining the storage compartment at a first set temperature preset by a user, And a power saving operation mode in which the temperature is maintained at a set temperature.

According to the present invention, when the user uses the refrigerator, the user can predict the usage pattern of the user for the next 7 days by using information corresponding to one week, that is, 7 days, so that data management can be facilitated.

A week consists of weekdays and weekends, and the usage pattern of the user for one week may be quite similar to the pattern of usage for the next week. The power consumption consumed in the refrigerator can be reduced by this estimated use pattern, and the energy efficiency can be improved.

Further, in consideration of various factors, the present invention can additionally adjust the temperature even if the power saving mode is set, so that the food preservation period can be increased and the energy efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved.

The present invention does not merely consider the opening of the storage compartment door but uses the actual use information of the user about the opening time of the door and how much food is introduced into the storage compartment after the door is opened. Therefore, since the user considers the usage pattern in detail, the consumption power can be reduced while the risk of deterioration of the food stored in the storage room is not increased.

1 shows a refrigerator and a terminal to which the present invention is applicable.
2 is a diagram illustrating a terminal to which the present invention can be applied;
3 is a view for explaining a block diagram of a refrigerator;
4 is a view for explaining a control flow of the present invention;
5 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates an actual implementation of an embodiment.
7 is a view for explaining a modification of the embodiment;
8 is a view for explaining another embodiment;
9 is a view for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a terminal;
10 is a view for explaining another example of a screen shown in a terminal;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The sizes and shapes of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. In addition, terms defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may be changed according to the intention or custom of the user, the operator. Definitions of these terms should be based on the content of this specification.

1, a refrigerator 100 to which the present invention can be applied includes a main body 100a, a door 101b provided on the front of the main body, and a handle 100c mounted on the door. The door 101b is provided with a display unit 120 that provides various information such as a dispenser 110 capable of taking out cold water or ice and foods stored in the refrigerator to the user and can transmit information inputted by the user to another device Can be installed.

Specifically, the display unit 120 displays predetermined information, and a predetermined command can be input by touch. That is, the display unit 120 preferably includes a touch screen on which input and display can be simultaneously implemented.

The display unit 120 may be fixed to the front of the door or may be detachably attached to the display unit 120 so that the user can attach or detach the display unit 120 to or from the refrigerator as needed.

On the other hand, the predetermined information displayed on the display unit 120 may be transmitted to the terminal 200 connected to the refrigerator 100 through a network. The terminal 200 is not installed in the refrigerator 100 but may be a smartphone separately provided from the refrigerator 100 so that the user can move to a remote place where the refrigerator 100 is not installed.

Accordingly, the user can recognize the information about the inside of the refrigerator 100 even if the user does not approach the refrigerator 100 while the terminal 200 is in the possession.

The terminal 200 may be connected to the refrigerator 100 through a network. In this case, the network means a wireless communication network, and it is possible that information can be transmitted and received between the mobile terminal 200 and the refrigerator 100.

The present invention can also be applied to a refrigerator in which the display unit 120 is not provided in the refrigerator 100, unlike in FIG.

2, the terminal 200 according to the present invention includes a terminal communication unit 210, an audio / video (A / V) input unit 220, a user input unit 230, a terminal output unit 240, An interface unit 260, an RFID reader unit 270, a control unit 280, and a power supply unit 290, for example. 2 are not essential, a terminal 200 having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The terminal communication unit 210 may include one or more modules that enable Internet use between the terminal 200 and the wireless communication system or the Internet network where the terminal 200 is located.

For example, the terminal communication unit 210 may include a broadcast receiving module 211, a mobile communication module 212, an internet module 213, and a short-range communication module 214.

Under the control of the terminal control unit 280, the broadcast receiving module 211 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel and reproduces the broadcast signals and / or broadcast- related information to the display module 241.

The mobile communication module 212 transmits and receives radio signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data in response to a voice signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The Internet module 213 is a module for a wired / wireless Internet access. Examples of the wireless Internet technology include a WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), a Wibro (Wireless broadband), a Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), or the like can be used.

The short range communication module 214 is a module for short range communication. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as a short range communication technology.

The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 220 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera module 221 and a microphone 222.

The camera module 221 processes image information such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image information can be displayed on the display module 241.

The image data processed in the camera module 221 may be stored in the memory 250 or transmitted to the outside through the terminal communication unit 210. [ At least two camera modules 221 may be provided depending on the use environment.

The microphone 222 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as electrical voice data.

The user input unit 230 generates input data for controlling the operation of the terminal 200 by a user. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad, a direction key, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The terminal output unit 240 generates an output related to visual or auditory information. The terminal output unit 240 may include a display module 241, an audio output module 242, and the like.

The display module 241 displays (outputs) information to be processed by the terminal 200.

For example, when the display module 241 displays information related to the terminal 200 and the refrigerator 100, the internal state of the refrigerator 100 may be displayed on the terminal 200.

The display module 241 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT) LCD, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) A flexible display, and a three-dimensional display (3D display).

The display module 241 may include a display module 241 and a display module 241. The display module 241 may include a display module 241 and a touch sensor It can also be used as an input device.

The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display module 241 or a capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display module 241 to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the signal (s) and transmits the corresponding data to the control unit 280. Thus, the control unit 280 can know which area of the display module 241 is touched or the like.

The sound output module 242 outputs sound containing audio included in the memory 250 or outputs sound to inform the user of the operation state associated with the refrigerator 100. [ The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The memory 250 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 280, and may include information on foods stored in the refrigerator.

In addition, the memory 250 stores graphic data that provides the various messages and information to the user with various visual effects.

The memory 250 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory A static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM) Magnetic disk, magnetic disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

The interface unit 260 serves as a channel with all the external devices connected to the refrigerator terminal 200. The interface unit 260 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the terminal 200 or transmits data to the external device in the terminal 200.

For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 260.

The terminal controller 280 typically controls the overall operation of the terminal 200.

The power supply unit 290 receives external power supplied through the interface unit 260 according to the control of the terminal control unit 280 and supplies power required for operation of the respective components.

The various embodiments described herein may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing other functions.

In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the terminal control unit 280 itself.

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented with separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein.

 Software code can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code is stored in the memory 250 and can be executed by the terminal control unit 280. [

3 is a view for explaining a block diagram of a refrigerator. This will be described below with reference to Fig.

The present invention includes a communication unit (30) in which a refrigerator can be connected to an external device through a network. The refrigerator can be connected to an external server or the terminal 200 through the communication unit 30. The information of the refrigerator may be transmitted to the external device through the communication unit 30 or information of the external device may be transmitted to the refrigerator.

On the other hand, the time information can be transmitted to the refrigerator through the communication unit 30. For example, information on the time when the time reaches 0 may be transmitted to the refrigerator.

The present invention may include a timer 40 that measures an interval of one hour. The timer 40 may measure an interval of one hour based on a specific time point, and then measure a corresponding one hour. For example, the timer 40 may measure a plurality of 1-hour intervals from various points of time such as when the timer 40 is connected to an external device and receives information. Information about the one-hour interval separated by the timer 40 may be provided to the control unit 10.

The timer 40 may measure various times within an hour. For example, the timer 40 can measure the time while the temperature is changed or the time when the door is opened.

And may include a door opening / closing sensor 50. The door opening / closing sensor 50 senses that the refrigerator door is opened and closed, and can provide the control unit 10 with related information. On the other hand, when the refrigerator door is opened, the light source inside the storage compartment can be turned on by the door opening / closing sensor 50.

The present invention may also include a temperature sensor 60 capable of measuring the storage room temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 60 may be determined according to various embodiments of the present invention. Information on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 60 may be provided to the controller 10.

In particular, the timer 40 can measure the time when the door is opened by the door open / close sensor 50. The timer 40 measures the time at which the temperature of the temperature sensor 60 changes, and provides the measured time to the controller 10.

The information transmitted from the timer 40, the door open / close sensor 50, and the temperature sensor 60 can be stored in the storage unit 70. At this time, the storage unit 70 may store the related information for each unit time in the controller 10.

And a compressor 80 controlled based on the information supplied to the controller 10. The compressor (80) can compress the refrigerant to supply cold air into the storage compartment, and the temperature in the compartment can be adjusted according to the driving form of the compressor (80). That is, when the compressor 80 is driven for a long time or when the compressor 80 is operated at a high speed, a relatively large amount of cool air may be generated, so that the temperature in the hearth can be relatively lowered. On the other hand, if the driving time of the compressor (80) is short or the compressor (80) is operated at a low speed, relatively little cool air can be generated, so that the temperature in the hearth can be relatively lowered.

4 is a view for explaining the control flow of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the present invention, the refrigerator 100 is first interlocked with an external device through the communication unit 30 (S10). At this time, the refrigerator 100 can receive information about a specific time from an external device. The specific time may be the time when it reaches 0, or it may be another time.

The external device may include the terminal specifically described with reference to FIG. Of course, the external device may include a server connected to the communication unit 30 through a network in addition to the terminal.

The refrigerator 100 may not be provided with a device for recognizing the time. In this case, the refrigerator (100) can obtain information on the time from the external device through the communication unit (30). Using the time information, the control unit 10 can create an operation schedule of the refrigerator.

Information may be stored for each unit time from a specific time point received from the external device (S20).

Information can be stored in the storage unit 70. [ In this case, the information may include a door opening time per unit time. That is, how long the door has been kept open within the unit time. Further, the information may include contents of the temperature change of the storage room after the door is opened by unit time. That is, information on how rapidly the temperature of the storage compartment rises after the door is opened when the door is opened within a unit time.

The controller 10 receives the information and then combines the received information (S30). At this time, the control unit 10 can grasp the usage form of the past user, and then can create an operation schedule of the refrigerator. That is, the unit time that the user is likely to not open the door is predicted, and the unit time that the user is likely to open the door can be predicted.

Then, the controller 10 can drive the refrigerator using the schedule (S40). Specifically, the controller 10 may control the operation of the compressor 80 differently. Also, the controller 10 may control the temperature of the storage room differently.

At this time, the refrigerator can be driven by being divided into a normal operation mode and a power saving operation mode. If it is driven in the normal operation mode, it means that it is driven to maintain the temperature of the storage room set by the user. If it is driven in the power saving operation mode, it means that it is driven to maintain the temperature of the storage room higher than the temperature of the storage room set by the user. When driven in the power saving operation mode, since the temperature of the storage chamber is increased, less energy is consumed to cool the storage chamber than in the normal operation mode, and energy can be saved.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an implementation method of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an actual implementation example of an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the controller of the refrigerator receives information on the overload input and information on the door open time.

At this time, the information on the overload input may indicate the temperature change of the storage room after the door is opened. The overload is input when the storage compartment is in the refrigerating compartment, which means that the temperature is raised by 2 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 5 minutes after the door is opened.

At this time, the first set temperature may mean the temperature of the storage room set by the user. For example, if the user sets the refrigerator room at 3 degrees, 3 degrees means the first set temperature.

In addition, the overload is input when the storage compartment is in the refrigerating compartment, and may be increased by 8 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 20 minutes after the door is opened. When the hot food is introduced into the fridge, the temperature of the fridge may suddenly rise within a certain period of time.

In addition, the above-mentioned overload may be inputted if the storage compartment is in the freezing compartment, it may mean that the temperature rises above the first set temperature within 3 minutes after the door is opened. If the hot food is introduced into the freezer, the temperature of the freezer may suddenly rise within a certain time. When the temperature of the freezer rises, there is a fear that the frozen food stored in the freezer room may melt and cause injury. Therefore, the meaning of overloading can be more strictly applied than in the freezer compartment.

The controller 10 is connected to an external device via a network and receives information on a specific time point corresponding to 0:00 on a day. At this time, it is possible that the specific point of time is 0, and it is possible to set various points of view.

The timer 40 may be operated to measure a unit time based on a specific time point. In this case, the unit time can be one hour.

The control unit can measure the information on the overload and the door opening time by unit time.

Information obtained by classifying the information obtained for seven times, i.e., 168 hours, by the unit 10 in the control unit 10 may be displayed in FIG.

6A shows the opening time of the door, and FIG. 6B shows the condition in which the overload is inputted. 6C is a diagram of the same schedule of the refrigerator generated by the control unit 10. As shown in FIG.

As in Fig. 6A, the opening time of the door can be measured in unit time, that is, at an interval of one hour. In each unit time, the time at which the door is opened within 168 hours, that is, within an interval of one week, is recorded.

 In this case, the unit time in which the open time of the door within a unit time is opened to a specific value, that is, the unit time in which the door is opened within 168 hours is opened larger than the average value of the time when the door is opened can be painted. This is the first condition. It is possible that the first condition is whether the opening time of the door exceeds a specific value for each unit time.

In FIG. 6A, when the number of unit time in which the door is opened is counted and the total door opening time is divided by the number, the average value of the door opening time is 51 seconds.

That is, if the open time of each unit time exceeds 51 seconds, the first condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is painted at the unit time satisfying the first condition.

FIG. 6B shows information on whether or not the above-mentioned overload is applied, that is, whether or not the condition is satisfied. The condition in which the overload is applied is referred to as a second condition, and it can be determined whether the second condition is satisfied for each unit time.

The control unit 10 may color the unit time that satisfies the second condition and distinguish it from the unit time that does not satisfy the second condition.

In Fig. 6C, the information shown in Figs. 6A and 6B is combined. That is, in FIG. 6C, even if only one of the first condition and the second condition is satisfied, '1' is marked and colored. The control unit 10 may generate a schedule as shown in FIG. 6C by superimposing the information of FIG. 6A and the information of FIG. 6B to form seven units having 24-hour intervals.

FIG. 6C shows the operation schedule of the refrigerator for the following 7 days, wherein the unit time indicated by '1' is the unit time in which the normal operation mode is operated and the unit time indicated by '0' It is time. When there is a unit time satisfying any one of the first condition or the second condition in each unit time of the previous 7 days, the unit operates in the normal operation mode at the unit time corresponding to seven days thereafter.

On the other hand, when both the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied, the power saving mode is operated.

The normal operation mode is to cool the storage compartment to the temperature set by the user in the storage compartment. Assuming that the user used the refrigerator at the same time during the previous 7 days, he / she can cool the storage compartment by considering the possibility of using the refrigerator at the same time during the next 7 days.

On the other hand, the power saving mode cools the storage compartment to a temperature higher than the user-set temperature. Assuming that the user did not use the refrigerator at the same time during the previous 7 days, he / she can cool the storage room by considering that the refrigerator is not likely to be used at the same time during the next 7 days.

Even if the user opens the door for a short time and puts only a load which does not greatly affect the temperature of the storage room even if a load such as food is put, even if the storage room is maintained higher than the user's set temperature, This is because food is not likely to deteriorate. Energy can be saved because the compressor is driven less in the unit time operated in this manner.

The controller 10 may drive the refrigerator according to the schedule shown in FIG. 6C for seven days after the schedule shown in FIG. 6C is generated. For example, it is possible to drive in the normal operation mode at the first day 0, and then to the power saving operation mode at the first day.

Meanwhile, the control unit 10 can change the schedule according to FIG. 6C and drive the refrigerator. For example, in FIG. 6C, the schedule is driven in the power saving mode at 5:00 on the first day of the day, and in the normal operation mode at 6:00 of the first day.

However, it is possible that the normal operation mode is performed from 4:00, which is two steps ahead of the unit time, at 6:00 on the first day. It is possible to prepare for the user's use by lowering the storage room as much as the user's set temperature two hours before the time when the user opens the door for a long time or is likely to put an overload. In this case, even if the user suddenly opens the storage room for a long time or puts an overload, the temperature of the storage room may drop rapidly.

7 is a view for explaining a modification of the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the power saving operation mode may be performed within a unit time (S100).

While the power saving operation mode is being performed, it can be sensed that an overload is put into the storage room (S110).

At this time, whether or not the overload is applied may be satisfied when the above-mentioned second condition is satisfied. The door opening / closing sensor 50 senses the opening / closing of the door, and if the door is detected to be opened, the temperature sensor 60 senses the temperature change of the storage room. The time at which the temperature change is performed in the timer 40 can be measured.

That is, the controller 10 can determine whether the second condition is satisfied, taking into consideration the information obtained from the door open / close sensor 50, the timer 40, and the temperature sensor 60.

If it is determined that the overload is not inputted, the power saving operation mode is performed as originally set during the unit time (S120).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the overload is inputted, the normal operation mode is performed instead of the power saving operation mode (S130).

If the temperature of the storage compartment is set higher than the set temperature even when an overload is inputted, the food stored in the storage compartment may not be cooled as much as originally set. In this case, the storage room is cooled by the user's setting.

When the temperature of the storage compartment is lowered by the first set temperature, that is, the temperature of the storage compartment set by the user, the power saving operation mode is implemented again during the normal operation mode (S140).

If the storage room is lowered by the first set temperature, the use environment of the storage room is changed to a normal situation, so it is not necessary to lower the temperature of the storage room in particular.

8 is a view for explaining another embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows door opening time by unit time for 21 days, and FIG. 8B shows information about overload input by unit time for 21 days. FIG. 8C shows whether the first condition and the second condition are satisfied for each unit time in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and the unit time overlapped with unit time having 168 time intervals.

8A and 8B show information corresponding to the 21st day, and FIG. 8C show the information corresponding to the 7th day.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, it is possible that related information is stored every unit time for 21 days, that is, 504 hours.

As in FIG. 5, it is possible to continuously detect the same information by 21 days after obtaining information on 7 days. That is, even after seven days, information on 8th, 9th, and the like can be continuously collected.

After the information is collected, the unit time in which the first condition is satisfied can be painted as shown in FIG. 8A. At this time, it is possible to use the average of the door opening time for 21 days under the first condition.

8B, the unit time in which the second condition is satisfied can also be painted.

The control unit 10 can overlap the information of FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B and determine the unit time that satisfies either the first condition or the second condition among 21 days. Even if only one of the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the corresponding unit time can be set as a unit time satisfying the condition.

If the corresponding unit time is grouped at intervals of 7 days, that is, at intervals of 168 hours, there are three corresponding unit times. If two or more of the three units are satisfied, the schedule is set to '1' Can be created. In a unit time that is less than one out of three, a schedule can be created with a value of '0' to perform the power saving operation mode.

Of course, unlike the one shown in FIG. 8C, it is also possible to perform the unit time satisfying at least one of the three units in the normal operation mode. That is, even when the door opening time is excessive, the normal operation mode can be driven instead of the power saving operation mode in the unit time in which the overload is input.

That is, in the present invention, the refrigerator driving schedule for the next 7 days can be set using the user's usage pattern obtained for 7 days. If the use time of the user is concentrated at a specific time out of the 7 days, the user expects to use the time at that time. Normally, seven days are weekdays and weekends, and day is day and night. Therefore, the user's refrigerator usage pattern is likely to be similar on the 7th day.

The door opening time of the storage room is short during the unit time when the user is unlikely to open the door of the refrigerator, so that the cold air is not discharged rapidly. Therefore, even if the temperature of the storage room is slightly higher than the set temperature set by the user, there is no possibility that the food stored in the storage room is easily changed, so that the energy consumed in the refrigerator can be saved by driving in the power saving operation mode higher than the set temperature.

In addition, the present invention can consider the time when the user opens the door or examine the temperature change trend of the storage room when the door is opened, thereby grasping the usage method of the user more precisely.

9 is a view for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a terminal.

In the display module 241 of the terminal 200, usage information of the refrigerator can be shown. Also, the display module 241 may be provided with relative information of the amount of electricity used in the previous month, so that the user can be provided with relevant information. At this time, the information displayed on the display module 241 may be directly transmitted through the communication unit of the refrigerator, or information stored in the external server may be provided to the terminal.

The information displayed on the display module 241 may be received by the terminal 200 when the user requests the information. Alternatively, the related information may be received periodically by the terminal 200 even if there is no request from the user.

If the user wants to confirm the information related to the refrigerator, a screen as shown in FIG. 9A may be provided. In FIG. 9A, it is possible to provide the user with information on the time that is implemented in the power saving operation mode among the entire operation time. Therefore, the user can confirm the time in which the refrigerator is implemented in the power saving mode through the related information, and confirm that the energy consumed by the refrigerator has been saved. In Fig. 9A, it is possible to be an initial screen or a main screen initially provided when the related application is executed.

Also, the display module 241 can compare the usage pattern of the last month with the usage pattern of the current month, and the user can confirm the change of the usage pattern.

In addition, information on the number of times of opening and the time of the door can also be provided to the user.

When the user clicks on the detailed view located at the upper side in FIG. 9A, a screen as shown in FIG. 9B may be provided through the display module 241. [ Through the related screen, the user can acquire information on the date and time at which the actual power saving operation mode is performed. Therefore, when the refrigerator is actually driven, it is possible to know information about the specific date and the specific time zone where the energy saving by the power saving is performed.

If the user clicks on the detailed view located at the lower side in FIG. 9A, a screen as shown in FIG. 9C may be provided through the display module 241. [ The user can be motivated to save energy by comparing the usage ratio of the power saving mode with other users. You can also compare usage patterns with other users in many months, and compare the overall usage pattern with other users.

Specifically, the user is provided with information on the number of times of door opening and the door opening time, thereby confirming the contents of a specific usage pattern. 9C, it is also possible to provide information on the number of times the user places the overload in the storage room and the temperature change according to the number of times, so that the user's use pattern of the refrigerator can be guided to reduce the energy consumption.

10 is a view for explaining another example of a screen displayed on the terminal.

10A is the same as FIG. 9A. In FIG. 10A, when the user clicks the tip view for saving the amount of power consumption located at the bottom of the screen, the display module 241 may be provided with a screen as shown in FIG. 10B.

According to Fig. 10B, a method of reducing the amount of power consumed in the refrigerator can be guided.

That is, information that can compare the number of door openings of another user or the door open time. It is also possible to inform that the method of enabling the power saving operation mode and the normal operation mode to be performed according to the embodiment described above is also possible. In addition, it is possible to provide a method of reducing energy consumption by changing the temperature of the storage room, in particular, the freezing room.

In FIG. 10B, when the user clicks on the recommended operation execution located at the bottom of the screen, the screen of FIG. 10C can be provided to the user.

Through the screen of FIG. 10C, the user can turn on the power saving operation mode and the normal operation mode so as to activate the active power saving performed in the manner according to the above-described embodiment. Also, for additional energy savings, it is possible to change the temperature of the storage room, i.e., the freezer and the fridge.

Meanwhile, the information provided in Figs. 9 and 10 can be applied to various forms provided in an external server or a refrigerator.

That is, the usage information of the user's own refrigerator may be provided to the terminal from the refrigerator, and the information on the usage of the refrigerator of the other user may be provided from the external server to the terminal.

In addition, it is also possible that both the information on the user's own refrigerator and the information on the user's use of the refrigerator are collected on the external server, and two pieces of information on the external server are provided to the terminal.

It is also possible that after refrigerator usage information of another user is delivered to his / her refrigerator, both pieces of information may be provided from his / her refrigerator to the terminal.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

10: control unit 30: communication unit
40: timer 60: temperature sensor
70:
100: Refrigerator 200: Terminal

Claims (20)

A sensing step of sensing information on the opening time of the door and the temperature change of the storage room after the door is opened for each unit time;
An information storage step of storing each piece of information acquired in the sensing step for each unit time for 168 hours;
Determining whether or not the information per unit time stored for 168 hours satisfies the first condition and the second condition different from the first condition, respectively, and arranging the information into seven units having overlapping intervals of 24 hours;
And an operation step of cooling the storage compartment according to an operation mode set for each unit time of the seven units,
Wherein the operation mode includes a normal operation mode for maintaining the storage room at a first predetermined temperature set by the user and a power saving operation mode for maintaining the storage room at a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the normal operation mode is performed when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied in unit time,
Wherein the power saving operation mode is performed when the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied in unit time. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first condition is whether or not the opening time of the door exceeds a specific value for each unit time. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the specific value is an average value of a time during which the door is opened during the unit time in which the door is opened within 168 hours. The method according to claim 1,
The second condition is that,
Wherein when the storage room is a refrigerating compartment, the temperature of the refrigerator is increased by at least 2 degrees from a first set temperature within 5 minutes after the door is opened. The method according to claim 1,
The second condition is that,
Wherein when the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, the door is raised by 8 degrees or more from a first set temperature within 20 minutes after the door is opened. The method according to claim 1,
The second condition is that,
Wherein when the storage room is a freezer compartment, the temperature of the refrigerator is increased to the first set temperature within 3 minutes after the door is opened. The method according to claim 1,
In the sensing step,
Wherein the refrigerator is connected to the external device through a network and is executed from a specific point of time when information is received. 9. The method of claim 8,
And the specific time is 0:00. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the unit time is one hour. The method according to claim 1,
In the operation step,
Wherein the normal operation mode is performed before two steps of the unit time set in the normal operation mode. The method according to claim 1,
In the operation step,
Wherein when the overload is input to the storage compartment while the power saving operation mode is performed within one unit time, the storage compartment is lowered to the first set temperature. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein when the storage room is lowered to the first set temperature within the one unit time, the power saving operation mode is performed again. 13. The method of claim 12,
When the overload is applied,
If the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, the temperature is increased by 2 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 5 minutes after the door is opened,
If the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, the temperature is raised by 8 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 20 minutes after the door is opened,
Wherein when the storage room is a freezer compartment, the temperature of the refrigerator is increased to the first set temperature within 3 minutes after the door is opened. The method according to claim 1,
The information storage step is performed three times in succession and information is stored for each unit time for 504 hours,
In the combining step, it is determined whether or not the unit time information stored for 504 hours satisfies the first condition and the second condition, and the unit time is divided into seven units each having a time interval of 24 hours And a control unit for controlling the refrigerator. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the normal operation mode is performed when there is at least one unit time that satisfies any one of the first condition and the second condition in unit time. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the normal operation mode is performed when there are two or more unit times that satisfy either the first condition or the second condition in unit time. A door open / close sensor for detecting whether or not the door is opened;
A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage chamber;
A timer for measuring a unit time interval of one hour from a specific point in time, measuring an opening time of the door within a unit time, and measuring a time at which a temperature change of the storage room occurs;
A storage unit for storing information on the opening time of the door and the temperature change of the storage room after the door is opened for every 168 hours;
Determining whether or not the information per unit time stored for 168 hours satisfies the first condition and the second condition different from the first condition, and arranging the information into seven units overlapping each other with 24 hour intervals; And a controller for cooling the storage compartment according to an operation mode set by time,
Wherein the operation mode includes a normal operation mode for maintaining the storage room at a first predetermined temperature set by the user and a power saving operation mode for maintaining the storage room at a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the first condition is whether or not the opening time of the door exceeds a specific value for each unit time. 19. The method of claim 18,
The second condition is that,
If the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, the temperature is increased by 2 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 5 minutes after the door is opened,
If the storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment, the temperature is raised by 8 degrees or more from the first set temperature within 20 minutes after the door is opened,
And when the storage room is a freezing room, the temperature rises above the first set temperature within 3 minutes after the door is opened.

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