KR20180016752A - Apparatus and method for controlling temperature and humidity of refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a sensing unit for sensing temperature and humidity inside a refrigerator; a temperature control unit for comparing cumulative average humidity inside the refrigerator with a predetermined reference humidity and correcting preset temperature inside the refrigerator; and a compressor control unit which selectively drives a compressor by a predetermined time interval, increases a driving time of the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity, and stops the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity. Accordingly, desired humidity can be maintained by detecting a change in humidity inside the refrigerator and using the compressor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a temperature and humidity control apparatus for a refrigerator,

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a technique for controlling humidity using a compressor.

Temperature-based control is generally performed to manage the food stored in the refrigerator or storage. In other words, it has become common to maintain the temperature inside the refrigerator based on the temperature set by the user. However, in the case of the temperature-based refrigerator control method, there is a problem that the humidity contained in the food is not taken into consideration and the flavor is lowered even if the food is controlled at a constant temperature.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2013-0023874 (published on Mar. 03, 2008) discloses a refrigerator and its control method. The refrigerator includes a compression unit for compressing the first refrigerant, A condenser for condensing the first refrigerant; a capillary for lowering the temperature and the pressure of the first refrigerant passing through the condenser; An evaporator for evaporating the first refrigerant that has passed through the capillary tube, a condenser for cooling the first refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle through conduction through heat exchange, and a cooling device for cooling the inside of the refrigerator using the refrigerant stored in the condenser, A second refrigerant; And an energy management device for performing an electricity bidding mode for saving electric bill based on power information supplied from the outside, and a refrigerator for controlling the second refrigerant and the compression unit according to the electric power information transmitted from the energy management device, The refrigerator can stably supply cool air even in a special situation where electric power is abnormally supplied to the refrigerator including the control unit.

However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have limitations in that they can not be controlled by directly considering the humidity affecting the freshness and flavor of meat, fish, vegetables, etc. stored because the control is performed according to the set temperature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature and humidity control apparatus and method for controlling the temperature and humidity of a refrigerator.

The apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing unit for sensing a temperature and a humidity inside a refrigerator and a controller for comparing a cumulative average humidity of the inside of the refrigerator with a preset reference humidity, And a control unit for controlling the compressor to selectively drive the compressor for a predetermined time interval and to increase the driving time of the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity, And a compressor control unit for stopping the compressor.

When the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the first temperature range, the compressor control unit repeatedly drives the driving time and the stop time of the first compressor at a predetermined time ratio, and when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the second temperature range The driving time and the stop time of the second compressor are repeatedly driven at a preset time ratio, and when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in a third temperature range, when the cumulative average humidity is less than the reference humidity, The first compressor and the second compressor are repeatedly driven at a predetermined time ratio, and when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in a fourth temperature range, the first compressor and the second compressor are stopped .

Also, the evaporator fan is driven at all times by comparing the cumulative average humidity of the inside of the refrigerator with a predetermined reference humidity, or the evaporator fan is driven in conjunction with the compressor, wherein the evaporator fan is driven in conjunction with the compressor, And an evaporator fan control unit for stopping the fan.

Further, the defrost heater is driven at a predetermined cycle, the compressor is stopped for a time when the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, and the evaporator fan is driven. After the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, the defrost heater is driven, And a defrost control unit for driving the compressor after a time delay of drying the condensed water after the end of the time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator, comprising the steps of sensing a temperature and a humidity inside the refrigerator, comparing the cumulative average humidity within the refrigerator with a predetermined reference humidity, A controller for controlling the compressor to selectively increase the driving time of the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is equal to or higher than the reference humidity, And stopping the compressor if the humidity is less than the predetermined value.

Accordingly, it is possible to detect a change in humidity inside the refrigerator and maintain a desired humidity using a compressor. In addition, the usage mode may be determined according to the amount of change in temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator, and the period for sensing temperature and humidity may be varied.

1 is a configuration diagram of a temperature and humidity control apparatus for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention,
2 is a flow chart of a temperature control method in a method of controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator,
3 is a flowchart of a compressor control method in a method for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator,
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a compressor control method under a third temperature condition in the compressor control method according to FIG. 3;
5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the determination of the user mode.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used are terms selected in consideration of the functions in the embodiments, and the meaning of the terms may vary depending on the user, the intention or the precedent of the operator, and the like. Therefore, the meaning of the terms used in the following embodiments is defined according to the definition when specifically defined in this specification, and unless otherwise defined, it should be interpreted in a sense generally recognized by those skilled in the art.

2 is a flow chart of a temperature control method in a method of controlling a temperature and a humidity of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a temperature and humidity control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a compressor control method at a third temperature condition among the compressor control methods according to FIG. 3; FIG.

1 to 4, an apparatus 100 for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing unit 110, a temperature control unit 120, and a compressor control unit 130. In this case, it is assumed that the refrigerator includes a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, an evaporator fan, and a circulating fan.

The sensing unit 110 senses the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator (S201). The sensing unit 110 senses temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator at predetermined time intervals using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. For example, the sensing unit 110 may sense the internal temperature and humidity of the refrigerator at intervals of 5 minutes, and may transmit the detected temperature and humidity to the temperature controller 120 or the compressor controller 130. The accumulated temperature information on the internal temperature is used to grasp the temperature change and to grasp the change pattern whether the internal temperature is rising or falling. Accumulated humidity information about the internal humidity is used to grasp the humidity change and to grasp the change pattern of whether the internal humidity is rising or falling.

The temperature control unit 120 receives the humidity information of the inside of the refrigerator from the sensing unit 110 and calculates the cumulative average humidity. Here, the cumulative mean humidity means average humidity information for a predetermined time. The temperature controller 120 compares the cumulative average humidity with a predetermined reference humidity to correct the set temperature inside the refrigerator. Here, the set temperature means the target temperature set by the user, and is a criterion for determining the control mode of the compressor, which will be described later. For example, the temperature control unit 120 determines whether the cumulative average humidity inside the refrigerator is lower than the reference humidity (S202). In this case, when the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity, the first set temperature is determined as the set temperature (S203). If the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity, correction is performed so as to lower the set temperature for quick dehumidification (S204).

Humidity condition

Set temperature
Calibrated set temperature Cumulative Average Humidity <relative humidity
2 ℃ 2 ℃ Cumulative Average Humidity ≥ Reference Humidity
2 ℃ 2 DEG C - (0.5 DEG C) = 1.5 DEG C

If the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity, the set temperature (2 ° C) is not corrected. If the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity, the set temperature (2 ° C) 1.5 DEG C). In this case, the scale to be corrected may vary depending on the setting of the user.

The compressor control unit 130 selectively drives the compressor of the refrigerator for each predetermined time interval. For example, the compressor control unit 130 may increase the driving time of the compressor if the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity, and stop the compressor if the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity. Specifically, the compressor control unit 130 may control the compressor differently according to the temperature interval within the refrigerator. In this case, the temperature interval inside the refrigerator may be set as a first temperature interval, a second temperature interval, a third temperature interval, and a fourth temperature interval. Here, the temperature decreases from the first temperature interval to the fourth temperature interval, and the fourth temperature interval refers to the interval including the set temperature.

Meanwhile, the compressor control unit 130 can control a plurality of compressors. Hereinafter, control using the first compressor and the second compressor will be described. The compressor control unit 130 acquires the temperature of the refrigerator every predetermined period (S301). In this case, the compressor control unit 130 determines whether the temperature of the refrigerator is in a first temperature range (S302). If the temperature of the refrigerator is in a first temperature range, the compressor control unit 130 repeatedly drives the first compressor at a predetermined time to drive the first compressor in order to lower the temperature quickly at a high temperature (S302). For example, the first compressor may be driven on a schedule such as 8 minutes drive, 2 minute stop, every 10 minutes. If the temperature of the refrigerator is not within the first temperature range, the compressor control unit 130 determines whether the temperature is within the second temperature range (S304).

If the temperature of the refrigerator is in the second temperature range, the compressor control unit 130 may repeatedly drive the second compressor at a predetermined time ratio in order to approach the preset temperature (S305). For example, the second compressor may be driven on a schedule such as five minute drive, three minute stop, every 8 minutes. If the temperature of the refrigerator is not within the second temperature range, the compressor control unit 130 determines whether the temperature is within the third temperature range (S306).

In addition, the compressor control unit 130 controls the temperature and the humidity in a combined manner when the temperature of the refrigerator is in the third temperature range (S307).

In addition, the compressor control unit 130 stops the first compressor and the second compressor when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the fourth temperature range (S308).

Meanwhile, when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the third temperature range, the compressor controller 130 compares the cumulative average humidity with the reference humidity to control the first compressor or the second compressor (S401). For example, if the cumulative average humidity is equal to or higher than the reference humidity, the first compressor or the second compressor can be stopped when humidity is controlled to be lower than the reference humidity because the humidity is high. When the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity, the first compressor and the second compressor are stopped because the humidity is sufficiently low. However, even when the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity, the operation of the compressor can be set differently depending on the difference.

Humidity condition

Whether the compressor is running


Cumulative Average Humidity <relative humidity

Cumulative average humidity ≥ Boundary humidity Driving
Cumulative Average Humidity <Boundary Humidity
Stop when the relative humidity is not held Drive Compressor when Humidity Hold Time is Over

In step S403, it is determined whether the cumulative average humidity is less than the reference humidity as shown in Table 2. If the cumulative average humidity exceeds the boundary humidity, the compressor is driven in step S404. Here, the boundary humidity means humidity information that is lower than the reference humidity but determines whether the compressor is driven or not. If the cumulative average humidity is lower than the boundary humidity, it is determined whether the reference humidity maintenance time is exceeded (S405). If the reference humidity maintenance time is exceeded, the compressor is stopped (S406) .

Meanwhile, the apparatus 100 for controlling the temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an evaporator fan controller 140. The evaporator fan control unit 140 controls the driving time and driving method of the evaporator fan. The evaporator fan control unit 140 may control the driving mode of the evaporator fan by comparing the cumulative average humidity inside the refrigerator with a preset reference humidity. For example, when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the first temperature range, the evaporator fan can be driven in a normal mode in which the evaporator fan is always driven regardless of the compressor state, or in an interlocking mode in which the evaporator fan is driven only when the compressor is in operation.

Also, the evaporator fan control unit 140 can control the driving mode according to the cumulative average humidity in the refrigerator when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the second temperature period to the fourth temperature period. For example, when the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity, the evaporator fan is always driven when the user's humidity is lower than the reference humidity, and the evaporator fan is driven by the compressor when the humidity is higher than the reference humidity.

In addition, when the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity, the evaporator fan control unit 140 drives the evaporator fan at all times when the humidity set by the user is lower than the reference humidity. If the humidity is higher than the reference humidity, And stops at a humidity higher than the reference humidity.

Meanwhile, the apparatus 100 for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a defrost control unit 150. The defrost control unit 150 drives the defrost heater in a predetermined cycle, stops the compressor for a time when the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, and drives the evaporator fan. Further, the defrost control unit 150 drives the defrost heater after the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, and drives the compressor after a delay time of drying the condensed water after the predetermined defrosting time.

Meanwhile, the apparatus 100 for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a circulation fan controller 160. [ The circulating fan control unit 160 stops the circulation fan in the first temperature interval and the second temperature interval in the refrigerator and can operate for a predetermined time according to the cumulative average humidity in the fourth temperature interval.

Meanwhile, the apparatus 100 for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a usage mode determination unit 170. [ The use mode determining unit 170 sets a different period for detecting the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator depending on the usage mode. For example, the usage mode determining unit 170 detects the temperature and the humidity by using the number of times that the door of the refrigerator is opened and closed in the daytime, and the number of times that the door of the refrigerator is opened and closed relatively at nighttime The cycle can be set differently. In this case, the period for sensing the temperature and the humidity may be shortened in the daytime mode, and the period for sensing the temperature and the humidity may be set relatively long in the nighttime mode.

Also, the use mode determining unit 170 may set the period for detecting the temperature and the humidity differently according to the usage pattern of the user even during the daytime mode. This can be determined by determining usage information such as the number of times the door is opened and time of the refrigerator. For example, at home, the number of times of use is large in the morning time, and in a restaurant, the number of times of use is relatively large in lunch time and evening time, so that the temperature and humidity sensing time can be set differently according to usage information.

The use mode determining unit 170 can analyze the temperature and humidity in the first section and the temperature and humidity changes in the second section to analyze the cause of the change in temperature and humidity. For example, the use mode determining unit 170 can determine whether a change in temperature and humidity due to use of the user, and a change in temperature and humidity according to the characteristics of the stored item. The use mode determining unit 170 controls the operation of the compressor, the evaporator fan, the circulating fan, and the like when the temperature and the humidity change according to the use of the refrigerator, and controls the operation of the compressor, the evaporator fan, You can set different controls.

5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the determination of the user mode.

Referring to Fig. 5, the humidity W1 of the refrigerator at the first time point is measured, and the humidity W2 at the second time point is measured to measure the humidity change amount. In this case, when the humidity (W1) of the refrigerator at the first time point and the variation amount of the humidity (W2) at the second time point are within the predetermined error range, the humidity sensing period between the first and second points of time is maintained. However, when the humidity (W1) of the refrigerator at the first time point and the variation amount of the humidity (W2) at the second time point are out of a predetermined error range, the humidity sensing period between the first and second points of time is changed. For example, when the amount of change in humidity is large, the humidity sensing period is set to be short, and the amount of humidity change is sensed at the changed humidity sensing period to the third time point. Accordingly, the amount of change can be measured by varying the humidity sensing period actively according to the use mode.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, Accordingly, the present invention should be construed as being within the scope of the appended claims, which are intended to cover obvious variations that can be derived from the described embodiments.

100: Temperature and humidity control device
110:
120:
130: compressor control unit
140: evaporator fan control section
150:
160: circulating fan control section
170:

Claims (5)

A sensing unit for sensing temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator;
A temperature controller for comparing a cumulative average humidity inside the refrigerator with a predetermined reference humidity to correct a preset temperature inside the refrigerator; And
And a compressor control unit for selectively driving the compressor according to a predetermined time interval and increasing the driving time of the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity and stopping the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity The temperature and humidity control device of the refrigerator. The method according to claim 1,
The compressor control unit includes:
Wherein the control unit repeatedly drives the driving time and the stopping time of the first compressor when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in the first temperature range and the driving time of the second compressor when the temperature inside the refrigerator is the second temperature range, And a control unit for repeatedly driving the first compressor or the second compressor and the stopping time at a predetermined time ratio, and when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in a third temperature range and the cumulative average humidity is less than the reference humidity, 2 controller for repeatedly driving a driving time and a stopping time of the first and second compressors in a predetermined time ratio and stopping the first and second compressors when the temperature inside the refrigerator is in a fourth temperature range, . The method according to claim 1,
The evaporator fan is driven at all times by comparing the cumulative average humidity of the inside of the refrigerator with a predetermined reference humidity or the evaporator fan is driven in conjunction with the compressor and the evaporator fan is driven at a humidity higher than the reference humidity according to the cumulative average humidity And the evaporator fan control unit stops the evaporator fan control unit to stop the temperature and humidity control of the refrigerator. The method of claim 3,
The defrost heater is driven at a predetermined cycle, the compressor is stopped for a time when the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, and the evaporator fan is driven. After the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, the defrost heater is driven, And a defrost control unit for driving the compressor after a time delay of drying the condensed water after completion of the operation of the compressor. A method for controlling temperature and humidity of a refrigerator,
A sensing step of sensing temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator;
A temperature control step of comparing a cumulative average humidity inside the refrigerator with a preset reference humidity to correct a set temperature inside the refrigerator; And
A compressor control step of selectively driving the compressor according to a predetermined time interval and increasing the driving time of the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is higher than the reference humidity and stopping the compressor when the cumulative average humidity is lower than the reference humidity And controlling the temperature and humidity of the refrigerator.

Images