KR20200071364A - control method of refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes: a main body having one or more storage spaces for cold storage therein; a door for selectively opening and closing a storage space; a deodorizing module which includes a deodorizing fan for sucking air in the storage space and a filter for filtering the air sucked into the deodorizing fan and is installed in the storage space; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the deodorizing module. The method comprises: a first step of allowing the refrigerator to operate; a second step of allowing the control unit to repeat an operation of turning on the deodorizing module for a predetermined first target time and turning the same off for a second target time; a third step of allowing the control unit to determine whether the door is opened during the second target time when the deodorizing module is turned off; and a fourth step of comparing the open time of the door with a preset reference time if the door is opened as a result of the determination. As a result of the comparison, when the open time of the door is equal to or less than the reference time, the off time of the deodorizing module is maintained as the second target time. Accordingly, the control method for a refrigerator can reduce power consumption.

Description

Control method of refrigerator {control method of refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a refrigerator.

Refrigerators are household appliances that store food at low temperatures, and it is essential to keep the storage room at a constant low temperature. Currently, in the case of a home refrigerator, the storage room is kept at a temperature within an upper limit range and a lower limit range based on the set temperature. That is, when the storage chamber temperature rises to the upper limit temperature, the refrigeration cycle is driven to cool the storage chamber, and when the storage chamber temperature reaches the lower limit temperature, the refrigerator is controlled by stopping the freezing cycle.

In addition, the refrigerator generates cold air through a refrigeration cycle in which compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes are continuously performed, and supplies it to the storage compartment.

The refrigeration cycle in the refrigerating chamber includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure compressed refrigerant compressed from the compressor through heat dissipation, and a cooling action that absorbs surrounding latent heat while the refrigerant provided from the condenser evaporates. And an evaporator that cools the air. A capillary tube or an expansion valve is provided between the condenser and the evaporator to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant and lower the pressure so that the evaporation of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator can easily occur.

As described above, the evaporator provided in the refrigeration cycle lowers the ambient temperature by using the cold air generated by the circulation of the refrigerant flowing through the cooling tube.

Recently, the refrigerator is equipped with a sterilizing and deodorizing function to maintain freshness inside.

For example, for the sterilization function, a UV lamp is installed, and a filter and a suction fan are included for the deodorization function.

The current refrigerator sterilization and deodorization module is set to operate at a constant cycle, and operates only in a specific mode in which the on/off cycle is prevented only when a load is input or instructed by a user.

Therefore, the sterilization and deodorization module is turned on and off in the same cycle under the use condition of frequently opening the refrigerator door or the use condition of not opening the door for a long time, thereby driving. That is, in the conventional case, the sterilization and deodorization module does not respond appropriately according to the use conditions and the surrounding environment, and thus operates.

In the case of the prior document 1 (Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0000477), if the detected high odor concentration is above the reference value, the plasma module is kept on, and if the detected high odor concentration is below the reference value, the plasma module is cycled The refrigerator is controlled to repeat the on/off operation.

In addition, even in the case of the prior document 2 (Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0077497), an odor sensor is provided, and the deodorizing unit is operated in a power mode or in an automatic mode according to the result of measuring the pollution level of the odor sensor.

In the conventional refrigerator as described above, an odor sensor for measuring odor in the interior is additionally required, and does not respond to various environmental factors, and the deodorization module is operated at the same cycle.

That is, in special cases such as load input or when the user selects the mode from the outside, it operates in a special mode, but does not take into account external conditions such as outside temperature, outside humidity, etc. Driving is driving.

Therefore, even when the external temperature and humidity are high, when the deodorizing module is operated at the same cycle, there is a problem that the freshness of food decreases while the growth rate of microorganisms in the inside increases.

In addition, the conventional refrigerator operates the deodorizing module at regular intervals even when the refrigerator door is not opened for a long time. Therefore, in a situation where the refrigerator is not used, the deodorizing module is frequently operated more than necessary, and there is a problem in that power consumption is increased.

Prior Literature 1. Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0000477 Prior Literature 2. Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0077497

The present invention is proposed to solve the conventional problems as described above, and performs the sterilization and deodorization function accordingly using information on whether the refrigerator is open, the number of times the door is opened, the door opening time, the outside temperature, the outside humidity, and the inside temperature. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a refrigerator capable of improving sterilization and deodorization performance and reducing power consumption by actively controlling the operation cycle of the deodorization module.

The refrigerator according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object has a body having one or more storage spaces for low temperature storage therein, a door that selectively opens and closes the storage spaces, and sucks air in the storage spaces It includes a deodorizing fan and a filter for filtering the air sucked into the deodorizing fan and includes a deodorizing module installed in the storage space and a control unit for controlling the operation of the deodorizing module.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention, the first step in which the Django is operated, and in the control unit, the deodorizing module is turned on for a preset first target time, and for a second target time A second step of repeating the operation of turning off, and a third step of determining whether the door is opened during the second target time when the deodorizing module is turned off by the control unit, and the door as a result of the determination. When is open, a fourth step of comparing the opening time of the door with a preset reference time.

In addition, when the opening time of the door is less than the reference time as a result of the comparison, the off time of the deodorization module is maintained as the second target time.

In addition, as a result of the determination, when the door is not opened, determining whether the closing time of the door has elapsed, and when it is determined that the closing time of the door has elapsed, the deodorizing module in the control unit It includes the step of increasing the off (off) time of the second target time by a predetermined first unit time (β).

In addition, when it is determined that the closing time of the door has not elapsed, the control unit may maintain the off time of the deodorizing module as the second target time.

In addition, the control unit may increase the off time of the deodorization module in proportion to the closing time of the door.

In addition, when the opening time of the door is greater than the reference time as a result of the comparison, further reducing the off time of the deodorization module by the control unit by a preset unit time (α1) than the second target time by the control unit. It can contain.

In addition, comparing the off time of the deodorization module adjusted by the control unit with a predetermined minimum time (T min) and the comparison result, the adjusted off time of the deodorization module than the minimum time In a small case, the step of setting the off time of the deodorizing module to a minimum time (T min) may be further included.

In addition, in the fourth step, the difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature is calculated, and when the difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature is greater than a preset reference value, the control unit determines the off time of the deodorizing module at the second time. It can be reduced by a predetermined unit time (α2) than the target time.

In addition, comparing the off time of the deodorization module adjusted by the control unit with a predetermined minimum time (T min) and the comparison result, the adjusted off time of the deodorization module than the minimum time In a small case, the step of setting the off time of the deodorizing module to a minimum time (T min) may be further included.

In addition, in the fourth step, when the outside air humidity is sensed and the detected outside air humidity is greater than a preset reference humidity, the control unit sets an off time of the deodorization module than the second target time. It can be reduced by time α3.

In addition, in the fourth step, when the number of openings of the door is compared with a preset reference number, and when the comparison result shows that the number of openings of the door is greater than the reference number, the control unit has an off time of the deodorizing module. Can be reduced from the second target time.

In addition, in the fourth step, if the load is detected in the storage space, and when the load is detected in the storage space, the control unit reduces the off time of the deodorization module from the second target time. Can be.

In addition, in the fourth step, when the temperature of the storage space is sensed, and the temperature of the storage space exceeds a preset reference temperature, the control unit sets an off time of the deodorizing module as compared to the second target time. Can be reduced.

In addition, as a result of the comparison, when the opening time of the door exceeds a reference time, the on time of the deodorizing module in the refrigerator may be increased.

According to the present invention, the operation cycle of the deodorization module that performs the sterilization and deodorization function according to the information on whether the refrigerator door is opened, the number of door openings, the door opening time, the outside temperature, the outside air humidity, and the inside temperature is actively controlled to sterilize And it has an effect that can increase the deodorizing performance, reduce power consumption.

In addition, without a separate sensor for checking the degree of contamination in the interior, there is also an effect of predicting the interior of the interior and actively controlling the operation cycle of the deodorization module accordingly.

In addition, there is an effect that can actively control the operation cycle of the deodorizing module in accordance with the surrounding environment where the refrigerator is installed.

Therefore, there is also an effect that the freshness of the stored object can be maintained for a longer time.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram briefly showing the main configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator deodorizing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an aspect of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention.
6 to 9 are flowcharts of a control method according to various embodiments of the present invention.
10 is a view showing an on and off state according to the time for each situation of the deodorizing module, which is a main component of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components have the same reference numerals as possible even though they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related well-known configurations or functions interfere with understanding the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

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

In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components even in different embodiments, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Further, even if different embodiments are structurally and functionally inconsistent, a structure applied to any one embodiment may be equally applied to another embodiment.

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

In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related well-known technologies are omitted when it is determined that they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein.

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

1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention includes a case 11 forming an internal space divided into a refrigerator compartment 12 and a freezer compartment 13, and a refrigerator compartment door 14 that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment ( 15), Schematic appearance is formed by the freezer door.

The refrigerator compartment 12 is opened and closed by doors 14 and 15 provided on the left and right sides, respectively.

The refrigerating compartment doors 14 and 15 include a left refrigerating compartment door 14 rotatably connected to the left side of the case 11 and a right refrigerating compartment door 15 rotatably connected to the right side of the case 11.

At this time, the refrigerating chamber 12 is opened by the left door and the right door to form a single room, but in some cases, a left and right individual room may be provided. The door of the refrigerator compartment 12 is rotatably connected to the case.

The hinge parts 112 and 113 allow the refrigerator compartment doors 14 and 15 to be rotatably connected to the case 11. It may include a hinge portion 113 for connecting the left refrigerator compartment door 14 to the case 11, and a hinge portion 112 for connecting the right refrigerator compartment door 15 to the case 11. The hinge portion 113 to which the left refrigerator compartment door 14 is connected may be formed in the same structure as the hinge portion 112 to which the right refrigerator compartment door 15 is connected.

The hinge part 112 is provided with a door switch (not shown), and when the right refrigerator compartment door 15 is opened and closed, the door switch contacts to illuminate/flash the lighting lamp (not shown) illuminating the refrigerator compartment 12. . The door switch blinks the lighting lamp when the right refrigerator compartment door 15 is closed, and lights the lighting lamp when the right refrigerator compartment door 15 is opened.

In addition, the door switch further includes a door switch connector (not shown), and it is possible to detect whether the refrigerator compartment door is opened or closed as the door switch connector is drawn inward.

The freezer 13 is also provided with doors that open and close to the left and right.

In some cases, the freezer 13 is coupled to slide along the case 11, and may be configured to receive food. In this case, the freezer door is slid toward the inside of the case 11 and, when received, closes the freezer 13, and when pulled out of the case 11, the freezer 13 is opened. The refrigerator may further include a separate storage room that is slid as described above.

A control panel (not shown) is provided on the door of the refrigerator compartment 12. The control panel is provided with an input unit (not shown) including at least one button for setting the operation of the refrigerator 1 and a display unit (not shown) displaying the current operation mode and operation state of the refrigerator.

The deodorizing module 130 is provided inside the refrigerator compartment 12. The deodorizing module 130 operates according to the set deodorizing mode to circulate air inside the refrigerator compartment 12. At this time, the deodorizing module 130 sucks the air inside the refrigerating chamber to pass through a filter provided, so that foreign matter, odor substances, and bacteria are adsorbed on the filter. Accordingly, the deodorizing module 130 sterilizes the air inside the refrigerator and removes odor.

The input unit may be implemented as a mechanical button or a static/static pressure type touch button to receive various operation commands from a user.

The display unit is a light emitting body in the form of LED, LCD, and organic EL, and visualizes and displays status information or failure information of the refrigerator 1. In addition, the control panel 18 may include a lamp (not shown) that is lit and flashing to indicate the state of the refrigerator 1, and an audio output means for outputting sound such as a buzzer or speaker. This may be provided.

The refrigerator 1 forms a circulation cycle in which the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipe and is compressed, expanded, evaporated, and condensed. To accomplish this, a compressor (not shown) for compressing the refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the refrigerant, a heat exchanger (not shown) acting as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, and a condenser for condensing the refrigerant A heat exchanger (not shown) acting, and a fan (not shown) for flowing the heat-exchanged air are provided as a refrigerating compartment fan and a freezing compartment fan, respectively. In addition, the refrigerator 1 includes a plurality of sensors.

The refrigerator 1 controls the cooling system based on the set operation mode and the measured temperature to form an environment for preserving food and drink accommodated in each room.

2 is a block diagram briefly showing the main configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 has a door switch 140 that detects at least one of whether the door is open, the number of times it has been opened, and the opening time. The sensor 150, the outdoor temperature sensor 160 for measuring the temperature of the indoor space, the outdoor humidity sensor 170 for measuring the humidity in the indoor space, the deodorizing module 130, and the overall control of the operation of the refrigerator 1 It includes a control unit 110.

The deodorizing module 130 includes a deodorizing fan 131, a deodorizing filter 132, and a sterilizing lamp 133.

The deodorizing fan 131 circulates air in the refrigerator, in particular, sucks air in the refrigerator compartment to allow air to pass through the filter, and filtered air to circulate inside the refrigerator compartment again. At this time, the deodorizing fan 131 may allow the air inside the refrigerator to be discharged to the outside in some cases.

In addition, the deodorizing fan 131 operates according to a control command of the control unit 110 to discharge air inside the refrigerator to the outside to reduce odor.

The sterilization lamp 133 is lit for a predetermined time to sterilize bacteria or bacteria. At this time, the sterilization lamp 133 may be composed of a visible light LED or UV LED. The sterilization lamp 133 irradiates light to the filter 132 to improve the sterilizing power of the filter.

The filter 132 is composed of a plurality of filters, and adsorbs, filters and removes suspended matter, for example, fine particles or bacteria, from the refrigerator compartment 12. At this time, when the sterilization lamp 133 is turned on, the filter 132 increases the sterilizing power by the light of the sterilization lamp. In addition, the filter 132 has a deodorizing effect to remove odor by adsorbing odor particles.

The data unit 120 includes control data of the refrigerator for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1, data on input operation settings, reference data for determining whether the refrigerator is operating normally, and operation data measured or generated during the operation of the refrigerator. Is saved.

In addition, information input from the door switch 140 and various sensors 150, 160 and 170 is stored in the data unit 120.

3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator deodorizing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the deodorizing module 130 is composed of a deodorizing fan 131, a deodorizing filter 132, and a sterilizing lamp 133.

In addition, the deodorizing module 130 may be provided on the panel 17 installed on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 12, as shown in FIG.

The deodorizing module 130 includes a deodorizing fan 131, a fan case 135, a sterilization lamp module 133a, a filter case 134, a plurality of filters 132, and a deodorizing part case 136, a connecting plate 137 ), is composed of a deodorant front case (138).

The deodorizing fan 131 is inserted and installed inside the panel 17, and the fan case 135 supports the deodorizing fan 131 so that the deodorizing fan 131 is fixed to the panel 17. The sterilization lamp module 133a is fixed with the sterilization lamp 133 inserted therein. At this time, the sterilizing lamp 133 is composed of at least one visible light LED or UV LED.

The deodorization case 136 is connected to the fan case 135 to cover the filter case 134 from the sterilization lamp module 133a.

The connecting plate 137 connects the deodorant case 136 and the deodorant front case 138, and forms a space to allow air to enter and exit between the deodorant case 136 and the deodorant front case 138. .

The filter 132 is inserted into the filter case 134. The filter 132 includes a first photocatalyst filter 132a, a first deodorization filter 132b, a second deodorization filter 132c, and a second photocatalyst filter 132d. That is, the filter 132 is composed of two photocatalyst filters 132a and 132d and two deodorizing filters 132b and 132c. At this time, the configuration of the filter can be varied.

At this time, the filter 132 may be classified into a filter that primarily filters relatively large suspended matter (bacteria, dust) in the air inside the refrigerating chamber and a filter that adsorbs fine particles and bacteria by a filter having a high air permeability and a dense pore filter. Can be.

The photocatalyst filter (132a) (132d) is a photocatalyst-coated filter, and is arranged to face directly to receive a lot of light irradiated from the sterilization lamp (133), and the wider the range of light irradiation to the filter (132), the more bacteria Power increases.

Accordingly, the deodorizing part case 136 and the filter case 134 are formed so that the sterilizing lamp module 133a and the filter 132 are spaced apart at regular intervals, so that the light of the sterilizing lamp 133 is irradiated to the filter 132. As much as possible. At this time, the filter 132 and the sterilization lamp 133 are arranged to be inclined 20 to 45 degrees from the horizontal. In addition, since the filter 132 can maximize the photocatalytic effect as the area where the light is irradiated is large, the chip type of the LED of the sterilization lamp 133 is used.

In addition, as the distance between the filter 132 and the sterilizing lamp 133 increases, the irradiation range is widened, but the light intensity is weakened, so the distance between the filter 132 and the sterilizing lamp 133 is set to 3 to 10 mm. . At this time, the sterilization lamp module 132a is coated with silicone to prevent the sterilization lamp 133 from being damaged by water.

At this time, the photocatalyst filter generates electrons (e-) and holes (particles that behave like electrons with h+ and + charges) as the photocatalyst coated on the surface reacts with the irradiated light, and the electrons react with oxygen on the surface of the photocatalyst. To produce superoxide, and the hole reacts with moisture present in the air to produce hydroxy radicals (OH-).

Hydroxy radicals produced in this way are very capable of oxidatively decomposing powerful organic substances, so they decompose bacteria, such as odors, viruses, and bacteria, that are always present in the air, and remove water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Will change to

The action of the photocatalytic reaction is a competition reaction between the recombination of electrons and holes and the oxidation and reduction reactions, and the longer the electrons and holes are generated and maintained, the more advantageous the redox reaction, so when a metal such as Cu is used together, the recombination time is delayed to delay the photocatalyst It can increase the effect.

Since the photocatalyst has an antibacterial and deodorizing effect, the photocatalyst filters 132a and 132d have an antibacterial and deodorizing effect.

The photocatalytic filters 132a and 132d have a deodorizing effect but have a slow odor removal and decomposition rate, so that the filter 132 is provided with a separate deodorizing filter 132b and 132c.

Deodorizing filter (132b) (132c) is using activated carbon is easy to adsorb and remove the odor. The deodorizing unit 130 includes two deodorizing filters 132b and 132c, and even a cocatalyst filter having a deodorizing effect can be used to remove odor in a short time.

At this time, as the deodorizing filter (132b) (132c) is provided between the first photocatalyst filter (132a) and the second photocatalyst filter (132d), the light of the sterilization lamp (133) is irradiated to the photocatalyst filter, and the photo air is primaryly sterilized. The odor is removed by the deodorizing filter. As the deodorizing filter, a mesh type having a large pore may be used.

Accordingly, not only the air that has passed through the deodorizing unit 130 can be sterilized but also the odor can be removed.

At this time, the light of the sterilization lamp 133 is also irradiated to the second photocatalyst filter 132d, which is the front end filter that is the longest distance from the sterilization lamp 133. In addition, since the deodorizing filter is a mash type, the light of the sterilization lamp 133 passes through and the second photocatalyst filter may be irradiated with light. The first photocatalyst filter is also made of a material through which light can pass, for example, a nonwoven fabric.

Hereinafter, a control method of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described.

4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an aspect of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, first, while power is supplied to the refrigerator, the refrigerator operates. (S11)

Then, the control unit 110 operates the deodorizing module 130 in an automatic mode (S12).

Here, when the deodorizing module 130 is turned on, the deodorizing module 130 operates, and when the deodorizing module 130 is turned off, the deodorizing module 130 stops operating.

For example, in the auto mode, the deodorizing module 130 may be turned on for 10 minutes and off for 60 minutes.

And, if necessary, a power mode may be selected from the user. (S13)

If a power mode is not selected from the user, the control unit 110 continues to operate the deodorizing module 130 in an auto mode.

Meanwhile, the user may select a power mode when the refrigerator door is opened, when the refrigerator smells or when new food such as kimchi is put in the refrigerator.

When the power mode is selected, the deodorizing module 130 is operated by the control unit 110 in a power mode. (S17)

For example, in a power mode, the deodorization module 130 may be turned on for 10 minutes and off for 5 minutes.

Thereafter, when the set time T1 has elapsed, the power mode ends (S18).

When the power mode is terminated as described above, the deodorizing module 130 is operated again in the auto mode in the control unit 110.

Meanwhile, in a state in which a power mode is not selected by a user, the control unit 110 determines whether a load is input based on information input from the door switch 140 and various sensors 150, 160, and 170. S14)

If the load input is not detected, the control unit 110 continues to operate the deodorizing module 130 in an automatic mode.

On the other hand, when load input is sensed, the control unit 110 operates the deodorizing module 130 in an auto mode in a short mode. (S15)

For example, in the short mode, the deodorizing module 130 may be turned on for 10 minutes and off for 10 minutes.

After the shortening mode is started, if the setting time T2 has elapsed, or if it is determined that the load has been released from the information input from the door switch 140 and various sensors 150, 160, 170, the shortening mode is terminated (S16).

Then, the deodorizing module 130 is operated in the auto mode again by the control unit 110.

5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, first, while power is supplied to the refrigerator, the refrigerator operates. (S110)

And, the control unit 110 operates the deodorizing module 130 in an automatic mode (auto mode). (S120)

Here, when the deodorizing module 130 is turned on, the deodorizing module 130 operates, and when the deodorizing module 130 is turned off, the deodorizing module 130 stops operating.

In the auto mode, the controller may repeat the operation of turning on the deodorizing module 130 for a predetermined first target time and turning it off for a second target time.

For example, in the auto mode, the deodorizing module 130 may be turned on for 10 minutes and off for 60 minutes.

Thereafter, the controller 110 determines whether the door is open. (S130)

At this time, the control unit 110 may determine whether the door is open based on the information input from the door switch 140.

For example, in step S130, when the opening of the door is not detected, the control unit 110 may operate the deodorizing module 130 in an automatic mode.

As another example, in step S130, when the opening of the door is not detected, the control unit 110 may determine whether the closing time of the door has elapsed. (S141)

Thereafter, when it is determined that the time at which the door is closed has elapsed, the control unit 110 increases the off time of the deodorization module by a predetermined first unit time β from the second target time. (S142)

After the off time of the deodorization module is increased as described above, the control unit judges whether the door is open and the time the door is closed, and if the door is closed continuously, in proportion to the time the door is closed , It is possible to increase the off time of the deodorizing module.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S141 that the time when the door is closed has not elapsed, the control unit 110 may maintain the off time of the deodorization module 130 as the second target time. . That is, the control unit 110 may operate the deodorizing module 130 in an automatic mode.

On the other hand, in step S130, when the opening of the door is detected, the control unit 110 from the door switch 140 and the various sensors (150,160,170), high internal temperature or door opening time or door opening frequency or outside temperature or outside air At least one of the humidity information is acquired. (S150)

Then, the control unit 110 compares the opening time of the door with a preset reference time. (S160)

In step S160, if it is determined that the opening time of the door is equal to or less than the reference time, the control unit 110 may maintain the off time of the deodorization module 130 as the second target time. That is, the control unit 110 may operate the deodorizing module 130 in an automatic mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S160 that the opening time of the door exceeds a reference time, the control unit 110 sets the off time of the deodorization module 130 to a preset unit time (α1) than the second target time. ). (S170)

That is, the deodorizing module 130 may operate more frequently.

As described above, when the off time of the deodorization module 130 is reduced, the off time of the deodorization module reduced by the control unit 110 is compared with a predetermined minimum time (T min). )

Then, in step S180, when the comparison result, the adjusted off time of the deodorizing module is less than the minimum time, the control unit 110 sets the off time of the deodorizing module to the minimum time (T min). Set.

Therefore, the off time of the deodorization module can be maintained at least a minimum time (T min).

On the other hand, in step S180, when the off time of the deodorization module adjusted as a result of comparison is equal to or greater than a minimum time, the control unit 110 maintains the off time of the deodorization module at the changed time in step S170. .

As another example, in step S160, instead of comparing the opening time of the door with a preset reference time, the number of opening of the door may be compared with a preset reference number.

And, as a result of the comparison, when the number of times the door is opened is greater than the reference number, the off time of the deodorizing module 130 may be reduced in the control unit 110 than the second target time.

6 to 9 are flowcharts of a control method according to various embodiments of the present invention.

6 to 9, a total of four or more embodiments may occur in step S160, and a total of four or more embodiments may also occur in step S170.

First, referring to FIG. 6, after step S150, the controller may compare the opening time of the door with a preset reference time (S161).

Then, when the opening time of the door exceeds a preset reference time, the control unit 110 may decrease the off time of the deodorization module 130 by a first value α1 from the second target time. have. (S171)

Referring to FIG. 7, after step S150, the control unit may calculate the difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature through the information input from the sensors 150 and 160, and compare the calculated value with a preset reference value.

Then, when the calculated difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature is greater than a preset reference value, the control unit 110 reduces the off time of the deodorization module 130 by a second value α2 from the second target time. Can be. (S172)

Then, the control unit 110 compares the reduced off time of the deodorizing module with a preset minimum time (T min), and as a result of comparison, when the adjusted off time of the deodorizing module is less than the minimum time , The off time of the deodorization module may be set to a minimum time (T min).

Referring to FIG. 8, after step S150, the control unit may detect the outside air humidity through the information input from the sensor 170 and compare the detected outside air humidity with a preset reference humidity. (S163)

In addition, when the detected outside humidity is greater than a preset reference humidity, the controller 110 may reduce the off time of the deodorization module 130 by a third value α3 than the second target time. have. (S173)

Then, the control unit 110 compares the reduced off time of the deodorizing module with a preset minimum time (T min), and as a result of comparison, when the adjusted off time of the deodorizing module is less than the minimum time , The off time of the deodorization module may be set to a minimum time (T min).

Although not illustrated, after step S150, the control unit may determine whether or not a load is injected into the storage space.

In addition, when load input is sensed in the storage space, the controller 110 may reduce the off time of the deodorization module 130 by a fourth value α4 than the second target time.

In addition, after step S150, the controller may sense the temperature of the storage space.

Then, when the temperature of the storage space exceeds a preset reference temperature, the control unit 110 decreases the off time of the deodorization module 130 by a fifth value α5 from the second target time. You can.

Referring to FIG. 9, after step S150, the control unit compares the opening time of the door with a preset reference time through information input from the door switch 140 and various sensors 150 and 160, and the difference between the outside temperature and the high internal temperature After calculating, the calculated value can be compared with a preset reference value, and after detecting the outside humidity, the detected outside humidity can be compared with the preset reference humidity. (S164)

And, when the opening time of the door exceeds a preset reference time, the calculated difference between the outside temperature and the high temperature inside is greater than the preset reference value, and the detected outside humidity is greater than the preset reference humidity, the controller 110 controls the deodorization module The off time of 130 may be reduced by adding the first value α1, the second value α2, and the third value α3 from the second target time. (S174)

Then, the control unit 110 compares the reduced off time of the deodorizing module with a preset minimum time (T min), and as a result of comparison, when the adjusted off time of the deodorizing module is less than the minimum time , The off time of the deodorization module may be set to a minimum time (T min).

On the other hand, in the above description, although it is specified that the control unit increases or decreases the off time of the deodorization module, the control unit instead of increasing the off time of the deodorization module, turns on the deodorization module. ) You can reduce the time. In addition, the control unit may increase the on time of the deodorizing module instead of reducing the off time of the deodorizing module.

For example, after the step S150, the control unit compares the opening time of the door with a preset reference time, and as a result of comparison, when the opening time of the door exceeds a preset reference time, the control unit 110 displays the deodorizing module. The on time can be increased.

10 is a view showing an on and off state according to the time of each situation of the deodorizing module, which is a main component of the present invention.

10(a) is a view showing on and off states of the deodorization module over time in the automatic mode. Referring to (a) of FIG. 10, in the automatic mode, the deodorizing module is turned on for the first target time and then off for the second target time.

On the other hand, Figure 10 (b) is a view showing the on and off state of the deodorizing module over time when the door opening is detected in the automatic mode. Referring to (b) of FIG. 10, in the automatic mode, the deodorizing module is turned on for the first target time and then turned off for the second target time.

Then, when the door opening (refer to the arrow) is detected, it can be confirmed that the off time of the deodorization module is reduced by a first value α1 than the second target time.

In addition, when the off time of the deodorizing module is reduced, when the door opening (refer to the arrow) is additionally detected, the off time of the deodorizing module is the first value (α1) and the second time than the second target time. It can be seen that it was reduced by 2 values (α2).

At this time, the on time of the deodorization module maintains the first target time.

On the other hand, Fig. 10 (c) is a diagram showing the on and off state of the deodorizing module over time when the door opening is not detected in the automatic mode. Referring to (c) of FIG. 10, in the automatic mode, the deodorizing module is turned on for the first target time and then turned off for the second target time.

And, when the door is not opened for a set time, it can be seen that the off time of the deodorization module is increased by a unit value β from the second target time.

In addition, when the off time of the deodorizing module is increased, and if the door is not opened again for a set time, the off time of the deodorizing module is twice as much as the unit value β than the second target time. You can see the increase.

At this time, the on time of the deodorization module maintains the first target time.

According to the present invention as described above, the operating cycle of the deodorizing module that performs the sterilization and deodorization function accordingly using information on whether the refrigerator door is opened, the number of door openings, the door opening time, the outside temperature, the outside humidity, and the inside temperature is actively It has the advantage of improving the sterilization and deodorization performance by controlling and reducing power consumption.

Claims (14)

A body having at least one storage space for low temperature storage therein, a door for selectively opening and closing the storage space, a deodorizing fan for sucking air in the storage space, and a filter for filtering air sucked into the deodorizing fan In the control method of the refrigerator including a deodorizing module installed in the storage space and a control unit for controlling the operation of the deodorizing module,
A first step of operating the refrigerator;
A second step of repeating an operation of turning on the deodorizing module for a predetermined first target time and turning it off for a second target time in the control unit;
A third step of determining, by the control unit, whether the door is opened during a second target time when the deodorization module is turned off;
When the door is opened as a result of the determination, a fourth step of comparing the opening time of the door with a preset reference time,
As a result of the comparison, when the opening time of the door is equal to or less than the reference time, the control method of the refrigerator maintaining the off time of the deodorizing module as the second target time.
According to claim 1,
As a result of the determination, if the door is not opened, determining whether the time at which the door is closed has passed a set time;
If it is determined that the closing time of the door has elapsed, the control unit increases the off time of the deodorization module by a preset first unit time (β) from the second target time. Control method.
According to claim 2,
If it is determined that the closing time of the door has not elapsed, the control unit controls the refrigerator to maintain the off time of the deodorization module as the second target time.
According to claim 2,
The control unit, the control method of the refrigerator to increase the off (off) time of the deodorizing module in proportion to the time the door is closed.
According to claim 1,
As a result of the comparison, when the opening time of the door is greater than the reference time, the control unit further comprises the step of reducing the off time of the deodorizing module by a predetermined unit time (α1) than the second target time. How to control the refrigerator.
The method of claim 5,
Comparing the off time of the deodorization module adjusted by the control unit with a predetermined minimum time (T min); And
If the comparison result, the adjusted off time of the deodorizing module is less than the minimum time, the control method of the refrigerator further comprising the step of setting the off (off) time of the deodorizing module to the minimum time (T min) .
According to claim 1,
In the fourth step, the difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature is calculated,
As a result of the calculation, when the difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature is greater than a preset reference value, the control method of the refrigerator to reduce the off time of the deodorization module by a preset unit time (α2) from the second target time in the control unit .
The method of claim 7,
Comparing the off time of the deodorization module adjusted by the control unit with a predetermined minimum time (T min); And
If the comparison result, the adjusted off time of the deodorizing module is less than the minimum time, the control method of the refrigerator further comprising the step of setting the off (off) time of the deodorizing module to the minimum time (T min) .
According to claim 1,
In the fourth step, the outdoor humidity is detected,
When the detected outdoor humidity is greater than the preset reference humidity, the control method of the refrigerator to reduce the off time of the deodorizing module by the unit time (α3) preset than the second target time in the control unit.
According to claim 1,
In the fourth step, the number of openings of the door is compared with a predetermined reference number,
As a result of the comparison, when the number of times the door is opened is greater than the reference number, the control method of the refrigerator for reducing the off time of the deodorizing module in the control unit than the second target time.
According to claim 1,
In the fourth step, it is detected whether or not load is applied to the storage space,
When the load is detected in the storage space, the control method of the refrigerator to reduce the off (off) time of the deodorizing module than the second target time in the control unit.
According to claim 1,
In the fourth step, the temperature of the storage space is sensed,
If the temperature of the storage space exceeds a predetermined reference temperature, the control method of the refrigerator to reduce the off (off) time of the deodorizing module than the second target time in the control unit.
According to claim 1,
As a result of the comparison, when the opening time of the door exceeds a reference time, a control method of the refrigerator that increases the on time of the deodorizing module in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The deodorizing module control method of a refrigerator including an ultraviolet (UV) lamp.

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