KR20200074630A - artificial intelligence refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial intelligence refrigerator. According to the present invention, the artificial intelligence refrigerator comprises: a cabinet which has a storage compartment; a storage compartment door which is connected to the cabinet and opens/closes the storage compartment; a temperature sensor which is placed in the storage compartment, and detects the temperature of the storage compartment; a deodorizing module which suctions air in the storage compartment and sterilizes and deodorizes the air; a memory which stores at least one of the opening/closing information of the storage compartment door and the temperature information of the storage compartment; and a control unit which controls the deodorizing module based on the information stored in the memory. The control unit determines an overused section based on the information stored in the memory, and determines whether a time after the present time or a time after a preset time falls under the overused section or not. If the time after the present time or the time after a preset time does not fall under the overused section, the control unit controls the deodorizing module to operate in a first mode, and if the time after the present time or the time after the preset time falls under the overused section, the control unit controls the deodorizing module to operate in a second mode.

Description

Artificial intelligence refrigerator

The present invention relates to a control method of 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.

Currently, the sterilization and deodorization module of the refrigerator is set to operate at a constant cycle, and operates only in a power mode in which on and off cycles are shortened only when a user instructs to do so. For example, the user may indicate the power mode by pressing a button formed on the outside of the storage room door.

Therefore, if there is no instruction from the user under the use condition of frequently opening the storage compartment door or the use condition of not opening the door for a long time, the deodorizing module is turned on and off at the same cycle to operate. That is, in the conventional case, there is a problem in that the sterilization and deodorization performance is deteriorated in an over-use time period while performing uniform operation regardless of the customer use environment.

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

The present invention has been proposed to solve the conventional problems as described above, and increases the operation rate of the deodorizing module that performs the sterilization and deodorization function of the storage room even if there is no separate instruction by the user in a time period when the user refrigerator is frequently used. Or to provide a refrigerator that can increase the rotational speed of the deodorizing fan.

In addition, by improving the sterilization and deodorization performance, it is possible to store food in the storage room more freshly, and to keep the storage room more comfortable, and to provide a refrigerator that can solve the inconvenience of having to enter a separate function by the user It has its purpose.

In addition, in the case of a time period when the user refrigerator is not used, it provides a refrigerator capable of reducing power consumption by actively controlling the operation rate of the deodorization module and the rotational speed of the deodorization fan, such as by reducing the operation rate of the deodorization module. There is a purpose.

A refrigerator according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is provided in a cabinet having a storage compartment, a storage compartment door connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, and provided in the storage compartment, for sensing the temperature of the storage compartment Based on the temperature sensor, a deodorizing module for sterilizing and deodorizing air in the storage chamber, a memory for storing at least one of opening/closing information of the storage chamber door or temperature information in the storage chamber, and information stored in the memory It may include a control unit for controlling the deodorizing module.

In addition, the control unit may determine an overuse section based on information stored in the memory, and determine whether a time after the current time or a set time corresponds to the overuse section.

In addition, if the time after the current time or the set time does not correspond to the overuse period, the control unit may control the deodorization module so that the deodorization module operates in the first mode.

In addition, the control unit may control the deodorizing module to operate the deodorizing module in the second mode when the time after the current time or the set time corresponds to the overuse period.

In addition, the control unit may determine a low-use section based on information stored in the memory, and determine whether a time after the current time or a set time corresponds to the low-use section.

In addition, the control unit may control the deodorization module so that the deodorization module operates in a third mode when the current time or a time after the set time corresponds to the low-use section.

According to the present invention, even when there is no separate instruction by the user in a time period when the user's refrigerator is used a lot, it is possible to increase the operation rate of the deodorization module that performs the sterilization and deodorization function of the storage room, or increase the rotation speed of the deodorization fan. It has an effect.

In addition, by improving the sterilization and deodorization performance, it is possible to store food in the storage room more freshly, to keep the storage room more comfortable, and also to eliminate the inconvenience of having to enter a separate function by the user.

In addition, in a time period when the user's refrigerator is not used, there is an effect of reducing the power consumption by actively controlling the operation rate of the deodorization module and the rotational speed of the deodorization fan, such as reducing the operation rate of the deodorization module.

In addition, without a separate sensor for checking the degree of contamination in the interior, there is an effect of predicting the interior of the interior and actively controlling the operation rate of the deodorization module or the rotational speed of the deodorization fan 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 to 6 are flowcharts of a method of controlling a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention.
7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process of receiving and processing data from a door switch and a high temperature sensor in a memory and a control unit.
8 is a diagram showing a table in which the control unit determines an overuse period based on data stored in a memory.
9 is a graph showing changes in on and off of the deodorizing module according to the change in time in a graph form.

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 of 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 flashes 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 be provided with 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 is opened, and the opening time, and the inside temperature that senses at least one of the temperatures of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. It includes a sensor 150, a deodorizing module 130, and a control unit 110 that controls overall operation of the refrigerator 1.

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 deodorizing filter 132 is composed of a plurality of filters, and adsorbs suspended matter, for example, fine particles or bacteria, in the refrigerator compartment 12 to filter and remove them. 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 memory 120 stores 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. do.

In addition, information input from the door switch 140 and the high temperature sensor 150 is stored in the memory 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 into 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 sterilization 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 between the deodorant case 136 and the deodorant front case 138 to allow air in and out. .

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 the odor removal and decomposition speed is slow, 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 method of controlling the deodorization module in the control unit 110 will be described.

The control unit 110 controls the deodorization module 130 based on the information stored in the memory.

As described above, the information input from the door switch 140 and the high temperature sensor 150 is stored in the memory 120.

In detail, the controller 110 determines an overuse section of the refrigerator based on information stored in the memory 120 and determines whether a time after the current time or a set time corresponds to the overuse section.

Then, if the time after the current time or the set time does not correspond to the overuse period, the control unit 110 controls the deodorization module 130 so that the deodorization module 130 operates in a first mode.

In addition, the control unit 110, if the time after the current time or the set time corresponds to the over-use section, at the time after the current time or the set time, the deodorizing module 130 so that the deodorizing module 130 operates in the second mode Control 130.

In general, the deodorizing fan 131 repeats on and off at regular cycles.

In the following description, the increase in the operation rate of the deodorizing fan 131 may mean that the off time of the deodorizing fan 131 is shortened or the on time is increased. Therefore, when the operation rate of the deodorizing fan 131 is increased, the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing module 130 is improved.

Further, that the operation rate of the deodorizing fan 131 is reduced may mean that the off time of the deodorizing fan 131 is increased, or the on time is reduced. Therefore, when the operation rate of the deodorizing fan 131 is reduced, the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing module 130 is lowered.

The operating rate of the deodorizing fan 131 in the second mode may be set to be greater than the operating rate of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.

In addition, the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan 131 in the second mode may be set larger than the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.

In addition, if the time after the current time or the set time corresponds to the over-use section, the control unit 110 may control the deodorizing module 130 to operate for a preset target time in the second mode.

For example, the control unit 110 may control the deodorizing module 130 to operate in the first mode after the deodorizing module 130 operates for a preset target time in the second mode.

As another example, the control unit 110, after the deodorizing module 130 is operated for a target time set in the second mode, the second mode is terminated or set based on the time when the second mode ends It is determined whether or not the time after the time corresponds to the overuse section, and according to the result, the deodorizing module 130 is controlled to operate in the first mode, or the deodorizing module 130 is in the second mode It is also possible to control the deodorizing module 130 to operate as.

Hereinafter, a method for determining the overuse section in the control unit 110 will be described.

7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process of receiving and processing data from a door switch and a high temperature sensor in a memory and a control unit. In addition, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a table in which the control unit determines an overuse period based on data stored in the memory.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may determine the overuse section based on the number of times the opening of the storage compartment door input to the memory.

In the memory 120, the number of openings of the storage room door per hour is stored. Then, when the number of openings of the storage room door per hour exceeds a preset reference number, the controller 110 may determine that the corresponding time corresponds to an overuse section.

To this end, the number of times the storage room door is opened for each time may be stored in the memory for a period of 1 day or longer.

In addition, the control unit may calculate an average of the number of openings of the storage room door for each time, and compare the calculated average number of openings with the reference number to determine whether an overuse section is used.

For example, the number of times of opening of the storage room door is input to the memory 120 every hour for three weeks (21 days) every day.

In addition, assuming that the storage room door is opened 63 times between 19:00 and 20:00 for 3 weeks (21 days), the number of times the storage room door is opened between 19 and 20:00 is an average of 3 times (63 times/21 days).

At this time, when the control unit 110 is opened twice or more per hour, the reference frequency is set to determine the overuse section.

Therefore, the control unit 110 may determine that the time range of 19:00 to 20:00 that is open three times on average is an overuse section.

As a result, the control unit 110 determines the time zone of 19:00 to 20:00 as an over-use driving time, and controls the deodorization module 130 to operate in the second mode at 19:00 to 20:00.

As another example, assuming that the storage room door is opened 10 times between 10 am and 11 pm for 3 weeks (21 days), the number of times the storage room door is opened between 10 am and 11 am is about 0.5 times on average (10 times/21 days). .

At this time, when the storage room door is opened twice or more per hour in the control unit 110, the reference frequency is set to determine the overuse section.

Therefore, it can be determined that the time period between 10 am and 11 pm, which is open 0.5 times on average, is not an overuse section.

As a result, the control unit 110 determines that the time zone of 10 to 11 hours is not an over-use driving time, and controls the deodorizing module 130 to operate in the first mode at 10 to 11 hours.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may determine the overuse section based on the opening time of the storage compartment door input to the memory.

In the memory 120, the opening time of the storage room door per hour is stored. In addition, when the opening time of the storage room door per hour exceeds a preset reference time per hour, the control unit 110 may determine that the corresponding time corresponds to an overuse section.

To this end, the opening time of the storage room door for each time may be stored in the memory for a period of 1 day or more.

In addition, the control unit may calculate an average of the opening times of the storage room doors for each time, and compare the calculated average opening times with the reference time to determine whether an overuse section is used.

For example, in the memory 120, opening time information of a storage room door is input every hour for three weeks (21 days) every day.

In addition, assuming that the storage room door was opened for a total of 21 minutes between 19:00 and 20:00 for 3 weeks (21 days), the storage door opening time between 19:00 and 20:00 is an average of 1 minute (21 minutes/21 days). .

At this time, when the storage room door is opened for more than 30 seconds per hour in the control unit 110, the reference time is set to determine the overuse section.

Accordingly, the control unit 110 may determine that the time range of 19:00 to 20:00 that is open for 1 minute on average is an overuse section.

As a result, the control unit 110 determines the time zone of 19:00 to 20:00 as an over-use driving time, and controls the deodorization module 130 to operate in the second mode at 19:00 to 20:00.

As another example, assuming that the storage room door was opened for a total of 8 minutes between 10 am and 11 pm for 3 weeks (21 days), the storage door opening time between 10 am and 11 am is about 23 seconds on average (480 seconds/21 days) )to be.

At this time, when the storage room door is opened for more than 30 seconds per hour in the control unit 110, the reference time is set to determine the overuse section.

Therefore, it can be judged that the time zone of 10 to 11, which is open for 23 seconds on average, is not an overuse section.

As a result, the control unit 110 determines that the time zone of 10 to 11:00 is not the over-use driving time, and controls the deodorization module 130 to operate in the first mode at the time of 10 to 11:00.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may determine an over-use section based on the difference in temperature between the storage compartments before and after the opening of the storage compartment door input to the memory.

In the memory 120, the temperature difference between the storage chamber before and after the opening of the storage chamber door per hour is stored. In addition, when the difference between the temperature of the storage chamber before and after the opening of the storage chamber door per hour exceeds a preset reference temperature, the controller 110 may determine that the corresponding time corresponds to an overuse period.

To this end, the memory may store a difference in the temperature of the storage chamber before and after the opening of the storage chamber door for each hour for a period of one day or more.

In addition, the control unit may calculate an average of the temperature difference between the storage chambers before and after the opening of the storage chamber door for each hour, and compare the calculated average temperature difference with the reference temperature to determine whether an overuse section is used.

For example, the memory 120 is input with a difference in temperature of the storage chamber before and after opening of the storage chamber door every hour for three weeks (21 days).

In addition, when the temperature difference between the storage chamber temperature before and after the storage chamber door is accumulated between 19:00 and 20:00 for 3 weeks (21 days), assuming that it is 42, the temperature difference between the storage chamber temperature before and after the storage chamber door is between 19 and 20:00 It is calculated as an average of 2°C (42/21 days).

At this time, if the temperature difference between the storage room temperature before and after the opening of the storage room door is 1°C or more in the control unit 110, the reference time is set to determine the overuse section.

Therefore, the control unit 110 may determine that the time zone between 19:00 and 20:00, when the difference in the temperature of the storage room before and after the opening of the storage room door is on average, is 2°C.

As a result, the control unit 110 may determine the time zone from 19:00 to 20:00 as an over-use driving time, and control the deodorizing module 130 to operate in the second mode at 19:00 to 20:00.

As another example, when the temperature difference between the storage chamber temperature before and after the storage chamber door is accumulated between 10 and 11 for 3 weeks (21 days), assuming 18, the temperature difference between the storage chamber temperature before and after the storage chamber door is opened between 10 and 11 o'clock. Is 0.9°C on average (18/21 days).

At this time, if the temperature difference between the storage room temperature before and after the opening of the storage room door is 1°C or more in the control unit 110, the reference time is set to determine the overuse section.

Therefore, the control unit 110 may determine that the time zone between 10 and 11 o'clock with an average temperature difference between the storage compartments before and after the opening of the storage compartment door is 0.8°C is not an overuse period.

As a result, the control unit 110 may determine that the time zone of 10 to 11:00 is not an over-use driving time, and control the deodorizing module 130 to operate in the first mode at 10 to 11:00 hours.

As another example, the control unit 110 may individually determine the overuse section of the first week, the second week, and the third week.

And, at least two of the first week, the second week, and the third week, it is possible to determine a time zone in which over-use is determined as an over-use section.

In detail, the week 1 over-use section may be determined based on the average number of door openings or the average door opening time in the 1st week from 19:00 to 20:00, or the average of the temperature difference between the storage room temperature before and after opening of the storage room door.

In addition, the overweek interval of the second week may be determined based on the average number of door openings or the average door opening time or the difference in the temperature of the storage room temperature before and after the opening of the storage room.

In addition, the overweek section of the third week can be determined based on the average of the number of door openings or the average of the door opening times or the difference in the temperature of the storage room temperature before and after the opening of the storage room door.

If the first week, second week, and third week are all determined to be overused in the 19:00 to 20:00 time zone, the control unit is judged to be overused in a total of 3, and the control value is greater than or equal to 2, which is the standard value. The 20 o'clock time zone is judged as the overuse section.

In addition, if it is judged to be overused in the 7 to 8 o'clock period of the 1st week, it is determined to be overused in the 7 to 8 o'clock period of the 2nd week, and if it is determined that it is not overused in the 7 to 8 o'clock period of the 3rd week, the controller controls the total Since the overuse is judged in two, and the reference value is 2 or more, the controller finally determines the time zone from 7 to 8 as an overuse section.

On the other hand, if it is judged that it is not overused in the 13:00 to 14:00 time zone of the 1st week, it is determined that it is overused in the 13:00 to 14:00 time period of the 2nd week, and if it is determined that it is not overused in the 13:00 to 14:00 time period of the 3rd week, the control unit Since the overuse is judged in one total and is smaller than the reference value of 2, the controller finally determines that the time zone between 13:00 and 14:00 is not an overuse section.

Meanwhile, the control unit 110 determines a low-use section based on information stored in the memory 120, determines whether a current time or a time after a set time corresponds to the low-use section, and the current When the time or the time after the set time corresponds to the low-use section, the control unit 11 may control the deodorizing module 130 so that the deodorizing module 130 operates in a third mode.

For example, the operating rate of the deodorizing fan 131 in the third mode may be set to be smaller than the operating rate of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.

As another example, the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan 131 in the third mode may be set smaller than the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.

In addition, the controller 110 may control the deodorizing module 130 to operate for a preset target time in a third mode when the current time or a time after the set time corresponds to the low-use section.

For example, the control unit 110 may control the deodorizing module 130 to operate in the first mode after the deodorizing module 130 operates for a predetermined target time in the third mode.

As another example, the control unit 110, after the deodorizing module 130 is operated for a target time set in the third mode, is set based on the time when the third mode ends or when the third mode ends It is determined whether or not the time after the time corresponds to the low-use section, and according to the result, the deodorizing module 130 is controlled to operate in the first mode, or the deodorizing module 130 is third The deodorizing module 130 may be controlled to operate in a mode.

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 the first mode. (S12)

Here, the first mode may correspond to'normal mode' or'automatic mode'.

In the first mode, the deodorizing module repeats on and off.

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 first mode, the deodorization 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.

If the power mode is not selected by the user, the control unit 110 continues to operate the deodorizing module 130 in the first 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 a power mode is selected, the deodorizing module 130 is operated by the control unit 110 in a power mode.

For example, in a power mode, the off time of the deodorization module is reduced, and the deodorization module 130 can be turned on for 10 minutes and off for 5 minutes. .

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

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

On the other hand, the control unit 110 in the state in which the deodorizing module 130 is operating in the first mode, based on the information input from the door switch 140 and the internal temperature sensor 150, after the current time or the reference time It is determined whether or not the time falls within the overuse period. (S13)

For example, the control unit 110 may determine whether the current time corresponds to an overuse period.

As another example, the controller 110 may determine whether the time after about 3 hours corresponds to the overuse period.

If the time after the current time or the reference time does not correspond to the overuse period, the control unit 110 continues to operate the deodorizing module 130 in the first mode.

On the other hand, if the time after the current time or the reference time falls into the overuse section, the control unit 110 switches the deodorizing module 130 from the first time to the second mode at a time after the local time or the reference time. Control is performed to drive (S14).

9 is a graph showing changes in on and off of the deodorizing module according to the change in time in a graph form.

Referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that in the second mode operation, the off time of the deodorizing fan 131 is further reduced than in the first mode (normal mode) operation.

That is, in the over-use period, the deodorizing fan 131 is turned on more frequently than in the first mode (normal mode) during the second mode operation, and it can be seen that the operation rate of the deodorizing fan 131 is increased. That is, it can be seen that, per unit time, the on time of the deodorizing fan 131 is further increased. Therefore, the sterilization and deodorization performance can be further improved in the overuse section.

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

Then, after the second mode is started, the controller 110 determines whether the second mode has been operated for a predetermined target time. (S15)

Thereafter, after the second mode operation is maintained for a preset target time, the second mode operation ends.

After the second mode operation is over, the control unit 110 may return to the step S12 and control the deodorizing module 130 so that the deodorizing module 130 operates in the first mode.

As another example, after the second mode operation is finished, the control unit 110 returns to the step S13, and the time after the set time is based on the time when the second mode ends or when the second mode ends. It may be judged whether or not it falls within the overuse section.

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

5, first, while power is supplied to the refrigerator, the refrigerator operates. (S21)

Then, the control unit 110 operates the deodorizing module 130 in the first mode. (S22)

Here, the first mode may correspond to'normal mode' or'automatic mode'.

In the first mode, the deodorizing module repeats on and off.

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 first 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.

If the power mode is not selected by the user, the control unit 110 continues to operate the deodorizing module 130 in the first 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 a power mode is selected, the deodorizing module 130 is operated by the control unit 110 in a power mode.

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.

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

On the other hand, the control unit 110 in the state in which the deodorizing module 130 is operating in the first mode, based on the information input from the door switch 140 and the internal temperature sensor 150, after the current time or the reference time It is determined whether or not the time falls within the low-use period. (S23)

For example, the control unit 110 may determine whether the current time corresponds to a low use period.

As another example, the controller 110 may determine whether the time after about 3 hours corresponds to a low use period.

If the current time or the time after the reference time does not correspond to the low use period, the control unit 110 continues to operate the deodorizing module 130 in the first mode.

On the other hand, when the time after the current time or the reference time falls within the low-use section, the control unit 110 switches the deodorizing module 130 from the first time to the third mode at a time after the current time or the reference time. And control it to drive. (S24)

For example, in the third mode, the deodorizing module 130 may be turned on for 10 minutes and off for 120 minutes. In the third mode, the off time of the deodorization module 130 is increased.

Then, after the third mode is started, the controller 110 determines whether the third mode has been operated for a preset target time. (S25)

Thereafter, after the third mode is maintained for a preset target time, the third mode is ended.

After the third mode operation is over, the control unit 110 may return to step S12 and control the deodorizing module 130 so that the deodorizing module 130 operates in the first mode.

As another example, after the third mode operation is finished, the control unit 110 returns to the step S13, and the time after the set time is based on the time when the third mode ends or when the third mode ends. It is also possible to determine whether it corresponds to the low-use section.

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

Referring to FIG. 6, first, while power is supplied to the refrigerator, the refrigerator operates. (S31)

Then, the control unit 110 operates the deodorizing module 130 in a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. (S32)

Then, in each mode, the deodorizing fan 131 operates at different cycles, and accordingly, the operation rate of the deodorizing module in each mode may be different.

For example, the operation rate of the deodorizing fan 131 may be increased in the order of the third mode, the first mode, and the second mode (third mode <first mode <second mode).

As another example, the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan 131 may also be increased in the order of the third mode, the first mode, and the second mode (third mode <first mode <second mode).

Meanwhile, the control unit 110 determines in real time whether the deodorizing fan 131 is turned on while the deodorizing module 130 is operating in the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode (S33).

Then, in a state in which the deodorizing fan 131 is turned on, based on the information input from the door switch 140, it is determined whether the door is opened or not (S34).

If, in step S34, the door opening is determined, the controller 110 predicts the load input, and to increase the sterilization and deodorization performance, increase the operation rate of the deodorization fan 131, or deodorization fan (131) ) To increase the rotation speed (rpm). (S35)

As described above, according to the present invention, even if there is no separate instruction by the user in a time period when the user's refrigerator is used a lot, the operation rate of the deodorization module performing the sterilization and deodorization function of the storage room is increased, or the rotation speed of the deodorization fan Can increase In addition, by increasing the sterilization and deodorization performance, food in the storage room can be stored more freshly, the storage room can be kept more comfortable, and the inconvenience of having to enter a separate function by the user can be solved. In addition, in a time period when the user refrigerator is not used, power consumption can be reduced by actively controlling the operation rate of the deodorization module and the rotational speed of the deodorization fan, such as by reducing the operation rate of the deodorization module. In addition, without a separate sensor for checking the degree of contamination in the inside, the inside state of the inside can be predicted and the operation rate of the deodorizing module or rotational speed of the deodorizing fan can be actively controlled accordingly. In addition, it is possible to actively control the operation cycle of the deodorizing module according to the surrounding environment where the refrigerator is installed.

Claims (14)

A cabinet having a storage room;
A storage compartment door connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment;
A temperature sensor provided in the storage compartment and configured to sense the temperature of the storage compartment;
A deodorizing module that sucks air in the storage chamber to sterilize and deodorize;
A memory for storing at least one of opening/closing information of the storage compartment door or temperature information of the storage compartment;
It includes a control unit for controlling the deodorizing module based on the information stored in the memory,
The control unit determines an over-use section based on information stored in the memory, and determines whether a current time or a time after a set time corresponds to the over-use section,
If the time after the current time or the set time does not correspond to the overuse period, the control unit controls the deodorization module to operate the deodorization module in a first mode,
If the time after the current time or the set time corresponds to the over-use section, the control unit controls the deodorizing module so that the deodorizing module operates in a second mode.
According to claim 1,
The deodorizing module includes a deodorizing fan that sucks air from the storage compartment,
In the second mode, the operating rate of the deodorizing fan is set to be greater than the operating rate of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.
According to claim 1,
The deodorizing module includes a deodorizing fan that sucks air from the storage compartment,
In the second mode, the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan is greater than the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.
According to claim 1,
The control unit, if the time after the current time or the set time corresponds to the over-use section, the refrigerator to control the deodorizing module to operate for a target time set in the second mode.
The method of claim 4,
The controller controls the deodorizing module to operate in the first mode after the deodorizing module operates for a target time set in the second mode.
According to claim 1,
In the memory, the number of openings of the storage room door per hour is stored,
When the number of openings of the door of the storage room per hour exceeds a preset reference number, the control unit determines that the corresponding time corresponds to an overuse section.
The method of claim 6,
In the memory, for a fixed period of 1 day or more, the number of times the storage room door is opened for each time is stored,
The control unit calculates an average of the number of openings of the storage room door for each hour, and compares the calculated average number of openings with the reference number of refrigerators.
According to claim 1,
In the memory, the opening time of the storage room door per hour is stored,
When the opening time of the door of the storage room per hour exceeds a preset reference time, the controller determines that the corresponding time corresponds to an overuse section.
The method of claim 8,
In the memory, for a certain period of 1 day or more, the opening time of the storage room door for each time is stored,
The control unit calculates an average of the opening times of the storage room doors for each hour, and compares the calculated average opening times with the reference time.
According to claim 1,
In the memory, the temperature difference between the storage compartment before and after the opening of the storage compartment door per hour is stored,
When the difference between the temperature of the storage compartment before and after the opening of the storage compartment door per hour exceeds a preset reference temperature, the controller determines that the corresponding time corresponds to an overuse section.
The method of claim 10,
In the memory, for a fixed period of 1 day or more, the temperature difference between the storage chamber before and after the opening of the storage chamber door for each time is stored,
The control unit calculates an average of the temperature difference between the storage compartments before and after the opening of the storage compartment door for each hour, and compares the calculated average temperature difference with the reference temperature.
According to claim 1,
The control unit determines a low-use section based on information stored in the memory, and determines whether a current time or a time after a set time corresponds to the low-use section,
When the time after the current time or the set time corresponds to the low-use section, the control unit controls the deodorizing module so that the deodorizing module operates in a third mode.
The method of claim 12,
The deodorizing module includes a deodorizing fan that sucks air from the storage compartment,
In the third mode, the operating rate of the deodorizing fan is set to be less than the operating rate of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.
The method of claim 12,
The deodorizing module includes a deodorizing fan that sucks air from the storage compartment,
In the third mode, the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan is set to be smaller than the rotational speed (rpm) of the deodorizing fan in the first mode.

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