KR20210098906A - A refrigerator and a control method the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator for efficiently cooling a plurality of storage compartments and a method for controlling the same. According to the present embodiment, the method for controlling a refrigerator comprises the steps of: starting a compressor to drive a refrigeration cycle including a first evaporator and a second evaporator; supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator according to the driving of the refrigerating cycle, thereby simultaneously supplying cold air to a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment; increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator for a first set time to limit the concentration of the refrigerant to the second evaporator; and increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the second evaporator for a second set time to limit the concentration of the refrigerant to the first evaporator.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method {A refrigerator and a control method the same}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is provided with a plurality of storage compartments for accommodating stored food to freeze or refrigerate food, and one surface of the storage compartment is opened to accommodate and take out the food. The plurality of storage compartments include a freezing compartment for frozen storage of food and a refrigerating compartment for refrigerated storage of food.

In the refrigerator, a refrigeration system in which a refrigerant circulates is driven. Devices constituting the refrigeration system include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The evaporator may include a first evaporator provided at one side of the refrigerating compartment and a second evaporator provided at one side of the freezing compartment.

The cold air stored in the refrigerating chamber may be cooled while passing through the first evaporator, and the cooled cold air may be supplied back to the refrigerating chamber. The cold air stored in the freezing chamber may be cooled while passing through the second evaporator, and the cooled cold air may be supplied back to the freezing chamber.

As described above, the conventional refrigerator is configured such that a plurality of storage compartments are independently cooled through separate evaporators.

In this regard, the present applicant has received a patent registration (Prior Patent Registration No. 10-1275184, registration date June 10, 2013).

In the refrigeration system according to the preceding patent, a compressor 140 , a condenser 150 , a refrigerant supply means 170 , expansion devices 113 and 123 , a first evaporator 110 , and a second evaporator 120 are disclosed. The first evaporator 110 and the second evaporator 120 are understood as heat exchangers provided to cool separate storage chambers, respectively.

The refrigerant supply unit 170 may be configured as a three-way valve, and the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply unit 170 may be guided to the first evaporator 110 or the second evaporator 120 .

That is, in the prior patent, the refrigerant is selectively supplied to the first evaporator 110 or the second evaporator 120 to perform cooling of one storage compartment among a plurality of storage compartments and to stop cooling the other storage compartments. do.

As described above, in the related art, instead of cooling a plurality of storage chambers at the same time, cooling of one storage chamber and another storage chamber selectively or alternately was characterized.

In this case, the temperature of the storage chamber in which the cooling is made can be maintained in an appropriate range, but the temperature of the storage chamber that is not cooled rises, resulting in a problem that deviates from the normal range.

And, in a state in which cooling of one storage compartment is required, when it is sensed that the temperature of another storage compartment is outside the normal range, there is a problem that the cooling of the other storage compartment cannot be performed immediately.

As a result, in a structure in which the storage compartment must be cooled independently, it is impossible to supply cold air in a timely and proper place, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the refrigerator.

On the other hand, when both outlets of the refrigerant supply means 170 are opened in both directions in order to simultaneously cool a plurality of storage chambers in the related art, a phenomenon in which the refrigerant is concentrated to one evaporator among the plurality of evaporators appears.

In particular, when a three-way valve is installed as a refrigerant supply means, the physical equilibrium of the three-way valve is not maintained at the installation site, so that a large amount of refrigerant flows into one evaporator and a relatively small amount of refrigerant flows into the other evaporator.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide a refrigerator and a control method of a refrigerator for efficiently cooling a plurality of storage compartments in order to solve this problem.

A method of controlling a refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes the steps of starting a compressor to drive a refrigeration cycle including a first evaporator and a second evaporator; supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator according to the driving of the refrigerating cycle, so that cold air is simultaneously supplied to the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment; increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator for a first set time to limit the concentration of refrigerant to the second evaporator; and increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the second evaporator for a second set time to limit the concentration of the refrigerant to the first evaporator.

In addition, the refrigerator according to another aspect includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant in order to drive a refrigeration cycle for supplying cold air to the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment; a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor; a refrigerant pipe for guiding the flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; a plurality of refrigerant passages branched from the refrigerant pipe and provided with an expansion device; first and second evaporators for evaporating the refrigerant that has passed through the plurality of refrigerant passages; a storage compartment temperature sensor for sensing an internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment; an external temperature sensor for sensing the temperature outside the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment; a flow control unit for controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing through the plurality of refrigerant passages; a memory unit for mapping and storing information on a control time of the flow control unit according to the information sensed by the storage room temperature sensor and the external temperature sensor; and a control unit for controlling the flow control unit to simultaneously supply the refrigerant to the first and second evaporators based on the information mapped to the memory unit.

According to the proposed embodiment, since a plurality of evaporators can be operated at the same time, there is an advantage that cooling of a plurality of storage compartments can be made effectively.

In particular, among the plurality of evaporators, a plurality of refrigerant passages are provided at the inlet side of at least one evaporator, and an expansion device is provided in each refrigerant passage to control the refrigerant flow.

In addition, since the amount of refrigerant supplied to the plurality of evaporators can be adjusted based on a predetermined time value according to temperature conditions inside and outside the refrigerator during the operation of the refrigerator, the refrigerant distribution to the plurality of evaporators can be effectively performed. There is this.

As a result, the first control process of increasing the amount of refrigerant supplied to one evaporator among the plurality of evaporators and the second control process of increasing the amount of refrigerant supplied to the other evaporator may be performed according to the set time period, so that one of the plurality of evaporators There is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant to the evaporator or other evaporators.

In addition, there is an effect that costs can be reduced because the concentration of the refrigerant can be prevented through a method of controlling the operation of the flow control unit according to the time period without the need for a separate control component.

In addition, since a flow rate control unit capable of adjusting the opening degree is provided in the plurality of refrigerant passages, there is an effect that precise control of the refrigerant flow rate can be achieved.

In addition, when a plurality of compressors are provided in the refrigerator, that is, when a high-pressure side compressor and a low-pressure side compressor are provided, the refrigerant flow resistance at the inlet side of the high-pressure side evaporator may be smaller than the refrigerant flow resistance at the inlet side of the low pressure side evaporator. , there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from being concentrated to the low-pressure side evaporator due to the pressure difference of the refrigerant.

1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a system diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a system diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit.

1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of devices for driving a refrigeration cycle.

In detail, in the refrigerator 10, a plurality of compressors 111 and 115 for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser 120 for condensing the refrigerant compressed in the plurality of compressors 111 and 115, and the condenser 120 condensed A plurality of expansion devices (141, 143, 145) for decompressing the refrigerant and a plurality of evaporators (150, 160) for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the plurality of expansion devices (141, 143, 145) are included.

In addition, the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerant pipe 100 connecting the plurality of compressors 111 and 115 , the condenser 120 , the expansion devices 141 , 143 , 145 and the evaporator 150 and 160 to guide the flow of the refrigerant.

The plurality of compressors 111 and 115 include a second compressor 115 disposed on the low pressure side and a first compressor 111 for further compressing the refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 115 .

The first compressor 111 and the second compressor 115 are connected in series. That is, the refrigerant pipe at the outlet side of the second compressor 115 is connected to the inlet side of the first compressor 111 .

In the plurality of evaporators 150 and 160, a first evaporator 150 for generating cold air to be supplied to any one of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment and a second evaporator 160 for generating cold air to be supplied to the other storage compartment is included

For example, the first evaporator 150 generates cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment, and may be disposed at one side of the refrigerating compartment. In addition, the second evaporator 160 generates cold air to be supplied to the freezing chamber, and may be disposed at one side of the freezing chamber.

The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezing chamber may be lower than the temperature of the cold air supplied to the refrigerating chamber, and accordingly, the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the second evaporator 160 may be lower than the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 150. there is.

The refrigerant pipe 100 on the outlet side of the second evaporator 160 extends toward the inlet side of the second compressor 115 . Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the second evaporator 160 may be sucked into the second compressor 115 .

The refrigerant pipe 100 at the outlet side of the first evaporator 150 is connected to the refrigerant pipe at the outlet side of the second compressor 115 . Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator 150 may be combined with the refrigerant compressed in the second compressor 115 and sucked into the first compressor 111 .

The plurality of expansion devices 141 , 143 , and 145 include a first expansion device 141 and a third expansion device 145 for expanding the refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150 , and the second evaporator 160 . A second expansion device 143 for expanding the refrigerant to be introduced is included. The first to third expansion devices 141 , 143 , and 145 may include capillary tubes.

When the second evaporator 160 is used as the freezing compartment side evaporator and the first evaporator 150 is used as the refrigerating compartment side evaporator, the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the second evaporator 160 is the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 150 . In order to be formed to be lower than the refrigerant evaporation pressure, the capillary diameter of the second expansion device 143 may be smaller than that of the first expansion device 141 and the third expansion device 145 .

A plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 105 are provided at the inlet side of the first evaporator 150 to guide the refrigerant inflow into the first evaporator 150 .

The plurality of refrigerant passages 101 and 105 include a first refrigerant passage 101 in which the first expansion device 141 is installed and a third coolant passage 105 in which the third expansion device 145 is installed. . The first and third refrigerant passages 101 and 105 guide the inflow of the refrigerant into the first evaporator 150 , and thus may be referred to as a “first evaporation passage”. The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage 101 and the third refrigerant passage 105 may be combined and then introduced into the first evaporator 150 .

In addition, at the inlet side of the second evaporator 160 , a single refrigerant flow path 103 for guiding the refrigerant flow into the second evaporator 160 is provided. The one refrigerant passage 103 includes a second refrigerant passage 103 in which the second expansion device 143 is installed. The second refrigerant passage 103 may be referred to as a “second evaporation passage” in that it guides the inflow of the refrigerant into the second evaporator 160 .

The first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , and 105 may be understood as “branch passages” branched from the refrigerant pipe 100 .

The refrigerator 10 further includes a flow control unit 130 for branching and introducing the refrigerant into the first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , and 105 . The flow control unit 130 is configured such that at least one of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 is operated, that is, the refrigerant flows to any one of the first and second evaporators 150 , or the first and second evaporators. It can be understood as a device for regulating the flow of the refrigerant so as to simultaneously flow into (150, 160).

The flow control unit 130 includes a four-way valve having one inlet through which the refrigerant flows and three outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged.

The first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 and 105 are respectively connected to the three outlets of the flow control unit 130 . Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the flow control unit 130 may be discharged by being branched into the first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , and 105 . The outlets connected to the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103, and 105 are sequentially referred to as "first outlets", "second outlets", and "third outlets".

At least one outlet of the first to third outlets may be opened. For example, when all of the first to third outlets are opened, the refrigerant flows through the first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , and 105 . On the other hand, when the first and second outlets are opened and the third outlet is closed, the refrigerant flows through the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 .

Of course, the first outlet is open and the second and third outlets are closed, so that the refrigerant may flow only through the first refrigerant passage 101, the second outlet is open and the first and third outlets are closed. The refrigerant may flow only through the second refrigerant passage 103 .

In this way, according to the control of the flow control unit 130, the flow path of the refrigerant may be changed. In addition, the control of the flow control unit 130 may be performed based on whether the refrigerant of the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 is excessive or insufficient.

For example, when the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 are simultaneously operated, when the refrigerant is relatively insufficient in the first evaporator 150, the refrigerant may flow in the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103, and 105. So that the flow control unit 130 is controlled.

On the other hand, when the refrigerant is relatively insufficient in the second evaporator 160 , the third refrigerant passage 105 is closed, and the flow is controlled so that the refrigerant flows in the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 . Unit 130 is controlled.

That is, a plurality of flow paths 101 and 105 of the refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150 are provided, and the first evaporator 150 is provided by selectively controlling the flow of the refrigerant through the plurality of flow paths 101 and 105 . Alternatively, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 160 may be adjusted.

On the other hand, since more refrigerant passages are formed on the inlet side of the first evaporator 150 than on the inlet side of the second evaporator 160 , when all of the first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , and 105 are open , the refrigerant can flow relatively more into the first evaporator 150 than in the second evaporator 160 .

That is, the heat exchange capability of the first evaporator 150 is greater than the heat exchange capability of the second evaporator 160 . Accordingly, when the first evaporator 150 is the refrigerating compartment side evaporator and the second evaporator 160 is the freezing compartment side evaporator, the cooling load or capacity of the refrigerating compartment may be greater than the cooling load or capacity of the freezing compartment.

The refrigerator 10 includes blowing fans 125 , 155 , and 165 provided on one side of the heat exchanger to blow air. The blowing fans 125 , 155 , and 165 include a condensation fan 125 provided on one side of the condenser 120 , a first evaporation fan 155 and a second evaporator 160 provided on one side of the first evaporator 150 . ), a second evaporation fan 165 provided on one side is included.

The heat exchange capability of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 may vary according to the rotation speed of the first and second evaporators 155 and 165 . For example, when a large amount of cold air generation according to the operation of the first evaporator 150 is required, the rotation speed of the first evaporating fan 155 increases, and when the cold air is sufficient, the first evaporating fan 155 . The rotational speed may be reduced.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control method of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in the refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of temperature sensors 210, 220 and 230 for sensing the temperature inside the refrigerator storage compartment or the temperature outside the refrigerator, that is, the temperature of the indoor space in which the refrigerator is installed. is included

The plurality of temperature sensors 210, 220, 230 include a refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 210 for detecting the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment temperature sensor 220 for sensing the internal temperature of the freezing compartment, and an external temperature sensor for sensing the external temperature of the refrigerator ( 230) is included. The sensors 210 and 220 are called “storage room temperature sensors”.

In addition, the refrigerator 10 further includes a control unit 200 for controlling the operation of the flow control unit 130 based on the temperature values sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors 210 , 220 , 230 . The control unit 200 includes the first and second compressors 111 and 115, the condensing fan 125 and the first and second evaporating fans 155 and 165 for the simultaneous cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment or the cooling operation of any one of the storage compartments. ) can be controlled.

The refrigerator 10 further includes a timer 240 for accumulating a time elapsed value for the operation of the flow control unit 130 during the simultaneous cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. For example, the timer 240 may set the time elapsed when all of the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103, and 105 are opened, or the time elapsed when only the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 are opened. can be accumulated.

In the refrigerator 10, the time value for simultaneous operation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment according to the temperature condition outside the refrigerator, that is, the temperature outside the refrigerator, and the temperature condition of the refrigerator storage compartment, that is, the information on the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment. A memory unit 250 that has been mapped and stored in advance is further included.

In detail, the external temperature value may be detected through the external temperature sensor 230 , and the temperature value detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 210 or the freezer compartment temperature sensor 220 or information on whether the compressor 110 is started Through this, the state condition or state information of the storage room may be determined. The compressor 110 includes a first compressor 111 and a second compressor 115 .

As an example, the state condition of the storage compartment may include a “cold start” state, a “freezer load response” state, a “refrigeration compartment load response” state, and a “simultaneous cooling of the storage compartment (refrigeration compartment and freezer compartment)” state.

The “cold start state” is understood as a state in which the compressor 110 starts to be driven again after being turned off. That is, in a state in which the compressor 110 is turned off and the high and low pressure of the refrigerant is not formed in the set range, the state until the pressure of the refrigerant is formed in the set range after starting, until it is formed in step S12 in FIG. 3 state may be For example, the cold start state may last for about 2 to 3 minutes after the operation of the compressor 110 is started.

In addition, the "freezer load response" state is a state in which the temperature of the freezer compartment rises suddenly, for example, the freezer door is opened for a long time and the temperature rises abruptly above the set temperature. In the case of sudden rise, for example, it is understood as a state in which the refrigerator door is opened for a long time and the temperature rises abruptly above the set temperature.

The "simultaneous cooling of the storage compartment (refrigeration compartment and freezing compartment)" state may be understood as a state in which the internal temperatures of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment do not reach the target temperature, etc., and thus need to be cooled at the same time.

In the present embodiment, the memory unit 250 may store mapped information as shown in [Table 1] below.

outside temperature condition Outside temperature ≤16℃ 16℃<external temperature≤28℃ Outside temperature > 28℃ storage room condition



cold start case 1 case 2 100 seconds 120 seconds
110 seconds 150 seconds
90 seconds 90 seconds Freezer load response 90 seconds 120 seconds 120 seconds 150 seconds 150 seconds 180 seconds Refrigeration room load response 120 seconds 90 seconds 150 seconds 120 seconds 180 seconds 150 seconds Simultaneous cooling of storage room 60 seconds 100 seconds 90 seconds 150 seconds 120 seconds 180 seconds

Referring to [Table 1] above, "case 1" is the first control state of the flow control unit 130, and the flow control unit 130 so that all of the first to third refrigerant passages 101, 103, and 105 are opened. means a controlled state. That is, the "case 1" is a state that can be controlled when a concentration of refrigerant occurs in the second evaporator 160, and is understood to be the "first adjustment state" of the flow control unit 130. On the other hand, "Case 2" is the second control state of the flow control unit 130, and the flow control unit 130 so that the first and second refrigerant passages 101 and 103 are opened and the third refrigerant passage 105 is closed. means a controlled state. That is, the "case 2" is a state that can be controlled when a concentration of refrigerant occurs in the first evaporator 150, and is understood to be the "second adjustment state" of the flow control unit 130. For example, When the storage room state condition is "cold start" and the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16° C. or less, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 90 seconds, and then the flow control unit 130 according to the case 2 ) of the control unit is executed for 90 seconds. On the other hand, in the cold start state, when the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16°C or more and 28°C or less, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 100 seconds, and then the flow control unit 130 according to the case 2 is performed. ) of the controller is executed for 120 seconds.

As another example, when the storage room state condition is "freezer load response" state and the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16° C. or less, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 90 seconds, and then according to the case 2 The control unit of the flow control unit 130 is performed for 120 seconds.

On the other hand, in the freezer compartment load response state, when the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16°C or higher and 28°C or lower, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 120 seconds, and then the flow control unit according to the case 2 ( 130) for 150 seconds.

As another example, when the storage room state condition is "refrigeration chamber load response" state and the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16° C. or less, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 120 seconds, and then in the case 2 The control unit of the flow control unit 130 is performed for 90 seconds.

On the other hand, in the refrigerating compartment load response state, when the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16°C or higher and 28°C or lower, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to Case 1 is performed for 150 seconds, and then the flow control unit according to Case 2 ( 130) for 120 seconds.

As another example, when the storage chamber state condition is "storage chamber cooling" state and the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16° C. or less, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 60 seconds, and then in the case 2 Accordingly, the control unit of the flow control unit 130 is performed for 100 seconds.

On the other hand, in the state of simultaneous cooling of the storage compartment, when the external temperature of the refrigerator is 16°C or more and 28°C or less, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the case 1 is performed for 90 seconds, and then the flow control unit according to the case 2 ( 130) for 150 seconds.

The control time of the flow control unit 130 according to Case 1 is referred to as a “first set time”, and the control time of the flow control unit 130 according to Case 2 is referred to as a “second set time”.

It should be noted that the information on the time value for sequentially performing the control of cases 1 and 2 according to the external temperature condition and the state condition of the storage room described in [Table 1] is information obtained through repeated experiments.

The refrigerator 10 includes a target temperature setting unit 260 capable of inputting a target temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment. For example, the target temperature setting unit 260 may be disposed on the front of the refrigerator compartment door or the freezer compartment door at a location convenient for the user to operate. The information input through the target temperature setting unit 260 may be control reference information of the compressor 110 , the plurality of blowing fans 125 , 155 , 165 , or the flow control unit 130 .

A method of controlling the refrigerator according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

For the operation of the refrigerator, the first and second compressors 111 and 115 are started. According to the operation of the compressor 110, a refrigeration cycle according to compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation of the refrigerant may be driven. The refrigerant evaporated in the second evaporator 160 is compressed in the second compressor 115 , and the compressed refrigerant is combined with the refrigerant evaporated in the first evaporator 150 and sucked into the first compressor 111 . can be (S11).

According to the driving of the refrigerating cycle, the simultaneous cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment may be initially performed. When a predetermined time elapses, the pressure value according to the refrigerant circulation may reach the set range. That is, the high pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the first and second compressors 111 and 115 and the low pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 may be formed within a set range.

When the refrigerant high pressure and the low pressure are formed within the set range, the refrigeration cycle is stabilized and can be continuously driven. At this time, the target temperature of the refrigerator storage compartment may be preset (S12).

During the operation of the refrigeration cycle, temperature conditions related to the internal temperature of the storage compartment and the external temperature of the refrigerator may be first sensed through the plurality of temperature sensors 210 , 220 , and 230 . In addition, in consideration of the sensed temperature condition and whether the compressor 110 is started, the external temperature condition and the storage room state condition described in [Table 1] above may be determined (S13).

When the external temperature condition and the storage compartment state condition are determined, the simultaneous cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment may be performed according to the mapping information described in [Table 1].

That is, according to the case 1, a time control operation to prevent the refrigerant concentration to the second evaporator 160 is first performed, and then, according to the case 2, the refrigerant concentration to the first evaporator 150 is prevented A possible time control operation is performed (S14).

When the simultaneous cooling operation according to the cases 1 and 2 is performed once, it is recognized whether the simultaneous cooling operation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment should be maintained. In detail, whether the temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment has reached a target temperature may be detected through the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 210 and the freezing compartment temperature sensor 220 .

If the temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment reaches the target temperature, since cooling of the storage compartment is unnecessary, the simultaneous cooling operation becomes unnecessary.

Accordingly, the storage chamber that has not reached the target temperature is cooled alone, that is, the evaporator of the storage chamber is operated alone, or the operation of the compressor 110 can be turned off when all the storage chambers reach the target temperature.

On the other hand, when the temperatures of both the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment do not reach the target temperature, the process returns to step S14 to resume simultaneous operation of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 . Such simultaneous operation may be repeatedly performed until the storage compartment of at least one of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment reaches the target temperature (S15 and S16).

In step S16 , the temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment may increase as time elapses in a state in which the single evaporator is operated or the operation of the compressor 110 is OFF.

When the temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment rises outside the target temperature range, cooling of the storage compartment at which the temperature has risen may be required, or a cold start of the compressor 110 in the off state may be required. At this time, it can be detected whether the external temperature conditions described in [Table 1] or the temperature conditions of the storage room are changed.

That is, when the external temperature is changed out of the control reference range, for example, when the external temperature is changed from 17°C to 15°C, whether a cold start is made in the OFF state of the compressor 110, whether a load response in the storage compartment has occurred, or the refrigerating compartment And whether simultaneous cooling of the freezer compartment is required or not can be detected (S17, S18).

If there is no change in the external temperature condition or the state condition of the storage room, that is, if there is no change in the condition recognized in step S13, according to the mapped information of the existing external temperature condition and the storage room state condition, according to cases 1 and 2 The simultaneous cooling operation of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 may be performed (S19 and S20).

On the other hand, if a change is made in the external temperature condition or the state condition of the storage room, that is, if a change is made in the condition recognized in step S13, according to the mapped information of the changed external temperature condition and the storage room condition condition, cases 1,2 Simultaneous cooling operation of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 may be performed according to (S23).

In summary, since the refrigerator is a always-on product, after the refrigerator is turned on, the on/off of the compressor is repeated and the temperature of the storage room fluctuates. Based on the information, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to the cases 1 and 2 may be repeatedly performed.

This control method may be performed until the power of the refrigerator is turned OFF and the simultaneous operation (time control) of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 is terminated (S21, S22, S24).

In this way, in the process of simultaneous operation of the first and second evaporators, the control of the flow control unit 130 according to cases 1 and 2, which prevents refrigerant concentration of the first and second evaporators, can be sequentially performed. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the storage compartment and the operating efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved.

Hereinafter, the second and third embodiments of the present invention will be described. Since these embodiments differ only in some configurations compared to the first embodiment, the differences will be mainly described, and the description and reference numerals of the first embodiment will be used for the same parts as those of the first embodiment.

4 is a system diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

4, in the refrigerator 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerant pipe 100 guiding the flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120, and the refrigerant pipe 100 are installed, A flow control unit 130 for branching the refrigerant to the first and second evaporators 150 and 160, and a plurality of refrigerant passages 101, 103, 105, 107 extending from the outlet side of the flow control unit 130 to the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 is included

The plurality of refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , 105 and 107 are understood as “branch passages” branched from the refrigerant pipe 100 , and a first refrigerant passage 101 and a third refrigerant passage 105 connected to the first evaporator 150 . ) and a second refrigerant passage 103 and a fourth refrigerant passage 107 connected to the second evaporator 160 are included.

The first and third refrigerant passages 101 and 105 are called “first evaporation passages” in that they guide the inflow of the refrigerant into the first evaporator 150 , and the second and fourth refrigerant passages 103 and 107 are Since it guides the inflow of the refrigerant into the second evaporator 160, it may be referred to as a “second evaporation path”.

The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage 101 and the third refrigerant passage 105 may be combined and then introduced into the first evaporator 150 . In addition, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant passage 103 and the fourth refrigerant passage 107 may be combined and then introduced into the second evaporator 160 .

And, as described in the first embodiment, the refrigerant discharged from the second evaporator 160 is sucked into the second compressor 115, and the refrigerant compressed by the second compressor 115 is transferred to the first evaporator ( 150) may be combined with the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 111 to be sucked.

A plurality of expansion devices 141 , 143 , 145 , 147 are disposed in the plurality of refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , 105 and 107 . The plurality of expansion devices 141 , 143 , 145 , and 147 include capillaries. In detail, the plurality of expansion devices 141, 143, 145, and 147 include a first expansion device 141 disposed in the first refrigerant flow path 101, a second expansion device 143 disposed in the second coolant flow path 103, A third expansion device 145 disposed in the third refrigerant flow path 105 and a fourth expansion device 147 disposed in the fourth coolant flow path 107 are included.

The flow control unit 130 may include a five-way valve including one inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced and four outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged. The four outlets may be connected to the first to fourth refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , 105 and 107 .

According to the control of the flow control unit 130, at least one of the first refrigerant passage 101 and the third refrigerant passage 105, the second refrigerant passage 103, and the fourth refrigerant passage At least one of the refrigerant passages in (107) may be opened. Of course, any one of the first evaporation passages 101 and 105 and the second evaporation passages 103 and 107 may be closed.

For example, when the first to third refrigerant passages 101 , 103 , and 105 are opened and the fourth refrigerant passage 107 is closed, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 150 is the second evaporator 160 . It may be greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing into the

On the other hand, when the first, second, and fourth refrigerant passages 101 , 103 and 107 are opened and the third refrigerant passage 105 is closed, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 160 is the first evaporator 150 . ) may be greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing into the

In this way, a plurality of refrigerant passages and an expansion device are provided on the inlet side of the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 , and the plurality of refrigerant passages are provided according to whether the refrigerant flowing into the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 is excessive or insufficient. Since it is possible to control the flow rate of the refrigerant by opening or closing at least one of the refrigerant passages, it is possible to prevent a refrigerant concentration phenomenon from occurring to any one of the evaporators during the simultaneous operation of the plurality of evaporators.

For the control method of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, the description of the control method described with reference to FIG. 3 is referred to. However, the control state of the flow control unit 130 according to cases 1 and 2 is changed.

In detail, when the flow control unit 130 is controlled so that the first to third refrigerant passages 10, 103, and 105 are opened and the fourth refrigerant passage 107 is closed, the time according to Case 1 described in [Table 1] Control can be applied.

And, when the flow control unit 130 is controlled so that the first, second, and fourth refrigerant passages 101, 103, and 107 are opened and the third refrigerant passage 105 is closed, according to Case 2 described in [Table 1] Time control may be applied.

5 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6, in the refrigerator 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerant pipe 100 for guiding the flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120, and the refrigerant pipe 100 A plurality of refrigerant passages installed in the evaporator and extending from the outlet side of the flow control unit 130 and the flow control unit 130 to the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 for branching the refrigerant to the first and second evaporators 150 and 160 (201,203) is included.

The plurality of refrigerant passages 201 and 203 are understood as “branch passages” branched from the refrigerant pipe 100 , and the first refrigerant passage 201 and the second evaporator 160 are connected to the first evaporator 150 . ) and a second refrigerant passage 203 connected to the .

A plurality of expansion devices 241,243 are disposed in the plurality of refrigerant passages 201 and 203 . The plurality of expansion devices 241,243 include capillaries. In detail, in the plurality of expansion devices 241,243, a first expansion device 241 disposed in the first refrigerant flow path 201 and a second expansion device 243 disposed in the second coolant flow path 203 are provided. Included.

The flow control unit 130 may include a three-way valve including one inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced and two outlets through which the refrigerant is discharged. The two outlets may be connected to the first and second refrigerant passages 201 and 203 . The flow control unit 130 is controlled so that the refrigerant flows into the first and second refrigerant passages 201 and 203 at the same time.

The refrigerator 10 includes flow rate control units 251,253 for controlling the flow of the refrigerant. The flow rate controller 251,253 may be installed in at least one of the first refrigerant passage 201 and the second refrigerant passage 203 . For example, in the flow rate control unit 251,253 , a first flow rate control unit 251 installed in the first refrigerant flow path 201 and a second flow rate control unit 253 installed in the second refrigerant flow path 203 . ) is included.

The first flow rate control unit 251 and the second flow rate control unit 253 may include an electric expansion valve (EEV) capable of adjusting the opening degree.

In FIG. 5 , the first and second flow control units 251,253 are respectively shown to be provided on the outlet sides of the first and second expansion devices 241,243, but unlike the first and second expansion devices 241,243, Each may be provided on the inlet side.

When the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251 or the second flow rate control unit 253 is decreased, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the reduced opening degree is reduced, and when the opening degree is increased, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the increased opening degree is will increase

For example, when the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251 is relatively larger than the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 253 , the refrigerant flows more in the first refrigerant passage 201 . On the other hand, when the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 253 is relatively larger than that of the first flow rate control unit 251 , the refrigerant flows more in the second refrigerant passage 203 .

By providing the first and second flow control units 251,253, it is possible to fine-tune the opening degree of the refrigerant passage, and accordingly, the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 is reduced to a minute level. may be adjustable. As a result, while the first and second evaporators are simultaneously operated, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from being concentrated to the first evaporator 150 or the second evaporator 160 .

Another embodiment is proposed.

5 shows that the first and second flow rate control units 251,253 are provided in the first and second refrigerant passages 201 and 203, respectively, but, unlike this, the first refrigerant passage 201 or the second refrigerant passage 203 ) may be provided with one flow control unit.

A flow rate adjusting unit is provided in one of the refrigerant passages to adjust the opening degree, so that the amount of refrigerant passing through the other refrigerant passage can be relatively adjusted. That is, when the opening degree of the flow control unit is increased, the amount of refrigerant passing through the other refrigerant passage is reduced, and when the opening degree of the flow control unit is decreased, the amount of refrigerant passing through the other refrigerant passage is increased.

Another embodiment is proposed.

The flow rate controller 251,253 described in FIG. 5 may be provided to the plurality of refrigerant passages 101.103, 105, and 107 described in the first and second embodiments, respectively. In this case, the flow rate control of the refrigerant can be made to a fine level.

For the control method of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, the description of the control method described with reference to FIG. 3 is referred to. However, the control state of the first and second flow rate control units 251,253 according to cases 1 and 2 is changed.

In detail, when the first and second flow rate controllers 251,253 are controlled so that the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage 201 increases the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant passage 203, [Table 1] Time control according to Case 1 described in . For example, the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251 may be controlled to be greater than the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 253 .

And, when the first and second flow rate controllers 251,253 are controlled so that the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant passage 203 increases the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage 201 [Table 1] Time control according to Case 2 described in . For example, the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 253 may be controlled to be greater than the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 251 .

10: refrigerator 101: first refrigerant passage
103: second refrigerant passage 105: third refrigerant passage
107: fourth refrigerant passage 111,115: first and second compressors
120: condenser 130: flow control unit
141: first expansion device 143: second expansion device
145: third expansion device 147: fourth expansion device
150: first evaporator 160: second evaporator
200: control unit 210: refrigerator compartment temperature sensor
220: freezer temperature sensor 230: external temperature sensor
240: timer 250: memory unit
251,253: first and second flow control unit

Claims (29)

a first evaporation passage provided at the inlet side of the first evaporator to guide the refrigerant inflow into the first evaporator;
a second evaporation passage provided at the inlet side of the second evaporator to guide the refrigerant inflow into the second evaporator;
a valve device provided on the inlet side of the first and second evaporators; and
In the method of controlling a refrigerator comprising a control unit for controlling the valve device,
starting a compressor and supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator to supply cold air to the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber;
performing a first control of the valve device so that the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator through the first evaporation passage is greater than the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second evaporator through the second evaporation passage for a first set time; and
performing a second control of the valve device so that the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second evaporator through the second evaporation passage is greater than the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator through the first evaporation passage for a second set time; includes,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit determines at least one of the first set time and the second set time based on the information on the external temperature condition. The method of claim 1,
The valve device is
and a flow control unit configured to branch and introduce the refrigerant into at least one of the plurality of inlet passages of the first and second evaporators or to simultaneously introduce the refrigerant into the plurality of inlet passages. The method of claim 1,
The valve device is
and a flow rate control unit installed in at least one of a first inlet passage connected to the first evaporator and a second inlet passage connected to the second evaporator to adjust a flow amount of the refrigerant. The method of claim 1,
The external temperature condition is a control method of a refrigerator having three or more sections divided based on two or more reference temperature values. The method of claim 1,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit controls to change at least one of the first set time and the second set time based on the information on the external temperature condition. 6. The method of claim 5,
The control unit, when the external temperature is switched from the low section to the high section, control to increase at least one of the first set time and the second set time,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the controller controls so that a difference value between the first set time and the second set time is maintained or increased when the section where the external temperature is high is switched from the section where the external temperature is low to the section where the external temperature is high. . 6. The method of claim 5,
The control unit may control at least one of the first set time and the second set time to have a maximum value in a section in which the external temperature is the highest, or
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit controls at least one of the first set time and the second set time to have a minimum value in a section in which the external temperature is the lowest. a first evaporation passage provided at the inlet side of the first evaporator to guide the refrigerant inflow into the first evaporator;
a second evaporation passage provided at the inlet side of the second evaporator to guide the refrigerant inflow into the second evaporator;
a valve device provided on the inlet side of the first and second evaporators; and
In the method of controlling a refrigerator comprising a control unit for controlling the valve device,
starting a compressor and supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator to supply cold air to the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber;
performing a first control of the valve device so that the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator through the first evaporation passage is greater than the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second evaporator through the second evaporation passage for a first set time; and
performing a second control of the valve device so that the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second evaporator through the second evaporation passage is greater than the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator through the first evaporation passage for a second set time; includes,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control unit determines at least one of the first set time and the second set time based on the information on the storage room state condition. 9. The method of claim 8,
The control unit is
and controlling at least one of the first set time and the second set time to vary based on the information on the storage room state condition. 9. The method of claim 8,
In the state condition of the storage room,
A cold start state in which the compressor starts to start,
The first storage chamber load response state, in which the temperature of the first storage chamber rises above the set temperature;
The second storage chamber load response state, in which the temperature of the second storage chamber rises above the set temperature, and
During the simultaneous cooling of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber,
A method of controlling a refrigerator comprising at least one piece of information. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
When the storage room state condition is switched to any one of the first storage room load response state and the second storage room load response state in the cold start state,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control so that at least one of the first set time and the second set time is maintained or increased. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit is
When the storage room state condition is switched from the cold start state to the first storage room load response state,
The control method of a refrigerator, characterized in that the first set time is controlled to be increased or maintained, or the second set time is controlled to be increased. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit is
When the storage room state condition is switched from the cold start state to the second storage room load response state,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control to increase the first set time, or control so that the second set time is maintained. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
When the storage room state condition is switched from the cold start state to the simultaneous cooling state,
The control method of a refrigerator, characterized in that the first set time is controlled to decrease or increase, or the second set time is controlled to increase. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
When the storage chamber state condition is switched from the simultaneous cooling state to the first storage chamber load response state,
The control method of a refrigerator, characterized in that the control is performed so that the first set time is increased or the second set time is increased or maintained. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
When the storage chamber state condition is switched from the simultaneous cooling state to the second storage chamber load response state,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control so that the first set time is increased or the second set time is controlled to decrease. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
In at least one of the simultaneous cooling state, the first storage compartment load response state, and the second storage compartment load response state,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that at least one of the first set time and the second set time is controlled to have a maximum value. 18. The method of claim 17,
The control unit is
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that in the second storage room load response state, the first set time is controlled to have a maximum value. 18. The method of claim 17,
The control unit is
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that in the simultaneous cooling state or the first storage compartment load response state, the second set time is controlled to have a maximum value. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
In at least one of the simultaneous cooling state, the cold start state, and the second storage compartment load response state,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that at least one of the first set time and the second set time is controlled to have a minimum value. 21. The method of claim 20,
The control unit is
In the simultaneous cooling state, the control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the control so that the first set time has a minimum value. 21. The method of claim 20,
The control unit is
and controlling the second set time to have a minimum value in the cold start state or the second storage compartment load response state. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit is
A control method of a refrigerator for controlling a difference value between the first set time and the second set time to change when the state condition of the storage room is changed. 24. The method of claim 23,
The control unit is
In at least one of the cold start state, the first storage compartment load response state, and the simultaneous cooling state, the control method of a refrigerator for controlling the first set time to be less than or equal to the second set time. 24. The method of claim 23,
The control unit is
A control method of a refrigerator for controlling the first set time to be greater than the second set time in the second storage room load response state. In order to supply cold air to the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, a compressor, a condenser, the first and second evaporators, and a valve device provided at the inlet side of the first and second evaporators to supply refrigerant to at least one of the first and second evaporators and a storage chamber temperature sensor for sensing an internal temperature of the first storage chamber or the second storage chamber.
an external temperature sensor for sensing external temperatures of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber; and
In the method of controlling a refrigerator comprising a control unit for controlling the valve device,
starting the compressor and supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator to supply cold air to the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber;
sensing the internal temperature of the storage compartment and the external temperature of the refrigerator through the storage compartment temperature sensor and the external temperature sensor while the cold air is supplied;
determining an external temperature condition and a storage room state condition based on the sensed temperature;
performing a simultaneous cooling operation of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber based on the determined external temperature condition and the storage chamber state condition;
detecting whether the temperature of the first storage chamber or the second storage chamber has reached a target temperature through the storage chamber temperature sensor;
and stopping the simultaneous cooling operation of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment when the temperature of the first storage compartment or the second storage compartment reaches a target temperature. 27. The method of claim 26,
When the temperatures of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber do not reach the target temperature,
and performing the simultaneous cooling operation of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment again based on the determined external temperature condition and the storage compartment state condition. 27. The method of claim 26,
and determining whether the external temperature condition and the state condition of the storage compartment are changed after the simultaneous cooling operation of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment is stopped. 29. The method of claim 28,
When the external temperature condition and the storage room condition condition are changed,
and performing a simultaneous cooling operation of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment based on the changed external temperature condition and the changed storage compartment state condition.

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