KR20220065458A - Refrigerator and method for controlling driving of heater in refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and a heater driving control method thereof. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a driving rate of a heater is compensated by a driving rate compensation value reflecting an actual resistance value of a resistance element included in the heater. A controller drives the heater according to the driving rate compensated by the driving rate compensation value. When the driving rate of the heater is controlled, a heating amount of the heater and temperature of the heater according to the heating amount of the heater are controlled. Therefore, the heating amount of the heater is constantly maintained without an excessive increase or decrease of the heating amount to easily remove dew on a surface of a pillar or an outer surface of a door.

Description

Refrigerator and a method for controlling the operation of a heater in the refrigerator

The present specification relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling driving of a heater in the refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART A refrigerator is a device that can keep food fresh for a certain period of time by cooling a freezing or refrigerating chamber to a specific temperature while repeating a freezing or refrigerating cycle. In general, a refrigerator includes a body forming a storage space and a door for opening or closing the storage space. A storage space, for example, a freezer or a refrigerating compartment, stores stored items such as food, and a user may open a door to store the stored items or retrieve the stored items.

Recently, a sub-door coupled with the main door of the refrigerator has been provided in order to reduce cold air leakage due to frequent opening and closing of the door and to facilitate storage and extraction of frequently used food. The sub door is coupled to the main door to open and close an opening formed on the front side of the main door. By opening and closing the sub-door while the main door is closed, the user can store and take out the food contained in the basket formed on the inner surface of the sub-door for convenient use.

However, since the temperature inside the freezing and refrigerating compartments is lower than the temperature of the outside air, dew may occur on the outer surface of the part in contact with the door gasket on the front of the cabinet depending on the temperature difference between the temperature inside the freezer or refrigerating compartment and the outside air. . Therefore, conventionally, a heater is disposed inside the main door to prevent dew from forming on the outer surface of the door.

Meanwhile, two main doors that rotate in different directions may be disposed on the front of the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment. A conventional refrigerator is provided with a pillar for preventing leakage of cold air by blocking a gap between two main doors that rotate in different directions. However, dew may be generated on the surface of the pillar due to a temperature difference between the inside of the pillar, that is, the temperature inside the freezing or refrigerating compartment and the outside air. Therefore, in the conventional refrigerator, a heater is disposed on one side of the pillar to prevent dew from forming on the surface of the pillar.

However, if the heating value of the heater is too high when the heater is driven, the power consumption of the heater increases. In addition, if the heating value of the heater is too high, the internal temperature of the storage space increases due to the operation of the heater, and accordingly, more power is consumed to lower the temperature of the storage space in the cooling cycle.

Conversely, if the amount of heat generated by the heater is too low when the heater is driven, dew on the outer surface of the door or pillar is not easily removed. Accordingly, dew may remain on the outer surface of the door or pillar during the use of the refrigerator, which may corrode food or parts of the refrigerator, or bacteria may grow. In addition, in the process of using the refrigerator, dew on the outer surface of the door or pillar may cause discomfort to the user, such as water accumulating inside or on the floor of the refrigerator or water on the hands.

The heater provided in the door includes a resistance element that dissipates heat by applying a current. Accordingly, the amount of heat generated and the temperature of the heater vary according to the resistance value of the resistance element. However, the amount of heat generated by the heater may be different from the amount of heat set during the manufacturing process of the refrigerator due to dispersion of the resistance value of the resistor during the manufacturing process of the heater or the change in the resistance value of the resistor due to a change in the surrounding environment during the use of the refrigerator. However, according to the prior art, the resistance value distribution or resistance value change of the resistance element included in the heater is not considered at all during the heater driving process. For this reason, there is a problem in that the amount of heat generated by the heater is not properly controlled during the heater driving process.

An object of the present specification is to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling a heater driving of a refrigerator, which can appropriately control the amount of heat generated by the heater by reflecting the resistance value distribution or resistance value change of the resistance element included in the heater when the heater provided in the door is driven will be.

Another object of the present specification is to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling a heater driving of a refrigerator in which electric power consumed in a heater driving and refrigeration cycle is properly maintained by appropriately controlling the amount of heat generated by a heater provided in a door.

Another object of the present specification is to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling a heater driving of a refrigerator in which dew does not occur on an outer surface of a door or a surface of a pillar by appropriately controlling the amount of heat generated by a heater provided in the door.

Another object of the present specification is to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling a heater driving of a refrigerator, which can reduce the possibility of corrosion and bacterial propagation of food or refrigerator parts by appropriately controlling the amount of heat generated by a heater provided in a door.

The purpose of the present specification is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and other objects and advantages of the present specification that are not mentioned will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present specification described below. In addition, the objects and advantages of the present specification can be realized by the elements and combinations thereof recited in the claims.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the heater provided in the door is driven on/off. In the present specification, the on/off driving refers to a driving method in which the heater is repeatedly turned on/off while the heater is being driven. When the heater is driven on/off, the heater is driven for a preset on time and the heater is not driven for a preset off time. In this specification, the ratio of the on time to the sum of the on time and the off time is defined as the operation rate of the heater.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the operating rate of the heater is compensated by the operating rate compensation value reflecting the actual resistance value of the resistance element included in the heater. In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller measures an actual voltage value of the heater when applying a reference voltage to the heater using a voltage detection circuit connected to the heater, and compares the measured actual voltage value with the initial voltage value to operate Calculate the rate compensation value. Since the actual voltage value of the heater is proportional to the actual resistance value of the resistance element included in the heater, the actual resistance value of the resistance element included in the heater is reflected in the operation ratio compensation value.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller drives the heater according to the operating rate compensated by the operating rate compensation value. When the operation rate of the heater is adjusted, the amount of heat generated by the heater and the temperature of the heater are adjusted accordingly.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, a method for controlling driving of a refrigerator in a refrigerator includes applying a reference voltage to a heater disposed on one side of a door using a voltage detection circuit; Measuring an actual voltage value that is the magnitude, comparing the actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value to determine an operating rate compensation value, determining an operating rate of the heater, based on the operating rate compensation value Compensating for an operating rate of the heater and driving the heater based on the compensated operating rate.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the voltage detection circuit includes a distribution resistor connected in series with the heater and a capacitor connected in series with the heater and connected in parallel with the distribution resistor.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, applying the reference voltage to the heater disposed on one side of the door by using the voltage detection circuit includes closing a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater, supplying power opening a second switch coupled between the device and the heater and applying the reference voltage to the heater.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, the driving ratio compensation value is a ratio of the actual voltage value to the initial voltage value.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, compensating the operating rate of the heater based on the operating rate compensation value includes calculating a value obtained by multiplying the operating rate of the heater by the operating rate compensation value as the compensated operating rate. includes steps.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the driving of the heater based on the compensated operating rate may include opening a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater and based on the compensated operating rate. and repeatedly opening and closing a second switch connected between the power supply device and the heater.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the operating rate of the heater is a ratio of the on time of the heater to the sum of the on (on) time and the off (off) time of the heater.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, the operation rate of the heater is determined based on an outdoor temperature value, an outdoor humidity value, and a set temperature value.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, the heater is a main door heater disposed on an inner surface of a door liner of the main door or a pillar heater disposed on one side of an outer plate of the door.

In addition, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a heater disposed on one side of a door, a voltage detection circuit connected to the heater, and a controller for controlling driving of the heater, wherein the controller uses the voltage detection circuit to Applying a reference voltage to the heater, measuring an actual voltage value that is a magnitude of a voltage applied to the heater when the reference voltage is applied, and comparing the actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value to obtain an operating rate compensation value determining the operating rate of the heater, compensating for the operating rate of the heater based on the operating rate compensation value, and driving the heater based on the compensated operating rate.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the voltage detection circuit includes a distribution resistor connected in series with the heater and a capacitor connected in series with the heater and connected in parallel with the distribution resistor.

Also in one embodiment of the present specification, the controller closes a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater, opens a second switch connected between a power supply and the heater, and sends the reference to the heater. applying a voltage.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, the driving ratio compensation value is a ratio of the actual voltage value to the initial voltage value.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the controller calculates a value obtained by multiplying the operation rate of the heater by the operation rate compensation value as the compensated operation rate.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the controller opens a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater, and a second switch connected between the power supply device and the heater based on the compensated operation ratio The switch opens and closes repeatedly.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the operating rate of the heater is a ratio of the on time of the heater to the sum of the on (on) time and the off (off) time of the heater.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the operation rate of the heater is determined based on an outdoor temperature value, an outdoor humidity value, and a set temperature value.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, the heater is a main door heater disposed on an inner surface of a door liner of the main door or a pillar heater disposed on one side of an outer plate of the door.

According to one embodiment of the present specification, when the heater provided in the door is driven, the resistance value distribution or resistance value change of the resistance element included in the heater is reflected. Accordingly, the amount of heat generated by the heater is kept constant without being excessively high or low, so that dew can be easily removed from the outer surface of the door or the surface of the pillar.

In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, since the resistance value distribution or resistance value change of the resistance element included in the heater is reflected to drive the heater, the amount of heat generated by the heater is appropriately controlled. Accordingly, power consumption by driving the heater is not excessively increased. In addition, since the internal temperature of the storage space does not become excessively high due to an increase in the amount of heat generated by the heater, power consumed in the refrigeration cycle can be properly maintained.

In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, since the amount of heat generated by the heater is appropriately controlled so that dew can be well removed from the outer surface of the door or the surface of the pillar during the heater driving process, the dew removal performance of the refrigerator is improved.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present specification, since the amount of heat generated by the heater is appropriately controlled so that dew can be well removed from the outer surface of the door or the surface of the pillar during the operation of the heater, corrosion of food or refrigerator parts and the possibility of bacterial propagation are reduced. can In addition, when dew is well removed from the exterior surface of the door or the surface of the pillar, water does not collect inside or on the floor of the refrigerator and water does not get on the user's hands, so the user's discomfort when opening and closing the door can be resolved.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification.
2 is a front view illustrating an open state of a sub-door of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
3 is a partial perspective view illustrating an open state of the main door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification;
4 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state in which the main door of the refrigerator is closed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification.
6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a heater and a voltage detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present specification.
7 is a graph illustrating a change in power consumption of a heater when the heater is turned on/off according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
8 shows a table referenced when a controller determines an operating rate of a heater in an embodiment of the present specification.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling driving of a heater in a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling driving of a refrigerator in a refrigerator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs will be able to easily practice the embodiments of the present specification. In the description of the present specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present specification may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present specification, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar components.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification. Also, FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an open state of the sub-door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification.

1 and 2 show a bottom freezer type refrigerator 1 in which a refrigerating compartment is formed at an upper portion and a freezer compartment is formed at a lower portion. However, the type of refrigerator to which the embodiments of the present specification are applied is not necessarily limited to the bottom freezer type refrigerator. For example, the embodiments of the present specification may be applied to other types of refrigerators, such as a top mount type refrigerator in which a freezing compartment is formed at an upper portion and a refrigerating compartment is formed at a lower portion.

Referring to the drawings, the refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 101 and main doors 10 , 12 , 14 , and 16 .

The cabinet 101 forms the exterior of the refrigerator. A storage space, for example, a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, is respectively formed in the cabinet 101 .

The doors 10 , 12 , 14 , and 16 are respectively rotatably connected to one side of the cabinet 101 to open and close the storage space. The refrigerating compartment doors 10 and 12 open and close the refrigerating compartment formed at the upper portion of the cabinet 101 , and the freezing compartment doors 14 and 16 open and close the freezing compartment formed at the lower portion of the cabinet 101 . The refrigerating compartment door 10 and the refrigerating compartment door 12 are respectively rotated in different directions, and the freezing compartment door 14 and the freezing compartment door 16 are respectively rotated in different directions.

Handle grooves 15 and 17 are formed in upper side surfaces of the freezer compartment doors 14 and 16, respectively. The user can easily open and close the freezer compartment doors 14 and 16 by pulling or pushing the freezer compartment doors 14 and 16 while putting their fingers into the handle grooves 15 and 17 . Although not shown, handle grooves are also formed on lower sides of the refrigerator compartment doors 10 and 12, respectively.

Upper hinge covers 115 and 116 are installed on the upper surface of the cabinet 101 . Although not shown, an upper hinge for rotatably connecting the refrigerator compartment doors 10 and 12 to the cabinet 101 is disposed inside the upper hinge covers 115 and 116 .

In one embodiment of the present specification, the refrigerator compartment door 12 includes a main door 12a and a sub door 12b. 1 and 2, the sub-door 12b has the same size as the main door 12a, but depending on the embodiment, the size of the sub-door 12b may be smaller than the size of the main door 12a. .

A button 154 is disposed on the outer surface of the sub door 12b. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the button 154 is pressed while the sub-door 12b is closed, the sub-door 12b is opened. 2 shows an open state of the sub-door 12b. When the button 154 is pressed, the opening protrusion 155 protruding toward the inner surface of the sub-door 12b is inserted into the opening/closing device 158 or separated from the opening/closing device 158 to open and close the sub-door 12b.

The sub-door 12b is rotatably connected to the main door 12a by a sub-door hinge 152 disposed on one upper side of the main door 12a.

A plurality of baskets 156 in which food is accommodated are installed on the inner surface of the sub-door 12b.

Also, a gasket 153 for sealing between the sub-door 12b and the main door 12a is disposed on the inner surface of the sub-door 12b when the sub-door 12b is closed. When the sub-door 12b is closed, the gasket 153 contacts the outer surface of the door liner 190 of the main door 12a, thereby sealing the space between the sub-door 12b and the main door 12a.

At this time, dew is likely to form on the outer edge of the door liner 190 that does not come into contact with the gasket 153 due to a temperature difference between the air inside the refrigerating compartment and the air outside the refrigerating compartment. A main door heater 192 is disposed inside the door liner 190 to remove dew that forms on the outer surface of the door liner 190 . As will be described later, the main door heater 192 is driven by the controller to dissipate heat to prevent dew from forming on the outer surface of the door liner 190 .

3 is a partial perspective view illustrating an open state of the main door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification; 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state in which the main door of the refrigerator is closed according to an embodiment of the present specification.

As shown, an upper hinge cover 115 is installed on one upper side of the cabinet 101 . An upper hinge for rotatably connecting the refrigerator compartment door 10 to the cabinet 101 is disposed inside the upper hinge cover 115 .

The refrigerator compartment door 10 includes an outer plate 111 , a door liner 112 , and a gasket 113 .

The outer plate 111 forms the exterior of the refrigerator compartment door 10 . The exterior of the refrigerating compartment door 10 is a concept including at least some of the front, upper, lower, and side surfaces of the refrigerating compartment door 10 , and refers to a portion visually exposed to the outside of the refrigerator 1 .

The door liner 112 is coupled to the outer plate 111 to form a filling space of the insulating material together with the outer plate 111 . In a state in which the refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the door liner 112 is disposed to face the storage space, for example, the refrigerating compartment 102 . Accordingly, when the refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the door liner 112 is not visually exposed to the outside, and the door liner 112 is exposed to the outside only when the refrigerating compartment door 10 is opened.

A basket 183a may be mounted on the door liner 112 . In one embodiment of the present specification, the door liner 112 and the basket 183a may be integrally formed, and the basket 183a may be detachable from the door liner 112 . A storage space 183 in which food can be accommodated is formed by the inner surfaces of the basket 183a and the door liner 112 .

The gasket 113 is disposed along the circumference of the door liner 112 to prevent leakage of cold air. The gasket 113 may be made of an elastically deformable material to be compressed by an external force. When the door 110a is closed, the gasket 113 is pressed by the storage space, for example, the end of the cabinet 101 forming the rim of the refrigerating compartment 102 and the refrigerating compartment door 10 .

The pillar 120 is rotatably coupled to one side of the refrigerator compartment door 10 . For example, the pillar may be coupled to the door liner 112 . In addition, the pillar 120 coupled to the door liner 112 is rotated according to the opening/closing operation of the refrigerator compartment door 10 . The rotation of the pillar 120 by the opening and closing operation of the refrigerating compartment door 10 is implemented by the protrusion 127 at the top of the pillar 120 and the accommodation device 105 installed in the cabinet 101 . As shown in FIG. 4 , while the refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the protrusion 127 is inserted into the accommodation device 105 and moves along the curved surface of the accommodation device 105 . The pillar 120 is rotated by the movement of the protrusion 127 to block the space between the refrigerating compartment door 10 and the refrigerating compartment door 12 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , when the refrigerator compartment door 10 is closed, dew is likely to form on the outer surface of the pillar 120 due to the temperature difference between the air in the storage space and the outside air. In order to prevent dew from forming on the outer surface of the pillar 120 , the pillar heater 130 is disposed inside the outer plate 111 . Also, a heat transfer member 140 for transferring heat emitted by the pillar heater 130 to the outer surface of the pillar 120 is disposed on the side surface of the outer plate 111 . As will be described later, the pillar heater 130 is driven by the controller to dissipate heat to prevent dew from forming on the outer surface of the pillar 120 .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method in which the controller of the refrigerator 1 controls the operation of the main door heater 192 or the pillar heater 130 according to an embodiment of the present specification will be described.

5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a controller 30 , an outdoor temperature sensor 31 , an outdoor humidity sensor 32 , an input device 33 , a voltage detection circuit 34 , and a heater ( 35).

The outdoor temperature sensor 31 is installed on one side of the refrigerator, measures the temperature of the air outside the refrigerator, and transmits the measured temperature value of the outside air, that is, the outside temperature value, to the controller 30 .

The outdoor humidity sensor 32 is installed on one side of the refrigerator, measures the humidity of the air outside the refrigerator, and transmits the measured humidity value of the outside air, that is, the outdoor humidity value, to the controller 30 .

The input device 33 is installed on one side of the door of the refrigerator. The user may set the storage temperature of the storage space, that is, the refrigerating compartment or the refrigerator, by using the input device 33 . In this specification, the storage temperature of the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment set by the user is referred to as a set temperature value. The set temperature value is transmitted to the controller 30 , and the controller 30 controls the operation of a compressor (not shown) based on the set temperature value to adjust the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment. Examples of the input device 33 include, but are not limited to, a physical button or a touch panel.

The heater 35 is driven by the controller 30 . When the heater 35 is driven, heat is dissipated and heat is transferred to the vicinity of the heater 35 . The heater 35 includes a resistance element. As will be described later, the heater 35 is connected to the power supply through the second switch. When the second switch is closed, power is supplied from the power supply to drive the heater 35 . Conversely, when the second switch is opened, power is not supplied to the heater 35 , so that the heater 35 is stopped.

The driving time and the amount of heat generated by the heater 35 are controlled by the controller 30 . In one embodiment of the present specification, the heater 35 may be the main door heater 192 or the pillar heater 130 .

The controller 30 controls the operation of the heater 35 . In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 drives the heater 35 when a predetermined driving start condition is satisfied, and stops driving the heater 35 when the predetermined driving end condition is satisfied. The controller 30 may drive the heater 35 for a predetermined driving time.

During the driving time of the heater 35 , the controller 30 may drive the heater 35 in an on/off driving manner. In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 turns on the heater 35 by controlling the second switch connected between the heater 35 and the power supply to repeatedly open and close during the driving time of the heater 35 . It can be driven by the /off drive method.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 determines the operation rate of the heater 35 based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value. In this specification, the operating rate of the heater 35 is defined as a ratio of the on time of the heater 35 to the sum of the on time and the off time of the heater 35 .

In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 applies a reference voltage to the heater 35 by using the voltage detection circuit 34, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the heater 35 when the reference voltage is applied. Measure the actual voltage value. The controller 30 compares the measured actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value to determine an operating rate compensation value. The controller 30 compensates the operating rate of the heater 35 using the operating rate compensation value, and drives the heater 35 based on the compensated operating rate.

6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a heater and a voltage detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the heater 35 is connected to a power supply 36 . The heater 35 includes a resistive element that dissipates heat when power is supplied.

The power supply device 36 converts power supplied by an external power source into power suitable for each device in the refrigerator, and supplies the converted power to each device. A second switch S2 is connected between the heater 35 and the power supply device 36 .

Also, a voltage detection circuit 34 is connected between the controller 30 and the heater 35 . The voltage detection circuit 34 includes a divider resistor RD and a capacitor C. The distribution resistor RD is connected in series with the heater 35 . The capacitor C is connected in series with the heater 35 and connected in parallel with the distribution resistor RD. A first switch S1 is connected between the voltage detection circuit 34 and the heater 35 . A reference voltage VR of a predetermined size (eg, 5V) is applied to one end of the distribution resistor RD.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 may determine an operating rate compensation value for compensating the operating rate of the heater 35 using the voltage detection circuit 34 .

In order to determine the operating ratio compensation value, the controller 30 closes the first switch S1 and opens the second switch S2 to apply the reference voltage VR to the heater 35 . When the first switch S1 is closed, the reference voltage VR is applied from one side of the distribution resistor RD.

When the reference voltage VR is applied, the voltage is distributed to the divider resistor RD and the capacitor C, respectively. At this time, a voltage having the same magnitude as the voltage applied to the capacitor C is applied to the resistor element of the heater 35 connected in parallel with the capacitor C. As shown in FIG. Accordingly, the controller 30 may measure the magnitude of the voltage applied to the capacitor C to measure the magnitude of the voltage applied to the heater 35 . In this specification, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the heater 35 is referred to as an actual voltage value.

When the magnitude of the voltage applied to the capacitor C, that is, the actual voltage value of the heater 35 is measured, the controller 30 compares the actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value to obtain a compensation value for the operation rate of the heater 35 to decide For example, if the initial voltage value is 2V and the actual voltage value is 1.6V, the controller 30 sets the ratio of the actual voltage value to the initial voltage value, that is, 0.8, which is a value obtained by dividing 1.6 by 2, the operating rate of the heater 35 . determined by the reward value.

Here, the initial voltage value is a voltage value measured based on the initial resistance value of the resistance element included in the heater 35 during the manufacturing process of the heater 35 . In addition, the actual voltage value is a voltage value measured based on the actual resistance value of the resistance element changed due to the dispersion of the resistance element included in the heater 35 or the change in the resistance element due to the driving environment of the refrigerator. Therefore, the operating ratio compensation value is a value that reflects how much the actual resistance value of the resistance element is changed when compared with the initial resistance value of the resistance element included in the heater 35 .

When the operating rate compensation value is determined, the controller 30 calculates a compensated operating rate by multiplying the operating rate compensation value by the operating rate of the heater 35 determined based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value .

When the compensated operating rate is calculated, the controller 30 drives the heater 35 based on the compensated operating rate. In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 opens the first switch S1 and turns on/off the heater 35 by repeatedly opening and closing the second switch S2 based on the compensated operation rate. drive it

7 is a graph illustrating a change in power consumption of a heater when the heater is turned on/off according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

The graph shown in FIG. 7 shows a change in the amount of power consumed by the heater 35 when the controller 30 repeatedly opens and closes the first switch S1 , that is, turns on/off the heater 35 . In FIG. 7 , when the heater 35 is repeatedly turned on/off, a time TD of one cycle is composed of an on time TA and an off time TB (TD=TA+TB).

As described above, the operating rate of the heater 35 is defined as the ratio of the on time of the heater 35 to the sum of the on time and the off time of the heater 35 . Accordingly, in FIG. 7 , the operating rate of the heater 35 may be defined as a value obtained by dividing TA by TD.

The amount of output power of the heater 35 may be determined according to the operation rate of the heater 35 . Since the amount of output power of the heater 35 is proportional to the amount of heat generated by the heater 35 , the controller 30 may adjust the amount of heat generated by the heater 35 by adjusting the amount of output power of the heater 35 .

8 shows a table referenced when a controller determines an operating rate of a heater in an embodiment of the present specification.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 may determine the operation rate of the heater 35 with reference to the table shown in FIG. 8 . In the table of Fig. 8, RT denotes an outside temperature value, and ST denotes a set temperature value. The controller 30 determines the operation rate of the heater 35 in the table of FIG. 8 based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value. The table shown in FIG. 8 is only an example, and numerical values or numerical ranges constituting the table may be set differently according to embodiments.

For example, when the user sets the temperature of the refrigerating compartment to 7°C and the measured outdoor air humidity value is 75% and the outdoor temperature value is 16°C, the controller 30 refers to the table of FIG. The on time is 150 seconds and the off time of the heater 35 is 450 seconds, respectively. Accordingly, the operating rate of the heater 35 is determined to be 0.25, which is a value obtained by dividing 150 by 600.

If it is assumed that the heater 35 is driven by receiving a voltage of 220V from the power supply device 36, the initial resistance value is 4840Ω, and the output power is 10W, when the heater 35 is driven at an operating rate of 0.25 The average output power of the heater 35 is 2.5W, which is a value obtained by multiplying 10W by 0.25.

The table shown in FIG. 8 is generated so that the calorific value and temperature of the heater 35 are suitable for the removal of dew in each condition based on the heater 35 having an initial resistance value of 4840 Ω. Therefore, if the actual resistance value of the heater 35 is different from 4840 Ω, the amount of heat and the temperature of the heater 35 may be excessively increased or decreased.

However, if the actual resistance of the heater 35 is reduced by 20% compared to the initial resistance value to 3872Ω due to the resistance value distribution or resistance value change of the heater 35, the actual voltage value measured by the voltage detection circuit 34 is also It is reduced by 20% compared to the initial voltage value of the heater (35). Accordingly, the operation rate compensation value of the heater 35 is determined to be 0.8.

On the other hand, if the actual resistance value of the heater 35 decreases to 3872Ω, the output power amount of the heater 35 increases from 10W to 12.5W according to the relation P=V ² /R. Therefore, when the heater 35 is driven at an operating rate of 0.25 in a state in which the actual resistance value is reduced to 3872 Ω, the average output power of the heater 35 becomes 3.125 W, which is a value obtained by multiplying 12.5 W by 0.25. As the average output power of the heater 35 increases from 2.5W to 3.125W, the amount of heat generated and the temperature of the heater 35 increase. Accordingly, the amount of power consumption of the heater 35 increases. In addition, when the amount of heat generated by the heater 35 is excessively high, the internal temperature of the storage space increases due to the operation of the heater 35 . Accordingly, more power is consumed to lower the temperature of the storage space in the cooling cycle.

In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to reduce the average output power of the heater 35 by reducing the operating rate by reflecting the actual resistance value of the heater 35 . Therefore, the controller 30 sets 0.2, which is a value obtained by multiplying the operation rate of the heater 35 by 0.25, which is the operation rate of the heater 35 determined based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value, by 0.8, which is the operation rate compensation value, as the operation rate of the heater 35 . decide

When the heater 35 is driven at the compensated operating rate of 0.2, the average output power of the heater 35 becomes 2.5W, which is a value obtained by multiplying 12.5W by 0.2. Accordingly, the amount of heat generated by the heater 35 and the temperature increase according to the change in the resistance value of the heater 35 are prevented.

Meanwhile, in another embodiment of the present specification, the actual resistance value of the heater 35 may increase compared to the initial resistance value. In this case, if the operation rate of the heater 35 shown in FIG. 8 is not corrected, the amount of heat generated and the temperature of the heater 35 are reduced. If the amount of heat generated by the heater 35 is too low, dew on the outer surface of the door or pillar is not easily removed. Accordingly, dew may remain on the outer surface of the door or pillar during the use of the refrigerator, which may corrode food or parts of the refrigerator, or bacteria may grow. In addition, in the process of using the refrigerator, dew on the outer surface of the door or pillar may cause discomfort to the user, such as water accumulating inside or on the floor of the refrigerator or water on the hands.

Accordingly, when the actual resistance value of the heater 35 is increased compared to the initial resistance value, the controller 30 may compensate the operation rate to increase the operation rate determined with reference to the table of FIG. 8 .

9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling driving of a heater in a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the controller 30 applies a reference voltage to the heater 35 disposed on one side of the door using the voltage detection circuit 34 ( S902 ). In one embodiment of the present specification, the heater 35 may be a main door heater disposed on an inner surface of a door liner of the main door or a pillar heater disposed on one side of an outer plate of the door.

The controller 30 measures an actual voltage value, which is the magnitude of the voltage applied to the heater 35 when the reference voltage is applied ( 904 ).

The controller 30 compares the measured actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value to determine an operating rate compensation value ( 906 ). In an embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 may determine a value obtained by dividing an actual voltage value by an initial voltage value as the driving ratio compensation value.

The controller 30 determines the operating rate of the heater 35 (908). In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 may determine the operation rate of the heater 35 based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value. The operating rate of the heater 35 may be determined before the operating rate compensation value or may be determined later.

The controller 30 compensates the operating rate of the heater 35 based on the operating rate compensation value ( 910 ). In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 may calculate a value obtained by multiplying the driving ratio by the driving ratio compensation value as the compensated driving ratio.

The controller 30 drives the heater 35 based on the compensated operating rate (912). In one embodiment of the present specification, the controller 30 may drive the heater 35 in an on/off manner by repeatedly opening and closing the second switch S2 according to the compensated operating rate.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling driving of a refrigerator in a refrigerator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

When the operation of the refrigerator starts, the controller 30 determines whether a predetermined initial measurement time has elapsed ( 1002 ). The initial measurement time is a time set for the controller 30 to determine an operating rate compensation value at the initial stage of driving of the refrigerator, and may be set differently according to embodiments.

If the initial measurement time has not elapsed in step 1002 , the controller 30 closes ( 1008 ) the first switch S1 and opens ( 1010 ) the second switch. Accordingly, the heater 35 is not driven, and the heater 35 and the voltage detection circuit 34 are connected.

When the heater 35 and the voltage detection circuit 34 are connected, a reference voltage is applied to the voltage detection circuit 34 and the heater 35 ( 1012 ). When the reference voltage is applied to the heater 35, the controller 30 detects the actual voltage value of the heater 35 by measuring the voltage of the capacitor C (1014).

The controller 30 determines the driving ratio compensation value 1016 using the actual voltage value and the predetermined reference voltage value (1016).

The controller 30 checks whether the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value are respectively obtained ( 1018 ). When the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value are obtained, the controller 30 determines the operation rate of the heater 35 based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value (1020), step ( The driving ratio determined in step 1020 is compensated for using the driving ratio compensation value determined in step 1016 (step 1022).

When the operation ratio compensation is completed, the controller 30 opens the first switch S1 ( 1004 ). Accordingly, the connection between the heater 35 and the voltage detection circuit 34 is released. The controller 30 performs on/off driving of repeatedly opening and closing the second switch based on the operating rate compensated in step 1020 ( 1006 ). Accordingly, the heater 35 is driven in an on/off driving manner.

As described above, the present specification has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings, but the present specification is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. In addition, although the effects according to the configuration of the present specification are not explicitly described and described while describing the embodiments of the present specification, the effects predictable by the configuration should also be recognized.

Claims (18)

applying a reference voltage to a heater disposed on one side of the door using a voltage detection circuit;
measuring an actual voltage value that is a magnitude of a voltage applied to the heater when the reference voltage is applied;
determining an operating rate compensation value by comparing the actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value;
determining an operating rate of the heater;
compensating the operating rate of the heater based on the operating rate compensation value; and
and driving the heater based on the compensated operating rate.
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The voltage detection circuit is
a distribution resistor connected in series with the heater; and
and a capacitor connected in series with the heater and connected in parallel with the distribution resistor.
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The step of applying a reference voltage to the heater disposed on one side of the door using the voltage detection circuit includes:
closing a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater;
opening a second switch connected between the power supply and the heater; and
applying the reference voltage to the heater
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The driving ratio compensation value is
is the ratio of the actual voltage value to the initial voltage value.
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
Compensating the operating rate of the heater based on the operating rate compensation value comprises:
calculating a value obtained by multiplying the operating rate of the heater by the operating rate compensation value as the compensated operating rate
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The step of driving the heater based on the compensated operating rate includes:
opening a first switch coupled between the voltage detection circuit and the heater; and
Repeatedly opening and closing a second switch connected between the power supply and the heater based on the compensated operating rate
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The operating rate of the heater is
The ratio of the on time of the heater to the sum of the on time and the off time of the heater
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The operating rate of the heater is
It is determined based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value.
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
the heater is
a main door heater disposed on the inner surface of the door liner of the main door or a pillar heater disposed on one side of the outer plate of the door
How to control the operation of the heater in the refrigerator.
a heater disposed on one side of the door;
a voltage detection circuit connected to the heater; and
A controller for controlling the operation of the heater,
the controller
Applying a reference voltage to the heater using the voltage detection circuit, measuring an actual voltage value that is a magnitude of a voltage applied to the heater when the reference voltage is applied, and dividing the actual voltage value with a predetermined initial voltage value comparing the operating rate compensation value, determining the operating rate of the heater, compensating the operating rate of the heater based on the operating rate compensation value, and driving the heater based on the compensated operating rate
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
The voltage detection circuit is
a distribution resistor connected in series with the heater; and
and a capacitor connected in series with the heater and connected in parallel with the distribution resistor.
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
the controller
Closing a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater, opening a second switch connected between a power supply and the heater, and applying the reference voltage to the heater
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
The driving ratio compensation value is
is the ratio of the actual voltage value to the initial voltage value.
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
the controller
calculating a value obtained by multiplying the operating rate of the heater by the operating rate compensation value as the compensated operating rate
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
the controller
opening a first switch connected between the voltage detection circuit and the heater, and repeatedly opening and closing a second switch connected between the power supply device and the heater based on the compensated operation rate
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
The operating rate of the heater is
The ratio of the on time of the heater to the sum of the on time and the off time of the heater
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
The operating rate of the heater is
It is determined based on the outdoor temperature value, the outdoor humidity value, and the set temperature value.
Refrigerator.
11. The method of claim 10,
the heater is
a main door heater disposed on the inner surface of the door liner of the main door or a pillar heater disposed on one side of the outer plate of the door
Refrigerator.

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