WO2021187760A1

WO2021187760A1 - Refrigerator, method of controlling the same and refrigerator system including the refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2021187760A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/002073
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eunjeong Kim; Kyeongju LEE; Mi-Jung Choi
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.; Konkuk University Industrial Cooperation Corp
Priority date: 2020-03-19
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: KR20210117513A

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a refrigerator, a method of controlling the same, and a refrigerator system including the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a controller for inputting information on food and controlling the temperature of a supercooling compartment based on the input information, thereby realizing a storage condition optimized for food. The information on the food includes food type and food load information. By determining a storage temperature and the amount of supplied cold air according to the food, it is possible to store the food in a fresh state for a relatively long period of time.

Description

REFRIGERATOR, METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME AND REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM INCLUDING THE REFRIGERATOR

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, a method of controlling the same and a refrigerator system including a refrigerator.

A refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at low temperature in internal storage compartments shielded by doors. Such a refrigerator is configured to keep the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the insides of the storage compartments using cold air generated through heat exchange with refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

The ambient air of an evaporator exchanges heat with low-temperature refrigerant passing through the inside of the evaporator, thereby being changed into low-temperature cold air. In addition, the low-temperature cold air is supplied to a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment to perform a cooling function and is introduced back into the evaporator, thereby performing repeated circulation.

Meanwhile, the internal temperature of a storage compartment, in which food is stored, of the refrigerator is an important factor affecting the quality and storage of the food.

In the related art, technology for storing food using a supercooling phenomenon has been disclosed. Such a supercooling phenomenon refers to a phenomenon that a change is not caused even when a melt or solid is cooled to a phase transition temperature or less in an equilibrium state.

When food is kept in a supercooled state, the food may be kept fresh for a relatively long period of time without damaging cells or tissues of the food.

As such technology, Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2010-0022860 which is a prior art discloses a non-freezing storage, a supercooling apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The prior art discloses a non-freezing storage for storing food at a sub-zero temperature without freezing the food and a supercooling apparatus using the same.

The prior art discloses a control method of installing a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the food in the non-freezing storage and increasing the temperature of the food to defrost the food by operating a heater when detecting that the temperature of the food decreases to a freezing point when the food is frozen.

However, in the prior art, since the supercooling state before the food is frozen is not maintained but the frozen food is defrosted, the tissues of the food may be damaged due to freezing or juice loss may occur during defrosting.

In addition, as the storage temperature decreases, oxidation of the food is suppressed and the storage capacity of the food is increased, thereby extending a quality guarantee period. However, when the food is frozen at a freezing point, the tissues of the food may be damaged, the texture of the food is lowered or the juice of the food may be dripped.

Meanwhile, the freezing point and nucleation temperature of the food vary according to the type and ingredients of the food stored in the refrigerator. When various types of food are stored together in the supercooling compartment, in order to prevent a certain type of food from being frozen, it is necessary to control the temperature of the supercooling compartment according to food having a relatively high freezing point.

In this case, since it is difficult for food having a relatively low freezing point to reach the supercooling state, a period during which the food is stored in a fresh state may be shortened.

The present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator for storing food at a sub-zero temperature without freezing the food, for a supercooled state of the food, and a method of controlling the same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of storing food in a non-freezing supercooling state without largely changing the configuration of an existing refrigerator, and a method of controlling the same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of extending a quality maintenance period compared to refrigeration, and a method of controlling the same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of recognizing information on food stored in a supercooling compartment and forming an optimized storage temperature according to the type of the food, and a method of controlling the same.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of determining control factors according to not only the type of food but also the load size, load amount and storage manner of food and precisely controlling a temperature according to the determined control factors, and a method of controlling the same.

In order to solve the above problems, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a controller for inputting information on food and controlling the temperature of a supercooling compartment based on the input information, thereby realizing a storage condition optimized for food.

The information on the food includes food type and food load information. By determining a storage temperature and the amount of supplied cold air according to the food, it is possible to store the food in a fresh state for a relatively long period of time.

In addition, since the food load information includes the load size and load amount of the food, it is possible to easily determine the volume of the food stored in the supercooling compartment and to precisely control the temperature of the supercooling compartment and the amount of cold air supplied to the supercooling compartment.

In addition, since the food load information includes a storage manner in the supercooling compartment, that is, information indicating whether there is food previously stored in the supercooling compartment or food is first put, it is possible to easily determine whether different types of food are stored together in the supercooling compartment. In addition, when different types of food are stored together, it is possible to control the temperature according to the food, such that the food is not frozen.

In a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a supercooling case insulated from the outside may be disposed inside a refrigerating compartment and cold air of a freezing compartment may be supplied and returned into the supercooling case using a cold-air duct and a return duct.

The supercooling case may include an outer case and an inner case drawn in and out of the outer case, and the internal temperature of the inner case may be maintained between a first reference temperature and a second reference temperature.

The first reference temperature may be set to a freezing point and the second reference temperature may be set to a nucleation point, such that food stored in the case stored in the inner case is kept in a supercooled state.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body having formed therein a supercooling compartment having an internal temperature set to a sub-zero temperature such that food is stored in a supercooled state, a cooling fan driven to supply cold air to the supercooling compartment, a door configured to open and close the supercooling compartment, a display provided in the door and capable of inputting information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment, and a controller configured to control driving of the cooling fan based on the information on the food input through the display.

The controller may determine information on a food type of any one of meat, fish and shellfish input through the display, and a control reference temperature for controlling the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment based on information on a food load of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.

The information on the food load may include information on a load size of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish and information on a load amount of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.

The controller may determine that the control reference temperature decreases as the load size increases or the load amount increases.

The controller may reset the information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment or output information on previously stored food through the display, based on information on a storage manner of food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.

The controller may reset information on food stored in the supercooling compartment when the food stored in the supercooling compartment is input as being first put into the supercooling compartment, and output information on the previously stored food through the display when the food stored in the supercooling compartment is input as being put into the supercooling compartment in addition to food previously stored in the supercooling compartment.

The controller may determine a first control factor related to the food type, a second control factor related to a size of the food load, a third control factor related to the load amount of the food and a fourth control factor related to the storage manner of the food, and determines a value of the control reference temperature based on the first to fourth control factors.

When food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish is selected, the display may output information on information on food of a subcategory of the selected food, and, when the food of the sub-category is selected, a type of the food stored in the supercooling compartment may be determined.

The refrigerator may further include a damper configured to selectively open and close a flow path of cold air supplied to the supercooling compartment, and the controller may control the cooling fan and the damper such that the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment sequentially reaches a slow cooling section and a precise control section.

The controller may turn on the cooling fan and the damper when a measured internal temperature of the supercooling compartment is higher than a first reference temperature T1, and repeatedly turn on/off the cooling fan and the damper in order to maintain the first reference temperature during a first set time t1 when the measured internal temperature decreases to the first reference temperature.

The controller may turn on the cooling fan and the damper after the first set time to further decrease the internal temperature, and repeatedly turn on/off the cooling fan and the damper in order to maintain an intermediate temperature during a second set time t2 when the internal temperature decreases and reaches the intermediate temperature.

The intermediate temperature may include a first intermediate temperature, a second intermediate temperature lower than the first intermediate temperature and a third intermediate temperature lower than the second intermediate temperature, and, when the internal temperature is maintained at the third intermediate temperature Tm3 during a certain temperature, the slow cooling section may end and the precise control section may start.

The controller may turn on the cooling fan and the damper after the second set time t2 to further decrease the internal temperature and repeatedly turn on/off the cooling fan and the damper to maintain a second reference temperature during a third set time t3 when the internal temperature further decreases and reaches the second reference temperature.

The first reference temperature T1 may be set to a freezing point of the food stored in the supercooling compartment, and the second reference temperature T2 may be set to a nucleation point of the food stored in the supercooling compartment.

According to another aspect, in a method of controlling a refrigerator including a main body having formed therein a supercooling compartment having an internal temperature set to a sub-zero temperature such that food is stored in a supercooled state, a cooling fan driven to supply cold air to the supercooling compartment, a door configured to open and close the supercooling compartment, and a display provided in the door and capable of inputting information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment, the method includes inputting information on a food type of any one of meat, fish and shellfish input through the display, inputting information on a food load of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish, inputting information on a storage manner of food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish, and determining a control reference temperature for controlling the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment based on the input information.

The information on the food load may include a load size and a load amount of the food.

The information on the storage manner of the food may be information for determining whether food put into the supercooling compartment is first put or is further put in a state of storing other food.

A refrigerator system according to another aspect includes a refrigerator including a main body having formed therein a supercooling compartment having an internal temperature set to a sub-zero temperature such that food is stored in a supercooled state, a cooling fan driven to supply cold air to the supercooling compartment, a door configured to open and close the supercooling compartment and a controller configured to control driving of the cooling fan, a mobile device communicatively provided with the refrigerator and capable of inputting information on food stored in the supercooling compartment, and a server configured to store storage information of the food stored in the supercooling compartment. The controller determines information on a food type of any one of meat, fish and shellfish input through the mobile device, and a control reference temperature for controlling the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment based on information on a food load of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.

Information on a storage manner of food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish may be input through the mobile device, and the controller may determine a first control factor related to the food type, a second control factor related to a size of the food load, a third control factor related to a load amount of the food and a fourth control factor related to a storage manner of the food, and determines a value of the control reference temperature based on the first to fourth control factors.

According to the embodiments, it is possible to store food in a supercooling compartment at a sub-zero temperature without freezing the food, for a supercooled state of the food.

In addition, it is possible to store food in a non-freezing supercooling state without largely changing the configuration of an existing refrigerator.

In addition, it is possible to extend a quality maintenance period compared to refrigeration.

In addition, it is possible to recognize information on food stored in a supercooling compartment and to form an optimized storage temperature according to the type of the food.

In addition, it is possible to determine control factors according to not only the type of food but also the load size, load amount and storage manner of food and to precisely control a temperature according to the determined control factors.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a front surface of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a partial configuration of a refrigerator with an open refrigerating compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a storage space of the refrigerator.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a supercooling case installed in the refrigerator.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the flow of cold air through a cold-air duct in the supercooling case.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a change in internal temperature and control temperature of an inner case in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed state of determining information on food in the method of controlling the refrigerator of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing, it should be noted that the same elements have the same numerals as possible even if they are shown on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein to describe various elements of the present disclosure, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element and essential, order, or sequence of corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. It will be understood that when one element is referred to as "being connected to", "being coupled to", or "accessing" another element, one element may "be connected to", "be coupled to", or "access" another element via a further element although one element may be directly connected to or may directly access another element.

Hereinafter, first, the structure for supplying cold air to a storage space in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a process of supplying cold air will be described.

At least one storage space may be formed inside the refrigerator and each storage space may be partitioned into several smaller storage spaces by a plurality of partitioning walls. The partitioning wall may be formed of a barrier filled with an insulating material, for example, and the storage space may include, for example, a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment.

In the present embodiment, the inside of the refrigerator may be divided into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment by a partitioning wall. The refrigerating compartment may be partitioned into several storage compartments by a partitioning wall. For example, the refrigerating compartment may be partitioned into a vegetable compartment and a supercooling compartment. In another embodiment, a supercooling compartment may be formed inside the vegetable compartment.

In the structure for supplying cold air in the refrigerator, some of cold air exchanging heat in an evaporator, through which low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant passes, may be supplied to the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment by a fan.

Cold air may be supplied to the refrigerating compartment, by discharging cold air from the rear side to the front side of the refrigerator through a plurality of cold-air outlets formed in a front surface of a cold-air duct while air freely falls through a cold-air duct installed at the rear side of the refrigerating compartment in a longitudinal direction.

Through this process, cold air supplied to at least one of the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment has a relatively high temperature through heat exchange with food stored therein, and air having a high temperature moves back to the vicinity of the evaporator through a return duct.

To this end, the refrigerator may include a refrigeration cycle for supplying cold air to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment. The refrigeration cycle may include a compressor for compressing refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant which has passed through the compressor, an expansion member for expanding the refrigerant which has passed the condenser, and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant which has passed the expansion member. The evaporator may include, for example, an evaporator for the freezing compartment.

In addition, the refrigerator may include a fan for allowing air to flow toward the evaporator, for circulation of cold air, and a fan driver for driving the fan. The compressor and the fan driver may operate to supply cold air to the refrigerating compartment by the refrigeration cycle. Accordingly, supplying cold air to the refrigerating compartment may mean that the compressor and the fan (or the an driver) are driven.

A damper may be installed inside in a cold-air duct, through which cold air exchanging heat in the evaporator is introduced, and a cold-air barrier may be installed in the damper. As the cold-air barrier is opened and closed, cold air flows into the cold-air duct, and a flow path for transmitting cold air to each part of the refrigerating compartment is formed in the cold-air duct.

Meanwhile, cold air from the refrigeration cycle is first supplied to the freezing compartment, and cold air of the freezing compartment may be supplied to the refrigerating compartment through the cold-air duct installed between the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment. Cold air supplied to the refrigerating compartment may be returned to the freezing compartment through a return duct. At this time, a damper may be installed in the cold-air duct or the return duct and flow of cold air from the freezing compartment to the refrigerating compartment may be adjusted by opening and closing the damper as necessary.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a front surface of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a front view showing a partial configuration of a refrigerator with an open refrigerating compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a storage space of the refrigerator.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator 10 according to the present embodiment may have an appearance formed by a cabinet 11 forming a storage space and

doors

20 and 25 shielding an open front surface of the cabinet 11.

The storage compartment may be formed in the cabinet 11. The storage compartment may include a refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezing compartment 16. For example, the refrigerating compartment 12 may be formed at the upper portion of the cabinet 11 and the freezing compartment 16 may be formed at the lower portion of the cabinet 11.

Each of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 16 may be partitioned into one or more smaller storage compartments. In the figure, for example, an example in which the inside of the refrigerating compartment 12 is partitioned into a vegetable compartment 12 and a supercooling compartment 14 is shown.

Of course, the cabinet 11 may further include another storage compartment. Alternatively, the supercooling compartment 14 may be formed inside the vegetable compartment 13.

The

doors

20 and 25 may open and close the storage compartments of the cabinet 11. The

doors

20 and 25 may include a refrigerating compartment door 20 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezing compartment door 25 for opening and closing the freezing compartment 16. The

doors

20 and 25 may be formed of a metal material and may form an appearance exposed to a front surface.

Two or more refrigerating compartment doors 20 and two or more freezing compartment doors 25 may be provided and a door may be disposed for each partitioned space.

The refrigerating compartment door 20 and the freezing compartment door 25 may be configured as rotating doors rotating by hinges. As another example, the refrigerating compartment door 20 or the freezing compartment door 25 may be configured as a drawer-type door which is drawn forward or backward.

The

doors

20 and 25 may include a display 50 for displaying operation information of the refrigerator 10 and receiving a predetermined operation command from a user. For example, the display 50 may be provided on a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 20.

The display 50 includes an indicator for outputting information on operation of the refrigerator 10. The indicator includes a temperature indicator 61 for outputting the temperature information of the refrigerator 10 and a food information indicator 65 for displaying information on stored food.

The temperature indicator 61 outputs the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the temperature of the freezing compartment 16. In addition, the food information indicator 65 may display information on food stored in the supercooling compartment.

The display 50 includes an input unit for inputting the operation command of the user. The input unit includes a temperature input unit 71 for inputting a set temperature of the refrigerating compartment 12 or a set temperature of the freezing compartment 16. In addition, the input unit includes a food information input unit 75 for inputting information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment.

Through the food information input unit 75, information on the type of food to be stored in the supercooling compartment, the size of a food load, the amount of the food load and a storage manner may be input. The food information input unit 75 may be distinguished from the food information indicator 65 and may include a plurality of input units for inputting information on the type of the food, the load size, the load amount of the food and the storage manner.

As another example, the food information input unit 75 is an input unit provided in the region of the food information indicator 65, and may be provided to input a predetermined command suitable for each step according to information guided in the food information indicator 65.

Meanwhile, although a bottom freezer type refrigerator 10 in which the refrigerating compartment is disposed above the freezing compartment is shown as an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the present disclosure is applicable to a side-by-side type refrigerator in which the refrigerating compartment is provided on the left side and the freezing compartment is provided on the right side, a top mount type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment is disposed above the refrigerating compartment, or the like.

The refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 16 may be partitioned into separate spaces by a partitioning wall 15. In the present embodiment, the partitioning wall 15 may be formed as a barrier filled with an insulation material.

The supercooling compartment 14 may be formed in a lower space of the refrigerating compartment 12, and may be disposed on an upper surface of the partitioning wall 15.

A supercooling case 30 for supercooling storage of food may be disposed inside the supercooling compartment 14. The supercooling case 30 may be connected with a cold-air duct 31 for supplying cold air from the freezing compartment 16 into the supercooling case 30 and a return duct 32 for returning cold air of the supercooling case 30 to the freezing compartment 16.

Each of the cold-air duct 31 and the return duct 32 may be connected to the inside of the freezing compartment 16. Through the cold-air duct 31 and the return duct 32, cold air of the freezing compartment 16 may be supplied into the supercooling case 30, and, through the return duct 32, cold air of the supercooling case 30 may be returned back to the freezing compartment 16. Through supply and return of cold air, cold air may be circulated between the freezing compartment 16 and the refrigerating compartment 12.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a supercooling case installed in the refrigerator, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the flow of cold air through a cold air duct in the supercooling case, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the storage compartment of the refrigerator 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 16 partitioned by the partitioning wall 15.

In the refrigerating compartment 12, the supercooling compartment 14 capable of storing food in a supercooled state may be formed. The temperature of the supercooling compartment 14 may be controlled to an independent storage temperature different from the other space of the refrigerating compartment except for the supercooling compartment. To this end, the supercooling compartment 14 may be partitioned from the refrigerating compartment 12 above the supercooling compartment 14 by an insulation structure.

The supercooling compartment 14 may be provided with a supercooling case 30. The supercooling case 30 includes an outer case 33 and an inner case 34.

The outer case 33 has a hexahedral shape as a whole and may be provided with an insulation material 38 formed along the shape of the appearance to be insulated from the outside.

The inner case 34 may be formed to be drawn into and out of the outer case 33. A handle 35 may be formed on one end of the inner case 34, such that a user easily draws the inner case 34 into or out of the outer case 33.

The inner case 34 may have a hexahedral shape as a whole and, in the present embodiment, may have a height decreasing from a front side where the handle 35 is formed to a rear side.

Such a shape is to allow cold air in the outer case 33 and cold air in the inner case 34 to more efficiently move to the return duct 32 as described below.

Specifically, when cold air in the inner case 34 is returned to the return duct 32, the cold air in the inner case 34 is smoothly returned to the return duct 32, by lowering the height of the rear portion of the inner case 34 connected to the return duct 32.

If the height of a corresponding portion is not lowered, the corresponding portion may block the inlet of the return duct 32, such that it is difficult for cold air in the inner case 34 to be returned to the inlet of the return duct 32.

In addition, by lowering the height of the rear portion of the inner case 34, it is easy to put food in the inner case 34 and to draw the inner case 34 out of the outer case 33. For example, when the inner case 34 is withdrawn, withdrawal may be facilitated by pressing the handle 35 and slightly lifting an inner portion up.

The cold-air duct 31 and the return duct 32 are connected to the outer case 33. Specifically, the cold-air duct 31 and the return duct 32 may be connected to the bottom of the rear portion of the outer case 33. In addition, the cold-air duct 31 and the return duct 32 may extend to the inside of the outer case 33.

The cold-air duct 31 and the return duct 32 may be spaced apart in the left-and-right direction, when the refrigerator is viewed from the front side thereof.

The connection structure of the cold-air duct 31 and the supercooling case 30 is shown in FIG. 5. One side of the cold-air duct 31 may be connected with the freezing compartment 16 through a supply hole 31a formed in the partitioning wall 15 and the other side thereof may be connected to the inside of the outer case 33. Therefore, cold air of the freezing compartment 16 may be supplied into the outer case 33 through the cold-air duct 31.

The other side of the cold-air duct 31 may extend to the upper side of the inner case 34. Specifically, the cold-air duct 31 includes an upper duct 36 located at the upper side of the inner case 34. At least one slit 37 may be formed in the bottom of the upper duct 36. The upper duct 36 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The at least one slit 37 is a discharge port, through which cold air supplied through the cold-air duct 31 is discharged, and cold air supplied from the freezing compartment 16 may be discharged through the at least one slit 37 and supplied into the outer case 33 and the inner case 34, the upper portion of which is opened.

Since the inner case 34 is installed inside the outer case 33 and has an open upper portion, cold air supplied to the outer case 33 may flow downward through the slit 37, thereby being supplied into the inner case 34. Storage of the food included in the inner case 34 may be improved by the supplied cold air and, particularly, the internal temperature of the inner case 34 may be controlled such that food may be stored in a supercooled state.

Meanwhile, the upper duct 36 is disposed at a position spaced apart upward from the upper end of the inner case 34. In addition, the at least one slit 37 is formed in the bottom of the front portion of the upper duct 36, and cold air discharged from the slit 37 may be supplied while spreading to the rear side of the inner case 34. By the cold-air supply structure, cold air may be prevented from being intensively supplied to a specific region of the inner case 34, thereby preventing the food stored in the inner case 34 from being frozen.

The structure of the return duct 32 is shown in FIG. 6. One side of the return duct 32 may be connected with the freezing compartment 16 through a return hole 15b formed in the partitioning wall 15 and the other side thereof may be connected with the inside of the outer case 33. Therefore, cold air in the outer case 33 may be returned back to the freezing compartment 16 through the return duct 32.

As shown in FIG. 6, cold air from the freezing compartment 16 is supplied through the cold-air duct 31 to flow along the upper duct 36 extending to the upper portion of the inner case 34, and may be supplied to the inner case 34 through the at least one slit 37.

In addition, cold air of the inner case 34 may be returned to the return duct 32, and the returned cold air 45 may be returned to the freezing compartment 16 through the return duct 32.

The return duct 32 may be provided with a cooling fan 40 and a damper 42. The cooling fan 40 may suck cold air in the outer case 33 and discharge the cold air toward the damper, that is, to the freezing compartment 16. The cooling fan 40 may be disposed on the rear side of the inner case 34.

The cooling fan 40 is driven by a fan driver 41, and a controller 100 may operate the fan driver 41 to drive the cooling fan 40.

The damper 42 may be opened and closed such that cold air discharged by the cooling fan 40 is returned to the freezing compartment 16. The damper 42 may be provided inside the return hole 15b of the partitioning wall 15.

The damper 42 may be driven by a damper driver 43, and the controller 100 may operate the damper driver 43 to drive the damper 42. The damper driver 43 may include a small motor or actuator.

In the present disclosure, driving the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 may mean that the controller 100 operates the fan driver 41 and the damper driver 43. In addition, operating the fan driver 41 and the damper driver 43 may mean that the controller 100 turns on the fan driver 41 and the damper driver 43. In this case, the cooling fan 40 may operate and the damper 42 may open.

Conversely, stopping the fan driver 41 and the damper driver 43 may mean that the controller 100 turns off the fan driver 41 and the damper driver 43. In this case, the cooling fan 40 may not operate and the damper 42 may be closed.

The controller 100 may control the degree of opening of the damper 42. For example, the opening angle of the damper 42 may be adjusted.

Meanwhile, a temperature sensor 39 may be installed inside the inner case 34. The temperature sensor 39 may measure the internal temperature of the inner case 34. The temperature sensor 39 may be installed at various positions. For example, the temperature sensor 39 may be installed on the bottom of the upper duct 36. The internal temperature of the outer case 33 measured by the temperature sensor 39 may be transmitted to the controller 100.

The controller 100 may turn on/off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 using the measured internal temperature such that the internal temperature follows a set control reference temperature. For example, when the internal temperature is higher than the control reference temperature, the controller 100 may turn on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 to supply cold air of the freezing compartment 16 to the inner case 34, thereby decreasing the internal temperature.

On the other hand, when the measured internal temperature is lower than the control reference temperature, the controller 100 may turn off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 to prevent cold air of the freezing compartment 16 from being supplied to the inner case 34, thereby increasing the internal temperature.

The flow of cold air in the refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

First, a flow path for supplying cold air will be described. As described above, one side of the cold-air duct 31 may be connected to the freezing compartment 16 through a supply hole 15a formed in the partitioning wall 15.

In addition, the other side of the cold-air duct 31 may include an upper duct 36 connected to the inside of the outer case 33 and extending to the upper side of the inner case 34. That is, a cold-air supply flow path 31a may be formed in the outer case 33 by the cold-air duct 31.

A plurality of slits 37 may be formed in the bottom of the upper duct 36, and communication with the inner case 34 may be possible through the slits 37.

Accordingly, cold air of the freezing compartment 16 may be supplied from the freezing compartment 16 into the outer case 33 through the cold-air duct 31 and the slits 37 and may be supplied into the inner case 34, an upper portion of which is open. That is, the flow 44 of cold air may be formed inside the outer case 33.

Next, a flow path for returning cold air will be described. As described above, one side of the return duct 32 may be connected to the freezing compartment 16 through a return hole 15b formed in the partitioning wall 15. In addition, the other side of the return duct 32 may be connected to the inside of the outer case 33.

A portion of the bottom of the outer case 33 may be open and may be connected to the return duct 32. Therefore, the inside of the outer case 33 and the return duct 32 may be connected to each other through an opening. That is, a cold-air return flow path 32a may be formed in the outer case 33 by the return duct 32.

The cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 may be disposed inside the return duct 32, and cold air of the inner case 34 may be returned to the freezing compartment 16 through the inside of the outer case 33 and the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 of the return duct 32. That is, the flow 45 of returned cold air may be formed inside the outer case 33.

The flow of cold air may be formed in the order of the freezing compartment 16 - the cold-air duct 31 - the slits 37 - the inner case 34 - the return duct 32 - the freezing compartment 16, thereby circulating cold air.

Circulation of cold air may be performed by turning on/off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42. Specifically, when the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 are turned off, a flow path for the flow of cold air may be blocked. That is, when the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 are turned off, cold air is not supplied to the inner case 34.

Conversely, when the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 are turned on, a flow path for the flow of cold air may be formed and cold air may be supplied to the inner case 34.

The controller 100 may turn on/off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 based on the internal temperature of the inner case 34 measured by the temperature sensor 39, such that the internal temperature follows the control reference temperature.

The controller 100 may drive the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42, such that the internal temperature is maintained lower than a set first reference temperature and higher than a set second reference temperature. That is, the controller 100 may control on/off of the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 in order to maintain the internal temperature between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature.

Specifically, the controller 100 may turn on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 such that cold air of the freezing compartment 12 is supplied to the inner case 33 through the cold-air duct 31, when the measured internal temperature is higher than the first reference temperature, and turn off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 such that cold air of the freezing compartment 12 is not supplied to the inner case 34, when the internal temperature is lower than the second reference temperature.

Temperature control of the supercooling compartment will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may control the cooling fan 40 and the damper 43 such that the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches a slow cooling section (Section A) and a precise control section (Section B).

First, regarding the slow cooling section, the controller 100 does not rapidly lower the temperature but provides a section in which a certain temperature is maintained during a set time to form a temperature section for slow cooling, in a process of lowering the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment.

Calculation of the time may be performed by a timer 120.

Specifically, the controller 100 may turn on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the measured internal temperature is higher than the first reference temperature T1 and repeatedly turn on/off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 to maintain the first reference temperature during a first set time t1 when the internal temperature decreases to the first reference temperature, thereby repeating supply and supply stop of cold air to the inner case 34.

In this case, operation of turning off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches the lower limit range of the first reference temperature T1 and turning on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches the upper limit range of the first reference temperature T1 may be repeatedly performed until the first set time t1 elapses.

In addition, after the first set time, the internal temperature may further decrease by turning on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42. When the internal temperature decreases and reaches a set intermediate temperature, in order to maintain the intermediate temperature during a second set time t2, supply and supply stop of cold air to the inner case 34 may be repeated by repeatedly turning on/off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42.

At this time, operation of turning off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches the lower limit range of the intermediate temperature and turning on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches the upper limit range of the intermediate temperature may be repeated until the second set time t2 elapses.

The intermediate temperature may be configured to have several temperature values. For example, the intermediate temperature may have first to third intermediate temperatures Tm1 to Tm3. However, the number of intermediate temperatures is not limited thereto.

Control may be performed such that the internal temperature is maintained at the first intermediate temperature Tm1 for a certain time and, when the internal temperature decreases, control may be performed such that the second intermediate temperature Tm2 lower than the first intermediate temperature is maintained for a certain time. In addition, when the internal temperature further decreases, control may be performed such that the third intermediate temperature Tm3 lower than the second intermediate temperature is maintained for a certain time.

After the slow cooling section A, in the precise control section B, the controller 100 may turn on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 again after the second set time t2 to further decrease the internal temperature. When the internal temperature further decreases and reaches the second reference temperature, in order to maintain the second reference temperature during a third set time t3, the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 may be repeatedly turned on/off, thereby repeating supply and supply stop of cold air of the freezing compartment to the inner case 34.

At this time, operation of turning off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches the lower limit range of the second reference temperature and turning on the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment reaches the higher limit range of the second reference temperature may be repeated until the second set time t3 elapses.

A temperature range from the upper limit to the lower limit of the second reference temperature may be less than a temperature range from the upper limit to the lower limit of the first reference temperature. In addition, the temperature range from the upper limit to the lower limit of the second reference temperature may be less than the temperature range from the upper limit to the lower limit of each of the first to third intermediate temperatures. Accordingly, precise control at the second reference temperature may be performed.

In order to maintain the food stored in the inner case 34 in a supercooled state, the first reference temperature T1 may be set to a freezing point of the food and the second reference temperature T2 may be set to a nucleation point of the food. For example, the first reference temperature T1 may be determined in a range of -0.5 to -1.5°C and the second reference temperature T2 may be determined in a range of -3.5 to -2.5°C.

That is, by maintaining the internal temperature of the inner case 34 between the freezing point and the nucleation point, a state in which the food is stored in a cooled state but is not frozen, that is, a supercooled state, may be maintained. In addition, by maintaining one or more intermediate temperatures between the freezing point and the nucleation point for a set time, the storage state in the supercooled state may be improved.

As described above, a process in which the internal temperature is changed in the order of the first reference temperature, the intermediate temperature and the second reference temperature may be set as one cycle. At least one intermediate temperature may be set. Meanwhile, the controller 100 may turn off the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 when a third set time elapses after the second reference temperature is maintained for a third set time.

In this case, since cold air of the freezing compartment 12 is not supplied to the inner case 34, the internal temperature may increase. When the internal temperature increases and reaches the first reference temperature, the cycle may be performed again as described above.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed state of determining information on food in the method of controlling the refrigerator of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the refrigerator 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may perform optimal temperature control suitable for the food storage condition of the user. The freezing point (first reference temperature T1) and the nucleation temperature (second reference temperature T2) may vary according to the type and ingredients of the food stored in the supercooling compartment 14.

For example, the freezing point and the nucleation temperature of the food may vary according to the content of water in the food, salt concentration, fat, marbling state and presence/absence of bones.

Accordingly, based on information on the type of the food stored in the supercooling compartment 14, load information and storage manner, the controller 100 may differently set the first reference temperature T1 and the second reference temperature T2 of the supercooling compartment 14 and control the cooling fan 40 and the damper 42 accordingly.

First, predetermined food may be put into the supercooling compartment 14 of the refrigerator 10 and information on the put food may be input through input units 65 and 75 (S11).

First, information on the type of the put food may be input. Meat, fish and shellfish which may be kept fresh in a supercooled state may be stored in the supercooling compartment 14.

In the food information indicator 65, food information may be displayed such that any one of "meat", "fish" and "shellfish" is selected as the type of the food. In addition, when any one of "meat", "fish" and "shellfish" is selected, a subcategory of the selected food type may be displayed and food information may be displayed such that any one of them is selected.

For example, when the user selects "meat" through the food information input unit 75, food information may be output in the food information indicator 65 such that any one of "beef" and "pork" may be selected as a subcategory. When the user selects "beef", food information may be output in the food information indicator 65 such that any one of "tenderloin" and "sirloin" is selected.

Meanwhile, when the user selects "fish" through the food information input unit 75, food information may be output in the food information indicator 65 such that any one of "yellow corbina fish", "cutlass fish", "mackerel" and "salmon" is selected as a subcategory.

When any one food item is selected in this order, a first control factor Fr1 for the food type is determined. The first control factor Fr1 may be used as a factor for temperature control of the supercooling compartment 14 (S12).

After information on the type of the food is input, step of inputting information on the load size of food to be stored may be performed.

The "load size" of the food may mean the volume of the food itself. "Meat" or "fish" may be stored in large chunks or in small pieces. When meat or fish is stored in large chunks, it may not be easy for the food to enter and maintain the supercooled condition as a whole.

Specifically, information capable of selecting the "load size" may be displayed in the food information indicator 65. For example, the information on the load size may be output in the food information indicator 65 such that any one of "large", "medium" and "small" is selected.

The user may select any one of "large", "medium" and "small" as the load size. When user selection is completed, a second control factor Fr2 for the load size of the food may be determined. The second control factor Fr2 may be used as a factor for temperature control of the supercooling compartment 14.

The second control factor Fr2 may be determined as a value which decreases the control reference temperature of the supercooling compartment 14 or increases the amount of cold air supplied to the supercooling compartment 14 as the load size increases (S13).

Step of inputting information on "load amount" of the food may be performed. Although the load amount is shown as being selected after selecting the load size of the food in the drawing, the load mount information may be first selected and then the load size may be selected.

The "load amount" of the food may mean the number or total amount of food. For example, this may mean the number of pieces when "meat" or "fish" is stored in small pieces and the number of shellfish in the case of "shellfish".

The user may select any one of "high", "normal" and "low" as the "load amount". When user selection is completed, a third control factor Fr3 for the load amount of the food may be determined. The third control factor Fr3 may be used as a factor for temperature control of the supercooling compartment 14.

The third control factor Fr3 may be determined as a value which decreases the control reference temperature of the supercooling compartment 14 and increases the amount of cold air supplied to the supercooling compartment 14 as the load amount increases (S14).

Step of inputting information on the storage manner of the food may be stored. The storage manner may be understood as information for selecting whether food is first put into the supercooling compartment 14 or food is further put in addition to previously stored food.

When the user puts food into the supercooling compartment 14 and inputs food information, the input information may be stored in the memory 150 (see FIG. 8) of the refrigerator 10. However, when the user takes out food for cooking after inputting food information, the refrigerator 10 may not recognize the fact that the food is taken out.

Accordingly, when the user inputs "first put" after putting the food into the supercooling compartment 14, the food information of the supercooling compartment, which has been stored in the memory 150, may be reset.

Meanwhile, when the user inputs "stored food is present" after putting the food into the supercooling compartment 14, food storage information of the supercooling compartment 14, which is previously stored in the memory 150, is output in the food information indicator 65. In addition, a message asking whether the output food storage food is correct may be output.

The user may input "yes" when the output food storage information is equal to actually stored food information and, otherwise, modify and input the output food information, that is, the food type, the load size or the load amount.

When user selection is completed, a fourth control factor Fr3 for the storage manner of the food may be determined. The fourth control factor Fr3 may be used as a factor for temperature control of the supercooling compartment 14 (S15).

In this way, the user may input food into the supercooling compartment 14 and input information on the food. The controller 100 may determine the first to fourth control factors Fr1 to Fr4 based on the input information. In addition, the controller 100 may determine the first and second reference temperature and the intermediate temperature of the supercooling compartment 14 according to the first to fourth control factors Fr1 to Fr4 and perform optimal temperature control suitable for the stored food.

Referring to FIG. 12, the refrigerator system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a refrigerator 10a, a mobile device 200 and a server 300 provided to communicate with one another.

The user may input the set temperature of the storage compartment or the food information using the mobile device 200 and check the temperature information of the storage compartment and the food information through the display screen of the mobile device 200.

The mobile device 200 includes a display, and the display includes a temperature indicator 61a, a food information indicator 65a, a temperature input unit 71a and a food information input unit 75a. For a description thereof, refer to the temperature indicator 61, the food information indicator 65, the temperature input unit 71 and the food information input unit 75 described with respect to FIG. 1.

The server 300 may store the storage information of the food stored in the refrigerator 10a. That is, the server 300 may perform the function of the memory described with respect to FIG. 8. Accordingly, it is possible to expand the storage capacity of the memory through the server 300.

Since the user may input information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment through the mobile device and check the storage information of the food, it is possible to increase convenience of use.

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, method of controlling the same and refrigerator system including the refrigerator. It is possible to store food in a supercooling compartment at a sub-zero temperature without freezing the food, for a supercooled state of the food. Therefore, the present disclosure is remarkably industrially applicable.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:

a main body having formed therein a supercooling compartment having an internal temperature set to a sub-zero temperature such that food is stored in a supercooled state;

a cooling fan configured to be driven to supply cold air to the supercooling compartment;

a door configured to open or close the supercooling compartment;

a display provided in the door and capable of inputting information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment; and

a controller configured to control driving of the cooling fan based on the information on the food input through the display,

wherein the controller determines:

information on a food type of any one of meat, fish and shellfish input through the display, and

a control reference temperature for controlling the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment based on information on a food load of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.
The refrigerator of claim 1,

wherein the information on the food load includes information on a load size of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish and information on a load amount of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish, and

wherein the controller determines that the control reference temperature decreases as the load size increases or the load amount increases.
The refrigerator of claim 2,

wherein the controller resets the information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment or outputs information on previously stored food through the display, based on information on a storage manner of food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.
The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the controller:

resets information on food stored in the supercooling compartment when the food stored in the supercooling compartment is input as being first put into the supercooling compartment, and

outputs information on the previously stored food through the display when the food stored in the supercooling compartment is input as being put into the supercooling compartment in addition to food previously stored in the supercooling compartment.
The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the controller determines a first control factor related to the food type, a second control factor related to a size of the food load, a third control factor related to the load amount of the food and a fourth control factor related to the storage manner of the food, and determines a value of the control reference temperature based on the first to fourth control factors.
The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein:

the display outputs information on information on food of a subcategory of the selected food when food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish is selected, and

the controller determines a type of the food stored in the supercooling compartment when the food of the sub-category is selected.
The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a damper configured to selectively open or close a flow path of cold air supplied to the supercooling compartment,

wherein the controller controls operation of the cooling fan and the damper such that the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment sequentially reaches a slow cooling section and a precise control section.
The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the controller turns on the cooling fan and the damper when a measured internal temperature of the supercooling compartment is higher than a first reference temperature and repeatedly turns on/off the cooling fan and the damper in order to maintain the first reference temperature during a first set time when the measured internal temperature decreases to the first reference temperature.
The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the controller turns on the cooling fan and the damper after the first set time to further decrease the internal temperature, and repeatedly turns on/off the cooling fan and the damper in order to maintain an intermediate temperature during a second set time when the internal temperature decreases and reaches the intermediate temperature.
The refrigerator of claim 9,

wherein the intermediate temperature includes a first intermediate temperature, a second intermediate temperature lower than the first intermediate temperature and a third intermediate temperature lower than the second intermediate temperature, and

wherein, the controller ends the slow cooling section and starts the precise control section when the internal temperature is maintained at the third intermediate temperature during a predetermined time interval.
The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the controller turns on the cooling fan and the damper after the second set time to further decrease the internal temperature and repeatedly turns on/off the cooling fan and the damper to maintain a second reference temperature during a third set time when the internal temperature further decreases and reaches the second reference temperature.
The refrigerator of claim 11,

wherein the first reference temperature is set to a freezing point of the food stored in the supercooling compartment, and

wherein the second reference temperature is set to a nucleation point of the food stored in the supercooling compartment.
A method of controlling a refrigerator including a main body having formed therein a supercooling compartment having an internal temperature set to a sub-zero temperature such that food is stored in a supercooled state, a cooling fan driven to supply cold air to the supercooling compartment, a door configured to open or close the supercooling compartment, and a display provided in the door and capable of inputting information on the food stored in the supercooling compartment, the method comprising:

inputting information on a food type of any one of meat, fish and shellfish input through the display;

inputting information on a food load of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish;

inputting information on a storage manner of food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish; and

determining a control reference temperature for controlling the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment based on the input information.
The method of claim 13, wherein the information on the food load includes a load size and a load amount of the food.
The method of claim 13, wherein the information on the storage manner of the food is information for determining whether food put into the supercooling compartment is first put or is further put in a state of storing other food.
A refrigerator system comprising:

a refrigerator including a main body having formed therein a supercooling compartment having an internal temperature set to a sub-zero temperature such that food is stored in a supercooled state, a cooling fan driven to supply cold air to the supercooling compartment, a door configured to open or close the supercooling compartment and a controller configured to control driving of the cooling fan;

a mobile device communicatively provided with the refrigerator and capable of inputting information on food stored in the supercooling compartment; and

a server configured to store storage information of the food stored in the supercooling compartment,

wherein the controller determines:

information on a food type of any one of meat, fish and shellfish input through the mobile device, and

a control reference temperature for controlling the internal temperature of the supercooling compartment based on information on a food load of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish.
The refrigerator system of claim 16,

wherein information on a storage manner of food of any one of the meat, the fish and the shellfish is input through the mobile device, and

wherein the controller determines a first control factor related to the food type, a second control factor related to a size of the food load, a third control factor related to a load amount of the food and a fourth control factor related to a storage manner of the food, and determines a value of the control reference temperature based on the first to fourth control factors.