Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The present invention provides a method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a first step of heating an evaporator by continuously operating a heater, the heater supplying heat of a fixed input value to the evaporator, and the evaporator supplying cold air to a storage chamber; secondly, whether the time for the evaporator to reach the set temperature is within the set time or not is judged; and a third step of supplying the heater with the same input value as the first step and operating the heater when it is determined that the input value is not within the set time in the second step, and supplying an input value smaller than the input value in the first step to the heater when it is determined that the input value is within the set time in the second step.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of April 10, 2018, application number 201810315223.5, and name “Refrigerator and its control method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a refrigerator and a control method thereof capable of improving the reliability of defrosting or improving energy efficiency. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a refrigerator includes a machine room formed at a lower portion of a body. In order to lower the center of gravity of the refrigerator, improve assembly efficiency, and reduce vibration, the machine room is generally disposed at a lower portion of the refrigerator.

[0004] A refrigeration cycle device is provided in the mechanical room of such a refrigerator, and the property that low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs external heat when it changes into gaseous refrigerant is utilized to maintain a frozen / refrigerated state, thereby storing food fresh.

[0005] The refrigeration cycle device of the refrigerator includes: a compressor, which converts a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant; a condenser, which converts the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant converted by the compressor into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant; and an evaporator, which converts the low-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant converted by the condenser into a gaseous state while absorbing external heat. Usually, the evaporator is arranged in an independent space instead of in the machine room to be separated from other refrigeration cycle devices.

[0006] The evaporator supplies cold air to the storage room and exchanges heat with the air inside the storage room. As time goes by, frost forms ice on the evaporator. In order to remove the frosted ice, the heater can be operated periodically, but frequent operation of the heater consumes energy. In addition, the heat generated by the heater increases the temperature inside the storage room, which may cause food spoilage. In addition, in order to reduce the temperature increased by the heater, more compressors need to be operated, which increases the energy consumption of the compressor.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to improve the reliability of removing ice frosted on the evaporator and reduce the energy used, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention provides a high-energy-efficiency refrigerator and a control method thereof.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which can prevent the temperature of a storage chamber from rising sharply when an evaporator is defrosted.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can improve the reliability of defrosting. That is, according to the present invention, the probability of removing ice frosted on the evaporator can be increased.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control method for a refrigerator, characterized in that it includes: a first step of heating an evaporator by continuously operating a heater, wherein the heater supplies heat of a fixed input value to the evaporator, and the evaporator supplies cold air to a storage chamber; a second step of judging whether the time for the evaporator to reach a set temperature is within a set time; and a third step of providing the heater with the same input value as that in the first step and operating the heater when it is judged in the second step that the temperature is not within the set time, and providing the heater with an input value smaller than that in the first step when it is judged in the second step that the temperature is within the set time.

[0012] The method may further include a step of determining whether defrosting is to be started, in which step it is determined whether a condition for starting the first step is satisfied.

[0013] In the second step, it can be determined whether the time from the time point when the first step starts to the time point when the set temperature is reached is within the set time.

[0014] When the third step is finished, the defrosting of the evaporator may be finished.

[0015] In the first step, a certain input value may be provided to the heater.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator, characterized in that it includes: an evaporator, which provides cold air to a storage chamber; an evaporator temperature sensor, which measures the temperature of the evaporator; a timer, which measures the elapsed time; a heater, which supplies a fixed input value of heat to the evaporator; and a control unit, which controls the heater, after starting to operate the heater, the control unit determines whether the time for the evaporator to reach the set temperature is within the set time, and when it is not within the set time, operates the heater in the same way as before, and when it is within the set time, provides the heater with an input value smaller than before.

[0017] A compressor may be further included to supply compressed refrigerant to the evaporator, and the compressor is not operated during the operation of the heater.

[0018] Within the set time, the control unit may operate the heater so that an input value of the heater is continuously reduced.

[0019] Within the set time, the control unit may operate the heater so as to reduce the input value of the heater in stages.

[0020] A fan may be further included to supply cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage chamber, and the fan is not operated during the operation of the heater.

[0021] The heater may include a plurality of heaters, and the plurality of heaters may be arranged at different positions relative to the evaporator.

[0022] The control unit may operate the heater when a condition for defrosting the evaporator is satisfied.

[0023] According to the present invention, the evaporator is defrosted and the remaining amount of ice is determined. When the remaining amount is large, more heat can be applied by the heater, and when the remaining amount is small, less heat can be applied by the heater. Therefore, by comparing the remaining amount of ice, excessive heat can be prevented from being supplied by the heater, and the power consumption of the refrigerator can be reduced.

[0024] In addition, since heat is supplied by judging the remaining amount of ice, the probability of ice remaining in the evaporator can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of defrosting.

[0025] In addition, the amount of heat supplied to the evaporator can be reduced, and the temperature of the storage chamber can be prevented from rising sharply, thereby preventing the food stored in the storage chamber from being spoiled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 2 is a front view of a refrigerator with its door opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2A , Figure 2B : is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

[0028] Figure 3 is a control block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining a chamber in which an evaporator is installed.

[0030] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining a defrosting process of an evaporator according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the timing of performing defrosting.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to another embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 9This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0035] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0036] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0037] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0038] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0039] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0040] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0041] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals

[0043] 110, 112: compressor 120: condenser

[0044] 130: Expansion valve 150: Refrigerator evaporator

[0045] 160: Freezer evaporator 170: Heater

[0046] 180: Fan 192: Storage room temperature sensor

[0047] 194: Evaporator temperature sensor 200: Control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Generally, a refrigerator is a device that forms a food storage space that can block the heat entering from the outside by forming a cabinet body and a door filled with insulating material on the inside, and is provided with a freezing device consisting of an evaporator for absorbing heat inside the food storage space and a heat dissipation device for discharging heat collected outside the food storage space. The food storage space is maintained in a low temperature zone where it is difficult for microorganisms to survive and multiply, thereby storing stored food for a long time without deteriorating.

[0049] The refrigerator may be formed by separating a refrigerating chamber for storing food in a temperature range above zero and a freezing chamber for storing food in a temperature range below zero. According to the configuration of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, the refrigerator is classified into a top freezer refrigerator configured with an upper freezer chamber and a lower refrigerator chamber, a bottom freezer refrigerator configured with a lower freezer chamber and an upper refrigerator chamber, and a side by side refrigerator configured with a left freezer chamber and a right refrigerator chamber.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to allow the user to conveniently store food in the food storage space or take out the food stored in the food storage space, a plurality of shelves and drawers are provided inside the food storage space.

[0051] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention that can specifically achieve the above-mentioned objectives will be described.

[0052] In this process, for the sake of clarity and convenience of explanation, the size or shape of the elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated. In addition, considering the structure and function of the present invention, the specially defined terms may be changed according to the intention or customary practice of the user or operator. The definition of such terms should be determined based on the entire content of this specification.

[0053] Figure 1 2 is a front view of a refrigerator with its door opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The refrigerator according to the embodiment is not only applicable to a top-mounted refrigerator, in which the freezer and refrigerator compartments of the storage chamber for storing food are divided at the top / bottom and the freezer compartment is arranged on the upper side of the refrigerator compartment, but is also applicable to a side-by-side refrigerator, in which the freezer and refrigerator compartments are divided at the left / right side.

[0055] However, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the explanation will be mainly based on a bottom freezer type in which the freezer compartment and the refrigerating compartment are divided into upper and lower parts and the freezer compartment is arranged on the lower side of the refrigerating compartment.

[0056] The cabinet of the refrigerator includes: an outer shell 10, which forms an overall appearance when viewed from the outside by a user; and an inner shell 12, which forms a storage chamber 22 for storing food. A passage or the like may be formed between the outer shell 10 and the inner shell 12 to form a prescribed space for circulating cold air. In addition, a heat insulating material is filled between the outer shell 10 and the inner shell 12, so that the inside of the storage chamber 22 can be kept at a relatively lower temperature than the outside.

[0057] In addition, a refrigerant circulation device that circulates refrigerant to generate cold air is provided in a mechanical room (not shown) formed in the space between the outer shell 10 and the inner shell 12. The refrigerant circulation device is used to keep the inside of the refrigerator at a low temperature, thereby maintaining the freshness of the stored food. The refrigerant circulation device includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, an evaporator (not shown) that converts the liquid refrigerant into a gaseous state to form a heat exchange with the outside, etc. In this case, the evaporator is provided in an independent chamber, not in the mechanical room.

[0058] The refrigerator is provided with doors 20 and 30 to open / close the storage chamber. In this case, the doors may include a freezer door 30 and a refrigerator door 20, and one end of each door may be rotatably provided on the cabinet of the refrigerator by a hinge. The freezer door 30 and the refrigerator door 20 may be formed in plurality. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator door 20 and the freezer door 30 may be arranged to face forward and open around two corners of the refrigerator.

[0059] A foaming agent is filled between the outer shell 10 and the inner shell 12 , so that the outside and the storage chamber 22 are thermally insulated.

[0060] The storage chamber 22 is formed as a space insulated from the outside by the inner shell 12 and the door 20. When the door 20 closes the storage chamber 22, the storage chamber 22 can form a space insulated from the outside. In other words, the storage chamber 22 can be called a space insulated from the outside by the insulation wall of the door 20 and the insulation walls of the shells 10 and 12.

[0061] The cold air supplied from the machine room can flow to various places in the storage chamber 22, so that the food stored in the storage chamber 22 can be kept at a low temperature.

[0062] The storage chamber 22 may include a shelf 40 on which food is placed. In this case, a plurality of shelves 40 are provided, and food may be placed on each shelf 40. The shelf 40 may divide the interior of the storage chamber in a horizontal direction.

[0063] The storage chamber 22 is provided with a drawer 50 that can be pushed in or pulled out. The drawer 50 accommodates and stores food and the like. Two drawers 50 can be arranged on the left and right sides of the storage chamber 22. To approach the drawer arranged on the left, the user can open the left door of the storage chamber 22. On the other hand, to approach the drawer arranged on the right, the user can open the right door of the storage chamber 22.

[0064] The storage chamber 22 is divided into a space located on the upper side of the shelf 40, a space formed by the drawer 50, etc., so that the space for storing food can be divided into a plurality of spaces.

[0065] Although the cold air supplied to one storage room cannot be freely moved to other storage rooms, the cold air supplied to one storage room can be freely moved to each space divided inside the storage room. That is, the cold air located on the upper side of the shelf 40 can be moved to the space formed by the drawer 50.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle to which the embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

[0067] exist Figure 2A A compressor 110, a condenser 120, an expansion valve 130, and evaporators 150 and 160 are provided. The compressor 110 compresses the refrigerant, the compressed refrigerant is cooled by heat exchange at the condenser 120, the refrigerant is vaporized at the expansion valve 130, and the refrigerant is heat exchanged with the air at the evaporators 150 and 160. At this time, when the air cooled at the evaporators 150 and 160 is supplied to the storage chamber 22, the temperature of the storage chamber 22 can be lowered.

[0068] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110 is guided to the evaporator 150 or the evaporator 160 through the valve 140. That is, the evaporator 150 may be a refrigerator compartment evaporator for supplying cold air to the refrigerator compartment, and the evaporator 160 may be a freezer compartment evaporator for supplying cold air to the freezer compartment.

[0069] When the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110 is supplied to the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150, cool cold air heat-exchanged with the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150 is supplied to the refrigerating chamber and may cool the refrigerating chamber.

[0070] On the other hand, when the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110 is supplied to the freezing chamber evaporator 160, cool air heat-exchanged with the freezing chamber evaporator 160 is supplied to the freezing chamber and may cool the freezing chamber.

[0071] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant compressed by one compressor 110 is selectively supplied to the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150 or the freezing chamber evaporator 160, so that each evaporator can be cooled and each storage chamber can be cooled.

[0072] exist Figure 2B In the embodiment, Figure 2A The compressor 110 supplies compressed refrigerant to the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150 , and the compressor 112 supplies compressed refrigerant to the freezing chamber evaporator 160 .

[0073] Figure 2B and Figure 2AUnlike the conventional refrigerator, there is no need to configure a valve to change the flow path of the refrigerant compressed by the compressors 110 and 112. Instead, a condenser 120 and an expansion valve 130 are provided for supplying cold air to the refrigerating chamber, and a condenser 122 and an expansion valve 132 are provided for supplying cold air to the freezing chamber.

[0074] exist Figure 2B Two compressors 110 and 112 are provided in the refrigerator, so the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment can be cooled at the same time.

[0075] Figure 3 is a control block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, a storage chamber temperature sensor 192 for measuring the temperature of the storage chamber is included. The storage chamber temperature sensor 192 can measure the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer.

[0077] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention includes an evaporator temperature sensor 194 for measuring the temperature of the evaporator. The evaporator temperature sensor 194 can measure the temperature of the evaporator of the refrigerating chamber or the freezing chamber.

[0078] The temperatures measured by the storage chamber temperature sensor 192 and the evaporator temperature sensor 194 may be transmitted to the control portion 200 .

[0079] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a door switch 196 for judging whether the doors 20, 30 are opened / closed. The door switch 196 is respectively provided on each door, so as to sense whether the freezer compartment or refrigerator compartment door is opened or closed respectively.

[0080] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a timer 198 for measuring the elapsed time. The time measured by the timer 198 is transmitted to the control unit 200, so that control can be performed according to the measured time.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit 200 is included to perform control according to information transmitted by the storage chamber temperature sensor 192 , the evaporator temperature sensor 194 , the timer 198 , and the door switch 196 .

[0082] In the embodiment of the present invention, a heater 170 may be further included to supply heat to the freezing chamber evaporator 160 or the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150, so as to remove ice frosted in the freezing chamber evaporator 160 or the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150. The heater 170 may be provided only in the freezing chamber evaporator 160, or in both the freezing chamber evaporator 160 and the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150. In addition, a plurality of heaters may be provided in the freezing chamber evaporator 160 or the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150, respectively.

[0083] The present invention includes: compressors 110 and 112 for supplying compressed refrigerant to the evaporator of the refrigerating chamber or the evaporator of the freezing chamber; and fans 180 for supplying cold air generated by the evaporators 150 and 160 to the storage chamber. The fans 180 may be provided in the evaporator of the freezing chamber 160 and the evaporator of the refrigerating chamber 150, respectively.

[0084] The control part 200 may control the compressors 110 and 112 and the refrigerating chamber fan 180 according to the temperatures measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194 and the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 192 .

[0085] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining a chamber in which an evaporator is installed.

[0086] The evaporator temperature sensor 194 is disposed inside a chamber in which the evaporators 150 and 160 are disposed, so as to measure the temperature of the evaporators 150 and 160 .

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the evaporator temperature sensor 194 may be disposed on a pipe close to an inlet through which the refrigerant flows into the evaporators 150 , 160 .

[0088] The evaporators 150 and 160 have a pipe shape that is integrally connected and bent in a zigzag shape, and are provided with a plurality of fins for increasing a heat exchange area. The refrigerant is supplied to the evaporators 150 and 160 after passing through an expansion valve.

[0089] The evaporator temperature sensor 194 may be disposed at a front end of a portion forming a sheet of the evaporator 150 , 160 , that is, may be located at a position where the refrigerant reaches before reaching the sheet of the refrigerating chamber evaporator 150 .

[0090] Generally, the temperature of the portion near the inlet of the evaporator 150, 160 is lower than the temperature of other portions. This is because when the refrigerant flows into the evaporator 150, 160, the evaporator 150, 160 exchanges heat with the outside air, but the portion corresponding to the inlet is generally in a state where a large amount of heat exchange is not performed with the outside.

[0091] The lowest temperature portion of the evaporator 150, 160 may be a portion where ice condenses and frost is easily formed. Therefore, the evaporator temperature sensor 194 is configured at a portion of the evaporator 150, 160 where the temperature is relatively low or where frost is relatively easy to form, so as to measure the temperature of the evaporator 150, 160.

[0092] In addition, the heater 170 supplying heat to the evaporators 150 and 160 may include a plurality of heaters 172 and 174. One of the heaters 170 may include a sheath heater, a wire heater, and the like.

[0093] For example, the heater 172 may be disposed as a jacket heater at the bottom of the evaporators 150 and 160. The heater 172 is disposed at the bottom of the evaporators 150 and 160 in a spaced manner, and the air heated by the heater 172 rises to the evaporators 150 and 160 and can supply heat to the evaporators 150 and 160 by convection or the like.

[0094] In addition, the heater 174 may be configured as a wire heater connected to the evaporator 150, 160 on the upper side of the evaporator 150, 160, and the heat of the heater 174 may be transferred to the evaporator 150, 160 by conduction. Therefore, the evaporator 150, 160 heats and melts the ice frosted on the evaporator 150, 160, and the ice may fall to the lower part of the evaporator 150, 160.

[0095] Described heater 172,174 is as independent element, when one heater is in operation and supplies heat, another heater can not be in operation.Certainly, two heaters also can all be in operation and supply heat together.

[0096] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining a defrosting process of an evaporator according to the present invention.

[0097] The compressors 110 and 112 are operated to move the compressed refrigerant to the evaporators 150 and 160. At this time, the fan 180 is operated to move the air cooled by the evaporator to the storage chamber, thereby cooling the storage chamber.

[0098] When the operation time of the refrigerator increases, frost and ice may form on the evaporators 150 and 160 .

[0099] S10: Determine whether the defrosting start condition of the refrigerator is met.

[0100] The defrost start condition may refer to a time point when too much frost forms on the evaporator 150 , 160 and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is reduced.

[0101] S20: When it is determined that the defrosting start condition is satisfied, the heater 170 is operated. Current is supplied to the heater 170, and the heater 170 can generate heat.

[0102] The heat generated by the heater 170 is transferred to the evaporators 150 and 160 by convection or conduction, and heats the evaporators 150 and 160 , so that the ice frosted on the evaporators 150 and 160 begins to melt.

[0103] The temperature of the evaporators 150 and 160 may be measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194. While the heater 170 is operated, the temperature of the evaporators 150 and 160 may be measured.

[0104] S30: Determine whether the temperature measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194 reaches a first set temperature.

[0105] The first set temperature can be set differently, but can also be approximately set to minus 5 degrees Celsius.

[0106] S40: When the evaporator 150, 160 reaches the first set temperature, it is determined whether the time required to reach the first set temperature is within the set time.

[0107] The timer 198 measures the time required from the time when the defrosting start condition is satisfied and the heater 170 is operated to the time when the first set temperature is reached, and corresponding information may be transmitted to the control unit 200 .

[0108] When the first set temperature is reached within the set time, it is predicted that not much residual ice remains in the evaporator 150, 160. On the other hand, when the first set temperature is not reached within the set time, it is predicted that much residual ice remains in the evaporator 150, 160.

[0109] Even if the same amount of heat is supplied by the heater 170, the temperature rise rate is slow because a large amount of ice is frosted on the evaporators 150 and 160, and thus it takes a long time to defrost. On the other hand, the temperature rise rate of the evaporators 150 and 160 is fast because a small amount of ice is frosted on the evaporators 150 and 160, which means that ice can be easily removed even if the heater is operated relatively less.

[0110] S50: When it is determined that the time is within the set time, the control unit 200 operates the heater 170 in the second mode.

[0111] On the other hand, S60: when it is determined that the time is not within the set time, the control unit 200 operates the heater 170 in the first mode.

[0112] At this time, the first mode and the second mode may differ from each other in the manner of operating the heater, for example, a duty ratio of on / off, a cycle of on / off, an input value provided to the heater, and the like.

[0113] That is, in the present invention, after defrosting starts, the heater is controlled to perform different operations according to the time required to reach a specific temperature, thereby preventing the temperature of the storage chamber from rising due to excessive heat generated by the heater or wasting energy due to excessive current supplied to the heater.

[0114] In addition, in the present invention, when the thermal efficiency of the evaporator is reduced due to a lot of residual ice remaining in the evaporator, a large amount of heat can be supplied by the heater to remove the residual ice in the evaporator, thereby improving the reliability of defrosting the evaporator.

[0115] After the heater is operated in S60 and S50 , S70 : when the defrosting end condition is satisfied, the defrosting may be ended.

[0116] At this time, the defrost end condition may refer to the temperature of the evaporator 150, 160 reaching a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature. For example, the second set temperature may refer to a temperature one degree Celsius higher than the first set temperature. The second set temperature may be varied in many ways by the user, but is preferably predetermined to be higher than the first set temperature.

[0117] Furthermore, in order to defrost the evaporators 150 and 160 , the compressors 110 and 112 are not operated and are in a stationary state while the heater 170 is operating.

[0118] In addition, during the operation of the heater 170 , the fan 180 is preferably kept in a non-operating and stationary state so that the air heated by the heater 170 is not guided to the storage chamber by the fan 180 .

[0119] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the timing of performing defrosting.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present invention, the time point at which the freezing chamber evaporator is defrosted and the time point at which the refrigerating chamber evaporator is defrosted may be the same, or may be independent of each other.

[0121] That is, when the freezer compartment evaporator is defrosted, the refrigerator compartment evaporator may also be defrosted at the same time. On the other hand, when the defrosting start time point of the freezer compartment evaporator is reached, the freezer compartment evaporator may be defrosted, and when the defrosting condition of the refrigerator compartment evaporator is reached, the refrigerator compartment evaporator may be defrosted. The defrosting condition of the freezer compartment evaporator is different from the defrosting condition of the refrigerator compartment evaporator, so that only the evaporators may be defrosted when the conditions are met.

[0122] First, the defrosting start condition of the freezer compartment evaporator can be based on a specific time, for example, the time point when the freezer compartment operation time is shortened from 43 hours to 7 hours. The longest time is 43 hours, and when the freezer compartment door is opened for 1 second, the freezer compartment evaporator can be defrosted when the operation time reaches 7 hours.

[0123] When the above-mentioned defrosting start condition of the freezer compartment evaporator is met, the refrigerator compartment evaporator can be defrosted together. In this case, the defrosting start condition of the refrigerator compartment evaporator is not considered, and the defrosting of the refrigerator compartment evaporator can be performed subordinate to the defrosting of the freezer compartment evaporator. In this case, when the heater is operated to defrost the freezer compartment evaporator, the refrigerator compartment evaporator can also be defrosted at the same time.

[0124] On the other hand, the defrosting start condition of the refrigerator compartment evaporator can be based on a specific time, for example, the time point when the refrigerator compartment operation time is shortened from 20 hours to 7 hours. The longest time is 20 hours, and when the refrigerator compartment door is opened for 1 second, the time is shortened by 7 minutes. When the operation time reaches 7 hours, the refrigerator compartment evaporator can be defrosted.

[0125] Under such conditions, the defrosting of the refrigerating chamber evaporator can be performed independently of the defrosting of the freezing chamber evaporator. That is, when the defrosting conditions of the freezing chamber evaporator are met, the freezing chamber evaporator can be defrosted. When the defrosting conditions of the refrigerating chamber evaporator are met, the refrigerating chamber evaporator can be defrosted.

[0126] That is, the defrosting of the freezing chamber evaporator and the defrosting of the refrigerating chamber evaporator can be performed independently of each other, and the evaporators can be defrosted. In this case, even if the heater is operated to defrost the freezing chamber evaporator, the refrigerating chamber evaporator is not defrosted when the defrosting condition of the refrigerating chamber evaporator is not met.

[0127] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Figure 7It is used to illustrate the situation in the second step that the time taken for the temperature measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194 to reach the first set temperature exceeds the set time.

[0129] That is, since the amount of ice frosted on the evaporator is too large, even if the heater 170 is operated, the temperature of the evaporator rises slowly and exceeds the set time.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown, the control of the heater 170 can be divided into a first interval and a second interval.

[0131] When the first section changes to the second section, the control method of the heater 170 may be changed according to whether the condition described in the second step is satisfied.

[0132] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, even if the heater 170 is operated, since the temperature of the evaporators 150 and 160 does not rise rapidly within the set time, the heater is controlled in the second interval in the same manner as in the first interval.

[0133] That is, although the heater 170 is continuously operated to heat the evaporators 150 and 160 in the first section, the heater 170 is also continuously operated to heat the evaporators 150 and 160 in the second section.

[0134] That is, in Figure 7 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the diagram is for explaining a case where the heater operates in the first mode in the second interval.

[0135] Similar to the first section, in the second section, the same input value may be supplied to the heater 170 so that the heater 170 generates the same amount of heat, thereby heating the evaporators 150 and 160 .

[0136] Figures 8 to 15B This is used to explain the situation where the time taken for the evaporator 150 , 160 to reach the first set temperature does not exceed the set time and the evaporator 150 , 160 is operated in the first mode in the second interval.

[0137] Figures 8 to 15B The embodiments are different from each other, and each embodiment is described by distinguishing between them.

[0138] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to another embodiment.

[0139] exist Figure 8In the embodiment, the control unit 200 determines that the heater 170 is repeatedly turned on and off in the second section within the set time.

[0140] After entering the second interval, the time when the heater 170 is turned off for the first time is represented as t 1(off) , the time when the heater 170 is turned on again is represented as t 1(on) .

[0141] And, the time when the heater 170 is turned off for the second time is represented as t 2(off) , the time when the heater 170 is turned on again is represented as t 2(on) After that, although the heater 170 may be turned on or off for the third or fourth time, for the sake of convenience, the heater 170 is described as being turned on or off twice.

[0142] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the period T of the time when the heater 170 is turned on / off once and the period T of the time when the heater 170 is turned on / off once is fixed. The period T1 refers to t 1(off) +t 1(on) , T2 refers to t 2(off) +t 2(on) .

[0143] That is, T1 = T2 = t 1(off) +t 1(on) The situation of establishment.

[0144] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the on time ratio and the off time ratio of the heater 170 may be fixed at a certain ratio.

[0145] That is, it can be fixed to t 1(off) :t 1(on) =t 2(off) :t 2(on) =2:1.

[0146] When entering the second interval, the control unit 200 turns on / off the heater 170 and can select an on / off method to keep the respective time ratios fixed.

[0147] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, when entering the second interval, the heater 170 is turned off, that is, there is a time when the heater 170 is turned off, and during the corresponding time, no current is supplied to the heater 170. Therefore, the current supplied to the heater 170 is reduced, and the power consumed by the heater 170 is reduced, so that energy efficiency can be improved.

[0148] During the period when the heater 170 is turned off, the heater 170 has residual heat and the interior of the chamber where the evaporators 150 and 160 are arranged can also be kept in a heated state. Therefore, the evaporators 150 and 160 can also be defrosted within a corresponding period of time.

[0149] Therefore, during the defrosting of the evaporators 150 and 160, the amount of heat supplied by the heater 170 is reduced, thereby preventing the temperature of the storage chamber from rapidly rising.

[0150] During the period of turning on / off the heater 170 , when the defrosting end condition is reached, the heater 170 is no longer operated, and the defrosting of the evaporators 150 and 160 is ended.

[0151] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0152] Fig. 9 and Figure 8 different, can be kept the same as t 1(off) :t 1(on) =t 2(off) :t 2(on) =1:1. That is, T1=T2=t 1(off) +t 1(on) The situation of establishment.

[0153] That is, after entering the second interval, the time when the heater 170 is turned off may be kept the same as the time when the heater 170 is turned on, and the evaporators 150 and 160 may be defrosted in the second interval.

[0154] Since the on time and off time of the heater 170 are realized in the same manner as 1:1, it is not necessary to consider the temperature value measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194, and only the elapsed time measured by the timer 198 is considered. Therefore, the control unit 200 can simply control the heater 170 by considering only the elapsed time.

[0155] Will be based on Fig. 9 The method of operating the heater continuously without considering the residual ice (based on the judgment in the second step) Figure 7 When compared with the method of defrosting, it can be confirmed that the power consumption is reduced by about 1.4-1.66%. In the experimental results, the overall defrosting time is shortened by about 2.5 minutes, and the temperature rise in the storage room is slow. When the heater is continuously operated without considering the second step, the temperature of the storage room rises by about 4.3 degrees. However, according to Fig. 9 In this way, the temperature of the storage chamber increased by about 3.8 degrees, and it was confirmed that the temperature rise of the storage chamber was also slowed down.

[0156] That is, through Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the amount of residual ice during defrosting is sensed, so that when the operation mode of the heater is changed, it can be confirmed that the defrosting time is shortened and the temperature rise of the storage chamber is slowed down. Therefore, the energy consumed when the refrigerator is defrosted can be saved, and it is confirmed that it has the effect of preventing food from being spoiled due to the temperature rise of the storage chamber.

[0157] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0158] exist Fig.10 In the example, T1 = T2. On the other hand, t 1(off) :t 1(on) =1:1 and t 2(off) :t 2(on) =2:1 to make the ratio of open time to close time different.

[0159] That is, as time passes, the time during which the heater 170 is turned off increases, so that the average amount of heat supplied from the heater 170 per hour is adjusted to be reduced in the later stage of defrosting compared to the earlier stage.

[0160] Therefore, the peripheral temperature of the evaporator 150, 160 is sufficiently increased, and when time passes and heat exchange with the surrounding air is required, additional heat is no longer supplied through the heater 170, thereby improving energy efficiency. Similarly, when the peripheral temperature of the evaporator 150, 160 increases, the speed of the peripheral temperature increase can be reduced, thereby reducing the exposure of the food stored in the storage chamber to high temperature.

[0161] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0162] exist Fig.11 In the example, the cycle is T1>T2. On the other hand, the cycle is t 1(off) :t 1(on) =t 2(off) :t 2(on) =1:1 fixed method to control the heater 170.

[0163] exist Fig.11 The above may refer to a method in which the time interval for switching on / off of the heater 170 is shortened as the defrosting progresses. That is, the heater 170 is turned on / off faster as the defrosting progresses, thereby reducing the amount of heat supplied by the heater 170 as the defrosting progresses.

[0164] Therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the heater 170 so as not to increase, the amount of heat supplied to the evaporators 150 and 160 is reduced, thereby preventing the peripheral temperature of the evaporators 150 and 160 from rapidly increasing.

[0165] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0166] exist Fig.12 In the example, the change is based on the cycle T1>T2, and the change is based on t 1(off) :t 1(on) =1:1, t 2(off) :t 2(on) =2:1 variable mode to control the heater 170.

[0167] Fig.12 and Fig.11 Similarly, it is a way to reduce the cycle and change the switching time.

[0168] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, also during the defrosting period, as time passes, the heater 170 is turned on for a shorter time, so that the power consumed by the heater 170 decreases toward the later stage of the defrosting period, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0169] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0170] exist Fig.13 When it is determined that the time is within the set time, the input value provided to the heater 170 in the second section may be reduced compared to the first section.

[0171] In the second interval, the input value of the heater 170 continues to decrease, so that the amount of heat supplied by the heater 170 during the second interval may be reduced.

[0172] The second interval is a state in which a certain amount of heat or more is provided to the evaporators 160 and 170. Therefore, even if no additional heat is supplied, ice frosted on the evaporators 160 and 170 can be melted by the heat remaining in the heater 170 and the heat inside the chamber in which the evaporators 160 and 170 are arranged.

[0173] Therefore, the amount of heat supplied by the heater 170 is gradually reduced in the second section, thereby preventing hot air from flowing into the storage chamber and causing the temperature of the storage chamber to rise sharply.

[0174] At this time, an input value based on a linear function is supplied to the heater 170, and thus the amount of heat emitted from the heater 170 is also reduced in a linear function. That is, the input value of the heater 170 may be reduced in proportion to the elapsed time.

[0175] exist Fig.13 In FIG. 1 , the vertical axis may refer to the power or current supplied to the heater 170 , but may also refer to the heat emitted from the heater 170 .

[0176] The second section includes a region where an input value smaller than the input value supplied to the heater 170 in the first section is provided. Therefore, the amount of heat generated per hour by the heater 170 in the second section is smaller than that generated per hour in the first section.

[0177] The defrosting end condition, that is, when the temperature measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194 reaches the second set temperature, ends the defrosting of the evaporators 150 and 160. At this time, no current is supplied to the heater 170, and no additional heat is generated in the heater 170, so that the defrosting can be ended.

[0178] The inclination angle of reducing the input value of the heater 170 can be changed into various forms. For example, as time passes, the input value can be reduced sharply or slowly. Fig.13 As shown, in the case of a slow decrease, before the input value of the heater 170 reaches 0, the heater 170 may be controlled in a manner to end the defrosting.

[0179] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0180] according to Fig.14 In an embodiment, when it is determined that the time is within the set time, the input value provided to the heater 170 in the second interval may be reduced compared to the first interval.

[0181] When the input value input in the first interval is P1, P2, P3, etc., which are input values ​​smaller than P1, are input to the heater 170 in the second interval, so that a smaller input value can be provided to the heater 170 in the second interval.

[0182] The input values ​​P2, P3, etc. input in the second interval are not continuous, but are applied to the heater 170 in a discontinuous and step-by-step decreasing manner.

[0183] That is, in the second section, a smaller input value is supplied to the heater 170 in stages as time passes.

[0184] The reduction ratios of the input values ​​P2, P3, P4, etc. may be the same or different. When the reduction ratio of the input value changes, the second interval may be deformed in such a way that the reduction ratio becomes smaller as time passes. Alternatively, the input values ​​P2, P3, P4, etc. may be controlled to decrease by the same value.

[0185] As time passes, a small input value is applied to the heater 170 in the second interval, thereby reducing the amount of heat provided by the heater 170 as time passes. When the temperature of the evaporators 160 and 170 rises, the temperature rise of the evaporators 160 and 170 is reduced, thereby preventing the temperature inside the storage chamber from rising sharply.

[0186] The same input value P1 is continuously provided in the first interval, so that a large amount of heat can be provided to the evaporator 150, 160 in a short time at the beginning of defrosting the evaporator 150, 160. In addition, a relatively small amount of heat is provided for a long time in the second interval, and the evaporator 150, 160 exchanges heat with the surrounding air of the chamber, thereby providing sufficient time for melting the frosted ice.

[0187] Of course, in the second step, when the temperature of the evaporator measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194 does not reach the first set temperature within the set time, the same input value of P1 as that of the first section may be provided to the heater 170 in the second section. Even if defrosting is performed in the first section, it may be determined that a large amount of residual ice remains in the evaporators 160 and 170, so that the amount of heat provided from the heater 170 to the evaporators 160 and 170 is not reduced.

[0188] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment, when the temperature measured by the evaporator temperature sensor 194 reaches the second set temperature of the defrosting end condition, the current supply to the heater 170 may also be interrupted.

[0189] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B This is a diagram for explaining heater control according to still another embodiment.

[0190] The heater 170 may include a plurality of heaters 172 and 174 , and each heater may be independently controlled.

[0191] like Fig.15A As shown in , the jacket heater can be divided into three stages to apply input values ​​to the heater according to the passage of time. Fig. 15B As shown, the wire heater can be divided into two stages to apply the input value to the heater.

[0192] When the combination is based on Fig.15A Control and basis Fig. 15B When controlling the input value, multiple heaters can be used to perform control that reduces the input value in stages.

[0193] That is, in the first section, all of the plurality of heaters, that is, the sheath heaters and the wire heaters, are operated, whereas in the second section, only one of the sheath heaters and the wire heaters may be operated.

[0194] In contrast, in the first section, the plurality of heaters, namely, the sheath heaters and the wire heaters are all operated, while in the second section, the sheath heaters and the wire heaters may be operated with their input values ​​gradually reduced.

[0195] In general, the total amount of heat supplied by the plurality of heaters in the second section is reduced, and the amount of heat supplied to the evaporators 150 and 160 is reduced, so that the temperature increase rate of the evaporator can be reduced.

[0196] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining still another embodiment when the heater is controlled.

[0197] Fig.16 Is from Figures 8 to 12 Based on the combination of Figures 13 to 15B content.

[0198] That is, when heat is supplied to the evaporator 150, 160 by the heater and defrosting is performed, when the temperature of the evaporator 150, 160 rises to the first set temperature within the set time, while turning the heater 170 on / off in the second interval, the input value provided to the heater 170 during the time when the heater 170 is turned on can be reduced.

[0199] because Fig.16 The contents of the embodiments are repeated with those described above, so detailed description is omitted.

[0200] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and, as the protection scope of the present invention, ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can make modifications and such modifications belong to the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator control method, characterized in that: include: In a first step, the evaporator is heated by continuously operating a heater, the heater supplies a fixed input value of heat to the evaporator, and the evaporator supplies cold air to the storage chamber; The second step is to determine whether the time for the evaporator to reach the set temperature is within the set time; and The third step is, in the second step, when it is judged that it is not within the set time, the same input value as in the first step is provided to the heater to operate the heater, and in the second step, when it is judged that it is within the set time, an input value smaller than that in the first step is provided to the heater.

2. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first step, all of the plurality of heaters that supply heat to the evaporator are operated.

3. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If it is determined in the second step that the time is not within the set time, all of the plurality of heaters that supply heat to the evaporator are operated in the third step.

4. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If it is determined in the second step that the time is within the set time, in the third step, some of the plurality of heaters that supply heat to the evaporator are operated, and some are not operated.

5. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If it is determined in the second step that the time is within the set time, In the third step, the input value of the heater is continuously decreased.

6. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If it is determined in the second step that the time is within the set time, In the third step, the input value of the heater is reduced in proportion to the elapsed time.

7. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If it is determined in the second step that the time is within the set time, In the third step, the input value of the heater is reduced in stages.

8. The refrigerator control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the third step, the input value of the heater is formed into a plurality of steps and is decreased in a plurality of steps.

9. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second step is to determine the amount of frost remaining in the evaporator.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: an evaporator, which provides cold air to the storage room; an evaporator temperature sensor, for measuring the temperature of the evaporator; timers, which measure elapsed time; a heater that supplies a fixed input value of heat to the evaporator; and a control unit, controlling the heater, After starting to operate the heater, the control unit determines whether the time for the evaporator to reach the set temperature is within the set time. If it is not within the set time, the heater is operated in the same manner as before. If it is within the set time, an input value smaller than before is provided to the heater.

Images