Refrigerator comprising water tank

Abstract

Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising: a main body; a door rotatably or slidably mounted at a front portion of the main body; at least one storage compartment configured to store articles; a water tank disposed in the at least one storage chamber and configured to store water to be supplied to the at least one water supply system; a water detection sensor configured to detect water stored in the water tank; and at least one processor configured to, when the water stored in the water tank is detected by the water detection sensor for at least a certain period of time, control the first pump to discharge the water stored in the water tank onto an evaporation pan below a condenser in the machine room by using a discharge path of the defrosted water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator with a water tank. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a device used to keep food or medicine at low or appropriate operating temperatures to prevent them from spoiling. Typically, a refrigerator uses a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator to refrigerate and store food.

[0003] Recently, refrigerators are sometimes equipped with automatic ice makers. In the past, users manually supplied water to the ice maker, but recently developed refrigerators can automatically supply water to it. Refrigerators with this water supply function can be broadly divided into piped and non-piped types. Piped refrigerators receive water from an external water pipe, while non-piped refrigerators include an internal water tank, requiring the user to manually supply water to the tank.

[0004] Compared to ducted refrigerators, non-ducted refrigerators are more suitable for structures where it is difficult to connect external water pipes to the refrigerator. In addition, non-ducted refrigerators have the advantages of simpler structure and greater freedom of movement (e.g., moving or changing the location of the refrigerator) compared to ducted refrigerators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Solution to the problem

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body; a door rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body; at least one storage compartment for storing items; a water tank disposed in the at least one storage compartment and configured to store water to be supplied to at least one water supply system; a water detection sensor configured to detect water stored in the water tank; and at least one processor configured to: when water stored in the water tank is detected by the water detection sensor for at least a certain period of time, control a first pump to discharge the water stored in the water tank to an evaporator plate below the condenser in the machine compartment via a defrost water discharge path.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body; a door rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body; at least one storage compartment configured to store items; a water tank disposed in the at least one storage compartment and configured to store water to be supplied to at least one water supply system; a water detection sensor configured to detect water stored in the water tank; and at least one processor configured to: when the water detection sensor detects water stored in the water tank for at least a certain period of time and detects an operation by a user using the refrigerator, output an alarm to empty the water tank via at least one of a display, a speaker, or a user device connected to a server device. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating the water supply system of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate a water tank and a water detection sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the bottom of a water tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the location of water detection sensors according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a system for discharging water from a water tank according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a system for discharging water from a water tank onto an evaporation plate according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart describing a method for determining the discharge time or discharge volume of water stored in a water tank according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a diagram used to describe the defrosting amount and defrosting operation cycle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart describing a method of draining water from a water tank according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of supplying water from a water tank to an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of supplying water from a water tank to an automatic water filling device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a flowchart describing a method for outputting an alarm or notification indicating that the remaining water will be discharged, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of outputting an alarm for emptying the water tank via a refrigerator display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 15This is a diagram illustrating the operation of outputting an alarm for emptying a water tank via a user device connected to a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an output instruction to notify the initiation of the discharge of remaining water according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a flowchart describing a method for deactivating pump operation for supplying water to a water supply system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an alarm that replenishes water to a water tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a flowchart describing a method for outputting an alarm when the temperature in a refrigerator is at least a reference temperature, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an alarm that checks the temperature in a refrigerator or the status of a water tank, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Before providing a detailed description of embodiments of this disclosure, the terminology used herein will be described.

[0029] In accordance with the principles of this disclosure, the terms have been selected as those currently widely used and common terms; however, these terms may depend on the intent of those skilled in the art, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Some terms used herein were chosen by the applicant; in such cases, these terms will be described in detail later in conjunction with embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, throughout this disclosure, these terms should be defined based on their meanings and descriptions.

[0030] Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b or c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b and c, or variations thereof.

[0031] The terms “comprising (or including)” or “including (or containing)” are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unlisted elements or method steps. As used herein, the terms “unit,” “module,” “block,” etc., all refer to a unit for performing at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to practice them readily. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments discussed herein. In the drawings, portions irrelevant to the description have been omitted for clarity, and similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout this specification.

[0033] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include a body.

[0034] The main body may include an inner shell, an outer shell disposed on the outside of the inner shell, and a heat insulation layer disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0035] The inner shell may include at least one of a shell, a plate, a panel, or a gasket, defining a storage compartment. The inner shell may be formed as a single unit or by assembling multiple plates. The outer shell may define the exterior of the body and may be coupled to the exterior of the inner shell, such that an insulation layer is placed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0036] The insulation layer can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage chamber, maintaining the temperature within the storage chamber at a suitable set temperature, unaffected by the external environment. In embodiments of this disclosure, the insulation layer may include a foam insulation layer. The foam insulation layer can be formed by injecting and foaming a polyurethane foam, made of a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer shells.

[0037] In embodiments of this disclosure, in addition to the foam insulation layer, the insulation layer may also include an additional vacuum insulation layer, or may include only a vacuum insulation layer instead of a foam insulation layer. The vacuum insulation layer may include a core material and an outer casing material that houses the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation layer is not limited to foam insulation or vacuum insulation, but may also include various materials suitable for insulation.

[0038] The storage compartment may include a space defined by an inner shell. The storage compartment may also include an inner shell defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and may be configured with an opening on one side for inserting or retrieving items.

[0039] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, the storage compartments may be separated by partitions including insulation.

[0040] Storage compartments can be configured to maintain a suitable temperature range, and may include refrigerated compartments, freezers, or variable-temperature compartments categorized by purpose and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can maintain a suitable temperature for keeping items refrigerated, and freezers can maintain a suitable temperature for keeping items frozen. Refrigeration can refer to cooling items to a level that prevents them from freezing, and for example, a refrigerated compartment can be maintained in a range of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. Freezing can refer to freezing items or cooling items to a frozen state, and for example, a freezer can be maintained in a range of -20 to -1 degrees Celsius. Depending on the user's choice, or regardless of the user's choice, a variable-temperature compartment can be used as either a refrigerated compartment or a freezer.

[0041] In addition to names such as “refrigeration room,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room,” storage rooms can also be referred to by many different names such as “vegetable room,” “freshness room,” “cooling room,” and “ice-making room.” Terms such as “refrigeration room,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room” should be understood to encompass storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0042] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include at least one door arranged to open or close an opening side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open or close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open or close multiple storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the body.

[0043] The door can be arranged to tightly close the storage compartment when closed. Like the main body, the door may also include insulation to insulate the storage compartment when closed.

[0044] In embodiments of this disclosure, the door may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage chamber, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulation layer disposed therein.

[0045] Gaskets can be placed along the edge of the inner door panel to seal the storage compartment by ensuring close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include a rearwardly projecting baffle for mounting a door basket on which items can be held.

[0046] In embodiments of this disclosure, the door may include a door body and a front panel, the front panel being detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulation layer disposed therein.

[0047] Based on the layout of the doors and storage compartments, refrigerators can be classified as French door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, bottom-frozen compartment (BMF) refrigerators, top-frozen compartment (TMF) refrigerators, or single-door refrigerators.

[0048] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0049] A cold air supply unit may include machines, instruments, electronic equipment, and / or systems that combine them to generate cold air and direct the cold air to cool a storage compartment.

[0050] In embodiments of this disclosure, the cold air supply can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cold air supply can include a refrigeration cycle system having a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator capable of operating the refrigeration cycle. In embodiments of this disclosure, the cold air supply can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment through heating and cooling effects of the Peltier effect.

[0051] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include a machine compartment arranged for at least some components belonging to a cold air supply to be placed therein.

[0052] The machine room can be separated from and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components arranged in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. To dissipate heat from components arranged in the machine room, the interior of the machine room can be configured to connect to the exterior of the main body.

[0053] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include a dispenser disposed at the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be located at the door so that a user can access it without opening the door.

[0054] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include an ice maker configured to produce ice. The ice maker may include an ice tray for storing water, an ice separator for separating ice from the ice tray, and an ice bucket for storing ice produced from the ice tray.

[0055] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0056] The controller may include: a memory for storing or memorizing programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator; and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling components such as a cold air supply, based on the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0057] The memory stores or records various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated when control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator are being generated. The memory can include at least one or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0058] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the refrigerator's components by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include an additional neural processing unit (NPU) that executes artificial intelligence (AI) models. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and so on. The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the cold air supply. For example, the processor can receive information about the temperature in the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate refrigeration control signals for controlling the operation of the cold air supply based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor can process user input to the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / memorized in memory, and control the operation of the user interface. The user interface can be provided using input and output interfaces. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can send display control signals and image data to the user interface in response to user input to display an image on the user interface.

[0060] The processor and memory can be housed in a single unit or provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory modules.

[0061] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, or may include multiple processors and multiple memories for controlling the components of the refrigerator respectively. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a cold air supply based on the output of a temperature sensor. The refrigerator may also include another processor and another memory for controlling the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0062] The communication module (communication interface) can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other household appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect a local area network (LAN) connected to a refrigerator or user equipment to a wide area network (WAN) connected to the server. The refrigerator or user equipment can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0063] Input interfaces can include buttons, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and forward it to the processor.

[0064] Output interfaces can include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output various notifications, alarms, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0065] The refrigerator according to various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the water supply system of a refrigerator 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] refer to Figure 1 The refrigerator 1000 may include a water tank 1100 for storing water to be supplied to at least one water supply system. The water tank 1100 may be located in a space within the refrigerator compartment. The water tank 1100 may be located between storage compartments (e.g., multi-food storage compartments) or on the side of a storage compartment.

[0068] The maximum amount of water that can be stored in water tank 1100 is approximately 4.5. However, this is not the only possibility. When water is supplied to at least one water supply system, the amount of water stored in water tank 1100 can be reduced.

[0069] The water supply system is a device that operates using water received from the water tank 1100, and may include, but is not limited to, at least one of, an ice maker 1200, an automatic water filling device 1300, or a dispenser 1400. Depending on the product model, the refrigerator 1000 may include only the ice maker 1200, or may include all of the ice maker 1200, the automatic water filling device 1300, and the dispenser 1400.

[0070] The ice maker 1200 may include, but is not limited to, an ice-making tray on which water for ice making is stored and ice making is performed, an ice separator for separating ice produced on the ice-making tray, an ice-separating motor for rotating the ice separator, an ice maker cover for guiding ice separated from the ice-making tray to an ice storage device (hereinafter referred to as an ice storage container), and a slider for preventing ice separated from the ice-making tray from returning to the ice-making tray. The ice-making tray may include multiple ice-making units, and each ice-making unit may store water for ice making when water stored in the water tank 1100 is supplied to the ice-making tray. The ice separator is arranged above the ice-making tray and can separate ice from the ice-making tray after ice making. The ice-separating motor generates a rotational force for rotating the ice separator clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0071] The automatic water dispensing device 1300 may include a small water tank for storing automatically supplied water. The small water tank may also be referred to as an automatic water dispensing tank. A user can remove the small water tank from the refrigerator 1000 to drink cold water. The small water tank included in the automatic water dispensing device 1300 may include an infuser into which a tea bag can be placed.

[0072] The automatic water filling device 1300 may include: a water tank sensor for detecting whether a small water tank (automatic water filling tank) is installed; and a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the small water tank. When the water tank sensor detects that a small water tank is installed, water can be automatically supplied from water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300, filling the small water tank with a certain amount of water. When the water tank sensor detects that no small water tank (automatic water filling tank) is installed, water can be prevented from being supplied from water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300.

[0073] Simultaneously, when the water level sensor detects that a certain amount of water is stored in the small water tank (automatic water filling tank), water can be prevented from being supplied from the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300. On the other hand, when the water tank sensor detects that a certain amount of water is not stored in the small water tank (automatic water filling tank), water can be supplied from the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300. When the automatic water filling function is activated, at least one processor of the refrigerator 1000 can control the water supply pump to maintain a certain amount of water in the small water tank (automatic water filling tank).

[0074] Dispenser 1400 may be a device for providing purified water and / or ice. Dispenser 1400 may include a water collection space and an operating lever. Dispenser 1400 may supply water to the water collection space in response to manual operation of the operating lever. For example, when a user presses the operating lever, at least one processor of refrigerator 1000 may control the supply of water from water tank 1100 to dispenser 1400, such that water flows into the water collection space through nozzles of dispenser 1400.

[0075] Since the water supply system (e.g., ice maker 1200, automatic water dispenser 1300, or distributor 1400) operates using water received from water tank 1100, water tank 1100 needs to be filled with water for users to use the water supply system. Therefore, when water tank 1100 is empty, the user can fill it with water. For example, see reference... Figure 1 With the water tank 110, the user can open the inlet cap located on top of the water tank 1100 and pour water into the water tank 1100 through the inlet.

[0076] If the water supply system is not used for an extended period after water has been stored in water tank 1100, the water stored in water tank 1100 may become contaminated. For example, see reference. Figure 1 If the water in water tank 1100 does not flow out for a long time, the remaining water may become moldy, or scale may form on water tank 1100 or hose, which may be unsanitary.

[0077] Therefore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, when a water detection sensor detects that water in the water tank 1100 has not been drained for at least a certain period of time, the refrigerator 1000 can control a pump to drain the water from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator in the machine compartment, allowing the water to evaporate naturally from the evaporator. In this case, the refrigerator 1000 drains water from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator via a drain path for defrost water, thus requiring no significant changes to the device structure.

[0078] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 may first determine whether the water supply system is likely to receive water before discharging water from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate. When there is space in the water supply system for receiving water, the refrigerator 1000 may first supply water to the water supply system and then discharge any remaining water onto the evaporator plate in the machine compartment.

[0079] In other words, in embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 can forcibly drain the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the water supply system or evaporator plate after a certain period of time, in order to prevent contamination or bacterial growth due to residual or stagnant water. Reference will be made later. Figure 7 The operation of the water stored in the forced discharge water tank 1100 of the refrigerator 1000 is described in detail.

[0080] Simultaneously, when the water tank 1100 is emptied, the pump operates to supply water to the water supply system. However, if there is no water in the water tank 1100, the pump motor is rapidly heated, making it more likely to have a shortened lifespan or be damaged. For example, when a user presses the operating lever of the dispenser 1400 or activates the ice-making function and / or the automatic water-filling function, and there is no water in the water tank 1100, the refrigerator 1000 may automatically attempt to supply water to the dispenser 1400, ice maker 1200, or automatic water-filling device 1300, thereby damaging or destroying the pump motor and increasing its noise. Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 can detect that there is no water in the water tank 1100 and notify the user of this situation, prompting the user to refill the water tank 1100. Reference will be made later. Figure 18 The operation of the refrigerator 1000 providing an alarm to replenish water to the water tank 1100 is described in detail.

[0081] Now we will combine Figures 2 to 5 The water tank 1100 and the water detection sensor for detecting the water stored in the water tank 1100 are described in more detail.

[0082] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate a water tank (1100) and a water detection sensor 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the bottom shape of a water tank 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the position of a water detection sensor 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] refer to Figure 2 In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 may include a water tank 1100, a water detection sensor 1500, and at least one processor 1600, but is not limited thereto. The refrigerator 1000 may use a... Figure 2 More components are shown to implement this.

[0084] The individual components will now be described.

[0085] The water tank 1100 may include, but is not limited to, a main body 1101, a top cover 1102, an inlet cover 1103, a gasket 1104, a hose 1105, a filter 1106, etc. The main body 1101 may include a storage chamber for storing water. The storage chamber can hold up to 4.5 cubic meters of water. Water, but not limited to that.

[0086] The inlet cap 1103 can be disposed within a portion of the top cover 1102. The user can fill the storage chamber with water by opening the inlet cap 1103 and pouring water through the inlet. The gasket 1104 can be a sealing gasket used to couple the tank body 1101 to the top cover 1102.

[0087] Hose 1105 may be a pipe for supplying water to a water supply system. Depending on the type of water supply system, multiple hoses 1105 may be provided. For example, hose 1105 may include a first hose for supplying water to an ice maker 1200 and a second hose for supplying water to an automatic water filling device 1300 or a dispenser 1400, but is not limited thereto. In embodiments of this disclosure, hose 1105 may include a third hose (also referred to as a water tank hose) for draining water onto a drain plate of an evaporator. Hereinafter, hose 1105 may also be referred to as a nozzle.

[0088] Filter 1006 will filter out foreign objects from the water stored in water tank 1100. When there are multiple hoses 1105, multiple filters 1106 can also be installed.

[0089] The water detection sensor 1500 can be a sensor used to detect the water stored in the water tank 1100. The water detection sensor 1500 can also be referred to as a water level sensor. The water detection sensor 1500 can be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor. Non-contact sensors can include capacitive sensors or weight sensors, but are not limited to these. See later. Figure 5 The description refers to the case where the water detection sensor 1500 is a weight detection sensor (e.g., a load cell), and references will be made to... Figures 2 to 4This describes the case where the water detection sensor 1500 is a capacitive sensor.

[0090] The water detection sensor 1500 can be positioned at a location corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100. In embodiments of this disclosure, when there is a step on the bottom of the water tank 1100, the water detection sensor 1500 can be positioned at a location corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank 1100.

[0091] refer to Figure 3 The interior of the bottom of the water tank 1100 can have various shapes to minimize the residual water in the tank (1100) and to detect residual water even when the amount of residual water in the tank 1100 is very small, thereby reducing false detections of water in the tank 1100. For example, the interior of the bottom of the water tank 1100 can be inclined (e.g., 310, 320, and 330), spherical (e.g., 340), convex downward (e.g., 340, 350, and 360), or funnel-shaped (330 and 360), but is not limited thereto, as long as the area of ​​the interior of the bottom on a plane whose normal direction is parallel to the direction of gravity is smaller than the area of ​​the interior of other parts of the water tank 1100. By arranging the water detection sensor 1500 at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank 1100, false detections of residual water in the water tank 1100 can be minimized.

[0092] refer to Figure 4 When the water tank 1100 is installed in the refrigerator 1000, the water detection sensor 1500 can be arranged at the lower end 310 of the first surface that contacts the rear side of the water tank 1100. The water detection sensor 1500, arranged at the lower end 310 of the first surface, can detect the presence of water in the water tank 1100 contained in the refrigerator 1000 by detecting changes in capacitance. The water detection sensor 1500 can send a signal to at least one processor 1600 indicating that water has been detected in the water tank 1100 or that no water has been detected in the water tank 1100. Since the water detection sensor 1500 is arranged at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank 1100, when the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, it can mean that there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100. On the other hand, when the water detection sensor 1500 detects water, it can mean that there is remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0093] Return to Figure 2Refrigerator 1000 may include at least one processor 1600. Refrigerator 1000 may include one or more processors. For example, refrigerator 1000 may include a main processor and sub-processors. At least one processor 1600 can control the overall operation of refrigerator 1000. For example, when water detection sensor 1500 detects water stored in water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, at least one processor 1600 can control a pump to discharge the water stored in water tank 1100 to an evaporator plate below the condenser in the machine compartment using a defrost water discharge path. See later. Figure 7 The operation of at least one processor 1600 using a defrost water discharge path to discharge water stored in water tank 1100 onto an evaporation plate is described in detail.

[0094] In this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a majority integrated core (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a neural processing unit (NPU). At least one processor 1600 may be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) in which one or more electronic components are integrated. Each of the at least one processor 1600 may be implemented as a separate hardware component (H / W). At least one processor 1600 may also be referred to as a microcomputer, a microprocessor computer, or a microprocessor controller (MICOM), a microprocessor unit (MPU), or a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0095] In this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 may be implemented using a single-core processor or a multi-core processor.

[0096] Now we will combine Figure 5 The description refers to the 1500 water detection sensor, which is a type of weight detection sensor.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a water detection sensor 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] refer to Figure 5 The water detection sensor 1500 may include a weight detection sensor 1501. Hereinafter, the weight detection sensor 1501 may also be referred to as a load unit.

[0099] When the refrigerator 1000 contains a water tank 1100, the weight detection sensor 1501 can be positioned at the bottom of the water tank 1100. Therefore, the bottom of the water tank 1100 can be designed to have a structure that allows close contact with the weight detection sensor 1501 (e.g., a load cell). The weight detection sensor 1501 can detect the presence of water in the water tank 1100 by detecting the weight of the water tank 1100 containing water.

[0100] The weight detection sensor 1501 can send a signal to at least one processor 1600 indicating that water has been detected in the water tank 1100 or that no water has been detected in the water tank 1100.

[0101] At the same time, despite Figures 2 to 5 Although not shown, a distance detection sensor may be arranged at the top cover 1102. In this case, the distance detection sensor can identify changes in the water level in the water tank 1100 by measuring the distance from the top cover 1102 to the water stored in the water tank 1100. The distance detection sensor may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a photoelectric sensor (e.g., a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor), a position-sensitive device (PSD), a lidar sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a system for discharging water from a water tank 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The water tank 1100 can be connected to an automatic water filling device 1300, a distributor 1400, an ice maker 1200, or an evaporator 1700 via internal pipes.

[0104] When the automatic water filling function is activated, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the water pump 610 to maintain a certain amount of water in the automatic water filling device 1300. For example, when the water level has not reached the reference line of the small water tank included in the automatic water filling device 1300, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the water pump 610. In this case, water stored in the water tank 1100 can be supplied to the automatic water filling device 1300 via the automatic water filling valve 611. In the following text, the state in which the water level reaches the reference line of the small water tank can be referred to as "full".

[0105] At least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the water pump 610 to supply water to the dispenser 1400 based on the user's lever operation. For example, when the user presses the lever, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the water pump 610. In this case, water stored in the water tank 1100 can be supplied to the dispenser 1400 through the dispenser valve 612.

[0106] When the automatic ice-making function is activated, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the ice pump 620 to maintain a certain amount of ice in the ice storage container. For example, when the ice storage container is filled with less than a certain amount of ice, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the ice pump 620. In this case, water stored in the water tank 1100 can be supplied to the ice-making tray. In the following text, the state in which ice is filled to the maximum capacity of the ice storage container can be referred to as "full of ice".

[0107] When water in tank 1100 is not drained for at least a certain period of time, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can control evaporator pump 630 to drain water from tank 1100 onto evaporator plate 1801 in machine compartment 1800 via defrost water drain path. For example, when water in tank 1100 is retained in tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time (e.g., 30 hours) and is not supplied to ice maker 1200, automatic water filling device 1300, or dispenser 1400, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can operate evaporator pump 630 to drain water from tank 1100 onto evaporator plate 1801 below condenser 1802 in machine compartment 1800 via drain plate of evaporator 1700. The water drained onto evaporator plate 1801 can evaporate naturally by heat generated from condenser 1802 and air generated by blower fan 1803.

[0108] In the following text, evaporator pump 630 may be referred to as the first pump, ice pump 620 may be referred to as the second pump, and water pump 610 may be referred to as the third pump.

[0109] refer to Figure 7 The operation of the refrigerator 1000 to drain the remaining water in the water tank 1100 to the evaporator 1801 in the machine compartment 1800 via the defrost water drainage path will now be described in more detail.

[0110] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a system for discharging water from a water tank 1100 onto an evaporation pan 1801 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] When the water detection sensor 1500 detects water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, the refrigerator 1000 can control the first pump to discharge the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the evaporator plate 1801 below the condenser 1802 in the machine compartment 1800 through the defrost water discharge path.

[0112] The defrost water discharge path may include a drain pipe 1720 connecting a drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700 to the evaporator pan 1801 in the machine compartment 1800. The drain pipe 1720 may also be referred to as a drain hose. The drain pipe 1720 may be formed as a corrugated hose with circular pleats or as a corrugated hose with spiral pleats.

[0113] The drain pipe 1720 can be arranged in one or more sections. The drain pipe 1720 can guide the defrost water generated in the evaporator 1700 to the machine compartment 1800. The defrost water can move through the drain pipe 1720 to the bottom of the machine compartment 1800. The evaporator plate 1801 into which the defrost water flows can be located on the bottom of the machine compartment 1800.

[0114] Machine compartment 1800 may include, but is not limited to, a compressor 1804, a condenser 1802, and a blower fan 1803. Compressor 1804 compresses the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. Compressor 1804 can, after receiving external electrical energy, compress the refrigerant gas to a high temperature and high pressure using the rotational force of an electric motor. Compressor 1804 can be connected to condenser 1802 to move the compressed refrigerant to condenser 1802. Compressor 1804 operates a refrigeration cycle of compression, condensation, and evaporation by compressing the refrigerant and pushing it into condenser 1802. Therefore, through the operation of compressor 1804, cold air generated in evaporator 1700 is supplied to the storage compartment.

[0115] Condenser 1802 condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by compressor 1804. Condenser 1802 dissipates the heat generated during the condensation of the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant, passing through condenser 1802, is moved to expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant in condenser 1802 becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid as it passes through expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant then passes through expansion valve and is moved to evaporator 1700.

[0116] Evaporator 1700 evaporates the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid that has passed through the expansion valve. In evaporator 1700, the refrigerant liquid exchanges heat with the surrounding air during evaporation. The refrigerant liquid absorbs latent heat from the surroundings, thereby cooling the air around evaporator 1700 and thus producing cold air. The completely evaporated refrigerant is supplied back to compressor 1804, thus completing the refrigeration cycle. Heaters can be arranged around evaporator 1700 to remove frost that forms on it.

[0117] refer to Figure 7 A water tank hose 1110 for draining water from the water tank 1100 can be connected to a drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700. The drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700 can be a plate for collecting defrost water generated when the heater around the evaporator 1700 is operated. The drain plate 1710 may include a drain hole 1711.

[0118] At least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can operate a first pump (evaporator pump) 630 to move water in water tank 1100 to drain plate 1710 below evaporator 1700 via water tank hose 1110. Water tank 1100 may be located lower than evaporator 1700. Water discharged from water tank 1100 to drain plate 1710 via water tank hose 1110 can flow through drain hole 1711 of drain plate 1710 into drain pipe 1720 and reach evaporator plate 1801. In other words, residual water in water tank 1100 can be drained to evaporator plate 1801 in machine compartment 1800 by using the defrost water drainage path. Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, when water in water tank 1100 is not used for an extended period, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can prevent water tank 1100 from being contaminated, for example, by mold, by draining residual water in water tank 1100 to evaporator plate 1801.

[0119] The water discharged onto the evaporation pan 1801 can evaporate naturally using the heat generated from the condenser 1802 and the airflow generated by the blower fan 1803. Therefore, user convenience is improved because the user does not need to empty the water collected on the evaporation pan 1801.

[0120] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the rotational speed (RPM) of the blower fan 1803 in the machine compartment 1800 to a maximum level when water stored in the water tank 1100 is discharged onto the evaporator plate 1801. With the RPM of the blower fan 1803 controlled to the maximum level, the water discharged onto the evaporator plate 1801 can evaporate more quickly.

[0121] Now refer to Figure 8 The method of at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 for determining the discharge time or discharge amount of water stored in water tank 1100 is described in detail.

[0122] Figure 8 This is a flowchart describing a method for determining the discharge time or discharge amount of water stored in water tank 1100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0123] In operation S810, the refrigerator 1000 can detect the water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time via the water detection sensor 1500.

[0124] For example, when a water detection sensor 1500, located at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank 1100, continuously detects water for at least a certain period of time (e.g., 24 hours), at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the water has not been completely drained from the water tank 1100 and has been stored there for a long time (e.g., at least 24 hours). In this case, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that water needs to be drained from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801 to prevent contamination of the water tank 1100 or the water in the water tank 1100.

[0125] In operation S820, the refrigerator 1000 can determine the time to drain the water stored in the water tank 1100 by taking into account the defrost water drain interval.

[0126] In embodiments of this disclosure, water in the water tank 1100 is drained onto the evaporator plate 1801 via a defrost water discharge path. Therefore, the discharge time of the water stored in the water tank 1100 can be determined by considering the defrost water discharge interval. In other words, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the timing of operating the defrost heater and operating the first pump 630 to drain the remaining water from the water tank 1100 to ensure that they do not overlap. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the defrost heater and the first pump 630 alternately, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] refer to Figure 9 According to graph 910, refrigerator 1000 can drain defrost water on average every three days. In other words, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can drain defrost water every three days by operating the defrost heater. See also Figure 9 Table 920 indicates that the initial defrost charge can be approximately 500g, but after the third defrost, the subsequent defrost charge can be reduced to approximately 110g. In the initial stage, water has not been stored for at least a certain period, so the timing of draining the remaining water is not important. However, after the second defrost, the defrost charge is small, and the defrost water can evaporate from the evaporator plate 1801 within 24 hours. Therefore, considering the defrost water draining interval, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the first pump 630 to drain the remaining water from the water tank 1100 within 24 hours after operating the defrost heater.

[0128] Meanwhile, after the third defrost, the defrost amount is small, about 110g. Therefore, when the amount discharged onto the evaporator plate 1801 at one time is determined to be small, the refrigerator 1000 can determine the time to discharge the remaining water without having to consider the defrost interval too much. In this case, operation S820 can be skipped.

[0129] In operation S830, the refrigerator 1000 can determine the amount of water that can be discharged at one time based on the capacity of the evaporator 1801.

[0130] In embodiments of this disclosure, the capacity of the water tank 1100 may be greater than the capacity of the evaporator plate 1801. In this case, when water stored in the water tank 1100 is discharged into the evaporator plate 1801 at one time, water may overflow into the machine compartment 1800, so at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine the amount of water that can be discharged at one time based on the capacity of the evaporator plate 1801.

[0131] For example, when the capacity of evaporator 1801 is 1.5... At that time, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the amount of water that can be discharged at one time is less than 1.5. For example, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can determine that the amount of water that can be discharged at one time is 1. .

[0132] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 can determine the amount of water that can be discharged at one time by further considering the defrosting amount. For example, when the capacity of the evaporator 1801 is 1.5... Furthermore, when the defrosting amount is 100g, at least one processor 1600 can determine that the amount of water that can be discharged at one time is less than 1.4g. .

[0133] In operation S840, the refrigerator 1000 can cause the first pump 630 to operate for a time corresponding to a determined water volume. The first pump 630 can be a pump used to discharge water from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801. When the first pump 630 operates, water in the water tank 1100 can move to the drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700, and the water moving to the drain plate 1710 can flow into the drain pipe 1720 through the drain hole 1711 at the drain plate 1710, and can also move to the evaporator plate 1801.

[0134] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can cause the first pump 630 to operate for a time corresponding to a single discharge volume of water. For example, when the single discharge volume is 1... At that time, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can cause the first pump 630 to operate for 2 minutes, and when the amount of water that can be discharged at one time is 1.2... At that time, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can cause the first pump 630 to operate for 2 minutes and 20 seconds. The values ​​in this document are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0135] In operation S850, refrigerator 1000 can determine whether there is remaining water in water tank 1100.

[0136] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can cause the first pump 630 to operate for a time corresponding to a single discharge volume of water, and then determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine whether a water detection sensor 1500, disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100, is continuously detecting water. When the water detection sensor 1500 detects water, at least one processor 1600 can determine that there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. On the other hand, when the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, at least one processor 1600 can determine that there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0137] When there is no remaining water in the water tank during operation S850, at least one processor 1600 may cease operation of the first pump 630. Simultaneously, when there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100, at least one processor 1600 may deactivate the pumps (e.g., water pumps or ice pumps) used to supply water to the water supply system. Furthermore, at least one processor 1600 may output an alarm indicating that water should be added to the water tank 1100. (See later...) Figure 17 The operation of the refrigerator 1000 when there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100 is described in more detail.

[0138] When there is remaining water in the water tank 1100 during operation S850, the refrigerator 1000 can determine during operation S860 whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the first pump 630 was operated. This certain period of time may be the time required for the water discharged onto the evaporation plate 1801 to completely evaporate.

[0139] For example, the amount discharged from water tank 1100 to evaporator 1801 at one time can be determined as 1. And completely evaporated 1 It may take 12 hours. In this case, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine from 1 Has 12 hours passed since the water was first discharged into the evaporator pan at 1801?

[0140] During operation S860, if no certain period of time has elapsed since the first pump 630 was started, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can continuously monitor whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100 without restarting the first pump 630.

[0141] During operation S860, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the first pump 630 was operated, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the water discharged onto the evaporator plate 180 has completely evaporated, and discharge the remaining water from the water tank 1100 again. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can again operate the first pump 630 for a time corresponding to the amount of water that can be discharged at one time.

[0142] In other words, in embodiments of this disclosure, when the water stored in the water tank 1100 exceeds the amount that can be discharged at one time, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the first pump 630 times at certain time intervals. For example, when the water stored in the water tank 1100 is 4... And the volume of water that can be discharged at one time is 1 At the same time, at least one processor 1600 can operate the first pump 630 four times at certain time intervals.

[0143] In embodiments of this disclosure, the evaporator 1801 may include an overflow sensor. When the overflow sensor detects that a certain amount of water has collected on the evaporator 1801, at least one processor 1600 may control the first pump 630 to prevent discharge into the evaporator 1801. With the overflow sensor included in the evaporator 1801, at least one processor 1600 only needs to operate the first pump 630 based on the signal from the overflow sensor, without needing to determine the amount of water that can be discharged at one time, thus skipping [the necessary steps]. Figure 8 The operation of S830 and S840.

[0144] Now we will combine Figures 10 to 12 The refrigerator 1000 is described in the process of first supplying water to a water supply system (e.g., ice maker 1200 or automatic water filling device 1300) before draining water from water tank 1100 to evaporator plate 1801.

[0145] Figure 10 This is a flowchart describing the manner in which water is discharged from the water tank 1100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of supplying water from a water tank 1100 to an ice maker 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of supplying water from a water tank 1100 to an automatic water filling device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] In operation S1010, the refrigerator 1000 can detect the water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time via the water detection sensor 1500.

[0147] In embodiments of this disclosure, when a water detection sensor 1500 located at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank 1100 continuously detects water for at least a certain period of time (e.g., 30 hours), at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the water has not been completely drained from the water tank 1100 and has been stored there for a long time (e.g., at least 30 hours).

[0148] In embodiments of this disclosure, when water stored in water tank 1100 is detected by water detection sensor 1500 for at least a certain period of time, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can determine whether at least one water supply system is capable of receiving water. When at least one water supply system is capable of receiving water, at least one processor 1600 can supply at least a portion of the water stored in water tank 1100 to at least one water supply system before draining the water in water tank 1100 to evaporator pan 1801.

[0149] In operation S1020, when water stored in water tank 1100 is detected for at least a certain period of time, refrigerator 1000 can determine whether forced ice making is possible. The state in which forced ice making is possible can include a state where the ice storage container is not full of ice.

[0150] In embodiments of this disclosure, the ice maker 1200 may include a full ice detection sensor for detecting whether the ice storage container is full of ice. Detecting full ice may refer to detecting whether the ice storage container is filled to its maximum capacity with ice.

[0151] In embodiments of this disclosure, the full ice detection sensor can be implemented as a detection rod that detects the physical contact of ice at the upper end of the ice storage container. For example, during ice separation operations, the presence or absence of ice in the ice storage container can be detected when the rod of the attached full ice detection sensor descends. In this case, the full ice detection sensor may include a Hall effect sensor.

[0152] In embodiments of this disclosure, a full ice detection sensor may include: a light emitter for illuminating an ice storage container with light; and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from ice contained in the ice storage container. The full ice detection sensor can detect whether the ice storage container is full of ice based on the intensity of the light received at the light receiver. However, examples of full ice detection sensors are not limited to this.

[0153] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the ice level in the ice storage container included in the ice maker 1200 is less than a threshold height, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that forced ice making is possible. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the ice storage container is not full of ice using a full ice detection sensor. Since the ice storage container is not full of ice, at least one processor 1600 can determine that additional ice making is possible.

[0154] In operation S1030, when forced ice making is possible, the refrigerator 1000 can supply water to the ice maker 1200.

[0155] refer to Figure 11 When forced ice making is possible, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control a second pump (ice pump) 620 to supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the ice maker 1200. In embodiments of this disclosure, even when the automatic ice making function of the refrigerator 1000 is inactive, at least one processor 1600 can operate the second pump 620 to supply water from the water tank 1100 to the ice maker 1200 when the ice storage container 1201 is not full of ice.

[0156] In operation S1040, the refrigerator 1000 can determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the ice maker 1200, and then determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. When only a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 is supplied to the ice maker 1200, there may be remaining water in the water tank 1100. When all the water stored in the water tank 1100 is supplied to the ice maker 1200, there may be no remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0157] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 may use a water detection sensor 1500 to determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 may determine whether the water detection sensor 1500, located at a position corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100, is continuously detecting water. When the water detection sensor 1500 detects water, at least one processor 1600 may determine that there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. On the other hand, when the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, at least one processor 1600 may determine that there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0158] In operation S1050, the refrigerator 1000 can determine whether the automatic water filling function can be forcibly executed. The state in which the automatic water filling function can be forcibly executed may include the state in which the small water tank (hereinafter referred to as the automatic water filling tank) included in the automatic water filling device 1300 is not full of water.

[0159] refer to Figure 12 The automatic water filling tank 1310 may include, but is not limited to, a lid 1311, an immersion vessel 1312, and a body 1313. When the automatic water filling function is activated, the automatic water filling tank 1310 can maintain a certain amount (e.g., 1.4). (water).

[0160] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the water level in the automatic water tank 1310 is less than a reference height 1314, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the automatic water filling device 1300 is capable of receiving water. The reference height 1314 serves as a reference for determining whether the automatic water tank 1310 is full, and the water level sensor is located at this reference. In other words, when the water level sensor, positioned corresponding to the full water reference line (i.e., the reference height 1314), detects water, at least one processor 1600 can determine that the automatic water tank 1310 is full. Conversely, when the water level sensor does not detect water, at least one processor 1600 can determine that the automatic water tank 1310 is not full and that the automatic water filling device 1300 is capable of receiving more water.

[0161] In operation S1060, when the automatic water filling function can be forcibly executed, the refrigerator 1000 can supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300. For example, when the water level in the small water tank included in the automatic water filling device 1300 is less than a reference height, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300.

[0162] refer to Figure 12 When the automatic water filling function can be forced to be executed, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the third pump (water pump) 610 to supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300. In this case, when the water level sensor of the automatic water filling device 1300 detects water, it means that the automatic water filling tank 1310 is full, so at least one processor 1600 can stop operating the third pump 610.

[0163] In embodiments of this disclosure, even if the automatic water filling function of the refrigerator 1000 is inactive, at least one processor 1600 can operate the third pump 610 to supply water stored in the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300 for at least a certain period of time.

[0164] In operation S1070, the refrigerator 1000 can determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100 after supplying at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300. When only a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 is supplied to the automatic water filling device 1300, there may be remaining water in the water tank 1100. When all the water stored in the water tank 1100 is supplied to the automatic water filling device 1300, there may be no remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0165] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 may use a water detection sensor 1500 to determine whether there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 may determine whether the water detection sensor 1500, located at a position corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100, is continuously detecting water. When the water detection sensor 1500 detects water, at least one processor 1600 may determine that there is remaining water in the water tank 1100. On the other hand, when the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, at least one processor 1600 may determine that there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0166] In operation S1080, when there is residual water in the water tank 1100, the refrigerator 1000 can drain the residual water in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801.

[0167] In embodiments of this disclosure, when water stored in water tank 1100 is detected by water detection sensor 1500 for at least a certain period of time, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can supply at least a portion of the water stored in water tank 1100 to ice maker 1200 or automatic water filling device 1300, and discharge the remaining water to evaporator plate 1801 through defrost water discharge path.

[0168] Meanwhile, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when forced ice making cannot be performed in operation S1020 and the automatic water filling function cannot be forcibly executed in operation S1050, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can discharge all the water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time onto the evaporator plate 1801 through the defrost water discharge path. For example, when the ice storage container 1201 of the ice maker 1200 is full of ice and the automatic water filling tank 1310 of the automatic water filling device 1300 is full of water, at least one processor 1600 can discharge all the water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time onto the evaporator plate 1801 through the defrost water discharge path.

[0169] In operation S1090, the refrigerator 1000 can control the RPM of the blower fan 1803 to the maximum level. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can control the RPM of the blower fan 1803 to increase the evaporation rate of water discharged onto the evaporation plate 1801.

[0170] In embodiments of this disclosure, when water stored in water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time is detected, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can prevent water in water tank 1100 from being wasted by first supplying at least a portion of the water stored in water tank 1100 to ice maker 1200 or automatic water filling device 1300 (if possible).

[0171] Simultaneously, when the water detection sensor detects water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, the refrigerator 1000 can provide the user with an alarm to empty the water tank 1100. Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, when water in the water tank 1100 is drained onto the evaporator plate 1801, the refrigerator 1000 can provide the user with a notification indicating that the remaining water will begin to be drained. (See also...) Figures 13 to 16 The operation of the refrigerator 1000 is described in detail, including providing an alarm or indication that the remaining water will begin to be drained.

[0172] Figure 13 This is a flowchart describing a method for outputting an alarm or notification indicating that the remaining water will be discharged from the water tank 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] In operation S1310, the refrigerator 1000 can detect the water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time via the water detection sensor 1500.

[0174] In embodiments of this disclosure, when a water detection sensor 1500 located at a position corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100 continuously detects water for at least a certain period of time (e.g., 30 hours), at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that the water has not been completely drained from the water tank 1100 and has been stored there for a long time (e.g., at least 30 hours).

[0175] In operation S1320, after the refrigerator 1000 detects water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, it determines whether user operation on the refrigerator 1000 was detected within a certain period of time (e.g., 6 hours).

[0176] User actions may include, but are not limited to, opening the refrigerator or freezer door, operating the user interface (e.g., screen touch, temperature setting, running applications, entering comments, etc.). User actions may also include approaching the refrigerator 1000. For example, the refrigerator 1000 may detect that a user is approaching within a certain range of the refrigerator 1000 using a human detection sensor.

[0177] In operation S1330, when user operation on refrigerator 1000 is detected, refrigerator 1000 may output an alarm to empty water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 may display the alarm to empty water tank 1100 on a display or output the alarm audibly through a speaker.

[0178] refer to Figure 14 At least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can detect water stored in the water tank for at least a certain period of time (e.g., 30 hours). At least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can detect a user opening the refrigerator 1000 door within a certain period of time (e.g., 2 hours) from the time water is detected being stored in water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time. In this case, since the water in water tank 1100 has been in water tank 1100 for a long time, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can output an alarm to empty the water in water tank 1100 via output interface 1900. For example, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can output a notification message 1401 on the display: "The water has been stored for a long time. Use the water tank after cleaning it."

[0179] In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 can also output a notification to empty the water tank 1100 via a user device connected to the refrigerator 1000. In this case, the refrigerator 1000 can be indirectly connected to the user device via a server device, or directly connected to the user device via short-range communication.

[0180] In embodiments of this disclosure, the server device may include a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The server device can communicate with the refrigerator 1000 or a user device through the communication interface. In embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator 1000 can send its identification information or the user's identification information (login information or account information) to the server device, and after the server device authenticates the refrigerator 1000's identification information or the user's identification information (login information or account information), it can access the server device.

[0181] In embodiments of this disclosure, the server device may include an AI processor. The AI ​​processor can generate AI models by training an artificial neural network. Training the artificial neural network may refer to creating a mathematical model in which the connections of the neurons constituting the artificial neural network are capable of making optimal decisions when the weights are appropriately changed based on data.

[0182] In embodiments of this disclosure, the user equipment may be a device connected to a server device for displaying information provided by the server device. In embodiments of this disclosure, the user equipment may exchange information with the server device through an application installed on the user equipment (e.g., a home appliance management application).

[0183] In embodiments of this disclosure, the user equipment may be a device connected to the server equipment using the same account information as the refrigerator 1000. The user equipment may be directly connected to the refrigerator 1000 via a short-range wireless communication channel or indirectly connected to the refrigerator 1000 via the server equipment.

[0184] According to embodiments of this disclosure, user equipment can be implemented in various forms. For example, user equipment as described herein can be a mobile terminal, a refrigerator with a display, a television (TV), a computer, an oven with a display, etc., but is not limited thereto. Mobile terminals can include smartphones, laptop computers, tablet PCs, digital cameras, e-book readers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, MP3 players, etc., but are not limited thereto. For example, a mobile terminal can include a wearable device that can be worn by a user. For ease of explanation, the case of a smartphone as the user equipment will now be used as an example.

[0185] In embodiments of this disclosure, user equipment 3000 can run a specific application (e.g., a home appliance management application) provided by server equipment 2000 based on user input. In this case, the user can check the operating status of refrigerator 1000 (e.g., refrigerator compartment temperature or freezer compartment temperature), images of the inside of the refrigerator, etc., through the application's execution window.

[0186] refer to Figure 15 At least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can send information to server device 2000 via communication interface, indicating that water has been detected in water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, that water has not been discharged from water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, information about the time that water has been continuously detected, or information indicating that water tank 1100 needs to be emptied.

[0187] Server device 2000 can send an alarm to user device 3000 to empty water tank 1100 based on information received from refrigerator 1000. In this case, user device 3000 can output notification message 1501, "Water has been stored for a long time. Use the water tank after cleaning it," through the application's execution window. The user can check the notification message 1501 displayed on the application's execution window and recognize that the water in water tank 1100 is old water.

[0188] Return to Figure 13 In operation S1340, the refrigerator 1000 can determine whether water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time has been detected since the alarm for emptying the water tank 1100 was output.

[0189] For example, even after an alarm to empty the water tank 1100 is triggered, if the user does not empty the tank, the water detection sensor 1500 can continue to detect the water stored in the tank. Conversely, after detecting the empty water tank 1100 alarm, the user can empty the tank. When the user empties the tank, the water detection sensor 1500 may not detect the water stored in the tank. When the user refills the tank with fresh water, the water detection sensor 1500 can detect the water again.

[0190] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the water detection sensor 1500 continues to detect water even after an alarm to empty the water tank 1100 has been issued, due to the user not emptying the water tank 1100, at least one processor 1600 may perform operation S1350. In other words, at least one processor 1600 may control the first pump 630 to discharge the water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporation pan 1801. On the other hand, in embodiments of this disclosure, when a signal indicating that water may not be detected is received from the water detection sensor 1500 after an alarm to empty the water tank 1100 has been issued, at least one processor 1600 may determine that the user has emptied the water tank 1100.

[0191] In operation S1350, if no user operation on the refrigerator 1000 is detected within a certain period of time after water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time has been detected, the refrigerator 1000 can control the first pump 630 to discharge the water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporation plate 1801.

[0192] If no user operation is detected for an extended period, even if the refrigerator 1000 outputs an alarm to empty the water tank 1100, the user may not see the alarm and may have difficulty emptying the water tank 1100. For example, the user might go on a week-long trip after filling the water tank 1100. In this case, the refrigerator 1000 may not detect the user's operation for a certain period, and therefore it can drain the water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801 without outputting an alarm to empty the water tank 1100 on the refrigerator 1000's display.

[0193] In an embodiment of this disclosure, during operation S1360, when the first pump 630 is controlled to discharge water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporation plate 1801, the refrigerator 1000 may output a notification indicating that the remaining water will begin to be discharged.

[0194] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the first pump 630 discharges water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can send a notification message indicating that the discharge of remaining water will begin to the user equipment 3000 via the server equipment 2000. In this case, the notification message indicating that the discharge of remaining water will begin can be output on the user equipment 3000.

[0195] refer to Figure 16 The refrigerator 1000 can send an instruction to the server device 2000 via a communication interface, indicating that it will begin discharging remaining water from the water tank 1100. Based on the information received from the refrigerator 1000, the server device 2000 can send a notification to the user terminal 3000 indicating that it will begin discharging remaining water. In this case, the user device 3000 can output a notification message 1601, "Discharging remaining water will begin," through the application's execution window. The user can check the notification message 1601 displayed on the application's execution window and recognize that remaining water is being discharged from the water tank 1100.

[0196] In embodiments of this disclosure, during operations S1370 and S1380, when user operation is detected in operation S1370 while water stored in water tank 1100 is being discharged onto evaporator plate 1801, refrigerator 1000 can stop operating the first pump 630. Then operation S1330 can be performed.

[0197] For example, when user operation on refrigerator 1000 is detected when water stored in water tank 1100 is drained onto evaporator plate 1801, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can stop operating first pump 630 and output an alarm for emptying water tank 1100 via output interface 1900 or user equipment 3000.

[0198] Now refer to Figure 17 Describe in detail the operation of refrigerator 1000 when emptying water tank 1100.

[0199] Figure 17 This is a flowchart describing a method for deactivating pump operation for supplying water to a water supply system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0200] In an embodiment of this disclosure, during operation S1710, the refrigerator 1000 can receive a signal from the water detection sensor 1500 indicating that no water has been detected in the water tank 1100.

[0201] In the embodiments of this disclosure, since the water detection sensor 1500 is arranged at a position corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100, when the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, it may mean that there is no remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0202] In an embodiment of this disclosure, during operation S1720, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from the water detection sensor 1500, the refrigerator 1000 may operate the first pump 630 to discharge the remaining water in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporation plate 1801.

[0203] In embodiments of this disclosure, since a small amount of residual water may remain in the water tank 1100 even if the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, at least one processor 1600 can operate the first pump 630 for a certain period of time to completely empty the water tank 1100. By operating the first pump 630 for a certain period of time to completely empty the water tank 1100, mold or scale buildup due to residual water can be prevented from occurring in the water tank 1100.

[0204] In an embodiment of this disclosure, during operation S1730, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from the water detection sensor 1500, the refrigerator 1000 may deactivate at least one pump (e.g., water pump 610 or ice pump 620) in at least one water supply system (e.g., ice maker 1200, automatic water filling device 1300 or dispenser 1400) for supplying water.

[0205] When a pump used to supply water to a water supply system is operating, and there is no water in the water tank 1100, the motor may be rapidly heated, thereby shortening the pump's lifespan or damaging the pump, resulting in increasingly louder pump operating noise. Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, even if the user operates the lever of the dispenser 1400 or activates the automatic ice-making or automatic water-filling function, and there is no water in the water tank 1100, at least one processor 1600 may not operate the pump. In this case, the pump can be protected, and the increase in pump operating noise can be prevented.

[0206] In an embodiment of this disclosure, during operation S1710, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from the water detection sensor 1500, the refrigerator 1000 may output an alarm to replenish water to the water tank 1100.

[0207] For example, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from the water detection sensor 1500, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can output an alarm to replenish water to the water tank 1100 via one of the user equipment 3000, a display, or a speaker connected to the server equipment 2000.

[0208] Now refer to Figure 18 The operation of the alarm for replenishing water to the water tank 1100 from the output of the refrigerator 1000 is further described.

[0209] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an alarm that replenishes water to the water tank 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] refer to Figure 18 When at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 receives a signal from water detection sensor 1500 indicating that no water is detected in water tank 1100, it can output an alarm to replenish water to water tank 1100 through output interface 1900 of refrigerator 1000 (e.g., display, speaker, etc.).

[0211] In embodiments of this disclosure, when a user uses water from water tank 1100, at least one processor 1600 of refrigerator 1000 can output an alarm to replenish water to water tank 1100 via output interface 1900. For example, when receiving input from the user to activate the automatic ice-making function or the automatic water-filling function, or when receiving input to press the lever of dispenser 1400, at least one processor 1600 can output a notification message 1810 "Check water supply status" or output a warning sound via a speaker. The user can check the notification message 1810 and replenish water to water tank 1100.

[0212] Meanwhile, when the water tank 1100 is empty, if at least one processor 1600 does not receive an input from the user indicating that the user will use the water in the water tank 1100 within a certain period of time (e.g., 12 hours), at least one processor 1600 can monitor whether the water tank 1100 is being replenished with water, and after a certain period of time (e.g., 12 hours), output a notification message 1810 through the output interface 1900.

[0213] In embodiments of this disclosure, a user device 3000 connected to a refrigerator 1000 via a server device 2000 can output an alarm to replenish water to the water tank 1100. For example, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from a water detection sensor 1500, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can send information to the server device 2000 indicating that the water tank 1100 is empty or indicating that water needs to be replenished. In this case, the server device 2000 can output an alarm to replenish water to the water tank 1100 through the execution window of an application installed on the user device 3000. For example, in the execution window of the application on the user device 3000, a notification message 1820 can be displayed: "Check water supply status. If you are using the automatic water purifier function, you need to clean the water tank periodically." The user can recognize that the water tank 1100 is empty through the notification message 1820 and replenish water to the water tank 1100. Therefore, damage caused by the pump continuing to operate when the water tank 1100 is empty can be prevented.

[0214] Figure 19 This is a flowchart describing a method for outputting an alarm when the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 is at least a reference temperature, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] In embodiments of this disclosure, during operation S1910, the refrigerator 1000 may use a water detection sensor 1500 to determine whether water is detected in the water tank 1100. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 may receive a signal indicating that water is detected or a signal indicating that water is not detected from the water detection sensor 1500, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the water tank 1100.

[0216] In embodiments of this disclosure, when no water is detected in the water tank 1100 during operation S1910, the refrigerator 1000 can execute operation S1920. Figure 17 Operation S1720.

[0217] For example, when a signal indicating that no water is detected is received from the water detection sensor 1500, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can deactivate the operation of a pump (e.g., a water pump or an ice pump) used to supply water to the water supply system, thereby preventing the pump from generating noise. Furthermore, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can output an alarm to replenish water to the water tank 1100 via a display, speaker, or user equipment 3000.

[0218] In embodiments of this disclosure, when water is detected in the water tank 1100 during operation S1910, the refrigerator 1000 can determine in operation S1930 whether the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 is at least a reference temperature. For example, at least one processor 160 of the refrigerator 1000 can use at least one temperature sensor arranged in the refrigerator 1000 to determine whether the temperature in the refrigerator compartment where the water tank 1100 is located is at least a reference temperature. The reference temperature can be a temperature at which harmful substances such as mold can be generated. For example, the reference temperature can be 10°C, but is not limited thereto.

[0219] In embodiments of this disclosure, the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 can rise to at least a reference temperature under abnormal conditions such as a slightly open door, refrigerant leakage, or power outage. In such cases, harmful substances such as mold may spread within the refrigerator 1000, therefore at least one processor 1600 can monitor whether the temperature in the refrigerator compartment has risen to at least the reference temperature.

[0220] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 is at least a reference temperature during operation S1930, the refrigerator 1000 may output an alarm in operation S1940 to check the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or the status of the water tank 1100.

[0221] For example, when the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 is at least a reference temperature, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can check for an alarm indicating the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or an alarm indicating the status of the water tank 1100 via an alarm indicating the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 via a display, a speaker, or at least one output of a user device 3000 connected to a server device 2000.

[0222] In embodiments of this disclosure, after outputting an alarm to check the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or an alarm to check the status of the water tank 1100, the refrigerator 1000 may continue to monitor whether the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 drops below the reference temperature.

[0223] Bacteria, which are common sources of contamination, do not grow (reproduce) at low temperatures of about 10 degrees or lower and high temperatures of about 60 degrees or higher. Therefore, the occurrence and spread of contamination can be minimized by controlling the water tank 1100 and the water supply system to not rise above about 10 degrees.

[0224] Meanwhile, in embodiments of this disclosure, when the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 is at least a reference temperature, at least one processor 1600 can force the compressor 1804 to operate to prevent the spread of contaminants.

[0225] In an embodiment of this disclosure, when the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 is lower than the reference temperature during operation S1930, the refrigerator 1000 can determine in operation S1950 whether water has been detected in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time.

[0226] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can identify the duration for which the water detection sensor 1500 has continuously detected water. For example, when the water detection sensor 1500 has continuously detected water for at least 30 hours, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can determine that water has not been discharged from the water tank 1100 for at least 30 hours.

[0227] In an embodiment of this disclosure, when water is detected in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time during operation S1950, the refrigerator 1000 may discharge water from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801 during operation S1960.

[0228] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the water detection sensor 1500 detects water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time, the refrigerator 1000 can control the first pump 630 to discharge the water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801 below the condenser 1802 in the machine compartment 1800 via the defrost water discharge path. For example, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can operate the first pump 630 such that water in the water tank 1100 moves through the water tank hose 1110 to the drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700. Water discharged from the water tank 1100 to the drain plate 1710 through the water tank hose 1110 can flow through the drain hole 1711 of the drain plate 1710 into the drain pipe 1720 and reach the evaporator plate 1801.

[0229] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the water in the water tank 1100 has not been drained for an extended period, at least one processor 1600 can drain the water from the water tank 1100 onto the evaporation plate 1801, allowing the water to evaporate naturally in order to prevent contamination.

[0230] Now refer to Figure 20 The operation of the refrigerator 1000 output alarm to check the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or to check the status of the water tank 1100 is further described.

[0231] Figure 20This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an alarm that checks the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or the status of the water tank 1100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0232] refer to Figure 20 At least one processor 1600 can detect that the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is 12°C via a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is at least a reference temperature (e.g., 10°C), so at least one processor 1600 can output an alarm to check the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or an alarm to check the status of the water tank 1100 via an output interface 1900 (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.).

[0233] For example, at least one processor 1600 can output a notification message 2001 on the display: "Check the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. Check if the door is open. If the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is high, bacteria may multiply. Check the status of the water tank," or output a warning sound through a speaker. The user can check the notification message 2001 and check the status of the refrigerator 1000 or the water tank 1100, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria in the refrigerator 1000.

[0234] In embodiments of this disclosure, a user device 3000 connected to a refrigerator 1000 via a server device 2000 can output an alarm to check the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or an alarm to check the status of the water tank 1100. For example, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is identified as at least a reference temperature, at least one processor 1600 of the refrigerator 1000 can send information to the server device 2000 indicating that the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is at least a reference temperature or indicating that the temperature of the refrigerator compartment needs to be checked. In this case, the server device 2000 can output an alarm to check the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or an alarm to check the status of the water tank 1100 through the execution window of an application installed on the user device 3000. For example, in the execution window of the application on the user device 3000, a notification message 2002 can be displayed: "Check the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. If the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is high, bacteria may multiply. Check the status of the water tank."

[0235] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when water remains in the water tank 1100 for an extended period of time, the refrigerator 1000 can be configured to discharge water from the water tank 1100 to the evaporator 1801 in the machine compartment 1800 via a defrost water discharge path to prevent (minimize) contamination of the water supply system.

[0236] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator 1000 may include: a main body; a door rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body; at least one storage compartment for storing items; a water tank 1100 disposed in the at least one storage compartment for storing water to be supplied to at least one water supply system; a water detection sensor 1500 for detecting water stored in the water tank 1500; and at least one processor 1600 configured to: when water stored in the water tank 1100 is detected by the water detection sensor 1500 for at least a certain period of time, control a first pump 630 to discharge the water stored in the water tank 1100 onto an evaporator 1801 below a condenser 1802 in a machine compartment 1800 via a defrost water discharge path. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by discharging water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time (e.g., 24 hours) onto the evaporator 1801, contamination of the water tank 1100 by residual water can be prevented. User convenience is improved because the water discharged onto the evaporator 1801 evaporates naturally. Meanwhile, the water stored in the water tank 1100 is discharged onto the evaporator plate 1801 via the defrost water discharge path, thereby eliminating the need for extensive system modifications.

[0237] In embodiments of this disclosure, the water detection sensor 1500 may include at least one of a capacitive sensor, a weight detection sensor 1501, or a contact sensor.

[0238] In embodiments of this disclosure, the interior of the bottom of the water tank 1100 can be formed spherically or inclined. When the interior of the bottom of the water tank 1100 has a spherical or inclined surface, the remaining water in the water tank 1100 can be minimized, and the remaining water in the water tank 1100 can be detected even if the amount of remaining water in the water tank 1100 is very small. In embodiments of this disclosure, the water detection sensor 1500 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank 1100. When the water detection sensor 1500 is arranged at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the water tank 1100, the water detection sensor 1500 can effectively detect the remaining water in the water tank 1100.

[0239] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 can control the rotational speed (RPM) of the blower fan 1803 in the machine room 1800 to a maximum level when water stored in the water tank 1100 is discharged onto the evaporation plate 1801. In this case, the water discharged onto the evaporation plate 1801 can evaporate rapidly and naturally.

[0240] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the defrost water discharge path may include a drain pipe 1720 connecting a drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700 to an evaporator pan 1801 in the machine room 1800.

[0241] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a water tank hose 1110 for draining water from a water tank 1100 can be connected from the water tank 1100 to a drain plate 1710 below the evaporator 1700. Water discharged from the water tank 1100 to the drain plate 1710 via the water tank hose 1110 can flow through the drain hole 1711 of the drain plate 1710 into the drain pipe 1720 and reach the evaporation plate 1801.

[0242] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 can determine the duration for which water is stored in the water tank 1100 is discharged, taking into account the defrost water discharge interval. At least one processor 1600 can prevent water from overflowing from the evaporator pan 1801 by determining the duration for which water is stored in the water tank 1100 is discharged, taking into account the defrost water discharge interval.

[0243] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 can determine the amount of water that can be discharged from the water tank 1100 at one time based on the capacity of the evaporator 1801. At least one processor 1600 can cause the first pump 630 to operate for a time corresponding to the determined amount of water. At least one processor 1600 can prevent water from overflowing from the evaporator 1801 when the water stored in the water tank 1100 has a capacity greater than that of the evaporator 1801 by determining the amount of water that can be discharged at one time.

[0244] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the water stored in the water tank 1100 exceeds a predetermined amount, at least one processor 1600 may operate the first pump 630 times at certain time intervals.

[0245] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the water supply system may include at least one of an ice maker 1200, an automatic water filling device 1300, or a dispenser 1400.

[0246] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when water stored in water tank 1100 is detected by water detection sensor 1500 for at least a certain period of time, at least one processor 1600 can determine whether at least one water supply system is capable of receiving water. When at least one water supply system is capable of receiving water, at least one processor 1600 can supply at least a portion of the water stored in water tank 1100 to at least one water supply system. After supplying at least a portion of the water stored in water tank 1100 to at least one water supply system, at least one processor 1600 can control a first pump 630 to discharge the remaining water in water tank 1100 to evaporation pan 1801 in machine room 1800 via a defrost water discharge path. At least one processor 1600 can prevent water waste by first supplying water in water tank 1100 to at least one water supply system before discharging the remaining water to evaporation pan 1801 for natural evaporation.

[0247] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one water supply system may include an ice maker 1200. When the ice level in the ice storage container 1201 included in the ice maker 1200 is less than a threshold height, at least one processor 1600 may determine that the ice maker 1200 is capable of receiving water and control a second pump 620 to supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank 1100 to the ice maker 1200. To prevent water contamination, freezing and storing the water in the ice maker 1200 may be more advantageous than storing the water in the water tank 1100 for an extended period.

[0248] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a water supply system may include an automatic water filling device 1300. When the water level in the automatic water filling tank 1310 included in the automatic water filling device 1300 is less than a threshold height, at least one processor 1600 may determine that the automatic water filling device 1300 is capable of receiving water and control a third pump 610 to supply at least a portion of the water stored in the tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300. Because the automatic water filling tank 1310 of the automatic water filling device 1300 is located in a separate space and has an environment where bacterial growth is more difficult due to the lack of external contamination compared to the environment in the tank 1100, water can move from the tank 1100 to the automatic water filling device 1300.

[0249] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the reference height may correspond to the height of a water level sensor used to detect water stored in a small automatic water tank 1310. According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 may control a third pump 610 to supply water to the automatic water filling device 1300 until the water level sensor detects water.

[0250] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the first pump 630 discharges water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporation plate 1801, at least one processor 1600 can send a notification message to the user equipment 3000 via the server device 2000, indicating that the discharge of remaining water will begin. The user can recognize the fact that water that has been stored in the water tank 1100 for a long time has been discharged through the notification message.

[0251] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when user operation of the refrigerator 1000 is detected, at least one processor 1600 can stop operating the first pump 630 for draining water stored in the water tank 1100 onto the evaporator plate 1801. An alarm indicating the water tank 1100 is empty can be output via the refrigerator 1000's display or speaker. When user operation is detected, and the user checks the alarm or manually empties the water tank 1100, at least one processor 1600 can output an alarm indicating the water tank 1100 is empty via the refrigerator 1000's output interface 1900.

[0252] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 1600 may deactivate operation of at least one pump for supplying water from the water tank 1100 to at least one water supply system in response to receiving a signal from a water detection sensor 1500 disposed at a location corresponding to the bottom of the water tank 1100 indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100. The at least one processor 1600 can prevent pump damage or noise generation by deactivating operation of the pump connected to the water supply system when there is no water in the water tank 1100.

[0253] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from the water detection sensor 1500, at least one processor 1600 can send an alarm to the water tank 1100 to replenish water via at least one output from a display, a speaker, or a user device 3000 connected to the server device 2000. The user can check the alarm for water replenishment and recognize that there is no water in the water tank 1100. When there is no water in the water tank 1100, the user can immediately replenish water to the tank without operating the water supply system, thus preventing the pump from being forcibly operated when there is no water in the tank 1100, thereby preventing damage or noise.

[0254] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when a signal indicating that no water is detected in the water tank 1100 is received from the water detection sensor 1500, at least one processor 1600 can operate the first pump 630 for a certain period of time to drain the remaining water from the water tank 1100. Since even if the water detection sensor 1500 does not detect water, a small amount of remaining water in the water tank 1100 may still contaminate it, at least one processor 1600 can operate the first pump 630 for a certain period of time to drain the remaining water.

[0255] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 is at least a reference temperature, at least one processor 1600 can check for an alarm indicating the temperature in the refrigerator 1000 or an alarm indicating the status of the water tank 1100 via at least one output from a display, a speaker, or a user device 3000 connected to the server device 2000. An alarm can be provided to the user when the temperature of the refrigerator 1000 is at least the reference temperature, thereby preventing food spoilage in the refrigerator 1000 or contamination of the water in the water tank 1100.

[0256] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerator 1000 includes: a main body; a door rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body; at least one storage compartment configured to store items; a water tank 1100 disposed in the at least one storage compartment and configured to store water to be supplied to at least one water supply system; a water detection sensor 1500 configured to detect water stored in the water tank 1100; and at least one processor 1600 configured to: when the water detection sensor 1500 detects water stored in the water tank 1100 for at least a certain period of time and detects an operation by a user using the refrigerator 1000, output an alarm to empty the water tank 1000 via at least one of a display, a speaker, or a user device connected to a server device 2000.

[0257] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory storage media" may refer to tangible devices but excludes signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves) and may not distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary storage of data in the storage medium. For example, a non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer for temporary data storage.

[0258] In embodiments of this disclosure, the aforementioned methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be a commercial product that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), or directly between two user devices (e.g., a smartphone), or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be at least temporarily stored or arbitrarily created in a storage medium readable by a device (such as a manufacturer's server, an app store server, or a relay server).

Claims

1. A refrigerator (1000), comprising: main body; The door is rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body; At least one storage room is configured to store items; A water tank (1100) is arranged in the at least one storage chamber and configured to store water to be supplied to at least one water supply system; A water detection sensor (1500) is configured to detect the water stored in the water tank (1100); as well as At least one processor (1600) is configured to control a first pump (630) to discharge the water stored in the water tank (1100) onto an evaporator plate (1801) below the condenser (1802) in the machine room (1800) using a defrost water discharge path when the water stored in the water tank (1100) is detected by the water detection sensor (1500) for at least a certain period of time.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The interior of the bottom of the water tank (1100) is spherical or inclined, such that the interior area of ​​the bottom of the water tank (1100) is smaller than the interior area of ​​the other parts of the water tank (1100). The water detection sensor (1500) is positioned at a location corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom of the water tank (1100), and The water detection sensor (1500) includes at least one of a capacitive sensor, a weight detection sensor (1501), or a contact sensor.

3. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to control the rotational speed (RPM) of the blower fan (1803) in the machine room (1800) to a maximum level when water stored in the water tank (1100) is discharged onto the evaporation plate (1801).

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The defrost water discharge path includes a drain pipe (1720) connecting a drain plate (1710) below the evaporator (1700) to the evaporator plate (1801) in the machine room (1800), wherein a water tank hose (1110) configured to discharge water from the water tank (1100) connects from the water tank (1100) to the drain plate (1710) below the evaporator (1700), and Water discharged from the water tank (1100) to the drain plate (1710) through the water tank hose (1110) flows into the drain pipe (1720) through the drain hole (1711) of the drain plate (1710) and reaches the evaporation plate (1801).

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to determine the time to discharge water stored in the water tank (1100) taking into account the discharge interval of the defrost water.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to: Based on the capacity of the evaporation pan (1801), determine the amount of water that can be discharged from the water tank (1100) at one time. The time during which the first pump (630) operates corresponding to the determined water volume, and When the water stored in the water tank (1100) exceeds the determined amount of water, the first pump (630) is operated multiple times at certain time intervals.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The water supply system includes at least one of an ice maker (1200), an automatic water filling device (1300), or a dispenser (1400).

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to determine whether the at least one water supply system is capable of receiving water when the water detection sensor (1500) detects water stored in the water tank (1100) within the at least certain period of time. When the at least one water supply system is able to receive water, at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank (1100) is supplied to the at least one water supply system; as well as When there is residual water in the water tank (1100) after at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank (1100) has been supplied to the at least one water supply system, the first pump (630) is controlled to discharge the residual water in the water tank (1100) to the evaporator (1801) in the machine room (1800) through the defrost water discharge path.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one water supply system includes an ice maker (1200), and The at least one processor (1600) is configured to: determine that the ice maker (1200) is capable of receiving water when the height of the ice in the ice storage container (1201) included in the ice maker (1200) is less than a threshold height, and control a second pump (620) to supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank (1100) to the ice maker (1200).

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one water supply system includes an automatic water injection device (1300), and The at least one processor (1600) is configured to: determine that the automatic water filling device (1300) is capable of receiving water when the height of the water stored in the automatic water filling tank (1310) included in the automatic water filling device (1300) is less than a reference height, and control a third pump (610) to supply at least a portion of the water stored in the water tank (1100) to the automatic water filling device (1300).

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein, The reference height corresponds to the height of the water level sensor, which is configured to detect the water stored in the automatic water tank (1310), and The at least one processor (1600) is configured to control the third pump (610) to supply water to the automatic water injection device (1300) until the water level sensor detects water.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to send a notification message to the user equipment (3000) via a server device (2000) when the first pump (630) discharges water stored in the water tank (1100) onto the evaporation plate (1801), and the notification message indicates that the remaining water will begin to be discharged.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to: When an operation by a user using the refrigerator (1000) is detected, operation of the first pump (630) for draining water stored in the water tank (1100) onto the evaporator plate (1801) is stopped. An alarm to empty the water tank (1100) is output via the display or speaker of the refrigerator (1000).

14. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to: In response to receiving a signal from the water detection sensor (1500) located at a position corresponding to the bottom of the water tank (1100) indicating that no water is detected in the water tank (1100), Deactivate the operation of at least one pump used to supply water from the water tank (1100) to the at least one water supply system. An alarm for replenishing water to the water tank (1100) via at least one output from a display, speaker, or user equipment (3000) connected to the server equipment (2000), and The first pump (630) is operated to discharge the remaining water in the water tank (1100) within a certain period of time.

15. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The at least one processor (1600) is configured to: when the internal temperature of the refrigerator (1000) is a reference temperature or higher, to issue an alarm to check the temperature in the refrigerator (1000) or to issue an alarm to check the status of the water tank (1100) via at least one output of a display, a speaker, or a user device (3000) connected to a server device (2000).

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