Refrigerator and control method for the same

Abstract

A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The refrigerator is equipped with a refrigerant recovery valve at the rear end of an evaporator. The evaporator is provided in two units and includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected in parallel with each other. The refrigerant recovery valve is positioned at the rear end of the first evaporator with respect to the direction of refrigerant flow. The refrigerant recovery valve opens and closes the flow of refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator. When the refrigerant recovery valve is closed, refrigerant is recovered in the first evaporator. Through this, the recovered refrigerant can resolve the refrigerant shortage in the first evaporator, thereby improving the cooling performance and efficiency of the evaporator.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator capable of improving cooling performance and efficiency, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is an appliance that stores food at low temperatures, and it is essential to ensure that the storage compartment is always maintained at a constant low temperature.

[0003] Generally, refrigerators use a refrigeration cycle device consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion mechanism, and evaporator to maintain the temperature of the storage compartment at a low temperature.

[0004] The storage compartment of a refrigerator can be divided into a freezer and a refrigerator, with the storage space separated according to the required temperature.

[0005] Refrigerators can be classified into a single evaporator (ONE EVA) system, which cools both the freezer and refrigerator compartments together with a single evaporator, and a two-evaporator (TWO EVA) system, which cools the freezer and refrigerator compartments independently using two evaporators.

[0006] The above-mentioned two-evaporator refrigerator has the following advantages as evaporators are provided in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, respectively, and connected in parallel. The above-mentioned two-evaporator refrigerator has the advantages of being able to control the temperature of each compartment more precisely, improve food preservation by individually adjusting the humidity environment of each compartment, prevent odor mixing by maintaining independent air circulation in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, and optimize energy saving and performance by allowing only the freezer compartment, where frost is prone to forming, to be defrosted intensively. Due to these advantages, research and development on the above-mentioned two-evaporator refrigerator is actively underway.

[0007] However, the two evaporator-type refrigerators mentioned above have the following problems.

[0008] The freezer and refrigerator compartments each require different temperatures and have a temperature difference of approximately 18 to 23°C.

[0009] In order to satisfy the respective internal temperatures of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, the evaporation temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerator evaporator are higher than those in the freezer evaporator.

[0010] An imbalance in refrigerant distribution may occur due to the pressure difference between the freezer evaporator and the refrigerator evaporator. In particular, as refrigerant concentrates in the freezer evaporator, the supply to the refrigerator evaporator becomes insufficient, leading to a problem of reduced cooling performance.

[0011] For example, in the refrigerator with the two evaporator types mentioned above, during freezing operation, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the freezer evaporator are maintained similarly because the system operates with an appropriate amount of refrigerant; however, during refrigeration operation, there is a problem where efficiency is reduced because the inlet and outlet temperatures of the refrigerator evaporator differ due to a shortage of refrigerant.

[0012] To solve this, KR 10-2008-0088848 A (publication date: October 6, 2008, hereinafter referred to as the 'Patent Document') discloses a method for controlling a refrigerator.

[0013] According to the above patent document, a control method for a refrigerator includes a refrigerant recovery step in which, when a refrigerant recovery condition is satisfied, a three-way valve is closed and a compressor is driven to recover refrigerant from at least one of a freezer evaporator and a refrigerator evaporator to a condenser.

[0014] Through the above refrigerant recovery step, refrigerant can be smoothly supplied to each evaporator even when the compressor is restarted after being turned off.

[0015] However, while the above refrigerant recovery step can partially resolve the refrigerant shortage problem of the refrigerator evaporator, a fundamental solution is difficult, and there is still a problem in that the difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the refrigerator evaporator widens due to the lack of refrigerant during refrigeration operation, causing a decrease in cooling performance.

[0016] In addition, there is a problem in that the cycle closure of the above-mentioned three-way valve causes adverse effects such as reduced reliability when operating the compressor. The problem to be solved

[0017] The objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can solve the aforementioned problems.

[0018] The first objective is to provide a refrigerator with a structure capable of recovering refrigerant to a first evaporator to not only sufficiently supply refrigerant to the first evaporator but also resolving the problem of refrigerant shortage in the first evaporator, and a control method thereof.

[0019] The second objective is to provide a refrigerator with a structure that enables high-temperature evaporation of the refrigerant in the first evaporator, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and a control method thereof.

[0020] The third objective is to provide a refrigerator with a structure that enables refrigerant recovery without closing the cycle, thereby preventing a decrease in compressor reliability caused by cycle closure, and a control method thereof. means of solving the problem

[0021] As a result of intensive research, the inventors have found that the problem of the present invention or the first to third objectives described above can be achieved by the following embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the refrigerator according to the present invention arranges a first refrigerant recovery valve at the rear end of the first evaporator based on the refrigerant flow direction, and by trapping the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator through the closing of the first refrigeration recovery valve, the refrigerant shortage phenomenon of the first evaporator can be resolved.

[0023] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet partitioned into a refrigerator room and a freezer room; a first evaporator that supplies cold air to the refrigerator room; a second evaporator that supplies cold air to the freezer room; a compressor that supplies refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator; a three-way valve that controls the flow of refrigerant flowing from the compressor to at least one of the first evaporator and the second evaporator; and a first refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the first evaporator with respect to the direction of flow of the refrigerant, which opens and closes the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator.

[0024] Through this, the first refrigerant recovery valve can block the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator, thereby trapping the refrigerant in the first evaporator and allowing for a sufficient supply.

[0025] According to one example, it may include a control unit that controls the three-way valve and the first refrigerant recovery valve.

[0026] Through this, the control unit can control the opening and closing operation of the three-way valve and the first refrigerant recovery valve.

[0027] According to one example, the first refrigerant recovery valve blocks the flow of refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator, thereby allowing the refrigerant to be recovered in the first evaporator.

[0028] According to one example, a second refrigerant recovery valve may be further included, which is positioned at the outlet side of the second evaporator based on the flow direction of the refrigerant and opens or closes the flow of the refrigerant passing through the second evaporator.

[0029] Through this, the second refrigerant recovery valve can block the flow of refrigerant passing through the second evaporator as needed, thereby trapping and recovering the refrigerant in the second evaporator.

[0030] According to one example, the second refrigerant recovery valve blocks the flow of refrigerant that has passed through the second evaporator, thereby allowing the refrigerant to be recovered in the second evaporator.

[0031] According to one example, the control unit can control the first refrigerant recovery valve to recover refrigerant to the first evaporator after the operation of the freezer room and before the compressor is turned off.

[0032] According to one example, the control unit can control the first refrigerant recovery valve to recover refrigerant to the first evaporator after the operation of the refrigerator room and before the operation of the freezer room.

[0033] According to one example, the control unit can control the first refrigerant recovery valve to recover refrigerant to the first evaporator after the compressor is turned off and before the refrigerator room is operated.

[0034] According to one example, the first evaporator and the second evaporator can be connected in parallel with each other.

[0035] Through this, the first evaporator and the second evaporator can independently cool the refrigerator room and the freezer room, respectively, thereby allowing the internal temperature of each storage space to be precisely controlled to a target temperature.

[0036] According to one example, the refrigerator may further include a condenser that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor; and an expander that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser.

[0037] The above three-way valve is positioned between the outlet side of the condenser and the inlet side of the expansion valve based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, and can selectively open and close the flow path of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, or open and close the flow path toward the first evaporator in the refrigerator room or the flow path toward the second evaporator in the freezer room.

[0038] Through this, the three-way valve can selectively open or close the flow path of the refrigerant heading toward the first evaporator and the second evaporator, or switch the flow path direction.

[0039] According to one example, the control unit can open the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve and close the first refrigerant recovery valve.

[0040] Through this, the refrigeration cycle device can recover refrigerant without closing the cycle. In addition, since the cycle does not need to be closed when recovering refrigerant through the operation of the compressor, a decrease in the reliability of the compressor can be prevented.

[0041] According to one example, the expander may include a first capillary tube connected to the first evaporator; and a second capillary tube connected to the second evaporator.

[0042] Through this, the first capillary and the second capillary can expand the refrigerant that has passed through the three-way valve.

[0043] According to one example, it may include a first evaporator upstream pipe connecting the refrigerator-side flow path of the three-way valve to the first evaporator; a first evaporator downstream pipe connected to the outlet side of the first evaporator; a second evaporator upstream pipe connecting the freezer-side flow path of the three-way valve to the second evaporator; a second evaporator downstream pipe connected to the outlet side of the second evaporator; and a merging pipe connected to the compressor where the first evaporator downstream pipe and the second evaporator downstream pipe merge.

[0044] The first refrigerant recovery valve is installed in the downstream piping of the first evaporator and can open and close the refrigerant flow of the downstream piping of the first evaporator.

[0045] According to one example, it may further include a second refrigerant recovery valve installed in the second evaporator downstream pipe and opening and closing the refrigerant flow of the second evaporator downstream pipe.

[0046] According to one example, it may further include a check valve installed in the downstream pipe of the second evaporator and restricting the refrigerant flow of the downstream pipe of the second evaporator in one direction.

[0047] According to the control method of a refrigerator according to the present invention, to control a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet partitioned into a refrigerator room and a freezer room; a first evaporator supplying cold air to the refrigerator room; a second evaporator supplying cold air to the freezer room; a compressor supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator; a three-way valve controlling the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to at least one of the second evaporator and the first evaporator; and a first refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the first evaporator based on the direction of flow of the refrigerant and opening and closing the flow of the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator, the method may include the step of checking the temperature of the refrigerator room and the freezer room to determine whether it is one of the operating conditions of the refrigerator room, the operating condition of the freezer room, or the simultaneous operation of the refrigerator room and the freezer room; and the step of recovering the refrigerant to the first evaporator before or after the operation of any one of the operating conditions when any one of the operating conditions is satisfied.

[0048] Through this, the refrigerant recovery step can block the first refrigerant recovery valve to sufficiently supply refrigerant to the first evaporator.

[0049] According to one example of the above control method, after the refrigerant recovery step, a step of turning off the compressor may be further included.

[0050] According to one example of the above control method, the refrigerant recovery step may include the step of opening the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve and closing the first refrigerant recovery valve.

[0051] Through this, the refrigerant recovery step can recover refrigerant to the first evaporator by closing the first refrigerant recovery valve without closing the cycle by opening the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve.

[0052] According to one example of the above control method, the refrigerator may further include a second refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the second evaporator to open and close the flow of refrigerant passing through the second evaporator.

[0053] The above refrigerant recovery step may include the step of opening the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve and closing the second refrigerant recovery valve.

[0054] Through this, the refrigerant recovery step can recover refrigerant to the second evaporator by closing the second refrigerant recovery valve without closing the cycle by opening the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve.

[0055] According to one example of the above control method, when the above refrigerator room operating conditions are satisfied, the refrigerant recovery step may be performed after the operation of the refrigerator room.

[0056] According to one example of the above control method, when the above refrigerator room operating conditions are satisfied, the refrigerant recovery step may be performed before the operation of the refrigerator room.

[0057] According to one example of the above control method, when the above freezer operating conditions are satisfied, the refrigerant recovery step may be performed after the operation of the freezer. Effects of the invention

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be achieved.

[0059] First, a refrigerant recovery valve may be provided on the outlet side of the evaporator based on the direction of refrigerant flow. The refrigerant recovery valve may include a first refrigerant recovery valve and a second refrigerant recovery valve.

[0060] The first refrigerant recovery valve may be positioned on the outlet side of the first evaporator. The first refrigerant recovery valve can recover refrigerant from the first evaporator by blocking the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator.

[0061] Through this, sufficient refrigerant can be supplied to the first evaporator when the compressor is restarted in the future. By storing refrigerant in the first evaporator through the closing operation of the first refrigerant recovery valve, there is no need to supply additional refrigerant to the first evaporator when the compressor is restarted in the future, and the refrigerant shortage can be resolved.

[0062] The second refrigerant recovery valve can supply sufficient refrigerant to the second evaporator when closed as needed.

[0063] Second, the first refrigerant recovery valve can raise the refrigerant evaporation temperature of the first evaporator by sufficiently supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator.

[0064] Efficiency can be improved if the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator is higher than the conventional one.

[0065] More specifically, power consumption can be reduced by decreasing the load on the compressor.

[0066] As the refrigerant's evaporation temperature increases, its evaporation pressure rises. A higher evaporation pressure reduces the compressor's compression ratio. In other words, the power required for the compressor to circulate the same amount of refrigerant decreases. Consequently, the refrigerator's energy efficiency (COP, Coefficient of Performance) can be improved.

[0067] In addition, the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerator compartment is improved.

[0068] If the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant increases, the temperature difference between the first evaporator and the air in the refrigerator compartment decreases, which may reduce condensation on the heat exchanger and mitigate frost formation. This can contribute to improving cold air flow and maintaining cooling efficiency.

[0069] In addition, the operation of the entire system can be optimized.

[0070] When the evaporation temperature of the first evaporator increases, the performance of the freezer compartment can be maintained more stably without significantly changing the cooling performance of the refrigerator compartment. In particular, in a 2EVA parallel connection system in which the first evaporator and the second evaporator are connected in parallel, the freezer compartment with lower evaporation pressure can receive relatively more refrigerant, so the cooling performance of the freezer compartment can also be improved.

[0071] Third, the second refrigerant recovery valve is opened even when recovering refrigerant, so that the refrigerant passing through the F valve of the three-way valve circulates via the second evaporator by the operation of the compressor, thereby allowing the freezer room to be cooled without closing the cycle.

[0072] Through this, the degradation of compressor reliability caused by cycle closure during compressor operation can be minimized. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0073] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device installed inside a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view showing the refrigeration cycle device mounted inside the refrigerator in Figure 1 as viewed from the front. Figure 3 is a side view showing the refrigeration cycle device mounted inside the refrigerator in Figure 1 as viewed from the side. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing various forms of the condenser installed in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the refrigerant circulation circuit of the refrigeration cycle device in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the control device of the refrigerator in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control method of the refrigerator in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a table for explaining the control method of the three-way valve and refrigerant recovery valve according to the operation of the refrigerator in Figure 1. Figures 9a to 9d are conceptual diagrams showing the refrigerant flow of the cycle for each operation of the refrigerator in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the timing of refrigerant recovery injection in Figure 1. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a refrigerant circulation circuit of a refrigeration cycle device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the control method of the refrigerator in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a table for explaining the control method of the three-way valve and refrigerant recovery valve according to the operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 11. FIGS. 14a to 14d are conceptual diagrams showing the refrigerant flow of the cycle for each operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a refrigerant circulation circuit of a refrigeration cycle device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a table for explaining the control method of the three-way valve and refrigerant recovery valve according to the operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 15. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0074] Hereinafter, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0075] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0076] 1. Definition of Terms

[0077] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0078] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0079] As used in this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0080] In this specification, the first evaporator may be named a refrigerator evaporator.

[0081] In this specification, the second evaporator may be named a freezer evaporator.

[0082] In the following description, the term “inlet side of the evaporator based on the direction of refrigerant flow” refers to the part where the refrigerant enters the evaporator. However, the above “inlet side of the evaporator” may be understood as a concept that includes the “upstream side of the evaporator,” which refers to a position ahead of the evaporator based on the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0083] In the following description, the term “outlet side of the evaporator based on the direction of refrigerant flow” refers to the part where the refrigerant exits the evaporator. However, the above “outlet side of the evaporator” may be understood as a concept that includes the “downstream side of the evaporator,” which refers to a position lagging behind the evaporator based on the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0084] 2. Description of the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0085] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device (120) installed inside a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigeration cycle device (120) mounted inside the refrigerator in FIG. 1 as seen from the front.

[0087] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the refrigeration cycle device (120) mounted inside the refrigerator in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side.

[0088] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing various forms of the condenser (122) installed in FIG. 1.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the refrigerant circulation circuit of the refrigeration cycle device (120) in FIG. 1.

[0090] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the control device of the refrigerator in Figure 1.

[0091] A refrigerator according to the present invention may include a cabinet (100) and a door (110). The cabinet (100) forms the exterior of the refrigerator.

[0092] The cabinet (100) includes an outer case (101) and an inner case (102). The outer case (101) is positioned facing the outside of the refrigerator. The inner case (102) is positioned facing the inside of the refrigerator.

[0093] An insulating material (103) is provided between the outer case (101) and the inner case (102). Through this, the insulating material (103) can block heat transfer caused by the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator.

[0094] A storage room (104) is provided inside the inner case (102). A door (110) is rotatably or slidably coupled to the cabinet (100) to open and close the storage room (104). In this embodiment, the door (110) is hinged to the cabinet (100) so that it can rotate.

[0095] The storage room (104) may include a freezer room (105) and a refrigerator room (106). Items to be stored, such as food, may be stored in the freezer room (105) and the refrigerator room (106).

[0096] A partition wall (107) is provided between the freezer room (105) and the refrigerator room (106). The partition wall (107) can divide the freezer room (105) and the refrigerator room (106) in the left-right or up-down direction within the cabinet (100).

[0097] In this embodiment, the freezer (105) and the refrigerator (106) are shown partitioned in the vertical direction. The refrigerator (106) is located on the upper side of the cabinet (100), and the freezer (105) is located on the lower side of the cabinet (100).

[0098] The door (110) may include a freezer door (111) for opening and closing the freezer (105) and a refrigerator door (112) for opening and closing the refrigerator (106). Although not limited to this, the refrigerator door (112) may further include a sub-door for extracting items stored in the refrigerator door (112) without opening the refrigerator door (112).

[0099] The refrigerator further includes a refrigeration cycle device (120) for cooling the freezer compartment (105) and / or the refrigerator compartment (106). The refrigerator may include a machine room (108) for housing the refrigeration cycle device (120).

[0100] The machine room (108) can be placed in the lower part of the refrigerator.

[0101] The refrigerator includes a refrigeration cycle device (120). The refrigeration cycle device (120) includes a compressor (121), a condenser (122), an expander (125), and an evaporator (126). The compressor (121), condenser (122), expander (125), and evaporator (126) may be connected by a refrigerant pipe (128).

[0102] The refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipe (128) through the compressor (121), condenser (122), expansion valve (125), and evaporator (126). The refrigerant pipe (128) can form a closed loop.

[0103] The compressor (121) can compress the refrigerant. The compressor (121) can be installed inside the machine room (108).

[0104] The condenser (122) can condense the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (121). The condenser (122) may include a main condenser (1221), a sub-condenser (1222), a hot line (1223), etc.

[0105] The main condenser (1221) can be installed inside the machine room (108). The main condenser (1221) may be of the fin tube type. The main condenser (1221) may be composed of tubes and fins. The tubes may form a flow path for the refrigerant. The tubes may be composed of copper or aluminum tubes.

[0106] The tube can exchange heat with the air in the machine room (108). The fins can be formed in the shape of plates. The fins can be in contact with the tubes to expand the heat exchange surface area between the tubes and the outside air. The fins can transfer heat generated in the tubes to the air.

[0107] Through this, the main condenser (1221) can release heat from the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (121) and the outside air.

[0108] In this embodiment, the main condenser (1221) is shown configured as a fin tube type. However, it is not limited thereto, and the main condenser (1221) may optionally include a wall type condenser. In this embodiment, the main condenser (1221) is shown without a wall condenser (1224). The wall condenser (1224) may be positioned to be exposed on the rear of the refrigerator.

[0109] A condensation fan (123) may be installed around the main condenser (1221). The condensation fan (123) may circulate air from the machine room (108) to the main condenser (1221). The condensation fan (123) may serve to facilitate heat exchange between the air and the main condenser (1221).

[0110] The sub-condenser (1222) can be configured in a wire type form. The sub-condenser (1222) can be named an edge condenser. The sub-condenser (1222) can be integrated into the interior of the side or rear panel of the refrigerator.

[0111] The sub-condenser (1222) is not exposed to the outside of the refrigerator, so the design of the refrigerator can be kept clean. The sub-condenser (1222) is configured by forming a single tube in a rectangular shape at the rear of the refrigerator, thereby minimizing the installation space of the sub-condenser (1222). The sub-condenser (1222) releases heat through natural air cooling via the outer wall of the refrigerator, and has the advantage of low noise because no heat is required.

[0112] The hot line (1223) can be positioned inside the door frame or the side of the door (110) to prevent condensation (water droplets due to moisture) from forming on the outer surface of the door (110) or cabinet (100) due to the low temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0113] The hot line (1223) may be installed on the front side of the refrigerator or on the door (110). The hot line (1223) may extend from a portion of the tube of the condenser (122). The hot line (1223) may extend along the edge of the door (110).

[0114] In particular, the hot line (1223) can be installed along the side of the freezer door (111).

[0115] The hot line (1223) can prevent condensation by releasing heat through the side of the door (110). The hot line (1223) can prevent condensation using only the heat of the circulating refrigerant without an additional heater.

[0116] The hot line (1223) can be connected in series or in parallel with the main condenser (1221). In this embodiment, the hot line (1223) is shown connected in series with the main condenser (1221). The hot line (1223) can be positioned at the outlet side of the main condenser (1221) with respect to the refrigerant flow direction.

[0117] The wall condenser (1224) can be formed in the shape of a wall. The wall condenser (1224) can function as a main condenser (1221). The main condenser (1221) and the wall condenser (1224) can be optionally applied to the refrigerator. The wall condenser (1224) can be mounted on the rear of the cabinet (100) so as to be exposed to the outside. The wall condenser (1224) can be formed in a fin tube type.

[0118] The wall condenser (1224) may be composed of tubes and fins. The tubes may form a flow path through which the refrigerant can flow. The tubes may be made of a heat-transferable metal material. The tubes may release the heat of the refrigerant to the outside.

[0119] The fins can be formed in the shape of plates. Multiple fins may be provided. Multiple fins may be arranged closely side by side along the tube. The fins may be made of a heat-transferable metal material.

[0120] The fins come into contact with the tube, which can expand the heat transfer surface area of ​​the tube.

[0121] The wall condenser (1224) may be provided together with the main condenser (1221) or omitted. In this embodiment, the wall condenser (1224) is omitted and the main condenser (1221) is provided.

[0122] A three-way valve (124) may be positioned between the condenser (122) and the expansion valve (125) to be described later. The three-way valve (124) may be configured to supply the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (122) to the first evaporator (1261) and the second evaporator (1262) to be described later.

[0123] The three-way valve (124) can selectively open or close the flow path of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser (122). The three-way valve (124) can open or close the first capillary tube (1251) leading to the first evaporator (1261) to be described later, or the second capillary tube (1252) leading to the second evaporator (1262) to be described later.

[0124] The three-way valve (124) includes one inlet passage (1241) and two outlet passages. The two outlet passages may be formed to branch off from the inlet passage (1241).

[0125] Of the two outflow channels, the first outflow channel can be connected to the first capillary (1251). Of the two outflow channels, the second outflow channel can be connected to the second capillary (1252).

[0126] The first outflow path may be named “R valve (1242)” in that it is positioned toward the refrigerator room (106). The opening and closing of the first outflow path may be named the on / off of the R valve (1242).

[0127] The second outflow path may be named “F valve (1243)” in that it is positioned toward the freezer room (105). The opening and closing of the second outflow path may be named the on / off of the F valve (1243).

[0128] However, although an example in which a three-way valve (124) is provided has been described in this embodiment, it is also possible to place an opening / closing valve in each pipe connected to the first evaporator (1261) and the second evaporator (1262) instead of the three-way valve (124).

[0129] The three-way valve (124) has a limited diameter of the inlet passage (1241) and outlet passage according to the diameter of the capillary tube (e.g., the capillary tube diameter is 1 to 2 mm) described later, so while the R valve (1242) or F valve (1243) can be turned on / off, it is practically impossible to control the opening of the three-way valve (124).

[0130] The expander (125) can expand the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (122). The expander (125) can be implemented as a capillary tube. The capillary tube may be configured to include a first capillary tube (1251) and a second capillary tube (1252).

[0131] The first capillary tube (1251) can be connected to the first evaporator (1261) to be described later. The first capillary tube (1251) can be positioned between the outlet side of the three-way valve (124) and the inlet side of the first evaporator (1261) with respect to the refrigerant flow direction. Through this, the first capillary tube (1251) can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser (122) and deliver it to the first evaporator (1261).

[0132] The second capillary tube (1252) can be connected to the second evaporator (1262) to be described later. The second capillary tube (1252) can be positioned between the outlet side of the three-way valve (124) and the inlet side of the second evaporator (1262) with respect to the refrigerant flow direction. Through this, the second capillary tube (1252) can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser (122) and deliver it to the second evaporator (1262).

[0133] The evaporator (126) can evaporate the refrigerant expanded in the expander (125). The evaporator (126) can be formed in the shape of a fin tube. The evaporator (126) can be composed of tubes and fins. The tubes can form a flow path for the refrigerant. The tubes can be composed of copper or aluminum tubes.

[0134] The tube can exchange heat with the air in the storage room (104). The fins can be formed in the shape of plates. The fins can be in contact with the tube to expand the heat exchange surface area between the tube and the outside air. The fins can absorb heat from the air in the storage room (104) and transfer it to the tube.

[0135] Through this, the evaporator (126) can cool the air in the storage room (104) by absorbing heat from the air through heat exchange between the refrigerant expanded in the expander (125) and the air in the storage room (104).

[0136] The evaporator (126) may include a first evaporator (1261) and a second evaporator (1262).

[0137] The refrigerator room (106) and the freezer room (105) are separated by a partition so that cold air cannot flow between them.

[0138] The first evaporator (1261) may be positioned at the rear of the refrigerator room (106). The first evaporator (1261) may be positioned adjacent to the rear of the refrigerator room (106). The first evaporator (1261) may be formed to communicate with the refrigerator room (106) through a communication hole (intake port and discharge port) formed at the rear of the refrigerator room (106).

[0139] Through this, the first evaporator (1261) can heat exchange the air of the refrigerator room (106) with the refrigerant of the first evaporator (1261) to cool the air of the refrigerator room (106).

[0140] The second evaporator (1262) may be positioned at the rear of the freezer (105). The second evaporator (1262) may be positioned adjacent to the rear of the freezer (105). The second evaporator (1262) may be formed to communicate with the freezer (105) through a communication hole (intake port and discharge port) formed at the rear of the freezer (105).

[0141] Through this, the second evaporator (1262) can cool the air in the freezer (105) by exchanging heat between the air in the freezer (105) and the refrigerant in the second evaporator (1262).

[0142] A refrigerator fan (1263) may be placed in the refrigerator room (106). The refrigerator fan (1263) can circulate air so that the air inside the refrigerator room (106) comes into contact with the first evaporator (1261). By doing so, the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator (1261) can be improved.

[0143] A freezer fan (1264) may be placed in the freezer (105). The freezer fan (1264) can circulate air so that the air inside the freezer (105) comes into contact with the second evaporator (1262). By doing so, the heat exchange efficiency of the second evaporator (1262) can be improved.

[0144] A check valve (127) may be installed on the discharge side of the second evaporator (1262). The check valve (127) is configured to restrict the flow direction of the refrigerant in one direction. Through this, the check valve (127) allows the refrigerant of the second evaporator (1262) to move from the second evaporator (1262) to the compressor (121) by the refrigerant circulation power of the compressor (121), but can restrict the refrigerant discharged from the first evaporator (1261) from flowing into the second evaporator (1262).

[0145] The refrigerant piping (128) may be composed of the first pipe (1281) to the Nth pipe. Here, N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0146] The first pipe (1281) can connect the compressor (121) and the condenser (122). The first pipe (1281) can connect the discharge port of the compressor (121) and the inlet port of the condenser (122). The first pipe (1281) can be named the condenser upstream pipe in that it is connected to the inlet side of the condenser (122).

[0147] The second pipe (1282) can connect the condenser (122) and the three-way valve (124). The second pipe (1282) can be connected to the hot line (1223). The second pipe (1282) can be named the condenser downstream pipe in that it is connected to the outlet side of the condenser (122).

[0148] A dryer (130) may be installed in the second pipe (1282). The dryer (130) may include a mesh and a desiccant. Through this, the dryer (130) can remove moisture from the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (122). The dryer (130) can prevent moisture from entering the capillary tube, thereby preventing the capillary tube from becoming clogged.

[0149] The second pipe (1282) can connect the inflow path (1241) of the dryer (130) and the three-way valve (124). Through this, the second pipe (1282) can deliver the refrigerant from which moisture has been removed by the dryer (130) to the three-way valve (124).

[0150] The third pipe (1283) can connect the three-way valve (124) and the evaporator (126). The third pipe (1283) includes branch pipes (1284, 1285). The branch pipes (1284, 1285) may be composed of a first branch pipe (1284) and a second branch pipe (1285). The first branch pipe (1284) can connect the flow path on the refrigerator room (106) side of the three-way valve (124) to the first evaporator (1261). The second branch pipe (1285) can connect the flow path on the freezer room (105) side of the three-way valve (124) to the second evaporator (1262).

[0151] A first capillary tube (1251) may be installed in the first branch pipe (1284). The first capillary tube (1251) may be positioned between the three-way valve (124) and the first evaporator (1261). The first capillary tube (1251) may be positioned between the outlet side of the R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) and the inlet side of the first evaporator (1261) with respect to the refrigerant flow direction.

[0152] Through this, the first capillary tube (1251) can expand the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (122) and transfer it to the first evaporator (1261).

[0153] A second capillary tube (1252) may be installed in the second branch pipe (1285). The second capillary tube (1252) may be positioned between the three-way valve (124) and the second evaporator (1262). The second capillary tube (1252) may be positioned at the outlet side of the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) and the inlet side of the second evaporator (1262) based on the refrigerant flow direction.

[0154] Through this, the second capillary tube (1252) can expand the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (122) and transfer it to the second evaporator (1262).

[0155] The first branch pipe (1284) can be named the first evaporator upstream pipe in that it is positioned at the inlet side of the first evaporator (1261).

[0156] The second branch pipe (1285) can be named the second evaporator upstream pipe in that it is positioned at the inlet side of the second evaporator (1262).

[0157] The first branch pipe (1284) can be configured to connect the first capillary tube (1251) and the inlet of the first evaporator (1261).

[0158] The second branch pipe (1285) can be configured to connect the second capillary tube (1252) and the inlet port, which is the inlet side of the second evaporator (1262).

[0159] The fourth pipe (1286) may be configured to connect the evaporator (126) and the compressor (121). The fourth pipe (1286) may include the third branch pipe and the fourth branch pipe.

[0160] The third branch pipe can connect the first evaporator (1261) and the compressor (121). The fourth branch pipe can connect the second evaporator (1262) and the compressor (121).

[0161] The third branch pipe can be named the first evaporator downstream pipe (1287) in that it is positioned at the outlet side of the first evaporator (1261).

[0162] The fourth branch pipe can be named the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288) in that it is positioned at the outlet side of the second evaporator (1262).

[0163] The first evaporator downstream pipe (1287) can connect the outlet of the first evaporator (1261) and the intake of the compressor (121). The second evaporator downstream pipe (1288) can connect the outlet of the second evaporator (1262) and the intake of the compressor (121).

[0164] The first evaporator downstream pipe (1287) and the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288) can be joined together.

[0165] The fourth pipe (1286) may further include a joining pipe. The joining pipe may connect the outlet ends of the first evaporator downstream pipe (1287) and the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288), respectively.

[0166] The first evaporator (1261) and the second evaporator (1262) can be connected in parallel by the first branch pipe (1284) to the fourth branch pipe.

[0167] The first evaporator (1261) can be connected to the refrigerator-side flow path of the three-way valve (124) by the first evaporator upstream pipe. The first evaporator (1261) can be connected to the suction port of the compressor (121) by the first evaporator downstream pipe (1287).

[0168] The second evaporator (1262) can be connected to the flow path on the freezer room (105) side of the three-way valve (124) by the upstream pipe of the second evaporator (1262). The second evaporator (1262) can be connected to the intake port of the compressor (121) by the downstream pipe (1288) of the second evaporator.

[0169] To resolve the refrigerant shortage of the first evaporator (1261), a first refrigerant recovery valve (131) may be provided in the discharge side piping of the first evaporator (1261). The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) is positioned on the outlet side of the first evaporator (1261) based on the refrigerant flow direction. The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) may be installed in the downstream piping (1287) of the first evaporator.

[0170] The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can open and close the pipeline of the first evaporator downstream pipe (1287). The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can perform opening and closing operations according to a control signal from the control unit (138).

[0171] The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can block the flow of refrigerant flowing along the first evaporator downstream pipe (1287) when closed. The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can allow the movement of refrigerant flowing along the first evaporator downstream pipe (1287) when open.

[0172] Through this, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can recover refrigerant to the first evaporator (1261) when closed. Additionally, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can sufficiently supply refrigerant to the first evaporator (1261) to resolve the refrigerant shortage in the first evaporator (1261) caused by pressure imbalance due to the difference in evaporation temperature between the refrigerator room (106) and the freezer room (105).

[0173] A second refrigerant recovery valve (132) may be provided in the discharge side piping of the second evaporator (1262). The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) is positioned on the outlet side of the second evaporator (1262) with respect to the refrigerant flow direction. The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) may be installed in the downstream piping (1288) of the second evaporator.

[0174] The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can open and close the pipeline of the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288). The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can perform opening and closing operations according to a control signal from the control unit (138).

[0175] The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can block the flow of refrigerant flowing along the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288) when closed. The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can allow the movement of refrigerant flowing along the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288) when open.

[0176] Through this, the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can recover refrigerant to the second evaporator (1262) when closed. Additionally, the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can supply sufficient refrigerant to the second evaporator (1262) when necessary.

[0177] However, since the refrigerant in the second evaporator (1262) has a lower evaporation pressure compared to the first evaporator (1261), the refrigerant can flow into the second evaporator (1262), so the probability of a refrigerant shortage occurring is low. The second refrigerant recovery valve (132) can be omitted.

[0178] The refrigerator includes a sensing unit (133) and a control unit (138).

[0179] The sensing unit (133) may include a temperature sensor (134) and a power sensor (137).

[0180] The temperature sensor (134) is configured to detect the temperature of the storage room (104). The temperature sensor (134) may include a freezer temperature sensor (135) and a refrigerator temperature sensor (136).

[0181] The freezer temperature sensor (135) is configured to detect the temperature of the freezer (105). The refrigerator temperature sensor (136) is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerator (106). The control unit (138) is configured to control the compressor (121) based on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor (134).

[0182] The power sensor (137) is configured to measure the cold source output of the cold air supply means. In this embodiment, the power source generating cold air is a compressor (121). The power sensor (137) is configured to measure the power value of the compressor (121). The power sensor (137) may include a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor.

[0183] The power value of the compressor (121) can be varied according to the operating mode. The power value can be measured by calculating the product of the current and the voltage.

[0184] The cooling power of the compressor (121) may vary depending on the power value applied to the compressor (121). The cooling power of the compressor (121) can be obtained by measuring the power value applied to the compressor (121).

[0185] The control unit (138) can control at least one of the compressor (121), the refrigerator fan (1263), and the freezer fan (1264) to maintain the temperature of the freezer (105) at a target temperature.

[0186] The control unit (138) can control a valve such as a three-way valve (124) to perform any one of the following operations: simultaneous operation of the refrigerator room (106) / freezer room (105), operation of the refrigerator room (106), and operation of the freezer room (105).

[0187] The control unit (138) may be configured in the form of a microcomputer for overall control of the refrigerator. The control unit (138) may include a memory (139).

[0188] A set temperature (or target temperature) can be stored in the memory (139). A change in cooling power according to unit temperature can be stored in the memory (139).

[0189] The control unit (138) can control the cooling power of the compressor (121) so that the internal temperature of the freezer (105) and / or refrigerator (106) is maintained within the temperature satisfaction range.

[0190] 3. Description of a control method for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0191] Hereinafter, a control method for a refrigerator according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0192] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control method of the refrigerator in Figure 1.

[0193] FIG. 8 is a table for explaining the control method of the three-way valve (124) and the refrigerant recovery valve according to the operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 1.

[0194] Figures 9a to 9d are conceptual diagrams showing the refrigerant flow of the cycle for each operation of the refrigerator in Figure 1.

[0195] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the timing of refrigerant recovery injection in Figure 1.

[0196] First, power can be supplied to the refrigerator.

[0197] When the above power is input, the control unit (138) receives the detection signal from the detection unit (133) and can detect the temperature of the refrigerator room (106) and the freezer room (105).

[0198] The control unit (138) can determine the simultaneous operation conditions by comparing the internal temperature detected in the refrigerator room (106) and the freezer room (105) with the target temperature range of each internal temperature (S110).

[0199] If each of the above internal temperatures is higher than the preset temperature of the target temperature range, the load of each internal temperature can be calculated according to the temperature difference and then the compressor (121) can be operated.

[0200] The control unit (138) can open both the R valve (1242) and the F valve (1243) of the 3-way valve (124) so ​​that the refrigerator room (106) and the freezer room (105) are operated simultaneously during initial startup, thereby supplying refrigerant to both the first evaporator (1261) and the second evaporator (1262). Through this, both the refrigerator room (106) and the freezer room (105) can be cooled (S111).

[0201] In particular, simultaneous operation can be performed during the initial startup of the refrigerator or when started after a power outage.

[0202] After determining the above simultaneous operation conditions, the control unit (138) can detect the temperature of the refrigerator room (106) and determine the operating conditions of the refrigerator room (106) according to the detected temperature (S120).

[0203] When the temperature of the detected refrigerator room (106) is higher than the preset temperature of the refrigerator room (106) target temperature range, it is determined that the operating conditions of the refrigerator room (106) are satisfied, and the refrigerator room (106) can be cooled by supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator (1261) (S121).

[0204] The control unit (138) turns on the R valve (1242) of the 3-way valve (124) and turns off the F valve (1243) when the refrigerator room (106) is operated. The control unit (138) turns on the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) and the second refrigerant recovery valve (132), respectively, when the refrigerator room (106) is operated.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 8, 3W / V stands for 3Way-Valve (3-way valve (124)). The R in the upper right of 3W / V represents the R valve (1242). The F in the lower right of 3W / V represents the F valve (1243).

[0206] R operation refers to the operation of the refrigerator compartment (106) by taking the first letter of the refrigerator compartment (106), and cools the refrigerator compartment (106). F operation refers to the operation of the freezer compartment (105) by taking the first letter of the freezer compartment (105), and cools the freezer compartment (105).

[0207] In Fig. 8, "O" means on (open). "X" means off (closed).

[0208] R at the top right of the refrigerant recovery valve represents the first refrigerant recovery valve (131). F at the bottom right of the refrigerant recovery valve represents the second refrigerant recovery valve (132).

[0209] Referring to FIG. 9a, when the refrigerant travel path is observed during operation of the refrigerator room (106), the refrigerant circulates in one cycle through the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) → first capillary tube (1251) → first evaporator (1261) → first refrigerant recovery valve (131) → compressor (121).

[0210] After determining the operating conditions of the refrigerator room (106), the control unit (138) can detect the temperature of the freezer room (105) and determine the operating conditions of the freezer room (105) according to the detected temperature (S130).

[0211] When the temperature of the detected freezer (105) is higher than the preset temperature range of the freezer (105), it is determined that the operating conditions of the freezer (105) are satisfied, and the freezer (105) can be cooled by supplying refrigerant to the second evaporator (1262) (S131).

[0212] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (138) turns off the R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) and turns on the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) when the freezer (105) is operated. The control unit (138) turns off the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) and turns on the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) when the freezer (105) is operated.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 9b, when operating the freezer (105), the refrigerant travel path is examined. The refrigerant circulates in one cycle through the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) → second capillary tube (1252) → second evaporator (1262) → second refrigerant recovery valve (132) → compressor (121).

[0214] Next, after determining the operating conditions of the freezer (105), the control unit (138) can determine whether the refrigerant recovery condition is present (S140).

[0215] For example, after cooling the freezer (105), if the internal temperature of the refrigerator (106) and the freezer (105) satisfies the target temperature range of each internal temperature, the compressor (121) is turned off, but the control unit (138) can open all three-way valves (124) and close the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) before turning off the compressor (121) to recover refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261) (S141).

[0216] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (138) turns on the R valve (1242) and F valve (1243) of the 3-way valve (124) when recovering refrigerant. The control unit (138) turns off the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) and turns on the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) respectively when recovering refrigerant.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 9c, the refrigerant travel path during refrigerant recovery is as follows: the refrigerant circulates in one cycle from the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → R valve (1242) and F valve (1243) of the 3-way valve (124) (simultaneously) → first capillary tube (1251) / second capillary tube (1252) → refrigerant recovery to the first evaporator (1261) / second evaporator (1262) → second refrigerant recovery valve (132) → compressor (121).

[0218] By doing so, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) blocks the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator (1261) and recovers the refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261), thereby allowing sufficient refrigerant to be supplied to the first evaporator (1261) when the compressor (121) is restarted in the future. By storing the refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261) through the closing operation of the first refrigerant recovery valve (131), there is no need to supply additional refrigerant to the first evaporator (1261) when the compressor (121) is restarted in the future, and the refrigerant shortage can be resolved.

[0219] In the above refrigerant recovery step (S141), the control unit (138) can open all three-way valves (124) and open the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) before turning off the compressor (121) so that the refrigerant of the second evaporator (1262) can be circulated along the refrigeration cycle without closing.

[0220] The above refrigerant recovery step (S141) maintains the operation of the freezer room (105) without closing the cycle, thereby improving the cooling performance of the freezer room (105) and reducing the power consumption of the compressor (121).

[0221] In the above refrigerant recovery step (S141), refrigerant is recovered without cycle closure (interruption) by the operation of the compressor (121), thereby minimizing the decrease in reliability of the compressor (121) caused by cycle closure during refrigerant recovery.

[0222] Referring to Fig. 9d, the compressor (121) can be turned off after the refrigerant is recovered.

[0223] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the refrigerator and the control method thereof according to the present invention will be explained in detail in comparison with the prior art and prior patent documents.

[0224] 1) Prior art: According to prior art, the operation of the compressor can be terminated without refrigerant recovery after cooling the freezer. The refrigerant supplied to the freezer evaporator remains in that state and then gradually evaporates due to changes in the internal temperature, and the temperature also gradually rises in the refrigerator evaporator where the refrigerant was not supplied, causing a pressure difference between the refrigerator evaporator and the freezer evaporator.

[0225] Here, the evaporation temperature of the refrigerator evaporator for maintaining the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment is higher than the evaporation temperature of the second evaporator for maintaining the internal temperature of the freezer compartment.

[0226] According to Gay-Lussac's law, when the temperature of a gas rises while its volume remains constant, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules increases, causing them to collide with walls (for example, the refrigerant tubes through which the refrigerant flows in the case of an evaporator) more strongly and frequently, thereby increasing the pressure of the gas.

[0227] Accordingly, the internal pressure of the refrigerator evaporator (refrigerant evaporation pressure) is formed to be higher than the internal pressure of the freezer evaporator.

[0228] Consequently, when the compressor is driven to cool the refrigerator compartment, even if refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerator evaporator for cooling, a phenomenon occurs in which the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerator evaporator is discharged and moves to the freezer evaporator due to the pressure difference between the refrigerator evaporator and the freezer evaporator. Furthermore, due to the pressure imbalance between the refrigerator evaporator and the freezer evaporator, the refrigerant is not supplied smoothly to the refrigerator evaporator.

[0229] 2) Prior art patent document (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2008-0088848): Paragraph <63> , <67> Referring to the above, the refrigerant recovery process is performed by closing both the R valve and the F valve of the 3-way valve while the compressor is in operation.

[0230] Through this, the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerator evaporator and freezer evaporator is recovered by being stored between the discharge side of the compressor and the three-way valve, that is, in the condenser, by the operation of the compressor.

[0231] According to prior art documents, a refrigerant recovery step is performed to smoothly supply refrigerant to a refrigerator evaporator or a freezer evaporator when the compressor is restarted after being turned off.

[0232] However, according to prior art documents, even if refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerator evaporator for refrigerator operation upon restarting the compressor after it has been turned off, the internal pressure of the refrigerator evaporator remains higher than that of the freezer evaporator; consequently, the phenomenon in which the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerator evaporator is discharged and moves to the freezer evaporator may still occur. Furthermore, since a pressure imbalance between the refrigerator evaporator and the freezer evaporator still exists, it is difficult to smoothly supply refrigerant to the refrigerator evaporator.

[0233] 3) According to the present embodiment, the R valve (1242) and F valve (1243) of the 3-way valve (124) are both opened, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) is closed, and the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) is opened.

[0234] Through this, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) blocks the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator (1261) by the operation of the compressor (121), thereby storing and recovering the refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261).

[0235] Therefore, when operating the refrigerator room (106) after the compressor (121) is turned off, the recovered refrigerant is additionally supplied to the first evaporator (1261), thereby resolving the problem of refrigerant shortage in the first evaporator (1261).

[0236] If the refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261) is insufficient, the refrigerant temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the first evaporator (1261) is, for example, approximately 5°C or more. However, it is not limited to this value.

[0237] Because, if the refrigerant supplied to the first evaporator (1261) is insufficient, the amount of refrigerant to be evaporated decreases, and as the evaporated refrigerant moves toward the outlet of the first evaporator (1261), it absorbs more heat, causing the outlet temperature of the refrigerant to rise, and thus a difference occurs between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the first evaporator (1261).

[0238] However, according to the present embodiment, when both the R valve (1242) and the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) are opened and the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) is closed, the refrigerant is recovered in the first evaporator (1261) to secure a sufficient supply of refrigerant, so that there is almost no difference in refrigerant temperature between the inlet and outlet of the first evaporator (1261) and they are the same or similar.

[0239] In addition, the refrigerant temperature at the inlet and outlet of the first evaporator (1261) according to the present embodiment is formed to be higher than the refrigerant temperature at the inlet and outlet of the first evaporator (1261) of the prior art and prior patent documents.

[0240] Through this, the refrigeration cycle device (120) according to the present embodiment can be named a high-temperature evaporation system in that the refrigerant evaporation is performed at a higher temperature than the refrigerant temperature of the first evaporator (1261) according to the prior art and prior patent documents.

[0241] According to the high-temperature evaporation system described above, if the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261) is higher than the conventional one, the efficiency can be improved in the following way.

[0242] First, the load of the compressor (121) is reduced, so power consumption can be reduced.

[0243] When the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant increases, the evaporation pressure of the refrigerant increases. When the evaporation pressure of the refrigerant increases, the compression ratio of the compressor (121) decreases. That is, the power required for the compressor (121) to circulate the same amount of refrigerant decreases. Accordingly, the energy efficiency (COP, Coefficient of Performance) of the refrigerator can be improved.

[0244] Second, the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerator (106) is improved.

[0245] When the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant increases, the temperature difference between the first evaporator (1261) and the air in the refrigerator (106) decreases, which may reduce condensation in the heat exchanger and mitigate frost formation. This can contribute to improving the flow of cold air and maintaining cooling efficiency.

[0246] Third, the operation of the entire system can be optimized.

[0247] When the evaporation temperature of the first evaporator (1261) rises, the performance of the freezer (105) can be maintained more stably without significantly changing the cooling performance of the refrigerator (106). In particular, in a 2EVA parallel connection system in which the first evaporator (1261) and the second evaporator (1262) are connected in parallel, the freezer (105) with a lower evaporation pressure can receive relatively more refrigerant, so the cooling performance of the freezer (105) can also be improved.

[0248] In addition, the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) is opened even when recovering refrigerant, so that the refrigerant passing through the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) circulates via the second evaporator (1262) by the operation of the compressor (121), thereby allowing the freezer room (105) to be cooled without closing the cycle.

[0249] Through this, the decrease in reliability of the compressor (121) due to the closure of the cycle during operation of the compressor (121) can be minimized.

[0250] In this embodiment, the refrigerant recovery step (S141) is performed after the operation of the freezer room (105) and before the compressor (121) is turned off, but is not limited thereto.

[0251] For example, the refrigerant recovery step (S141) may be performed at any one or more of the following times: 1) before operating the refrigerator room (106), 2) after operating the refrigerator room (106) before operating the freezer room (105), and 3) after operating the freezer room (105) before turning off the compressor (121) (see FIG. 10).

[0252] In Fig. 10, R operation means refrigerator room operation, and F operation means freezer room operation. COMP ON means compressor temperature, and compressor temperature means that power is applied to the compressor and the compressor is operating.

[0253] COMP OFF means compressor off, and compressor off means that the power supply to the compressor is cut off, causing the compressor's operation to stop.

[0254] 4. Description of a refrigerator and a control method thereof according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0255] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a refrigerant circulation circuit of a refrigeration cycle device (220) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0256] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the control method of the refrigerator in FIG. 11.

[0257] FIG. 13 is a table for explaining the control method of the three-way valve (124) and the refrigerant recovery valve according to the operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 11.

[0258] FIGS. 14a to 14d are conceptual diagrams showing the refrigerant flow of the cycle for each operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 11.

[0259] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10 described above in that the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) is omitted.

[0260] In this embodiment, the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) is shown removed from the second evaporator downstream pipe (1288). When the second refrigerant recovery valve (132) is removed from the discharge side of the second evaporator (1262), the discharge side of the second evaporator (1262) remains open at all times.

[0261] However, since the internal pressure of the second evaporator (1262) is lower than the internal pressure of the first evaporator (1261), more refrigerant is supplied to the second evaporator (1262), so that the cooling performance of the freezer room (105) can be maintained.

[0262] In this embodiment, the refrigerant recovery step (S231) may be performed after the operation of the refrigerator room (106) (S221) and before the operation of the freezer room (105) (S241).

[0263] The control method of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment is described as follows.

[0264] The control unit (138) can detect the temperature of the refrigerator room (106) and determine the operating conditions of the refrigerator room (106) based on the detected temperature (S220).

[0265] When the temperature of the detected refrigerator room (106) is higher than the preset temperature range of the refrigerator room (106), it is determined that the operating conditions of the refrigerator room (106) are satisfied, and the refrigerator room (106) can be cooled by supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator (1261) (S221).

[0266] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (138) turns on the R valve (1242) of the 3-way valve (124) and turns off the F valve (1243) when the refrigerator room (106) is operated. The control unit (138) turns on the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) when the refrigerator room (106) is operated.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 14a, when the refrigerant travel path is observed during operation of the refrigerator room (106), the refrigerant circulates in one cycle through the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) → first capillary tube (1251) → first evaporator (1261) → first refrigerant recovery valve (131) → compressor (121).

[0268] Next, after determining the operating conditions of the refrigerator room (106), the control unit (138) determines whether it is a refrigerant recovery condition (S230).

[0269] For example, when the internal temperature of the refrigerator (106) satisfies the target temperature range after cooling the refrigerator (106), the compressor (121) is turned off, but the control unit (138) can open all three-way valves (124) and close the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) before turning off the compressor (121) to recover refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261) (S231).

[0270] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (138) turns on the R valve (1242) and F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) when recovering refrigerant. The control unit (138) turns off the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) when recovering refrigerant.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 14b, the refrigerant travel path during refrigerant recovery is as follows: the refrigerant circulates in one cycle from the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → R valve (1242) and F valve (1243) of the 3-way valve (124) (simultaneously) → first capillary tube (1251) / second capillary tube (1252) → refrigerant recovery to the first evaporator (1261) / second evaporator (1262) → compressor (121).

[0272] Through this, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can block the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator (1261) by the operation of the compressor (121). The first refrigerant recovery valve (131) can recover refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261).

[0273] When the compressor (121) is turned off and then restarted in the next driving cycle, the recovered refrigerant can be stored in the first evaporator (1261) while the refrigerator room (106) is operated. The recovered refrigerant is sufficiently supplied to the first evaporator (1261) to increase the cooling performance of the refrigerator room (106).

[0274] After determining the above refrigerant recovery conditions, the control unit (138) can detect the temperature of the freezer room (105) and determine the operating conditions of the freezer room (105) according to the detected temperature (S240).

[0275] When the temperature of the detected freezer (105) is higher than the preset temperature range of the freezer (105), it is determined that the operating conditions of the freezer (105) are satisfied, and the freezer (105) can be cooled by supplying refrigerant to the second evaporator (1262) (S241).

[0276] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (138) turns off the R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) and turns on the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) when the freezer (105) is in operation. The control unit (138) turns off the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) when the freezer (105) is in operation.

[0277] Referring to FIG. 14c, when operating the freezer (105), the refrigerant travel path is examined. The refrigerant circulates in one cycle through the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) → second capillary tube (1252) → second evaporator (1262) → second refrigerant recovery valve (132) → compressor (121).

[0278] After cooling the freezer (105), if the internal temperature of the refrigerator (106) and the freezer (105) satisfies the target temperature range of each compartment, the compressor (121) is turned off (S250) (see FIG. 14d).

[0279] Other components are identical or similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10 described above, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0280] 5. Description of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0281] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a refrigerant circulation circuit of a refrigeration cycle device (120) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0282] FIG. 16 is a table for explaining the control method of the three-way valve (124) and refrigerant recovery valves (131, 132) according to the operation of the refrigerator in FIG. 15.

[0283] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13 described above in that the refrigerant is stored and recovered in the first evaporator (1261) and the condenser (122), respectively.

[0284] In this embodiment, the control unit (138) can open the R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) and close the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) when recovering refrigerant, close the first refrigerant recovery valve (131), and open the second refrigerant recovery valve (132).

[0285] When examining the movement path of the refrigerant during the refrigerant recovery stage, a portion of the refrigerant passes through the compressor (121) → condenser (122) → R valve (1242) of the three-way valve (124) → first capillary tube (1251) → first evaporator (1261) by the operation of the compressor (121). The refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator (1261) is stored and recovered in the first evaporator (1261) by closing the first refrigerant recovery valve (131).

[0286] Another portion of the refrigerant passes through the second capillary tube (1252) → second evaporator (1262) → second refrigerant recovery valve (132) → compressor (121) → condenser (122) → hot line (1223) by the operation of the compressor (121) at the outlet side of the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124). The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (122) and the hot line (1223) has its refrigerant flow stopped by the closing of the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124), and is stored and recovered in the condenser (122) and the hot line (1223).

[0287] Through this, the first refrigerant recovery valve (131) and the F valve (1243) of the three-way valve (124) store refrigerant in the first evaporator (1261), the condenser (122), and the hot line (1223), respectively, by closing the operation, thereby securing a larger supply of refrigerant to the first evaporator (1261) when the compressor (121) is turned off and then restarted.

[0288] Other components are identical or similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13 described above, so a redundant description will be omitted. Explanation of the symbols

[0289] 100 : Cabinet 101 : Outcase 102 : Inner case 103 : Insulation material 104 : Storage Room 105 : Freezer 106 : Refrigerator compartment 107 : Partition wall 108 : Machine room 110 : Door 111 : Freezer door 112 : Refrigerator door 120, 220, : Refrigeration cycle device 121 : Compressor 122 : Condenser 1221 : Main condenser 1222 : Subcondenser 1223 : Hotline 1224 : Wall condenser 123 : Condenser fan 124 : 3-way valve 1241 : Inflow Euro 1242 : R valve 1243 : F valve 125 : Inflator 1251: First capillary 1252: Second Capillary 126 : Evaporator 1261 : First evaporator 1262 : Second evaporator 1263 : Refrigerator pan 1264 : Freezer pan 127 : Check valve 128 : Refrigerant Piping 1281 : 1st pipe 1282 : 2nd pipe 1283 : 3rd pipe 1284 : 1st branch pipe 1285 : 2nd branch pipe 1286 : 4th pipe 1287 : 1st evaporator downstream piping 1288 : 2nd evaporator downstream piping 1289 : Combined piping 130 : Dryer 131 : First refrigerant recovery valve 132 : Second refrigerant recovery valve 133 : Detector 134 : Temperature sensor 135 : Freezer temperature sensor 136 : Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 137 : Power sensor 138 : Control unit 139 : Memory

Claims

Claim 1 A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet partitioned into a refrigerator room and a freezer room; a first evaporator supplying cold air to the refrigerator room; a second evaporator supplying cold air to the freezer room; a compressor supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator; a three-way valve controlling the flow of refrigerant flowing from the compressor to at least one of the first evaporator and the second evaporator; and a first refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the first evaporator with respect to the direction of flow of the refrigerant, thereby opening and closing the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator. Claim 2 A refrigerator according to claim 1, comprising a control unit that controls the three-way valve and the first refrigerant recovery valve. Claim 3 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant recovery valve blocks the flow of refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator and recovers the refrigerant in the first evaporator. Claim 4 A refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a second refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the second evaporator based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, and opening and closing the flow of the refrigerant passing through the second evaporator. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the second refrigerant recovery valve blocks the flow of refrigerant that has passed through the second evaporator, thereby recovering the refrigerant in the second evaporator, a refrigerator. Claim 6 In paragraph 2, the control unit controls the first refrigerant recovery valve to recover refrigerant to the first evaporator after the operation of the freezer room and before the compressor is turned off, a refrigerator. Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the control unit controls the first refrigerant recovery valve to recover refrigerant to the first evaporator after the operation of the refrigerator room and before the operation of the freezer room, a refrigerator. Claim 8 In paragraph 2, the control unit controls the first refrigerant recovery valve to recover refrigerant to the first evaporator after the compressor is turned off and before the refrigerator room is operated. Claim 9 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first evaporator and the second evaporator are connected in parallel with each other. Claim 10 A refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: a condenser for condensing the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor; and an expander for expanding the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser, wherein the three-way valve is positioned between the outlet side of the condenser and the inlet side of the expander with respect to the flow direction of the refrigerant, and selectively opens and closes the flow path of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, or opens and closes the flow path toward the first evaporator in the refrigerator room or the flow path toward the second evaporator in the freezer room. Claim 11 In claim 10, the control unit opens the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve and closes the first refrigerant recovery valve. Claim 12 In claim 10, the above-mentioned expander comprises a first capillary tube connected to the first evaporator; and a second capillary tube connected to the second evaporator, in a refrigerator. Claim 13 In claim 10, the refrigerator comprises: a first evaporator upstream pipe connecting the refrigerator room side path of the three-way valve to the first evaporator; a first evaporator downstream pipe connected to the outlet side of the first evaporator; a second evaporator upstream pipe connecting the freezer room side path of the three-way valve to the second evaporator; a second evaporator downstream pipe connected to the outlet side of the second evaporator; a merging pipe where the first evaporator downstream pipe and the second evaporator downstream pipe merge and which is connected to the compressor, wherein the first refrigerant recovery valve is installed in the first evaporator downstream pipe and opens and closes the refrigerant flow of the first evaporator downstream pipe. Claim 14 A refrigerator according to claim 13, further comprising a second refrigerant recovery valve installed in the second evaporator downstream pipe and opening and closing the refrigerant flow of the second evaporator downstream pipe. Claim 15 A refrigerator according to claim 13, further comprising a check valve installed in the downstream pipe of the second evaporator and restricting the refrigerant flow of the downstream pipe of the second evaporator in one direction. Claim 16 A control method for a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet partitioned into a refrigerator room and a freezer room; a first evaporator supplying cold air to the refrigerator room; a second evaporator supplying cold air to the freezer room; a compressor supplying refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator; a three-way valve controlling refrigerant flowing from the compressor to at least one of the second evaporator and the first evaporator; and a first refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the first evaporator based on the direction of flow of the refrigerant, which opens and closes the flow of refrigerant passing through the first evaporator, the method comprising: a step of checking the temperatures of the refrigerator room and the freezer room to determine whether one of the operating conditions is a refrigerator room operating condition, a freezer room operating condition, or a refrigerator room and freezer room simultaneous operating condition; and a step of recovering the refrigerant to the first evaporator before or after any of the operating conditions when any of the operating conditions are satisfied. Claim 17 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 16, further comprising the step of turning off the compressor after the refrigerant recovery step. Claim 18 In claim 16, the refrigerant recovery step comprises the step of opening the refrigerator-side path and the freezer-side path of the three-way valve and closing the first refrigerant recovery valve, a control method for a refrigerator. Claim 19 In claim 16, the refrigerator further comprises a second refrigerant recovery valve disposed at the outlet side of the second evaporator to open and close the flow of refrigerant passing through the second evaporator, and the refrigerant recovery step comprises the step of opening the refrigerator room side path and the freezer room side path of the three-way valve and closing the second refrigerant recovery valve. Claim 20 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein, when the above-mentioned refrigerator room operating conditions are satisfied, the above-mentioned refrigerant recovery step is performed after the operation of the above-mentioned refrigerator room. Claim 21 A control method for a refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein, when the above-mentioned refrigerator room operating conditions are satisfied, the above-mentioned refrigerant recovery step is performed before the operation of the above-mentioned refrigerator room. Claim 22 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein, when the above-mentioned freezer operating conditions are satisfied, the above-mentioned refrigerant recovery step is performed after the operation of the above-mentioned freezer.

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