Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may include a compressor which compresses a refrigerant; a condenser which condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; a switching valve which is connected to an outlet of the condenser; an evaporator; a first flow path which connects one branched side of the switching valve to the evaporator; a defrosting heater for removing frost formed on the evaporator; a memory; and a processor. The processor controls the switching valve to shut off the first flow path if a defrosting start condition is satisfied while the refrigerant circulates through the first flow path, and operates the defrosting heater if a first condition is satisfied in a state while the first flow path is shut off.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111 (a), of international application No. PCT / KR2024 / 002978, filed Mar. 7, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0036505, filed Mar. 21, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a refrigerator of which energy efficiency has been increased by performing improved defrosting driving, and a control method thereof.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] In general, in a machine chamber of a refrigerator, a refrigeration cycle device is installed, and makes food kept fresh by maintaining the inside of the refrigerator in frozen / refrigerated states by using a property that a liquid refrigerant of a low pressure is changed to a gaseous refrigerant and absorbs external heat in the process.

[0004] The refrigeration cycle device of the refrigerator consists of a compressor which changes a gaseous refrigerant of a low temperature and low pressure into a gaseous refrigerant of a high temperature and high pressure, a condenser which changes the gaseous refrigerant of a high temperature and high pressure changed in the compressor into a liquid refrigerant of a low temperature and high pressure, and an evaporator which absorbs external heat while changing the liquid refrigerant of a low temperature and high pressure changed in the condenser into a gaseous state, etc. In general, an evaporator is arranged to be separated from another refrigeration cycle device in a separate space, but not in a machine chamber.

[0005] An evaporator provides cold air to a storage chamber, and as it performs heat exchange with the air inside the storage chamber, frost is formed on the evaporator as time passes. When frost is formed on the evaporator, heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator may deteriorate, and for removing the formed frost, a defrosting heater may be driven periodically, and energy is consumed if the defrosting heater is driven frequently. Also, as the internal temperature of the storage chamber rises by the heat generated from the defrosting heater, there is a risk that food may go bad. In addition, as the compressor is driven more for decreasing the temperature risen by the heater, there is a problem that energy consumed by the compressor increases.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to reduce energy used while removing frost formed on the evaporator, and thereby reduce energy consumed in defrosting driving.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONSolution to Problem

[0007] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a compressor which compresses a refrigerant, a condenser which condenses the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, a switching valve which is connected to an outlet of the condenser, an evaporator, a first flow path which connects one branched side of the switching valve and the evaporator, a defrosting heater for removing frost formed on the evaporator, memory, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to, while the refrigerant circulates through the first flow path, based on a condition for starting defrosting being satisfied, control the switching valve to shut off the first flow path, and in a state wherein the first flow path is shut off, based on a predetermined first condition being satisfied, operate the defrosting heater.

[0008] A control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the steps of, while a refrigerant circulates through a first flow path, based on a condition for starting defrosting being satisfied, shutting off the first flow path, and in a state wherein the first flow path is shut off, based on a predetermined first condition being satisfied, operating a defrosting heater.

[0009] In a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program executing a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the control method includes the steps of, while a refrigerant circulates through a first flow path, based on a condition for starting defrosting being satisfied, shutting off the first flow path, and in a state wherein the first flow path is shut off, based on a predetermined first condition being satisfied, operating a defrosting heater.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for illustrating a configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams for illustrating an operation of a cooling device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a graph for illustrating an operation of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.MODE FOR INVENTION

[0014] The various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used in the embodiments are not for limiting the technical characteristics described in the disclosure to specific embodiments, but they should be interpreted to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0015] Also, with respect to the detailed description of the drawings, similar or related components may be designated by similar reference numerals.

[0016] In addition, a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include the one item or a plurality of the items, unless instructed obviously differently in the related context.

[0017] Further, in the disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B,”“at least one of A and B,”“at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together with the phrase among the above phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0018] Also, the term “and / or” includes a combination of a plurality of related components described, or any one component among the plurality of related components described.

[0019] In addition, terms such as “the first” and “the second” may be used just to distinguish one element from another element, and do not limit the elements in another aspect (e.g.: importance or order).

[0020] Further, terms such as ‘the front surface,’‘the rear surface,’‘the top surface,’‘the bottom surface,’‘the side surface,’‘the left side,’‘the right side,’‘the upper part,’‘the lower part,’ etc. used in the disclosure were defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and locations of respective elements are not limited by these terms.

[0021] Also, terms such as “include” or “have” should be construed as designating that there are such characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof described in the specification, but not as excluding in advance the existence or possibility of adding one or more of other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In addition, in case it is mentioned that one element is “connected with,”“combined with,”“supported by,” or “contacted with” another element not only includes a case wherein the elements are directly connected, combined, supported, or contacted, but also a case wherein the elements are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or contacted through a third element.

[0023] Further, the description in the disclosure that one element is “on top of” another element not only includes a case wherein the one element contacts the another element, but also a case wherein still another element exists between the two elements.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for illustrating a configuration of a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] The refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment may include a body 110 and a storage chamber 120.

[0026] The body 110 may include an inner case, an outer case arranged on the outer side of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0027] “The inner case” may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming the storage chamber 120. The inner case may be formed as one body, or it may be formed as a plurality of plates are assembled. “The outer case” may form the exterior of the body, and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner case such that an insulating material is arranged between the inner case and the outer case.

[0028] “The insulating material” may insulate the inside of the storage chamber 120 and the outside of the storage chamber 120 such that the temperature inside the storage chamber 120 can be maintained at a set proper temperature without being influenced by the outside environment of the storage chamber 120. According to an embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. As urethane foam wherein polyurethane and a foaming agent are mixed is injected and foamed between the inner case and the outer case, a foamed insulating material can be molded.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the insulating material may additionally include a vacuum insulating material other than a foamed insulating material, or may consist only of a vacuum insulating material instead of a foamed insulating material. A vacuum insulating material may include a core material, and an outer covering material that houses the core material and seals the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulating material is not limited to the aforementioned foamed insulating material or vacuum insulating material, but may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0030] The storage chamber 120 may include a space limited by the inner case. The storage chamber 120 may further include an inner case limiting a space corresponding to the storage chamber 120. In the storage chamber 120, various goods such as food, medicine, cosmetics, etc. may be stored, and the storage chamber 120 may be formed such that at least one side is opened for putting in or taking out goods.

[0031] The refrigerator 100 may include one or more storage chambers 120. When two or more storage chambers 120 are formed in the refrigerator 100, the respective storage chambers 120 may have different uses from each other, and may be maintained at different temperatures from each other. For this, the respective storage chambers 120 may be partitioned from each other by a partition including an insulating material.

[0032] The storage chamber 120 may be provided to be maintained within proper temperature ranges according to the uses, and may include “a refrigeration chamber,”“a freezing chamber,” and “a temperature conversion chamber” divided according to the uses and / or the temperature ranges. The refrigeration chamber may be maintained at a proper temperature for keeping goods refrigerated, and the freezing chamber may be maintained at a proper temperature for keeping goods frozen. “Refrigeration” may mean cooling goods to be cold within a range of not being frozen, and as an example, the refrigeration chamber may be maintained within a range of 0° C. to 7° C. “Freezing” may mean freezing goods or cooling goods to be maintained in a frozen state, and as an example, the freezing chamber may be maintained within a range of −20° C. to −1° C. The temperature conversion chamber may be used as any one of a refrigeration chamber or a freezing chamber by the user's selection or regardless of it.

[0033] The storage chamber 120 may be referred to by various names such as “a vegetable chamber,”“a fresh chamber,”“a cooling chamber,” and “an ice making chamber” other than the names such as “a refrigeration chamber,”“a freezing chamber,” and “a temperature conversion chamber,” etc. The terms such as “a refrigeration chamber,”“a freezing chamber,” and “a temperature conversion chamber,” etc. used below should be understood as a meaning comprehensively including the storage chamber 120 having uses and temperature ranges corresponding to each of them.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include at least one door 130 that is constituted to open or close the opened one side of the storage chamber 120. The door 130 may be provided to open or close each of the one or more storage chambers 120, or one door 130 may be provided to open or close a plurality of storage chambers 120. The door 130 may be rotatably or slidably installed on the front surface of the body.

[0035] The door 130 may be constituted to seal the storage chamber 120 when the door 130 is closed. The door 130 may include an insulating material like the body so as to insulate the storage chamber 120 when the door 130 is closed.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the door 130 may include an outer plate of the door forming the front surface of the door 130, an inner plate of the door forming the rear surface of the door 130 and facing the storage chamber 120, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulating material provided inside them.

[0037] On the rim of the inner plate of the door 130, a gasket that seals the storage chamber 120 by adhering to the front surface of the body when the door 130 is closed may be provided. The inner plate of the door 130 may include a dyke that projects to the rear side such that a door basket wherein goods can be kept is mounted.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the door 130 may include a door body, and a front panel that is separably coupled to the front side of the door body and forms the front surface of the door 130. The door body may include an outer plate of the door forming the front surface of the door body, an inner plate of the door forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage chamber 120, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulating material provided inside them.

[0039] The refrigerator 100 may be divided into a French door type, a side-by-side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF), a top mounted freezer (TMF), or a one-door refrigerator, etc. according to the arrangement of the door 130 and the storage chamber 120.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include a cold air supply device 140 that is provided to supply cold air to the storage chamber 120.

[0041] The cold air supply device 140 may include a machine, a tool, and an electronic device that can cool the storage chamber 120 by generating cold air and guiding the cold air and / or a system that combined them.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device 140 may generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including a process of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. For this, the cold air supply device 140 may include a refrigeration cycle device that has a compressor 141 that can drive a refrigeration cycle, a condenser 142, an expansion device 143, and an evaporator 144. According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device 140 may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element.

[0043] The thermoelectric element may cool the storage chamber 120 by heat generation and cooling operations through the Peltier effect.

[0044] Also, the cold air supply device 140 may generate cold air by circulating the refrigerant inside the refrigeration cycle device. Here, the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 142 may be transported to the evaporator through a first flow path and a second flow path.

[0045] The cold air supply device 140 may include a switching valve 145 connected to the outlet of the condenser142. Also, the cold air supply device 140 may include a first flow path that connects one branched side of the switching valve 145 and the evaporator 144, and a second flow path that connects the other branched side of the switching valve 145 and the evaporator 144.

[0046] Accordingly, the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 142 may circulate in the cold air supply device 140 through the first flow path or the second flow path.

[0047] Here, the switching valve 145 may selectively open or shut off the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling opening and closing of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0048] Also, the cold air supply device 140 may further include a condensation fan 146 that blows the air outside the refrigerator 100 to the condenser 142. In addition, the cold air supply device 140 may further include an evaporation fan 147 that circulates the cold air in the storage chamber 120 to the evaporator 144 and the storage chamber 120.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include a machine chamber that is provided such that at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device 140 are arranged.

[0050] “The machine chamber” may be provided so as to be partitioned from the storage chamber 120 and to be insulated for preventing heat generated from the components arranged in the machine chamber from being transferred to the storage chamber 120. The inside of the machine chamber may be constituted to be in communication with the outside of the body so as to dissipate heat from the components arranged inside the machine chamber.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include a dispenser that is provided on the door 130 to provide water and / or frost. The dispenser may be provided on the door 130 such that the user can access it without opening the door 130.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include an ice making device that is provided to generate frost. The ice making device may include an ice making tray that stores water, a de-icing device that separates frost from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the frost generated on the ice making tray.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include a defrosting heater 150 for removing frost formed on the evaporator 144. The defrosting heater 150 may emit heat for removing the frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include a controller 160 for controlling the refrigerator 100.

[0055] The controller 160 may include memory 161 that stores or memorizes programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator 100, and a processor 162 that outputs a control signal for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. according to the programs and / or the data memorized in the memory 161.

[0056] The memory 161 stores or records various kinds of information, data, instructions, programs, etc. necessary for the operations of the refrigerator 100. The memory 161 may memorize temporary data that is generated while a control signal for controlling the components included in the refrigerator 100 is generated. The memory 161 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0057] The processor 162 controls the overall operations of the refrigerator 100. The processor 162 may control the components of the refrigerator 100 by executing the programs stored in the memory 161. The processor 162 may include a separate Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that performs operations of an artificial intelligence model. Also, the processor 162 may include a central processing part, a graphics-dedicated processor (GPU), etc. The processor 162 may generate a control signal for controlling the operations of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor 162 may receive temperature information of the storage chamber 120 or temperature information of the refrigerant from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operations of the cold air supply device 140 based on the received temperature information.

[0058] Also, the processor 162 may process a user input of a user interface according to the programs and / or the data memorized / stored in the memory 161, and control the operations of the user interface. The user interface may be provided by using an input interface and an output interface. The processor 162 may receive a user input from the user interface. Also, the processor 162 may transmit a display control signal for displaying an image on the user interface and image data to the user interface in response to a user input.

[0059] The processor 162 and the memory 161 may be provided integrally, or provided separately. The processor 162 may include one or more processors. For example, the processor 162 may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory 161 may include one or more memories.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may include a processor and a memory that control all of the components included in the refrigerator 100, and include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator 100. For example, the refrigerator 100 may include a processor and a memory that control the operations of the cold air supply device according to outputs of the temperature sensor. Also, the refrigerator 100 may separately include a processor and a memory that control the operations of the user interface according to user inputs.

[0061] A communication module may communicate with external devices such as a server, a mobile device, other home appliances, etc. through an ambient access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0062] The input interface may include a key, a touch screen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive a user input, and transmit it to the processor.

[0063] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various kinds of notifications, messages, information, etc. generated in the processor.

[0064] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams for illustrating an operation of the cold air supply device 140 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0065] The processor 162 may perform refrigeration driving of cooling the storage chamber 120 through a refrigeration cycle.

[0066] Specifically, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141 to compress the refrigerant transported from the evaporator. Then, when the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 141 is transported to the condenser 142, the processor 162 may drive the condenser 142 to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 141.

[0067] While refrigeration driving is being performed, the first flow path 201 may be in an opened state, and the second flow path 202 may be in a shut-off state. Accordingly, the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 142 may be transported to the evaporator 144 through the first flow path 201. Then, the refrigerant transported to the evaporator 144 may cool the storage chamber 120 through heat exchange.

[0068] While refrigeration driving is being performed, the processor 162 may identify whether a condition for starting defrosting is satisfied. Here, the condition for starting defrosting may mean a condition for starting defrosting driving for removing frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0069] Specifically, the condition for starting defrosting may be set based on the driving time of the compressor 141 for cooling the storage chamber 120, the opening time of the door 130, or change of the temperature of the storage chamber 120, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] For example, if the driving time of the compressor 141 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time while refrigeration driving is being performed, the processor 162 may identify that the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied.

[0071] If the condition for starting defrosting is not satisfied, the processor 162 may keep performing the refrigeration driving.

[0072] If the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, the processor 162 may perform defrosting driving.

[0073] Here, the processor 162 may perform the first defrosting by using a refrigerant of a high temperature, and perform the second defrosting by using a defrosting heater 150. Specifically, the processor 162 may remove the frost formed on the evaporator 144 firstly by using a refrigerant of a high temperature, and remove the frost formed on the evaporator 144 secondly by using the defrosting heater 150. Here, the refrigerant of a high temperature for removing the frost formed on the evaporator 144 may be transported to the evaporator 144 through the second flow path 202.

[0074] As can be seen from the aforementioned method, a method of performing defrosting by using a refrigerant of a high temperature and the defrosting heater 150 together has an effect of reducing the driving time of the defrosting heater 150 more than a method of performing defrosting by using only the defrosting heater 150. Accordingly, energy spent for driving the defrosting heater 150 can be decreased, and the defrosting energy efficiency of the refrigerator 100 can be increased.

[0075] Specifically, if the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, the processor 162 may control the switching valve 145 to shut off the first flow path 201. Here, the second flow path 202 may be in a state of having been shut off previously.

[0076] In a state wherein the first flow path 201 and the second flow path 202 are shut off, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141. As the compressor 141 is driven in a state wherein the first flow path 201 and the second flow path 202 are shut off, the amount of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 may increase.

[0077] That is, in a state wherein supply of the refrigerant to the evaporator 144 is shut off, the processor 162 may move the refrigerant remaining in the evaporator 144 and the compressor 141 to the side of the condenser 142 by driving the compressor 141.

[0078] Accordingly, the amount of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 at the time of defrosting driving may be greater than the amount of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 at the time of refrigeration driving.

[0079] Here, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141 by predetermined strength. Here, the strength by which the compressor 141 is driven may be bigger than the strength by which the compressor 141 is driven during refrigeration driving.

[0080] Alternatively, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141 during a predetermined time. Here, the time during which the compressor 141 is driven may be longer than the time during which the compressor 141 is driven during refrigeration driving.

[0081] Accordingly, the amount and the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 may further increase.

[0082] Then, the processor 162 may drive the condenser 142 such that the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 is condensed.

[0083] Here, the processor 162 may not drive the condensation fan 146 such that the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 does not decrease. Here, if the condensation fan 146 is being driven, the processor 162 may stop the driving of the condensation fan 146. Here, the condensation fan 146 may mean a fan for discharging heat generated in the condenser 142.

[0084] When a refrigerant of a high temperature is obtained according to the aforementioned method, the processor 162 may perform the first defrosting by using the refrigerant of a high temperature.

[0085] Specifically, if a predetermined first condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may open the second flow path 202.

[0086] Here, the predetermined first condition may be whether the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature, whether the temperature of the condenser 142 is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature, whether a predetermined time passed after defrosting driving started, whether a predetermined time passed after the first flow path 201 was shut off, or whether the driving time of the compressor 141 passed a predetermined time after defrosting driving started, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] For example, if the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 is higher than or equal to the predetermined temperature (e.g., 60° C.), the processor 162 may identify that the predetermined condition was satisfied, and control the switching valve 145 to open the second flow path 202.

[0088] When the second flow path 202 is opened, the refrigerant of a high temperature remaining in the condenser 142 may be transported to the evaporator 144 through the second flow path 202. Then, the refrigerant of a high temperature transported to the evaporator 144 may remove at least some of the frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0089] Here, the second flow path 202 may include a capillary tube. Accordingly, decrease of the temperature of the refrigerant by pressure drop while the refrigerant of a high temperature passes through the second flow path 202 can be minimized.

[0090] If the refrigerant of a high temperature transported to the evaporator 144 removes at least some of the frost formed on the evaporator 144, and a predetermined second condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may drive the defrosting heater 150. Accordingly, the defrosting heater 150 may remove the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0091] Here, the predetermined second condition may be whether the temperature of the evaporator 144 is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature, whether the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the evaporator 144 is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, whether a predetermined time passed after defrosting driving started, whether a predetermined time passed after the second flow path 202 was opened, whether the driving time of the compressor 141 passed a predetermined time after defrosting driving started, or whether the degree of removal of the frost formed on the evaporator 144 is greater than or equal to a predetermined degree, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] If the defrosting heater 150 removes the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144, and a predetermined third condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may perform refrigeration driving.

[0093] Here, the predetermined third condition may be whether the temperature of the evaporator 144 is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature, whether the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the evaporator 144 is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, whether a predetermined time passed after defrosting driving started, whether a predetermined time passed after the second flow path 202 was opened, whether the driving time of the compressor 141 passed a predetermined time after defrosting driving started, or whether the degree of removal of the frost formed on the evaporator 144 is greater than or equal to a predetermined degree, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] That is, if the defrosting heater 150 removes the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144, and the predetermined third condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may control the switching valve 145 to open the first flow path 201.

[0095] Afterwards, the processor 162 may perform refrigeration driving and defrosting driving as in the aforementioned method.

[0096] Meanwhile, in FIG. 2A, a method of performing refrigeration driving and defrosting driving through the first flow path 201 and the second flow path 202 was disclosed, but this is merely an example, and the refrigerator 100 may perform refrigeration driving and defrosting driving by using one flow path.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 2B, the refrigerator 100 may include a compressor 141, a condenser 142, a valve 145a, and a flow path 203. Here, the valve 145a may be a valve for opening or shutting off the flow path 203. That is, the processor 162 may control the valve 145a to open or shut off the flow path 203.

[0098] The processor 162 may perform refrigeration driving while circulating the refrigerant through the flow path 203.

[0099] Then, if the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, the processor 162 may perform the first defrosting by using the obtained refrigerant of a high temperature, and perform the second defrosting by using the defrosting heater 150 while the flow path 203 is shut off.

[0100] Specifically, if the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, the processor 162 may control the valve 145a to shut off the flow path 203.

[0101] In a state wherein the flow path 203 is shut off, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141. Accordingly, the amount of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 may increase.

[0102] Here, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141 by predetermined strength or during a predetermined time. Accordingly, the amount and the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 may increase.

[0103] Here, the processor 162 may not drive the condensation fan 146 such that the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 does not decrease.

[0104] Then, if a predetermined first condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may open the flow path 203. That is, in order that the refrigerant of a high temperature removes at least some of the frost formed on the evaporator 144, the processor 162 may open the flow path 203 and transport the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 to the evaporator 144. Here, the predetermined first condition may be as described above.

[0105] Then, if the refrigerant transported to the evaporator 144 removes at least some of the frost formed on the evaporator 144, and a predetermined second condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may drive the defrosting heater 150. Accordingly, the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144 may be removed. Here, the predetermined second condition may be as described above.

[0106] If the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144 is removed, and a predetermined third condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may perform refrigeration driving. Afterwards, the processor 162 may repeatedly perform refrigeration driving and defrosting driving as described above. FIG. 3 is a graph for illustrating an operation of the refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 3, the processor 162 may control the cold air supply device 140 to perform refrigeration driving before a t1 time point. Specifically, while the refrigeration driving is being performed, the processor 162 may cool the storage chamber 120 by repeatedly driving the compressor 141 and the condenser 142. Here, the first flow path may be in an opened state, and the second flow path may be in a shut-off state. Then, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141 by the first strength. Here, the first strength may be strength at which the compressor 141 operates by the first power (e.g., the minimum strength).

[0108] Here, the t1 time point may be a time point when the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied. When the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, the processor 162 may control the switching valve 145 to shut off the first flow path 201.

[0109] Then, the processor 162 may drive the compressor 141 by the second strength bigger than the first strength. Accordingly, the amount and the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 may increase. Here, the second strength may be strength at which the compressor 141 operates by the second power (e.g., the maximum strength). The values of the aforementioned first strength and second strength can be optimized by an experiment, etc.

[0110] Then, the processor 162 may drive the condenser 142 until a t2 time point such that the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 is condensed. Here, the processor 162 may control the condensation fan 146 such that the condensation fan 146 maintains an OFF state. If the condensation fan 146 is in an ON state, the processor 162 may stop the driving of the condensation fan 146.

[0111] Here, the t2 time point may be a time point when the predetermined first condition is satisfied. When the predetermined first condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may control the switching valve 145 to open the second flow path 202.

[0112] When the second flow path 202 is opened, the refrigerant may be transported to the evaporator 144 through the second flow path 202. Here, the processor 162 may continuously drive the compressor 141 such that the refrigerant is transported from the condenser 142 to the evaporator 144.

[0113] Accordingly, the refrigerant of a high temperature transported to the evaporator 144 may remove at least some of the frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0114] Also, a t3 time point may be a time point when the predetermined second condition is satisfied. When the predetermined second condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may stop the driving of the compressor 141, and drive the defrosting heater 150. Here, the processor 162 may drive the defrosting heater 150 from the t3 time point to a t4 time point.

[0115] Accordingly, heat generated by the defrosting heater 150 may remove the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0116] Also, a t4 time point may be a time point when the predetermined third condition is satisfied. Here, if the predetermined third condition is satisfied, the processor 162 may perform refrigeration driving. Here, the processor 162 may stop the driving of the defrosting heater 150, and drive the compressor 141, the condenser 142, and the condensation fan 146. Then, the processor 162 may shut off the second flow path 202, and control the switching valve 145 to open the first flow path 201.

[0117] FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a control method of the refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0118] The refrigerator 100 may perform refrigeration driving in the step S410.

[0119] Then, while the refrigeration driving is being performed, the refrigerator 100 may identify whether the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied in the step S420.

[0120] If the condition for starting defrosting is not satisfied in the step S420-N, the refrigerator 100 may keep performing the refrigeration driving in the step S410.

[0121] If the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied in the step S420-Y, the refrigerator 100 may shut off the first flow path 201, and drive the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 in the step S430. For example, while the refrigeration driving is being continuously performed, if the time during which the compressor 141 is driven passes a predetermined time (e.g., ten hours), the refrigerator 100 may identify that the condition for starting defrosting was satisfied.

[0122] Then, the refrigerator 100 may identify whether the predetermined first condition is satisfied in the step S440. For example, if the temperature of the refrigerant remaining in the condenser 142 is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 60° C.), the refrigerator 100 may identify that the predetermined first condition was satisfied.

[0123] If the predetermined first condition is not satisfied in the step S440-N, the refrigerator 100 may continuously drive the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 in a state wherein the first flow path 201 is shut off in the step S430.

[0124] If the predetermined first condition is satisfied in the step S440-Y, the refrigerator 100 may open the second flow path 202 in the step S450.

[0125] Accordingly, the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 142 may be transported to the evaporator 144 through the second flow path 202. Then, the refrigerant transported to the evaporator 144 may remove at least some of the frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0126] Then, the refrigerator 100 may identify whether the predetermined second condition is satisfied in the step S460. For example, if a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) passes after the second flow path 202 was opened, the refrigerator 100 may identify that the predetermined second condition was satisfied.

[0127] If the predetermined second condition is not satisfied in the step S460-N, the refrigerator 100 may maintain the state wherein the second flow path 202 is opened in the step S450.

[0128] Then, if the predetermined second condition is satisfied in the step S460-Y, the refrigerator 100 may drive the defrosting heater 150 in the step S470. Accordingly, heat generated by the defrosting heater 150 may remove the remaining frost formed on the evaporator 144.

[0129] Then, the refrigerator 100 may identify whether the predetermined third condition is satisfied in the step S480. For example, if a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) passes after the defrosting heater 150 was driven, the refrigerator 100 may identify that the predetermined third condition was satisfied.

[0130] If the predetermined third condition is not satisfied in the step S480-N, the refrigerator 100 may continuously drive the defrosting heater 150 in the step S470.

[0131] Then, if the predetermined third condition is satisfied in the step S480-Y, the refrigerator 100 may perform refrigeration driving. Afterwards, while the refrigeration driving is being performed, the refrigerator 100 may identify whether the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, and if the condition for starting defrosting is satisfied, the refrigerator 100 may continuously repeat the steps S430 to S490.

[0132] Meanwhile, the term “a part” or “a module” used in the disclosure may include a unit implemented as hardware, software, or firmware, and may be interchangeably used with, for example, terms such as a logic, a logical block, a component, or a circuit. In addition, “a part” or “a module” may be a component constituted as an integrated body or a minimum unit or a part thereof performing one or more functions. For example, a module may be constituted as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0133] Also, the various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as software including instructions stored in machine-readable storage media, which can be read by machines (e.g.: computers). The machines refer to devices that call instructions stored in a storage medium, and can operate according to the called instructions, and the devices may include the refrigerator 100 according to the aforementioned embodiments. In case an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction by itself, or by using other components under its control. An instruction may include a code that is generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. A storage medium that is readable by machines may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term ‘non-transitory’ only means that a storage medium does not include a signal, and is tangible, and the term does not distinguish a case wherein data is stored in the storage medium semi-permanently and a case wherein data is stored temporarily.

[0134] In addition, according to an embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided while being included in a computer program product. A computer program product refers to a product, and it can be traded between a seller and a buyer. A computer program product can be distributed in the form of a storage medium that is readable by machines (e.g.: compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed on-line through an application store (e.g.: Play Store™). In the case of on-line distribution, at least a portion of a computer program product may be stored in a storage medium such as the server of the manufacturer, the server of the application store, and the memory of the relay server at least temporarily, or may be generated temporarily.

[0135] Further, each of the components (e.g.: a module or a program) according to the various embodiments may consist of a singular object or a plurality of objects. In addition, among the aforementioned corresponding sub components, some sub components may be omitted, or other sub components may be further included in the various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g.: a module or a program) may be integrated as an object, and perform functions that were performed by each of the components before integration identically or in a similar manner. Also, operations performed by a module, a program, or other components according to the various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repetitively, or heuristically. Or, at least some of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant;a condenser configured to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor;a switching valve having branched sides and connected to an outlet of the condenser;an evaporator;a first flow path which connects one branched side, from among the branched sides of the switching valve, and the evaporator;a defrosting heater configured to remove frost formed on the evaporator;memory; anda processor configured to be in communication with the memory and to:in a state while the refrigerant circulates through the first flow path, control the switching valve to shut off the first flow path based on a defrost condition for starting defrosting being satisfied, andin a state while the first flow path is shut off, operate the defrosting heater based on a first condition.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to:in a state while the first flow path is shut off, operate the compressor during a time determined.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to:based on the defrosting heater being operated and a determined time passing, control the switching valve to open the first flow path.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising:a second flow path which connects an other branched side, from among the branched sides of the switching valve, and the evaporator, andthe processor is configured to:in a state while the first flow path is shut off, open the second flow path based on the refrigerant condensed by the condenser satisfying a second condition, andin a state while the second flow path is opened and the first flow path is shut off, operate the defrosting heater based on the first condition.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to:in a state while the first flow path is shut off, based on a temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser becoming greater than or equal to a determined value, control the switching valve to open the second flow path.

6. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to:operate the defrosting heater based on the second flow path being opened and a temperature of the evaporator being greater than or equal to a determined value.

7. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to:operate the defrosting heater based on the second flow path being opened and a determined time passing.

8. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the second flow path comprises:a capillary tube.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to:in a state while the first flow path is opened, continuously operate the compressor by a first time, andin a state while the first flow path is shut off, continuously operate the compressor by a second time longer than the first time.

10. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising:a fan configured to discharge heat generated from the condenser, andthe processor is configured to:in a state while the first flow path is shut off, stop an operation of the fan while the refrigerant is being condensed by the condenser.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising:a storage chamber, andthe processor is configured to:control the switching valve to transport the refrigerant to the evaporator through the first flow path such that the storage chamber is cooled.

12. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to:control the switching valve to transport the refrigerant to the evaporator through the second flow path such that frost formed on the evaporator is removed.

13. A control method of a refrigerator, the control method comprising:by a processor,while a refrigerant circulates through a first flow path, controlling a shut off of the first flow path based on a defrost condition for starting defrosting being satisfied; andin a state while the first flow path is shut off, controlling an operation of a defrosting heater based on a first condition being satisfied.

14. The control method of claim 13, further comprising:by the processor controlling, in a state while the first flow path is shut off, an operation of a compressor during a determined time.

15. The control method of claim 13, further comprising:by the processor controlling, based on the defrosting heater being operated and a determined time passing, opening the first flow path.

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