Refrigerator and method for diagnosing refrigerator noise

Abstract

Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises: an input interface; a communication interface; memory in which information about target noise corresponding to each of a plurality of operation conditions is stored; and one or more processors which operate the refrigerator under each of the plurality of operation conditions when a user input for diagnosing refrigerator noise is input through the input interface, receive refrigerator noise, acquired by an external device while the refrigerator is operated under each of the operation conditions, from the external device through the communication interface, perform noise diagnosis for the refrigerator under each of the operation conditions on the basis of the received noise and the target noise of each operation condition, and control the operation of at least one of components of the refrigerator when it is identified, on the basis of the noise diagnosis, that abnormal noise has occurred, wherein each of the plurality of operation conditions includes operation states of the components of the refrigerator.

Description

How to diagnose noise in refrigerators and freezers

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a noise diagnosis method of the refrigerator for diagnosing noise generated from the refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is an electronic device (or home appliance) that refrigerates or freezes food. In addition to food, a refrigerator can also store medicine, alcoholic liquor, or cosmetics.

[0003] When an abnormal noise occurs in a refrigerator, users usually request service from the manufacturer to diagnose and repair the refrigerator. However, there is a problem in that on-site service takes a long time.

[0004] A refrigerator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes an input interface, a communication interface, a memory storing information on target noise corresponding to a plurality of operating conditions, and one or more processors. When a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator is input through the input interface, the one or more processors operate the refrigerator under each of the plurality of operating conditions. The one or more processors receive noise of the refrigerator acquired by an external device while the refrigerator is operated under each operating condition from the external device through the communication interface. The one or more processors perform noise diagnosis on the refrigerator under each operating condition based on the received noise and the target noise of each operating condition. When an abnormal noise is identified based on the noise diagnosis, the one or more processors control the operation of at least one component of the refrigerator. Each of the plurality of operating conditions includes an operating state of a component of the refrigerator.

[0005] Additionally, the components of the refrigerator may include at least one of a compressor, a compressor cooling fan, a freezer fan, a refrigerator fan, a damper, and an ice maker.

[0006] And, the one or more processors can perform noise diagnosis for the refrigerator by comparing the magnitude of the received noise and the magnitude of the target noise for each driving condition.

[0007] Additionally, the one or more processors can identify that an abnormal noise has occurred under the operating conditions when the noise received from the external device is larger than the target noise of the operating conditions while the refrigerator is operating under the operating conditions.

[0008] And, when the one or more processors are identified as having generated the abnormal noise, they identify at least one component among the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan that is on under the driving condition in which the abnormal noise is generated, change the rotation speed of one of the identified components, and when the size of the noise received from the external device through the communication interface while the component is being operated based on the changed rotation speed is less than or equal to the size of the target noise of the driving condition, identify the changed rotation speed as a noise-improving rotation speed for the component, and operate the component under the driving condition based on the noise-improving rotation speed.

[0009] Additionally, the one or more processors may sequentially change the rotational speed of the components in a component-by-component state under the driving conditions in which the abnormal noise is generated.

[0010] And, the one or more processors can transmit information about the noise improvement rotation speed to the server through the communication interface.

[0011] Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include an output interface. If the one or more processors determine that the noise of the refrigerator is not improved by changing the rotation speed of the identified components, the one or more processors may identify at least one component among the damper and the ice maker that is in an on state under the operating condition in which the abnormal noise is generated, and output information indicating that there is an abnormality in the identified component through the output interface.

[0012] A noise diagnosis method of a refrigerator in which information on target noise corresponding to a driving condition is stored for each of a plurality of driving conditions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprises the steps of: operating the refrigerator under each of the plurality of driving conditions when a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator is input; receiving noise of the refrigerator acquired by the external device while the refrigerator is being driven under each of the driving conditions from the external device; performing noise diagnosis on the refrigerator under each of the driving conditions based on the received noise and the target noise of each of the driving conditions; and controlling the operation of at least one of the components of the refrigerator when it is determined that an abnormal noise has been generated based on the noise diagnosis, wherein each of the plurality of driving conditions includes an driving state of the components of the refrigerator.

[0013] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions that cause a refrigerator to perform an operation when executed by one or more processors of a refrigerator in which information on target noise corresponding to an operating condition is stored for each of a plurality of operating conditions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the operation comprises the steps of: operating the refrigerator under each of the plurality of operating conditions when a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator is input; receiving noise of the refrigerator acquired by the external device while the refrigerator is being operated under each of the operating conditions from the external device; performing noise diagnosis on the refrigerator under each of the operating conditions based on the received noise and the target noise of each of the operating conditions; and controlling the operation of at least one of the components of the refrigerator when it is determined that an abnormal noise has occurred based on the noise diagnosis, wherein each of the plurality of operating conditions includes an operating state of the components of the refrigerator.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 2a is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 2b is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of driving conditions and a target noise for each of the plurality of driving conditions according to one or more embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of rotational speed information for noise improvement according to one or more embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of information according to noise diagnosis results displayed on a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating an example of information according to noise diagnosis results displayed on an external device according to one or more embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of information according to noise diagnosis results displayed on a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating an example of information according to noise diagnosis results displayed on an external device according to one or more embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a refrigerator to perform noise diagnosis according to one or more embodiments; and

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a noise diagnosis method of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments.

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "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 in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0032] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0033] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0035] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments.

[0037] A refrigerator (100) according to one or more embodiments may include a body (10).

[0038] The “main body (10)” may include an inner case, an outer case arranged on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0039] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0040] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage room. According to one or more embodiments, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0042] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0043] A refrigerator (100) may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator (100), each storage compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, each storage compartment may be separated from the other by a partition wall containing insulating material.

[0044] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0045] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may include at least one door (21, 22, 23, 24) configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or one door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be installed on the front of the main body (10) in a rotatably or slidably manner.

[0047] The "door" may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door (21, 22, 23, 24) may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0048] According to one or more embodiments, the door (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the inside thereof.

[0049] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0050] According to one or more embodiments, the door (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to a front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the refrigerator (100) may be a French door type refrigerator. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the refrigerator (100) may be implemented as a side-by-side type, a bottom-mounted freezer (BMF), a top-mounted freezer (TMF), or a single-door refrigerator, depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0053] A "cold air supply device" may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments, a cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving a refrigeration cycle. In addition, the cold air supply device can further include a fan for supplying cold air generated through the refrigeration cycle device to a storage compartment. For example, the fan can include a refrigerator fan and a freezer fan. The refrigerator fan is a fan for supplying cold air to the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer fan is a fan for supplying cold air to the freezer compartment. According to one or more embodiments, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, the cooling air supply device may further include a damper.

[0056] A "damper" can supply cold air from one storage room to another. When the damper is turned on, it opens, allowing cold air from the storage room to flow to another storage room. When the damper is turned off, it closes, preventing cold air from flowing to another storage room.

[0057] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0058] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from the components placed within the machine room. Furthermore, the machine room may be equipped with a fan to cool the components placed within the machine room. For example, the fan may include a compressor cooling fan to cool the compressor.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may include a dispenser (30) provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser (30) may be provided on the door (21) so that it is accessible to a user without opening the door.

[0060] According to one or more embodiments, a refrigerator (100) may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray. According to one or more embodiments, the ice-separating device may include an ice-separating heater configured to heat the ice-separating tray so that ice is separated from the ice-separating tray, an ejector configured to be rotatable so as to separate ice from the ice-separating tray, and a motor configured to rotate the ejector.

[0061] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may provide a user interface (40). The user interface (40) may receive user input and, in response to the user input, display an image or output various notifications, messages, information, etc. The user interface (40) may be provided using an input interface and an output interface.

[0062] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2a, the refrigerator (100) may include an input interface (110), a communication interface (120), a memory (130), and one or more processors (140) (hereinafter referred to as processors).

[0064] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator (100).

[0065] The “control unit” may include a memory (130) that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator (100), and a processor (140) that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (130).

[0066] The memory (130) stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator (100). The memory (130) can store temporary data generated during the process of generating a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator (100). The memory (130) may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The processor (140) controls the overall operation of the refrigerator (100). The processor (140) can control components of the refrigerator (100) by executing a program stored in the memory (130). The processor (140) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model. In addition, the processor (140) may include a central processing unit, a graphics processor (GPU), etc. The processor (140) may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor (140) may receive temperature information of a storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0068] In addition, the processor (140) can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to the program and / or data stored / stored in the memory (130). The user interface can be provided using an input interface (110) and an output interface. The processor (140) can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor (140) can transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input to the user interface.

[0069] The processor (140) and memory (130) may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor (140) may include one or more processors. For example, the processor (140) may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory (130) may include one or more memories.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator (100), and may 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 memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device based on the output of a temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator (100) may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0071] The input interface (110) can receive user input. For example, the input interface (110) can include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface (110) can receive user input and transmit it to the processor (140).

[0072] The communication interface (communication module) (120) can communicate with external devices. The communication interface (120) can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (100) or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator (100) or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). In addition, the communication interface (120) can perform D2D (Device to Device) communication with external devices. For example, the communication interface (120) can perform short-range communication with external devices such as mobile devices and other home appliances without going through an access point.

[0073] The communication interface (120) can communicate with an external device using various types of communication methods and transmit and receive various types of information or data to and from the device.

[0074] For example, the communication interface (120) may include a LAN communication module such as an Ethernet module. In addition, the communication interface (120) may include a wireless communication module such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee, NFC, Z-Wave, infrared communication, etc. In addition, the communication interface (120) may include a cellular communication module such as 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evoloution), 5G, etc. In addition, the communication interface (120) may include a communication module such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.

[0075] FIG. 2b is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2b, the refrigerator (100) may include an input interface (110), a communication interface (120), a memory (130), a processor (140), and an output interface (150). Meanwhile, in describing FIG. 2b, parts that overlap with parts already described will be omitted or abbreviated.

[0077] The output interface (150) may include a display, a speaker, etc. The display may be implemented as a touch screen and may receive user input. The output interface (150) may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor (140).

[0078] According to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) can perform noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) and perform operations for noise improvement.

[0079] When a user input for noise diagnosis of a refrigerator (100) is input through an input interface (110), the processor (140) can operate the refrigerator (100) under each of a plurality of operating conditions. For example, a user can input a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) by selecting a noise diagnosis key provided on the input interface (110).

[0080] The operating conditions refer to the states of the refrigerator (100) that may occur during operation of the refrigerator (100), and the operating states of the components of the refrigerator (100) may be determined according to the operating conditions. That is, each of the plurality of operating conditions may include the operating states of the components of the refrigerator (100). The operating states of the components may include a state in which the components are operated or stopped. When a component is operated, it may mean that the component is turned on, and when a component is stopped, it may mean that the component is turned off. For example, even for the same component, while it may be turned on when the refrigerator (100) is operated under an operating condition, it may be turned off when the refrigerator (100) is operated under a different operating condition.

[0081] The components of the refrigerator (100) may include at least one of a compressor, a compressor cooling fan, a freezer fan, a refrigerator fan, a damper, and an ice maker (or a motor of the ice maker). However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the components of the refrigerator (100) may further include various components that can be turned on / off depending on the operating conditions during operation of the refrigerator (100).

[0082] Meanwhile, the operating state of at least one component among the components included in the driving conditions may differ from the remaining driving conditions. In other words, there is no driving condition in which the operating states of all components are identical across multiple driving conditions.

[0083] Information on multiple driving conditions may be stored in the memory (130). In addition, information on target noise corresponding to each driving condition may be stored in the memory (130).

[0084] The target noise may refer to noise that may be generated from the refrigerator (100) when the refrigerator (100) is operated normally. The manufacturer of the refrigerator (100) may measure the noise generated from the refrigerator (100) when the refrigerator (100) is operated normally according to each of a plurality of operating conditions, and store information on the size of the measured noise in the memory (130). Operating the refrigerator (100) according to the operating conditions may refer to operating the refrigerator (100) by turning on or off components of the refrigerator (100) in an operating state included in the operating conditions.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of driving conditions and a target noise for each of the plurality of driving conditions according to one or more embodiments.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, for each of a plurality of operating conditions (310 to 390), information on the operating status of the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, the refrigerator fan, the damper, and the ice maker under each operating condition, and information on the target noise under each operating condition may be stored in the memory (130). This information may be stored in the memory (130) in the form of a table.

[0087] Taking operating condition 1 as an example, operating condition 1 is an operating condition in which the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan are turned on, and the damper and the ice maker are turned off. When operating the refrigerator (100) under operating condition 1, the processor (140) can turn on the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan, and turn off the damper and the ice maker. In addition, the target noise level of operating condition 1 can be n1dB.

[0088] In this way, the memory (130) may store information about the operating status of components under each of a plurality of operating conditions and information about target noise under each of a plurality of operating conditions.

[0089] When a user input for noise diagnosis of a refrigerator (100) is input, the processor (140) can sequentially operate the refrigerator (100) under multiple operating conditions. In this case, the refrigerator (100) can be operated for a predetermined period of time under each operating condition. For example, the processor (140) can operate the refrigerator (100) under a predetermined operating condition for a predetermined period of time, and then operate the refrigerator (100) under the next operating condition for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, the refrigerator (100) can be sequentially operated under multiple operating conditions.

[0090] The processor (140) can receive noise of the refrigerator (100) acquired by the external device from the external device through the communication interface (120) while the refrigerator (100) is operated under each operating condition. For example, when a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) is input, the processor (140) can transmit a command for executing a noise diagnosis application to the external device through the communication interface (120). The external device may be a mobile device. The external device can execute a noise diagnosis application installed in the external device based on the command received from the refrigerator (100), acquire noise generated from the refrigerator (100) using a microphone of the external device, and transmit the acquired noise to the refrigerator (100). For example, the external device can display a UI (user interface) screen requesting consent to the use of personal information through the noise diagnosis application, and when a user input for consent to the use of personal information is input through the UI screen, the external device can record noise generated from the refrigerator (100) to create a recording file, and transmit the recording file to the refrigerator (100). For example, an external device can acquire noise generated from a refrigerator (100) using a microphone at regular time intervals and transmit the acquired noise to the refrigerator (100). In this way, the refrigerator (100) does not have a separate microphone for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100), and since the noise generated from the refrigerator (100) is acquired using a microphone of a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator (100) can be reduced.

[0091] The processor (140) can perform noise diagnosis for the refrigerator (100) under each operating condition based on the received noise and the target noise for each operating condition.

[0092] For example, the processor (140) may perform noise diagnosis on the refrigerator (100) by comparing the magnitude of the received noise with the magnitude of the target noise for each operating condition. If the magnitude of the noise received from the external device while the refrigerator (100) is operating under the operating condition is greater than the magnitude of the target noise for the operating condition, the processor (140) may identify that an abnormal noise (or abnormal noise) has occurred under the operating condition. If the magnitude of the noise received from the external device while the refrigerator (100) is operating under the operating condition is less than or equal to the magnitude of the target noise for the operating condition, the processor (140) may identify that an abnormal noise has not occurred under the operating condition. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the magnitude of the target noise for operating condition 1 may be n1 dB. The processor (140) can identify that abnormal noise is generated in operating condition 1 when the size of noise received from an external device is greater than n1 dB while the refrigerator (100) is operating under operating condition 1, and can identify that abnormal noise is not generated in operating condition 1 when the size of noise received from an external device is less than n1 dB while the refrigerator (100) is operating under operating condition 1.

[0093] In this way, the processor (140) can perform noise diagnosis on the refrigerator (100) under each operating condition by comparing the size of noise received from an external device under each operating condition with the size of target noise under each operating condition while the refrigerator (100) is sequentially operated under multiple operating conditions.

[0094] If the processor (140) identifies that an abnormal noise has occurred based on noise diagnosis, it may control the operation of at least one component of the refrigerator (100). Controlling the operation of the component may include changing the rotation speed of the component.

[0095] For example, if the processor (140) identifies that an abnormal noise has occurred, it can identify at least one component that is on under the operating condition in which the abnormal noise has occurred among the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan. For example, in operating condition 1, the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan can all be operated. If the processor (140) identifies that an abnormal noise has occurred when the refrigerator (100) is operated under operating condition 1, it can identify that the components that are on under operating condition 1 are the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan.

[0096] The processor (140) can change the rotational speed of one of the identified components. The rotational speed may mean revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0097] According to one or more embodiments, the memory (130) may store information on a plurality of rotation speeds for noise improvement of components operated under each operating condition for a plurality of operating conditions. The rotation speed for noise improvement refers to the rotation speed of a component that can reduce noise generated from the refrigerator (100), and may be measured during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerator (100) and determined within a range that does not impair the performance of the refrigeration cycle. For example, the plurality of rotation speeds of the components for noise improvement may have different values ​​and may be lower than the rotation speed at which the components are operated under the operating conditions. The information on the plurality of rotation speeds may be stored in the memory (130) in the form of a table.

[0098] For example, referring to FIG. 3, operating condition 1 is an operating condition in which the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan are all operated. In operating condition 1, the compressor may be operated at a rotation speed of r1 [rpm], the compressor cooling fan may be operated at a rotation speed of r2 [rpm], the freezer fan may be operated at a rotation speed of r3 [rpm], and the refrigerator fan may be operated at a rotation speed of r4 [rpm].

[0099] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the memory (130) may store rotational speed information for noise improvement of driving condition 1. For example, the rotational speed information for noise improvement of driving condition 1 may include a plurality of rotational speeds (410) for the compressor (e.g., r 11 [rpm], r 12 [rpm]), multiple rotational speeds (420) for the compressor cooling fan (e.g. r 21 [rpm], r 22 [rpm]), multiple rotation speeds (430) for the freezer fan (e.g. r 31 [rpm], r 32 [rpm], r 33 [rpm]), multiple rotation speeds (440) for the refrigerator fan (e.g. r 41 [rpm], r 42 [rpm]) may be included. Although not shown in Fig. 4, rotation speed information for noise improvement of the remaining driving conditions in addition to driving condition 1 may be stored in the memory (130).

[0100] The processor (140) sequentially changes the rotation speed of the components in the on state under the driving condition in which abnormal noise is generated based on the rotation speed information stored in the memory (130), and receives the noise of the refrigerator (100) acquired by the external device from the external device through the communication interface (120), and can compare the size of the received noise with the size of the target noise of the driving condition.

[0101] And, if the size of the noise received from the external device through the communication interface (120) while the component is being driven based on the changed rotation speed is less than or equal to the size of the target noise of the driving conditions, the processor (140) can identify the changed rotation speed as a noise-improving rotation speed for the component and drive the component under the driving conditions based on the noise-improving rotation speed. That is, the processor (140) can control the component so that the component is driven at the noise-improving rotation speed under the driving conditions.

[0102] Specifically, the processor (140) may sequentially change the rotation speed of at least one component among at least one component that is on under an operating condition in which an abnormal noise is generated based on the rotation speed information stored in the memory (130), and compare the size of the noise generated from the refrigerator (100) with the size of the target noise under the operating condition. In this case, if the processor (140) determines that the size of the noise generated from the refrigerator (100) has been reduced to below the size of the target noise under the operating condition, the processor (140) may identify the changed rotation speed of the component when noise below the target noise is generated from the refrigerator (100) as a noise-improving rotation speed. When the processor (140) sequentially changes the rotation speed of the components based on the rotation speed information stored in the memory (130), but it is determined that the noise generated from the refrigerator (100) is not reduced below the target noise level of the operating conditions, the processor (140) can identify the noise-improving rotation speed by comparing the noise generated from the refrigerator (100) with the target noise level of the operating conditions while sequentially changing the rotation speed of other components based on the rotation speed information stored in the memory (130).

[0103] In this way, the processor (140) sequentially changes the rotation speed of each component in the on state under the driving condition where abnormal noise is generated, and identifies whether the noise of the refrigerator (100) is improved, and if the noise of the refrigerator (100) is improved, the noise-improving rotation speed can be identified.

[0104] For example, it is assumed that an abnormal noise occurs under operating condition 1. Under operating condition 1, the compressor may be operated at a rotation speed of r1 [rpm], the compressor cooling fan may be operated at a rotation speed of r2 [rpm], the freezer fan may be operated at a rotation speed of r3 [rpm], and the refrigerator fan may be operated at a rotation speed of r4 [rpm].

[0105] The processor (140) can change the rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan among the compressor, compressor cooling fan, freezer fan, and refrigerator fan that are operating under operating condition 1. For example, the processor (140) can change the rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan to r based on a plurality of rotation speeds (420) for the compressor cooling fan stored in the memory (130). 21 [rpm] can be changed. And the processor (140) has a compressor cooling fan r 21 The size of the noise received from an external device while driving at a rotational speed of [rpm] can be compared with the size of the target noise of driving condition 1. The processor (140) operates the compressor cooling fan r 21 If the noise level received from an external device is less than n1dB while operating at a rotation speed of [rpm], the changed rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan (e.g. r 21 [rpm]) can be identified as the noise improvement rotation speed for the compressor cooling fan. And the processor (140) changes the rotation speed (e.g., r) of the compressor cooling fan in operating condition 1. 21 It can be driven at [rpm].

[0106] Additionally, the processor (140) has a compressor cooling fan r 21 When the noise received from an external device is greater than n1dB while operating at a rotation speed of [rpm], the rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan is set to r based on a plurality of rotation speeds (420) for the compressor cooling fan stored in the memory (130). 22 [rpm] can be changed. And the processor (140) has a compressor cooling fan r22 The size of the noise received from an external device while driving at a rotational speed of [rpm] can be compared with the size of the target noise of driving condition 1. The processor (140) operates the compressor cooling fan r 22 If the noise level received from an external device is less than n1dB while operating at a rotation speed of [rpm], the changed rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan (e.g. r 22 [rpm]) can be identified as the noise improvement rotation speed for the compressor cooling fan. And the processor (140) changes the rotation speed (e.g., r) of the compressor cooling fan in operating condition 1. 22 It can be driven at [rpm].

[0107] Additionally, the processor (140) has a compressor cooling fan r 22 If the noise level received from an external device is greater than n1 dB while operating at a rotation speed of [rpm], the rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan can be restored to its original state. For example, the processor (140) can change the rotation speed of the compressor cooling fan to r2 [rpm]. In addition, the processor (140) can identify whether the noise level generated from the refrigerator (100) is reduced to below the target noise level of operating condition 1 while changing the rotation speeds of other components operating under operating condition 1, thereby identifying the noise-improved rotation speed. For example, the processor (140) can change the rotation speeds of each component in the order of the freezer fan, refrigerator fan, and compressor. In addition, the processor (140) can operate the components at the noise-improved rotation speed under operating condition 1.

[0108] In this way, the processor (140) can change the rotational speed of each component operated under operating conditions to improve the noise of the refrigerator (100).

[0109] Meanwhile, in the above-described example, it has been described that the rotation speed information is stored for each component in the memory (130), but the present invention is not limited to this example. According to one or more embodiments, the memory (130) may store rotation speed information for noise improvement of at least one component, two or more components, or all components among the components operated under each operating condition for each of a plurality of operating conditions. This rotation speed is measured during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerator (100) and may be determined within a range that does not impair the performance of the refrigeration cycle. The processor (140) may change the rotation speed of one component, two or more components, or all components based on the rotation speed information stored in the memory (130) and compare the magnitude of the noise generated in the refrigerator (100) with the magnitude of the target noise of the operating condition.

[0110] For example, referring to FIG. 3, operating condition 1 is an operating condition in which the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan are all operated. For example, the memory (130) may store rotational speed information for noise improvement of operating condition 1. For example, the rotational speed information for noise improvement may include rotational speed information for the compressor and the compressor cooling fan, rotational speed information for the compressor, and rotational speed information for the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan.

[0111] When the processor (140) identifies that abnormal noise has occurred in operating condition 1, the processor (140) can change the rotation speed of the compressor and the compressor cooling fan based on the rotation speed information for the compressor and the compressor cooling fan stored in the memory (130). In addition, the processor (140) can compare the magnitude of the noise received from an external device while the compressor and the compressor cooling fan are operated at the changed rotation speed with the magnitude of the target noise of operating condition 1. When the magnitude of the noise received from the external device while the compressor and the compressor cooling fan are operated at the changed rotation speed is n1 dB or less, the processor (140) can identify the changed rotation speed of each of the compressor and the compressor cooling fan as a noise-improved rotation speed. In addition, the processor (140) can operate the compressor and the compressor cooling fan at the changed rotation speeds, respectively, under operating condition 1.

[0112] In addition, the processor (140) may change the rotation speed of the compressor based on the rotation speed information about the compressor stored in the memory (130) when the noise level received from the external device is greater than n1 dB while the compressor and the compressor cooling fan are operating at the changed rotation speed. In addition, the processor (140) may compare the noise level received from the external device while the compressor is operating at the changed rotation speed with the target noise level of the operating condition 1. In addition, the processor (140) may identify the changed rotation speed of the compressor as a noise improvement rotation speed when the noise level received from the external device is less than n1 dB while the compressor is operating at the changed rotation speed. In addition, the processor (140) may operate the compressor at the changed rotation speed under the operating condition 1.

[0113] In addition, the processor (140) may change the rotation speeds of the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan based on the rotation speed information about the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan stored in the memory (130) when the noise level received from the external device while the compressor is operating at the changed rotation speed is greater than n1 dB. In addition, the processor (140) may compare the noise level received from the external device while the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan are operating at the changed rotation speeds with the target noise level of the operating condition 1. When the noise level received from the external device is n1 dB or less, the processor (140) may identify the changed rotation speeds of each of the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan as noise-improved rotation speeds.

[0114] In this way, the processor (140) can identify whether the noise of the refrigerator (100) is improved by changing the rotation speed of one component or by changing the rotation speed of two or more components simultaneously, and if the noise of the refrigerator (100) is improved, can identify the noise-improving rotation speed.

[0115] The processor (140) can transmit information on the noise-improving rotation speed to the server through the communication interface (120). Specifically, the processor (140) can transmit information on the driving conditions under which abnormal noise is generated and the noise-improving rotation speed of the component under the driving conditions to the server through the communication interface (120). The server can store the information received from the refrigerator (100). Thereafter, if the processor (140) identifies that abnormal noise is generated during operation of the refrigerator (100), the processor can transmit information on the driving conditions under which the abnormal noise is generated to the server through the communication interface (120). The server can identify the noise-improving rotation speed of the component under the driving conditions received from the refrigerator (100) based on the information on the noise-improving rotation speed of the component for each driving condition stored in the server, and transmit information on the identified noise-improving rotation speed to the refrigerator (100). When the processor (140) receives information on the noise-improving rotation speed of the component from the server, the processor (140) can change the rotation speed of the component under the driving conditions based on the noise-improving rotation speed. In this way, according to one or more embodiments, the refrigerator (100) stores the noise improvement history on the server, and when noise abnormality occurs again in the refrigerator (100), the noise of the refrigerator (100) can be improved more quickly by using the noise improvement history stored on the server.

[0116] According to one or more embodiments, if the processor (140) determines that the noise of the refrigerator (100) is not improved by changing the rotation speed of a component that is on under an operating condition in which abnormal noise is generated among the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan, the processor (140) may identify at least one component that is on under an operating condition in which abnormal noise is generated among the damper and the ice maker. If the rotation speed of the component that is on under an operating condition in which abnormal noise is generated is changed but the noise level generated from the refrigerator (100) is not reduced below a target noise level of the operating condition, the processor (140) may identify that the noise of the refrigerator (100) is not improved. If the processor (140) determines that the noise of the refrigerator (100) is not improved, the processor (140) may identify whether there is a component that is on under an operating condition in which abnormal noise is generated among the damper and the ice maker. And, if the processor (140) identifies that there is a component that is ON under the driving condition in which abnormal noise is generated among the damper and the ice maker, it can identify that there is a problem in the component that is ON. In this case, the processor (140) can output information indicating that there is a problem in the identified component through the output interface (150). That is, if the noise of the refrigerator (100) is not improved even after changing the rotation speeds of the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan, and the refrigerator fan, it is highly likely that the noise of the refrigerator (100) is generated by components such as the damper and the ice maker. However, components such as the damper and the ice maker cannot reduce noise by changing the rotation speed. Therefore, if the damper and / or the ice maker are operating under the driving condition in which abnormal noise is generated, the processor (140) can identify that there is a problem in the damper and / or the ice maker, and output information indicating that there is a problem in the damper and / or the ice maker through the output interface (150).

[0117] According to one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may operate the refrigerator (100) under each of a plurality of operating conditions, and when the noise diagnosis for each operating condition is completed, the processor (140) may end the noise diagnosis. When the noise diagnosis is completed, the processor (140) may output the noise diagnosis result to the output interface (150). For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the noise of the refrigerator (100) is improved by changing the rotation speed of the component, the processor (140) may display text (510) such as “As a result of the noise diagnosis, the noise of the refrigerator has been improved” on the display of the refrigerator (100). In addition, the processor (140) may transmit a command for outputting information according to the noise diagnosis result to an external device through the communication interface (120). For example, when the noise of the refrigerator (100) is improved by changing the rotation speed of the component, the processor (140) may transmit a command for displaying text indicating that the noise has been improved to the external device through the communication interface (120). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5b, the external device (200) can display text (520) such as “As a result of the noise diagnosis, the noise of the refrigerator has improved” on the display of the external device (200) through the noise diagnosis application.

[0118] According to one or more embodiments, when a component with a problem is identified, the processor (140) may output information indicating that there is a problem with the identified component through the output interface (150). For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the processor (140) identifies that there is a problem with the ice maker, the processor (140) may display text (610) such as "There is a problem with the ice maker" on the display of the refrigerator (100). In addition, the processor (140) may transmit a command to an external device through the communication interface (120) for outputting information indicating that there is a problem with the component. For example, when the processor (140) identifies that there is a problem with the ice maker, the processor (140) may transmit a command to the external device through the communication interface (120) for displaying text indicating that there is a problem with the ice maker. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the external device (200) may display text (620) such as "There is a problem with the ice maker" on the display of the external device (200) through a noise diagnosis application.

[0119] According to one or more embodiments, if a defective component is identified, the processor (140) may request an A / S reception or repair reservation for the refrigerator (100) via the communication interface (120). For example, the processor (140) may transmit a command to the service provider's server via the communication interface (120) to request an A / S reception or repair reservation for the refrigerator (100). Accordingly, the user may receive appropriate customer service without having to separately apply for customer service.

[0120] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing noise diagnosis of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, when a user input for noise diagnosis is input (S711-Y), the processor (140) can transmit a command to execute a noise diagnosis application to an external device (200) (S712). The external device (200) can execute the noise diagnosis application based on the command received from the refrigerator (100) (S713).

[0122] The processor (140) can initiate noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100). The processor (140) can perform noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) according to operating conditions. Specifically, the processor (140) can operate the refrigerator (100) under one of a plurality of operating conditions (S714). The external device (200) can acquire noise of the refrigerator (100) using a microphone of the external device (200) according to execution of the noise diagnosis application (S715) and transmit the acquired noise to the refrigerator (100) (S716).

[0123] The processor (140) can perform noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) for the operating conditions using the noise received from the external device (200). Specifically, the processor (140) compares the noise of the refrigerator (100) (i.e., the noise received from the external device (200)) with the target noise of the operating conditions, and if the noise of the refrigerator (100) is greater than the target noise of the operating conditions (S717-Y), it can identify whether the compressor and / or the fan are operating under the operating conditions. If there is no compressor and / or fan operating under the operating conditions (S718-N), the processor (140) can identify whether the damper and / or the ice maker are operating under the operating conditions (S723). In this case, if there is a component among the damper and the ice maker operating under the operating conditions, the processor (140) can identify that there is a problem in the component. The processor (140) can change the rotation speed of the compressor and / or fan (S719) when there is a compressor and / or fan operating under operating conditions (S718-Y). The external device (200) can acquire noise of the refrigerator (100) using the microphone of the external device (200) (S720) and transmit the acquired noise to the refrigerator (100) (S721).

[0124] The processor (140) can identify whether the noise of the refrigerator (100) has been improved by using the noise received from the external device (200) after the rotation speed of the compressor and / or fan has been changed (S722). Specifically, the processor (140) can identify that the noise of the refrigerator (100) has been improved if the noise level of the refrigerator (100) is lower than or equal to the target noise level of the operating conditions (S722-Y). In addition, the processor (140) can identify that the changed rotation speed is a noise-improved rotation speed. In addition, the processor (140) can identify that the noise of the refrigerator (100) has not been improved if the noise level of the refrigerator (100) is higher than the target noise level of the operating conditions (S722-N). In addition, the processor (140) can identify whether the damper and / or the ice maker is operated under the operating conditions (S723). In this case, the processor (140) can identify that there is a problem with a component that is operating under operating conditions among the damper and deicer.

[0125] Through this process, the processor (140) can perform noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) under operating conditions.

[0126] Meanwhile, the processor (140) can identify whether the refrigerator (100) has been operated under multiple operating conditions (S724). That is, the processor (140) can identify whether noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) has been performed for each of the multiple operating conditions. If there is an operating condition in which the refrigerator (100) is not operated among the multiple operating conditions (S724-N), the processor (140) can perform noise diagnosis of the refrigerator (100) by performing the aforementioned process for the remaining operating conditions.

[0127] If the processor (140) identifies that the refrigerator (100) is operated under multiple operating conditions (S724-Y), the processor (140) can terminate the noise diagnosis (S725).

[0128] In addition, the processor (140) can output the noise diagnosis results through the output interface (150) (S726). For example, if the processor (140) identifies that the noise of the refrigerator (100) has been improved by changing the rotation speed of the compressor and / or fan, the processor (140) can display text indicating the noise improvement results on the display of the refrigerator (100). In addition, if there is a component identified as having a problem, the processor (140) can display information indicating that there is a problem with the identified component on the display of the refrigerator (100).

[0129] And the processor (140) can transmit a command to output information according to the noise diagnosis result to the external device (200) through the communication interface (120) (S727). The external device (200) can display the noise diagnosis result based on the command received from the refrigerator (100). For example, if the processor (140) identifies that the noise of the refrigerator (100) has improved by changing the rotation speed of the compressor and / or the fan, the processor (140) can transmit a command to the external device through the communication interface (120) to display a text indicating that the noise has improved. In addition, if there is a component identified as having a problem, the processor (140) can transmit a command to the external device through the communication interface (120) to output information indicating that there is a problem in the identified component.

[0130] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, the refrigerator (100) can identify whether abnormal noise is generated from the refrigerator (100) while operating the refrigerator (100) under each of a plurality of operating conditions that may occur during operation of the refrigerator (100), and if an operating condition in which abnormal noise is generated exists, the noise-improving rotation speed of a component under the corresponding operating condition can be identified, and the component can be operated at the identified noise-improving rotation speed to automatically reduce noise of the refrigerator (100). In addition, if the refrigerator (100) identifies that a component with an abnormality exists, the refrigerator can provide information about the component with an abnormality to the user. Accordingly, user convenience can be improved.

[0131] Meanwhile, in the above-described example, the noise diagnosis of the refrigerator was described as being performed by the refrigerator, but this is merely an example. According to one or more embodiments, the noise diagnosis of the refrigerator may be performed by a server. The server may control and manage various devices registered to the server (e.g., home appliances and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, etc.). To this end, information on target noises corresponding to multiple operating conditions may be stored in the server. When noise of the refrigerator (100) acquired by an external device is received from the external device, the processor (140) may transmit information on the operating conditions of the refrigerator (100) and the noise received from the external device to the server via the communication interface (120). The server may use the information on the operating conditions received from the refrigerator (100) to identify the target noise of the operating condition, and compare the noise level of the refrigerator (100) with the target noise level of the operating condition to perform noise diagnosis for the operating condition. In addition, when the noise diagnosis for each of the multiple operating conditions is completed, the server may transmit the noise diagnosis results to the refrigerator (100). When the processor (140) receives a noise diagnosis result from the refrigerator (100), it can output the noise diagnosis result through the output interface (150) and transmit a command for outputting information according to the noise diagnosis result to an external device through the communication interface (120).

[0132] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a noise diagnosis method of a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments.

[0133] The refrigerator may store information about target noise corresponding to each operating condition for multiple operating conditions.

[0134] First, when user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator is entered, the refrigerator is operated under each of multiple operating conditions (S810).

[0135] While the refrigerator is being operated under each operating condition, noise of the refrigerator acquired by the external device is received from the external device (S820), and noise diagnosis for the refrigerator under each operating condition is performed based on the received noise and the target noise of each operating condition (S830).

[0136] If it is determined that an abnormal noise has occurred based on noise diagnosis, the operation of at least one component of the refrigerator is controlled (S840).

[0137] Each of the multiple operating conditions includes the operating states of the components of the refrigerator.

[0138] Components of the refrigerator may include at least one of a compressor, a compressor cooling fan, a freezer fan, a refrigerator fan, a damper, and an ice maker.

[0139] Step S830 can perform noise diagnosis on the refrigerator by comparing the magnitude of the received noise with the magnitude of the target noise for each operating condition. Specifically, step S830 can identify that an abnormal noise has occurred under the operating condition if the magnitude of the noise received from an external device while the refrigerator is operating under the operating condition is greater than the target noise for the operating condition.

[0140] In step S840, if it is determined that an abnormal noise has occurred, at least one component among a compressor, a compressor cooling fan, a freezer fan, and a refrigerator fan that is on under the operating condition in which the abnormal noise has occurred is identified, the rotation speed of one of the identified components is changed, and if the magnitude of noise received from an external device while the component is operated based on the changed rotation speed is lower than or equal to the magnitude of the target noise of the operating condition, the changed rotation speed is identified as a noise-improved rotation speed for the component, and the component can be operated under the operating condition based on the noise-improved rotation speed. In this case, the rotation speeds of the components that are on under the operating condition in which the abnormal noise has occurred can be sequentially changed.

[0141] Additionally, information about the noise improvement rotation speed can be transmitted to the server.

[0142] In addition, if it is determined that the noise of the refrigerator is not improved by changing the rotation speed of the identified component, at least one component among the damper and the ice maker that is in an on state under the operating condition where the abnormal noise is generated can be identified, and information indicating that there is an abnormality in the identified component can be output.

[0143] Meanwhile, according to a temporary example of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call instructions stored from the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments. When an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0144] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0145] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium or a similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the processor itself. In a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software. Each software may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0146] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of a device according to the various embodiments described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium, when executed by a processor of a specific device, cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the device according to the various embodiments described above. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that permanently stores data and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may include a CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disk, USB, memory card, or ROM.

[0147] In addition, each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, programs or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0148] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the refrigerator, input interface; communication interface; A memory storing information on target noise corresponding to a driving condition for each of multiple driving conditions; and When a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator is input through the input interface, the refrigerator is operated under each of the plurality of operating conditions, While the refrigerator is being operated under each operating condition, the noise of the refrigerator acquired by the external device is received from the external device through the communication interface, Based on the received noise and the target noise of each driving condition, a noise diagnosis is performed on the refrigerator under each driving condition, If it is determined that an abnormal noise has occurred based on the noise diagnosis, one or more processors for controlling the operation of at least one of the components of the refrigerator; A refrigerator, wherein each of the plurality of operating conditions includes an operating state of components of the refrigerator.

2. In paragraph 1, The components of the above refrigerator are: A refrigerator comprising at least one of a compressor, a compressor cooling fan, a freezer fan, a refrigerator fan, a damper, and an ice maker.

3. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, A refrigerator, which performs noise diagnosis for the refrigerator by comparing the size of the received noise with the size of the target noise for each driving condition.

4. In paragraph 3, One or more of the above processors, A refrigerator, wherein when the noise received from the external device while the refrigerator is operating under the operating conditions is greater than the target noise of the operating conditions, the refrigerator identifies that abnormal noise has occurred under the operating conditions.

5. In paragraph 2, One or more of the above processors, When the above abnormal noise is identified as occurring, at least one component among the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan and the refrigerator fan is identified as being in an on state under the operating condition where the above abnormal noise is occurring, Changing the rotational speed of one of the components identified above, If the size of the noise received from the external device through the communication interface while the component is driven based on the changed rotation speed is less than or equal to the size of the target noise of the driving condition, the changed rotation speed is identified as a noise improvement rotation speed for the component, A refrigerator that operates the component under the above driving conditions based on the above noise improvement rotation speed.

6. In paragraph 5, One or more of the above processors, A refrigerator which sequentially changes the rotation speed of each component in a state where the above-mentioned abnormal noise is generated.

7. In paragraph 5, One or more of the above processors, A refrigerator that transmits information on the above noise improvement rotation speed to a server through the communication interface.

8. In paragraph 5, further including an output interface; One or more of the above processors, If it is determined that the noise of the refrigerator is not improved by changing the rotation speed of the identified components, at least one component among the damper and the ice maker that is in the on state under the operating condition where the abnormal noise is generated is identified, A refrigerator that outputs information indicating that there is a problem with the identified component through the output interface.

9. In a noise diagnosis method of a refrigerator, information on target noise corresponding to a driving condition is stored for each of multiple driving conditions, When a user input for noise diagnosis of the refrigerator is input, a step of operating the refrigerator under each of the plurality of operating conditions; A step of receiving noise of the refrigerator acquired by the external device while the refrigerator is operated under each operating condition from the external device; A step of performing noise diagnosis for the refrigerator under each driving condition based on the received noise and the target noise of each driving condition; and A step of controlling the operation of at least one of the components of the refrigerator, if it is determined that an abnormal noise has occurred based on the noise diagnosis, is included; A noise diagnosis method, wherein each of the plurality of operating conditions includes an operating state of components of the refrigerator.

10. In paragraph 9, The components of the above refrigerator are: A noise diagnosis method comprising at least one of a compressor, a compressor cooling fan, a freezer fan, a refrigerator fan, a damper, and an ice maker.

11. In paragraph 9, The steps performed above are: A noise diagnosis method for performing noise diagnosis on the refrigerator by comparing the size of the received noise with the size of the target noise for each driving condition.

12. In paragraph 11, The steps performed above are: A noise diagnosis method for identifying that abnormal noise has occurred under the operating conditions when the noise received from the external device while the refrigerator is operating under the operating conditions is larger than the target noise of the operating conditions.

13. In paragraph 10, The above controlling step is, When it is identified that the above abnormal noise has occurred, a step of identifying at least one component among the compressor, the compressor cooling fan, the freezer fan and the refrigerator fan that is in an on state under the operating condition where the above abnormal noise has occurred; A step of changing the rotational speed of one of the above identified components; A step of identifying the changed rotation speed as a noise improvement rotation speed for the component when the size of the noise received from the external device while the component is operating is less than or equal to the size of the target noise of the operating condition based on the changed rotation speed; and A noise diagnosis method, comprising: a step of driving the component under the driving conditions based on the noise improvement rotation speed; 14. In paragraph 13, The above changing steps are: A noise diagnosis method, comprising: a step of sequentially changing the rotational speed of each component in an on state under the driving conditions in which the above-mentioned abnormal noise is generated.

15. In paragraph 13, A noise diagnosis method, further comprising: a step of transmitting information on the above noise improvement rotation speed to a server.

Images