Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator disclosed herein comprises: a storage chamber; a compressor for supplying a refrigerant; an evaporator for performing heat exchange between ambient air and the refrigerant supplied from the compressor; a heater provided around the evaporator; a fan for supplying the storage chamber with air cooled by the evaporator; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit. The control unit can: operate the heater in response to the start of a defrosting operation; identify whether the evaporator is over-frosted on the basis of an over-frost condition of the evaporator; and, on the basis of whether the evaporator is over-frosted, determine a defrost termination temperature for terminating the defrosting operation according to the over-frost condition or according to a defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device for storing food, beverages, etc. for a long period of time without spoiling, and a refrigerator usually includes multiple storage rooms (e.g., a refrigerator, a freezer, and a variable temperature room) in which the stored items can be stored.

[0003] A refrigerator maintains the temperature of its storage compartment at a set target temperature by repeatedly performing a cooling cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerator supplies cooled air into each compartment through an evaporator, which is positioned to correspond to the target temperature for each compartment, thereby maintaining the temperature within the compartment at the target temperature.

[0004] Water vapor that flows into the refrigerator from the outdoors at room temperature or water vapor that evaporates from food stored inside the refrigerator may form frost on the outer surface of the evaporator at a low temperature due to the temperature difference, and the frost formed on the surface of the evaporator may reduce the heat exchange efficiency, lowering the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator and increasing power consumption.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator for determining a defrosting end temperature for terminating defrosting based on whether an evaporator is over-frozen or a defrosting time.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a storage compartment; a compressor for supplying refrigerant; an evaporator for performing heat exchange between refrigerant supplied from the compressor and ambient air; a heater provided around the evaporator; a fan for supplying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage compartment; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit; wherein the control unit operates the heater in response to the start of a defrosting operation, identifies whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on an over-frozen condition of the evaporator, and determines a defrosting end temperature for terminating the defrosting operation based on the over-frozen condition based on whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on the over-frozen condition, or determines the defrosting end temperature according to a defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature.

[0007] A control method according to one embodiment is a method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a storage compartment; a compressor for supplying refrigerant; an evaporator for performing heat exchange between refrigerant supplied from the compressor and ambient air; a heater provided around the evaporator; a fan for supplying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage compartment; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit, the method comprising: operating the heater in response to the start of a defrosting operation; identifying whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on an over-frozen condition of the evaporator; and determining a defrosting end temperature for terminating the defrosting operation based on the over-frozen condition based on whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on the over-frozen condition or determining the defrosting end temperature based on a defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature.

[0008] The disclosed refrigerator and refrigerator control method can remove frost formed on the evaporator and improve power consumption of the heater by determining the defrosting end temperature according to whether frost has formed on the evaporator or the defrosting time and controlling the operation time of the heater.

[0009] The technical tasks and effects to be achieved in this document are not limited to those described above, and other technical tasks and effects other than those mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0010] Figure 1 is an external view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining a cooling device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining step S620 of Figure 6 in detail.

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining step S660 of Figure 6 in detail.

[0017] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0018] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0019] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] In this document, 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 that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0021] 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).

[0022] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0023] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0027] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0028] Fig. 1 is an external view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20, 30) formed inside the main body (10), and a cooling device (40) for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (20, 30).

[0030] The main body (10) may include an inner case (10b) forming a storage compartment (20, 30), an outer case (10a) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (10b) to form the exterior of the refrigerator (1), and an insulating material (10c) disposed between the inner case (10b) and the outer case (10a) to insulate the storage compartment (20, 30).

[0031] The insulation (10c) can insulate the inside and outside of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation (10c) can include a foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming a urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case (10b) and the outer case (10a). In one embodiment, the insulation (10c) can additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation (10c) can be composed solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation can 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 is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and can include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0032] The storage room (20, 30) may include a space defined by an inner case (10b). The storage room (20, 30) may further include an inner case defining a space corresponding to the storage room (20, 30). Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room (20, 30), and the storage room (20, 30) may be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

[0033] The storage chambers (20, 30) can be partitioned into a first storage chamber (20) on the upper side and a second storage chamber (30) on the lower side by a middle partition wall (11). The first storage chamber (20) can be maintained at a temperature of approximately 3°C to refrigerate food, and the second storage chamber (30) can be maintained at a temperature of approximately -19°C to freeze food. The first storage chamber (20) can be provided with a shelf for placing food and at least one storage box (24) for storing food.

[0034] The first storage room (20) and the second storage room (30) each have an open front to allow food to be taken in and out, and the open front of the first storage room (20) can be opened and closed by a pair of doors (21; 21a, 21b) hinged to the main body (10).

[0035] The open front of the second storage room (30) can be opened and closed by at least one door (31) hingedly connected to the main body (10).

[0036] According to various embodiments, the number and type of storage rooms and the number and type of doors for opening and closing each storage room can be changed within the scope of conventional technology.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the first storage room (20) and / or the second storage room (30) may include a variable temperature room whose temperature can be changed according to the user's settings.

[0038] That is, the refrigerator (1) may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, each storage compartment (20, 30) may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall including an insulating material (10c).

[0039] The storage room (20, 30) may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room" that are distinguished depending on the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for refrigerating items, and the freezer may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, the 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, the freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's discretion or regardless.

[0040] The storage room (20, 30) may be called by various names such as “vegetable room,” “fresh room,” “cooling room,” and “ice room” in addition to the names “refrigerator room,” “freezer room,” and “variable temperature room,” and the terms “refrigerator room,” “freezer room,” and “variable temperature room” used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges, respectively.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include at least one door (21, 31) configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment (20, 30). The door (21, 31) may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments (20, 30), or one door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door (21, 31) may be installed on the front of the main body in a rotatably or slidably manner.

[0042] The door (21, 31) may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door (21, 31) is closed. The door (21, 31) may include insulation, like the main body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door (21, 31) is closed.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the door (21, 31) may include a door outer plate forming the front of the door (21, 31), a door inner plate forming the rear of the door (21, 31) and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0044] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment (20, 30) by being pressed against the front of the main body when the door (21, 31) is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the door (21, 31) may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door (21, 31). 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 material provided inside these.

[0046] Depending on the arrangement of the door (21, 31) and storage compartment (20, 30), the refrigerator can be classified into a French door type, a side-by-side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF), a top mounted freezer (TMF), or a single-door refrigerator.

[0047] The cooling device (40) may include a machine, mechanism, electronic device and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room (20, 30).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cooling device (40) can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cooling device (40) can include an evaporator (41) in which liquid refrigerant evaporates, a compressor (42) in which gaseous refrigerant is compressed, a condenser (43) in which gaseous refrigerant is condensed, and an expander in which liquid refrigerant is expanded.

[0049] The compressor (42) can supply refrigerant.

[0050] The evaporator (41) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor (42) and the surrounding air.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cooling device (40) may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage chamber by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cooling device (40) are arranged.

[0053] 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 be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0054] The compressor (42) and condenser (43) can be installed in a machine room provided at the lower rear side of the main body (10).

[0055] The evaporator (41) can be installed in a cooling duct (50) provided at the inner rear of the storage room (20, 30).

[0056] A cooling duct (50) is provided to allow air to flow to the inner rear of the storage room (20, 30). A fan (51) may be installed in the cooling duct (50) to discharge air (hereinafter referred to as cold air) from which heat has been removed by the evaporator (41) into the interior of the storage room (20, 30) and to suck air from the storage room (20, 30) into the cooling duct (50).

[0057] A discharge port (52) may be formed on the upper side of the cooling duct (50) so that the cold air generated by the evaporator (41) is discharged to the storage chamber (20, 30). The discharge port (52) may be formed with a plurality of holes.

[0058] An intake port (53) may be formed on the lower side of the cooling duct (50) so that air from the storage chamber (20, 30) is sucked into the cooling duct (50). The intake port (53) may be formed with a plurality of holes.

[0059] Although it has been described that the evaporator (41) is installed at the rear of the storage chamber (20, 30) and cold air moves from the bottom to the top, the position of the evaporator (41) is not limited to this. For example, the evaporator (41) may be installed at the bottom or top surface of the storage chamber (20, 30) to form a flow path in a corresponding direction, respectively.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the evaporator (41) may be provided to correspond to each storage chamber (20, 30). For example, the evaporator (41) may include a first evaporator corresponding to the first storage chamber (20) and a second evaporator corresponding to the second storage chamber (30).

[0061] According to various embodiments, a temperature sensor (110) for measuring the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) may be provided in the storage room (20, 30).

[0062] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor (110) may include a temperature sensor (110a) for measuring the temperature of the first storage room (20) and a temperature sensor (110b) for measuring the temperature of the second storage room (30).

[0063] The temperature sensor (110) may be provided inside the storage room (20, 30). For example, the temperature sensor (110) may be provided near the outlet (52) inside the storage room (30), but the location of the temperature sensor (110) is not limited thereto.

[0064] According to various embodiments, a temperature sensor (120) for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (41) may be provided around the evaporator (41). The temperature sensor (120) for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (41) may be provided on the upper side of the evaporator (41), but the location of the temperature sensor (120) is not limited thereto.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the temperature sensor (120) may be provided in the middle region of the evaporator (41).

[0066] According to various embodiments, it is also possible to provide multiple temperature sensors (120).

[0067] When water vapor flows into the vicinity of the evaporator (41), frost may form on the evaporator (41).

[0068] If frost forms on the evaporator (41), heat exchange between the air near the evaporator (41) and the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator (41) is hindered, thereby reducing heat exchange efficiency.

[0069] In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a heater (70) for removing frost formed on the evaporator (41).

[0070] The heater (70) may be provided around the evaporator (41). For example, the heater (70) may be provided on the lower side of the evaporator, but the location of the heater (70) is not limited thereto.

[0071] A heater (70) may be provided to remove ice or frost that occurs in the discharge port (not shown) provided in the evaporator (41) and cooling duct (50) so that cold air can be smoothly discharged to the storage room (20, 30).

[0072] The heater (70) may include at least one of a sheath heater, a cord heater, high temperature gas of the cycle itself, and a heat pump cycle.

[0073] The air heated by the heater (70) rises and moves by convection. Frost formed on the evaporator (41) can be removed by the air heated by the heater (70).

[0074] In one embodiment, when the heater (70) is operated during the frost operation, frost formed on the evaporator (41) can be removed.

[0075] In one embodiment, during the freezing operation, the operation of the compressor (42) may be stopped, so that compressed refrigerant may not be supplied to the evaporator (41).

[0076] In one embodiment, during the freezing operation, the operation of the fan (51) may be stopped so that the air heated by the heater (70) does not flow into the storage chamber (20, 30) through the discharge port (52).

[0077] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining a cooling device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0078] In one embodiment, the cooling device (40) may include an evaporator (41) that generates cold air through heat exchange, a refrigerant pipe (41a) for delivering gaseous refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator (41) to a compressor (42), a compressor (42) that compresses the gaseous refrigerant provided through the refrigerant pipe (41a), a refrigerant pipe (42a) that delivers the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (42) to a condenser, and a condenser (43) that condenses the refrigerant provided through the refrigerant pipe (42a).

[0079] The motor (not shown) of the compressor (42) receives a driving current under the control of the control unit (100) described later and rotates the rotation shaft through the magnetic interaction between the rotor and the stator. In this way, the rotational force generated by the motor is converted into linear motion force by the piston (not shown) of the compressor (42), and the linear motion force of the piston can be used to compress the gaseous refrigerant to high pressure. In addition, the rotational force generated by the motor of the compressor (42) can be transmitted to the rotary blade connected to the rotary shaft of the motor, and the stick-slip phenomenon between the rotary blade and the container (not shown) of the compressor (42) can be used to compress the gaseous refrigerant to high pressure.

[0080] The motor of the compressor (42) may include an induction AC servo motor, a synchronous AC servo motor, a BLDC (brushless direct current) motor, etc.

[0081] Through the pressure exerted by the compressor (42), the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser (43), the expansion valve (45), and the evaporator (41). That is, the compressor (42) plays the most important role in the cooling device (40) that cools the storage chamber (20, 30), and it can be seen that the operation of the cooling device (40) means that the compressor (42) is operated.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the cooling device (40) may include a condenser (43) for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (42). When the condenser (43) condenses the refrigerant, the temperature of the condenser (43) may increase due to latent heat released by the refrigerant. In one embodiment, the cooling device (40) may include a heat dissipation fan (not shown) for cooling the condenser (43).

[0083] According to various embodiments, the cooling device (40) may include an expansion valve (45) for expanding the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (43). The expansion valve (45) may throttle the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to reduce the pressure to a level at which evaporation can occur. Throttling refers to a reduction in pressure of a fluid without heat exchange with the outside air when the fluid passes through a narrow passage such as a nozzle or orifice.

[0084] The expansion valve (45) can control the amount of refrigerant supplied to the evaporator (41) so that the refrigerant can absorb sufficient heat from the evaporator (41). In addition, the opening and / or opening degree of the expansion valve (45) can be controlled by the control unit (100) described later.

[0085] The opening and closing of the expansion valve (45) can be controlled.

[0086] For example, the expansion valve (45) may include a thermoelectric electronic expansion valve that utilizes deformation of a bimetal, a thermal electronic expansion valve that utilizes volume expansion by heating of an encapsulating wax, a pulse width modulation type electronic expansion valve that opens and closes a solenoid valve by a pulse signal, and / or a stem motor type electronic expansion valve that opens and closes a valve by using a motor.

[0087] The refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (45) can be transferred to the capillary tube (43b) through the refrigerant tube (43a) and expanded. The capillary tube (43b) can be implemented by a thin tube, and can expand the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant and discharge the low-temperature, low-pressure gas and liquid refrigerant mixture into the refrigerant tube (43c) connected to the evaporator (41).

[0088] Depending on various embodiments, the capillary (43b) may be omitted.

[0089] The surrounding air can be cooled by the evaporator (41), and the fan (51) can supply the air cooled by the evaporator (41) to the storage chamber (20, 30). In other words, the fan (51) can introduce the surrounding air cooled by the evaporator (41) into the storage chamber (20, 30).

[0090] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator (41) is supplied again to the compressor (42), so that the cooling cycle can be repeated. That is, the refrigerant can circulate by passing through the compressor (42), the condenser (43), and the evaporator (41) in sequence, thereby cooling the storage chamber (20, 30).

[0091] A temperature sensor (110; hereinafter referred to as 'internal temperature sensor (110)') for measuring the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) may be provided inside the storage room (20, 30).

[0092] A temperature sensor (120; hereinafter referred to as 'evaporator temperature sensor (120)') for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (41) may be provided in the cooling duct (50) provided with the evaporator (41).

[0093] The evaporator temperature sensor (120) can be provided near the evaporator (41).

[0094] A heater (70) may be provided on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the evaporator (41).

[0095] According to various embodiments, when the refrigerator (1) includes an ice maker (not shown), the cooling device (40) may include a switching valve (not shown) for transferring the refrigerant condensed by the condenser (43) to the evaporator (41) on the ice maker side.

[0096] Figure 5 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0097] A refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of controllable electrical components (e.g., a compressor (42), a fan (51), an expansion valve (45), and / or a heater (70)), a control unit (100) for controlling the plurality of electrical components of the refrigerator (e.g., a compressor (42), a fan (51), an expansion valve (45), and / or a heater (70)), an internal temperature sensor (110) for measuring the temperature of a storage compartment (20, 30), and an evaporator temperature sensor (120) for measuring the temperature of an evaporator (41).

[0098] The control unit (100) may include at least one memory in which a program for performing the aforementioned or later-described operation and various data necessary for executing the program are stored, and at least one processor for executing the stored program.

[0099] The control unit (100) may include hardware such as a CPU, a Micom (e.g., MCU, MPU), at least one memory (102), and at least one processor (101), and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (100) may include at least one memory (102) that stores data in the form of information, algorithms, and / or programs for controlling the operations of components within the refrigerator, and at least one processor (101) that performs the operations described above and the operations to be described below using the data and / or information stored in the at least one memory (102). The memory (102) and the processor (101) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (101) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (102) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory (102) and the processor (101) may be implemented as a single chip or as multiple chips.

[0100] The memory (102) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), and non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

[0101] A person skilled in the art will readily understand that controlling the compressor (42) in the present disclosure may include controlling the motor of the compressor (42), and controlling the fan (51) may include controlling the motor of the fan (51).

[0102] The control unit (100) can control the compressor (42) by controlling the drive circuit for driving the compressor (42). The control unit (100) can obtain operating information of the compressor (42) from the drive circuit for driving the compressor (42).

[0103] The operating information of the compressor (42) may include information regarding the operating frequency of the compressor (42) and / or the operating time of the compressor (42).

[0104] The control unit (100) can control the fan (51) by controlling the driving circuit for driving the fan (51). The control unit (100) can obtain operation information of the fan (51) from the driving circuit for driving the fan (51).

[0105] The operation information of the fan (51) may include information about the operation RPM of the fan (51) and / or the operation time of the fan (51).

[0106] The control unit (100) can receive temperature information of the storage room (20, 30) detected from the internal temperature sensor (110).

[0107] The temperature information of the storage room (20, 30) may include data regarding the temperature value of the storage room (20, 30) detected from the internal temperature sensor (110).

[0108] The control unit (100) can receive temperature information of the evaporator (41) detected from the evaporator temperature sensor (120).

[0109] The temperature information of the evaporator (41) may include data regarding the temperature value of the evaporator (41) detected from the evaporator temperature sensor (120).

[0110] In one embodiment, the control unit (100) can control the compressor (42) and / or the fan (51) based on the temperature of the storage compartment (20, 30).

[0111] For example, the control unit (100) can operate the compressor (42) and the fan (51) in response to the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) being lower than a preset target temperature.

[0112] The control unit (100) operating the compressor (42) and the fan (51) can be defined as performing a cooling operation.

[0113] As another example, the control unit (100) can adjust the opening amount of the expansion valve (45) in response to the temperature change rate of the storage chamber (20, 30) being lower than a preset target temperature change rate.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the control unit (100) may operate the heater (70) when it is determined that defrosting of the evaporator (41) is necessary.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the control unit (100) may stop the operation of the compressor (42) and the fan (51) during the operation of the heater (70).

[0116] The control unit (100) operating the heater (70) can be defined as performing a defrosting operation.

[0117] For example, the control unit (100) can operate the heater (70) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) every preset period (e.g., 10 hours).

[0118] The control unit (100) can operate the heater (70) in response to the start of the freezing operation.

[0119] The control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen according to the preset over-frozen condition of the evaporator (41).

[0120] The control unit (100) can obtain the rotation speed of the fan (51).

[0121] The control unit (100) can obtain the temperature of the storage room (20, 30).

[0122] The control unit (100) can obtain the difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41).

[0123] The control unit (100) can obtain the temperature change amount of the storage room (20, 30) within a preset cycle.

[0124] The operating time of the compressor (42) can be obtained.

[0125] The refrigerator (1) may include a door open / close sensor (not shown) that detects the opening / closing of the door (21, 31), and the control unit (100) may obtain the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened / closed and the opening / closing time of the door (21, 31).

[0126] Since it is difficult to accurately detect the amount of frost formed on the evaporator (41), the control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is overfrozen based on factors that can estimate whether the evaporator (41) is overfrozen due to frost (e.g., at least one of the rotation speed of the fan (51), the temperature of the storage chamber (20, 30), the difference between the temperature of the storage chamber (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41), the operating time of the compressor (42), the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened and closed, and the opening and closing time).

[0127] Specifically, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrozen based on the fact that the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed. In other words, since the rotation speed of the fan (51) may decrease due to frost formed on the evaporator (41), the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrozen based on the fact that the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed. The reference rotation speed can be set in various ways through user input, and is not limited thereto.

[0128] The control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrozen based on the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) being higher than the reference storage room temperature. In other words, because the inside of the storage room (20, 30) cannot be cooled due to frost formed on the evaporator (41), and the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) may rise, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrozen based on the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) being higher than the reference storage room temperature. The reference storage room temperature can be set in various ways through user input, and is not limited thereto.

[0129] As another example, when the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) rises and a high temperature error occurs, the control unit (100) can obtain a signal for the high temperature error and identify that the evaporator (41) is overheated based on the obtained signal.

[0130] The control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overheated based on the difference between the temperature of the storage chamber (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) being greater than or equal to a reference value and the temperature change being greater than or equal to a reference change amount. The reference value and the reference change amount can be set in various ways through user input, and are therefore not limited thereto.

[0131] The control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on whether the second storage compartment (30) is overloaded. For example, the control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on the operating time of the compressor (42) being greater than or equal to a reference operating time. The second storage compartment (30) may be a freezer, and the conditions for determining whether the second storage compartment is overloaded may vary in addition to the operating time of the compressor (42), and are therefore not limited thereto. The reference operating time may be set in various ways through user input, and is therefore not limited thereto.

[0132] The control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on the fact that the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened and closed is greater than or equal to the reference number of times and the opening and closing time is greater than or equal to the reference opening and closing time. In other words, when the door (21, 31) is opened and closed, external moisture may flow into the storage chamber (20, 30) and frost may form on the evaporator (41). Therefore, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is over-frozen if the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened and closed is greater than or equal to the reference number of times and the opening and closing time is longer than or equal to the reference opening and closing time. Here, the number of times the door is opened and closed and the opening and closing time may be the number of times the door is opened and the opening time, and the reference number of times the door is opened and closed and the reference opening and closing time may be variously set through user input, and are not limited thereto.

[0133] The control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature based on the over-frost condition, based on whether the evaporator (41) is over-frost-prone. That is, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as a third temperature higher than the first temperature and the second temperature, based on the evaporator (41) being in an over-frost-prone state.

[0134] Here, the defrosting termination temperature may be the temperature for terminating defrosting. When the temperature of the evaporator (41) is raised to the defrosting termination temperature by the heater (70) provided around the evaporator (41), the control unit (100) can terminate defrosting.

[0135] The control unit (100) can identify the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach a reference temperature based on the fact that the evaporator (41) is not over-frozen. The control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature based on the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach the reference temperature. The reference temperature can be set in various ways through user input and is therefore not limited thereto.

[0136] For example, if the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach a reference temperature (e.g., 3°C) is shorter than or equal to the reference time (e.g., 10 minutes), it can be seen that the temperature of the evaporator (41) can reach the reference temperature within the reference time, since a small amount of frost may have formed on the evaporator (41) or no frost may have formed. Accordingly, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature.

[0137] In addition, if the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach the reference temperature (e.g., 3°C) is longer than the reference time (e.g., 10 minutes), it can be seen that a large amount of frost has formed on the evaporator (41), and therefore it takes longer than the reference time for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach the reference temperature. Accordingly, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0138] In one embodiment, the control unit (100) may determine the defrosting end temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage compartment (20, 30) if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to a reference time. Since the higher the internal humidity of the storage compartment (20, 30), the higher the probability of frost forming on the evaporator (41), the control unit (100) may determine the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage compartment (20, 30) being lower than or equal to the reference humidity if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time. The reference time may be set in various ways through user input and is not limited thereto.

[0139] In addition, if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room (20, 30) being higher than the reference humidity.

[0140] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining step S620 of Fig. 6 in detail. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining step S660 of Fig. 6 in detail.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (100) can operate the heater (70) in response to the start of the defrosting operation (S610). For example, the defrosting operation can be initiated based on a preset defrosting cycle or the temperature of the storage chamber (20, 30), and the control unit (100) can operate the heater (70) in response to the start of the defrosting operation.

[0142] The control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on preset over-frozen conditions of the evaporator (41) (S620). The control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on at least one of the rotation speed of the fan (51), the temperature of the storage chamber (20, 30), the difference between the temperature of the storage chamber (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41), the operating time of the compressor (42), the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened and closed, and the opening and closing time of the door (21, 31).

[0143] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen according to the over-frozen condition of the evaporator (41).

[0144] Specifically, the control unit (100) can determine whether the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed (S621). If the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed (example of S621), the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrosted. Since the evaporator (41) may be overfrosted due to frost and the rotation speed of the fan (51) may decrease, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrosted if the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed.

[0145] If the rotation speed of the fan (51) is less than the reference rotation speed (NO in S621), the control unit (100) can determine whether the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is equal to or higher than the reference storage room temperature (S622). If the evaporator (41) is overfrozen, the heat transfer between the air and the surface of the evaporator (41) is hindered due to the frost formed on the surface of the evaporator (41), so the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) rises. Therefore, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overfrozen if the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is equal to or higher than the reference storage room temperature (YES in S622).

[0146] If the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is lower than the reference storage room temperature (NO in S622), the control unit (100) can determine whether the temperature difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) is equal to or greater than the reference value (S623). If the temperature difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) is equal to or greater than the reference value (YES in S623), the control unit (100) can further determine whether the temperature change amount of the storage room (20, 30) within a preset cycle is equal to or greater than the reference change amount (S624). That is, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is overheated if the temperature difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) is greater than or equal to a reference value and the temperature change amount of the storage room (20, 30) within a preset cycle is greater than or equal to the reference change amount (example of S624).

[0147] If the temperature difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) is less than the reference value (NO in S623) or the temperature change amount of the storage room (20, 30) within the preset cycle is less than the reference change amount (NO in S624), the control unit (100) can determine whether the operating time of the compressor (42) is greater than or equal to the reference operating time (S625). The control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on the fact that the operating time of the compressor (42) is greater than or equal to the reference operating time (YES in S625).

[0148] If the operating time of the compressor (42) is less than the standard operating time (NO in S625), the control unit (100) can determine whether the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened or closed is greater than or equal to the standard number of times (S626). If the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened or closed is greater than or equal to the standard number of times (e.g., 3 times) (YES in S626), the control unit (100) can determine whether the opening and closing time of the door (21, 31) is greater than or equal to the standard opening and closing time (S627).

[0149] In other words, the control unit (100) can identify that the evaporator (41) is over-frozen if the number of times the door (21, 31) is opened and closed is greater than or equal to the standard number of times (e.g., 3 times) and the opening and closing time of the door (21, 31) is greater than or equal to the standard opening and closing time (e.g., 60 seconds) (example of S627).

[0150] In other words, the preset over-cooling condition of the evaporator (41) may include whether the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed, whether the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, whether the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is higher than or equal to the reference storage room temperature, whether the temperature difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) is higher than or equal to the reference value, whether the temperature change amount of the storage room (20, 30) within the preset cycle is higher than or equal to the reference change amount, whether the operating time of the compressor (42) is higher than or equal to the reference operating time, whether the number of openings and closings of the door (21, 31) is higher than or equal to the reference number of openings and closings, and whether the opening and closing time of the door (21, 31) is higher than or equal to the reference opening and closing time.

[0151] That is, the control unit (100) can identify whether the evaporator (41) is over-frozen based on whether the rotation speed of the fan (51) is lower than or equal to the reference rotation speed, whether the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, whether the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) is higher than or equal to the reference storage room temperature, whether the temperature difference between the temperature of the storage room (20, 30) and the temperature of the evaporator (41) is higher than or equal to the reference value, whether the temperature change amount of the storage room (20, 30) within a preset cycle is higher than or equal to the reference change amount, whether the operating time of the compressor (42) is higher than or equal to the reference operating time, whether the number of openings and closings of the door (21, 31) is higher than or equal to the reference number of openings and closings, and whether the opening and closing time of the door (21, 31) is higher than or equal to the reference opening and closing time.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the over-implantation condition is not satisfied in step S621, step S622 is performed, if the over-implantation condition is not satisfied in step S622, step S623 is performed, if the over-implantation condition is not satisfied in steps S623 and S624, step S625 is performed, and if the over-implantation condition is not satisfied in step S625, step S626 is performed. However, in another embodiment, steps S621, S622, S623 and S624, S625, S626, and S627 may be performed independently.

[0153] Meanwhile, although step S630 of FIG. 6 is omitted in FIG. 7, the identification that the evaporator (41) is over-frozen according to the above-mentioned over-frozen condition may be the same as the evaporator (41) being in an over-frozen state (example of S630 of FIG. 6). In addition, the identification that the evaporator (41) is not over-frozen may be the same as the evaporator (41) not being in an over-frozen state (no of S630 of FIG. 6).

[0154] Therefore, if the evaporator (41) is identified as being over-frozen, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as a third temperature higher than the first temperature (S640).

[0155] Here, the third temperature may be a temperature higher than the second temperature, and the second temperature may be a temperature higher than the first temperature. The first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature may be temperatures predetermined by user input.

[0156] In the present disclosure, if the evaporator (41) is identified as being over-frozen in steps S621, S622, S623, S624, S625, S626, and S627, the control unit (100) is described as determining the defrost end temperature as the third temperature. However, the defrost end temperature may be determined differently for each step. For example, if the evaporator (41) is identified as being over-frozen in step S621, the control unit (100) may determine the defrost end temperature as the third temperature. If the evaporator (41) is identified as being over-frozen in step S622, the control unit (100) may determine the defrost end temperature as the fourth temperature. If the evaporator (41) is identified as being over-frozen in steps S623 and S624, the control unit (100) may determine the defrost end temperature as the fifth temperature. In this way, the control unit (100) can determine different freezing termination temperatures depending on the freezing conditions.

[0157] Referring again to FIG. 6, if the evaporator (41) is identified as not being over-frozen, the control unit (100) can identify the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach a reference temperature (S650). For example, the control unit (100) can identify the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach a reference temperature (e.g., 3°C).

[0158] The control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature or the second temperature based on the defrosting time (S660).

[0159] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (100) can determine whether the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach the reference temperature is shorter than or equal to the reference time (S661).

[0160] If the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach the reference temperature is longer than the reference time, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature (S662).

[0161] Meanwhile, the control unit (100) can determine whether the internal humidity of the storage room (20, 30) is lower than or equal to the reference humidity (S663) based on whether the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator (41) to reach the reference temperature is shorter than or equal to the reference time (example of S661).

[0162] If the internal humidity of the storage room (20, 30) is higher than the reference humidity (NO in S663), the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature (S662).

[0163] That is, the control unit (100) can determine the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature (S664) based on the fact that the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time and the internal humidity of the storage room (20, 30) is lower than or equal to the reference humidity (example of S663).

[0164] Although the present invention is described as being performed in the control unit (100), it may also be performed in the processor (101).

[0165] In this way, the control unit (100) determines the frost end temperature according to whether frost has formed on the evaporator (41) or the frost time, thereby varying the operation time of the heater (70) according to the frost end temperature, thereby removing frost formed on the evaporator (41).

[0166] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a storage compartment; a compressor for supplying refrigerant; an evaporator for performing heat exchange between refrigerant supplied from the compressor and ambient air; a heater provided around the evaporator; a fan for supplying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage compartment; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit; wherein the control unit operates the heater in response to the start of a defrosting operation, identifies whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on an over-frozen condition of the evaporator, and determines a defrosting end temperature for terminating the defrosting operation based on the over-frozen condition based on whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on the over-frozen condition, or determines the defrosting end temperature according to a defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature.

[0167] The control unit may determine the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time, and may determine the defrosting end temperature as the second temperature if the defrosting time is longer than the reference time.

[0168] The control unit can identify the internal humidity of the storage room, and if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to a reference time, determine the defrosting end temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room.

[0169] The control unit may determine the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room being lower than or equal to the reference humidity when the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

[0170] The control unit may determine the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room being higher than the reference humidity if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

[0171] The control unit can identify whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on at least one of the rotation speed of the fan, the temperature of the storage compartment, the difference between the temperature of the storage compartment and the temperature of the evaporator, the operating time of the compressor, the number of times the door is opened and closed, and the opening and closing time of the door.

[0172] The control unit can identify that the evaporator is over-cooled based on the fact that the rotation speed of the fan is lower than the reference rotation speed.

[0173] The refrigerator further includes an internal temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage compartment, and the control unit can identify that the evaporator is over-frozen based on the temperature of the storage compartment being higher than a reference storage compartment temperature.

[0174] The control unit can identify the temperature change amount of the storage room within a preset cycle, and identify that the evaporator is over-frozen based on the temperature difference being greater than or equal to a reference value and the temperature change amount being greater than or equal to the reference change amount.

[0175] The control unit can identify that the evaporator is over-cooled based on the fact that the operating time of the compressor is greater than or equal to a reference operating time.

[0176] The control unit can identify the number of times the door is opened and closed and the opening and closing time, and can identify that the evaporator is over-frozen based on the number of times the door is opened and closed being greater than or equal to a reference number of times and the opening and closing time being greater than or equal to a reference opening and closing time.

[0177] The control unit may determine the defrost end temperature as the third defrost temperature when the evaporator is identified as being over-frozen.

[0178] A control method according to one embodiment is a method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a storage compartment; a compressor for supplying refrigerant; an evaporator for performing heat exchange between refrigerant supplied from the compressor and ambient air; a heater provided around the evaporator; a fan for supplying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage compartment; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit, the method comprising: operating the heater in response to the start of a defrosting operation; identifying whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on an over-frozen condition of the evaporator; and determining a defrosting end temperature for terminating the defrosting operation based on the over-frozen condition based on whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on the over-frozen condition or determining the defrosting end temperature based on a defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature.

[0179] Determining the defrosting end temperature may include determining the defrosting end temperature as a first temperature if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to a reference time; and determining the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature if the defrosting time is longer than the reference time.

[0180] The control method may further include identifying the internal humidity of the storage room; and determining the defrosting end temperature may include determining the defrosting end temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

[0181] Determining the defrosting end temperature may include determining the defrosting end temperature as a first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room being lower than or equal to the reference humidity if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

[0182] Determining the defrosting end temperature may include determining the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room being higher than the reference humidity if the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

[0183] Identifying whether the evaporator is over-frozen may include identifying whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on at least one of the rotation speed of the fan, the temperature of the storage compartment, the difference between the temperature of the storage compartment and the temperature of the evaporator, the operating time of the compressor, the number of times the door is opened and closed, and the opening and closing time of the door.

[0184] Identifying whether the evaporator is over-frozen may include identifying the evaporator as being over-frozen based on the rotation speed of the fan being less than or equal to a reference rotation speed.

[0185] Identifying whether the evaporator is over-frozen may include identifying the evaporator as being over-frozen based on the temperature of the storage chamber detected by the internal temperature sensor being higher than a reference temperature.

[0186] The disclosed refrigerator and refrigerator control method can remove frost formed on the evaporator and improve power consumption of the heater by determining the defrosting end temperature according to whether frost has formed on the evaporator or the defrosting time and controlling the operation time of the heater.

[0187] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0188] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document 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 may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0190] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Storage room; A compressor that supplies refrigerant; An evaporator that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor and the surrounding air; A heater provided around the evaporator; A fan for supplying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage room; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the evaporator; and including a control unit; The above control unit, In response to the start of the defrosting operation, the heater is operated, Identify whether the evaporator is over-frozen according to the over-frozen condition of the evaporator, A refrigerator that determines a defrosting end temperature for terminating the defrosting operation based on the over-frost condition based on whether the evaporator is over-frost-covered or not, or determines the defrosting end temperature based on the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, If the above-mentioned defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time, the above-mentioned defrosting end temperature is determined as the first temperature, A refrigerator that determines the defrosting end temperature as the second temperature if the above defrosting time is longer than the above reference time.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Identify the internal humidity of the above storage room, A refrigerator that determines the defrosting end temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage compartment when the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A refrigerator that determines the defrosting end temperature as the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage room being lower than or equal to the reference humidity when the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

5. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A refrigerator that determines the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature higher than the first temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage compartment being higher than the reference humidity when the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A refrigerator that identifies whether the evaporator is over-frozen based on at least one of the rotation speed of the fan, the temperature of the storage compartment, the difference between the temperature of the storage compartment and the temperature of the evaporator, the operating time of the compressor, the number of times the door is opened and closed, and the opening and closing time of the door.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A refrigerator that identifies the evaporator as being over-cooled based on the rotation speed of the fan being below a reference rotation speed.

8. In paragraph 6, Further comprising an internal temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the storage room; The above control unit, A refrigerator that identifies the evaporator as being over-frozen based on the temperature of the storage compartment being higher than the reference storage compartment temperature.

9. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, Identify the temperature change in the storage room within a preset cycle, A refrigerator that identifies the evaporator as being over-frozen based on the difference in temperature being greater than or equal to a reference value and the change in temperature being greater than or equal to the reference change amount.

10. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A refrigerator that identifies the evaporator as being over-frozen based on the operating time of the compressor being longer than the reference operating time.

11. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, Identify the number of times the door is opened and closed and the opening and closing time, A refrigerator that identifies the evaporator as being over-frozen based on the number of times the door is opened and closed being greater than or equal to a standard number of times and the opening and closing time being greater than or equal to a standard opening and closing time.

12. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A refrigerator that determines the defrost end temperature as the third defrost temperature when the above evaporator is identified as being over-frozen.

13. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a storage room; a compressor for supplying refrigerant; an evaporator for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor and the surrounding air; a heater provided around the evaporator; a fan for supplying air cooled by the evaporator to the storage room; an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit; Operate the heater in response to the start of the freezing operation; Identify whether the evaporator is over-frozen according to the over-frozen condition of the evaporator; A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: determining a defrosting end temperature for terminating the defrosting operation based on the over-frost condition, or determining the defrosting end temperature based on the defrosting time required for the temperature of the evaporator to reach a reference temperature; 14. In paragraph 13, Determining the above-mentioned freezing end temperature is as follows: If the above-mentioned defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time, the defrosting end temperature is determined as the first temperature; A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: determining the defrosting end temperature as a second temperature if the defrosting time is longer than the reference time.

15. In paragraph 13, Further comprising: identifying the internal humidity of the storage room; Determining the above-mentioned freezing end temperature is as follows: A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: determining the defrosting end temperature based on the internal humidity of the storage compartment when the defrosting time is shorter than or equal to the reference time.

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