Refrigerator and method for controlling same

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises: a compressor; a condenser that condenses a refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a refrigerating-compartment evaporator that cools a refrigerating compartment; a freezing-compartment evaporator that cools a freezing compartment; a flow-path switching valve that guides the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to either the refrigerating-compartment evaporator or the freezing-compartment evaporator; an ambient temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the refrigerator; and a processor that, when the temperature outside the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature, controls the compressor and the flow-path switching valve to sequentially perform a first refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerating compartment and a first freezing operation for cooling the freezing compartment, and then perform a second freezing operation for the freezing compartment without performing a second refrigerating operation for the refrigerating compartment.

Description

Refrigerator and method of controlling it

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

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a cabinet with a storage compartment and a cooling system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food. The storage compartment may also include a freezer compartment maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food. A door is provided on the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment.

[0003] A refrigerator includes a refrigerator evaporator for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a freezer evaporator for cooling the freezer compartment, and can independently cool the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. This method of independently cooling the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment is called a parallel cycle method.

[0004] The parallel cycle method offers the advantage of improving energy efficiency during refrigerator cooling by performing refrigeration independently of the freezer. Typically, the refrigerator is cooled first, followed by the freezer, and refrigerant recovery is performed before and after the refrigerator is cooled.

[0005] However, under low ambient temperatures (e.g., outside temperatures below 18°C), the heat load in the refrigerator compartment is significantly reduced compared to the freezer compartment, making refrigerator cooling unnecessary. Performing refrigerant recovery operation when refrigerator cooling is not required requires unnecessary compressor operation.

[0006] The disclosed invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which can determine whether refrigeration operation and refrigerant recovery operation are necessary for cooling a refrigerating chamber according to the external temperature of the refrigerator, and can adjust the timing of performing the refrigerant recovery operation according to the determination result.

[0007] The disclosed invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can reduce the operating time of a compressor (70) by reducing the number of times refrigerant recovery operations are performed in an environmental condition where the refrigeration operation of a refrigerator compartment (22) is temporarily unnecessary due to low external temperature.

[0008] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include: a compressor; a condenser for condensing refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a refrigerator compartment; a freezer evaporator for cooling a freezer compartment; a flow switching valve for guiding refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the refrigerator compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator; an outside temperature sensor for detecting an outside temperature of the refrigerator; and a processor. The processor may control the compressor and the flow switching valve. When the outside temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature, the processor may sequentially perform a first refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment, and then perform a second freezing operation of the freezer compartment without performing a second refrigerating operation of the refrigerator compartment. Before starting the first refrigerating operation, the processor may perform a first refrigerant recovery operation for recovering refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator. The above processor can perform a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator after the second refrigeration operation is completed.

[0009] A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a compressor; a condenser for condensing refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a refrigerator compartment; a freezer evaporator for cooling a freezer compartment; a flow switching valve for guiding refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the refrigerator evaporator or the freezer evaporator; and a processor, wherein the control method, which is executed by the processor to control the compressor and the flow switching valve, comprises: detecting an external temperature of the refrigerator; sequentially performing a first refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment when the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature, and then performing a second freezing operation of the freezer compartment without performing the second refrigerating operation of the refrigerator compartment; and performing a first refrigerant recovery operation for recovering refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator before starting the first refrigerating operation; It may include performing a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator after the end of the second freezing operation.

[0010] The disclosed refrigerator and its control method can determine whether refrigeration operation and refrigerant recovery operation are necessary for cooling a refrigerating chamber based on the external temperature of the refrigerator, and can adjust the timing of performing the refrigerant recovery operation based on the determination result.

[0011] The disclosed refrigerator and its control method can reduce the operating time of the compressor and reduce energy consumption by reducing the number of refrigerant recovery operations performed in an environmental condition where the external temperature is low and the refrigerating operation of the refrigerating chamber is temporarily unnecessary.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a side cross-section of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a cooling cycle system included in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is a graph showing the control timing of the compressor and the euro switching valve when the external temperature of the refrigerator is higher than the reference temperature.

[0017] Figure 6 is a graph showing the control timing of the compressor and the euro switching valve when the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to the reference temperature.

[0018] Figure 7 is a graph showing temperature changes of various devices according to the operation of the refrigerator described in Figure 6.

[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart explaining a method of controlling a refrigerator when the external temperature of the refrigerator is higher than the reference temperature.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment when the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature.

[0021] Fig. 10 is a flowchart explaining in more detail the control method of the refrigerator described in Fig. 9.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[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] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a cabinet.

[0034] A "cabinet" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed outside the inner case, and insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0035] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or 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 exterior of the cabinet, and may be joined to the exterior of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0036] "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. In one embodiment, 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.

[0037] In one embodiment, the insulation may 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] A refrigerator (1) may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator (1), each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, each storage compartment may be separated from the other by a partition wall containing insulating material.

[0040] 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 or maintain 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the cabinet in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0043] The "door" may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to a cabinet, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the door 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 of these.

[0045] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by pressing against the front of the cabinet when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0046] In one embodiment, the door 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. 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 door insulation provided inside these.

[0047] The refrigerator (1) 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 (1) depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle comprising the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0052] 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 cabinet to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without opening the door.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-separating device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0055] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator (1). The refrigerator (1) may include at least one control unit. The control unit may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device. For example, the control unit may receive temperature information of a storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side cross-section of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet (10), a storage compartment (20) formed by being divided vertically inside the cabinet (10), and a door (30) for opening and closing the storage compartment (20). In addition, the refrigerator (1) may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (20).

[0059] The cabinet (10) may include an inner case (11) forming a storage room (20), an outer case (12) bonded to the outside of the inner case (11) to form an exterior, and an insulating material (13) foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (12) to insulate the storage room (20).

[0060] The storage room (20) can be divided into multiple sections by partitions (15). For example, the storage room (20) can be divided into multiple sections (22, 23, 24) by partitions (15). The partition (15) can include a first partition (17) and a second partition (19). When the first partition (17) and the second partition (19) are combined, the partition (15) can have a T-shape. The partition (15) can divide the storage room (20) into three spaces.

[0061] The first partition (17) can be horizontally connected to the inside of the storage compartment (20) to divide the storage compartment (20) into an upper storage compartment (22) and a lower storage compartment (23, 24). The second partition (19) can be vertically connected to the lower storage compartment (23, 24) to divide the lower storage compartment (23, 24) into a first lower storage compartment (23) and a second lower storage compartment (24). The upper storage compartment (22) can be used as a refrigerator. At least one of the two lower storage compartments (23, 24) can be used as a freezer.

[0062] For example, both the first lower storage chamber (23) and the second lower storage chamber (24) can be used as a freezer. The first lower storage chamber (23) can be used as a freezer and the second lower storage chamber (24) can be used as a refrigerator. The first lower storage chamber (23) can be used as a freezer and the second lower storage chamber (24) can be used as a refrigerator. Both the first lower storage chamber (23) and the second lower storage chamber (24) can be used as refrigerators.

[0063] The storage compartment (20) is not limited to the exemplified one. The storage compartment (20) may be formed in various ways depending on the design. A plurality of shelves (25) and storage containers (26) may be provided inside the storage compartment (20) to store food, etc. Hereinafter, the upper storage compartment (22) is described as a "refrigerator compartment," and the lower storage compartments (23, 24) are described as a "freezer compartment."

[0064] A refrigerator (1) may include a door (30). The door (30) may open or close each of the refrigerator compartment (22) and the freezer compartment (23, 24). The door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The door (30) may include a pair of refrigerator compartment doors (31) and a pair of freezer compartment doors (33). The refrigerator compartment door (31) may open and close the refrigerator compartment (22). The freezer compartment door (33) may open and close the freezer compartments (23, 24).

[0065] A pair of refrigerator doors (31) may be provided with a first door handle (32a) and a second door handle (32b). Part of or all of the refrigerator compartment (22) may be opened or closed by at least one of the pair of refrigerator doors (31). A freezer door handle (34) may be provided for each of the pair of freezer doors (33). The freezer doors (33) may also be provided as sliding doors.

[0066] When the refrigerator door (31) is closed, a rotation bar (35) may be provided on at least one of the pair of refrigerator doors (31) so that the refrigerator doors (31) can be sealed without a gap being created between them. The rotation bar (35) may be rotatably coupled to at least one of the pair of refrigerator doors (31). The rotation bar (35) may be rotated by a rotation guide (14) formed on the cabinet (10) according to the opening and closing of the refrigerator door (31).

[0067] Door shelves (31a, 33a) for storing food may be provided on the back surfaces of the refrigerator door (31) and the freezer door (33). Shelf supports (31b, 33b) for supporting the left and right sides of the door shelves (31a, 33a) may be provided on each of the refrigerator door (31) and the freezer door (33). The shelf supports (31b, 33b) may be provided to be detachable on each of the doors (31, 33).

[0068] A first gasket (31c, 33c) may be provided on the rear edge of each of the refrigerator door (31) and the freezer door (33) to seal the gap with the cabinet (10) when the door (31, 33) is closed. The first gasket (31c, 33c) may be installed in a loop shape along the rear edge of each door (31, 33) and may include a magnet inside.

[0069] The refrigerator door (31) may be provided as a double door including a first door (40) and a second door (50). The first door (40) is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a hinge and can open and close the refrigerator (22). The door shelf (31a), shelf support (31b), and first gasket (31c) described above may be provided on the first door (40).

[0070] The first door (40) may include an opening (41). A user may store food on the door shelf (31a) or take food out of the door shelf (31a) through the opening (41) while the first door (40) is closed. The opening (41) passes through the first door (40) and may be opened and closed by the second door (50).

[0071] A second door (50) is provided in front of the first door (40) so as to open and close the opening (41) of the first door (40). The second door (50) may be provided so as to be rotatable in the same direction as the first door (40). For example, the second door (50) may be rotatably supported by a hinge installed on the first door (40). The hinge may also be installed on the cabinet (10).

[0072] The second door (50) may include a second gasket to maintain airtightness with the first door (40). The second gasket may be installed in a loop shape along the edge of the back surface of the second door (50) and may include a magnet inside.

[0073] A machine room (27) may be formed at the lower rear side of the cabinet (10). A cooling cycle system may be arranged in the machine room (27). The cooling cycle system may include a compressor (70) for compressing refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, an evaporator (81, 82) installed at the rear of the storage room (20) for cooling the surrounding air, a fan (91, 92) for moving the air cooled by the evaporator (81, 82) to the storage room (20), and a cold air duct (61, 62) for guiding cold air flowing according to the operation of the fan (91, 92) to the storage room (20). The cold air duct (61, 62) may be provided at the rear side of the storage room (20).

[0074] The first cold air duct (61), the refrigerator evaporator (81), and the refrigerator fan (91) may be arranged at the rear of the refrigerator compartment (22). Air cooled by the refrigerator evaporator (81) may move to the refrigerator compartment (22) through the first cold air duct (61) according to the operation of the refrigerator fan (91). The second cold air duct (62), the freezer evaporator (82), and the freezer fan (92) may be arranged at the rear of the freezer compartment (23, 24). Air cooled by the freezer evaporator (82) may move to the freezer compartment (23, 24) through the second cold air duct (62) according to the operation of the freezer fan (92).

[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates a cooling cycle system included in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, the refrigeration cycle system of the refrigerator (1) may include a compressor (70), a condenser (71), a hot pipe (73), a flow switching valve (74), a refrigerator evaporator (81), a freezer evaporator (82), a refrigerator expansion device (75), a freezer expansion device (76), and a check valve (83). The refrigeration cycle system may correspond to a parallel cycle system.

[0077] The compressor (70) can suck in refrigerant and compress the sucked refrigerant to change it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The sucking of the refrigerant can be performed using the rotational power of a built-in motor. The compressor (70) can compress the sucked low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (70) in a gaseous state. By sucking and discharging the refrigerant by the compressor (70), the refrigerant can circulate within the cooling cycle.

[0078] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (70) is transferred to the condenser (71). The condenser (71) is connected to the discharge port of the compressor (70) and condenses the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor (70) into a liquid state by exchanging heat with the surrounding air. Inside the condenser (71), the refrigerant liquefies and releases heat to the outside, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0079] A hot pipe (73) may be extended from a condenser (71) and connected to the inlet of a refrigerant changeover valve (74). The refrigerant may release heat while moving inside the hot pipe (73). The heat released from the hot pipe (73) may prevent dew from forming on the front surface of the cabinet (10) due to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the cabinet (10). The hot pipe (73) may be provided between the inner case (11) and the outer case (12) and may be located in the front area of ​​the cabinet (10).

[0080] The flow switching valve (74) can switch the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (71) depending on the operation mode (e.g., refrigeration operation or freezing operation) of the refrigerator (1). The flow switching valve (74) can guide the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (71) to the refrigerator evaporator (81) or the freezer evaporator (82). In the refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment (22), the flow switching valve (74) can guide the refrigerant to the refrigerator evaporator (81). In the freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment (23, 24), the flow switching valve (74) can guide the refrigerant to the freezer evaporator (82).

[0081] The refrigerant diverter valve (74) may be provided as a three-way valve having one inlet and two outlets. The inlet of the refrigerant diverter valve (74) may be connected to a hot pipe (73). The first outlet of the refrigerant diverter valve (74) may be connected to a refrigerator expansion device (75), and the second outlet of the refrigerant diverter valve (74) may be connected to a freezer expansion device (76).

[0082] The path through which the refrigerant flows to the refrigerator evaporator (81) through the refrigerator expansion device (75) may be referred to as an R-direction path. The path through which the refrigerant flows to the freezer evaporator (82) through the freezer expansion device (76) may be referred to as an F-direction path. Depending on the operation of the path switching valve (74), each of the R-direction path and the F-direction path may be opened (ON) or closed (OFF). Using the path switching valve (74), the refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment (22) and the freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartments (23, 24) may be independently performed.

[0083] When a refrigerant recovery operation is performed to recover the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerator evaporator (81) or the freezer evaporator (82), both the R-direction flow path and the F-direction flow path can be closed to block the inflow of refrigerant from the condenser (71) to the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82).

[0084] Each of the refrigerator expansion device (75) and the freezer expansion device (76) can expand the liquid refrigerant flowing in from the flow diverter valve (74). The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant can be lowered as it passes through the expansion device. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion device can be a two-phase refrigerant comprising a liquid component and a gas component.

[0085] Each of the refrigerator expansion device (75) and the freezer expansion device (76) may be provided with an expansion valve. The expansion valve may include various types of valves, such as 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, or a stem motor type electronic expansion valve that opens and closes a valve by using a motor.

[0086] The refrigerator expansion device (75) and the freezer expansion device (76) may be formed using a capillary tube instead of an expansion valve. The capillary tube may be implemented using a thin tube, and the refrigerant passing through the capillary tube is forced and delivered to the evaporator (81, 82).

[0087] Each of the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82) can cool the surrounding air. The refrigerant flowing inside the evaporators (81, 82) exchanges heat with the surrounding air of the evaporators (81, 82) and absorbs heat from the surrounding air, so that the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant can be cooled. The cooled air can be supplied to the storage compartment (20) according to the operation of the fans (91, 92).

[0088] The pipes extending from the outlets of the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82) can be combined into one pipe and connected to the inlet of the compressor (70).

[0089] A check valve (83) is installed at the outlet of the freezer evaporator (82) to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back toward the freezer evaporator (82). The check valve (83) can prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the freezer evaporator (81) into the freezer evaporator (82) during refrigeration operation. In addition, the check valve (83) can prevent the refrigerant from flowing back into the freezer evaporator (82) after the refrigerant recovery operation is performed to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82).

[0090] A refrigerator (1) may include a condenser fan (72), a refrigerator fan (91), and a freezer fan (92). As the condenser fan (72) operates, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the condenser (71) and the air can be performed more quickly. The operation of the condenser fan (72) may be synchronized with the operation of the compressor (70). As the refrigerator fan (91) operates, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the air can occur smoothly. As the freezer fan (92) operates, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the freezer evaporator (82) and the air can occur smoothly.

[0091] Figure 4 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a compressor (70), a condenser fan (72), a plenum switching valve (74), a refrigerator fan (91), a freezer fan (92), a refrigerator temperature sensor (110), a freezer temperature sensor (120), an outside temperature sensor (130), and a control unit (300). In addition, the refrigerator (1) may include a user interface (200).

[0093] The control unit (300) may include a processor (320) and a memory (310). The memory (310) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor (320) and the memory (310) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided.

[0094] The control unit (300) and / or the processor (320) can be electrically connected to various electronic devices and / or electronic components of the refrigerator (1) and can control the electronic devices and / or electronic components. The control unit (300) and / or the processor (320) can control the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0095] The processor (320) can process various data and signals using instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory (310). The processor (320) can generate control signals for controlling components of the refrigerator (1). The processor (320) may include one core or multiple cores.

[0096] The processor (320) may be configured to perform various operations of the refrigerator (1). The processor (320) may perform operations of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction, algorithm, program, and / or software stored in the memory (310). The processor (320) may control one or any combination of components of the refrigerator (1). The processor (320) may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. Various electronic devices and / or electronic components of the refrigerator (1) may be controlled by separate processors or by a single integrated processor.

[0097] The processor (320) may include various types of circuits. For example, the processor (320) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

[0098] The compressor (70) compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (70) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotary motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to the condenser (71). The processor (320) can control the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (70). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (70) increase, the heat released around the condenser (71) can increase.

[0099] The refrigerant diverter valve (74) can guide the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (71) to the refrigerator evaporator (81) or the freezer evaporator (82). The processor (320) can control the refrigerant diverter valve (74) to guide the refrigerant to the refrigerator evaporator (81) or the freezer evaporator (82) depending on the operating mode of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., refrigeration operation or freezing operation).

[0100] The processor (320) can control the flow diverter valve (74) to guide the refrigerant to the refrigerating chamber evaporator (81) during refrigerating operation to cool the refrigerating chamber (22). For example, the processor (320) can control the flow diverter valve (74) to open the R-direction flow path and close the F-direction flow path.

[0101] The processor (320) can control the flow diverter valve (74) to guide the refrigerant to the freezer evaporator (82) during the freezing operation to cool the freezer (23, 24). For example, the processor (320) can control the flow diverter valve (74) to close the R-direction flow path and open the F-direction flow path.

[0102] In addition, the processor (320) may control the flow switching valve (74) to close both the R-direction flow path and the F-direction flow path. During a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerator evaporator (81) or the freezer evaporator (82), the processor (320) may control the flow switching valve (74) to block the inflow of refrigerant into the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82). In other words, the processor (320) may close the flow switching valve (74) to prevent the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (71) from flowing into both the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82).

[0103] The condenser fan (72) is positioned around the condenser (71) and can supply air toward the condenser (71). The operation of the condenser fan (72) can be synchronized with the operation of the compressor (70). For example, the processor (320) can operate the condenser fan (72) when the compressor (70) starts, and can stop the condenser fan (72) when the compressor (70) stops. In addition, the processor (320) can increase the rotation speed of the condenser fan (72) when the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (70) increases.

[0104] The refrigerator fan (91) can move air cooled by the refrigerator evaporator (81) to the refrigerator compartment (22). The freezer fan (92) can move air cooled by the freezer evaporator (82) to the freezer compartment (23, 24). The processor (320) can control the rotation speed of each of the refrigerator fan (91) and the freezer fan (92). For example, the processor (320) can increase the rotation speed of the refrigerator fan (91) as the difference between the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) and the target temperature increases.

[0105] The refrigerator temperature sensor (110) can detect the temperature of the refrigerator (22). The refrigerator temperature sensor (110) can be located inside the refrigerator (22). The refrigerator temperature sensor (110) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature of the refrigerator (22) to the processor (320). The processor (320) can identify the temperature of the refrigerator (22) based on the electrical signal transmitted from the refrigerator temperature sensor (110).

[0106] The freezer temperature sensor (120) can detect the temperature of the freezer (23, 24). The freezer temperature sensor (120) can be located inside the freezer (23, 24). The freezer temperature sensor (120) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature of the freezer (23, 24) to the processor (320). The processor (320) can identify the temperature of the freezer (23, 24) based on the electrical signal transmitted from the freezer temperature sensor (120).

[0107] The outside temperature sensor (130) can detect the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1). The outside temperature sensor (130) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) to the processor (320). The processor (320) can identify the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) based on the electrical signal transmitted from the outside temperature sensor (130).

[0108] The processor (320) can determine whether to perform a refrigeration operation to cool the refrigerator compartment (22) based on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22). For example, the processor (320) can determine whether to perform a refrigeration operation if the first temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) is higher than the first target temperature and the difference between the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) and the first target temperature corresponds to a first threshold value. The first target temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) can be set according to a user input or automatically set according to the outside temperature. The first threshold value can be changed according to the design.

[0109] The processor (320) can determine whether to perform a freezing operation to cool the freezing compartment (23, 24) based on the temperature of the freezing compartment (23, 24). For example, the processor (320) can determine whether to perform the freezing operation if the second temperature of the freezing compartment (23, 24) is higher than the second target temperature and the difference between the second temperature of the freezing compartment (23, 24) and the second target temperature corresponds to a second threshold value. The second target temperature of the freezing compartment (23, 24) can be set according to a user input or automatically set according to the outside temperature. The second threshold value can be changed according to the design.

[0110] The processor (320) can start the compressor (70) when the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) is higher than the first target temperature and the difference between the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) and the first target temperature corresponds to the first threshold value and / or when the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) is higher than the second target temperature and the difference between the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) and the second target temperature corresponds to the second threshold value.

[0111] The user interface (200) can perform interaction between a user and a refrigerator (1). The user interface (200) can obtain user input and display various information about the refrigerator (1). The user interface (200) can be provided at various locations of the refrigerator (1). The user interface (200) can include at least one input interface (210) and at least one output interface (220).

[0112] For example, the input interface (210) can convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal. The input interface (210) can include various buttons, switches, and / or dials. For example, the input interface (210) can include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0113] The output interface (220) can visually and / or audibly convey information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user. The output interface (220) can visually and / or audibly convey information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) can be output in the form of images, text, indicators, and / or voice. In addition, the output interface (220) can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the refrigerator (1). That is, the display can display UI elements (User Interface Elements) such as icons. The output interface (220) can include at least one of a display and a speaker. The display can also be used as an input device, including a touch screen.

[0114] The components of the refrigerator (1) electrically connected to the control unit (300) and / or the processor (320) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 4. The refrigerator (1) may further include other components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, when the refrigerator expansion device (75) and the freezer expansion device (76) are provided as electronic expansion valves, the processor (320) may control the opening of the expansion valves. In addition, the refrigerator (1) may further include a communication interface for communication between the refrigerator (1) and an external device. The communication interface may include various communication circuits.

[0115] Conventional refrigerators sequentially cool the refrigerator and freezer compartments, then stop the compressor. Typically, the freezer evaporator experiences a significant heat load differential with the outside environment, resulting in a relatively long freezer cooling time and a relatively large amount of refrigerant being supplied to the freezer evaporator. Conventional refrigerators stop the compressor when a significant amount of refrigerant remains in the freezer evaporator. Consequently, when the compressor is restarted to restart cooling the refrigerator compartment after stopping the compressor, there is insufficient refrigerant to be delivered to the refrigerator evaporator, hindering smooth cooling of the refrigerator compartment.

[0116] To improve the cooling performance of the refrigerator evaporator, conventional refrigerators performed a single refrigerant recovery operation after the refrigerator and freezer cooling was completed, sending the remaining refrigerant on the low-pressure side (freezer evaporator and refrigerator evaporator) to the high-pressure side (condenser side). This refrigerant recovery operation is also referred to as a pump-down operation.

[0117] When only one refrigerant recovery operation is performed, sufficient time for the refrigerant recovery operation must be secured to sufficiently recover the refrigerant remaining in the evaporator. However, the longer the refrigerant recovery operation is performed, the lower the compressor suction pressure, the higher the energy required to drive the compressor, and the more rapidly the pressure on the low-pressure side (freezer evaporator and refrigerator evaporator) decreases. If the temperature in the evaporator drops to a low temperature due to the sudden pressure drop and the resulting refrigerant evaporation, the ultra-low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the compressor, causing a liquid compression phenomenon and reducing the reliability of the compressor.

[0118] Furthermore, conventional refrigerators do not consider the outside temperature to determine whether cooling and refrigerant recovery operations are necessary. In other words, conventional refrigerators perform cooling and freezer operations sequentially, without considering the outside temperature, and perform refrigerant recovery operations at set times.

[0119] However, when the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature (e.g., 18 degrees Celsius), the difference between the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) and the external temperature is reduced to a greater extent than the difference between the temperature of the freezer compartment (23, 24) and the external temperature, so that the heat load of the refrigerator compartment (22) is reduced to a greater extent than the heat load of the freezer compartment (23, 24). In this case, there are cases where cooling of the refrigerator compartment (22) is not necessary. Performing the refrigerant recovery operation when cooling of the refrigerator compartment (22) is not necessary requires unnecessary operation of the compressor (70), resulting in unnecessary energy consumption.

[0120] The disclosed refrigerator (1) can determine whether refrigeration operation and refrigerant recovery operation are necessary for cooling the refrigerating chamber (22) based on the external temperature, and can adjust the timing of performing the refrigerant recovery operation based on the determination result. The disclosed refrigerator (1) can reduce the operating time of the compressor (70) and reduce energy consumption by reducing the number of times the refrigerant recovery operation is performed under environmental conditions where the refrigerating operation of the refrigerating chamber (22) is temporarily unnecessary due to low external temperature.

[0121] For example, when the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the processor (320) can sequentially perform the first refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment (22) and the first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment (23, 24), and then perform the second freezing operation of the freezer compartment (23, 24) without performing the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22).

[0122] The processor (320) may perform a first refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) before the start of the first refrigerating operation. The processor (320) may perform the first refrigerant recovery operation for a first recovery time from the start time of the compressor (70) to the start time of the first refrigerating operation. The first refrigerant recovery operation may be performed to quickly supply refrigerant to the freezer evaporator (81) at the start time of the refrigerating operation of the freezer (22) and to prevent a decrease in the performance of the freezer evaporator (81).

[0123] The processor (320) may perform a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) after the end of the second freezing operation. The processor (320) may perform the second refrigerant recovery operation for a second recovery time from the end time of the second freezing operation to the stop time of the compressor (70). After the end of the second freezing operation, the refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) may be performed again depending on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22). The second refrigerant recovery operation may be performed to prevent a decrease in the performance of the refrigerator compartment evaporator (81) during the refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) performed after the end of the second freezing operation.

[0124] The processor (320) may set the first recovery time of the first refrigerant recovery operation to be the same as the second recovery time of the second refrigerant recovery operation, or may set the first recovery time to be shorter than the second recovery time. Since a relatively large amount of refrigerant may remain in the freezer evaporator (82) immediately after the freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) is terminated, the second recovery time of the second refrigerant recovery operation performed after the second freezing operation is terminated may be set to be relatively longer. However, the first recovery time of the first refrigerant recovery operation and the second recovery time of the second refrigerant recovery operation are not limited to those exemplified. The first recovery time of the first refrigerant recovery operation and the second recovery time of the second refrigerant recovery operation may be set to various times depending on the design.

[0125] The processor (320) can start the compressor (70) and sequentially perform the first refrigerant recovery operation, the first refrigeration operation, and the first freezing operation based on the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value.

[0126] The processor (320) can control the flow switching valve (744) to terminate the first refrigeration operation and allow the refrigerant to flow to the freezer evaporator (82) for the first freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) based on the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) being lower than or equal to the first target temperature. In other words, the processor (320) can control the flow switching valve (744) to close the R-direction flow path and open the F-direction flow path in response to the termination of the first refrigeration operation.

[0127] The processor (320) can terminate the first freezing operation of the freezing chamber (23, 24) based on the second temperature of the freezing chamber (23, 24) being lower than or equal to the second target temperature. In addition, the processor (320) can stop the compressor (70) and close the oil changeover valve (74) when the first freezing operation is terminated.

[0128] If the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is low, the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) may not increase significantly after the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) is performed, and the difference between the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) and the first target temperature may be maintained smaller than the first threshold value. In other words, if the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) may be omitted.

[0129] However, after the first freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) is performed, the temperature of the freezer (23, 24), which has a relatively large heat load even when the external temperature is low, may increase faster than the temperature of the refrigerator (22), and there may be cases where the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) must be performed alone.

[0130] The processor (320) can stop the compressor (70) from the end of the first freezing operation to the start of the second freezing operation. In other words, when the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the refrigerator (1) may not perform the refrigerant recovery operation before stopping the compressor (70) after the end of the first freezing operation. When the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) is omitted after the first freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) is completed due to low external temperature, there is no need to consider the lack of refrigerant in the refrigerator evaporator (81). Therefore, the refrigerator (1) may not perform the refrigerant recovery operation after the end of the first freezing operation when the external temperature is low. In addition, since refrigerant remains in the freezer evaporator (82) after the end of the first freezing operation, refrigerant shortage in the freezer evaporator (82) does not occur during the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24). Therefore, the refrigerator (1) may not perform refrigerant recovery operation even when the compressor (70) is started for the second freezing operation.

[0131] The processor (320) can perform a second freezing operation based on the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value. The processor (320) can set the second target temperature of the freezer (23, 24) to be lower than the first target temperature of the refrigerator (22).

[0132] The processor (320) may close the refrigeration switching valve (74) and terminate the second freezing operation of the freezing chamber (23, 24) based on the second temperature of the freezing chamber (23, 24) being lower than or equal to the second target temperature. Even after the second freezing operation is terminated, the compressor (70) may continue to operate for the second refrigerant recovery operation. The processor (320) may stop the compressor (70) after the second refrigerant recovery operation is terminated.

[0133] The processor (320) can stop the refrigerator fan (91) and operate the freezer fan (92) during the first refrigerant recovery operation and the second refrigerant recovery operation. Depending on the operation of the freezer fan (92), heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant flowing inside the freezer evaporator (82) and the air, and the refrigerant can be recovered more quickly.

[0134] When the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is higher than the reference temperature, the refrigerator (1) can first perform a refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerating chamber (22) and then perform a freezing operation for cooling the freezer chambers (23, 24). In addition, the refrigerator (1) performs a refrigerant recovery operation for recovering the refrigerant remaining in the freezer chamber evaporator (82) before starting the refrigerating operation, and also performs a refrigerant recovery operation for recovering the refrigerant remaining in the freezer chamber evaporator (82) before stopping the compressor (70) after finishing the freezing operation. When the external temperature is higher than the reference temperature, the refrigerant recovery operation when the compressor (70) starts, the refrigerating operation of the refrigerating chamber (22), the freezing operation of the freezer chambers (23, 24), and the refrigerant recovery operation before stopping the compressor (70) can be sequentially and repeatedly performed.

[0135] Figure 5 is a graph showing the control timing of the compressor and the euro switching valve when the external temperature of the refrigerator is higher than the reference temperature.

[0136] Referring to the graph (500) of Fig. 5, when the external temperature is higher than the reference temperature, the refrigerant recovery operation when the compressor (70) is started, the refrigerating operation of the refrigerator (22), the freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24), and the refrigerant recovery operation before the compressor (70) is stopped can be sequentially and repeatedly performed.

[0137] The processor (320) of the refrigerator (1) can turn on the compressor (70) when the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) is higher than the first target temperature and the difference between the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) and the first target temperature is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

[0138] The processor (320) can start a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) at the time ta when the compressor (70) starts. The refrigerant recovery operation can be performed from the time ta to the time tb. The processor (320) can close (OFF) the flow path switching valve (74) from the time ta to the time tb when the refrigerant recovery operation is performed. When the flow path switching valve (74) is closed, the R direction flow path and the F direction flow path are closed, and the inflow of refrigerant into the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82) can be blocked.

[0139] The processor (320) can operate the flow diverter valve (74) to open the R-direction flow path at time tb when the refrigerant recovery operation is terminated. As the R-direction flow path is opened, cooling of the refrigerator (22) can be performed. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (70) can sequentially pass through the condenser (71), the hot pipe (73), the flow diverter valve (74), the refrigerator expansion device (75), and the refrigerator evaporator (81). The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerator evaporator (81) can return to the compressor (70).

[0140] The processor (320) can terminate the refrigeration operation when the temperature of the refrigerator (22) is lower than or equal to the target temperature. The refrigeration operation is terminated at the time tc, and the flow path switching valve (74) can be controlled to close the R direction flow path and open the F direction flow path. As the F direction flow path is opened, cooling of the freezer (23, 24) can be performed. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (70) can sequentially pass through the condenser (71), the hot pipe (73), the flow path switching valve (74), the freezer expansion device (76), and the freezer evaporator (82). The refrigerant that has passed through the freezer evaporator (82) can return to the compressor (70).

[0141] The processor (320) can terminate the freezing operation when the temperature of the freezer (23, 24) is lower than or equal to the target temperature. The freezing operation is terminated at the time td, and the refrigerant switching valve (74) can be closed (OFF). When the freezing operation is terminated, refrigerant may remain in the freezer evaporator (82).

[0142] The processor (320) can perform a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) before the compressor (70) is stopped (OFF). The refrigerant recovery operation can be performed from the time td when the refrigeration operation is terminated to the time te. The processor (320) can close (OFF) the flow switching valve (74) from the time td when the refrigerant recovery operation is performed to the time te. By closing all outlets of the flow switching valve (74), the inflow of refrigerant into the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82) can be blocked. The processor (320) can stop (OFF) the compressor (70) at the time te when the refrigerant recovery operation is terminated.

[0143] Thereafter, in the same manner, the refrigerant recovery operation when the compressor (70) is started is performed from the time point tf to the time point tg, the refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) is performed from the time point tg to the time point th, the freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) is performed from the time point th to the time point ti, and the refrigerant recovery operation before the compressor (70) is stopped can be performed from the time point ti to the time point tj.

[0144] Figure 6 is a graph showing the control timing of the compressor and the throttle valve when the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to the reference temperature. Figure 7 is a graph showing the temperature changes of various devices according to the operation of the refrigerator described in Figure 6.

[0145] Referring to the graph (600) of FIG. 6 and the graph (700) of FIG. 7, the processor (320) of the refrigerator (1) can turn on the compressor (70) when the first temperature of the refrigerating chamber (22) is higher than the first target temperature and the difference between the first temperature of the refrigerating chamber (22) and the first target temperature is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

[0146] The processor (320) can start a first refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) at time t1 when the compressor (70) starts. The first refrigerant recovery operation can be performed from time t1 to time t2. The processor (320) can close (OFF) the flow path switching valve (74) from time t1 to time t2 when the first refrigerant recovery operation is performed. When the flow path switching valve (74) is closed, the R direction flow path and the F direction flow path are closed, and the inflow of refrigerant into the refrigerator evaporator (81) and the freezer evaporator (82) can be blocked. The time from time t1 to time t2 corresponds to the first recovery time.

[0147] In addition, the processor (320) can stop the refrigerator fan (91) and operate the freezer fan (92) during the first refrigerant recovery operation. Depending on the operation of the freezer fan (92), heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant flowing inside the freezer evaporator (82) and the air, and the refrigerant can be recovered more quickly.

[0148] The processor (320) can operate the flow diverter valve (74) to open the R-direction flow path at time t2 when the first refrigerant recovery operation ends. As the R-direction flow path is opened, cooling of the refrigerator (22) can be performed. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (70) can sequentially pass through the condenser (71), the hot pipe (73), the flow diverter valve (74), the refrigerator expansion device (75), and the refrigerator evaporator (81). The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerator evaporator (81) can return to the compressor (70).

[0149] By moving the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) toward the compressor (70) and condenser (71) before starting the refrigerating operation of the refrigerator compartment (22), a sufficient amount of refrigerant can be quickly supplied to the refrigerator compartment evaporator (81) as soon as the refrigerating operation starts. Therefore, when the refrigerating operation starts, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment evaporator (81) can be rapidly reduced, and the refrigerator compartment (22) can be quickly cooled. As illustrated in Fig. 6, as the first refrigerant recovery operation is performed, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment evaporator (81) rapidly decreases from the time point t2 when the refrigerating operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) starts.

[0150] The processor (320) may terminate the first refrigeration operation when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) reaches the target temperature T_re. For example, the processor (320) may terminate the first refrigeration operation when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) is lower than or equal to the target temperature T_re. The first refrigeration operation is terminated at time t3, and the flow path switching valve (74) may be controlled to close the R-direction flow path and open the F-direction flow path. As the F-direction flow path is opened, cooling of the freezer compartments (23, 24) may be performed. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (70) may sequentially pass through the condenser (71), the hot pipe (73), the flow path switching valve (74), the freezer compartment expansion device (76), and the freezer compartment evaporator (82). The refrigerant that has passed through the freezer compartment evaporator (82) may return to the compressor (70).

[0151] The processor (320) can terminate the first freezing operation when the temperature of the freezer (23, 24) is lower than or equal to the second target temperature. The first freezing operation is terminated at time t4, and the flow path switching valve (74) can be controlled to close the F-direction flow path. When the first freezing operation is terminated, refrigerant may remain in the freezer evaporator (82).

[0152] However, since the outside temperature is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, cooling of the refrigerator compartment (22) may not be necessary after the first freezing operation, and there may be no need to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer compartment evaporator (82). Accordingly, if the outside temperature is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the processor (320) may stop the compressor (70) without performing the refrigerant recovery operation after the end of the first freezing operation.

[0153] Thereafter, the processor (320) can perform a second freezing operation based on the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value. The processor (320) can start the compressor (70) to cool the freezer (23, 24) from the time point t5 and control the flow path switching valve (74) to open the F direction flow path.

[0154] Since refrigerant remains in the freezer evaporator (82) after the first freezing operation is completed, refrigerant shortage in the freezer evaporator (82) does not occur during the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24). Therefore, the refrigerator (1) may not perform refrigerant recovery operation at time t5 when the compressor (70) is started for the second freezing operation.

[0155] The processor (320) can close (OFF) the refrigeration switching valve (74) at time t6 when the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) becomes lower than or equal to the second target temperature, and terminate the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24). Even after the second freezing operation is terminated, the compressor (70) can continue to operate for the second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82).

[0156] The processor (320) may perform a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) before the compressor (70) is turned off. The second refrigerant recovery operation may be performed from time t6 when the second freezing operation ends to time t7. The processor (320) may stop the compressor (70) at time t7 when the second refrigerant recovery operation ends. The time from time t6 to time t7 corresponds to the second recovery time.

[0157] As described above, the disclosed refrigerator (1) can reduce the operating time of the compressor (70) and reduce energy consumption by reducing the number of times the refrigerant recovery operation is performed in an environmental condition where the external temperature is low and the refrigeration operation of the refrigerating chamber (22) is temporarily unnecessary.

[0158] Figure 8 is a flowchart explaining a method of controlling a refrigerator when the external temperature of the refrigerator is higher than the reference temperature.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 8, the processor (320) of the refrigerator (1) can identify whether the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to a reference temperature (801). The processor (320) can detect the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) by controlling the outside temperature sensor (130). If the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is higher than the reference temperature, the processor (320) can perform operations 802 to 809.

[0160] The processor (320) may determine to perform the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) based on the first temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value. The processor (320) may perform a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer compartment evaporator (82) when the compressor (70) is started (802). The refrigerant recovery operation when the compressor (70) is started may be performed before the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) begins. The processor (320) may operate the compressor (70) while the flow switching valve (74) is closed for the refrigerant recovery operation.

[0161] The processor (320) can perform the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) after the completion of the refrigerant recovery operation (803). The processor (320) can operate the flow diverter valve (74) to open the R-direction flow path so that the refrigerant flows into the refrigerator evaporator (81), and operate the compressor (70).

[0162] The processor (320) can terminate the first refrigeration operation and perform the first freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) when the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) is lower than or equal to the first target temperature (804). The processor (320) can control the flow path switching valve (74) to close the R direction flow path and open the F direction flow path so that the refrigerant flows into the freezer evaporator (82). The processor (320) can terminate the first freezing operation when the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) is lower than or equal to the second target temperature. The processor (320) can close the flow path switching valve (74) in response to the termination of the first freezing operation.

[0163] The processor (320) may perform a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) after the first freezing operation is completed, and then stop the compressor (70) (805). The processor (320) may perform the refrigerant recovery operation before stopping (OFF) the compressor (70) after the first freezing operation is completed.

[0164] Thereafter, the processor (320) may determine to perform a second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) based on the first temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value. The processor (320) may perform a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer compartment evaporator (82) when the compressor (70) is started (806). The refrigerant recovery operation when the compressor (70) is started may be performed before the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) begins. Operation 806 corresponds to operation 802.

[0165] The processor (320) can perform a second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) after the refrigerant recovery operation is completed (807). Operation 807 corresponds to operation 803. The processor (320) can perform a second freezing operation of the freezer compartment (23, 24) after the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) is completed (808). Operation 808 corresponds to operation 804. The processor (320) can stop the compressor (70) after performing a refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer compartment evaporator (82) after the second freezing operation is completed (809). Operation 809 corresponds to operation 805.

[0166] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment when the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 9, the processor (320) of the refrigerator (1) can identify whether the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to a reference temperature (901). The processor (320) can detect the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) by controlling the outside temperature sensor (130). If the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the processor (320) can perform operations 902 to 906.

[0168] The processor (320) may determine to perform the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) based on the first temperature of the refrigerator compartment (22) being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value. The processor (320) may perform the first refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer compartment evaporator (82) when the compressor (70) is started (902). The first refrigerant recovery operation may be performed before the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) begins.

[0169] The processor (320) can perform the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) after the first refrigerant recovery operation is completed (903). The processor (320) can perform the first freezing operation of the freezer compartment (23, 24) after the first refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) is completed (904). After the first freezing operation of the freezer compartment (23, 24) is completed, the processor (320) can stop the compressor (70).

[0170] Thereafter, the processor (320) can perform the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) without performing the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) (905). When the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) is completed, the processor (320) can perform the second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) before stopping the compressor (70) (906). After the second freezing operation is completed, the processor (320) can stop the compressor (70).

[0171] Fig. 10 is a flowchart explaining in more detail the control method of the refrigerator described in Fig. 9.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 10, the processor (320) of the refrigerator (1) can identify whether the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to a reference temperature (1001). The processor (320) can detect the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) by controlling the outside temperature sensor (130). If the external temperature of the refrigerator (1) is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the processor (320) can perform operations 1002 to 1011.

[0173] The processor (320) can determine whether the refrigeration operation conditions of the refrigerator (22) are satisfied (1002). For example, the processor (320) can determine that the refrigeration operation conditions of the refrigerator (22) are satisfied based on the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value.

[0174] The processor (320) can start (ON) the compressor (70) based on the satisfaction of the refrigeration operation conditions and perform a first refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) (1003, 1004). The processor (320) can operate the compressor (70) while the flow switching valve (74) is closed to perform the first refrigerant recovery operation. The first refrigerant recovery operation can be performed during a first recovery time. The first recovery time can be set in various ways depending on the design.

[0175] The processor (320) can sequentially perform the refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22) and the first freezing operation of the freezer compartments (23, 24) after the first refrigerant recovery operation is completed (1005). The processor (320) can operate the flow diverter valve (74) to open the R-direction flow path so that refrigerant flows into the refrigerator compartment evaporator (81) for the refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment (22), and can operate the compressor (70).

[0176] The processor (320) can terminate the refrigeration operation when the first temperature of the refrigerator (22) is lower than or equal to the first target temperature and perform the first freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24). The processor (320) can control the flow switching valve (74) to close the R direction flow path and open the F direction flow path so that the refrigerant flows into the freezer evaporator (82) for the first freezing operation.

[0177] The processor (320) can terminate the first freezing operation when the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) is lower than or equal to the second target temperature. The processor (320) can stop the compressor (70) based on the termination of the first freezing operation (1006). The processor (320) can stop the compressor (70) from the termination time of the first freezing operation to the start time of the second freezing operation.

[0178] The processor (320) can determine whether the freezing operation conditions of the freezer (23, 24) are satisfied (1007). For example, the processor (320) can determine that the freezing operation conditions of the freezer (23, 24) are satisfied based on the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value.

[0179] The processor (320) can start (ON) the compressor (70) based on the satisfaction of the refrigeration operation conditions and perform a second refrigeration operation to cool the freezer (23, 24) (1008, 1009). The processor (320) can perform the second refrigeration operation of the freezer (23, 24) without performing the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22). The processor (320) can terminate the second refrigeration operation if the second temperature of the freezer (23, 24) is lower than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0180] The processor (320) may perform a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator (82) before stopping the compressor (70) after the second refrigeration operation of the freezer (23, 24) is completed (1010). The processor (320) may stop the compressor (70) after the second refrigeration operation is completed (1011).

[0181] Since the outside temperature is low, after the first freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24) is completed, the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator (22) can be omitted, and there is no need to consider the lack of refrigerant in the refrigerator evaporator (81). Therefore, the refrigerator (1) may not perform the refrigerant recovery operation after the first freezing operation is completed when the outside temperature is low. In addition, since the refrigerant remains in the freezer evaporator (82) after the first freezing operation is completed, the refrigerant shortage in the freezer evaporator (82) does not occur during the second freezing operation of the freezer (23, 24). Therefore, the refrigerator (1) may not perform the refrigerant recovery operation even when the compressor (70) is started for the second freezing operation.

[0182] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include: a compressor; a condenser for condensing refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a refrigerator compartment; a freezer evaporator for cooling a freezer compartment; a flow switching valve for guiding refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the refrigerator compartment evaporator or the freezer compartment evaporator; an outside temperature sensor for detecting an outside temperature of the refrigerator; and a processor. The processor may control the compressor and the flow switching valve. When the outside temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature, the processor may sequentially perform a first refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment, and then perform a second freezing operation of the freezer compartment without performing a second refrigerating operation of the refrigerator compartment. Before starting the first refrigerating operation, the processor may perform a first refrigerant recovery operation for recovering refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator. The above processor can perform a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator after the second refrigeration operation is completed.

[0183] The above processor can stop the compressor from the end time of the first refrigeration operation to the start time of the second refrigeration operation.

[0184] The processor sequentially performs the first refrigerant recovery operation, the first refrigeration operation, and the first freezing operation based on the first temperature of the refrigerator being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value, and performs the second freezing operation based on the second temperature of the freezer being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value, and can set the second target temperature of the freezer to be lower than the first target temperature of the refrigerator.

[0185] The processor can control the refrigerant changeover valve to terminate the first refrigeration operation and allow the refrigerant to flow to the freezer evaporator for the first freezing operation of the freezer, based on the first temperature of the refrigerator being lower than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0186] The processor can close the euro changeover valve and terminate the second freezing operation of the freezer based on the second temperature of the freezer being lower than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0187] The processor may perform the first refrigerant recovery operation for a first recovery time from the start time of the compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, perform the second refrigerant recovery operation for a second recovery time from the end time of the second freezing operation to the stop time of the compressor, and set the first recovery time to be the same as the second recovery time.

[0188] The processor may perform the first refrigerant recovery operation for a first recovery time from the start time of the compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, and may perform the second refrigerant recovery operation for a second recovery time from the end time of the second freezing operation to the stop time of the compressor, and may set the first recovery time to be shorter than the second recovery time.

[0189] The refrigerator may further include a refrigerator fan for moving cold air generated in the refrigerator evaporator to the refrigerator compartment; and a freezer fan for moving cold air generated in the freezer evaporator to the freezer compartment. The processor may stop the refrigerator fan and operate the freezer fan during the first refrigerant recovery operation and the second refrigerant recovery operation.

[0190] A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a compressor; a condenser for condensing refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a refrigerator compartment; a freezer evaporator for cooling a freezer compartment; a flow switching valve for guiding refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the refrigerator evaporator or the freezer evaporator; and a processor, wherein the control method, which is executed by the processor to control the compressor and the flow switching valve, comprises: detecting an external temperature of the refrigerator; sequentially performing a first refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment when the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to a reference temperature, and then performing a second freezing operation of the freezer compartment without performing the second refrigerating operation of the refrigerator compartment; and performing a first refrigerant recovery operation for recovering refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator before starting the first refrigerating operation; It may include performing a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator after the end of the second freezing operation.

[0191] The above control method may further include stopping the compressor from the end time of the first refrigeration operation to the start time of the second refrigeration operation.

[0192] The first refrigerant recovery operation, the first refrigeration operation, and the first freezing operation are sequentially performed based on the first temperature of the refrigerator being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value, and the second freezing operation of the freezer is performed based on the second temperature of the freezer being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value, and the second target temperature of the freezer can be set lower than the first target temperature of the refrigerator.

[0193] Sequentially performing the first refrigeration operation and the first freezing operation may include: terminating the first refrigeration operation based on the first temperature of the refrigerating chamber being lower than or equal to the first target temperature, and controlling the flow switching valve to allow the refrigerant to flow to the freezing chamber evaporator for the first freezing operation of the freezing chamber.

[0194] The above control method may include closing the refrigeration switching valve and terminating the second freezing operation of the freezer based on the second temperature of the freezer being lower than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0195] The first refrigerant recovery operation is performed for a first recovery time from the start time of the compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, and the second refrigerant recovery operation is performed for a second recovery time from the end time of the second freezing operation to the stop time of the compressor, and the first recovery time can be set to be the same as the second recovery time.

[0196] The first refrigerant recovery operation is performed for a first recovery time from the start time of the compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, and the second refrigerant recovery operation is performed for a second recovery time from the end time of the second freezing operation to the stop time of the compressor, and the first recovery time can be set to be shorter than the second recovery time.

[0197] The above control method may further include stopping the refrigerator fan and operating the freezer fan during the first refrigerant recovery operation and the second refrigerant recovery operation.

[0198] The disclosed refrigerator and its control method can determine whether refrigeration operation and refrigerant recovery operation are necessary for cooling a refrigerating chamber based on the external temperature of the refrigerator, and can adjust the timing of performing the refrigerant recovery operation based on the determination result.

[0199] The disclosed refrigerator and its control method can reduce the operating time of the compressor and reduce energy consumption by reducing the number of refrigerant recovery operations performed in an environmental condition where the external temperature is low and the refrigerating operation of the refrigerating chamber is temporarily unnecessary.

[0200] 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 the processor (320), may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0201] 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.

[0202] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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.

[0203] 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. Compressor; A condenser that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; Refrigerator evaporator for cooling the refrigerator; Freezer evaporator for cooling the freezer; A flow diverter valve that guides the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the refrigerator evaporator or the freezer evaporator; An outside temperature sensor that detects the outside temperature of the refrigerator; and including a processor; The above processor controls the compressor and the euro switching valve, When the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the first refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and the first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment are sequentially performed, and then the second freezing operation of the freezer compartment is performed without the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment. Before the start of the first refrigeration operation, a first refrigerant recovery operation is performed to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator, A refrigerator that performs a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator after the end of the second freezing operation.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor A refrigerator that stops the compressor from the end point of the first refrigeration operation to the start point of the second refrigeration operation.

3. In paragraph 1, The above processor The first refrigerant recovery operation, the first refrigeration operation, and the first freezing operation are sequentially performed based on the first temperature of the refrigerator being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value, The second freezing operation is performed based on the second temperature of the above freezer being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value, A refrigerator in which the second target temperature of the freezer is set lower than the first target temperature of the refrigerator.

4. In paragraph 1, The above processor A refrigerator that terminates the first refrigerating operation based on the first temperature of the refrigerating chamber being lower than or equal to the first target temperature and controls the refrigerant switching valve to flow the refrigerant to the freezer chamber evaporator for the first freezing operation of the freezer chamber.

5. In paragraph 3, The above processor A refrigerator that closes the euro switching valve and terminates the second freezing operation of the freezer based on the second temperature of the freezer being lower than or equal to the second target temperature.

6. In paragraph 1, The above processor The above first refrigerant recovery operation is performed for the first recovery time from the start time of the compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, The above second refrigerant recovery operation is performed during the second recovery time from the end point of the second refrigeration operation to the stop point of the compressor, A refrigerator in which the first recovery time is set to be the same as the second recovery time.

7. In paragraph 1, The above processor The above first refrigerant recovery operation is performed for the first recovery time from the start time of the compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, The above second refrigerant recovery operation is performed during the second recovery time from the end point of the second refrigeration operation to the stop point of the compressor, A refrigerator in which the first recovery time is set shorter than the second recovery time.

8. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator fan that moves cold air generated in the refrigerator evaporator to the refrigerator; and Further comprising a freezer fan that moves cold air generated in the freezer evaporator to the freezer; The above processor A refrigerator that stops the refrigerator fan and operates the freezer fan during the first refrigerant recovery operation and the second refrigerant recovery operation.

9. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a compressor; a condenser for condensing refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a refrigerator evaporator for cooling a refrigerator; a freezer evaporator for cooling a freezer; a flow switching valve for guiding refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the refrigerator evaporator or the freezer evaporator; and a processor, wherein the control method is executed by the processor to control the compressor and the flow switching valve. Detecting the external temperature of the refrigerator; When the external temperature of the refrigerator is lower than or equal to the reference temperature, the first refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and the first freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment are sequentially performed, and then the second freezing operation of the freezer compartment is performed without the second refrigeration operation of the refrigerator compartment; Before the start of the first refrigeration operation, a first refrigerant recovery operation is performed to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator; A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: performing a second refrigerant recovery operation to recover the refrigerant remaining in the freezer evaporator after the end of the second freezing operation.

10. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising: stopping the compressor from the end point of the first refrigeration operation to the start point of the second refrigeration operation.

11. In paragraph 9, The above first refrigerant recovery operation, the above first refrigeration operation and the above first freezing operation are, It is sequentially performed based on the first temperature of the above refrigerator being higher than the first target temperature by a first threshold value, The second freezing operation of the above freezer is: It is performed based on the second temperature of the above freezer being higher than the second target temperature by a second threshold value, A control method for a refrigerator, wherein the second target temperature of the freezer is set lower than the first target temperature of the refrigerator.

12. In paragraph 9, Sequentially performing the first refrigeration operation and the first freezing operation is as follows: A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: terminating the first refrigerating operation based on the first temperature of the refrigerating chamber being lower than or equal to the first target temperature, and controlling the refrigerant flow diverting valve to flow the refrigerant to the freezer chamber evaporator for the first freezing operation of the freezer chamber.

13. In paragraph 11, A control method of a refrigerator, comprising: closing the refrigeration switching valve and terminating the second freezing operation of the freezer based on the second temperature of the freezer being lower than or equal to the second target temperature.

14. In paragraph 9, The above first refrigerant recovery operation It is performed during the first recovery time from the start time of the above compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, The above second refrigerant recovery operation It is performed during the second recovery time from the end point of the second refrigeration operation to the stop point of the compressor, A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein the first recovery time is set to be the same as the second recovery time.

15. In paragraph 9, The above first refrigerant recovery operation It is performed during the first recovery time from the start time of the above compressor to the start time of the first refrigeration operation, The above second refrigerant recovery operation It is performed during the second recovery time from the end point of the second refrigeration operation to the stop point of the compressor, A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein the first recovery time is set shorter than the second recovery time.

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