U.S. patent application number 11/790261 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for refrigerator and safety control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Joo Young Ha, Kyung Hee Hahm, Sook Hyun Hong, Hee Won Jin, Jeong Han Kim, Hye Ran Lee, Jae Seung Lee, Sang Taek Lee, Chang Hak Lim, Jung Soo Lim, Young Shik Shin, Bong Su Son.
Application Number | 20080066472 11/790261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38962009 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080066472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Sang Taek ; et
al. |
March 20, 2008 |
Refrigerator and safety control method thereof
Abstract
A refrigerator and a safety control method thereof, which is
capable of ensuring protection from a high voltage applied to a
shelf on which food is placed in order to improve food
preservation. The safety control method of a refrigerator having a
storage chamber which stores food, the method includes sensing a
chamber temperature of the storage chamber, comparing the sensed
chamber temperature with a predetermined setting temperature and
generating a high voltage when the chamber temperature is less than
the predetermined setting temperature, supplying the generated high
voltage to the inside of the storage chamber to preserve the food,
determining whether a high voltage cutoff condition occurs while
the high voltage is supplied to the inside of the storage chamber,
and cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the
storage chamber when the high voltage cutoff condition occurs.
Inventors: |
Lee; Sang Taek; (Seoul,
KR) ; Shin; Young Shik; (Seongnam-si, KR) ;
Lim; Jung Soo; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Lee; Jae Seung;
(Hwasung-si, KR) ; Hahm; Kyung Hee; (Seoul,
KR) ; Lee; Hye Ran; (Goonpo-si, KR) ; Kim;
Jeong Han; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Lim; Chang Hak;
(Hwasung-si, KR) ; Hong; Sook Hyun; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; Ha; Joo Young; (Seoul, KR) ; Jin; Hee
Won; (Seoul, KR) ; Son; Bong Su; (Cheonam-si,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STAAS & HALSEY LLP
SUITE 700, 1201 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
38962009 |
Appl. No.: |
11/790261 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/56 ;
62/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 17/042 20130101;
F25D 2700/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/56 ;
62/132 |
International
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0090298 |
Claims
1. A safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food
by supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber
storing the food, the method comprising: detecting a value of
current supplied to the inside of the storage chamber; and
comparing the detected current value with a predetermined setting
value and cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of
the storage chamber when the current value is greater than or equal
to the predetermined setting value.
2. A safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food
by supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber
storing the food, the method comprising: detecting whether a door
of the storage chamber is opened; and cutting off the high voltage
supplied to the inside of the storage chamber when the door of the
storage chamber is opened.
3. A safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food
by supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber for
storing the food, the method comprising: sensing a chamber
temperature of the storage chamber; and comparing the sensed
chamber temperature with a predetermined setting temperature and
cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the storage
chamber when the chamber temperature is greater than or equal to a
total sum of the predetermined setting temperature set by a user
and a predetermined temperature.
4. A safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food
by supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber
storing the food, the method comprising: determining whether a
person approaches the inside of the storage chamber; and cutting
off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the storage chamber
when the person approaches the inside of the storage chamber.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying
an operation state of the refrigerator due to the cut off of the
high voltage supplied to the inside of the storage chamber.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the
storage chamber is a shelf on which the food placed.
7. A safety control method of a refrigerator having a storage
chamber which stores food, the method comprising: sensing a chamber
temperature of the storage chamber; comparing the sensed chamber
temperature with a predetermined setting temperature and generating
a high voltage when the chamber temperature is less than the
predetermined setting temperature; supplying the generated high
voltage to an inside of the storage chamber to preserve the food;
determining whether a high voltage cutoff condition occurs while
the high voltage is supplied to the inside of the storage chamber;
and cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the
storage chamber when the high voltage cutoff condition occurs.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the high voltage cutoff
condition is at least one of a condition that a value of current
supplied to the inside of the storage chamber is greater than or
equal to a predetermined setting value, a condition that a door of
the storage chamber is opened, a condition that a chamber
temperature is greater than or equal to a total sum of the
predetermined setting temperature and a predetermined temperature,
and a condition that a person approaches the inside of the storage
chamber.
9. A refrigerator having a storage chamber which stores food, the
refrigerator comprising: a high voltage generator to generate a
high voltage supplied to an inside of the storage chamber; a power
supply switch to switch a power supply driving the high voltage
generator; a temperature sensor to sense a chamber temperature of
the storage chamber; and a control unit to compare the sensed
chamber temperature with a predetermined setting temperature set by
a user, to control the power supply switch to supply the high
voltage generated at the high voltage generator to the inside of
the storage chamber when the chamber temperature is less than the
predetermined setting temperature.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the control unit
controls the power supply switch to turn off the power supply
driving the high voltage generator, when the chamber temperature
rises to greater than or equal to the total sum of the
predetermined setting temperature a predetermined temperature while
the high voltage is supplied to the inside of the storage
chamber.
11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the
predetermined temperature is approximately 2 to 3.degree. C.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising: a
current detecting unit to detect a value of current supplied to the
inside of the storage chamber, wherein the control unit compares
the detected current value with a predetermined setting value and
controls the power supply switch to turn off the power supply
driving the high voltage generator when the detected current value
is greater than or equal to the predetermined setting value.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising: a
door switch to detect whether a door of the storage chamber is
opened or closed, wherein the control unit controls the power
supply switch to turn off the power supply driving the high voltage
generator when the door switch detects that the door is opened.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising: a
sensor sensing whether a person approaches the inside of the
storage chamber, wherein the control unit controls the power supply
switch to turn off the power supply driving the high voltage
generator when the sensor senses that the person approaches the
inside of the storage chamber.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the sensor
comprises at least one of a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, an
infrared ray sensor and a touch sensor.
16. The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising: a
shelf provided inside the storage chamber to place food thereon and
to receive the high voltage generated from the high voltage
generator, and comprising a sensor integrally combined therewith,
to sense whether a person contacts with the shelf, wherein the
power supply driving the high voltage generator is turned off when
it is sensed that the person contacts with the shelf.
17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, further comprising:
supporting members attached to an inner wall of the storage chamber
to support the shelf; and insulating members corresponding to each
supporting member, wherein the shelf rests on the insulating
member, to prevent the high voltage from being applied to the inner
wall of storage chamber through the supporting member.
18. The refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising: a
display unit displaying an operation state of the refrigerator due
to the turn-off of the power supply driving the high voltage
generator.
19. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the control unit
determines whether a high voltage cutoff condition occurs while the
high voltage is supplied to the inside of the storage chamber, and
cuts off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the storage
chamber if the high voltage cutoff condition occurs.
20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the high
voltage cutoff condition is at least one of a condition that a
value of current supplied to the inside of the storage chamber is
greater than or equal to a predetermined setting value, a condition
that a door of the storage chamber is opened, a condition that a
chamber temperature is greater than or equal to a total sum of the
predetermined setting temperature and a predetermined temperature,
and a condition that a person approaches the inside of the storage
chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2006-0090298, filed on Sep. 18, 2006 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigerator which is
capable of improving food preservation by applying a high voltage
to a shelf on which food is placed. More particularly, to a
refrigerator which can ensure protection from a high voltage
applied to a shelf and a safety control method thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a conventional refrigerator employs a general
cooling system, which enables refrigerant to circulate in the
refrigerator so as to provide a food storage chamber with cooling
air generated by absorbing surrounding heat when the liquid
refrigerant evaporates, thereby freshly storing food for a long
time. Recently, in accordance with various lifestyles of a user or
variation of favorite food, a function for storing meat, fish,
vegetables or kimchi is differentiated from the existing freezing
and cooling functions. In addition, the food is desired to be
stored in an original form.
[0006] As a refrigerator for storing food (for example, fresh meat
or fish and shellfish) in an original form, there is provided a
refrigerator having a high voltage processing function disclosed in
Japanese Patent Application No. 06-323721.
[0007] In the refrigerator disclosed in the above publication, an
electric field processing chamber is formed in a part or all of a
freezing chamber and a high voltage is applied to a shelf on which
food is placed, such that the food stored in the electric field
processing chamber is prevented from rotting to improve storage
quality and thawing quality of meat or fish and shellfish.
[0008] At this time, since the high voltage is applied to the shelf
on which the food is placed, an electric shock may occur when a
person contacts the shelf applied with the high voltage.
Accordingly, in a conventional refrigerator, as a safety device for
preventing the electric shock, a door switch is provided, which
senses the opening and closing state of a door of the electric
field processing chamber such that the high voltage is cut off when
the door is opened and the high voltage is applied when the door is
closed.
[0009] However, in the conventional safety device of the
refrigerator, when a person voluntarily operates the door switch in
a state where the door is opened, the person may be exposed to the
high voltage. Furthermore, when the door switch fails, the person
may be exposed to the high voltage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to
provide a refrigerator and a safety control method thereof, which
is capable of ensuring safety by cutting off a high voltage when a
door switch fails or a person contacts with a shelf of the
refrigerator.
[0011] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
refrigerator and a safety control method thereof, which is capable
of ensuring safety by sensing an actual chamber temperature as well
as an opening and closing state of a door, and applying a high
voltage only when the chamber temperature falls to less than or
equal to a predetermined temperature.
[0012] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
a refrigerator and a safety control method thereof, which is
capable of ensuring safety by cutting off a high voltage when
insulation between food which is placed on a shelf applied with the
high voltage and an inner wall of a storage chamber is broken down,
and thus, current having at least a setting value is detected.
[0013] It is yet another aspect of the invention to provide a
refrigerator and a safety control method thereof, which is capable
of displaying an operation state of the refrigerator due to cutoff
of a high voltage.
[0014] Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part,
will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
practice of the invention.
[0015] These and/or other aspects of the present invention are
achieved by providing a safety control method of a refrigerator
which preserves food by supplying a high voltage to an inside of a
storage chamber storing the food, the method including detecting a
value of current supplied to the inside of the storage chamber, and
comparing the detected current value with a predetermined setting
value and cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of
the storage chamber when the current value is greater than or equal
to the setting value.
[0016] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food by
supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber storing
the food, the method including detecting whether a door of the
storage chamber is opened; and cutting off the high voltage
supplied to the inside of the storage chamber when the door of the
storage chamber is opened.
[0017] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food by
supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber storing
the food, the method including sensing a chamber temperature of the
storage chamber, and comparing the sensed chamber temperature with
a predetermined setting temperature and cutting off the high
voltage supplied to the inside of the storage chamber when the
chamber temperature is greater than or equal to a total sum of the
predetermined setting temperature and a predetermined
temperature.
[0018] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
safety control method of a refrigerator which preserves food by
supplying a high voltage to an inside of a storage chamber storing
the food, the method including determining whether a person
approaches the inside of the storage chamber, and cutting off the
high voltage supplied to the inside of the storage chamber when the
person approaches the inside of the storage chamber.
[0019] The method further includes displaying an operation state of
the refrigerator due to the cutoff of the high voltage supplied to
the inside of the storage chamber.
[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, the inside
of the storage chamber is a shelf on which the food is placed.
[0021] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
safety control method of a refrigerator having a storage chamber
which stores food, the method including sensing a chamber
temperature of the storage chamber, comparing the sensed chamber
temperature with a predetermined setting temperature and generating
a high voltage when the chamber temperature is less than the
predetermined setting temperature, supplying the generated high
voltage to an inside of the storage chamber to preserve the food,
determining whether a high voltage cutoff condition occurs while
the high voltage is supplied to the inside of the storage chamber,
and cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the
storage chamber when the high voltage cutoff condition occurs.
[0022] The high voltage cutoff condition includes at least one of a
condition that a value of current supplied to the inside of the
storage chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined setting
value, a condition that a door of the storage chamber is opened, a
condition that a chamber temperature is greater than or equal to a
total sum of the predetermined setting temperature and a
predetermined temperature, and a condition that a person approaches
the inside of the storage chamber.
[0023] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
refrigerator including a storage which stores food, a high voltage
generator generating a high voltage supplied to an inside of the
storage chamber, a power supply switch switching a power supply to
drive the high voltage generator, a temperature sensor sensing a
chamber temperature of the storage chamber, and a control unit
comparing the sensed chamber temperature with a predetermined
setting temperature, controlling the power supply switch to supply
the high voltage generated at the high voltage generator to the
inside of the storage chamber when the chamber temperature is less
than the predetermined setting temperature.
[0024] The control unit controls the power supply switch to turn
off the power supply to drive the high voltage generator, when the
chamber temperature rises to greater than or equal to a total sum
of the predetermined setting temperature and a predetermined
temperature while the high voltage is supplied to the inside of the
storage chamber.
[0025] The refrigerator further includes a current detecting unit
detecting a value of current supplied to the inside of the storage
chamber, wherein the control unit compares the detected current
value with a predetermined setting value and controls the power
supply switch to turn off the power supply to drive the high
voltage generator, when the detected current value is greater than
or equal to the predetermined setting value.
[0026] The refrigerator further includes a door switch detecting
whether a door of the storage chamber is opened or closed, and the
control unit controls the power supply switch to turn off the power
supply to drive the high voltage generator when the door switch
detects that the door is opened.
[0027] The refrigerator further includes a sensor sensing whether a
person approaches the inside of the storage chamber, and the
control unit controls the power supply switch to turn off the power
supply to drive the high voltage generator when the sensor senses
that the person approaches the inside of the storage chamber.
[0028] According to an aspect of the present invention, the sensor
includes at least one of a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, an
infrared ray sensor and a touch sensor.
[0029] The refrigerator further includes a display unit displaying
an operation state of the refrigerator due to the turn-off of the
power supply for driving the high voltage generator.
[0030] The control unit determines whether a high voltage cutoff
condition occurs while the high voltage is supplied to the inside
of the storage chamber and cut off the high voltage supplied to the
inside of the storage chamber when the high voltage cutoff
condition occurs.
[0031] The high voltage cutoff condition includes at least one of a
condition that a value of current supplied to the inside of the
storage chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined setting
value, a condition that a door of the storage chamber is opened, a
condition that a chamber temperature is greater than or equal to a
total sum of the predetermined setting temperature and a
predetermined temperature, and a condition that a person approaches
the inside of the storage chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention
will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the
following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings of which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a safety control
device of the refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a safety control
device of the refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts illustrating a safety control
method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the
like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to
explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according
to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 2 is a partial
perspective view of FIG. 1.
[0040] In FIG. 1, the refrigerator according to this embodiment of
the present invention comprises a main body 10 having a storage
chamber 12 capable of improving food preservation using a high
voltage and a door 14 which opens and closes a front surface of the
storage chamber 12. A door switch 16, which detects the opening and
closing state of the door, is provided at an inside of the storage
chamber 12 which is in contact with the door 14.
[0041] A mechanical chamber 18, which forms a separate space, is
provided above the main body 10, and a high voltage generator 20,
which generates a high voltage, is provided in the mechanical
chamber 18.
[0042] The storage chamber 12 is divided by a plurality of shelves
22 such that food is placed on each shelf 22, and a temperature
sensor 24 to sense a chamber temperature is provided on a wall
surface of the storage chamber 12.
[0043] The shelf 22 is in contact with a power supply line 26
provided on the rear side of the storage chamber 12 and connected
to the high voltage generator 20. The high voltage generated at the
high voltage generator 20 is applied to the shelf 22. The shelf 22
is made of a conductive material to which the high voltage is
easily applied. A cover made of an insulating material is provided
on an outer surface of the power supply line 26, to prevent the
power supply line 26 from directly contacting the main body 10.
[0044] Since the high voltage is applied to the shelf 22, a contact
sensor 28 is provided so as to prevent an accident from occurring
due to the contact of a person. Accordingly, even when the door
switch 16 fails or a person voluntarily operates the door switch
16, that is, the person contacts the shelf 22, it is possible to
ensure the safety of the person from the high voltage applied to
the shelf 22.
[0045] Although the contact sensor 28, which senses whether a
person contacts the shelf 22, is provided according to an
embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not
limited thereto. That is, it may be sensed whether the person
contacts or approaches the shelf 22 using a proximity sensor, an
infrared ray sensor or a touch sensor, for example. According to an
embodiment of the present invention, the contact sensor 28 is
integrally combined with the shelf 22, as shown in FIG. 2, however,
the contact sensor 28 is not limited thereto, the position thereof
may vary, as necessary.
[0046] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the shelf 22 is received in
the storage chamber 12 to be spaced apart from the inner wall 12a
of the storage chamber 12. Supporting members 30, which support
four corners of the shelf 22, are provided on the main body 10 at
the inner wall 12a of the storage chamber 12, and an insulating
member 32 which prevents the high voltage generated at the high
voltage generator 20 from being applied to the main body 10 through
the supporting member 30, is provided between the supporting member
30 and the shelf 22 supported by the supporting member 30.
[0047] Although not shown in figure, a compressor, a condenser, an
expansion valve and an evaporator are provided in a general cooling
system which enables refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerator
so as to provide the storage chamber 12 with cooling air generated
by absorbing surrounding heat when the liquid refrigerant
evaporates, thereby freshly storing food for a long time.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a safety control
device of the refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. The safety control device comprises a fuse 52
connected with a commercial power supply 50, the high voltage
generator 20, a current detecting unit 56, a signal converting unit
58, a control unit 60, a power supply driving unit 62, a power
supply switch 64, a display unit 66, and an input unit 68, in
addition to the components of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0049] The fuse 52 is an overload protection circuit which blows to
prevent abnormal current from flowing in an electric circuit when
current having at least a predetermined value flows in the power
supply line through the commercial power supply 50.
[0050] The high voltage generator 20 is a high voltage transformer
which boosts an alternating current voltage supplied through the
commercial power supply 50 to generate the high voltage
(approximately 1 to 10 kV). The generated high voltage is supplied
to the shelf 22 in the storage chamber 12 through the power supply
line 26, and a resistor 54 is connected with a secondary side of
the high voltage generator 20 to restrict a current component of
the high voltage supplied to the shelf 22.
[0051] The current detecting unit 56 is a CT sensor, for example,
which is connected with a secondary side of the high voltage
generator 20 and detects the current inputted to the shelf 22. When
the value of the detected current is greater than or equal to the
setting value due to insulation breakdown between the food put on
the shelf 22 applied with the high voltage and the inner wall 12a
of the storage chamber 12, the high voltage generator 20 is
prevented from generating the high voltage.
[0052] The signal converting unit 58 is a circuit which converts an
AC component of input current detected by the current detecting
unit 56 into direct current (DC) and inputs the direct current to
the control unit 60.
[0053] The control unit 60 is a microcomputer which controls an
entire operation of the refrigerator, receives signals of the door
switch 16, the temperature sensor 24, the contact sensor 34 and the
current detecting unit 56, and controls the power supplied to the
high voltage generator 20.
[0054] More specifically, the control unit 60 controls the power
supply connected with the high voltage generator 20 according to
the opening-and-closing sensing signal of the door switch 16, such
that the high voltage is cut off when the door 14 is opened and the
high voltage is applied to the shelf 22 when the door 14 is
closed.
[0055] The control unit 60 also enables the temperature sensor 23
to sense an actual chamber temperature, in addition to the sensing
of the opening and closing state of the door 14, and controls the
power supply connected to the high voltage generator 20 such that
the high voltage is applied only when the chamber temperature falls
to less than or equal to a user setting temperature.
[0056] The control unit 60 controls the power supply connected with
the high voltage generator 20 such that the high voltage is cut off
when the contact sensor 34 detects that a person contacts the shelf
22, for example, when the door switch 16 fails or the person
voluntarily operates the door switch 16.
[0057] The control unit 60 controls the power supply connected with
the high voltage generator 20 such that the high voltage is cut off
when the food, which is placed on the shelf 22 applied with the
high voltage, is in contact with the inner wall 12a of the storage
chamber 12 to break down insulation and the value of the current
detected by the current detecting unit 56 is greater than or equal
to the setting value.
[0058] The power supply driving unit 62 is a driving circuit which
applies the power to a primary side of the high voltage generator
20 according to a control signal of the control unit 60 and the
power supply switch 64 turns on/off the commercial power source 50
connected with the high voltage generator 20 according to the drive
of the power supply driving unit 62 and is formed of a
semiconductor device i.e., a power relay or a TRIAC, for
example.
[0059] The display unit 66 displays an operation state of the high
voltage generator 20 due to the voltage cutoff to a user, by the
control signal of the control unit 60.
[0060] The input unit 69 inputs a user control instruction to the
control unit 60 and comprises a start button which starts
temperature control and preservation control after the food is
placed on the storage chamber 12 and a plurality of buttons, for
example, a temperature setting button to set the temperature of the
food.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a safety control
device of the refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the
present invention. The safety control device shown in FIG. 4 is
similar to that shown in FIG. 3, except that a ground line
connected with the secondary side of the high voltage generator 20
connected with the current detecting unit 56 is inserted into a
module of the high voltage generator 20, independent of a ground
line of the storage chamber 12. Even when the ground line connected
with the secondary side of the high voltage generator 20 is
inserted into the module, the same object and effect as those of
FIG. 3 can be accomplished.
[0062] Hereinafter, the operation and the effect of the
refrigerator and the safety control method thereof will be
described.
[0063] FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts of the safety control method
of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] First, in operation 100, a user places food, which is
desired to be stored, on the shelf 22 of the storage chamber 12,
and from operation 100, the process moves to operation 102, where
the user operates the temperature setting button provided in the
input unit 68 to input a setting temperature Ts of the food.
[0065] When the setting temperature Ts is input in operation 102,
the process moves to operation 104, where the control unit 60
determines whether a cooling start signal is input through a start
button provided in the input unit 68. When the start button is
pressed in operation 104, the process moves to operation 106 where
the control unit 60 starts the temperature control which allows the
food placed on the shelf 22, to be stored at the setting
temperature Ts by operating the cooling system which enables
refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerator so as to provide the
storage chamber 12 with cooling air.
[0066] Next, under the control of the control unit 60, in operation
108, the temperature sensor 24 senses the chamber temperature Tc of
the storage chamber 12 which varies depending on the drive of the
cooling system and from operation 108, the process moves to
operation 110, where the control unit 60 compares the sensed
chamber temperature Tc with the setting temperature Ts.
[0067] As the result of comparison, when the chamber temperature Tc
is greater than the setting temperature Ts in operation 110, the
process returns to operation 106, where the temperature control is
continuously performed until the chamber temperature Tc falls to
less than or equal to the setting temperature Ts and, when the
chamber temperature Tc is less than or equal to the setting
temperature Ts in operation 110, high voltage control for storing
the food for a long time (experimental result: about a month) in an
original state starts in operation 112.
[0068] In operation 112, under the control of the control unit 60,
the power supply switch 64 is turned on by the power supply driving
unit 62, and the commercial power supply 50 supplies the power to
the primary side of the high voltage generator 20.
[0069] When the commercial power supply 50 supplies the power to
the primary side of the high voltage generator 20, the high voltage
of approximately 1 to 10 kV is generated at the secondary side of
the high voltage generator 20 and from operation 112, the process
moves to operation 114, where the high voltage generated at the
secondary side of the high voltage generator 20 is applied to the
shelf 22 through the power supply line 26 provided on the rear side
of the storage chamber 12 to perform the high voltage control of
the food.
[0070] The preservation of the food using the high voltage is
described in a refrigerator having a high voltage processing
function, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application
Publication No. 06-323721, and thus their detailed description will
be omitted. Hereinafter, the technical characteristics of the
present invention which ensures protection from the high voltage
applied to the shelf 22 will be described in detail.
[0071] First, from operation 114, the process moves to operation
116, where when the high voltage is applied to the shelf 22, the
current Ic inputted to the shelf 22 is detected by the current
detecting unit 56. The AC component of the detected input current
Ic is converted into the direct current (DC) by the signal
converting unit 58 and inputted to the control unit 60.
[0072] Now, referring to FIG. 5B, from operation 116, the process
moves to operation 118, where the control unit 60 determines
whether the value of the detected current Ic is greater than or
equal to a setting value Is. When the value of the detected current
Ic is less than the setting value Is in operation 118, the process
moves to operation 120 where the control unit 60 determines that
the insulation between the shelf 22 applied with the high voltage
and the inner wall 12a of the storage chamber 12 has not broken
down. Accordingly, the high voltage is continuously generated.
[0073] Meanwhile, when the value of the detected current Ic is
greater than or equal to the setting value Is in operation 118, the
process moves to operation 126, where the control unit 60
determines that the food placed on the shelf 22 applied with the
high voltage, contacts the inner wall 12a of the storage chamber 12
to break down the insulation and controls the power supply driving
unit 62 to turn off the power supply switch 64, and accordingly the
commercial power supply 50 does not supply the power to the high
voltage generator 20 to prevent the high voltage from being
generated. Therefore, when the insulation between the shelf 22 and
the inner wall 12a of the storage chamber 12 has broken down and
thus the value of the current Ic detected by the current detecting
unit 56 is greater than or equal to the setting value Is, it is
possible to ensure protection from the high voltage applied to the
shelf 22.
[0074] In operation 120, the control unit 60 determines whether the
door 14 is opened, using the door switch 16. When it is determined
that the door 14 is not opened in operation 120, the high voltage
is continuously generated and, when it is determined that the door
14 is opened in operation 120, the process moves to operation 126,
where the control unit 60 controls the power supply driving unit 62
to turn off the power supply switch 64, and accordingly the
commercial power supply 50 does not supply the power to the high
voltage generator 20 to prevent the high voltage from being
generated. Therefore, when the door 14 is opened, it is possible to
ensure protection from the high voltage applied to the shelf 22 by
preventing the high voltage from being generated.
[0075] In addition to the current detection due to insulation
breakdown and the sensing of the opening and closing state of the
door 14, when it is determined in operation 120 that the door is
opened, the process moves to operation 122, where the control unit
60 determines whether the actual chamber temperature Tc detected by
the temperature sensor 24 is greater than or equal to a total sum
of the setting temperature Ts and a predetermined temperature R
(approximately 2 to 3.degree. C.). When the chamber temperature Tc
is less than the total sum of the setting temperature Ts and the
predetermined temperature R in operation 122, the high voltage is
continuously generated.
[0076] Meanwhile, when the chamber temperature Tc is greater than
or equal to the total sum of the setting temperature Ts and the
predetermined temperature R, the process moves to operation 126,
where the control unit 60 controls the power supply driving unit 62
to turn off the power supply switch 64, and accordingly the
commercial power supply 50 does not supply the power to the high
voltage generator 20 to prevent the high voltage from being
generated. Therefore, in consideration that the door switch 16
fails or the user voluntarily operates the door switch 16, it is
possible to check the variation of the chamber temperature Tc to
ensure the safety.
[0077] When it is determined in operation 122 that the chamber
temperature Tc less than the total sum of the setting temperature
Ts and the predetermined temperature R, the process moves to
operation 124, where the control unit 60 determines whether a
person contacts the shelf, using the contact sensor 28. When the
person does not contact the shelf, the process returns to operation
114 shown in FIG. 5A.
[0078] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the person contacts
the shelf in operation 124, the process moves to operation 126,
where the control unit 60 controls the power supply driving unit 62
to turn off the power supply switch 64, and accordingly the
commercial power supply 50 does not supply the power to the high
voltage generator 20 to prevent the high voltage from being
generated. Therefore, in addition to the case where the door switch
16 fails or the user voluntarily operates the door switch 16, even
when the variation of the actual chamber temperature Tc is too
minute to be checked, it is possible to ensure the safety.
[0079] When at least one of the condition that the value of the
current Ic detected by the current detecting unit 56 is greater
than or equal to the setting value Is due to the insulation
breakdown between the shelf 22 and the inner wall 12a of the
storage chamber 12, the condition that the door 14 is opened, the
condition that the actual chamber temperature Tc is greater than or
equal to the setting temperature Ts plus the predetermined
temperature, and the condition that the person contacts the shelf
22 is satisfied, the control unit 60 prevents the commercial power
supply 50 from supplying the power to the high voltage generator 20
in order to ensure protection from the high voltage applied to the
shelf 22.
[0080] Subsequently, under the control of the control unit 60, the
display unit 68 displays the operation state of the refrigerator
due to the cutoff of the high voltage in operation 128.
[0081] As described above, in a refrigerator and a safety control
method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible
to ensure protection from a high voltage when a door switch fails
or a person contacts a shelf.
[0082] According to the present invention, the opening and closing
state of a door is detected and an actual chamber temperature is
sensed. Only when the actual chamber temperature is less than a
predetermined temperature, the high voltage is applied. When the
value of the detected current is greater than or equal to the
setting value due to the insulation breakdown between food, which
is put on a shelf applied with the high voltage, and an inner wall
of a storage chamber, it is possible to cut off the high voltage to
ensure safety.
[0083] According to the present invention, it is possible to
display the operation state due to the cutoff of the high voltage
to a user.
[0084] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
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