U.S. patent application number 13/137724 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for refrigerator with temperature control.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yoon-young Kim, Dong-nyeol Ryu.
Application Number | 20120000219 13/137724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38050120 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120000219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Yoon-young ; et
al. |
January 5, 2012 |
Refrigerator with temperature control
Abstract
A refrigerator having a main body including a refrigerating
compartment, a cool air duct supplying cool air to the
refrigerating compartment, and a sub storage compartment provided
in the main body independently maintaining a temperature thereof
with respect to the refrigerating compartment and being indirectly
cooled or indirectly heated by radiation.
Inventors: |
Kim; Yoon-young; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Ryu; Dong-nyeol; (Suwon-si, KR) |
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
38050120 |
Appl. No.: |
13/137724 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11653228 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
8028538 |
|
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13137724 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/89 ;
165/254 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2317/0665 20130101;
F25D 17/08 20130101; F25D 25/025 20130101; F25D 23/12 20130101;
F25D 2700/12 20130101; F25D 17/045 20130101; F25D 31/005 20130101;
F25D 2400/02 20130101; F25D 2400/40 20130101; F25D 17/065 20130101;
F25D 2700/121 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/89 ;
165/254 |
International
Class: |
F25B 29/00 20060101
F25B029/00; F25D 17/06 20060101 F25D017/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0005490 |
Jan 18, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0005491 |
Claims
1. An operating method for a refrigerator having a main body
including a refrigerating compartment and a sub storage compartment
provided inside the refrigerating compartment, the refrigerator
having a cool air supplying part and a heat supplying part,
comprising: receiving a set temperature for the sub storage
compartment; determining a maximum temperature, an upper limit
temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit temperature of
the sub storage compartment based on the set temperature; sensing a
temperature of the sub storage compartment; forcedly heating the
sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part if the
sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment is equal to or
lower than the lower limit temperature; and stopping the forcedly
heating of the sub storage compartment if the temperature of the
sub storage compartment reaches the maximum temperature.
2. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 1,
further comprising forcedly heating the sub storage compartment
through the heat supplying part if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment reaches the minimum temperature after the
stopping the forcedly heating of the sub storage compartment.
3. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 1,
further comprising forcedly cooling the sub storage compartment
through the cool air supplying part if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment reaches the upper limit temperature after the
stopping the forcedly heating of the sub storage compartment.
4. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 3,
further comprising stopping forcedly cooling the sub storage
compartment if the temperature of the sub storage compartment
reaches the minimum temperature.
5. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 4,
further comprising forcedly heating the sub storage compartment
through the heat supplying part if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment reaches the lower limit temperature after
stopping the forcedly cooling of the sub storage compartment.
6. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 4,
further comprising forcedly cooling the sub storage compartment
through the cool air supplying part if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment reaches the upper limit temperature after the
stopping the forcedly cooling of the sub storage compartment.
7. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 1,
wherein forcedly heating the sub storage compartment comprises:
determining whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with
cool air if the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment
is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, and forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
only if the refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool
air.
8. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 2,
wherein the forcedly heating the sub storage compartment comprises:
determining whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with
cool air if the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment
is equal to or lower than the minimum temperature, and forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
if the refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
9. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim 4,
wherein the forcedly heating the sub storage compartment comprises:
determining whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with
cool air if the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment
is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, and forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
if the refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
10. An operating method for a refrigerator having a main body
including a refrigerating compartment and a sub storage compartment
provided inside the refrigerating compartment, the refrigerator
having a cool air supplying part and a heat supplying part,
comprising: receiving a set temperature for the sub storage
compartment; determining a maximum temperature, an upper limit
temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit temperature of
the sub storage compartment based on the set temperature; sensing a
temperature of the sub storage compartment; forcedly cooling the
sub storage compartment through the cool air supplying part if the
sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment is equal to or
higher than the upper limit temperature; and stopping the forcedly
cooling of the sub storage compartment if the temperature of the
sub storage compartment reaches the minimum temperature.
11. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim
10, further comprising forcedly heating the sub storage compartment
through the heat supplying part if the sensed temperature of the
sub storage compartment reaches the lower limit temperature after
the stopping the forcedly cooling of the sub storage
compartment.
12. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim
10, further comprising forcedly cooling the sub storage compartment
through the cool air supplying part if the sensed temperature of
the sub storage compartment reaches the upper limit temperature
after the stopping the forcedly cooling of the sub storage
compartment.
13. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim
11, wherein forcedly heating the sub storage compartment comprises:
determining whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with
cool air if the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment
is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, and forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
if the refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
14. An operating method for a refrigerator having a main body
including a refrigerating compartment and a sub storage compartment
provided inside the refrigerating compartment, the refrigerator
further having a cool air supplying part and a heat supplying part,
comprising: receiving a set temperature for the sub storage
compartment; determining a maximum temperature, an upper limit
temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit temperature of
the sub storage compartment based on the set temperature; sensing a
temperature of the sub storage compartment; determining whether the
refrigerating compartment is supplied with cool air if the sensed
temperature of the sub storage compartment is equal to or lower
than the lower limit temperature; and forcedly heating the sub
storage compartment through the heat supplying part only if the
refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
15. The operating method for the refrigerator according to claim
14, wherein the determining whether the refrigerating compartment
is supplied with cool air comprises determining whether at least
one of a compressor and a fan of the refrigerating compartment is
operated.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/653,228 entitled
REFRIGERATOR WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND OPERATING METHOD
THEREFOR, filed Jan. 16, 2007, now allowed, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety in this
specification.
[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefits of
priority from the prior Korean Patent Application Nos.
2006-0005490, filed on Jan. 18, 2006 and 2006-0005491, filed on
Jan. 18, 2006, in the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and an
operating method therefore, and more particularly, a refrigerator
and an operating method therefore controlling the temperature of a
sub storage compartment separately provided to a main body.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Generally, a refrigerator generates cool air through a
cooling cycle to preserve food for a period of time, and includes a
freezing compartment storing food frozen below the freezing point,
a refrigerating compartment storing food refrigerated above the
freezing point, and a cooling system cooling the freezing
compartment and the refrigerating compartment.
[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 2004-49591 discloses a
refrigerator provided with an independent compartment, the
temperature of which is independently controlled with respect to a
refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. The
refrigerator includes a casing forming the independent compartment,
such as a temperature converting compartment, a cool air flowing
hole formed in the casing to be connected with the freezing
compartment, a heater heating an inside of the casing, and a
controller controlling the heater. If the independent compartment
needs to have a temperature higher than the refrigerating
compartment, the controller operates the heater so that the
temperature of the independent compartment increases. If the
independent compartment needs to have a temperature lower than the
refrigerating compartment, a fan provided in the refrigerating
compartment or the freezing compartment is operated to supply cool
air inside the refrigerating compartment or the freezing
compartment to the independent compartment through the cool air
flowing hole so that the temperature of the independent compartment
decreases.
[0008] However, in the conventional refrigerator, cool air and heat
are directly supplied into the independent compartment to be
contacted to food stored therein, and accordingly, moisture for the
food is evaporated, which thereby deteriorates freshness of the
food.
[0009] FIG. 10 illustrates the temperature variation of a sub
storage compartment (not shown) according to a conventional
operating method for a conventional refrigerator (not shown).
Referring to FIG. 10, a sub storage compartment according to a
conventional operating method for a conventional refrigerator is
forcedly heated to reach an upper limit temperature, and then the
sub storage compartment is forcedly cooled to reach a lower limit
temperature.
[0010] Also, in the case that the temperature of the independent
compartment needs to be decreased after the heater is operated to
increase the temperature thereof, the fan of the refrigerating
compartment or the freezing compartment needs to be operated,
thereby increasing power consumption.
[0011] Also, in the case that the temperature of the independent
compartment needs be increased after cool air is supplied to
decrease the temperature thereof, the heater needs to be operated,
thereby increasing power consumption.
[0012] Also, in the case that the temperature of the independent
compartment needs to be increased while the refrigerating
compartment or the freezing compartment is cooled, the heater and
the fan must be simultaneously operated, thereby deteriorating
energy efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, it is an aspect of present invention to provide
a refrigerator and an operating method therefore minimizing
unnecessary cooling and heating operations and therefore minimizing
temperature variation, thereby enhancing the freshness of food.
[0014] Also, it is another aspect of the present invention to
provide a refrigerator and an operating method therefore to prevent
a cooling operation and a heating operation from being
simultaneously operated, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.
[0015] 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.
[0016] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention
can be achieved by providing a refrigerator having a main body
including a refrigerating compartment, a cool air duct supplying
cool air to the refrigerating compartment, and a sub storage
compartment provided in the main body independently maintaining a
temperature thereof with respect to the refrigerating compartment
and being indirectly cooled or indirectly heated by radiation.
[0017] According to a first embodiment of the present invention,
the sub storage compartment includes a separate accommodating part
having a space defined therein, and a heat transferring member
surrounding at least a part of the separate accommodating part and
transferring heat or cold heat by radiation to the separate
accommodating part.
[0018] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the separate accommodating part includes an opening through which
heat or cold heat is transferred by radiation.
[0019] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the sub storage compartment further includes a sub cool air duct
connected with the cool air duct to supply cool air to the heat
transferring member, a damper opening and closing a connection
between the sub cool air duct and the cool air duct, and a heater
supplying heat to the heat transferring member.
[0020] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the sub storage compartment includes an insulation member
surrounding at least a part of the heat transferring member to
insulate the separate accommodating part from the refrigerating
compartment, and an outer casing forming an external appearance of
the sub storage compartment, and the sub cool air duct forms a
space between the heat transferring member and the insulating
member.
[0021] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the insulating member comprises a cool air inlet through which cool
air flows in the sub cool air duct, and a cool air outlet through
which a warmed air flows out of the sub cool air duct.
[0022] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the heater is interposed between the heat transferring member and
the insulating member.
[0023] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the heat transferring member includes at least one of aluminum and
copper.
[0024] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the separate accommodating part is inclined so that water condensed
thereto flows down the separate accommodating part.
[0025] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the first embodiment
of the present invention can be achieved by providing a
refrigerator having a main body including a refrigerating
compartment and a cool air duct supplying cool air to the
refrigerating compartment, including a sub storage compartment
provided in the main body of the refrigerator to independently
maintain a temperature thereof with respect to the refrigerating
compartment, the sub storage compartment having a separate
accommodating part having a space formed therein including an
opening through which heat or cold heat is transferred by
radiation, and a heat transferring member surrounding at least a
part of the separate accommodating part and transferring heat or
cold heat by radiation to the separate accommodating part.
[0026] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the sub storage compartment comprises a sub cool air duct connected
with the cool air duct to supply cool air to the heat transferring
member, and a damper controlling cool air supply of the sub cool
air duct.
[0027] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the sub storage compartment includes an insulation member
surrounding at least a part of the heat transferring member to
insulate the separate accommodating part from the refrigerating
compartment, and an outer casing forming an external appearance of
the sub storage compartment, and the sub cool air duct includes a
space between the heat transferring member and the insulating
member.
[0028] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the separate accommodating part is inclined so that water condensed
to an inner side thereof flows down the separate accommodating
part.
[0029] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the first embodiment
of the present invention can be achieved by providing a
refrigerator having a main body including a refrigerating
compartment and a cool air duct supplying cool air to the
refrigerating compartment, including a sub storage compartment
provided in the main body to independently maintain a temperature
thereof with respect to the refrigerating compartment, a damper
controlling cool air supply from the cool air duct to the sub
storage compartment, a heater supplying heat to the sub storage
compartment, and a control part determining a maximum temperature
and an upper limit temperature based on a set temperature inputted
for the sub storage compartment and turning off the heater so that
the sub storage compartment is naturally cooled by a temperature
difference between the sub storage compartment and the
refrigerating compartment if the temperature of the sub storage
compartment reaches the maximum temperature when the sub storage
compartment is forcedly heated.
[0030] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part determines a minimum temperature and a lower limit
temperature based on the set temperature, and turns on the heater
at the minimum temperature if the sub storage compartment is
naturally cooled after the heater is turned off.
[0031] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part opens the damper to forcedly cool the sub storage
compartment if the sub storage compartment is naturally heated to
reach the upper limit temperature by the temperature difference
between the sub storage compartment after the heater is turned off
and the refrigerating compartment to reach the upper limit
temperature.
[0032] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part determines a minimum temperature and a lower limit
temperature based on the set temperature, and closes the damper if
the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the minimum
temperature when the sub storage compartment is forcedly
cooling.
[0033] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part opens the damper to forcedly cool the sub storage
compartment if the sub storage compartment is naturally heated to
reach the upper limit temperature after the damper is closed.
[0034] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part turns on the heater to forcedly heat the sub
storage compartment if the sub storage compartment is naturally
cooled to reach the lower limit temperature after the damper is
closed.
[0035] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the upper limit temperature is higher than the maximum temperature
by 1 degree Celsius.
[0036] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the
lower limit temperature is lower than the minimum temperature by 1
degree Celsius.
[0037] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention
can be achieved by providing a refrigerator having a main body
including a refrigerating compartment and a cool air duct supplying
cool air to the refrigerating compartment, including a sub storage
compartment provided in the main body to independently maintain a
temperature thereof with respect to the refrigerating compartment,
a damper controlling cool air supply from the cool air duct to the
sub storage compartment, a heater supplying heat to the sub storage
compartment, and a control part determining a minimum temperature
and a lower limit temperature based on a set temperature inputted
for the sub storage compartment and closing the damper if the
temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the minimum
temperature when the sub storage compartment is forcedly
cooled.
[0038] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part turns on the heater to forcedly heat the sub
storage compartment if the sub storage compartment is naturally
cooled to reach the lower limit temperature by a temperature
difference between the sub storage compartment and the
refrigerating compartment after the damper is closed.
[0039] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the control part determines a maximum temperature and an upper
limit temperature based on the set temperature, and opens the
damper to forcedly cool the sub storage compartment if the sub
storage compartment is naturally heated by the temperature
difference between the sub storage compartment and the
refrigerating compartment to reach the upper limit temperature
after the damper is closed.
[0040] The foregoing and/or other aspects of a second embodiment of
the present invention can be achieved by providing an operating
method for a refrigerator having a main body including a
refrigerating compartment and a sub storage compartment provided
inside the refrigerating compartment and having a cool air
supplying part and a heat supplying part, including receiving a set
temperature for the sub storage compartment, determining a maximum
temperature, an upper limit temperature, a minimum temperature and
a lower limit temperature based on the set temperature, sensing the
temperature of the sub storage compartment, forcedly heating the
sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part if the
sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment is equal to or
lower than the lower limit temperature, and stopping forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment reaches the maximum temperature.
[0041] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
if the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the
minimum temperature after stopping forcedly heating the sub storage
compartment.
[0042] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes forcedly
cooling the sub storage compartment through the cool air supplying
part if the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the
upper limit temperature after stopping forcedly heating the sub
storage compartment.
[0043] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes stopping
forcedly cooling the sub storage compartment if the temperature of
the sub storage compartment reaches the minimum temperature.
[0044] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
if the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the lower
limit temperature after stopping forcedly cooling the sub storage
compartment.
[0045] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes forcedly
cooling the sub storage compartment through the cool air supplying
part if the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the
upper limit temperature after stopping forcedly cooling the sub
storage compartment.
[0046] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
forcedly heating the sub storage compartment includes determining
whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with cool air if
the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment is lower than
or equal to the lower limit temperature and forcedly heating the
sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part only if the
refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
[0047] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
forcedly heating the sub storage compartment includes determining
whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with cool air if
the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment is lower than
or equal to the minimum temperature and forcedly heating the sub
storage compartment through the heat supplying part only if the
refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
[0048] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention
can be achieved by providing an operating method for a refrigerator
having a main body including a refrigerating compartment and a sub
storage compartment provided inside the refrigerating compartment
and having a cool air supplying part and a heat supplying part,
including receiving a set temperature for the sub storage
compartment, determining a maximum temperature, an upper limit
temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit temperature
based on the set temperature, sensing the temperature of the sub
storage compartment, forcedly cooling the sub storage compartment
through the cool air supplying part if the sensed temperature of
the sub storage compartment is equal to or higher than the upper
limit temperature, and stopping forcedly cooling the sub storage
compartment if the temperature of the sub storage compartment
reaches the minimum temperature.
[0049] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes forcedly
heating the sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part
if the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the lower
limit temperature after stopping forcedly cooling the sub storage
compartment.
[0050] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the operating method for the refrigerator further includes forcedly
cooling the sub storage compartment through the cool air supplying
part if the temperature of the sub storage compartment reaches the
upper limit temperature after stopping forcedly cooling the sub
storage compartment.
[0051] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
forcedly heating the sub storage compartment includes determining
whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with cool air if
the sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment is equal to
or lower than the lower limit temperature, and forcedly heating the
sub storage compartment through the heat supplying part only if the
refrigerating compartment is not supplied with cool air.
[0052] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention
can be achieved by providing an operating method for a refrigerator
having a main body including a refrigerating compartment, and a sub
storage compartment provided inside the refrigerating compartment
and having a cool air supplying part and a heat supplying part,
including receiving a set temperature for the sub storage
compartment, determining a maximum temperature, an upper limit
temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit temperature
based on the set temperature, sensing the temperature of the sub
storage compartment, determining whether the refrigerating
compartment is supplied with cool air if the sensed temperature of
the sub storage compartment is equal to or lower than the lower
limit temperature, and forcedly heating the sub storage compartment
through the heat supplying part only if the refrigerating
compartment is not supplied with cool air.
[0053] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
determining whether the refrigerating compartment is supplied with
cool air includes determining whether at least one of a compressor
and a fan of the refrigerating compartment is operated or not.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] The above 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, in which:
[0055] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a refrigerator
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sub
storage compartment in FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 3 is a combined sectional view illustrating the sub
storage compartment in FIG. 2;
[0058] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a sub storage
compartment of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a sub storage
compartment of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of
the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator in
FIG. 1;
[0061] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a control flow chart of an operating
method for a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates a first temperature variation of a sub
storage compartment according to the operating method in FIGS. 7A
and 7B;
[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a second temperature variation of a sub
storage compartment according to the operating method in FIGS. 7A
and 7B;
[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates temperature variation of a sub storage
compartment according to a conventional operating method for a
refrigerator; and
[0065] FIGS. 11A and 11B are a control flow chart of an operating
method for a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0066] 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
like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below so as
to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to a
first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 2
forming an external appearance of the refrigerator 1, a machinery
room 6 accommodated in the main body 2 of the refrigerator 1, an
evaporator 7 partitioned with the machinery room 6, a cool air duct
8 through which cool air generated from the evaporator 7 flows, a
fan 12 supplying cool air to the cool air duct 8, a freezing
compartment (not shown) and a refrigerating compartment 9 supplied
with cool air by the fan 12, and a sub storage compartment 20
separately provided inside the refrigerating compartment 9.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, the sub storage compartment 20 includes
a separate accommodating part 24 having an opening 26 through which
radiant heat is transferred, a heat transferring member 50
transferring heat into the separate accommodating part 24 through
the opening 26, a sub cool air duct 25 (shown in FIG. 3)
transmitting cool air from the cool air duct 8 to the heat
transferring member 50, a heater 60 heating the heat transferring
member 50, and a separate casing 23 (shown in FIG. 3) surrounding
the separate accommodating part 24 to be insulated from the
refrigerating compartment 9.
[0069] The main body 2 includes an outer cabinet 4 formed of metal
to form an external appearance of the main body 2, and an inner
cabinet 3 spaced from the outer cabinet 4 to form a space filled
with a foaming material 5, for example, and formed of a plastic
material to form the freezing compartment and the refrigerating
compartment 9. While the material used in between the inner 3 and
outer 4 cabinets is shown in FIG. 1 as a foaming material, any type
of insulating material may be used.
[0070] The machinery room 6 includes a compressor 11 compressing a
refrigerant to become a gas with a high temperature and a high
pressure, and a condenser (not shown) condensing the gas flowed
from the compressor 11. The machinery room 6 is divided from the
evaporator 7 so that the evaporator 7 is prevented from being
affected by heat generated from the compressor 11 and the
condenser.
[0071] The evaporator 7 may be singly provided to supply cool air
to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment 9, or
may be respectively provided to the freezing compartment and the
refrigerating compartment 9 to supply cool air. The cool air
generated by the evaporator 7 flows through the cool air duct 8.
The evaporator 7 includes a refrigerant tube (not shown) through
which refrigerant flows, and a cooling fin (not shown) maximizing
contact between the refrigerant tube and surrounding air.
[0072] The cool air duct 8 guides the cool air generated from the
evaporator 7 to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating
compartment 9. The fan 12 is provided inside the cool air duct 8 to
supply cool air to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating
compartment 9. Also, the fan 12 may be operated to defrost the
evaporator 7 while the compressor 11 is not operated. Here, the
cool air duct 8 includes a main damper 29 to control cool air
supplied to the refrigerating compartment 9 and a damper 28 to
control air supplied to the sub storage compartment 20.
[0073] The refrigerating compartment 9 stores food at a temperature
higher than the freezing compartment. The refrigerating compartment
9 includes, for example, a shelf 14 partitioning the refrigerating
compartment 9 to conveniently store food, the sub storage
compartment 20 independently provided in the refrigerating
compartment 9, and a sub refrigerating compartment 13 storing food.
Also, the refrigerating compartment 9 includes a refrigerating
compartment temperature sensor 15, as shown in FIG. 6, sensing the
temperature of the refrigerating compartment 9 in order to control
the temperature thereof.
[0074] The sub storage compartment 20 is separately provided in an
area of the refrigerating compartment 9, and the temperature
thereof is independently controlled with respect to the
refrigerating compartment 9. The sub storage compartment 20 may
have a relatively higher temperature than the rest of the
refrigerating compartment 9 to store food such as fermentative
food, vegetables, fruits, etc.
[0075] As described in the following TABLE 1, the temperature of
the sub storage compartment 20 may be controlled according to
food.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Temperature Food 2.degree. C. broccoli,
lettuce, strawberry and orange 5.degree. C. watermelon, potato,
cucumber, pimiento, tomato and green pumpkin 10.degree. C. sweet
potato and banana
[0076] For example, the sub storage compartment 20 may be
controlled to maintain the temperature to 2 degrees Celsius to
store broccoli, for example, or 10 degrees Celsius to store
bananas.
[0077] The sub storage compartment 20 may be independently
controlled to have a temperature suitable to the food stored
therein irrespective of the temperature of refrigerating
compartment 9.
[0078] Hereinafter, a configuration of the sub storage compartment
20 will be described in detail by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0079] The sub storage compartment 20 includes the separate
accommodating part 24 formed with the opening 26 through which heat
is transferred by radiation so that a storage space of the sub
storage compartment 20 is indirectly cooled or heated, the heat
transferring member 50 transferring heat to an inside of the
separate accommodating part 24 through the opening 26, the sub cool
air duct 25 transmitting cool air guided through the cool air duct
8 to the heat transferring member 50, and the separate casing 23
surrounding the separate accommodating part 24 and the heat
transferring member 50 so that the separate accommodating part 24
is insulated from the refrigerating compartment 9. Also, the sub
storage compartment 20 includes the heater 60 to raise the
temperature of the inside thereof.
[0080] The sub storage compartment 20 includes a storing part 21
slidably inserted therein or drawn therefrom. Alternatively,
referring to FIG. 4, the sub storage compartment may include a sub
storage compartment door 100 and a hinge part 110, and may be
closed or opened by rotation of the sub storage compartment door
100. The sub storage compartment 20 is singly provided to a lower
area of the refrigerating compartment 9, but alternatively, a
plurality of sub storage compartments 20 may be provided according
to the capacity of the refrigerator 1. The sub storage compartment
includes a sub storage compartment temperature sensor 22, as shown
in FIG. 3, sensing the temperature thereof.
[0081] The separate accommodating part 24 forms a space in which
the storing part 21 is mounted, and is formed with the opening 26
through which heat or cold heat from the heat transferring member
50 is radiated. The storing part 21 stores food, and is slidably
mounted to the separate accommodating part 24. The separate
accommodating part 24 may be inclined downward from an entrance
thereof to an opposite part thereof so that water condensed on a
surface of the separate accommodating part 24 flows to the opposite
part.
[0082] The opening 26 is provided between opposite sides of the
separate accommodating part 24 and is elongated in a sliding
direction of the storing part 21. However, alternatively, the
opening 26 may be provided along a side of the separate
accommodating part 24, and may be elongated in a transverse
direction with respect to the sliding direction of the storing part
21.
[0083] The storing part 21 is able to store various foods, such as
vegetables, fruits, fermentative food, etc. The storing part 21 is
a drawer and is separately provided to the separate accommodating
part 24. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 4, the storing part 21
may be omitted, and food may be directly stored in the separate
accommodating part 124. The sub storage compartment door 100 opens
and closes an entrance of the separate accommodating part 124.
[0084] The heat transferring member 50 is cooled by cool air
supplied through the sub cool air duct 25, or heated by the heater
60 disposed under the heat transferring member 50, such that heat
or cold heat from the heat transferring member 50 is transferred by
radiation to the separate accommodating part 24 in which the
storing part 21 is mounted. Thus, the separate accommodating part
24 is indirectly heated or cooled. Here, heat or cold heat of the
heat transferring member 50 is efficiently transferred by radiation
through the opening 26.
[0085] Also, the heat transferring member 50 includes a pair of
first heat transferring parts 51 facing opposite sides of the
separate accommodating part 24 in which the opening 26 is formed,
and a second heat transferring part 52 bent from the first heat
transferring parts 51 to face a rear side of the separate
accommodating part 24. Thus, the heat transferring member 50
surrounds three sides of the separate accommodating part 24.
However, alternatively, the heat transferring member 50 may
surround all sides of the separate accommodating part 24, or one
side thereof.
[0086] The heat transferring member 50 according to the embodiments
of the present invention may be formed from aluminum having good
thermal conductivity. However, alternatively, the heat transferring
member 50 may be formed from any other metal having good thermal
conductivity, such as copper, etc.
[0087] The separate casing 23 forms the sub cool air duct 25
transmitting cool air from the cool air duct 8 to the heat
transferring member 50, and surrounds the separate accommodating
part 24 to be insulated from the refrigerating compartment 9. The
separate casing 23 includes an outer casing 30 forming an external
appearance of the sub storage compartment 20, and an insulating
member 40 insulating the separate accommodating part 24 from the
refrigerating compartment 9. An input part 33 is provided on a
front side of the separate casing 23 to set a desired temperature.
The separate casing 23 is distanced from the heat transferring
member 50 to form the sub cool air duct 25.
[0088] The outer casing 30 includes an upper casing 31 and a lower
casing 32 oppositely disposed to interpose the separate
accommodating part 24 therebetween. The upper casing 31 covers an
upper insulating member 41. The input part 33 is provided on the
lower casing 32, and includes a printed circuit board 34. However,
alternatively, the input part 33 may be provided on a display part
(not shown) of a door 16 of the refrigerator 1. The lower casing 32
includes a power supplying part 35 supplying power to the printed
circuit board 34.
[0089] The insulating member 40 includes the upper insulating
member 41 and a lower insulating member 44 oppositely disposed to
interpose the separate accommodating part 24 therebetween. The
insulating member 40 insulates the heat transferring member 50 from
the refrigerating compartment 9.
[0090] The upper insulating member 41 includes a bent part 42 bent
to face the second heat transferring part 52. The upper insulating
member 41 is distanced from the first heat transferring part 51 and
the second heat transferring part 52 to form the sub cool air duct
25. The bent part 42 of the upper insulating member 41 is formed
with a cool air inlet 43 through which cool air flows in to be
transmitted to the heat transferring member 50, and a cool air
outlet 46, through which warmed air flows out. The cool air inlet
43 and the cool air outlet 46 are respectively singly formed, but
alternatively, a plurality of cool air inlets 43 and cool air
outlets 46 may be formed.
[0091] Cool air supplied from the cool air duct 8 flows through the
cool air inlet 43 and the sub cool air duct 25 to be transmitted to
the heat transferring member 50. Thus, the heat transferring member
50 is cooled by the cool air, and accordingly, indirectly cools an
inside of the separate accommodating part 24 by radiation.
[0092] The lower insulating member 44 includes side insulating
parts 45 bent from a plane of the lower insulating member 44 to
contact and cover the opposite sides of the separate accommodating
part 24. The side insulating parts 45 contact with the heat
transferring member 50 and insulate the heat transferring member 50
from the refrigerating compartment 9.
[0093] The heater 60 may be interposed between the lower insulating
member 44 and the heat transferring member 50. However,
alternatively, the heater 60 may be disposed to other positions
according to configurations of the insulating member 40 and the
heat transferring member 50. Also, the heater 60 has a planar
shape, but alternatively, the heater 60 may have a coil shape, or
other shapes. The heater 60 heats the heat transferring member 50,
and accordingly, heat from the heat transferring member 50 is
transferred by radiation to an inside of the separate accommodating
part 24 so that the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20
rises.
[0094] The sub storage compartment 20 is indirectly cooled or
heated by radiation of heat or cold heat to or from the heat
transferring member 50. However, alternatively, referring to FIG.
5, cool air or heated air may be directly supplied into a sub
storage compartment 120, and an operating method for a refrigerator
according to the embodiments of present invention can be applied
thereto.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, the input part 33 transmits a
temperature value set by a user to a control part 10. The control
part 10 may store the set temperature to a memory 27 as
necessary.
[0096] The memory 27 stores a set temperature inputted through the
input part 33 with respect to the sub storage compartment 20 and
the refrigerating compartment 9. The set temperatures stored in the
memory 27 may be transmitted to the control part 10.
[0097] The control part 10 controls the temperature of the storing
part 21 according to a set temperature inputted through the input
part 33 and a signal from the sub storage compartment temperature
sensor 22. The control part 10 determines a maximum temperature, an
upper limit temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit
temperature based on a set temperature inputted through the input
part 33, and on/off controls a damper 28 and on/off of the heater
60 according to the temperatures determined by the control part
10.
[0098] Hereinafter, an operating method for the refrigerator 1
including the sub storage compartment 20 according to a first
embodiment of the present invention will be described by referring
to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0099] The control part 10 determines a maximum temperature, an
upper limit temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit
temperature based on a set temperature inputted by a user. Here,
the maximum temperature refers to a temperature at which the heater
60 is turned off when the sub storage compartment 20 is heated in a
forced heating mode, and the upper limit temperature refers to a
temperature at which the damper 28 of the cool air duct 8 is opened
to cool the sub storage compartment 20 to enter a forced cooling
mode. Also, the minimum temperature refers to a temperature at
which the heater 60 is turned on in a natural cooling mode or the
damper 28 of the cool air duct 8 is closed in the forced cooling
mode, and the lower limit temperature refers to a temperature at
which the heater 60 is turned on when the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 decreases after the damper 28 is closed in
the forced cooling mode. The upper limit temperature is higher than
the maximum temperature, and the lower limit temperature is lower
than the minimum temperature. The upper limit temperature may be
higher than the maximum temperature by 1 degree Celsius, for
example, and the lower limit temperature may be lower than the
minimum temperature by 1 degree, for example.
[0100] Also, the natural cooling mode refers to an operating mode
in which the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20
naturally decreases. For example, if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 is higher than that of the refrigerating
compartment 9, the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20
may decrease due to thermal interaction with the refrigerating
compartment 9. The forced cooling mode refers to an operating mode
in which the damper 28 is opened to supply cool air to the sub
storage compartment 20. For example, if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 is lower than that of the refrigerating
compartment 9, the sub storage compartment 20 cannot be naturally
cooled by the atmosphere of the refrigerating compartment 9.
Instead, the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is
decreased through the forced cooling mode.
[0101] Also, the natural heating mode refers to an operating mode
in which the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20
naturally increases. For example, if the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 is lower than that of the refrigerating
compartment 9, the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20
may increase by the refrigerating compartment 9. The forced heating
mode refers to an operating mode in which the heater 60 is turned
on to supply heat to the sub storage compartment 20. For example,
if the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is higher than
that of the refrigerating compartment 9, the sub storage
compartment 20 cannot be naturally heated by the refrigerating
compartment 9. Instead, the temperature of the sub storage
compartment 20 is increased through the forced heating mode.
[0102] The control part 10 controls the heater 60 and the damper 28
based on the temperature sensed by the sub storage compartment
temperature sensor 22 to correspond to a set temperature inputted
by a user.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a set temperature is inputted
by a user (S10).
[0104] Then, the control part 10 determines a maximum temperature,
an upper limit temperature, a minimum temperature and a lower limit
temperature based on the set temperature (S20).
[0105] The control part 10 continually senses the temperature of
the sub storage compartment 20 through the sub storage compartment
temperature sensor 22 (S30). Then, the control part 10 compares the
sensed temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 with the upper
limit temperature (S40). If the temperature of the sub storage
compartment 20 is greater than or equal to the upper limit
temperature, the control part 10 opens the damper 28 of the cool
air duct 8 so that cool air is supplied to the heat transferring
member 50 through the sub cool air duct 25. Thus, the sub storage
compartment 20 is forcedly cooled (S50).
[0106] Then, the control part 10 determines whether the temperature
of the sub storage compartment 20 decreases to the minimum
temperature or not (S60). If the temperature of the sub storage
compartment 20 reaches the minimum temperature, the control part 10
closes the damper 28 (S70).
[0107] Then, the control part 10 determines whether the sub storage
compartment 20 is cooled below the lower limit temperature or not
(S80). If the sub storage compartment 20 is cooled to equal or less
than the lower limit temperature, the control part 10 turns on the
heater 60 (S110). If the sub storage compartment 20 is not cooled
to equal or less than the lower limit temperature, the control part
10 determines that the sub storage compartment 20 is naturally
heated by the atmosphere of the refrigerating compartment 9, and
determines whether the temperature of the sub storage compartment
20 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature or not
(S140).
[0108] In the stage that the control part 10 compares the
temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 with the upper limit
temperature (S40), if the temperature of the sub storage
compartment 20 is lower than the upper limit temperature, the
control part 10 determines whether the sub storage compartment 20
is cooled to or below the lower limit temperature or not (S100). If
the sub storage compartment 20 is cooled to or below the lower
limit temperature, the control part 10 closes the damper 28 and
turns on the heater 60 (S110). Then, the control part 10 determines
whether the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 increases
to the maximum temperature or not (S120). If the temperature of the
sub storage compartment 20 reaches the maximum temperature, the
control part 10 turns off the heater 60 (S130).
[0109] After the heater 60 is turned off, it is necessary to
determine whether the sub storage compartment 20 is naturally
cooled by the atmosphere of the refrigerating compartment 9 or not.
Thus, the control part 10 determines whether the temperature of the
sub storage compartment 20 is equal to or higher than the upper
limit temperature or not (S140). If the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 is equal to or higher than the upper limit
temperature, the control part 10 enters the forced cooling mode
(S50). If the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is
lower than the upper limit temperature, the control part 10
determines that the sub storage compartment 20 is naturally cooled
by the atmosphere of the refrigerating compartment 9, and
determines whether the sub storage compartment 20 is cooled to or
below the minimum temperature or not (S150). If the sub storage
compartment 20 is cooled to or below the minimum temperature, the
control part 10 enters the forced heating mode (S110). If the sub
storage compartment 20 is not cooled to or below the minimum
temperature, the control part 10 enters the stage of S140.
[0110] Accordingly, temperature variation of the sub storage
compartment 20 can be minimized to enhance the freshness of food
stored therein, and heating and cooling can be minimized to reduce
power consumption.
[0111] Hereinafter, an effect of the operating method for the
refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention will be described by referring to FIGS. 8 and 9. Here, as
an example, the difference between the upper limit temperature and
the maximum temperature and the difference between the lower limit
temperature and the minimum temperature are both 1 degree
Celsius.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 8, in period a-b, if the initial
temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is equal to or higher
than the upper limit temperature, the damper 28 is opened to
forcedly cool the sub storage compartment 20. In period b-c, the
damper 28 is closed at time b, and the sub storage compartment 20
is naturally heated by the refrigerating compartment 9. In period
c-d, the sub storage compartment 20 is naturally cooled by the
refrigerating compartment 9. Here, the sub storage compartment 20
may be naturally heated or cooled according to the temperature
variation of the refrigerating compartment 9. The temperature of
the refrigerating compartment 9 may vary according to the heat
source, such as food, etc. inside the refrigerating compartment 9,
opening of a door thereof, supplying of cool air from the cool air
duct 8, etc. In period d-e, since the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 reaches the minimum temperature, the heater
60 is turned on to forcedly heat the sub storage compartment 20. In
period e-f, after the heater 60 is turned off at time e, the sub
storage compartment 20 is naturally cooled. Thus, the heater 60 is
turned off at the maximum temperature, and on at the minimum
temperature. Accordingly, the sub storage compartment 20 can be
controlled to have a temperature between the maximum temperature
and the minimum temperature, and thereby minimizing temperature
variation thereof.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 9, in period g-h, if the initial
temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is equal to or higher
than the upper limit temperature, the damper 28 is opened to
forcedly cool the sub storage compartment 20. In period h-i, after
the damper 28 is closed at time h, the sub storage compartment 20
is naturally cooled to reach the lower limit temperature by the
atmosphere of the refrigerating compartment 9 instead of being
naturally heated. In period i-j, the heater 60 is turned on to
enter the forced heating mode, and when the temperature of the sub
storage compartment 20 reaches the maximum temperature, the heater
60 is turned off. In period j-k, after the heater 60 is turned off,
the sub storage compartment 20 is naturally cooled by the
refrigerating compartment 9 instead of being naturally heated to
reach the upper limit temperature. In period k-l, when the
temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 reaches the minimum
temperature, the heater 60 is turned on to forcedly heat the sub
storage compartment 20, and when the temperature of the sub storage
compartment 20 reaches the maximum temperature, the heater 60 is
turned off. In period l-m, after the heater 60 is turned off, the
sub storage compartment 20 is naturally heated to reach the upper
limit temperature by the atmosphere of the refrigerating
compartment 9 instead of being naturally cooled. In period m-n, the
damper 28 is opened at time m to forcedly cool the sub storage
compartment 20.
[0114] As compared with the conventional operating method of FIG.
10, temperature variation of the sub storage compartment 20 by the
operating method according to the first embodiment of the present
invention is less. Also, in the conventional operating method, the
sub storage compartment is forcedly cooled and forcedly heated.
However, in the operating method according to the first embodiment
of the present invention, the sub storage compartment 20 is
naturally heated or cooled by a temperature difference between the
sub storage compartment 20 and the refrigerating compartment 9,
without being supplied with additional power. Thus, power
consumption of the operating method according to the first
embodiment of the present invention is less than that of the
conventional operating method.
[0115] Hereinafter, an operating method for the refrigerator 1
including the sub storage compartment 20 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention will be described by referring
to FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0116] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, in an operating method for
the refrigerator 1 according to a second embodiment of the present
invention, the heater 60 is turned on/off according to a state of
the refrigerating compartment 9.
[0117] Hereinafter, the same operating method for the refrigerator
1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is
omitted from the description of the second embodiment of the
present invention that uses the same operations. If an initial
temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is equal to or higher
than an upper limit temperature (S40), the sub storage compartment
20 is forcedly cooled (S50). Then, if the damper has been closed
(S70), if the temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is
lower than or equal to a lower limit temperature (S80), the control
part 10 determines whether the compressor 11 is operated or not
(S160) instead of directly entering the forced heating mode. Also,
if an initial temperature of the sub storage compartment 20 is
lower than or equal to the lower limit temperature (S100), the
control part 10 determines whether the compressor 11 is operated or
not (S160) instead of directly entering the forced heating mode.
Also, if the sub storage compartment 20 is naturally cooled to
reach a minimum temperature (S150), the control part 10 determines
whether the compressor 11 is operated or not (S160) instead of
directly entering the forced heating mode.
[0118] After the control part 10 determines whether the compressor
11 is operated or not (S160), if the compressor 11 is not operated,
the control part 10 enters the forced heating mode (S110)
irrespective of the operation of the fan 12 of the refrigerating
compartment 9. If the compressor 11 is not operated, the
refrigerator 9 is not supplied with cool air. However, the fan 12
may be operated to merely remove frost. Thus, although the heater
60 is turned on, energy efficiency does not deteriorate. If the
compressor 11 is operated, the control part 10 determines whether
the fan 12 is operated or not (S170). If the fan 12 is not
operated, the control part 10 enters the forced heating mode
(S110). If the fan 12 is operated, since the refrigerating
compartment 9 is being supplied with cool air, the control part 10
does not enter the forced heating mode.
[0119] Accordingly, water in food stored in the refrigerating
compartment 9 can be prevented from being evaporated, thereby
preserving the food stored in the refrigerating compartment 9.
[0120] Also, cool air supplied to the refrigerating compartment 9
and operation of the heater 60 can be prevented from coinciding,
thereby enhancing energy efficiency.
[0121] As described above, a refrigerator and an operating method
therefore according to the embodiments of the present invention set
temperature suitable for food to be stored. Then, based on the set
temperature, the refrigerator and the operating method therefore
according to the embodiments of the present invention can heat a
sub storage compartment by forcedly heating through a heater or by
naturally heating it by the temperature difference between the sub
storage compartment and a refrigerating compartment, and can cool
the sub storage compartment by forcedly cooling by supplying cool
air or by naturally cooling by the temperature difference between
the sub storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment.
Thus, a forced cooling operation and a forced heating operation can
be minimized, thereby reducing power consumption.
[0122] Further, while the refrigerating compartment is supplied
with cool air, the heater can be prevented from heating the sub
storage compartment, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. In
addition, temperature variation of the sub storage compartment can
be minimized, thereby storing food for longer periods of time.
[0123] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will 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 appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *