U.S. patent application number 13/585915 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-21 for refrigerator and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Je Deok Han, Soon Dong Jung, Dong Nyeol RYU. Invention is credited to Je Deok Han, Soon Dong Jung, Dong Nyeol RYU.
Application Number | 20130042641 13/585915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46679193 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130042641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RYU; Dong Nyeol ; et
al. |
February 21, 2013 |
REFRIGERATOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A refrigerator capable of having a storage compartment
configured for a converted use as a freezing compartment or a
refrigerating compartment includes a refrigerating compartment; a
converting compartment configured for a variable use among
freezing, refrigerating, and off; a cold air flow supplying
apparatus having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an
expanding valve, a draft fan, a cold air flow supplying apparatus;
a converting damper apparatus installed at the converting
compartment discharging flow path for controlling the supply of the
cold air flow to the converting compartment; and a refrigerating
compartment damper apparatus installed at the refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path for controlling the supply of the
cold air flow to the refrigerating compartment.
Inventors: |
RYU; Dong Nyeol; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Jung; Soon Dong; (Osan-si, KR) ; Han; Je
Deok; (Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RYU; Dong Nyeol
Jung; Soon Dong
Han; Je Deok |
Suwon-si
Osan-si
Suwon-si |
|
KR
KR
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
46679193 |
Appl. No.: |
13/585915 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/228.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2400/16 20130101;
F25D 17/065 20130101; F25D 2700/121 20130101; F25D 29/00 20130101;
F25D 2317/0683 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/228.1 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 16, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0081383 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator, comprising: a body; a first storage room and a
second storage room compartmentally provided to each other at an
inside of the body; a compressor, an condenser, and a evaporator
configured to compose a cooling cycle; a first flow path and a
second flow path configured to guide the cold air flow generated at
the evaporator to the first storage room and the second storage
room, respectively; a draft fan configured to circulate the cold
air flow generated from the evaporator; a first cold air flow
control apparatus and a second cold air flow control apparatus
installed at the first flow path and the second flow path,
respectively, and configured to control the supply of the cold air
flow; and a temperature sensor configured to measure the
temperature of the first storage room and the second storage room,
wherein: among a first mode configured to use the first storage
room and the second storage room for freezing and refrigerating,
respectively; a second mode for refrigerating and refrigerating,
respectively; a third mode for off and refrigerating, respectively;
one mode can be established, and in a case that the first mode is
established, the operation of the compressor is decided based on
the temperature of the first storage room, and in a case that the
second mode or the third mode is established, the operation of the
compressor is decided based on the temperature of the second
storage room.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in a case that the first
mode is established, the compressor is operated until the
temperature of the first storage room reaches a freezing
temperature and stops when the temperature of the first storage
room reaches a freezing temperature.
3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: in a case that the second
mode or the third mode is established, the compressor is operated
until the temperature of the second storage room reaches a
refrigerating temperature and stops when the temperature of the
second storage room reaches a refrigerating temperature.
4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: in a case that the first
mode is established, the second cold air flow control apparatus
shuts off the supply of the cold air flow to the second storage
room when the temperature of the second storage room reaches the
refrigerating temperature.
5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: in a case that the second
mode is established, the first cold air flow control apparatus
shuts off the supply of the cold air flow to the first storage room
when the temperature of the first storage room reaches the
refrigerating temperature.
6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: in a case that the third
mode is established, the first cold air flow control apparatus
shuts off the supply of the cold air flow to the first storage
room.
7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: in a case that the second
mode or the third mode is established, cold air flow is
intermittently circulated at the first flow path to prevent frost
from forming at the first flow path.
8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: in a case that the second
mode or the third mode is established, cold air flow is circulated
to at least one of either the first flow path or the second flow
path to reduce the heat of the evaporator during or after the
defrosting of the evaporator.
9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: the draft fan is a radial
flow fan.
10. A refrigerator, comprising: a body; a refrigerating compartment
provided at the inside of the body; a converting compartment
provided at the inside of the body and configured to be used as a
freezing mode or a refrigerating mode, or be turned off; a cold air
flow supplying apparatus having an compressor, a condenser, an
expanding valve, a draft fan, a converting compartment discharging
flow path configured to guide the cold air flow generated at the
evaporator to the converting compartment, and a refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path configured to guide the cold air
flow generated from the evaporator to the refrigerating
compartment; a converting compartment cold air flow control
apparatus installed at the converting compartment discharging flow
path to control the supply of the cold air flow to the converting
compartment; a refrigerating compartment cold air flow control
apparatus installed at the refrigerating compartment discharging
flow path to control the supply of the cold air flow to the
refrigerating compartment; and a temperature sensor configured to
measure the temperature of the refrigerating compartment and the
converting compartment, wherein: in a case that the converting
compartment is used as the refrigerating mode or is turned off, the
operation of the compressor is based on the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment.
11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein: the cold air flow
supplying apparatus further comprises a duct unit configured to
divide the converting compartment into a storage space at the front
and the cold air flow generating compartment at the rear.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein: a distributing flow
path, which is configured to distribute the cold air flow generated
at the cold air flow generating apparatus to the converting
compartment discharging flow path and to the refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path, is formed at the inside of the
duct unit.
13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein: the converting
compartment discharging flow path comprises a rear flow path formed
at the rear of the duct unit and a penetrating flow path connecting
the rear flow path and the storage space after penetrating the duct
unit.
14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein: the cold air flow
control apparatus is installed at the rear flow path.
15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein: the rear flow path is
positioned at one side of the evaporator.
16. A refrigerator, comprising: a body; a plurality of storage
rooms provided at the inside of the body; a compressor, a
condenser, and an evaporator configured to compose a cooling cycle;
a first flow path and a second flow path configured to guide the
cold air flow generated at the evaporator to each of the plurality
of storage rooms; a draft fan configured to circulate the cold air
flow generated at the evaporator; a cold air flow control apparatus
installed on the plurality of flow paths and configured to control
the supply of the cold air flow; a temperature sensor configured to
measure the temperature of the storage room; a mode establishing
unit configured to establish one mode among a first mode configured
to use the plurality of storage rooms for freezing and
refrigerating, a second mode for refrigerating and refrigerating,
respectively, and a third mode for off and refrigerating,
respectively; and a control unit configured to control the
operation of the compressor according to the mode established
through the mode establishing unit; and the control unit, in a case
that the first mode is established, the operation of the compressor
is controlled based on one of the temperatures of the plurality of
storage rooms, and in a case that the second mode or the third mode
is established, the operation of the compressor is controlled based
on one of the remaining temperatures of the plurality of storage
rooms.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2011-0081383, filed on Aug. 16, 2011 in
the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The following description relates to a refrigerator having a
storage compartment configured for a converted use as a freezing
compartment or a refrigerating compartment.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a refrigerator is an apparatus configured for
keeping food fresh by using a cold air flow generated from a
cooling cycle. A storage compartment of the refrigerator is divided
into a refrigerating compartment configured to keep food
refrigerated by maintaining the temperature at approximately
3.degree. C., and a freezing compartment configured to keep food
frozen by maintaining the temperature at approximately -20.degree.
C.
[0006] The amount of the food stored in the refrigerating
compartment is generally more than the amount of the food stored in
the freezing compartment, and therefore, the refrigerating
compartment is configured to be provided with a larger size than
the freezing compartment. Also, because the refrigerating
compartment is more frequently accessed, the refrigerating
compartment is provided at a lower portion of the refrigerator
while the freezing compartment is provided at an upper portion of
the refrigerator.
[0007] A cold air flow supply system of such refrigerator may be
composed of in various methods. For example, a method to control
the temperature of the freezing compartment at below 0.degree. C.
and the temperature of the refrigerating compartment above
0.degree. C. by installing a damper apparatus at a cold air flow
supply path for the refrigerating compartment and by adequately
opening/closing the damper apparatus, while supplying the cold air
flow generated from a single evaporating apparatus, is used.
[0008] Also, a refrigerator having the freezing compartment
converted to the refrigerating compartment or the freezing
compartment turned off for a use may be considered, and an example
of such a refrigerator has been suggested in Korean patent
publication No. 10-2010-0076089.
[0009] According to the publication above, a refrigerator is
provided with the damper apparatus configured to control the supply
of the cold air flow to the freezing compartment and a means for
heating the freezing compartment. This refrigerator is configured
to limit the cold air flow supply to the freezing compartment by
the use of the damper apparatus in order to convert the freezing
compartment to the refrigerating compartment, and at the same time,
to heat up the freezing compartment. However, this method consumes
additional energy, thereby increasing costs.
SUMMARY
[0010] Therefore, it is an aspect to provide a refrigerator which
is configured to convert a freezing compartment to a refrigerating
compartment or to turn off the freezing compartment, and a control
method thereof.
[0011] It is an aspect to provide a refrigerator which is
configured to convert a freezing compartment to a refrigerating
compartment or to turn off the freezing compartment without having
the need for additional energy, and a control method thereof.
[0012] It is an aspect to provide a refrigerator which includes a
damper apparatus at a cold air flow supply path to be installed for
the freezing compartment while avoiding the decrease of a storage
space.
[0013] It is an aspect to provide a refrigerator which includes the
damper apparatus at the cold air flow supply path to be easily
installed for the freezing compartment or the refrigerating
compartment
[0014] It is an aspect to provide a control method of the
refrigerator in preventing frost from forming at the cold air flow
supply path for the freezing compartment in a case that the
freezing compartment is converted to the refrigerating compartment
or turned off.
[0015] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
[0016] In accordance with one aspect, a refrigerator includes a
refrigerating compartment; a converting compartment provided at an
upper side of the refrigerating compartment while configured to
have a smaller size than the refrigerating compartment and
configured for a variable use among freezing, refrigerating, and
turned off; a cold air flow supplying apparatus having a
compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expanding valve, a draft
fan, a cold air flow supplying apparatus having a converting
compartment discharging flow path configured to guide a cold air
flow generated from the evaporator to the converting compartment
and a refrigerating compartment discharging flow path configured to
guide the cold air flow generated from the evaporator to the
refrigerating compartment; a converting damper apparatus installed
at the converting compartment discharging flow path for controlling
the supply of the cold air flow to the converting compartment; and
a refrigerating compartment damper apparatus installed at the
refrigerating compartment discharging flow path for controlling the
supply of the cold air flow to the refrigerating compartment, and
where the compressor is configured to operate depending on whether
the temperature of the converting compartment is at the freezing
temperature in a case that the converting compartment is for
freezing, and the compressor is configured to operate depending on
whether the temperature of the converting compartment is at a
refrigerating temperature in a case that the converting compartment
is for refrigerating or turned off.
[0017] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
freezing, the converting compartment damper apparatus maintains an
open state, and the refrigerating compartment damper apparatus may
be open or shut depending on whether the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment is at the refrigerating temperature.
[0018] In addition, in a case that the converting compartment is
for refrigerating, the converting compartment damper apparatus may
be open or shut depending on whether the temperature of the
converting compartment is at the refrigerating temperature, and the
refrigerating compartment damper apparatus may be able to maintain
an open state.
[0019] In addition, in a case that the converting compartment is
turned off, the converting compartment damper apparatus maintains a
shut-off state, and the refrigerating compartment damper apparatus
may be able to maintain the open state.
[0020] In addition, in a case that the converting compartment is
either refrigerating or turned off, the converting compartment
damper apparatus is intermittently open regardless of the
temperature of the converting compartment, and a fluidization may
be generated at the converting compartment damper apparatus by
operating the draft fan.
[0021] In addition, in a case of a defrosting cycle of the
evaporator or after the defrosting cycle, the refrigerating
compartment damper apparatus may be open and the evaporator may be
cooled off by operating the draft fan.
[0022] In addition, the converting compartment may be provided with
a thicker insulation wall than the refrigerating compartment.
[0023] In addition, the cold air flow supplying apparatus is
configured to divide the converting compartment into a front
storage space and a cold air flow generating compartment at which
the evaporator is disposed, and may further include a duct unit at
which a distributing flow path, which is configured to distribute
the cold air flow generated at the cold air flow generating
compartment inside to the converting compartment discharging flow
path and to the refrigerating compartment discharging flow path, is
formed.
[0024] Here, the converting compartment discharging flow path may
include a rear path formed at the rear of the duct unit and a
penetrating flow path configured to penetrate the duct unit in
order to connect the rear path and the storage space.
[0025] Here, the converting compartment damper apparatus may be
installed at the rear path.
[0026] In addition, the rear path may be positioned at one side of
the evaporator.
[0027] The draft fan may include a radial flow fan.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a
refrigerating compartment; a converting compartment configured to
have a smaller size than the refrigerating compartment and
configured for a variable use among freezing, refrigerating, and
turned off; a duct unit configured to divide the converting
compartment into a front storage space and a rear cold air flow
generating compartment; an evaporator disposed at the cold air flow
generating compartment; a compressor configured to form a cooling
cycle along with the evaporator and operate the cooling cycle; a
draft fan configured to forcedly fluidize a cold air flow; a
distributing flow path formed at the inside of the duct unit for
distributing the cold air flow generated at the cold air flow
generating compartment to the storing space and the refrigerating
compartment; a converting compartment discharging flow path
configured to guide the cold air flow from the distributing flow
path to the storing space; a refrigerating compartment discharging
flow path configured to guide the cold air flow from the
distributing flow path to the refrigerating compartment; a
converting compartment damper apparatus installed at the converting
compartment discharging flow path for controlling the supply of the
cold air flow to the converting compartment; and where the
refrigerating compartment damper apparatus installed at the
refrigerating compartment discharging flow path for controlling the
supply of the cold air flow to the refrigerating compartment, and
the operating time of the compressor is determined by the
temperature of the converting compartment in a case that the
converting compartment is for freezing, and the operating time of
the compressor is determined by the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment in a case that the converting compartment
is for refrigerating or turned off.
[0029] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
freezing, the compressor may be operated until the temperature of
the converting compartment is at the freezing temperature.
[0030] In addition, in a case that the converting compartment is
for freezing, the refrigerating compartment damper apparatus may be
shut off when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment is
at the refrigerating temperature.
[0031] In addition, in a case that the converting compartment is
for refrigerating or turned off, the compressor may be operated
until the temperature of the refrigerating compartment is at the
refrigerating temperature.
[0032] In accordance with an aspect, a control method of a
refrigerator having a refrigerating compartment, a converting
compartment configured for a variable use, an evaporator, a
compressor, a draft fan configured to forcedly fluidize a cold air
flow, a converting compartment discharging flow path configured to
guide the cold air flow to the converting compartment, a
refrigerating compartment discharging flow path configured to guide
the cold air flow to the refrigerating compartment, a converting
compartment damper apparatus installed at the converting
compartment discharging flow path, and where the refrigerating
compartment damper apparatus installed at the refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path, depending on the use of the
converting compartment, selectively determines the operating time
of the compressor according to the temperature of the converting
compartment, or determines the operating time of the compressor
according to the temperature of the refrigerating compartment.
[0033] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
freezing, the refrigerator determines whether the temperature of
the converting compartment is at the freezing temperature, and if
the temperature is at the freezing temperature, the operation of
the compressor may be stopped.
[0034] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
freezing, the refrigerator determines whether the temperature of
the refrigerating compartment is reached at the refrigerating
temperature, and if the temperature of the refrigerating
compartment is at the refrigerating temperature, the refrigerating
damper apparatus may be shut off.
[0035] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
refrigerating, the refrigerator determines whether the temperature
of the refrigerating compartment is at the refrigerating
temperature, and if the temperature of the refrigerating
compartment is at the refrigerating temperature, the operation of
the compressor may be stopped.
[0036] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
refrigerating, the refrigerator determines whether the temperature
of the converting compartment is at the refrigerating temperature,
and if the temperature of the converting compartment is at the
refrigerating temperature, the operation of the compressor may be
stopped.
[0037] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is turned
off, the refrigerator determines whether the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment is at the refrigerating temperature, and
if the temperature of the refrigerating compartment is at the
refrigerating temperature, the operation of the compressor may be
stopped.
[0038] Here, in a case that the converting compartment is for
refrigerating or turned off, the converting compartment damper
apparatus is shut off for a prescribed time and at a prescribed
interval while a fluidization may be generated at the converting
compartment discharging flow path by operating the draft fan.
[0039] In addition, in a case of a defrosting cycle of the
evaporator or after the defrosting cycle, the refrigerating
compartment damper apparatus may be open and the evaporator may be
cooled off by operating the draft fan before re-operating the
compressor.
[0040] In accordance with the aspect, a freezing compartment may be
converted to a refrigerating compartment or be turned off while
having no additional consumption of energy and, at the same time,
securing the storage space of the refrigerating compartment to the
maximum.
[0041] In addition, a damper apparatus may be easily installed at a
freezing compartment discharging flow path.
[0042] In addition, in a case that the freezing compartment is
converted to the refrigerating compartment or turned off, frost
forming at the freezing compartment discharging flow path may be
prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] These and/or other aspects 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:
[0044] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an inside structure of a
refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a structure of a converting
compartment having a duct unit of a refrigerator of FIG. 1
separated in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of the
refrigerator of FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a duct unit of the
refrigerator of FIG. 3.
[0048] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a duct
unit of a refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective rear view of the duct unit
of FIG. 5.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a separating panel of
the duct unit of FIG. 5.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a control method in a case
that a converting compartment of a refrigerator is used for a
freezing purpose in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a control method in a case
that a converting compartment of a refrigerator is used for a
refrigerating purpose in accordance with the embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a control method in a case
that a converting compartment of a refrigerator is used for an off
purpose in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] 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.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an inside structure of a
refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure, FIG. 2 is a front view showing a structure of a
converting compartment having a duct unit of a refrigerator of FIG.
1 separated in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of the
refrigerator of FIG. 1.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 includes a
converting compartment 13 which is normally used for a freezing
purpose. However, the converting compartment 13 is configured to
also have a variable use for a refrigerating purpose or a turned
off purpose, and the refrigerator 1 also includes a body 10 having
a refrigerating compartment 14 formed at a lower side of the
converting compartment 13. Each of the converting compartment 13
and the refrigerating compartment 14 is formed in a shape of having
an open front surface, and the open front surface may be opened or
closed by a converting compartment door 17 and a refrigerator door
18 that are hinge-coupled to the body 10.
[0057] The converting compartment 13 and the refrigerating
compartment 14 are divided by a mid wall 16, and an insulator is
foamed at an inside of the mid wall 16, thereby a heat exchange is
prevented between the converting compartment 13 and the
refrigerating compartment 14.
[0058] The converting compartment 13 is provided to have a smaller
size than the refrigerating compartment 14, where a shelf 19 may be
installed at an inside. A temperature sensor (not shown) is
provided at an inside of each of the converting compartment 13 and
the refrigerating compartment 14.
[0059] The body 10 is composed of an inner case 11 configured to
form the converting compartment 13 and the refrigerating
compartment 14, an outer case 12 coupled to an outer side of the
inner case 11 and configured to form an exterior of the
refrigerator 1, and an insulation wall 25 formed while the
insulator is foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case
12.
[0060] Here, the converting compartment 13 is normally used for the
freezing purpose, and therefore, having a thicker insulation wall
25 is preferred when compared to that of the refrigerating
compartment 14.
[0061] A cold air flow supplying apparatus 26 having a compressor
41, a condenser (not shown), an evaporator 40, and a refrigerating
pipe (not shown) is provided in order to supply a cold air flow to
such converting compartment 13 and refrigerating compartment
14.
[0062] The compressor 41 is installed in a machinery room 43
provided at a lower portion of the body 10, and configured to
compress the refrigerant with high pressure and high temperature
using the rotary power of an electric motor, etc. by receiving
supplied electric energy. The refrigerant compressed with the high
temperature and high pressure is condensed while passing through
the condenser (not shown) provided at the rear of the body 10, and
becomes a liquid state having a low pressure and a low temperature
while passing though an expanding valve (not shown).
[0063] The evaporator 40 evaporates the liquid refrigerant having a
low pressure and a low temperature passed through the expanding
valve (not shown), and generates a cold air flow by cooling the
surrounding air. The refrigerant that is completely evaporated is
supplied to the compressor again for a cooling cycle to circulate.
In addition, the evaporator 40 may be provided with a heating
apparatus for a defrosting purpose (not shown).
[0064] Meanwhile, the evaporator 40 may be disposed at the rear of
the converting compartment 13. Because FIG. 2 illustrates a state
that a duct unit 30, which is to be described later, is separated
from the converting compartment 13, as illustrated on FIG. 2, a
settling unit 20 which is concaved toward a rear is formed at the
rear inner case 11 of the converting compartment 13 in order for
the evaporator 40 to be installed, thereby enabling the evaporator
40 being installed at the settling unit 20. At this time, the
evaporator 40 is installed in a way of leaning toward one side
direction from the settling unit 20 so that a rear flow path 72,
which is to be described later, may be disposed at another side
direction 15 of the settling unit 20.
[0065] Therefore, although to be described, by having a rear flow
path 72, at which the converting compartment damper apparatus 80 is
installed, disposed at one side direction of the evaporator 40, the
storage space of the converting compartment 13 being reduced may be
prevented.
[0066] Although not illustrated, the evaporator 40 may be disposed
at approximately one fourth below the converting compartment 13 in
order for the cold air flow generated from the evaporator 40 to be
directly fluidized to the refrigerating compartment 14 without
passing through the duct unit 30. In this case, without operating
the draft fan 42, the cold air flow may be directly fluidized from
the evaporator 40 to the refrigerating compartment 14, and thereby
the temperature control is possible and the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment 14 may be at the refrigerating
temperature at a faster rate.
[0067] Meanwhile, the compressor 41, by compressing the
refrigerant, pushes the refrigerant toward the condenser (not
shown), and operates a cooling cycle which consists of a
compression, a condensation, an expansion, and an evaporation.
Therefore, when the compressor 41 is operated, the cold air flow
generated at the evaporator 40 is supplied at the converting
compartment 13 and the refrigerating compartment 14.
[0068] At this time, the reference value of the operating time of
the compressor 41 may be determined depending on the use of the
converting compartment 13.
[0069] That is, in a case that the converting compartment 13 is for
freezing, the operating time of the compressor 41 is determined on
the basis of the temperature of the converting compartment 13 as a
reference value, and in a case that the converting compartment 13
is for refrigerating or turned off, the operating time of the
compressor 41 is determined on the basis of the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment 14 as a reference value.
[0070] In detail, in a case that the converting compartment 13 is
for freezing, the compressor 41 is operated depending on whether
the temperature of the converting compartment 13 is at the freezing
temperature. In addition, in a case that the converting compartment
13 is for refrigerating, the compressor 41 is operated depending on
whether the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 14 is at
the refrigerating temperature.
[0071] Here, the refrigerating temperature is approximately
3.degree. C. and the freezing temperature is approximately
-20.degree. C.
[0072] As described above, in a case that the converting
compartment 13 is for refrigerating or turned off, by having the
temperature of the refrigerating compartment 14 as the reference
for the operating time of the compressor 41, the supply of the cold
air flow to the converting compartment 13 through the converting
compartment damper apparatus 80, which is to be described later,
and therefore, the cold air flow is continued to be supplied until
the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 14 reaches the
refrigerating temperature.
[0073] Meanwhile, the cold air flow supplying apparatus 26 further
includes a distributing flow path 60 configured to distribute the
cold air flow generated at the evaporator 40 to the converting
compartment 13 and the refrigerating compartment 14, a converting
compartment discharging flow path 70 configured to guide the cold
air flow to the converting compartment 13, a refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path 71 configured to guide the cold
air flow to the refrigerating compartment, and an inlet flow path
74 to which the discharged cold air flow returns.
[0074] Inlets 22 and 24, which are configured to guide the cold air
flow discharged from each of the converting compartment 13 and the
refrigerating compartment 14 to the inlet flow path 74, are formed
at the bottom surface of the converting compartment 13 and at the
upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 14, respectively,
and a discharging hole 21 at which the cold air flow guided through
the converting compartment discharging flow path 70 is formed at
the rear of the converting compartment 13. At least one or more of
a discharging hole 23 is vertically formed at the rear surface of
the refrigerating compartment 14 at regular intervals for the cold
air flow guided through the converting compartment discharging flow
path 70.
[0075] In addition, the cold air flow supplying apparatus 26
further includes the duct unit 30 configured to divide the
converting compartment 13 into a storage space 51 at the front and
a cold air flow generating compartment 50 at the rear.
[0076] The duct unit 30 forms the distributing flow path 60 at the
inside while dividing the converting compartment 13. The structure
of the duct unit 30, the distributing flow path 60, and the
converting compartment discharging flow path 70 will be explained
hereafter.
[0077] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a duct unit of the
refrigerator of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating a duct unit of a refrigerator in accordance with the
embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is an exploded
perspective view of the duct unit of FIG. 5 from a rear, and FIG. 7
is a front view illustrating a separating panel of the duct unit of
FIG. 5.
[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the duct unit is composed of
a separating panel 31, a front surface cover 32 coupled to the
front of the separating panel 31, and a rear surface cover 33
coupled to the rear surface of the separating panel 31.
[0079] The separating panel 31 and the front surface cover 32 form
the distributing flow path 60 having the shape of a scroll in
between the separating panel 31 and the front surface cover 32. An
entry 61, a first exit 62, and a second exit 63 of the distributing
flow path 60 are provided to penetrate through the separating panel
31.
[0080] A draft fan 42 is installed at the entry 61 of the
distributing flow path 60 to enforce the fluidity of the cold air
flow. A radial flow fan, which is capable of discharging the cold
air flow toward the circumferential direction in order for the cold
air flow taken in from the cold air flow generating compartment 50
to be supplied to a first scroll unit 64 and a second scroll unit
65, is preferred to be the draft fan 42. The first scroll unit 64
and the second scroll unit 65 are divaricated at a point 66 which
is provided at a prescribed interval from the entry 61 of the cold
air flow generating compartment 50.
[0081] Therefore, the cold air flow blown in through the entry 61
of the cold air flow generating compartment 50 is either discharged
through the first exit 62 after moving along the first scroll unit
64 while having the point 66 as the reference, or is discharged
through the second exit 63 after moving along the second scroll
unit 65.
[0082] The cold air flow discharged through the second exit 63 is
guided to the refrigerating compartment 14 by the refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path 71, and is discharged to the
inside of the refrigerating compartment 14 through the discharging
hole 23.
[0083] In addition, the cold air flow discharged through the first
exit 62 is guided to the storage space 51 of the converting
compartment 13 by the converting compartment discharging flow path
70, and the converting compartment discharging flow path 70 is
composed of the rear flow path 71 and the penetrating flow path
73.
[0084] An opening 67 other than the entry 61 of the distributing
flow path 60, and the first exit 62 is formed at the separating
panel 31, and the opening 67, together with the discharging hole 21
formed at the front cover 32, forms the penetrating flow path 73
which penetrates the duct unit 30.
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a flow path generating unit 34 is
configured to protrude at the rear surface portion of the
separating panel 31 in order for the rear flow path 71, which
funnels the first exit 62 of the distributing flow path 60 with the
opening 67, to be formed. The flow path generating unit 34 includes
the rear flow path 72 of the upper side from the center and a
compartment unit 35 configured to divide the refrigerating
compartment discharging flow path 71 of the lower side from the
center.
[0086] In addition, the flow path generating unit 34 is provided
having the rear surface open, and the rear surface cover 33 is
coupled to the rear surface of the flow path generating unit 34 to
close the rear surface of the flow path generating unit 34.
[0087] Therefore, by having the flow path generating unit 34 and
the rear surface cover 33 coupled, the penetrating flow path 73
configured to funnel the first exit 62 of the distributing flow
path 30 with the opening 67 may be formed. At this time, the second
exit 63 of the distributing flow path 30 is funneled to the
refrigerating compartment discharging flow path 71 of the lower
side.
[0088] A converting compartment damper apparatus 80 may be
installed at the rear flow path 72. The converting compartment
damper apparatus 80 is configured to control the amount of the flow
while being installed on the flow path, and is composed of a
housing 82 having a cold air flow passing hole 85, an open/close
panel 83 rotatably installed at the housing 82 to open/close the
cold air flow passing hole 85, and an operating motor unit 84
configured to provide a rotating force to the open/close panel
83.
[0089] Therefore, by opening/closing the rear flow path 72 as the
converting compartment damper apparatus 80 is installed on the rear
flow path 72, the flow amount of the cold air flow passing through
the rear flow path 72 may be controlled.
[0090] Having such structure, the converting compartment damper
apparatus 80, as previously explained, may be positioned at one
side surface of the rear evaporator 40 of the duct unit 30, and
therefore, the storage space 51 of the converting compartment 13
may be maximized.
[0091] Meanwhile, before the rear surface cover 33 is coupled to
the separating panel 31, the converting compartment damper
apparatus 80 may be inserted at the inside of the front surface
cover 32 and fixed to the separating panel 31 by using a fastening
member such as a screw or adhesive, for example. By then coupling
the rear surface cover 33 at the separating panel 31, the
converting compartment damper apparatus 80 may be easily installed
at the inside of the penetrating flow path 73.
[0092] A refrigerating compartment damper apparatus 81 configured
to control the flow amount of the refrigerating compartment
discharging flow path 71 as well is composed of a same structure,
and may be installed at the refrigerating compartment discharging
flow path 71 by using the same method. The explanation for such
will be omitted.
[0093] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a control method in a case
that a converting compartment of a refrigerator is used for a
freezing purpose in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure, FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a control method in a
case that a converting compartment of a refrigerator is used for a
refrigerating purpose in accordance with the embodiment of the
present disclosure, and FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a control
method in a case that a converting compartment of a refrigerator is
used for an off purpose in accordance with the embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0094] By referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a control method of the
refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure will be explained.
[0095] The refrigerator 1, depending on the use of the converting
compartment 13, selectively determines the operating time of the
compressor 41 according to the temperature of the converting
compartment 13, or determines the operating time of the compressor
13 according to the temperature of the refrigerating compartment
14.
[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in a case that the converting
compartment 13 is set for freezing, the cooling of the converting
compartment 13 and the refrigerating compartment 14 is started
(100) by opening the converting compartment damper apparatus 80 and
the refrigerating compartment damper apparatus 81, and by operating
the compressor 41.
[0097] While the cooling is in process, the refrigerator 1
determines (110) whether the temperature of the refrigerating
compartment 14 is at the refrigerating temperature, and when the
temperature of the refrigerating compartment 14 is at the
refrigerating temperature, the supply of the cold air flow to the
refrigerating compartment 14 is shut off (120) by closing the
refrigerating compartment damper apparatus 81.
[0098] At this time, the compressor 41 continues to operate, and
the supply of the cold air flow to the converting compartment 13 is
continued. The refrigerator 1 (130) determines whether the
temperature of the converting compartment 13 is at the freezing
temperature, and the cooling is stopped (140) by discontinuing the
operation of the compressor 41 when the temperature of the
converting compartment 13 is at the freezing temperature.
[0099] As such, the converting compartment 13 may be used for the
freezing purpose, and the refrigerating compartment 14 may be used
for the refrigerating purpose.
[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in a case that the converting
compartment 13 is set for refrigerating, the cooling of the
converting compartment 13 and the refrigerating compartment 14 is
started (200) by opening the converting compartment damper
apparatus 80 and the refrigerating compartment damper apparatus 81,
and by operating the compressor 41.
[0101] Here, since the converting compartment 13 is provided with a
larger and thicker insulation wall 25 than the refrigerating
compartment 14, the converting compartment 13 reaches the
refrigerating temperature before the refrigerating compartment
14.
[0102] Therefore, while the cooling is in process, the refrigerator
1 first determines (210) whether the temperature of the converting
compartment 13 is at the refrigerating temperature, and when the
temperature of the converting compartment 13 is at the
refrigerating temperature, the supply of the cold air flow to the
converting compartment 13 is shut off (220) by closing the
converting compartment damper apparatus 81.
[0103] At this time, the compressor 41 is continued to operate, and
continues to cool the refrigerating compartment 14. Therefore, the
refrigerator 1 determines (230) during the cooling process whether
the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 14 is at the
refrigerating temperature, and when the temperature of the
refrigerating compartment 14 is at the refrigerating temperature,
the operation of the compressor 41 is stopped (240).
[0104] As such, the converting compartment 13 and the refrigerating
compartment 14 may be used for the refrigerating purpose.
[0105] Meanwhile, when the converting compartment damper apparatus
80 is closed and the compressor 41 continues to operate to cool the
refrigerating compartment 14, frost may form at the converting
compartment discharging flow path 70 due to the temperature
difference.
[0106] Therefore, in order to prevent the frost from forming at the
converting compartment discharging flow path 70, the cold air flow
is circulated to the converting compartment discharging flow path
70 by intermittently opening the converting compartment damper
apparatus 80 even in a case that the temperature of the converting
compartment 13 is already at the refrigerating temperature.
[0107] As illustrated on FIG. 10, in a case that the use of the
converting compartment 13 is set to be turned off, the cooling of
the refrigerating compartment 14 is started (300) by operating the
compressor 41 in a state that the converting compartment damper
apparatus 80 is closed and the refrigerating compartment damper
apparatus 81 is open.
[0108] The refrigerator 1 determines (310) during the cooling
process whether the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 14
is at the refrigerating temperature, and when the temperature of
the refrigerating compartment 14 is at the refrigerating
temperature, the operation of the compressor 41 is stopped
(320).
[0109] As such, the converting compartment 13 is turned off, and
the refrigerating compartment 14 may only be used.
[0110] Meanwhile, frost is prevented from forming at the converting
compartment discharging flow path 70, while the converting
compartment damper apparatus 80 is closed and the compressor 41
continues to operate to cool the refrigerating compartment 14, by
circulating the cold air flow to the converting compartment
discharging flow path 70 by intermittently opening the converting
compartment damper apparatus 80, as previously explained.
[0111] Meanwhile, in a case that the converting compartment damper
apparatus 80 and the refrigerating compartment damper apparatus 81
are both closed at the time of the defrost of the evaporator 14,
the defrost heat is contained at the inside of the distributing
flow path 60 in a state that the defrost heat is unable to spread
outside. In such case, the refrigerant maintains at a state of a
high pressure as the evaporator 14 is maintained at a high
temperature, and thereby a defect due to an overload may occur when
the compressor 41 is operated.
[0112] Thus, the evaporator 14 is cooled by opening the
refrigerating compartment damper apparatus 81 and operating the
draft fan 42 prior to operating the compressor 41 again after or at
the time of the defrost process. In such case, in a case that the
converting compartment damper apparatus 80 is open, frost may form
at the converting compartment discharging flow path 70 due to the
temperature difference, and therefore, the refrigerating
compartment damper apparatus 81 is opened.
[0113] 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.
* * * * *