U.S. patent application number 13/644003 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for refrigerator and controlling method thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yonghwan EOM, Kyeongyun KIM, Seojung KIM. Invention is credited to Yonghwan EOM, Kyeongyun KIM, Seojung KIM.
Application Number | 20130081415 13/644003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47008258 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130081415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Kyeongyun ; et
al. |
April 4, 2013 |
REFRIGERATOR AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main
body providing a storage space in which foods are stored at a low
temperature, a vaporizing chamber defined in a side of the main
body, an evaporator received in the vaporizing chamber, a sensor
module including a sensing part received in the vaporizing chamber
to detect an amount of frosts attached to the evaporator and at
least one sensor defrost part removing frosts attached to the
sensing part, a control part controlling an operation of the sensor
module, and a defrost heater removing the frosts attached to the
evaporator.
Inventors: |
KIM; Kyeongyun; (Seoul,
KR) ; KIM; Seojung; (Seoul, KR) ; EOM;
Yonghwan; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIM; Kyeongyun
KIM; Seojung
EOM; Yonghwan |
Seoul
Seoul
Seoul |
|
KR
KR
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
47008258 |
Appl. No.: |
13/644003 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 21/02 20130101;
F25D 21/08 20130101; F25D 21/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/129 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0100468 |
Oct 4, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0100471 |
Oct 5, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0101048 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator comprising: a main body providing a storage space
in which foods are stored at a low temperature; a vaporizing
chamber defined in a side of the main body; an evaporator received
in the vaporizing chamber; a sensor module comprising a sensing
part received in the vaporizing chamber to detect an amount of
frosts attached to the evaporator and at least one sensor defrost
part removing frosts attached to the sensing part; a control part
controlling an operation of the sensor module; and a defrost heater
removing the frosts attached to the evaporator.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
module support supporting the sensor module.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the sensor module
further comprises: a support supporting the sensing part; and a
base on which the support and the sensor defrost part are
placed.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the module
support comprises: a body having a recess or stepped portion in
which the base is placed; and at least one leg extending from an
edge of the body and fixed to a refrigerant tube of the
evaporator.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising a
holder protruding from one surface of the leg to surround the
refrigerant tube.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising a
bracket closely attached to one surface of the leg, wherein recess
portions are defined in the one surface of the leg and one surface
of the bracket closely attached to the one surface of the leg,
respectively, and when the bracket is closely attached to the leg,
the recess portions are coupled to each other to define a hole
through which the refrigerant tube passes.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising a hole
passing through both sides surfaces of the leg so that the
refrigerant tube passes.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising a
waterproof layer formed by injecting a molding solution into a top
surface of the base in a state where the base is placed on the
recess or stepped portion.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the waterproof
layer has a thickness less than a value subtracting a thickness of
the base from a thickness of the recess or stepped portion.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the module
support is fixed to a refrigerant tube of the evaporator or a frame
supporting the refrigerant tube.
11. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the module
support is mounted on any position corresponding to an upper side
of the evaporator on a well defining the vaporizing chamber.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the sensor part
comprises: a light emitting part emitting infrared rays; and a
light receiving part receiving the infrared rays which are emitted
from the light emitting part and then reflected by the frosts
attached to the evaporator.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the sensor
defrost part comprises a resistor in which a power is applied to
generate heat, and the sensor defrost part is disposed at a
position close to the sensing part.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the defrost
heater extends along a refrigerant tube in a state where the
defrost heater contacts the refrigerant tube of the evaporator.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein one or
plurality of recess portions in which the defrost heater is
received is defined in an outer surface of the refrigerant
tube.
16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein a distance f
from a center of the refrigerant tube to the outer surface of the
defrost heater exposed to the outside is equal to or less than an
outer diameter F of the refrigerant tube.
17. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the sensor
defrost part is operated for a preset time according to a preset
period to melt the frosts attached to the sensing part.
18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein an operation
period of the sensor defrost part and an operation period of the
sensing part are independent from each other.
19. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a power is
applied to the sensor defrost part at an operation time of the
sensing part.
20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein a heating time
of the sensor defrost part is different from a sensing time of the
sensing part.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefits of priority to
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0100468 (filed on Oct. 4,
2011), 10-2011-0100471 (filed on Oct. 4, 2011) and
10-2011-0101048(filed on Oct. 5, 2011) which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a
controlling method thereof.
[0003] Refrigerators are apparatuses for storing foods at a low
temperature in an inner storage space covered by a door. Cool air
may be continuously supplied into such a refrigerator to maintain
an inner storage space of the refrigerator at a low temperature.
The cool air is generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant
through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation,
expansion, and evaporation processes. The cool air supplied into
the refrigerator may be uniformly transferred into the refrigerator
by a convection current thereof to store foods within the
refrigerator at a desired temperature.
[0004] An evaporator constituting the refrigeration cycle is
provided in a vaporizing chamber to heat-exchange air circulating
into the refrigerator with the refrigerant. Since a surface
temperature of the evaporator is significantly lower than an indoor
temperature, condensed water is generated on the surface of the
evaporator while being heat-exchanging with the air circulating
into the refrigerator. The condensed water is frozen on the surface
of the evaporator or vaporizing chamber to generate frosts. If
frosts are accumulated on the surface of the evaporator,
heat-exchange efficiency between the evaporator and the air within
the refrigerator may be reduced.
[0005] To prevent frosts from being generated on the surface of the
evaporator, a technology in which a defrost heater is mounted on a
side of the evaporator, or the refrigeration cycle is reversely
performed for a predetermined time to melt the frosts generated on
the surface of the evaporator may be utilized. The condensed water
generated on the surface of the evaporator or the defrost water
generated by the melting of the frosts is collected into a drain
pan attached to the bottom of the evaporator. Then, the water
collected into the drain pan drops onto the bottom of a machine
room through a drain hose.
[0006] A defrost sensor assembly for detecting an amount of frosts
attached to the evaporator is mounted on a side of the evaporator.
In detail, the amount of frosts attached to the evaporator is
detected by the defrost sensor assembly, and then, the detected
result is transmitted into a control part. Also, the control part
determines whether the value transmitted from the defrost sensor
assembly reaches a previously inputted defrosting start value. When
the transmitted value reaches the defrosting start value, the
defrost heater is operated to start a defrosting operation. When
the defrost sensor assembly is mounted on the evaporator, if frosts
are generated on a surface of the evaporator, frosts may be
generated on a surface of the defrost sensor assembly. When the
frosts are generated on the surface of the defrost sensor assembly,
the defrost sensor assembly may not precisely detect an amount of
frosts generated on the surface of the evaporator. Thus, there is a
limitation that the frosts generated on the surface of the
evaporator are effectively removed. In refrigerators according to
the related art, although a defrost heater for melting frosts
attached on the evaporator is provided, a structure for removing
frosts attached to the surface of the defrost sensor assembly is
not disclosed.
[0007] Also, an existing defrost logic is designed to periodically
perform a defrosting operation, irrelevant to an amount of actual
attached frosts. Thus, there is a limitation that the defrosting is
performed in a state where an amount of attached frosts does not
reach a defrosting start time or the defrosting is not properly
performed at the defrosting start time. Furthermore, there is a
limitation that the defrosting operation is not adequately finished
at a defrosting finish time.
SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments provide a refrigerator which prevents frosts
from being attached to a surface of a defrost sensor assembly
mounted on an evaporator to precisely detect an amount of frosts
attached to a surface of the evaporator and a controlling method
thereof.
[0009] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator which includes a
sensor for precisely detecting an amount of frosts attached to an
evaporator to adequately start a defrosting operation at a
defrosting requirement time and adequately finish the defrosting
operation at a defrosting finish time.
[0010] In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body
providing a storage space in which foods are stored at a low
temperature; a vaporizing chamber defined in a side of the main
body; an evaporator received in the vaporizing chamber; a sensor
module including a sensing part received in the vaporizing chamber
to detect an amount of frosts attached to the evaporator and at
least one sensor defrost part removing frosts attached to the
sensing part; a control part controlling an operation of the sensor
module; and a defrost heater removing the frosts attached to the
evaporator.
[0011] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according
to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator
according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a vaporizing chamber of a
refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor module according to
an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the sensor module.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective of a module support according to a
first embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective of a module support according to a
second embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective of a module support according to a
third embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line
A-A' of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which a defrost
sensor assembly including a module support is mounted on an
evaporator according to a fourth embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state in which a defrost
sensor assembly including a module support is mounted on an
evaporator according to a fifth embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for
controlling a sensor defrost part according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for
controlling a sensor defrost part according to another
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to
another embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of
FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes
may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in
the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain
information known to those skilled in the art. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by
the appended claims.
[0028] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for embodying the idea of
the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according
to an embodiment.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 according to an
embodiment includes a main body 10 having a freezing compartment
100 and a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment door
20 and a refrigerating compartment door which are rotatably
provided on a front surface of the main body 10 to selectively open
or close the freezing compartment 100 and the refrigerating
compartment, respectively. Also, the freezing compartment 100 and
the refrigerating compartment are partitioned by a barrier (not
shown).
[0031] A drawer 12 for receiving foods and a shelf 14 for placing
foods thereon may be provided in the freezing compartment 100 and
the refrigerating compartment. A door basket 22 for receiving foods
may be mounted on a back surface of the freezing compartment door
20. According to the type of refrigerator, an ice maker 24 may be
mounted inside the freezing compartment 100 or on the back surface
of the freezing compartment door 20. Also, ices made in the ice
maker 24 are discharged through a duct 25 provided in the freezing
compartment door 20 and dispensed to the outside through a
dispenser 26 connected to the duct 25. A user may easily receive
and withdraw foods by the food storage units 12, 14, and 22. In
addition, an inner space of the refrigerator 1 may be efficiently
utilized.
[0032] A vaporizing chamber 300 in which an evaporator 320 for
heat-exchanging a refrigerant with air to generate cool air is
received is defined in a rear side of the freezing compartment 100.
The vaporizing chamber 300 is covered by an evaporator cover 120.
Also, a cool air duct 110 for guiding the cool air generated in the
evaporator 320 is disposed above the evaporator cover 120 to extend
vertically. Also, a blower fan 330 is disposed above the evaporator
320 to discharge the cool air generated in the evaporator 320 into
the freezing compartment 100 through a plurality of cool air
discharge holes 111 defined in the cool air duct 110.
[0033] A defrost sensor assembly 350 is mounted on the evaporator
320 to detect an amount of frosts attached to a surface of the
evaporator 320. A defrost heater 340 for melting the frosts
generated on the evaporator 320 or vaporizing chamber 300 is
disposed under the evaporator 320.
[0034] Also, a cool air suction hole 311 through which cool air
circulating into the freezing compartment 100 is introduced again
into the evaporator 320 is disposed under the cool air duct 110. A
suction fan for smoothly suctioning the cool air into the
vaporizing chamber 300 may be disposed inside the cool air suction
hole 311.
[0035] A machine room 19 in which a compressor 191 and a condenser
(not shown) constituting a refrigeration cycle is provided is
disposed under the refrigerator 1.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator
according to an embodiment.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a control
part 500 for controlling components. The control part 500 controls
a memory 510 for storing information required for operating the
refrigerator 1, a power supply part 520 for supplying a power into
each of the components of the refrigerator 1, a defrost sensor
assembly 350 for detecting an amount of frosts attached to the
evaporator 320, and a defrost heater driving part 550 for operating
the defrost heater 340.
[0038] The defrost sensor assembly 350 detects an amount of frosts
attached to the evaporator 320, and the control part 500 determines
an operation of the defrost heater 340 by comparing the amount of
attached frosts detected by the defrost sensor assembly 350 with a
previously inputted reference value. That is, the control part 500
determines defrosting start and finish times of the defrost heater
340 for removing the frosts attached to the vaporizing chamber 300
or the evaporator 320. Anything may be used for the defrost sensor
assembly 350 when one can detect an amount of frosts attached to
the evaporator 320. For example, an infrared sensor may be used as
the defrost sensor assembly 350.
[0039] In detail, the infrared sensor includes a light emitting
part for emitting infrared rays and a light receiving part for
detecting an amount of infrared rays emitted from the light
emitting part and then reflected by the frosts. Thus, an amount of
attached frosts may be detected according to an amount of reflected
infrared rays detected by the light receiving part.
[0040] An amount of attached frosts depending on an amount of
received infrared rays and a sensing period of the defrost sensor
depending on the amount of attached frosts may be stored in the
memory 510 in a look-up table form. Thus, an actually detected
value detected by the frost sensor assembly 350 is compared with
the look-up table to extract an amount of attached frosts. As a
result, the sensing period of the frost sensor assembly 350 may be
reset.
[0041] The defrost heater driving part 550 is connected to the
defrost heater 340. When the defrost heater driving part 550
receives a driving signal from the control part 500, the defrost
heater driving part 550 operates the defrost heater 340 to melt the
frosts generated on the evaporator 320.
[0042] The control part 500 controls a sensing operation of the
defrost sensor assembly 350 according to the sensing period stored
in the memory 510. Also, the control part 500 transmits a driving
command into the defrost heater driving part 550 by comparing the
value detected by the defrost sensor assembly 350 with the
defrosting start value stored in the memory 510.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the vaporizing chamber of the
refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the evaporator 320 may be disposed in
the vaporizing chamber 300, and the defrost heater 340 may be
disposed under the evaporator 320. A dryer 310 for removing
moisture and impurities contained in the refrigerant may be
connected to an upper portion of the evaporator 320. In current
embodiment, the evaporator 320 may have a structure in which the
refrigerant is introduced from an upper side.
[0045] The evaporator 320 includes a refrigerant tube 322 through
which the refrigerant flows and heat exchange fins 325 for more
smoothly heat-exchanging air passing through the evaporator 300
with the refrigerant. The refrigerant tube 322 forms a winding
meander line. The refrigerant flows along the refrigerant tube 322.
As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant tube 322 may be doubly or
multiply arranged to be spaced apart from each other in front and
rear directions. A temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring a
temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 320 may
be disposed on the dryer 310 or an inlet of the refrigerant tube
322.
[0046] Frames 324 may be disposed on both sides of the evaporator
320, i.e., bent portions of the refrigerant tube 322. Both ends of
the refrigerant tube 322 are fixed to the frames 324, respectively.
Each of the frames 324 has a vertically long length corresponding
to a vertical length of the evaporator 320. Also, the frame 324 is
mounted on an inner side surface of the vaporizing chamber 300 so
that the evaporator 320 is fixed and mounted on the inner side
surface of the vaporizing chamber 300.
[0047] The plurality of heat exchange fins 325 are coupled to the
evaporator 320. The heat exchange fins 325 may increase a surface
area of the evaporator 320 to improve heat exchange efficiency
between air within the vaporizing chamber 300 and the refrigerant
passing through the evaporator 320. Each of the heat exchange fins
325 may be formed of aluminum having superior thermal
conductivity.
[0048] The defrost sensor assembly 350 may be mounted on the
evaporator 320. The defrost sensor assembly 350 detects an amount
of frosts attached to the evaporator 320 to transmit the detected
value into the control part 350. The defrost sensor assembly 350
include a sensor module 400 (see FIG. 4) using infrared rays and a
module support 360 (see FIG. 6) on which the sensor module 400 is
seated.
[0049] Hereinafter, structures of the sensor module 400 and the
module support 360 will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor module according to
an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the sensor module.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sensor module 400 according
to an embodiment includes a base 401, a sensing part 410, a support
420, and a sensor defrost part 430.
[0052] The sensing part 410, the support 420, and the sensor
defrost part 430 may be mounted on the base 401.
[0053] The support 420 supports the sensing part 410 to be
installed on the base 401. For example, a hole having a shape
corresponding to that of the sensing part 410 is defined in the
support 420. The sensing part 410 may be inserted through the hole.
The support 420 may be integrated with the base 401 or separately
manufactured with respect to the base 401. The support 420 may be
manufactured using a material having high thermal conductivity.
Also, the base 401 may be a circuit board on which the sensing part
410 and the sensor defrost part 430 are mounted.
[0054] The sensing part 410 is coupled to the support 420 and thus
seated on the base 401. The sensing part 410 may be provided in one
or plurality. Also, each of the sensing parts 410 includes a light
emitting part for emitting infrared rays and a light receiving part
for receiving emitted from the light emitting part and then
reflected by the frosts.
[0055] The sensor defrost part 430 may be mounted on the base 401.
The sensor defrost part 430 may contact at least one side of the
support 420 or be disposed spaced a predetermined distance from the
support 420. The sensor defrost part 430 may be disposed close to
the sensing part 410. For example, the sensor defrost part 430 may
be disposed adjacent to the sensing part 410 under the support 420.
The sensor defrost part 430 includes a resistor which emits heat
when a power is applied thereto. The sensor defrost part 430 may be
provided in plurality according to a heating value of the resistor
to improve an effect for defrosting frosts attached to the sensing
part 410.
[0056] A power is applied to the sensor defrost part 430 according
to a preset period. Thus, heat generated in the resistor disposed
in the sensor defrost part 430 melts the frosts attached to the
sensing part 410. In a case where the support 420 on which the
sensing part 410 is mounted is manufactured using a material having
high thermal conductivity, heat generated in the resistor of the
sensor defrost part 430 may be effectively transmitted into the
sensing part 410. Here, a voltage or current applied to the
resistor may be adjusted to adjust a heating value. Also, circuits
of the resistor may be simply designed to minimize power
consumption of the resistor. As described above, since a power is
applied to the sensor defrost part 430 according to the preset
period to transmit heat into the sensing part 410, it may prevent
frosts from being attached to a surface of the sensing part 410.
Thus, the sensing part 410 may precisely detect an amount of frosts
attached to the surface of the evaporator 320.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective of a module support according to a
first embodiment.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, a module support 360 according to the
first embodiment includes a body 361 on which a sensor module 400
is mounted and a leg 362 extending downward from an edge of the
body 361.
[0059] In detail, the leg 362 is mounted on an evaporator 320. That
is, the leg 362 may be mounted on a refrigerant tube 322 of the
evaporator 320 to fix the body 361 to the evaporator 320. Also, a
tube holder 363 is disposed on the leg 362. The tube holder 363
protrudes from the leg 362 to surround an outer surface of the
refrigerant tube 322.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a perspective of a module support according to a
second embodiment.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, a module support 360 according to the
second embodiment has the same structure as that of the module
support 360 according to the first embodiment in that the module
support 360 includes a body 361 and a leg 362. However, the module
support 360 according to the second embodiment is different from
that according to the first embodiment in that the module support
360 is fixed to a refrigerant tube.
[0062] In detail, a bracket 364 having the same length as the leg
362 may be coupled to one surface of the leg 362. Also, a recess
portion having a semicircular shape is defined in each of the leg
362 and the bracket 364. When the bracket 364 is closely attached
to the leg 362, the recess portions form one cylindrical hole
365.
[0063] To fix the module support 360 to the refrigerant tube of an
evaporator 320, the refrigerant tube may be placed first in the
recess portion defined in the leg 362. In this state, when the
bracket 363 is closely attached to the leg 362, the refrigerant
tube passes through the hole 365. Then, when the bracket 363 is
coupled to the leg 362 using a coupling member such as a screw, the
module support 360 is fixed to the refrigerant tube.
[0064] FIG. 8 is a perspective of a module support according to a
third embodiment.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, a module support 360 according to the
third embodiment has the same structure as those of the module
supports 360 according to the foregoing embodiments in that the
module support 360 includes a body 361 and a leg 362. However, the
module support 360 according to the third embodiment is different
from those according to the foregoing embodiments in a coupling
structure of a refrigerant tube.
[0066] In detail, a plurality of holes 366 pass through the leg
362. The holes 366 pass from one side surface of the leg 362 toward
the other side surface, and the refrigerant tube of the evaporator
320 passes through the holes 366. In this state, the refrigerant
tube is expanded so that the refrigerant tube is tight in the holes
366. Thus, the module support 360 is fixed and mounted on the
evaporator 320 without being shaken.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line
A-A' of FIG. 3.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 9, the sensor module 400 is mounted on the
body 361 of the module support 360.
[0069] In detail, a recess portion on which the base 401 of the
sensor module 400 is seated is defined in a bottom surface of the
body 361. Thus, when the sensor module 400 is seated on the recess
portion, the sensing part 410 is oriented to the extension
direction of the leg 362. That is, when the defrost sensor assembly
350 is mounted on the evaporator 320, the sensing part 410 emits
infrared rays toward a lower side of the evaporator 320.
[0070] In the state where the base 401 is seated on the recess
portion of the body 351, a molding solution is injected into the
recess portion to form a waterproof layer 367. In detail, the
waterproof layer 367 includes a resin solution. The waterproof
layer 367 may have a thickness enough to expose the sensing part
410 to the outside. Particularly, the waterproof layer 367 may have
a thickness less than a value subtracting a thickness C of the base
401 from a depth D of the recess portion. This is done for a reason
in which it prevents condensed water generated on top and side
surfaces of the body 361 from flowing into the sensing part 410
along the waterproof layer 367.
[0071] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which a defrost
sensor assembly including a module support is mounted on an
evaporator according to a fourth embodiment.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 10, a module support 370 according to the
fourth embodiment has the same structure as those of the module
supports 400 according to the foregoing embodiments in that a
sensor module 400 is mounted on a bottom surface of a module
support 370. However, the module support 360 according to the
fourth embodiment is different from those according to the
foregoing embodiments in a configuration and mounted position of
the module support 37.
[0073] In detail, the module support 370 according to the fourth
embodiment may be fixed to a frame 324 of an evaporator 320. The
module support 370 includes a stepped portion on which a sensor
module 400 is mounted and fixed parts extending horizontally from
both ends of the stepped portion and respectively fixed to frames
324.
[0074] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state in which a defrost
sensor assembly including a module support is mounted on an
evaporator according to a fifth embodiment.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 11, the defrost sensor assembly 350
according to an embodiment may be fixed to a wall of the vaporizing
chamber by the module support 380 according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0076] In detail, the wall of the vaporizing chamber 300 includes
an inner case of the refrigerator, i.e., a rear wall of the
vaporizing chamber 300 and an evaporator cover 120 partitioning the
vaporizing chamber 300 from the freezing compartment.
[0077] In more detail, the defrost sensor assembly 350 may be
disposed between a top surface of the evaporator 320 and the blower
fan 330. The module support 380 may have a housing shape with a
bottom surface opened. The sensor module 400 may be mounted inside
the module support 380 so that a sensing part 410 is oriented
downward, like the foregoing embodiments. Also, a coupling end may
be disposed on each of both ends of the module support 380 so that
a coupling member passes through the coupling end and is inserted
into the wall of the vaporizing chamber 300.
[0078] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for
controlling a sensor defrost part according to an embodiment.
[0079] The current embodiment is characterized in that the sensor
defrost part is periodically turned on and off to prevent frosts
from being generated on the sensor defrost part.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 12, a control part 500 determines whether
the sensor defrost part 430 reaches a preset heating period (S1).
Then, when it is determined that the sensor defrost part 430
reaches the heating period, a power is applied to the sensor
defrost part 430 (S2). When the power is applied to the sensor
defrost part 430, the control part 500 determines whether a power
apply time reaches a preset heating time (S3). When the power apply
time reaches the preset heating time, the control part 500 cuts off
the power applied into the sensor defrost part 430 (S4).
[0081] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for
controlling a sensor defrost part according to another
embodiment.
[0082] The current embodiment is characterized in that when a
defrosting time arrives to start an operation of a sensor module
400, a power is applied to a sensor defrost part 430 to defrost an
evaporator 320 and the sensor module 400 at the same time.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 13, a control part 500 determines whether
to reach a sensing period for detecting an amount of frosts
attached to an evaporator 320 according to a preset controlling
method (S10). Here, the sensing period may be set so that a next
detection time is decided by a predetermined time interval
regardless of an amount of frosts detected at the present time.
Also, the sensing period may be set so that a next detection time
is varied according to an amount of frosts detected at the present
time.
[0084] In detail, when the control part 500 determines that the
sensing period reaches a defrost amount detection period by the
sensor module 400, a power is applied to the sensing part 410 and
the sensor defrost part 430 (S11). Here, a power apply time into
the sensor defrost part 430, i.e., the heating time and the sensing
time of the sensing part 410 may be differently set. Thus, although
the power is applied into the sensing part 410 and the sensor
defrost part 430 at the same time, the heating time by the sensor
defrost part 430 and the sensing time of the sensing part 410 may
be differently set, and thus, power cut-off times may be different.
Hereinafter, a case in which the heating time of the sensor defrost
part 430 is shorter than the sensing time of the sensing part 410
will be described as an example.
[0085] Thus, the control part 500 determines whether the heating
time of the sensor defrost part 430 elapses (S12). When it is
determined that the heating time elapses, the power applied into
the sensor defrost part 430 is cut off (S13). Also, the control
part 410 determines whether the sensing time of the sensing part
410 elapses (S14). When it is determined that the sensing time
elapses, the power applied into the sensing part 410 is cut off
(S15).
[0086] According to the above-described controlling method, it may
prevent frosts from being attached to the sensor module 400. Thus,
the sensor module 400 may precisely detect an amount of frosts
attached to the surface of the evaporator 320.
[0087] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to
another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along
line E-E' of FIG. 14.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the current embodiment is
characterized in that a defrost heater 340 contact along an outer
surface of a refrigerant tube 322.
[0089] In detail, a recess portion 321 for receiving the defrost
heater 340 is defined in any position of the outer surface of the
refrigerant tube 322. The recess portion 321 is lengthily defined
in a length direction of the refrigerant tube 322. As shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15, since the most outer surface of the defrost heater
340 contacts a surface of the refrigerant tube 322, heat transfer
efficiency may be significantly improved when compared to a
structure in which the defrost heater 340 is mounted under an
evaporator or at a position spaced forward or backward from the
refrigerant tube 322. That is, a contact area between the
refrigerant tube 322 and the defrost heater 340 may be increased to
improve the heat transfer efficiency due to heat conduction. Thus,
frosts attached to the refrigerant tube 322 may be effectively
removed.
[0090] Here, a distance f from a center of the refrigerant tube 322
to an outer surface of the defrost heater 340 exposed to the
outside may be equal to or less than an outer diameter of the
refrigerant tube 322 to maximize the contact area therebetween.
[0091] Also, the present disclosure is not limited to the number of
defrost heater. For example, a plurality of defrost heaters 340 may
be mounted on the outer surface of the refrigerant tube 322. For
example, the defrost heaters 340 arranged in two or more lines may
be mounted on positions spaced apart from each other of the outer
surface of the refrigerant tube 322.
[0092] According to the coupling structure of the defrost heater
340 according to the foregoing embodiments, the defrost heater 340
may be directly attached to the refrigerant tube 322, and the most
outer surface of the defrost heater 340 contact the refrigerant
tube 322 improve defrosting efficiency. In addition, since the
defrost heater 340 does not protrude from the outer surface of the
refrigerant tube 322, a flow resistance of cool air passing through
the evaporator 320 may be minimized.
[0093] In the refrigerator according to the foregoing embodiments,
it may prevent frosts from being attached to the surface of the
defrost sensor to precisely detect an amount of frosts attached to
the surface of the evaporator, thereby improving the operation and
cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.
[0094] Also, the defrosting operation may adequately start at the
defrosting requirement time, and the defrosting operation may be
immediately finished when the defrosting is completed. Thus, power
consumption of the refrigerator may be reduced to improve the
cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.
[0095] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *