U.S. patent application number 13/911510 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for refrigerator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sungwoo Choi, Ayoung Choo, Nami Kim, Taegyeong Kim, Donggyu Lee, Seungho Lee, Daehyun Yoo. Invention is credited to Sungwoo Choi, Ayoung Choo, Nami Kim, Taegyeong Kim, Donggyu Lee, Seungho Lee, Daehyun Yoo.
Application Number | 20130327073 13/911510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49714224 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130327073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Seungho ; et
al. |
December 12, 2013 |
REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main
body including first and second storage compartments, an input part
selecting a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the
first and second storage compartments, a first evaporator cooling
air to be supplied into the first storage compartment, a first fan
motor blowing the air into the first evaporator, a second
evaporator cooling air to be supplied into the second storage
compartment, a second fan motor blowing the air into the second
evaporator, and a control part controlling each of the first and
second fan motors. The control part controls a fan motor
corresponding to a corresponding storage compartment to adjust an
amount of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage
compartment.
Inventors: |
Lee; Seungho; (Changwon-si,
JP) ; Yoo; Daehyun; (Changwon-si, JP) ; Lee;
Donggyu; (Changwon-si, JP) ; Choi; Sungwoo;
(Changwon-si, JP) ; Choo; Ayoung; (Changwon-si,
JP) ; Kim; Nami; (Changwon-si, JP) ; Kim;
Taegyeong; (Changwon-si, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lee; Seungho
Yoo; Daehyun
Lee; Donggyu
Choi; Sungwoo
Choo; Ayoung
Kim; Nami
Kim; Taegyeong |
Changwon-si
Changwon-si
Changwon-si
Changwon-si
Changwon-si
Changwon-si
Changwon-si |
|
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
49714224 |
Appl. No.: |
13/911510 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/131 ; 62/264;
62/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 17/065 20130101;
Y02B 30/743 20130101; F25D 17/045 20130101; F25D 2400/22 20130101;
F25B 2600/112 20130101; F25D 2400/30 20130101; F25B 49/02 20130101;
Y02B 30/70 20130101; F25D 27/00 20130101; F25D 2400/28
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/131 ; 62/303;
62/264 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02; F25D 27/00 20060101 F25D027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0060709 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator comprising: a main body comprising a first
storage compartment and a second storage compartment; an input part
to select a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the
first and second storage compartments; a first evaporator to cool
air to be supplied into the first storage compartment; a first fan
motor to blow the air into the first evaporator; a second
evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the second storage
compartment; a second fan motor to blow the air into the second
evaporator; and a control part to control each of the first and
second fan motors, wherein the control part controls a fan motor
corresponding to a corresponding storage compartment so that an
amount of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage
compartment when a cleaning mode for one of the first and second
storage compartments is selected is less than that of cool air
supplied into the corresponding storage compartment in a normal
cooling mode.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, when the
cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments
is selected, the control part turns the fan motor corresponding to
the corresponding storage compartment off to block the cool air
supplied into the first and second storage compartments storage
compartment.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, when the
cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments
is selected, the control part controls the fan motor to reduce an
RPM of the fan motor corresponding to the corresponding storage
compartment, thereby reducing the cool air supplied into the
corresponding storage compartment.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control part
controls the refrigerator so that a special cleaning mode is
selected, and then the selected cleaning mode is performed after a
predetermined time elapses.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
refrigerant adjustment valve to control a flow of a refrigerant so
that the refrigerant flows into at least one of the first
evaporator and the second evaporator, wherein the control part
controls the refrigerant adjustment valve so that the flow of the
refrigerant into the evaporator corresponding to the corresponding
storage compartment is blocked when the cleaning mode for the one
of the first and second storage compartments is selected.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
lighting part to provide light into each of the first and second
storage compartments, wherein the control part controls the
lighting part so that the lighting part of the corresponding
storage compartment is continuously turned on while the selected
cleaning mode is performed.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
sound generation part to generate a warning sound in the normal
cooling mode when a door for opening or closing the first or second
storage compartment is opened, wherein the control part controls
the sound generation part so that the sound generation part is
turned off while the selected cleaning mode is performed.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
sound generation part to generate a warning sound in the normal
cooling mode when a door for opening or closing the first or second
storage compartment is opened, Wherein, after a special cleaning
mode is selected, the control part controls the sound generation
part so that the sound generation part operates when the door for
opening or closing the first or second storage compartment is
opened, and then a predetermined time elapses, and so that the
operation of the sound generation part is stopped after the sound
generation part operates for a predetermined time.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
display part to display information with respect to the selected
cleaning mode.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, after the
selected cleaning mode is released, the control part control the
refrigerator so that the refrigerator performs a quick cooling
operation until a temperature of the corresponding storage
compartment reaches a target temperature.
11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising a
compressor to compress a refrigerant, wherein, when the quick
cooling operation is performed, the control part controls the
compressor so that an operation frequency of the compressor is
greater than that of the compressor in the normal cooling mode, or
so that an RPM of the fan motor corresponding to the corresponding
storage compartment is greater than that of the fan motor in the
normal cooling mode.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control part
determines whether the corresponding storage compartment is
completely cleaned, and when the control part determines that the
corresponding storage compartment is completely cleaned, the
control part release the selected cleaning mode.
13. The refrigerator according to claim wherein the control part
automatically releases the selected cleaning mode when the cleaning
mode for one of the first the second storage compartments is
selected, and then a predetermined time elapses.
14. A refrigerator comprising: a main body comprising a
refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment; an input part
to select a refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, a freezing
compartment cleaning mode, or a normal cooling mode; an evaporator
to cool air to be supplied into the freezing compartment; a fan
motor to blow the air into the evaporator; a connection duct to
supply cool air heat-exchanged with the evaporator into the
refrigerating compartment; a damper to adjust a flow of the cool
air into the connection duct; and a control part to control
operations of the fan motor and the damper, wherein the control
part controls the damper so that the damper blocks the connection
duct in the freezing compartment cleaning mode or the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the control
part turns the fan motor off in the freezing compartment cleaning
mode.
16. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the control
part turns the fan motor on in the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode.
17. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein, when the
selected cleaning mode is released, the control part controls the
refrigerator so that the refrigerator performs a quick cooling
operation until a temperature of the corresponding refrigerating or
freezing compartment reaches a target temperature.
18. The refrigerator according to claim 14, further comprising a
lighting part providing light into each of the freezing compartment
or the refrigerating compartment, wherein the control part controls
the lighting part so that the lighting part is continuously turned
on while the selected cleaning mode is performed.
19. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein further
comprising a sound generation part generating a warning sound in
the normal cooling mode when a door for opening or closing the
freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment is opened,
wherein the control part controls the sound generation part so that
the sound generation part is turned off while the selected cleaning
mode is performed.
20. A refrigerator comprising: a main body comprising a first
storage compartment and a second storage compartment; an input part
to select a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the
first and second storage compartments; a first evaporator to cool
air to be supplied into the first storage compartment; a second
evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the second storage
compartment; a refrigerant adjustment valve to control a flow of a
refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows into at least one of the
first and second evaporators; and a control part to control the
refrigerant adjustment valve, wherein, when a cleaning mode for one
of the first and second storage compartments is selected, the
control part controls the refrigerant adjustment valve so that the
flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator corresponding to the
corresponding storage compartment is blocked.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119
and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0060709
(filed on Jun. 7, 2012), which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.
[0003] In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing
foods at a low temperature state. Such a refrigerator includes a
main body defining at least one storage compartment and a door
connected to the main body to open or close the storage
compartment.
[0004] Also, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration cycle for
supplying low-temperature air into the storage compartment. The
refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an
expansion device, and an evaporator.
[0005] When the storage compartment is cleaned, a user may clean
the storage compartment after foods stored in the storage
compartment are taken out to the outside. Here, when the storage
compartment is cleaned without turning the refrigerator off,
unnecessary power may be consumed.
[0006] Also, when it is intended to turn the refrigerator off,
since a power cord of the refrigerator is disposed on a rear side
of the refrigerator, it may mot be easy to separate the power cord
from a socket.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments provide a refrigerator.
[0008] In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body
comprising a first storage compartment and a second storage
compartment; an input part to select a cleaning mode or a normal
cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments;
a first evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the first
storage compartment; a first fan motor to blow the air into the
first evaporator; a second evaporator to cool air to be supplied
into the second storage compartment; a second fan motor to blow the
air into the second evaporator; and a control part to control each
of the first and second fan motors, wherein the control part
controls a fan motor corresponding to a corresponding storage
compartment so that an amount of cool air supplied into the
corresponding storage compartment when a cleaning mode for one of
the first and second storage compartments is selected is less than
that of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage
compartment in a normal cooling mode.
[0009] In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body
comprising a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment;
an input part to select a refrigerating compartment cleaning mode,
a freezing compartment cleaning mode, or a normal cooling mode; an
evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the freezing
compartment; a fan motor to blow the air into the evaporator; a
connection duct to supply cool air heat-exchanged with the
evaporator into the refrigerating compartment; a damper to adjust a
flow of the cool air into the connection duct; and a control part
to control operations of the fan motor and the damper, wherein the
control part controls the damper so that the damper blocks the
connection duct in the freezing compartment cleaning mode or the
refrigerating compartment cleaning mode.
[0010] In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a
main body comprising a first storage compartment and a second
storage compartment; an input part to select a cleaning mode or a
normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage
compartments; a first evaporator to cool air to be supplied into
the first storage compartment; a second evaporator to cool air to
be supplied into the second storage compartment; a refrigerant
adjustment valve to control a flow of a refrigerant so that the
refrigerant flows into at least one of the first and second
evaporators; and a control part to control the refrigerant
adjustment valve, wherein, when a cleaning mode for one of the
first and second storage compartments is selected, the control part
controls the refrigerant adjustment valve so that the flow of the
refrigerant into the evaporator corresponding to the corresponding
storage compartment is blocked.
[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 perspective view of a refrigerator according to
an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of the
refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the refrigerator according to
an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling
the refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of a
refrigerator according to another embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
refrigerator according to another embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling
the refrigerator according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0020] 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.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle
of the refrigerator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a
block diagram of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to an
embodiment may include a main body having at least one storage
compartment and at least one door 10 or 20 connected to the main
body.
[0023] In the current embodiment, the refrigerator 1 including a
plurality of storage compartment and a plurality of doors will be
described as an example. Also, the plurality of storage compartment
may include a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment,
a plurality of freezing or refrigerating compartments that are
maintained at different temperatures, or a plurality of freezing or
refrigerating compartments that are maintained at the same
temperature. Hereinafter, the refrigerator including the
refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment will be
described as an example.
[0024] One door 10 (a freezing compartment door or a refrigerating
compartment door) of a plurality of doors 10 and 20 may include an
input part 110 for inputting an operation command and a display
part 115 for displaying an operation state.
[0025] The input part 110 may include a plurality of buttons. The
plurality of buttons may include a cleaning mode button 114 through
which a cleaning mode is capable of being selected. For another
example, the input part 110 may include a touch screen for
inputting a command by using a touch manner. In this case, the
cleaning mode button 114 for selecting a touch screen state
cleaning mode may be displayed.
[0026] Of cause, the plurality of buttons may further include at
least one of a freezing temperature button 111 for selecting a
freezing compartment temperature, a refrigerating temperature
button 113 for selecting a refrigerating compartment temperature,
and a supper cooling button 112 for selecting a super cooling
temperature (cooling the inside at a temperature less than the
freezing compartment temperature). The current embodiment is not
limited to a kind of buttons.
[0027] A refrigerating compartment cleaning mode and a freezing
compartment cleaning mode may be selected by using the cleaning
mode button 114. For example, when the cleaning mode button 114 is
pushed one time, the freezing compartment cleaning mode may be
selected. Also, when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed two
times, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode may be selected.
In addition, when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed three
times, the cleaning mode may be released. Alternatively, when the
cleaning mode button 114 is pushed one time, the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode may be selected, and when the cleaning
mode button 114 is pushed two times, the freezing compartment
cleaning mode may be selected.
[0028] The release of the cleaning mode may represent selection of
a normal cooling mode of the refrigerator 1. For another example,
the input part 110 may include buttons having the same number as
that of cleaning mode. That is, the input part 110 may include at
least refrigerating compartment cleaning mode button and freezing
compartment cleaning mode button. Of cause, the input part 110 may
further include a normal cooling mode button for selecting the
normal cooling mode.
[0029] The freezing compartment temperature, whether the super
cooling is selected, the refrigerating compartment temperature,
whether the cleaning mode is selected, and a kind of selected
cleaning mode may be displayed on the display part 115.
[0030] For example, when the refrigerating compartment cleaning
mode is selected, an alphabetical character "R" may be displayed on
the display part 115. Also, when the freezing compartment cleaning
mode is selected, an alphabetical character "F" may be displayed on
the display part 115. Also, when the normal cooling mode is
selected, related information may not be displayed on the display
part 115, or information for informing a state of the normal
cooling mode may be displayed on the display part 115. That is,
information for informing the selected mode may be displayed on the
display part 115. Alternatively, the display part 115 may be
omitted. In this case, information for informing the selected mode
may be seen through the plurality of buttons.
[0031] The refrigerator 1 may further include a compressor 31 for
compressing a refrigerant, a condenser 32 for condensing the
compressed refrigerant, a fan motor assembly for blowing air into
the condenser 32, a refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 (a
first evaporator) for cooling the refrigerating compartment, a
first fan motor 39 for blowing air into the refrigerating
compartment evaporator 37, a freezing compartment evaporator 38 (a
second evaporator) for cooling the freezing compartment, and a
second fan motor 40 for blowing air into the freezing compartment
evaporator 38.
[0032] Also, the refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerant
adjustment valve 34 for adjusting a flow of the refrigerant so that
the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 32 flows at least one
of the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 and the freezing
compartment evaporator 38, a first expansion device 35 for
expanding the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerating
compartment evaporator 37, a second expansion device 36 for
expanding the refrigerant flowing into the freezing compartment
evaporator 38, and a check valve 41 for preventing the refrigerant
discharged from the freezing compartment evaporator 38 from flowing
backwardly.
[0033] The first fan motor 39 and the second fan motor 40 may
independently operate with respect to each other.
[0034] For example, the refrigerant adjustment valve 34 may be a
three way valve. Thus, the refrigerant may be supplied into the
evaporators 37 and 38 at the same time by the three way valve, or
the refrigerant may be supplied into one of the refrigerating
compartment evaporator 37 and the freezing compartment evaporator
38.
[0035] For another example, valves may be provided in a first tube
for guiding the refrigerant into the refrigerating compartment
evaporator 37 and a second tube for guiding the refrigerant into
the freezing compartment evaporator 38, respectively.
[0036] Also, the refrigerator 1 may further include a lighting part
561 for emitting light into the storage compartment, a sound
generation part 52 for generating a warning sound when a
predetermined time elapses after the doors 10 and 20 are opened,
and a control part 50 for controlling an overall operation of the
refrigerator 1.
[0037] Hereinafter, a method of controlling the refrigerator will
be described.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling
the refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, when a refrigerator 1 is turned on, the
refrigerator 1 operates in a normal cooling mode (S1). In the
normal cooling mode, a first fan motor 39 and a second fan motor 40
are turned on. Then, a refrigerator condensed in the condenser 32
is supplied into each of evaporators 37 and 38 by a refrigerant
adjustment valve 34. Also, the refrigerant and air within each of
the evaporators 37 and 38 are heat-exchanged to cool the air. Then,
the cooled air is supplied into each of a freezing compartment and
a refrigerating compartment.
[0040] Also, the freezing compartment and the refrigerating
compartment are maintained at target temperatures by a freezing
temperature button 111 and a refrigerating temperature button 113,
respectively.
[0041] While the refrigerator 1 operates in the normal cooling
mode, a control part 50 controls whether a freezing compartment
cleaning mode is selected (S2). The case in which the freezing
compartment cleaning mode is selected as described above may be a
case in which a user pushes a cleaning mode button 114 one time or
a case in which the user pushes a freezing compartment cleaning
mode button.
[0042] Here, to prevent the freezing compartment cleaning mode from
being selected regardless of an intension of the user, the control
part 50 may determines that the freezing compartment cleaning mode
is selected in a case where the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed
for a predetermined time.
[0043] For another example, an input part 110 may further include a
cleaning mode locking button. After mode locking is released by the
cleaning mode locking button, a cleaning mode may be selected by
using the cleaning mode button 114.
[0044] When it is determined that the freezing compartment cleaning
mode is selected in the operation S2, the control part 50
determines whether other cleaning modes are selected within a
predetermined time (S3). In the current embodiment, a reason in
which it is determined whether the other cleaning mode is selected
within a predetermined time after a specific cleaning mode is
selected is for giving a cleaning mode changing time to the user
when the specific cleaning mode is mischosen due to user's
carelessness or for giving a mode selection time to allow the user
to finally select the specific cleaning mode.
[0045] That is, in a case where the specific cleaning mode is
selected by using one button, since the same button should be
pushed one time or more to select the specific cleaning mode, when
it is determined that the specific cleaning mode is selected, it
may be determined whether the other cleaning mode is selected
within a predetermined time so as to give a sufficient time for
allowing the user to select the mode.
[0046] For example, although the user intends to select the
refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, when the freezing
compartment cleaning mode is selected really, or when the user
selects the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode within a
predetermined time, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode may
be selected finally.
[0047] When the control part 50 determines that the other mode is
not selected within a predetermined time in the operation S3, the
control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 to operate in the
freezing compartment cleaning mode (S4). Also, the control part may
control the display part 115 so that information for informing that
the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected is displayed on
the display part 115.
[0048] In the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part
50 may control the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 and the second
fan motor 40. That is, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant
adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows only into the
refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 and controls the second fan
motor 40 so that the second fan motor 40 is turned off. Thus, since
the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 32 does not flow into
the freezing compartment evaporator 38, and the second fan motor 40
is turned off, supply of cool air into the freezing compartment may
be blocked.
[0049] For another example, in the freezing compartment cleaning
mode, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant adjustment valve
24 so that the refrigerant flows into each of the evaporators 37
and 38. Here, the control part 50 may control the second fan motor
40 so that an RPM of the second fan motor 40 is less than that of
the second fan motor 40 in the normal cooling mode. In this case,
although the cool air is supplied into the freezing compartment, an
amount of cool air supplied into the freezing compartment may be
reduced when compared to that in the normal cooling mode. As a
result, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the freezing
compartment may have a temperature greater than a target
temperature.
[0050] In either event, since an amount of cool air supplied into
the freezing compartment is reduced in the freezing compartment
cleaning mode (including a case in which the cool air is not
supplied), the freezing compartment may be cleaned in a state where
foods are stored in the refrigerating compartment to reduce power
consumption.
[0051] Also, when the refrigerator 1 operates in the freezing
compartment cleaning mode, a sound generation part 52 is turned
off. Thus, when a freezing compartment door is opened to clean the
freezing compartment, a warning sound is not generated from the
sound generation part 52. Thus, it may prevent the warning sound
from being unnecessarily generated to reduce power consumption. For
another example, in the case where the refrigerator 1 operates in
the freezing compartment cleaning mode, when a freezing compartment
door opening time reaches a reference time, an operation of the
sound generation part 52 is stopped after operating for a
predetermined time. In this case, it may prevent the warning sound
from be unnecessarily continuously generated due to the operation
of the sound generation part 52.
[0052] Also, when the refrigerator 1 operate in the freezing
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the
lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while
the freezing compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus, since
the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the freezing
compartment, the user may easily clean the freezing
compartment.
[0053] While the refrigerator 1 operates in the freezing
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether
the freezing compartment is completely cleaned (S5). In the current
embodiment, the case in which the freezing compartment is
completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user selects
the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode by using the cleaning
mode button 114 or selects the normal cooling mode.
[0054] Although the freezing compartment is completely cleaned, the
user may select the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode or may
not select the normal cooling mode. Thus, when the freezing
compartment cleaning mode is selected, and the cleaning of the
freezing compartment is not completed within a predetermined time,
the refrigerator 1 may automatically operate in the normal cooling
mode. However, in this case, information for informing that the
freezing compartment cleaning mode is switched into the normal
cooling mode may be displayed on the display part 115.
[0055] When the cleaning of the freezing compartment is completed
in the operation S5, the freezing compartment cleaning mode is
released. Also, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 so
that the refrigerator 1 performs a quick cooling operation until
the freezing compartment temperature reaches a target temperature
(S6). That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor 31 so
that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal
cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick
cooling operation.
[0056] Alternatively, the control part 50 may control the second
fan motor 40 so that an RPM of the second fan motor 40 in the
normal cooling mode is less than that of the second fan motor 40 in
the quick cooling operation.
[0057] In the current embodiment, the reason in which the
refrigerator performs the quick cooling operation after the
freezing compartment cleaning mode is released is for allowing a
temperature of the freezing compartment to quickly reach the target
temperature. Since the temperature of the freezing compartment
quickly reaches the target temperature by the quick cooling
operation after the freezing compartment cleaning mode is released,
foods may be stored again in the freezing compartment as soon as
possible after the freezing compartment is completely cleaned.
[0058] Also, when the temperature of the freezing compartment
reaches the target temperature, the refrigerator 1 operates in the
normal cooling mode.
[0059] When it is determined that the freezing compartment cleaning
mode is not selected in the operation S2, the control 50 determines
whether the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is selected
(S7) In the current embodiment, the case in which the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode is selected represents a case in which
the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed two times, or the
refrigerating compartment cleaning mode button is pushed.
[0060] When it is determined that the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode is selected in the operation S7, the control part 50
determines whether the other cleaning mode is selected within a
predetermined time (S8).
[0061] In the current embodiment, the reason in which the control
part 50 determines whether the other cleaning mode is selected
within the predetermined time is the same as described above.
[0062] When the control part 50 determines that the other mode is
not selected within the predetermined time in the operation S8, the
control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 to operate in the
refrigerating compartment cleaning mode (S9). Also, the control
part 50 may control the display part 115 so that information for
informing that the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is
selected is displayed on the display part 115.
[0063] In the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control
part 50 may control the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 and the
first fan motor 39. That is, the control part 50 controls the
refrigerant adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows only
into the freezing compartment evaporator and controls the first fan
motor 39 so that the first fan motor 39 is turned off. Thus, since
the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 32 does not flow into
the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37, and the first fan
motor 39 is turned off, supply of cool air into the refrigerating
compartment may be blocked.
[0064] For another example, in the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant
adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows into each of the
evaporators 37 and 38. Here, the control part 50 may control the
first fan motor 39 so that an RPM of the first fan motor 39 is less
than that of the first fan motor 39 in the normal cooling mode. In
this case, although the cool air is supplied into the refrigerating
compartment, an amount of cool air supplied into the refrigerating
compartment may be reduced when compared to that in the normal
cooling mode. As a result, in the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode, the refrigerating compartment may have a temperature
greater than a target temperature.
[0065] In either event, since an amount of cool air supplied into
the refrigerating compartment is reduced in the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode (including a case in which the cool air
is not supplied), the refrigerating compartment may be cleaned in a
state where foods are stored in the freezing compartment to reduce
power consumption.
[0066] Also, when the refrigerator 1 operates in the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode, the sound generation part 52 is turned
off. Thus, when a refrigerating compartment door is opened to clean
the refrigerating compartment, a warning sound is not generated
from the sound generation part 52. Thus, it may prevent the warning
sound from being unnecessarily generated to reduce power
consumption. For another example, in the case where the
refrigerator 1 operates in the refrigerating compartment cleaning
mode, when a refrigerating compartment door opening time reaches a
reference time, an operation of the sound generation part 52 is
stopped after operating for a predetermined time. In this case, it
may prevent the warning sound from be unnecessarily continuously
generated due to the operation of the sound generation part 52.
[0067] Also, when the refrigerator 1 operate in the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the
lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while
the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus,
since the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the
refrigerating compartment, the user may easily clean the
refrigerating compartment.
[0068] While the refrigerator 1 operates in the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether
the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned (S9). In the
current embodiment, the case in which the refrigerating compartment
is completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user
selects the freezing compartment cleaning mode by using the
cleaning mode button 114 or selects the normal cooling mode.
[0069] Although the freezing compartment is completely cleaned, the
user may select the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode or may
not select the normal cooling mode. Thus, when the freezing
compartment cleaning mode is selected, and the cleaning of the
freezing compartment is not completed within a predetermined time,
the refrigerator 1 may automatically operate in the normal cooling
mode. However, in this case, information for informing that the
freezing compartment cleaning mode is switched into the normal
cooling mode may be displayed on the display part 115.
[0070] When the cleaning of the refrigerating compartment is
completed in the operation S10, the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode is released. Also, the control part 50 controls the
refrigerator 1 so that the refrigerator 1 performs a quick cooling
operation until the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches a
target temperature (S11).
[0071] That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor so
that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal
cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick
cooling operation. Alternatively, the control part 50 may control
the first fan motor 39 so that an RPM of the first fan motor 39 in
the normal cooling mode is less than that of the first fan motor 39
in the quick cooling operation.
[0072] In the current embodiment, the reason in which the
refrigerator 1 performs the quick cooling operation after the
refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is released is for allowing
a temperature of the refrigerating compartment to quickly reach the
target temperature. Since the temperature of the refrigerating
compartment quickly reaches the target temperature by the quick
cooling operation after the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode
is released, foods may be stored again in the refrigerating
compartment as soon as possible after the refrigerating compartment
is completely cleaned.
[0073] Also, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment
reaches the target temperature, the refrigerator 1 operates in the
normal cooling mode.
[0074] When it is determined that the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode is not selected in the operation S7, the refrigerator
1 operates in the normal cooling mode.
[0075] As described above, according to the current embodiment, one
of the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may
be cleaned in a state where foods are stored in the other one.
Also, the supply of the cool air into the target storage
compartment to be cleaned may be blocked, or an amount of supplied
cool air may be reduced to reduce the power consumption.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of a
refrigerator according to another embodiment, FIG. 6 is a
horizontal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to
another embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a
method of controlling the refrigerator according to another
embodiment.
[0077] In the current embodiment, the same content as that of the
foregoing embodiment will be derived from the components and
reference number of the foregoing embodiment.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, a refrigerator 60 according to
another embodiment may supply cool air into a freezing compartment
61 and a refrigerating compartment 63 by using one evaporator 38.
That is, the refrigerator 60 may include a compressor 31, a
condenser 32, an expansion device 36, and an evaporator 38.
[0079] The refrigerator 60 may include a main body 61 defining the
freezing compartment 62 and the refrigerating compartment 63, a
freezing compartment door 64 opening/closing the freezing
compartment 62, and a refrigerating compartment door 65
opening/closing the refrigerating compartment 63.
[0080] A freezing compartment duct 70 defining a passage through
which cool air flows is provided in the freezing compartment 62,
and at least one cool air discharge hole 71 is defined in the
freezing compartment duct 70. Also, the evaporator 38 and a fan
motor are provided inside the freezing compartment duct 70.
[0081] A refrigerating compartment duct 72 defining a passage
through which cool air flow is provided in the refrigerating
compartment 63, and at least one cool air discharge hole 74 is
defined in the refrigerating compartment duct 72.
[0082] A connection duct 82 for supplying cool air heat-exchanged
with the evaporator 38 into the refrigerating compartment 63 may be
provided in a partition wall 80 partitioning the freezing
compartment 62 and the refrigerating compartment 63 from each
other. The current embodiment is not limited to the position of the
connection duct 82.
[0083] A damper 84 adjusting a flow of cool air may be provided in
the connection duct 82. In a normal cooling mode, the damper 84 may
intermittently open the connection duct 82. For example, the damper
84 opens the connection duct 82 until a temperature of the
refrigerating compartment 63 reaches a target temperature. Then,
when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 63 reaches
the target temperature, the damper 84 may close the connection duct
82.
[0084] Hereinafter, a method of controlling the refrigerator will
be described.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, when a refrigerator 60 is turned on,
the refrigerator 60 operates in a normal cooling mode (S21). Also,
in the normal cooling mode, a refrigerant and air within an
evaporator 38 are heat-exchanged to cool the air. Then, the cooled
air is supplied into a freezing compartment. Also, the cooled air
is selectively supplied into a refrigerating compartment according
to a temperature of the refrigerating compartment.
[0086] Also, the freezing compartment 62 and the refrigerating
compartment 63 are maintained at target temperatures by a freezing
temperature button 111 and a refrigerating temperature button 113,
respectively.
[0087] While the refrigerator 60 operates in the normal cooling
mode, a control part 50 controls whether a cleaning mode button 114
is selected (S22).
[0088] When it is determined that the cleaning mode button is
selected in the operation S22, the control part 50 determines
whether the cleaning mode button 114 is selected again within a
predetermined time (S23).
[0089] In the current embodiment, the reason in which the cleaning
mode button 114 is selected, and then it is determined whether the
cleaning mode button 114 is selected again within a predetermined
time is for giving a cleaning mode changing time to a user when the
cleaning mode is mischose, or the cleaning mode is changed.
[0090] When the control part 50 determines that the cleaning mode
button 114 is not selected again within the predetermined time in
the operation S23, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 60
to operate in a freezing compartment cleaning mode (S24). That is,
in the current embodiment, when the cleaning mode button 114 is
initially selected, the refrigerator 60 may be set so that the
freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected.
[0091] In the current embodiment, since the air heat-exchanged with
the evaporator 38 is supplied into the refrigerating compartment 63
via the connection duct 82, when the refrigerating compartment 63
is cleaned first, the freezing compartment 62 may be cleaned after
the refrigerating compartment 63 is completely cleaned. In this
case, after the freezing compartment 63 is completely cleaned,
foods that should be stored in the freezing compartment 63 may not
be stored anywhere in the refrigerating compartment 63 or the
freezing compartment 62 to damage the foods.
[0092] On the other hand, when the freezing compartment 62 is
cleaned first, since a temperature of the freezing compartment 63
gradually increases by the cool air existing within the
refrigerating compartment 63, the foods may be stored in the
refrigerating compartment 63 while the freezing compartment 62 is
cleaned. Also, after the freezing compartment 62 is completely
cleaned, the foods that should be stored in the refrigerating
compartment 63 may be stored in the freezing compartment 62 while
the refrigerating compartment 63 is cleaned, and the cool air may
be supplied into the freezing compartment 62 to prevent the foods
from being damaged.
[0093] In a freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50
may control the damper 83 so that the damper 84 blocks the
connection duct 84. In the current embodiment, the reason in which
the connection duct 84 is blocked in the freezing compartment
cleaning mode is for preventing a temperature of the refrigerating
compartment 63 from increasing due to the supply of
high-temperature air into the refrigerating compartment 63.
[0094] Also, when the refrigerator 60 operates in the freezing
compartment cleaning mode, the fan motor and the compressor 31 are
turned off. Thus, the supply of cool air into the refrigerating
compartment 62 is blocked.
[0095] For another example, in the freezing compartment cleaning
mode, the control part 50 may control the compressor 31 so that an
operation frequency of the compressor 31 is less than that of the
compressor 31 in the normal cooling mode. Alternatively, in the
freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control
the fan motor so that an RPM of the fan motor is less than that of
the fan motor in the normal cooling mode.
[0096] Also, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, a sound
generation part 52 is turned off. Thus, when a freezing compartment
door is opened to clean the freezing compartment, a warning sound
is not generated from the sound generation part 52. Thus, it may
prevent the warning sound from being unnecessarily generated to
reduce power consumption.
[0097] Also, when the refrigerator 60 operate in the freezing
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the
lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while
the freezing compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus, since
the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the freezing
compartment, the user may easily clean the freezing
compartment.
[0098] While the refrigerator 60 operates in the freezing
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether
the freezing compartment is completely cleaned (S25). In the
current embodiment, the case in which the freezing compartment is
completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user selects
the cleaning mode button 114.
[0099] When the cleaning of the freezing compartment is completed
in the operation S25, the freezing compartment cleaning mode is
released. Also, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 60 so
that the refrigerator 60 performs a quick cooling operation until
the freezing compartment temperature reaches a target temperature
(S26). That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor 31 so
that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal
cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick
cooling operation. Alternatively, the control part 50 may control
the fan motor so that an RPM of the fan motor in the normal cooling
mode is less than that of the fan motor in the quick cooling
operation.
[0100] After it is determined that the freezing compartment is
completely cleaned, the control part 50 determines whether the
cleaning mode button 114 is selected (S27). When the control part
50 determines that the cleaning mode button 114 is selected in the
operation S27, the control part 50 determines whether the cleaning
mode button 114 is selected again within a predetermined time
(S28).
[0101] When the control part 50 determines that the cleaning mode
button 114 is not selected again within the predetermined time in
the operation S28 or determines that the cleaning mode button 114
is selected again within the predetermined time in the operation
S23, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 60 to operate in
a refrigerating compartment cleaning mode (S29).
[0102] In the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control
part 50 may control the damper 83 so that the damper 84 closes the
connection duct 84. Here, the compressor 31 and the fan motor may
operate in the same state as that in the normal cooling mode.
However, the refrigerator 60 may be set so that a target
temperature of the freezing compartment in the freezing compartment
cleaning mode is less than that of the refrigerating compartment in
the normal cooling mode.
[0103] Also, in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the
sound generation part 52 is turned off. Thus, when a refrigerating
compartment door is opened to clean the refrigerating compartment,
a warning sound is not generated from the sound generation part 52.
Thus, it may prevent the warning sound from being unnecessarily
generated to reduce power consumption.
[0104] Also, when the refrigerator 60 operate in the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the
lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while
the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus,
since the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the
refrigerating compartment, the user may easily clean the
refrigerating compartment.
[0105] While the refrigerator 60 operates in the refrigerating
compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether
the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned (S30). In the
current embodiment, the case in which the refrigerating compartment
is completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user
selects the cleaning mode button 114.
[0106] When the cleaning of the refrigerating compartment is
completed in the operation S30, the refrigerating compartment
cleaning mode is released. Also, the control part 50 may control
the damper 84 so that the damper 84 opens the connection duct 82
until the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the target
temperature. Here, the refrigerator 60 may perform the quick
cooling operation so that the temperature of the refrigerating
compartment 63 reaches the target temperature while the connection
duct 82 is opened after the refrigerating compartment is completely
cleaned. That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor 31
so that the operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal
cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick
cooling operation. Alternatively, the control part 50 may control
the fan motor so that an RPM of the fan motor in the normal cooling
mode is less than that of the fan motor in the quick cooling
operation.
[0107] Therefore, in the current embodiment, it may be possible to
clean the refrigerator in the state where foods are stored in a
portion of the storage compartment to minimize unnecessary power
consumption.
[0108] 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.
* * * * *