REFRIGERATOR OPERATION CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

In the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, each storage compartment is controlled to be maintained within a constant temperature range for each storage compartment during at least one at least one operation of a pre-heat supply operation, a heat supply operation, and a temperature returning operation. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or minimize each storage compartment from exceeding a constant temperature range due to the heat supply operation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling operation of a refrigerator configured to provide heat to an evaporator using a hot gas flow path.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance provided to store various foods for a long period of time using cold air generated by circulating refrigerant through a refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerator may be provided with one or more storage compartments partitioned from each other to store a storage (e.g. food, beverage, etc.). The storage compartment is supplied with cold air generated by a refrigeration system consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, and is maintained within a set temperature range.

Meanwhile, each storage compartment is operated to maintain each notch temperature (NT. That is, when a temperature exceeds an upper limit reference temperature (NT+Diff) set based on the notch temperature (NT), a cooling operation is performed, and when a lower limit reference temperature (NT−Diff) is reached based on the notch temperature (NT), the cooling operation is ended.

That is, it is possible to prevent the stored objects from being deformed or overcooled by operating in a constant temperature mode that does not deviate from the upper limit reference temperature (NT+Diff) and the lower limit reference temperature (NT−Diff).

However, when a defrosting operation for removing frost of at least one evaporator is performed while the cooling operation for each storage compartment of the refrigerator is performed, the constant temperature mode for maintaining a constant temperature is ignored. Accordingly, during the defrosting operation, the temperature of the storage compartment rises rapidly, and the temperature of the storage compartment exceeds the upper limit reference temperature (NT+Diff) for a long period of time, causing problems such as deterioration of the stored objects.

Recently, a technology for defrosting an evaporator using hot gas in a refrigerator that performs a cooling operation for two evaporators with one compressor is provided. This is as presented in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017- and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0013767.

That is, a high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor may flow to the evaporator for a freezing compartment without passing through an expansion valve for the freezing compartment, thereby performing the defrosting operation on the evaporator for the freezing compartment.

In particular, the refrigerant passing through the freezing compartment evaporator sequentially passes through an expansion valve and the evaporator of the refrigerating compartment and then cools the refrigerating compartment evaporator in the process of returning to the compressor.

For this reason, it is possible to cool the refrigerating compartment while defrosting the evaporator for the freezing compartment, thus preventing the temperature of the refrigerating compartment from increasing due to the defrosting operation of the evaporator for the freezing compartment.

However, the above-described technology using the hot gas has a problem in that the refrigerating compartment is excessively cooled while defrosting the evaporator for the freezing compartment.

That is, the technology using the hot gas also has a problem in that the storage compartment failed to maintain a constant temperature during defrosting operation, resulting in a rapid temperature rise, or a rapid temperature drop, resulting in deterioration or overcooling of the stored objects.

For example, in the related art, prior to performing the defrosting operation, a deep cooling process for cooling each storage compartment to a temperature lower than the constant temperature range is performed. However, in the deep cooling process, a temperature lower than the notch temperatures (NT1 and NT2) of a normal cooling operation is set as the set reference temperature. Therefore, the second storage compartment is excessively cooled during the deep cooling process. When defrosting operation using hot gas is performed in this state, the second storage compartment becomes more cooled, causing deterioration or freezing of the stored objects.

Of course, when the internal temperature (R) of the refrigerating compartment is excessively lowered, the defrosting operation is ended, thereby preventing damage (overcooling) of the stored objects in the refrigerator.

However, if the end point of the defrosting operation is determined only in the refrigerating compartment temperature (R), there is a problem that sufficient defrosting of the evaporator for the freezing compartment may not be achieved. That is, even when the evaporator for the freezing compartment is not fully defrosting, the defrosting operation is ended due to the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

In addition, before the defrosting operation is performed, a cooling process is performed before heat supply to cool each storage compartment in consideration of the increase in the temperature of each storage compartment during the defrosting operation.

However, when the cooling process before the heat supply is performed before performing the defrosting operation using the hot gas, the refrigerating compartment reaches an excessive cooling temperature more quickly in the process of defrosting the evaporator for the freezing compartment using the hot gas, causing damage to the food or dissatisfaction with the defrosting effect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is intended to solve various problems according to the prior art.

One purpose of the present disclosure is to prevent or minimize a phenomenon in which each storage compartment is out of a constant temperature range during a pre-heat supply operation for a heat supply operation supplying heat to an evaporator, such as a defrosting operation.

Another purpose of the present disclosure is to prevent or minimize each storage compartment being out of a constant temperature range during the heat supply operation for supplying heat to the evaporator, such as the defrosting operation.

Another purpose of the present disclosure is to prevent or minimize each storage compartment being out of a constant temperature range after the heat supply operation is performed to supply heat to the evaporator, such as the defrosting operation.

Another purpose of the present disclosure is to maintain the temperature of the refrigerating compartment sufficiently high during the heat supply operation of the evaporator using hot gas. Accordingly, when heat is supplied to the evaporator for the freezing compartment, the refrigerating compartment is not overcooled.

Problem Solving

According to a refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, heat may be provided to any one evaporator by using a high-temperature refrigerant flowing along one hot gas flow path, and the other evaporator may be provided with a heat supply operation for cooling.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, when a start condition of the heat supply operation is satisfied during a normal cooling operation, a pre-heat supply operation may be performed before the heat supply operation is performed.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, a temperature returning operation may be performed before the normal cooling operation is re-performed after the heat supply operation is ended.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, each storage compartment may be maintained in the constant temperature range of the corresponding storage compartment during at least one operation of the pre-heat supply operation, the heat supply operation, and the temperature return operation. That is, even if the operation of supplying heat to the evaporator as in the defrosting operation is performed, the temperature of each storage compartment may be maintained in the constant temperature range, thereby preventing deterioration of the stored object.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the constant temperature range may be a temperature range between an upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) and a lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff) set based on a notch temperature (NT1, NT2) for each storage compartment.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the pre-heat supply operation may include a cooling process before heat supply for supplying cold air to each storage compartment.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the cooling process before the heat supply may preferentially cool the storage compartment having a relatively high temperature.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, when the temperature of a first evaporator is higher than the temperature of a first storage compartment, a blowing fan for the first storage compartment may be controlled to be stopped during the cooling operation of the first storage compartment during the pre-heat supply operation.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the pre-heat supply operation may include a first pause process of stopping the operation of a compressor.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heat supply operation may include a heating process of heating a heating source.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heating process may be performed when a heating condition is satisfied.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heating condition may be determined to be satisfied when the temperature of the first evaporator reaches the temperature of the first storage compartment.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heat supply operation may include a first heat exchange process in which the refrigerant is controlled to flow along a first hot gas flow path.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the first heat exchange process may be performed when a heat exchange condition is satisfied.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heat exchange condition may be determined to be satisfied when a set time elapses after the heat supply operation is performed.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, a heating process, in which the first evaporator is heats by the heating source, may be included before performing the first heat exchange process.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heat exchange condition may be determined to be satisfied when the set time elapses after the heating process is performed.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the heat exchange condition may be determined to be satisfied when the temperature of the first evaporator reaches a set temperature.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, a first heat exchange process may be ended when a temperature of the second storage compartment reaches an overcooling region.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the overcooling region may be set to a temperature lower than the constant temperature range.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the first heat exchange process may be ended when the temperature of the first evaporator reaches the set temperature.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the temperature returning operation may include a second pause process of stopping the operation of the compressor and a cooling fan for a set time.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the temperature returning operation may include a second heat exchange process in which a high-temperature refrigerant flows along a second hot gas flow path.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, a simultaneous operation process of simultaneously cooling the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment may be included.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the simultaneous operation process may be performed after the second heat exchange process.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, when the second pause process of the temperature returning operation is started, a blowing fan for the second storage compartment may be operated.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, when the temperature of the second evaporator reaches a second set temperature, the operation of the blowing fan for the second storage compartment may be ended.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, when the temperature of the first evaporator is lower than the temperature of the first storage compartment while the temperature returning operation is performed, the blowing fan for the first storage compartment may be operated.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, after the simultaneous operation is completed, a first cooling process of maintaining the first storage compartment in the constant temperature range may be performed.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, after the first cooling process, a second cooling process of alternately cooling the second storage compartment and the first storage compartment may be performed.

Advantageous Effect of the Disclosure

A refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure configured as described above provides the following respective effects.

In the refrigerator operation control method according to the present disclosure, each storage compartment is controlled to be performed in conjunction with cooling and heating by providing a plurality of hot gas flow paths and a plurality of flow path switching valves. As a result, it is possible to maintain a constant temperature in each storage compartment even if a temperature of one storage compartment drops excessively while a temperature of the other storage compartment rises excessively.

In the refrigerator operation control method according to the present disclosure, a cooling process before heat supply is controlled to perform without changing a notch temperature (NT1, NT2) of each storage compartment in a pre-heat supply operation. This makes it possible to maintain a constant temperature in each storage compartment during the pre-heat supply operation.

In the refrigerator operation control method according to the present disclosure, when a first evaporator is heated by a first heat exchange process during a heat supply operation, a second storage compartment is controlled to perform a cooling operation. Accordingly, the second storage compartment may be maintained at the constant temperature during the heat supply operation.

In the refrigerator operation control method according to the present disclosure, it is controlled so that a natural defrosting process takes place during a temperature return operation. As a result, the temperature of the second evaporator may be raised without consuming power during the temperature return operation.

In the refrigerator operation control method according to the present disclosure, the first storage compartment is controlled to perform the cooling operation while heating the second evaporator by a second heat exchange process in the temperature return operation. Accordingly, during the temperature return operation, the second evaporator may be heated to a desired temperature more quickly. In addition, the first storage compartment may be maintained at a constant temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a rear appearance of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an internal structure of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a refrigeration system including a hot gas flow path of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hot gas flow path and a heating source are installed in a first evaporator of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the hot gas flow path and the heating source are installed in the first evaporator of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process during a cooling operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are state diagrams of a refrigeration system showing a refrigerant flow during the cooling operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an operation state of each component related to a heat supply operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of performing a pre-heat supply operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of performing the heat supply operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a state diagram of the refrigeration system showing a refrigerant flow during the heat supply operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of a temperature returning operation of the refrigerator temperature according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a state diagram of a refrigeration system showing a refrigerant flow during the temperature returning operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A refrigerator and an operation control method thereof according to the present disclosure includes a first hot gas flow path that guides a flow of refrigerant through a first evaporator to a second evaporator, or a second hot gas flow path that guides a flow of refrigerant through the second evaporator to the first evaporator.

The refrigerator and the operation control method thereof according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

Prior to the description of the embodiment, each direction mentioned when explaining the installation position of each component takes as an example the installation condition in actual use (the same condition as in the illustrated embodiment).

FIG. 1 is a view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a view showing a rear appearance of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a state diagram showing an internal structure of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a refrigerator main body 100 providing at least one storage compartment.

The storage compartment may include a first storage compartment 101 and/or a second storage compartment 102 as a storage space for storing the stored objects. A plurality of first storage compartments 101 may be provided or a plurality of second storage compartments 102 may be provided.

The first storage compartment 101 and the second storage compartment 102 may be opened and closed by a first door and a second door 120, respectively. Although not shown, the first storage compartment 101 and the second storage compartment 102 may be simultaneously opened and closed by one door, or may be partially opened and closed with two or more doors.

Each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 is operated to be maintained at a temperature between an upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) and a lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff) set based on a set reference temperature (NT1, NT2) during each cooling operation.

A first set reference temperature (NT1) may be a temperature at which the stored object may be frozen. For example, the first set reference temperature (NT1) may be set to a temperature equal to or less than 0° C. and equal to or higher than −24° C.

A second set reference temperature (NT2) may be a temperature at which the stored object is not frozen. For example, the second set reference temperature (NT2) may be a temperature equal to or less than 32° C. and higher than 0° C.

The set reference temperatures (NT1, NT2) may be set by a user. When the user does not set the set reference temperatures (NT1, NT2), a predetermined temperature may be used as the set reference temperatures (NT1, NT2).

For example, the first storage compartment 101 may be used as a freezing compartment, and the second storage compartment 102 may be used as a refrigerating compartment.

Meanwhile, each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 described above continues to supply cold air according to the upper limit temperature or the lower limit temperature of each of the set reference temperatures (NT1, NT2).

For example, when the temperature of the storage compartment 101, 102 exceeds the upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) during each cooling operation, cold air is supplied to the storage compartments and 102. When the temperatures of the storage compartments 101 and 102 are lower than the lower limit reference temperatures (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff) during each cooling operation, cold air is stopped to supply. Accordingly, each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 may be maintained at a constant temperature range between the upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) and the lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff) set based on the set reference temperature (NT1, NT2).

Meanwhile, the unexplained reference numeral 280 denotes a first grill assembly for guiding a flow of cold air into the first storage compartment. The unexplained reference numeral 290 denotes a second grill assembly for guiding a flow of cold air into the second storage compartment.

Although not shown, the refrigerator main body 100 or the grill assemblies 280 and 290 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 or a temperature sensor for measuring a room temperature outside the refrigerator.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a refrigeration system.

By the refrigeration system, cold air is supplied so that each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 may be maintained at the set reference temperature (NT1, NT2).

The refrigeration system will be described in more detail.

The refrigeration system may include a compressor 210. The compressor 210 compresses a refrigerant.

The compressor 210 may be disposed in the refrigerator body 100. For example, the compressor 210 may be located in a machine room 103 in the refrigerator main body 100.

A return flow path 211 may be connected to the compressor The return flow path 211 is a flow path for guiding a suction flow of a refrigerant returned to the compressor 210. The return flow path 211 may be formed of a pipe.

The return flow path 211 may be formed to recover the refrigerant passing through each of evaporators 250 and 260 and then provide the refrigerant to the compressor 210. Although not shown, two or more return flow paths 211 may be provided, and may be connected to each flow path individually or in plurality.

The refrigeration system may include a condenser 220. The condenser 220 condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 210.

The condenser 220 may be disposed in the refrigerator body 100. For example, the condenser 220 may be located in the machine room 103 in the refrigerator body 100.

The inside of the machine room 103 may be cooled by driving a cooling fan (C-Fan) 221. The air flowing in the machine room 103 by the driving of the cooling fan (C-Fan) 221 may exchange heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser 220.

An outlet flow path 222 may be connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the condenser 220. The refrigerant passing through the condenser 220 may be discharged to the outlet flow path 222.

The refrigeration system may include a plurality of branch flow paths 203 and 204.

The branch flow paths 203 and 204 are provided to branch and guide the refrigerant discharged from the outlet flow path 222 to a plurality of parts.

The branch flow paths 203 and 204 may include a first branch flow path 203 and a second branch flow path 204. Although not shown, the branch flow path may be branched into three or more.

The refrigeration system may include a first expansion valve 230 and a second expansion valve 240.

The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 220 may be decompressed by the first expansion valve 230 and the second expansion valve 240.

The first expansion valve 230 and the second expansion valve 240 may be connected to receive a refrigerant from the first branch flow path 203.

The first expansion valve 230 decompresses the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 220 to a first evaporator The second expansion valve 240 decompresses the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 220 to a second evaporator 260.

The refrigeration system may include a first evaporator 250 and a second evaporator 260.

The refrigerant decompressed in the first expansion valve may be evaporated by the first evaporator 250. The first evaporator 250 may be positioned in the first storage compartment 101 to exchange heat with air flowing by driving of the first storage compartment blowing fan (F-Fan) 281.

The refrigerant decompressed in the second expansion valve may be evaporated by the second evaporator 260. The second evaporator 260 may be positioned in the second storage compartment 102 and may exchange heat with air flowing by driving of the second storage compartment blowing fan (R-fan) 291.

The refrigeration system may include a first cooling flow path (F-Path) 201.

The first cooling flow path 201 is branched from the first branch flow path to guide the flow of the refrigerant recovered to the compressor 210 after passing through the first expansion valve 230 and the first evaporator 250. That is, the first cooling flow path 201 may be provided as a flow path of the refrigerant for a freezing operation of the first storage compartment 101.

The refrigeration system may include a second cooling flow path (R-Path) 202.

The second cooling flow path 202 is branched from the first branch flow path to guide the flow of the refrigerant recovered to the compressor 210 through the second expansion valve 240 and the second evaporator 260. That is, the second cooling flow path 202 may be provided as a flow path of the refrigerant for a refrigerating operation of the second storage compartment 102.

The refrigeration system may include a first hot gas flow path (Hi-Path) 321.

The first hot gas flow path 321 may be formed to provide high-temperature heat to a place where heat is required.

The first hot gas flow path 321 may be formed to guide the high-temperature refrigerant (hot gas) compressed by the compressor 210. That is, the refrigerant guided by the first hot gas flow path 321 provides heat.

The first hot gas flow path 321 may be connected to the second branch flow path 204 to allow the hot gas to flow to the second evaporator 260 through the first evaporator Accordingly, the first hot gas flow path 321 may heat the first evaporator 250 while the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 210 passes through the condenser 220 and then passes through the first evaporator 250.

The refrigeration system may include a second hot gas flow path 322.

The second hot gas flow path 322 is connected to the second branch flow path 204 and guides the hot gas to flow to the first evaporator 250 through the second evaporator 260.

That is, the second hot gas flow path 322 may be provided to heat the second evaporator 260 while the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 210 passes through the condenser 220 and then passes through the second evaporator 260.

The refrigeration system may include a first physical property adjustment part 271.

The physical property adjustment part 271 is formed to provide resistance to the flow of the refrigerant flowing to the second evaporator 260 after passing through the first evaporator 250 by the guidance of the first hot gas flow path 321. That is, resistance is provided to the flow of the refrigerant so that the physical properties of the refrigerant are controlled (variable). In this case, the physical properties of the refrigerant may include any one of a temperature, a flow rate, and a flow speed of the refrigerant.

The first physical property adjustment part 271 may be formed as a tube through which the refrigerant flows, and may be connected to the first hot gas flow path 321. That is, the refrigerant condensed and liquefied while passing through the first evaporator 250 has a physical property that may be easily heat-exchanged in the second evaporator while passing through the first physical property adjustment part 271.

When the refrigerant recovered to the compressor 210 through the second evaporator 260 is excessively liquefied, the operational reliability of the compressor 210 may be deteriorated. The first physical property adjustment part may prevent the operational reliability of the compressor 210 from being deteriorated.

In particular, the first physical property adjustment part may be formed to provide different flow resistance from the second expansion valve 240.

The resistance may be designed in consideration of a flow path length, a pressure in the flow path, and a density formed by the refrigerant in the flow path of the first physical property adjustment part 271. For example, the resistance may be adjusted by changing at least one of a flow path length, a pressure in the flow path, and a density formed by the refrigerant in the flow path of the first physical property adjustment part 271.

That is, even if the refrigerant flowing along the second hot gas flow path 322 and the second cooling flow path 202 has different physical properties, the difference in physical properties between the refrigerant flowing to the second evaporator 260 along the second hot gas flow path and the refrigerant flowing to the second evaporator along the second cooling flow path 202 may be reduced by the first physical property adjustment part 271.

In order to reduce the difference in physical properties, the first physical property adjustment part 271 may be formed to have a different diameter or a different length from the second expansion valve 240.

One example, the first physical property adjustment part may be formed to have the same diameter as the second expansion valve 240 and may have different lengths. That is, the first physical property adjustment part 271 and the second expansion valve 240 may be formed to have different lengths so that the physical properties of each other may be differently formed. For example, the first physical property adjustment part 271 may be formed to be shorter than the second expansion valve 240. In this case, since the first physical property adjustment part 271 and the second expansion valve 240 have the same diameter, the first physical property adjustment part 271 and the second expansion valve 240 may be commonly used.

As another example, the first physical property adjustment part 271 may be formed to have the same length as the second expansion valve 240 while having different diameters. For example, the first physical property adjustment part 271 may have a larger diameter than the second expansion valve 240.

The refrigeration system may include a second physical property adjustment part 272.

The second physical property adjustment part 272 is formed to provide resistance to the flow of the refrigerant. The refrigerant is a refrigerant that is guided by the second hot gas flow path 322 and flows to the first evaporator 250 after passing through the second evaporator 260. That is, a resistance is provided to the flow of the refrigerant so that the physical property of the refrigerant is adjusted (changed). The physical property of the refrigerant may include any one of a temperature, a flow rate, and a flow speed of the refrigerant.

The second physical property adjustment part 272 may be formed as a tube through which the refrigerant flows, and may be connected to the second hot gas flow path 322.

The second physical property adjustment part 272 may be formed to provide a different flow resistance from the first expansion valve 230.

The resistance may be designed in consideration of at least one of a flow path length, a pressure in the flow path, and a density formed by the refrigerant in the flow path of the second physical property adjustment unit 272. That is, the resistance may be adjusted by changing at least one of a flow path length, a pressure in the flow path, and a density formed by the refrigerant in the flow path of the second physical property adjustment part 272. The difference in physical properties between the refrigerant flowing to the first evaporator 250 along the second hot gas flow path 322 and the refrigerant flowing to the first evaporator 250 along the first cooling flow path 201 may be reduced by the design change of the second physical property adjustment part 272.

One example, the second physical property adjustment part may be formed to have the same diameter as the first expansion valve 230 and may have different lengths. The second physical property adjustment part 272 and the first expansion valve 230 may have different lengths to form different physical properties. For example, the second physical property adjustment part 272 may be shorter than the second expansion valve 230.

As another example, the second physical property adjustment part 272 may be formed to have the same length as the first expansion valve 230 while having different diameters. For example, the second physical property adjustment part 272 may have a larger diameter than the first expansion valve 230.

The refrigeration system may include a first flow path switching valve (Valve 1) 331.

The first flow path switching valve 331 may be operated to supply the refrigerant introduced into the first branch flow path 203 to at least one of the first cooling flow path 201 or the second cooling flow path 202.

The first flow path switching valve 331 may be operated such that the refrigerant introduced into the first branch flow path 203 is blocked from being supplied to both the first cooling flow path 201 and the second cooling flow path 202.

The first flow path switching valve 331 is installed at a connection portion between the first branch flow path 203, the first cooling flow path 201, and the second cooling flow path 202.

The refrigeration system may include a second flow path switching valve (Valve 2) 332.

The second flow path switching valve 332 may be operated to supply the refrigerant introduced into the second branch flow path 204 to at least one of the first hot gas flow path 321 or the second hot gas flow path 322.

The second flow path switching valve 332 may be operated to block supply of the refrigerant introduced into the second branch flow path 204 to both the first hot gas flow path 321 and the second hot gas flow path 322.

The second flow path switching valve 332 is installed at a connection portion between the second branch flow path 204, the first hot gas flow path 321, and the second hot gas flow path 322.

The refrigeration system may include a first guide flow path 351.

The first guide flow path 351 may be formed to guide the refrigerant flowing to the first evaporator 250 through the first expansion valve 230 or the second physical property adjustment part 272.

The refrigerant passing through the first expansion valve or the second physical property adjustment part 272 may be mixed with each other in the first guide flow path 351 and then flow to the first evaporator 250. Accordingly, the difference between the physical properties of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 250 through the first expansion valve 230 and the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 250 through the second physical property adjustment part 272 may be reduced.

The refrigeration system may include a second guide flow path 352.

The second guide flow path 352 may be formed to guide the refrigerant flowing to the second evaporator 260 through the second expansion valve 240 or the first physical property adjustment part 271.

The refrigerant passing through the second expansion valve or the first physical property adjustment part 271 may be mixed with each other in the second guide flow path 352 and then flow to the second evaporator 260. Accordingly, the difference between the physical properties of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 260 through the second expansion valve 240 and the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 260 through the first physical property adjustment part 271 may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a heating source 310.

The heating source 310 may be a heat source that provides high-temperature heat together with each of the hot gas flow paths 321 and 322.

The heat provided by the heating source 310 or each of the hot gas flow paths 321 and 322 may be used in various ways. For example, heat provided by the heating source 310 or heat provided by the first hot gas flow path 321 may be used to defrost the first evaporator 250. When heat is to be provided to the second evaporator 260, heat provided by the second hot gas flow path 322 may be used.

The heating source 310 may be formed of a sheath heater (Sheath HTR) which is heated by power supply.

The heating source 310 may be provided at any one adjacent portion of the first evaporator 250. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the first evaporator 250 is installed in an upright position, the heating source 310 may be located at a lower portion of the first evaporator 250.

The heating source 310 may be spaced apart from the lower portion of the heat exchange fin 251 in the lowest row of the first evaporator 250.

Although not shown, the heating source 310 may be additionally provided in the second evaporator 260.

Hereinafter, each situation operation using the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15.

Prior to description, the operation of each situation is performed by a controller (not shown) provided for the operation of the refrigerator. Although not described in detail, the operation of each situation may be performed as a control means (e.g., a home network or an online service server) connected by wired or wireless communication so as to control the controller of the refrigerator, rather than the corresponding refrigerator.

First, the operation of the refrigerator for each situation may include a normal cooling operation (S100).

The normal cooling operation (S100) is an operation for controlling to maintain a constant temperature range set for each of the storage compartments 101 and 102. During the normal cooling operation (S100), the air passing through each evaporator is provided to each storage compartment.

The constant temperature range is a temperature range between an upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) and a lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff) based on a set reference temperature (NT1, NT2) set for each storage compartment 101, 102. The cold air may be supplied (S121, S131) according to the constant temperature range, or the cold air supply may be stopped (S122, S132) to maintain the constant temperature of the storage compartment.

For example, when the internal temperature (F) of the first storage compartment 101 exceeds the upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff) and reaches a dissatisfaction temperature, the first cooling operation for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment 101 is performed (S131).

FIG. 8 illustrates a refrigerant flow when the first cooling operation is performed.

When the first cooling operation is performed (S131), the compressor 210 of the refrigeration system and the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 may be operated. When the first cooling operation is performed (S131), the first flow path switching valve (Valve 1) 331 is operated to allow the refrigerant to flow through the first cooling flow path 201. When the first cooling operation is performed (S131), the second flow path switching valve (Valve 2) 332 is operated to block the first hot gas flow path 321 and the second hot gas flow path 322.

The refrigerant compressed by the operation of the compressor 210 is condensed while passing through the condenser 220. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser flows along the first cooling flow path 201 and is decompressed and expanded while passing through the first expansion valve 230. The refrigerant passing through the first expansion valve 230 is heat-exchanged with air flowing around the first evaporator 250 and then recovered to the compressor 210 to be compressed, repeating the circulation.

By the operation of the first storage compartment blowing fan 281, the air in the first storage compartment 101 may pass through the first evaporator 250 and is supplied into the first storage compartment 101, repeating the circulation. In this process, the air is heat-exchanged in the first evaporator 250 and supplied into the first storage compartment 101 at a lower temperature to lower the temperature in the first storage compartment 101.

When the internal temperature (F) of the first storage compartment 101 reaches the lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff), the supply of cold air to the first storage compartment 101 is stopped and the first cooling operation is ended (S132). Therefore, the first storage compartment 101 may maintain the constant temperature range by the first cooling operation.

During the normal cooling operation (S100), when the internal temperature (R) of the second storage compartment exceeds the upper limit reference temperature (NT2+Diff) and reaches a dissatisfaction temperature, a second cooling operation for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment 102 is performed (S121).

FIG. 9 illustrates a refrigerant flow when the second cooling operation is performed.

When the second cooling operation is performed (S121), the compressor 210 and a second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be operated. When the second cooling operation is performed (S121), the first flow path switching valve 331 is operated to allow the refrigerant to flow through the second cooling flow path 202. When the second cooling operation is performed (S121), the second flow path switching valve 332 is operated to block the first hot gas flow path 321 and the second hot gas flow path 322.

Accordingly, the refrigerant compressed by the operation of the compressor 210 is condensed in a process of passing through the condenser 220. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 220 is decompressed and expanded while passing through the second expansion valve 240. The refrigerant passing through the second expansion valve 240 is heat-exchanged with air flowing around the refrigerant while passing through the second evaporator 260, and then flows to the compressor 210 to be compressed, repeating the circulation.

By the operation of the second storage compartment blowing fan 291, the air in the second storage compartment 102 may pass through the second evaporator 260 and is supplied into the second storage compartment 102, repeating the circulation. In this process, the air is heat-exchanged in the second evaporator 260 and supplied into the second storage compartment 102 at a lower temperature to lower the temperature (R) in the second storage compartment 102.

When the internal temperature (R) of the second storage compartment 102 reaches the lower limit reference temperature (NT2−Diff), the supply of cold air to the second storage compartment 102 is stopped, and the second cooling operation is ended (S122). Therefore, the second storage compartment 102 may maintain the constant temperature range by the second cooling operation.

If the internal temperature (F, R) of the first storage compartment 101 and the second storage compartment 102 together reach the dissatisfaction temperature (a temperature higher than the upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff)), cold air may be supplied to one storage compartment first and then to the other storage compartment.

For example, cold air may be supplied first to the second storage compartment 102 to form the satisfaction temperature (a temperature between the upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) and the lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff)) and then operated to supply to the first storage compartment 101. This is because the second storage compartment 102 is maintained at a temperature above freezing point, so the items stored in the storage compartment 102 may be sensitive to temperature changes.

Next, the operation of each situation of the refrigerator may include a pre-heat supply operation (S210).

If a start condition of a heat supply operation (S220) is satisfied while the normal cooling operation (S100) or other operations are being performed, the pre-heat supply operation (S210) is performed before the heat supply operation (S220).

The pre-heat supply operation (S210) will be described with reference to the state of FIG. 10 and the flowchart of FIG. 11.

The other operation may include a heat exchange process of cooling the second evaporator 260 while heating the first evaporator 250 or a heat exchange process of cooling the first evaporator 250 while heating the second evaporator 260.

In addition, in the pre-heat supply operation (S210) may include a cooling process before heat supply (S211) of cooling each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 while supplying cold air.

That is, the cooling process before heat supply (S211) allows each storage compartment 101, 102 to be cooled before performing the heat supply operation (S220), so that the temperature of each storage compartment 101, 102 is within the constant temperature range during the heat supply operation (S220).

In the cooling process before heat supply (S211), the compressor 210 and the cooling fan 221 are controlled to operate, and the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 and the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 are controlled to selectively operate.

The cooling process before heat supply (S211) may control to cool the storage compartment having a relatively high temperature among the two storage compartments 101 and 102 first, and then cool the other storage compartment. For example, the second storage compartment 102 may be cooled first, and then the first storage compartment 101 may be cooled.

During the operation for cooling the second storage compartment 102 (S211a) during the cooling process before heat supply (S211), the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 is operated. The second storage compartment blowing fan 291 is stopped when the second storage compartment temperature (R) reaches the satisfaction region. At this time, the satisfaction region is a temperature region that satisfies the constant temperature range during the normal cooling operation (S100), and may be, for example, a temperature range between the upper limit reference temperature (NT2+Diff) and the lower limit reference temperature (NT2−Diff).

The second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be stopped when the second storage compartment temperature (R) reaches the set reference temperature (NT2), or the lower limit reference temperature (NT2−Diff). Accordingly, the second storage compartment 102 may maintain the constant temperature range during the cooling process before heat supply (S211).

During the operation for cooling the first storage compartment 101 (S211c) during the cooling process before heat supply (S211), the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 is operated together with the compressor 210 and the cooling fan 221.

In the cooling process before heat supply (S211), each storage compartment 101, 102 may be cooled based on the constant temperature range (NT1±Diff, NT2±Diff) for each storage compartment in the normal cooling operation (S100). As a result, it is possible to prevent the stored items in each storage compartment 101, 102 from deteriorating due to sudden temperature changes during the heat supply operation (S220). In particular, since overcooling of the second storage compartment 102 is prevented during the heat supply operation (S220), deterioration or freezing of the stored items in refrigerator may be prevented. In addition, the first storage compartment 101 may maintain the constant temperature range during the cooling process before heat supply (S211).

In the prior art, before performing the defrosting operation (which may correspond to the heat supply operation according to the embodiment of the present disclosure), a deep cooling process was performed to change the reference temperature of each storage compartment 101, to a notch temperature (NT-X° C.) lower than the notch temperature (NT1, NT2) of the normal cooling operation, or to change the upper limit reference temperature (NT+Diff) or the lower limit reference temperature (NT−Diff). However, even without changing the temperature of the set reference temperatures (NT1, NT2), when operating using hot gas, the internal temperature of the storage compartment increases by −X° C. after the heat supply operation (S220).

Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling process before heat provision (S211) is performed as the normal cooling operation (e.g., first cooling operation or second cooling operation) rather than the deep cooling process. Through this, the operation time of the cooling process before heat supply (S211) may be shortened and the energy consumption for the cooling operation before heat supply (S211) maybe reduced.

In the pre-heat supply operation (S210), a first pause process (S212) for stopping the operation of the compressor may be included.

The first pause process (S212) may be performed after the cooling process before heat supply (S211) until the heat supply operation (S220). That is, by providing the first pause process (S212), a pause time of the compressor 210 may be guaranteed while allowing the first evaporator temperature (FD) to be raised to a sufficient temperature. The first pause process (S212) may be performed for a minimum pause time of the compressor 210. For example, the first pause process (S212) may be performed to stop the compressor 210 for 3 minutes. That is, the first pause process (S212) is maintained for the time necessary to avoid damaging the operational reliability of the compressor 210 from the time the compressor 210 is stopped until it is restarted.

In particular, a pump down may be performed before the compressor 210 and the cooling fan 221 are stopped for the first pause process (S 212). The pump down is an operation in which the compressor 210 and the cooling fan 221 are operated for a predetermined time in a state in which the supply of the refrigerant to each of the cooling flow paths and 202 and the hot gas flow paths 321 and 322 is blocked. That is, it is possible to prevent a refrigerant flow defect due to pressure differences between each evaporator 250 and 260, which may occur during the heat supply operation (S220) by the pump down.

Meanwhile, when the cooling process before heat supply (S211) is ended and the first pause process (S212) is performed, the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 may be controlled to increase the rotation speed (S213). That is, even when the compressor 210 is stopped, the first storage compartment 101 may be cooled with the increasing speed of the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 so that the temperature (FD) of the first evaporator may reach the first storage compartment temperature (F) more quickly.

The first storage compartment blowing fan 281 may continue to operate until the first pause process (S212) ends.

In particular, the first storage compartment blowing fan may be controlled to stop when the first evaporator temperature (FD) is higher than the first storage compartment temperature (F) (S214). That is, even though the first evaporator temperature (FD) is higher than the first storage compartment temperature (F), when the blowing fan 281 for the first storage compartment is rotated, the first storage compartment temperature (F) may be increased. Accordingly, when the first evaporator temperature (FD) is higher than the first storage compartment temperature (F), the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 is stopped (S214).

Next, the operation of the refrigerator for each situation may include a heat supply operation (S220).

The heat supply operation (S220) is an operation of providing heat for heating the first evaporator 250. For example, the heat supply operation (S220) may be performed to remove frost formed on a surface of the first evaporator 250.

The heat supply operation (S220) may be performed when an operation condition is satisfied. For example, when the defrosting operation of the first evaporator 250 is required, it may be determined that the operating condition of the heat supply operation (S220) is satisfied.

The defrosting operation may determine whether the operation is necessary by checking the amount or flow rate of cold air passing through the first evaporator 250, checking whether the accumulated operation time of the compressor 210 has elapsed a set time, or checking whether the first storage compartment 101 is maintained at the dissatisfaction temperature for a predetermined time.

If the operation condition (e.g., the condition for the defrosting operation of the first evaporator) is satisfied by at least one method, the pre-heat supply operation (S210) may be performed first, and then the heat supply operation (S220) may be performed.

The heat supply operation (S220) will be described with reference to the attached state diagram of FIG. 10, the flow chart of FIG. 13, and the state diagram of FIG. 14.

The heat supply operation (S220) may include a heating process (S221b) for providing heat to the first evaporator using the heating source 310.

The heating process (S221b) may be performed when a heating condition is satisfied by checking whether the heating condition for heating the first evaporator 250 is satisfied after the cooling process before heat supply (S211) of each storage compartment 101 and 102 starts (S221a).

For example, the heating condition of the heating process (S221b) may be set to a time. For example, it may be determined that the heating condition is satisfied when the set time has elapsed after the cooling process before heat supply (S211) is ended (the end of the pause process or the cooling of the first storage compartment).

As another example, the heating condition of the heating process (S221b) may be set to a temperature. If the heating condition is set to time, it may be difficult to respond to changes in various surrounding environments. In consideration of this, it may be more desirable to set the heating condition to a temperature so as to accurately respond to changes in various surrounding environments.

When the heating condition is set to a temperature, the first evaporator temperature (FD) may reach the first storage compartment temperature (F) or may be higher than the first storage compartment temperature (F).

That is, during cooling process before heat supply (S211) or after cooling process before heat supply (S211) is completed, the temperature (FD) of the first evaporator may be checked, and when the temperature (FD) of the first evaporator is gradually increased to be equal to or higher than the temperature (F) of the first storage compartment, it may be determined that the heating condition is satisfied.

The first evaporator temperature (FD) may include a refrigerant outlet side temperature or a cold air outlet side temperature of the first evaporator 250.

When it is determined that the heating condition is satisfied, the heating process (S221b) is performed in which the first evaporator 250 is heated while the heating source 310 is being heated.

When heating process (S221b) is performed (the heating source is heated), the time set to the pause process (S212) may be ignored. That is, even before the time set for the pause process (S212) has elapsed, if the heating condition of the heating source 310 is satisfied, the heating process (S221b) may be controlled to be performed (the heating source generates heat).

Even though a minimum pause time of the compressor 210 is not elapsed even when the first evaporator temperature (FD) reaches the first storage compartment temperature (F), performance of the heating process (S221b) may be delayed until the minimum pause time elapses. For example, if three minutes have not elapsed since the end of the cooling process before heat supply (S211), even if the first evaporator temperature (FD) reaches the first storage compartment temperature (F), the heating process (S221b) may be delayed until the heating source 310 elapses the above three minutes.

The heat supply operation (S220) may include a first heat exchange process (S222b) that provides heat to the first evaporator 250 using the circulation of the refrigerant.

That is, by performing the first heat exchange process (S222b), heat may be provided to a desired temperature more quickly than when heat is provided to the first evaporator only by the heating source 310, thereby reducing power consumption due to the operation of the heating source 310.

The first heat exchange process (S222b) may be performed when the first pause process (S212) of the pre-heat supply operation (S210) is ended.

The first heat exchange process (S222b) may be performed by operating the compressor 210 to supply cold air to the first hot gas flow path 321. During the first heat exchange process (S222b), the first flow path switching valve (Valve 1) 331 is closed, and the second flow path switching valve (Valve 2) 332 is operated to open the first hot gas flow path 321.

Accordingly, the high-temperature refrigerant generated in the compressor 210 by performing the first heat exchange process (S222b) passes through the condenser 220 and then flows to the first evaporator 250 along the first hot gas flow path 321 to heat the first evaporator 250. The refrigerant that heated the first evaporator 250 passes through the second evaporator 260 in a state of being decompressed through the first physical property adjustment part 271 and then is recovered to the compressor 210. This is shown in FIG. 13.

Even when the compressor 210 is operated while the first heat exchange process (S222b) is performed, the cooling fan is controlled to stop. The cooling fan 221 may be controlled to stop until the first heat exchange process (S222b) is ended (S224b). Accordingly, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 210 may be provided to the first evaporator 250 without a temperature drop while passing through the condenser 220, and the first evaporator may be heated with the high-temperature refrigerant.

When the first heat exchange process (S222b) is performed, the second storage compartment blowing fan (R-fan) 291 may be controlled to operate. In this case, the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator 250 is decompressed after passing through the first physical property adjustment part 271, and then heat-exchanged with the air in the second storage compartment 102 while passing through the second evaporator 260. In addition, the heat-exchanged air is provided to the second storage compartment 102 to lower the temperature in the second storage compartment 102.

That is, when the first evaporator 250 is heated in the first heat exchange process (S222b), the second storage compartment 102 is cooled. For this reason, when the heat supply operation (S220) is ended, the operation for cooling the second storage compartment 102 may be omitted, so that the first storage compartment 101 may be quickly cooled, the time for cooling the first storage compartment 101 may be shortened, and power consumption may be reduced.

The second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be stopped (S224b), when the heating of the first evaporator is ended or the heat supply operation (S220) is ended.

Meanwhile, when the heat exchange condition is satisfied by checking whether the heat exchange condition of each storage compartment 101 and 102 is satisfied (S222a), the first heat exchange process (S222b) may be performed. That is, when the cooling process before heat supply (S211) is ended (S211d), the compressor 210 is stopped. When the heat exchange condition is satisfied, the compressor 210 is operated to supply hot gas (high temperature refrigerant) to the first hot gas flow path 321.

The heat exchange conditions may include various cases.

As an example, the heat exchange condition may include a case where a set time elapses after performing the heating process (S221b) (power is supplied to the heating source).

For example, when 10 minutes elapses after the power is supplied to the heating source 310, it is determined that the heat exchange condition is satisfied and the first heat exchange process (S222b) may be performed.

That is, when the heating process (S221b) and the first heat exchange process (S222b) are performed simultaneously, or the first heat exchange process (S222b) is performed prior to the heating process (S221b), the temperature of the hot gas is rapidly lowered in the process of passing through the first evaporator 250, and thus sufficient heat is not provided to the first evaporator 250. In consideration of this, the heating process (S221b) is performed prior to the first heat exchange process (S222b), so that the hot gas passing through the first evaporator during the first heat exchange process (S222b) is supplied with the heat from the heating source 310 to sufficiently heat the entire portion of the first evaporator 250 without a temperature drop. That is, when the heating source 310 generates heat and the heat from the heating source 310 starts to affect the first evaporator 250, the high-temperature refrigerant passes through the first evaporator 250 along the first hot gas flow path 321.

As another example, the heat exchange condition may include a case in which a set time elapses after the cooling process before heat supply (S211) of each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 is ended (S211d). That is, when the set time elapses after the cooling process before heat supply (S211) is ended (S211d), it is determined that the heat exchange condition is satisfied, and the first heat exchange process (S222b) may be performed.

As another example, the heat exchange condition may include a case in which the cooling process before heat supply (S211) of each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 is ended (S211d), and then the first evaporator temperature (FD) reaches a first set temperature X 1 (FD≥X1° C.). That is, when the cooling process before heat supply (S211) of each of the storage compartments 101 and 102 is ended (S211d), and then the first evaporator temperature (FD) reaches the first set temperature X 1 (FD≥X1° C.), it is determined that the heat exchange condition is satisfied, and the first heat exchange process (S222b) may be performed.

The first set temperature (X1) may be a temperature higher than the temperature of the first storage compartment (F) and may be lower than or equal to a second set temperature (X2) at which the heating of the heating source 310 ends.

Of course, when the first set temperature (X1) is set to the second set temperature (X2) where the heating of the heating source 310 ends, heating by the heating source 310 and the heating using hot gas may not be simultaneously performed. In consideration of this, the first set temperature (X1) may be preferably set to a temperature lower than the second set temperature (X2) where the heating of the heating source 310 ends. For example, the first set temperature (X1) may be set to −3° C., and the second set temperature (X2) may be set to 5° C.

When the heat exchange condition is satisfied and the first heat exchange process (S222b) is performed, the cooling fan may be stopped until the first heat exchange process (S222b) is ended (S224b) even when the compressor 210 is operated.

That is, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 210 may prevent a temperature drop (heat loss) caused by the operation of the cooling fan 221 while passing through the condenser 220. Accordingly, the high-temperature refrigerant may be provided to the first evaporator 250 as much as possible.

When the heat exchange condition is satisfied and the first heat exchange process (S222b) is performed, the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 for circulating cool air in the first storage compartment 101 may be stopped. This means that a temperature increase of the first evaporator 250 may be prevented.

When the heat exchange condition is satisfied and the first heat exchange process (S222b) is performed, the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 for circulating cool air in the second storage compartment 102 may be operated. That is, when the refrigerant flows along the hot gas flow path 320, the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 is operated to heat exchange the cold air in the second storage compartment 102 through the second evaporator 260. Accordingly, the process of supplying cold air to the second storage compartment 102 while heating the first evaporator 250 may be simultaneously performed.

In the heating process (S221b) and the first heat exchange process (S222b) of the heat supply operation (S220), a heating end condition or heat exchange end condition is checked (S223a, S224a), and when each end condition is satisfied, the heating process is ended (S223b) or the first heat exchange process is ended (S224b).

The heating end condition may include a case in which the first evaporator temperature (FD) reaches the preset second set temperature (X2) as a condition for the end of the heating of the heating source 310. That is, when the first evaporator temperature (FD) reaches the second set temperature (X2), it is determined that the heating end condition is satisfied, and the power supplied to the heating source 310 is blocked (S223b).

The second set temperature (X2) may be set to 5° C. for example, as a temperature in consideration of the deterioration of the stored items due to the increase in the temperature of the first storage compartment 101. In particular, the second set temperature (X2) may be set to a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature (X1) to confirm the satisfaction of the heat exchange condition. Accordingly, the first storage compartment may maintain the constant temperature range during the heating process.

The heat exchange end condition may be a condition in which the supply of the hot gas (refrigerant) is ended, and may in fact be a condition in which the heat supply operation (S220) for heating the first evaporator 250 is ended.

The heat exchange end condition may include a case where the temperature of the second storage compartment 102 reaches an overcooling region.

Since the second storage compartment 102 is a storage compartment for refrigerated storage, damage such as freezing the storage may occur when the temperature drops excessively. In consideration of this, it is necessary to maintain the temperature of the second storage compartment (R) in the constant temperature range to prevent deterioration or overcooling of the storage items. Accordingly, when the second storage compartment 102 reaches the overcooling region, it is determined that the heat exchange end condition is satisfied, and thus the supply of the refrigerant to the first hot gas flow path is blocked (S224b).

The overcooling region is a temperature lower than the constant temperature range, and is lower than or equal to the lower limit reference temperature (NT2−Diff) set based on the set reference temperature (NT2) of the second storage compartment 102. That is, when the temperature (R) of the second storage compartment 102 reaches the lower limit reference temperature (NT2−Diff) or lower than the lower limit reference temperature (NT2−Diff), the supply of the refrigerant to the hot gas flow path 320 is blocked. Accordingly, the second storage compartment 102 may maintain the constant temperature during the first heat exchange process (S222b) of the heat supply operation (S220).

When the second storage compartment 102 reaches the set reference temperature (NT2), the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be stopped. That is, the time for the second storage compartment 102 to reach the overcooling region is delayed so that the first evaporator 250 may be sufficiently heated.

As another example, the heat exchange end condition may be determined based on the total operating time of the heat supply operation (S220).

For example, when a set time elapses after the start of the first heat exchange process (S222b), it may be determined that the heat exchange end condition is satisfied, and the supply of the refrigerant to the first hot gas flow path may be blocked (S224b) to end the first heat exchange process (S222b). In this case, the operation of the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be stopped.

Alternatively, when a set time elapses from when the heating source 310 is heated, it may be determined that the heat exchange end condition is satisfied, and the supply of the refrigerant to the first hot gas flow path 321 may be blocked (S224b) to end the first heat exchange process (S222b). In this case, the operation of the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be stopped.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator for each situation may include a temperature returning operation (S230) may be included.

The temperature returning operation (S230) is an operation of cooling the first storage compartment 101 of which temperature is increased by the heat supply operation (S220) to the satisfaction region.

The temperature returning operation (S230) will be described with reference to the state diagram of FIG. 10 and the flowchart of FIG. 14 and the state diagram of FIG.

The temperature returning operation (S230) may include a second pause process (S231a) for stopping the compressor and the cooling fan 221 for a set time. That is, the compressor 210 operated for the first heat exchange process may be pause for the set time.

The temperature returning operation (S230) may include a natural defrosting process (S232a).

When the second pause process (S231a) starts, the natural defrosting process (S232a) may be performed by operating the second storage compartment blowing fan (R-fan) 291. That is, by operating the second storage compartment blowing fan 291, the second evaporator 260 may be naturally defrosted with air in the second storage compartment 102. This is possible because the temperature (R) in the second storage compartment is higher than the second evaporator temperature (RD).

The second storage compartment 102 is sufficiently cooled through the previous heat supply operation (S220). Accordingly, the natural defrosting process (S232a) of the second evaporator 260 is performed simultaneously with the end of the heat supply operation (S220), so that the operation time of the natural defrosting process (S232a) is reduced as much as possible.

The natural defrosting process (S232a) may be performed until the second evaporator temperature (RD) reaches a third set temperature (X3). When the second evaporator temperature (RD) reaches the third set temperature (X3), second storage compartment blowing fan 291 is stopped (S232b). The third set temperature (X3) may be set to a temperature at which the second evaporator 260 may be defrosted and lower than the upper limit reference temperature (NT2+Diff) of the second storage compartment 102. For example, the third set temperature (X3) may be set to 0° C. In this case, when the second evaporator temperature (RD) is higher than 0° C., the natural defrosting process (S232a) may be ended (S232b). Accordingly, the second storage compartment 102 may maintain the constant temperature range in the natural defrosting process (S232a).

The temperature returning operation (S230) may include a second heat exchange process (S233a). The second heat exchange process (S233a) is a process for assisting the defrosting of the second evaporator 260 to be ended more quickly while cooling the first storage compartment 101. That is, the defrosting time of the second evaporator 260 may be shortened by the second heat exchange process (S233a), and thus the temperature of the second storage compartment 102 may not exceed the constant temperature range.

The second heat exchange process (S233a) may be performed after the second pause process (S231a) is ended by checking whether the second pause process (S231a) is ended (S231b).

The second heat exchange process (S233a) may be performed by operating the compressor 210 to supply cold air to the second hot gas flow path 322. During the second heat exchange process (S233a), the first flow path switching valve (Valve 1) 331 is closed, and the second flow path switching valve (Valve 2) 332 is operated to open the second hot gas flow path 322.

Accordingly, the high-temperature refrigerant generated in the compressor 210 passes through the condenser 220 and then flows to the second evaporator 260 along the second hot gas flow path 322 to heat the second evaporator 260. The refrigerant heating the second evaporator 260 is recovered to the compressor 210 after passing through the first evaporator 250 in a state of being decompressed through the second physical property adjustment part 272. This is shown in FIG. 15.

While the second heat exchange process (S233a) is performed, the cooling fan 221 is stopped, despite the operation of the compressor 210. The cooling fan 221 may be stopped until the second heat exchange process (S233a) is ended. Accordingly, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor may be provided to the second evaporator 260 without a temperature drop while passing through the condenser 220, and the first evaporator 260 may be heated by the high-temperature refrigerant.

During the second heat exchange process (S233a), the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 may be operated. At this time, since the first evaporator temperature (FD) is higher than the first storage compartment temperature (F) at the start time of the second heat exchange process (S233a), the first storage compartment temperature (F) may be increased when the first storage compartment blowing fan is operated. In consideration of this, the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 is preferably controlled to operate when the first evaporator temperature (FD) is lower than the first storage compartment temperature (F) (S233b).

Meanwhile, the second heat exchange process (S233a) may be ended (S233c) when a heat exchange end condition is satisfied.

The heat exchange end condition is a condition in which the supply of the hot gas (refrigerant) is ended. When the heat exchange end condition is satisfied (S233c), the second hot gas flow path 322 is closed.

As an example of the heat exchange end condition, a case where the temperature (F) of the first storage compartment reaches the satisfaction region may be included. The satisfaction region is lower than the set reference temperature (NT1) in the constant temperature range. Accordingly, in the second heat exchange process (S233a), the first storage compartment 101 may maintain the constant temperature range.

Even if the temperature (F) of the first storage compartment reaches the satisfaction region by the second heat exchange process (S233a), when the natural defrosting process for the second storage compartment 102 is not ended (when the second evaporator temperature does not reach the third set temperature (X3)), the second heat exchange process (S233a) may be controlled not to be ended. This is because, since the first storage compartment 101 is a storage compartment used for freezing and storing the stored items, even if the freezing temperature is excessively lowered, concerns about deterioration or overcooling of the stored items are prevented. In this case, it may be preferable that the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 is controlled to be stopped in order to reduce power consumption.

As another example of the heat exchange end condition may include a case in which the operation time of the second heat exchange process (S233a) elapses a set time. The set time may be set differently depending on the room temperature or the environment outside the refrigerator.

As another example of the heat exchange end condition may include a case in which the temperature of the second storage compartment 102 may reach an overtemperature region. The overtemperature region is a temperature higher than the constant temperature range, and is a temperature higher than or equal to the upper limit reference temperature (NT2+Diff) of the second storage compartment 102. Accordingly, in the second heat exchange process (S233a), the second storage compartment 102 may maintain the constant temperature range.

The temperature returning operation (S230) may include a simultaneous operation process (S234).

The simultaneous operation process (S234) is a process of simultaneously cooling the first storage compartment 101 and the second storage compartment 102.

The simultaneous operation (S234) may be performed when the heat exchange end condition is satisfied and the second heat exchange process is ended (S233c).

The simultaneous operation (S234) may be performed by simultaneously supplying the refrigerant to the first evaporator 250 and the second evaporator 260, and simultaneously operating the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 and the cooling fan 221. At this time, the compressor 210 and the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 may be controlled to continue to operate without being stopped even when the second heat exchange process (S233c) is ended. In the simultaneous operation (S234), the first flow path switching valve 331 is operated to simultaneously flow the refrigerant to the first cooling flow path 201 and the second cooling flow path 202. In the simultaneous operation (S234), the second flow path switching valve 332 is operated to block the first hot gas flow path 321 and the second hot gas flow path 322.

As the second storage compartment 260 is rapidly cooled by the simultaneous operation (S234), the temperature rise in the refrigerator may be minimized.

The simultaneous operation process (S234) may be performed based on a set time or based on a set temperature.

Meanwhile, after the simultaneous operation (S234) ends, the first storage compartment 101 may be additionally cooled. That is, in the case of the first storage compartment, the defrosting temperature is high, while the satisfaction temperature (set reference temperature) is relatively low, it may take a long time to reach the satisfaction, and in the case of the second storage compartment, the satisfaction temperature may be quickly reached.

Considering this, only the second storage compartment blowing fan 291 may be stopped at the end of the simultaneous operation (S234), and the first cooling process (S235) of controlling the compressor 210, the cooling fan 221, and the first storage compartment blowing fan 281 to continue to operate may be performed. At this time, the first flow path switching valve 331 is operated to flow the refrigerant only to the first cooling flow path 201, and the second cooling flow path 202 is operated to be blocked.

Therefore, as the first storage compartment 101 is additionally cooled by the first cooling process (S235), the first storage compartment 101 may be maintained at the set reference temperature (NT1), and thus may be maintained in the constant temperature range.

After the first cooling process (S234), the second cooling process (S236) of alternately cooling the second storage compartment 102 and the first storage compartment 101 may be further performed and then returned to the normal cooling operation (S100). Of course, the second cooling process (S236) may not be performed and may return to the normal cooling operation (S100).

As such, according to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, cooling and heating of each storage compartment 101, 102 may be performed by providing the plurality of hot gas flow paths 321, 322. As a result, even if the temperature of one storage compartment drops is significantly decreased while the temperature of the other storage compartment is significantly increased, the constant temperature of each storage compartment 101 and 102 may be maintained.

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, during the pre-heat supply operation (S210) performed before the heat supply operation (S220), the cooling process before heat supply (S211) is performed without changing the set reference temperature (notch temperature, NT1, NT2) of each storage compartment 101, 102. As a result, it is possible to maintain the constant temperature in each storage compartment 101, 102 during the pre-heat supply operation (S210).

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, during the heat supply operation (S220), the first evaporator 250 is heated by the first heat exchange process (S222b) and the cooling operation is performed on the second storage compartment 102. As a result, it is possible to maintain the constant temperature in the second storage compartment 102 during the heat supply operation (S220).

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, the natural defrosting process (S232b) is performed in the temperature returning operation (S230). Accordingly, the temperature of the second evaporator 260 may be increased without power consumption during the temperature returning operation (S230).

According to the refrigerator operation control method of the present disclosure, in the temperature returning operation (S230), the second evaporator 260 is heated and the first storage compartment 101 is cooled by the second heat exchange process (S233a). As a result, the second evaporator 260 may be heated more quickly to the desired temperature during the temperature returning operation (S230). In addition, the first storage compartment 101 may be maintained at the constant temperature.

Claims

1. A refrigerator operation control method comprising: a normal cooling operation, including a first cooling operation, in which a refrigerant flows along a first cooling flow path to provide air passing through a first evaporator to a first storage compartment by selectively controlling operation of a compressor, a cooling fan, and a first storage compartment blowing to maintain the first storage compartment in a constant temperature range; anda second cooling operation, in which a refrigerant flows along a second cooling flow path to provide air passing through a second evaporator to a second storage compartment by selectively controlling operation of the compressor, the cooling fan, and a second storage compartment blowing fan to maintain the second storage compartment in a constant temperature range,a heat supply operation, in which heat is supplied to one evaporator by a high-temperature refrigerant flowing along either a first hot gas flow path or a second hot gas flow path, while the other evaporator is cooled;a pre-heat supply operation, in which either the first or the second storage compartment is cooled before the heat supply operation is performed, if a start condition of the heat supply operation is satisfied during the normal cooling operation; anda temperature returning operation performed until the normal cooling operation is resumed after the heat supply operation is ended,wherein each storage compartment is controlled to be maintained within a constant temperature range for each storage compartment during at least one operation of the pre-heat supply operation, the heat supply operation, and the temperature returning operation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the constant temperature range is a temperature range between an upper limit reference temperature (NT1+Diff, NT2+Diff) and a lower limit reference temperature (NT1−Diff, NT2−Diff) set based on a notch temperature (NT1, NT2) for each storage compartment.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-heat supply operation includes a cooling process before heat supply for supplying cold air to each storage compartment.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the cooling process before heat supply is performed by preferentially cooling the storage compartment having a relatively high temperature among the two storage compartments and then cooling the other storage compartment.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein a first storage compartment blowing fan is operated when operating for cooling the first storage compartment during the cooling process before heat supply, and the first storage compartment blowing fan is stopped when the temperature of the first evaporator is higher than the temperature of the first storage compartment.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the pre-heat supply operation includes a first pause process of stopping an operation of the compressor after the cooling process before heat supply until the heat supply operation is performed.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat supply operation includes a heating process of heating any one evaporator by heating a heating source.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the heating process is performed when a heating condition is satisfied.

9. (canceled)

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat supply operation includes a first heat exchange process in which a refrigerant is controlled to flow along the first hot gas flow path, the first evaporator is heated with the high-temperature refrigerant, and the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator is controlled to cool the second evaporator while passing through the second evaporator.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first heat exchange process is performed when a heat exchange condition is satisfied.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first heat exchange process is ended when the temperature of the second storage compartment reaches an overcooling region.

16. (canceled)

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature returning operation includes: a second pause process of stopping the compressor and the cooling fan for a set time;a second heat exchange process of heating the second evaporator while flowing the high-temperature refrigerant along the second hot gas flow path after the second pause process, and cooling the first evaporator; anda simultaneous operation process of simultaneously supplying a refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator and simultaneously operating the first storage compartment blowing fan, the second storage compartment blowing fan, and the cooling fan.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the simultaneous operation is performed after the second heat exchange process.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein when the second pause process of the temperature returning operation is started, the second storage compartment blowing fan is operated.

20. (canceled)

21. The method of claim 17, wherein when the temperature of the first evaporator is lower than the temperature of the first storage compartment while the temperature returning operation is performed, the first storage compartment blowing fan is operated.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein after the simultaneous operation is ended, the first cooling operation is performed, in which the refrigerant flows along the first cooling flow path to provide air passing through the first evaporator to the first storage compartment by selectively controlling operation of the compressor, the cooling fan, and the first storage compartment blowing fan to maintain the first storage compartment in the constant temperature range.

23. (canceled)

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature returning operation includes a second pause process of stopping the compressor and the cooling fan for a set time.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature returning operation includes a second heat exchange, in which a refrigerant is controlled to flow along the second hot gas flow path, the second evaporator is heated with the high-temperature refrigerant, and the refrigerant passing through the second evaporator is controlled to cool the first evaporator while passing through the first evaporator.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature returning operation includes a simultaneous operation process of simultaneously supplying a refrigerant to the first evaporator and the second evaporator and simultaneously operating the first storage compartment blowing fan, the second storage compartment blowing fan, and the cooling fan.

27. A refrigerator operation control method comprising: a normal cooling operation in which air passing through each evaporator is supplied to each storage compartment to maintain a constant temperature range;a heat supply operation, in which heat is supplied to one evaporator using a high-temperature refrigerant flowing along one hot gas flow path, while the other evaporator is cooled;a pre-heat supply operation, in which either a first or a second storage compartment is cooled before the heat supply operation is performed, if a start condition of the heat supply operation is satisfied during the normal cooling operation; and,a temperature returning operation performed until the normal cooling operation is resumed after the heat supply operation is ended,wherein each storage compartment is controlled to be maintained within a constant temperature range for each storage compartment during at least one operation of the pre-heat supply operation, the heat supply operation, and the temperature returning operation.