Abstract: A damper cleaning apparatus for a two compartment refrigerator having a damper for controlling airflow between compartments. The damper cleaning apparatus includes a damper drive mechanism for opening and closing the damper. A controller for controlling the damper drive mechanism repeats a cleaning operation at a set interval. The cleaning operation includes plural repetitions of at least partially opening the damper and then at least partially closing the damper. Optionally, the controller waits for the defrosting apparatus to be turned off and then subsequently performs the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A damper apparatus for controlling airflow between compartments in a two compartment refrigerator having a door includes a controller for controlling opening and closing of a damper; and a door sensor connected to the controller for detecting when the door is open. If the controller determines that the door has remained closed for a set period, the controller maintains the damper in the closed position. A method for cleaning a damper in a refrigerator includes a steps of defrosting a refrigeration apparatus of the refrigerator, at least partially opening the damper, followed by waiting for a set period and then at least partially closing the damper. The steps of at least partially opening and waiting are repeated a set number of times and then a cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus is commenced.

Abstract: A damper cleaning apparatus for a two compartment refrigerator having a damper for controlling airflow between compartments. The damper cleaning apparatus includes a damper drive mechanism for opening and closing the damper. A controller for controlling the damper drive mechanism repeats a cleaning operation at a set interval. The cleaning operation includes plural repetitions of at least partially opening the damper and then at least partially closing the damper. Optionally, the controller waits for the defrosting apparatus to be turned off and then subsequently performs the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A damper apparatus for controlling airflow between compartments in a two compartment refrigerator having a door includes a controller for controlling opening and closing of a damper; and a door sensor connected to the controller for detecting when the door is open. If the controller determines that the door has remained closed for a set period, the controller maintains the damper in the closed position. A method for cleaning a damper in a refrigerator includes a steps of defrosting a refrigeration apparatus of the refrigerator, at least partially opening the damper, followed by waiting for a set period and then at least partially closing the damper. The steps of at least partially opening and waiting are repeated a set number of times and then a cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus is commenced.