Refrigerator controlling method

Abstract

A refrigerating controlling method that is capable of independently controlling cooling systems separately mounted in freezing and refrigerating chambers, each of which includes an evaporator and a fan, and reducing the number of starts of a compressor and the fans, thereby decreasing power consumption and noise and increasing service lives of the compressor and the fans. The refrigerator controlling method includes comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber, if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature, comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber, examining whether the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time, and if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, controlling a compressor and a refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and a freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0033174, filed on Apr. 21, 2005 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a refrigerator controlling method, and, more particularly, to a method of controlling a refrigerator having partitioned refrigerating and freezing chambers where evaporators are mounted separately in the refrigerating and freezing chambers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a refrigerator has a refrigerator body, which is partitioned into a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber by an intermediate partition. The freezing and refrigerating chambers are opened and closed by doors hingedly connected to the refrigerator body. At the inner wall of the freezing chamber are mounted an evaporator and a fan, by which cold air is generated and supplied to the interior of the freezing chamber. At the inner wall of the refrigerating chamber are also mounted another evaporator and another fan, by which cold air is generated and supplied to the interior of the refrigerating chamber.

When the interior temperature of the refrigerator is higher than a target temperature, which is set by a user, cold air is generated and supplied to the interior of the refrigerator to lower the interior temperature of the refrigerator. A compressor is operated to compress refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant flows to an evaporator through a condenser and an expansion device. The refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator to generate cold air. The cold air is blown to the interior of the refrigerator by a fan.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,044 discloses a method of cooling a refrigerating chamber that is capable of controlling a compressor and a refrigerating chamber fan to be operated if the temperature of the refrigerating chamber is higher than a predetermined refrigerating chamber temperature while the temperature of a freezing chamber is lower than a predetermined freezing chamber temperature. When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber frequently exceeds the predetermined refrigerating chamber for a short period of time, however, the compressor and the refrigerating chamber fan frequently operate, and therefore, power consumption and noise increase. When the compressor is started from a stopped state of the compressor, the majority of power is consumed. For this reason, it is preferable not to frequently start the compressor. Also, the frequent starting of the compressor and the fan reduces the service lives of the compressor and the fan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigerating controlling method that is capable of independently controlling cooling systems separately mounted in freezing and refrigerating chambers, each of which includes an evaporator and a fan, and reducing the number of starts of a compressor and the fans, thereby decreasing power consumption and noise and increasing service lives of the compressor and the fans.

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator controlling method including: (a) comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber; (b) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (a), comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber; (c) examining whether the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time in Operation (b); and (d) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, controlling a compressor and a refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and a freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator controlling method including: (a) comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber; (b) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (a), comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber; (c) detecting the refrigerating chamber temperature, in Operation (b), to examine whether the refrigerating chamber temperature rises above the refrigerating chamber reference temperature predetermined times or more; and (d) if the refrigerating chamber temperature rises above the refrigerating chamber reference temperature the predetermined times or more, determining that the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, and controlling a compressor and a refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and a freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

In accordance with yet another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator controlling method including: (a) comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber; (b) comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber; (c) if the refrigerating chamber temperature and the freezing chamber temperature are higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature and the freezing chamber reference temperature, respectively, operating a compressor, a freezing chamber fan, and a refrigerating chamber fan to cool both the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber; (d) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is lower than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature in Operation (b), turning on the compressor and the freezing chamber fan and turning off the refrigerating chamber fan, and repeating Operation (b); (e) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (a), comparing the refrigerating chamber temperature with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature; (f) examining whether the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time in Operation (e); and (g) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, controlling the compressor and the refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and the freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view, in section, showing the structure of a refrigerator employing a high-efficiency multi-evaporator cycle (hereinafter, referred to as H.M. cycle) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the construction of a control unit of the refrigerator employing the H.M. cycle according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a refrigerator controlling method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of a compressor, a refrigerating chamber fan, and a freezing chamber fan in the refrigerator controlling method according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a first detecting method of refrigerating chamber temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a second detecting method of refrigerating chamber temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a third detecting method of refrigerating chamber temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a side view, in section, showing the structure of a refrigerator 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 20 has an insulation-structured refrigerator body 21, which is partitioned into a lower freezing chamber 22 and an upper refrigerating chamber 23 by an intermediate partition 24 such that cold air is not exchanged between the freezing and refrigerating chambers 22 and 23. The freezing and refrigerating chambers 22 and 23 are opened and closed by a freezing chamber door 25 and a refrigerating chamber door 26, respectively. There is no cold air channel to allow the freezing and refrigerating chambers 22 and 23 to communicate with each other, and no return passage is formed at the intermediate partition 24. At the rear wall of the refrigerating chamber 23 are mounted a first evaporator 27 and a refrigerating chamber fan 28. At the rear wall of the freezing chamber 22 are mounted a second evaporator 29 and a freezing chamber fan 30. The refrigerating chamber fan 28 and the freezing chamber fan 30 are connected to drive motors, respectively. At the lower part of the refrigerator body 21 is mounted a compressor 31.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the compressor 31, a condenser 32, a capillary tube 33, the first evaporator 27, and the second evaporator 29 are connected to one another via a refrigerant pipe 34 in order to form a closed circuit. The refrigerating chamber fan 28 and the freezing chamber fan 30 are disposed adjacent to the first evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29, respectively. The first and evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29 are connected in series such that all the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator 27 also passes through the second evaporator 29. The state of the refrigerant is changed when the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipe 34 in the direction indicated by an arrow. The refrigerant is evaporated while passing through the first evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29, and therefore, the refrigerant absorbs heat from air surrounding the evaporators 27 and 29 to generate cold air. The cold air is supplied into the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23 as the refrigerating chamber fan 28 and the freezing chamber fan 30 are operated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two evaporators 27 and 29 are connected in series, and the fans 28 and 30 are disposed adjacent to the corresponding evaporators 27 and 29, although it is designed that an evaporator and a fan are mounted at the freezing chamber while only a fan is mounted at the refrigerating chamber such that cold generated at the freezing chamber evaporator is supplied into the refrigerating chamber by the refrigerating chamber fan. Alternatively, it may be designed that the refrigerating chamber evaporator and the refrigerating chamber fan are mounted at the refrigerating chamber, the freezing chamber evaporator and the freezing chamber fan are mounted at the freezing chamber, and the refrigerating chamber evaporator and the freezing chamber evaporator are connected in parallel to the outlet side of the condenser.

The state change of the refrigerant will be described below in more detail. The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention uses a single refrigerant, such as CFC-12 or HFC-134a. The refrigerant is compressed to high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 31, and the compressed refrigerant passes through the condenser 32. At this time, heat exchange is performed between the compressed refrigerant and air surrounding the condenser 32, and therefore, the refrigerant is condensed. The condensed refrigerant passes through the capillary tube 33 or an expansion valve. At this time, the refrigerant is decompressed. The decompressed refrigerant passes through the first evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29. At this time, the refrigerant is evaporated. The first evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29 are connected in series, and no structure is disposed between the first evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29. Consequently, all the refrigerant passing through the first evaporator 27 also passes through the second evaporator 29. Some of the refrigerant is evaporated while passing through the first evaporator 27, and the remaining refrigerant is evaporated while passing through the second evaporator 29. As a result, all of the refrigerant is changed into a gaseous state. The evaporated refrigerant is reintroduced into the compressor 31 to form a refrigerant cycle, in which the refrigerant is repeatedly circulated according to the operation of the compressor 31. When the refrigerant is evaporated in the first evaporator 27 and the second evaporator 29, the refrigerant absorbs heat from air surrounding the evaporators 27 and 29 to generate cold air. The cold air is supplied to the interior of the refrigerator in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 1, as the refrigerating chamber fan 28 and the freezing chamber fan 30 are operated, to cool the refrigerating chamber 23 and the freezing chamber 22.

In this specification, a system having two evaporators and two fans and using a single refrigerant as an operation fluid is defined as a high-efficiency multi-evaporator cycle (H.M. cycle). The H.M. cycle does not require a gas-liquid separator disposed between the evaporators or a valve to control the flow of the refrigerant. Also, the evaporators are connected in series, and therefore, the pipe construction for the refrigerant cycle is simplified. Furthermore, a single refrigerant is used, and therefore, the change in performance according to the dispersion of the filled amount of refrigerant is not great during manufacture as compared to the case that mixed refrigerant is used. Consequently, mass production is possible.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the construction of a control unit 35 of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, a door switch 36, a refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 37, a freezing chamber temperature sensor 38, an outside air temperature sensor 39, a first evaporator surface sensor 40, and a second evaporator surface sensor 40′ are connected to the input side of the control unit 35. The door switch 36 is used to detect whether the doors are opened or closed. The temperature sensors 37, 38, 39, 40, and 40′ serve to detect the temperature of the freezing chamber 22, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 23, the temperature of the outside air, the surface temperature of the first evaporator 27, and the surface temperature of the second evaporator 29, respectively, to generate electric signals of magnitudes corresponding to the detected temperatures, and to transmit the generated electric signals to the control unit 35. Also, a first switch 41, a second switch 42, and a third switch 43 to turn on/off the compressor 31, the refrigerating chamber fan 28, and the freezing chamber fan 30, respectively, are electrically connected to the output side of the control unit 35. The first, second, and third switches 41, 42, and 43 are controlled by switch controllers 44 based on the electric signals generated by the temperature sensors 37, 38, 39, 40, and 40′ to turn on/off the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28, respectively. Consequently, the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 are independently controlled.

The controlling operation of the control unit 35 is accomplished by the comparison between a freezing chamber temperature T_F detected by the freezing chamber temperature sensor 38 and a freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS predetermined at a temperature suitable to store frozen foods and between a refrigerating chamber temperature T_R detected by the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 37 and a refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS predetermined at a temperature suitable to store refrigerated foods. In an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined reference temperature indicates the range of temperature in the refrigerator at which inherent characteristics of the refrigerator are maintained. The freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS is one selected from −21° C. (strong freezing), −18° C. (medium freezing), and −15° C. (weak freezing), which are previously set by a user, within the range of −15° C. to −21° C. The refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS is one selected from −1° C. (strong refrigeration), 3° C. (medium refrigeration), and 6° C. (weak refrigeration), which are previously set by the user, within the range of 6° C. to −1° C.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a refrigerator controlling method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of a compressor, a refrigerating chamber fan, and a freezing chamber fan in the refrigerator controlling method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the freezing chamber temperature T_F is a current temperature of the freezing chamber 22, and the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS is a target temperature of the freezing chamber 22, which is set by the user. The refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is a current temperature of the refrigerating chamber 23, and the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS is a target temperature of the refrigerating chamber 23, which is set by the user.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 35 compares the freezing chamber temperature T_F with the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS in Operation 211. If the freezing chamber temperature T_F is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS in Operation 211, Operation 212 is carried out to compare the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS in Operation 212, Operation 213 is carried out to turn on the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28. As a result, the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23 are cooled, as illustrated in FIG. 5, Part A, and therefore, the cooling rate is increased. This situation occurs when both the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23 are frequently used, the temperature of air surrounding the refrigerator 20 is high, or the refrigerator 20 is restarted after not being used for a long period of time.

If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is not higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS in Operation 212, Operation 214 is carried out to turn on the compressor 31 and the freezing chamber fan 30 and to turn off the refrigerating chamber fan 28, and then Operation 211 is repeated. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 5, Part B, the compressor 31 and the freezing chamber fan 30 are operated, and, if the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R exceeds the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS while cooling the freezing chamber 22, the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is operated.

After Operation 213, Operation 215 is carried out to compare the freezing chamber temperature T_F with the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS. If the freezing chamber temperature T_F is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS in Operation 215, Operation 212 is repeated. If the freezing chamber temperature T_F is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS, Operation 216 is carried out to turn on the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 and to turn off the freezing chamber fan 30. In Operation 214, cooling of the refrigerating chamber 23 is stopped if the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is lowered below the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS. In Operation 216, cooling of the freezing chamber 22 is stopped if the freezing chamber temperature T_F is lowered below the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS.

If the freezing chamber temperature T_F is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS in Operation 211, Operation 217 is carried out to compare the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS in Operation 217, Operation 250 is carried out to examine whether the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS for a predetermined period of time. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS while the freezing chamber 22 is under the normal condition (T_F<T_FS), the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 are operated to cool the refrigerating chamber 28 until the refrigerating chamber 23 is under the normal condition. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is temporarily or sporadically higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS, the compressor 31 is frequently started, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is frequently operated. As a result, the service life of the compressor 31 is reduced, noise is increased, and power consumption is increased. For this reason, only if the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS for the predetermined period of time, Operation 216 is carried out to turn on the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 and to turn off the freezing chamber fan 30. Here, the normal condition is the condition that the interior temperature of the freezing chamber 22 or the refrigerating chamber 23 is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS or the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is not higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS in Operation 217, which means that both the refrigerating chamber 23 and the freezing chamber 22 are in the normal condition, Operation 218 is carried out to stop the operation of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28.

In Operation 216, the freezing chamber 22 is under the normal condition, but the refrigerating chamber 23 is not under the normal condition, i.e., the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 23 is high. Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5, Part C, the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 are operated earlier than the freezing chamber fan 30 under the condition that the cooling operation of the freezing chamber 22 is decided based on the current temperature of the freezing chamber 22, and, after the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled below the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS, the freezing chamber 22 is cooled.

If this is not the case, i.e., if the freezing chamber temperature T_F is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS even before the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled below the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS, both the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23 may be cooled.

After Operation 216, Operation 219 is carried out to compare the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is not higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS in Operation 216, Operation 211 is repeated. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS in Operation 216, Operation 220 is carried out to compare the freezing chamber temperature T_F with the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS. If the freezing chamber temperature T_F is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS in Operation 220, Operation 212 is repeated. If the freezing chamber temperature T_RS is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS in Operation 220, Operation 216 is repeated to turn on the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 and to turn off the freezing chamber fan 30.

After Operation 218, Operation 221 is carried out to determine whether a first surface temperature T_ES of the first evaporator 27 is higher than 0° C. If the first surface temperature T_ES is not higher than 0° C. in Operation 221, Operation 222 is carried out to turn off the compressor 31 and the freezing chamber fan 30 and to turn on the refrigerating chamber fan 28 such that frost is removed from the surface of the first evaporator 27. That is, the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is operated, immediately after the compressor 31 is turned off while the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23 are under the normal condition, to remove frost from the surface of the first evaporator 27. As illustrated in FIG. 5, Parts A to C, only the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is operated immediately after the compressor 31 is turned off such that outside air having relatively high temperature passes by the first evaporator 27 to remove frost. Consequently, no additional electric heater is necessary, and excessive increase of the temperature is prevented.

As described above, both the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23, which are under the abnormal condition, are cooled, and therefore, the cooling rate of the freezing chamber 22 and the refrigerating chamber 23 is increased (see FIG. 5, Part A). It can be seen from FIG. 5, Parts B and C, that, if the freezing chamber 22 is under the abnormal condition and the refrigerating chamber 23 is under the normal condition, the freezing chamber 22 is cooled first. If the refrigerating chamber 23 is under the abnormal condition and the freezing chamber 22 is under the normal condition, on the other hand, the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled first. This means that the refrigerating chamber 23 is maintained below the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS (that is, the refrigerating chamber 23 is under the normal condition) while the freezing chamber 22 is cooled, and the freezing chamber 22 is maintained below the freezing chamber reference temperature T_FS (that is, the freezing chamber 22 is under the normal condition) while the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled. Also, the first evaporator 27 is defrosted with air in the refrigerating chamber 23 immediately after the compressor 31 is turned off.

FIGS. 6 to 8 are views illustrating various methods of detecting the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R according to the present invention to determine whether the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS for the predetermined period of time in Operation 250 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates that the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is detected twice at an interval of a first set time t1, and, if the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS at both of the two points of time, the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled. FIG. 6, Parts A to C, illustrate on/off of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 based on change of the freezing chamber temperature T_F or the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R, and FIG. 6, Part D, illustrates change of the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R. As illustrated in FIG. 6, Part D, the point of time is detected at which the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS after the operation of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is stopped (see 602 of FIG. 6), and then the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is detected once more at the point of time at which the first set time t1 elapses (see 604 of FIG. 6). If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is still higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS, it is determined that the high-temperature state of the refrigerating chamber 23 is not temporary but continuous, and therefore, the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 are turned on to cool the refrigerating chamber 23, and the freezing chamber fan 30 is turned off.

FIG. 7 illustrates that the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is continuously detected for a second set time t2, and, if the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS for the second set time t2, the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled. FIG. 7, Parts A to C, illustrate on/off of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 based on change of the freezing chamber temperature T_F or the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R, and FIG. 7, Part D, illustrates change of the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R. As illustrated in FIG. 7, Part D, the point of time is detected at which the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS after the operation of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is stopped (see 702 of FIG. 7). If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS until the second set time t2 elapses (see 704 of FIG. 7), it is determined that the high-temperature state of the refrigerating chamber 23 is not temporary but continuous, and therefore, the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 are turned on to cool the refrigerating chamber 23, and the freezing chamber fan 30 is turned off.

FIG. 8 illustrates that the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is detected, and, if the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R rises above the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS predetermined times or more, the refrigerating chamber 23 is cooled. FIG. 8, Parts A to C, illustrate on/off of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 based on change of the freezing chamber temperature T_F or the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R, and FIG. 8, Part D, illustrates change of the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R. As illustrated in FIG. 8, Part D, the point of time is detected at which the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS after the operation of the compressor 31, the freezing chamber fan 30, and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 is stopped. If the refrigerating chamber temperature T_R rises above the refrigerating chamber reference temperature T_RS the predetermined times or more, it is determined that the high-temperature state of the refrigerating chamber 23 is not temporary but continuous, and therefore, the compressor 31 and the refrigerating chamber fan 28 are turned on to cool the refrigerating chamber 23, and the freezing chamber fan 30 is turned off.

The present invention, which is applied to controlling the refrigerating chamber as described above, may be also applicable to controlling the freezing chamber. Specifically, if the freezing chamber temperature is continuously higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time, the compressor and the freezing chamber fan are operated, whereby the number of starts of the compressor and the freezing chamber fan is greatly reduced.

As apparent from the above description, both the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber, which are under the abnormal condition, are cooled, and therefore, the cooling speed is greatly increased. If the freezing chamber is in the abnormal condition while the refrigerating chamber is in the normal condition, the freezing chamber is cooled first. If the refrigerating chamber is in the abnormal condition while the freezing chamber is in the normal condition, on the other hand, the refrigerating chamber is cooled first. Consequently, the refrigerating chamber temperature is maintained below the refrigerating chamber reference temperature while the freezing chamber is cooled, and the freezing chamber temperature is maintained below the freezing chamber reference temperature while the refrigerating chamber is cooled. Furthermore, the first evaporator is defrosted with air in the refrigerating chamber immediately after the compressor is turned off.

The present invention has the effect of independently controlling cooling systems separately mounted in the freezing and refrigerating chambers, each of which includes the evaporator and the fan, and reducing the number of starts of the compressor and the fans, thereby decreasing power consumption and noise and increasing service lives of the compressor and the fans.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator controlling method comprising:

(a) comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber;

(b) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (a), comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber;

(c) examining whether the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time in Operation (b); and

(d) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, controlling a compressor and a refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and a freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerating chamber temperature is detected twice at an interval of a first set time in Operation (c), and, if the detected refrigerating chamber temperature is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature, it is determined that the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, and Operation (d) is carried out.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously detected for a second set time in Operation (c), and, if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the second set time, it is determined that the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, and Operation (d) is carried out.

4. A refrigerator controlling method comprising:

(a) comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber;

(b) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (a), comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber;

(c) detecting the refrigerating chamber temperature, in Operation (b), to examine whether the refrigerating chamber temperature rises above the refrigerating chamber reference temperature predetermined times or more; and

(d) if the refrigerating chamber temperature rises above the refrigerating chamber reference temperature the predetermined times or more, determining that the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, and controlling a compressor and a refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and a freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

5. A refrigerator controlling method comprising:

(a) comparing a freezing chamber temperature with a freezing chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a freezing chamber;

(b) comparing a refrigerating chamber temperature with a refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber;

(c) if the refrigerating chamber temperature and the freezing chamber temperature are higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature and the freezing chamber reference temperature, respectively, operating a compressor, a freezing chamber fan, and a refrigerating chamber fan to cool both the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber;

(d) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is lower than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature in Operation (b), turning on the compressor and the freezing chamber fan and turning off the refrigerating chamber fan, and repeating Operation (b);

(e) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (a), comparing the refrigerating chamber temperature with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature;

(f) examining whether the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time in Operation (e); and

(g) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, controlling the compressor and the refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and the freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:

(h) after turning on the compressor, the refrigerating chamber fan, and the freezing chamber fan in Operation (c), comparing the freezing chamber temperature with the freezing chamber reference temperature;

(i) if the freezing chamber temperature is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (h), repeating Operation (b); and

(j) if the freezing chamber temperature is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature, turning on the compressor and the refrigerating chamber fan and turning off the freezing chamber fan.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:

(k) after performing Operation 0), comparing the refrigerating chamber temperature with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature;

(l) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is not higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature in Operation (k), repeating Operation (a);

(m) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature, comparing the freezing chamber temperature with the freezing chamber reference temperature; and

(n) if the freezing chamber temperature is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature in Operation (m), repeating Operation (b).

8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:

(o) if the refrigerating chamber temperature is not higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature in Operation (e), turning off the compressor, the freezing chamber fan, and the refrigerating chamber fan.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

(p) after performing Operation (o), comparing a first surface temperature of a first evaporator with 0° C.; and

(q) if the first surface temperature is not higher than 0° C., turning off the compressor and the freezing chamber fan and turning on the refrigerating chamber fan.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the freezing chamber reference temperature is −15° C. to −21° C., and the refrigerating chamber reference temperature is −1° C. to 6° C.

11. A refrigerator, comprising:

a compressor;

an insulation-structured body partitioned into a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber by an intermediate partition;

a first evaporator and a refrigerating chamber fan mounted at a rear wall of the refrigerating chamber;

a second evaporator and a freezing chamber fan mounted at a rear wall of the freezing chamber;

a refrigerating chamber temperature sensor connected to the input side of the control unit to detect a temperature of the refrigerating chamber;

a freezing chamber temperature sensor connected to the input side of the control unit to detect a temperature of the freezing chamber;

an outside air temperature sensor connected to the input side of the control unit; and

a control unit compares the temperature of the freezing chamber with a predetermined freezing chamber reference temperature, compares the temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a predetermined refrigerating chamber reference temperature suitable to store goods in a refrigerating chamber, and if the temperature of the refrigerating chamber and the temperature of the freezing chamber are higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature and the freezing chamber reference, respectively, operates the compressor, the freezing chamber fan, and the refrigerating chamber fan to cool both the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, and if the temperature of the refrigerating chamber is lower than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature, turns of the compressor and the freezing chamber fan and turns off the refrigerating chamber fan, and if the temperature of the freezing chamber is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature, compares the temperature of the refrigerating chamber with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature and examines whether the temperature of the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for a predetermined period of time, and if the refrigerating chamber temperature is continuously higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature for the predetermined period of time, controls the compressor and refrigerating chamber fan to be turned on and the freezing chamber fan to be turned off such that the refrigerating chamber is cooled.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the control unit compares the temperature of the freezing chamber with the freezing chamber reference temperature, and if the temperature of the freezing chamber is not higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature, turns of the compressor and the refrigerating chamber fan and turns off the freezing chamber fan.

13. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the control unit compares the temperature of the refrigerating chamber with the refrigerating chamber reference temperature, and if the temperature of the refrigerating chamber is higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature, compares the freezing chamber temperature with the freezing chamber reference temperature, and if the temperature of the freezing chamber is higher than the freezing chamber reference temperature, operates the compressor, the freezing chamber fan and the refrigerating chamber fan.

14. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the control unit determines that if the refrigerating chamber temperature is not higher than the refrigerating chamber reference temperature to turn off the compressor, the freezing chamber fan, and the refrigerating chamber fan.

15. The refrigerator of claim 11, further comprising:

a first evaporator surface sensor connected to the input side of the control unit to detect a first surface temperature;

a second evaporator surface sensor connected to the input side of the control unit to detect a second surface temperature;

wherein the control unit compares the first surface temperature with 0° C., and if the first surface temperature is not higher than 0° C., turns off the compressor and the freezing chamber fan and turns on the refrigerating chamber fan.