REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body including first and second storage compartments, an input part selecting a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments, a first evaporator cooling air to be supplied into the first storage compartment, a first fan motor blowing the air into the first evaporator, a second evaporator cooling air to be supplied into the second storage compartment, a second fan motor blowing the air into the second evaporator, and a control part controlling each of the first and second fan motors. The control part controls a fan motor corresponding to a corresponding storage compartment to adjust an amount of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0060709 (filed on Jun. 7, 2012), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature state. Such a refrigerator includes a main body defining at least one storage compartment and a door connected to the main body to open or close the storage compartment.

Also, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration cycle for supplying low-temperature air into the storage compartment. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator.

When the storage compartment is cleaned, a user may clean the storage compartment after foods stored in the storage compartment are taken out to the outside. Here, when the storage compartment is cleaned without turning the refrigerator off, unnecessary power may be consumed.

Also, when it is intended to turn the refrigerator off, since a power cord of the refrigerator is disposed on a rear side of the refrigerator, it may mot be easy to separate the power cord from a socket.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a refrigerator.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body comprising a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment; an input part to select a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments; a first evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the first storage compartment; a first fan motor to blow the air into the first evaporator; a second evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the second storage compartment; a second fan motor to blow the air into the second evaporator; and a control part to control each of the first and second fan motors, wherein the control part controls a fan motor corresponding to a corresponding storage compartment so that an amount of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment when a cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments is selected is less than that of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment in a normal cooling mode.

In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body comprising a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment; an input part to select a refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, a freezing compartment cleaning mode, or a normal cooling mode; an evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the freezing compartment; a fan motor to blow the air into the evaporator; a connection duct to supply cool air heat-exchanged with the evaporator into the refrigerating compartment; a damper to adjust a flow of the cool air into the connection duct; and a control part to control operations of the fan motor and the damper, wherein the control part controls the damper so that the damper blocks the connection duct in the freezing compartment cleaning mode or the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body comprising a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment; an input part to select a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments; a first evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the first storage compartment; a second evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the second storage compartment; a refrigerant adjustment valve to control a flow of a refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows into at least one of the first and second evaporators; and a control part to control the refrigerant adjustment valve, wherein, when a cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments is selected, the control part controls the refrigerant adjustment valve so that the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator corresponding to the corresponding storage compartment is blocked.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the refrigerator according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include a main body having at least one storage compartment and at least one door 10 or 20 connected to the main body.

In the current embodiment, the refrigerator 1 including a plurality of storage compartment and a plurality of doors will be described as an example. Also, the plurality of storage compartment may include a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a plurality of freezing or refrigerating compartments that are maintained at different temperatures, or a plurality of freezing or refrigerating compartments that are maintained at the same temperature. Hereinafter, the refrigerator including the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment will be described as an example.

One door 10 (a freezing compartment door or a refrigerating compartment door) of a plurality of doors 10 and 20 may include an input part 110 for inputting an operation command and a display part 115 for displaying an operation state.

The input part 110 may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a cleaning mode button 114 through which a cleaning mode is capable of being selected. For another example, the input part 110 may include a touch screen for inputting a command by using a touch manner. In this case, the cleaning mode button 114 for selecting a touch screen state cleaning mode may be displayed.

Of cause, the plurality of buttons may further include at least one of a freezing temperature button 111 for selecting a freezing compartment temperature, a refrigerating temperature button 113 for selecting a refrigerating compartment temperature, and a supper cooling button 112 for selecting a super cooling temperature (cooling the inside at a temperature less than the freezing compartment temperature). The current embodiment is not limited to a kind of buttons.

A refrigerating compartment cleaning mode and a freezing compartment cleaning mode may be selected by using the cleaning mode button 114. For example, when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed one time, the freezing compartment cleaning mode may be selected. Also, when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed two times, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode may be selected. In addition, when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed three times, the cleaning mode may be released. Alternatively, when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed one time, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode may be selected, and when the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed two times, the freezing compartment cleaning mode may be selected.

The release of the cleaning mode may represent selection of a normal cooling mode of the refrigerator 1. For another example, the input part 110 may include buttons having the same number as that of cleaning mode. That is, the input part 110 may include at least refrigerating compartment cleaning mode button and freezing compartment cleaning mode button. Of cause, the input part 110 may further include a normal cooling mode button for selecting the normal cooling mode.

The freezing compartment temperature, whether the super cooling is selected, the refrigerating compartment temperature, whether the cleaning mode is selected, and a kind of selected cleaning mode may be displayed on the display part 115.

For example, when the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is selected, an alphabetical character “R” may be displayed on the display part 115. Also, when the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected, an alphabetical character “F” may be displayed on the display part 115. Also, when the normal cooling mode is selected, related information may not be displayed on the display part 115, or information for informing a state of the normal cooling mode may be displayed on the display part 115. That is, information for informing the selected mode may be displayed on the display part 115. Alternatively, the display part 115 may be omitted. In this case, information for informing the selected mode may be seen through the plurality of buttons.

The refrigerator 1 may further include a compressor 31 for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser 32 for condensing the compressed refrigerant, a fan motor assembly for blowing air into the condenser 32, a refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 (a first evaporator) for cooling the refrigerating compartment, a first fan motor 39 for blowing air into the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37, a freezing compartment evaporator 38 (a second evaporator) for cooling the freezing compartment, and a second fan motor 40 for blowing air into the freezing compartment evaporator 38.

Also, the refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerant adjustment valve 34 for adjusting a flow of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 32 flows at least one of the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 and the freezing compartment evaporator 38, a first expansion device 35 for expanding the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37, a second expansion device 36 for expanding the refrigerant flowing into the freezing compartment evaporator 38, and a check valve 41 for preventing the refrigerant discharged from the freezing compartment evaporator 38 from flowing backwardly.

The first fan motor 39 and the second fan motor 40 may independently operate with respect to each other.

For example, the refrigerant adjustment valve 34 may be a three way valve. Thus, the refrigerant may be supplied into the evaporators 37 and 38 at the same time by the three way valve, or the refrigerant may be supplied into one of the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 and the freezing compartment evaporator 38.

For another example, valves may be provided in a first tube for guiding the refrigerant into the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 and a second tube for guiding the refrigerant into the freezing compartment evaporator 38, respectively.

Also, the refrigerator 1 may further include a lighting part 561 for emitting light into the storage compartment, a sound generation part 52 for generating a warning sound when a predetermined time elapses after the doors 10 and 20 are opened, and a control part 50 for controlling an overall operation of the refrigerator 1.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the refrigerator will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, when a refrigerator 1 is turned on, the refrigerator 1 operates in a normal cooling mode (S1). In the normal cooling mode, a first fan motor 39 and a second fan motor 40 are turned on. Then, a refrigerator condensed in the condenser 32 is supplied into each of evaporators 37 and 38 by a refrigerant adjustment valve 34. Also, the refrigerant and air within each of the evaporators 37 and 38 are heat-exchanged to cool the air. Then, the cooled air is supplied into each of a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment.

Also, the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment are maintained at target temperatures by a freezing temperature button 111 and a refrigerating temperature button 113, respectively.

While the refrigerator 1 operates in the normal cooling mode, a control part 50 controls whether a freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected (S2). The case in which the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected as described above may be a case in which a user pushes a cleaning mode button 114 one time or a case in which the user pushes a freezing compartment cleaning mode button.

Here, to prevent the freezing compartment cleaning mode from being selected regardless of an intension of the user, the control part 50 may determines that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected in a case where the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed for a predetermined time.

For another example, an input part 110 may further include a cleaning mode locking button. After mode locking is released by the cleaning mode locking button, a cleaning mode may be selected by using the cleaning mode button 114.

When it is determined that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected in the operation S2, the control part 50 determines whether other cleaning modes are selected within a predetermined time (S3). In the current embodiment, a reason in which it is determined whether the other cleaning mode is selected within a predetermined time after a specific cleaning mode is selected is for giving a cleaning mode changing time to the user when the specific cleaning mode is mischosen due to user's carelessness or for giving a mode selection time to allow the user to finally select the specific cleaning mode.

That is, in a case where the specific cleaning mode is selected by using one button, since the same button should be pushed one time or more to select the specific cleaning mode, when it is determined that the specific cleaning mode is selected, it may be determined whether the other cleaning mode is selected within a predetermined time so as to give a sufficient time for allowing the user to select the mode.

For example, although the user intends to select the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, when the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected really, or when the user selects the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode within a predetermined time, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode may be selected finally.

When the control part 50 determines that the other mode is not selected within a predetermined time in the operation S3, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 to operate in the freezing compartment cleaning mode (S4). Also, the control part may control the display part 115 so that information for informing that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected is displayed on the display part 115.

In the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 and the second fan motor 40. That is, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows only into the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37 and controls the second fan motor 40 so that the second fan motor 40 is turned off. Thus, since the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 32 does not flow into the freezing compartment evaporator 38, and the second fan motor 40 is turned off, supply of cool air into the freezing compartment may be blocked.

For another example, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows into each of the evaporators 37 and 38. Here, the control part 50 may control the second fan motor 40 so that an RPM of the second fan motor 40 is less than that of the second fan motor 40 in the normal cooling mode. In this case, although the cool air is supplied into the freezing compartment, an amount of cool air supplied into the freezing compartment may be reduced when compared to that in the normal cooling mode. As a result, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the freezing compartment may have a temperature greater than a target temperature.

In either event, since an amount of cool air supplied into the freezing compartment is reduced in the freezing compartment cleaning mode (including a case in which the cool air is not supplied), the freezing compartment may be cleaned in a state where foods are stored in the refrigerating compartment to reduce power consumption.

Also, when the refrigerator 1 operates in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, a sound generation part 52 is turned off. Thus, when a freezing compartment door is opened to clean the freezing compartment, a warning sound is not generated from the sound generation part 52. Thus, it may prevent the warning sound from being unnecessarily generated to reduce power consumption. For another example, in the case where the refrigerator 1 operates in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, when a freezing compartment door opening time reaches a reference time, an operation of the sound generation part 52 is stopped after operating for a predetermined time. In this case, it may prevent the warning sound from be unnecessarily continuously generated due to the operation of the sound generation part 52.

Also, when the refrigerator 1 operate in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while the freezing compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus, since the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the freezing compartment, the user may easily clean the freezing compartment.

While the refrigerator 1 operates in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether the freezing compartment is completely cleaned (S5). In the current embodiment, the case in which the freezing compartment is completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user selects the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode by using the cleaning mode button 114 or selects the normal cooling mode.

Although the freezing compartment is completely cleaned, the user may select the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode or may not select the normal cooling mode. Thus, when the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected, and the cleaning of the freezing compartment is not completed within a predetermined time, the refrigerator 1 may automatically operate in the normal cooling mode. However, in this case, information for informing that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is switched into the normal cooling mode may be displayed on the display part 115.

When the cleaning of the freezing compartment is completed in the operation S5, the freezing compartment cleaning mode is released. Also, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 so that the refrigerator 1 performs a quick cooling operation until the freezing compartment temperature reaches a target temperature (S6). That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor 31 so that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick cooling operation.

Alternatively, the control part 50 may control the second fan motor 40 so that an RPM of the second fan motor 40 in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the second fan motor 40 in the quick cooling operation.

In the current embodiment, the reason in which the refrigerator performs the quick cooling operation after the freezing compartment cleaning mode is released is for allowing a temperature of the freezing compartment to quickly reach the target temperature. Since the temperature of the freezing compartment quickly reaches the target temperature by the quick cooling operation after the freezing compartment cleaning mode is released, foods may be stored again in the freezing compartment as soon as possible after the freezing compartment is completely cleaned.

Also, when the temperature of the freezing compartment reaches the target temperature, the refrigerator 1 operates in the normal cooling mode.

When it is determined that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is not selected in the operation S2, the control 50 determines whether the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is selected (S7) In the current embodiment, the case in which the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is selected represents a case in which the cleaning mode button 114 is pushed two times, or the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode button is pushed.

When it is determined that the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is selected in the operation S7, the control part 50 determines whether the other cleaning mode is selected within a predetermined time (S8).

In the current embodiment, the reason in which the control part 50 determines whether the other cleaning mode is selected within the predetermined time is the same as described above.

When the control part 50 determines that the other mode is not selected within the predetermined time in the operation S8, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 to operate in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode (S9). Also, the control part 50 may control the display part 115 so that information for informing that the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is selected is displayed on the display part 115.

In the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 and the first fan motor 39. That is, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows only into the freezing compartment evaporator and controls the first fan motor 39 so that the first fan motor 39 is turned off. Thus, since the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 32 does not flow into the refrigerating compartment evaporator 37, and the first fan motor 39 is turned off, supply of cool air into the refrigerating compartment may be blocked.

For another example, in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the refrigerant adjustment valve 24 so that the refrigerant flows into each of the evaporators 37 and 38. Here, the control part 50 may control the first fan motor 39 so that an RPM of the first fan motor 39 is less than that of the first fan motor 39 in the normal cooling mode. In this case, although the cool air is supplied into the refrigerating compartment, an amount of cool air supplied into the refrigerating compartment may be reduced when compared to that in the normal cooling mode. As a result, in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the refrigerating compartment may have a temperature greater than a target temperature.

In either event, since an amount of cool air supplied into the refrigerating compartment is reduced in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode (including a case in which the cool air is not supplied), the refrigerating compartment may be cleaned in a state where foods are stored in the freezing compartment to reduce power consumption.

Also, when the refrigerator 1 operates in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the sound generation part 52 is turned off. Thus, when a refrigerating compartment door is opened to clean the refrigerating compartment, a warning sound is not generated from the sound generation part 52. Thus, it may prevent the warning sound from being unnecessarily generated to reduce power consumption. For another example, in the case where the refrigerator 1 operates in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, when a refrigerating compartment door opening time reaches a reference time, an operation of the sound generation part 52 is stopped after operating for a predetermined time. In this case, it may prevent the warning sound from be unnecessarily continuously generated due to the operation of the sound generation part 52.

Also, when the refrigerator 1 operate in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus, since the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the refrigerating compartment, the user may easily clean the refrigerating compartment.

While the refrigerator 1 operates in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned (S9). In the current embodiment, the case in which the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user selects the freezing compartment cleaning mode by using the cleaning mode button 114 or selects the normal cooling mode.

Although the freezing compartment is completely cleaned, the user may select the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode or may not select the normal cooling mode. Thus, when the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected, and the cleaning of the freezing compartment is not completed within a predetermined time, the refrigerator 1 may automatically operate in the normal cooling mode. However, in this case, information for informing that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is switched into the normal cooling mode may be displayed on the display part 115.

When the cleaning of the refrigerating compartment is completed in the operation S10, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is released. Also, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 1 so that the refrigerator 1 performs a quick cooling operation until the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches a target temperature (S11).

That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor so that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick cooling operation. Alternatively, the control part 50 may control the first fan motor 39 so that an RPM of the first fan motor 39 in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the first fan motor 39 in the quick cooling operation.

In the current embodiment, the reason in which the refrigerator 1 performs the quick cooling operation after the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is released is for allowing a temperature of the refrigerating compartment to quickly reach the target temperature. Since the temperature of the refrigerating compartment quickly reaches the target temperature by the quick cooling operation after the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is released, foods may be stored again in the refrigerating compartment as soon as possible after the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned.

Also, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the target temperature, the refrigerator 1 operates in the normal cooling mode.

When it is determined that the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is not selected in the operation S7, the refrigerator 1 operates in the normal cooling mode.

As described above, according to the current embodiment, one of the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may be cleaned in a state where foods are stored in the other one. Also, the supply of the cool air into the target storage compartment to be cleaned may be blocked, or an amount of supplied cool air may be reduced to reduce the power consumption.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to another embodiment, FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to another embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the refrigerator according to another embodiment.

In the current embodiment, the same content as that of the foregoing embodiment will be derived from the components and reference number of the foregoing embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, a refrigerator 60 according to another embodiment may supply cool air into a freezing compartment 61 and a refrigerating compartment 63 by using one evaporator 38. That is, the refrigerator 60 may include a compressor 31, a condenser 32, an expansion device 36, and an evaporator 38.

The refrigerator 60 may include a main body 61 defining the freezing compartment 62 and the refrigerating compartment 63, a freezing compartment door 64 opening/closing the freezing compartment 62, and a refrigerating compartment door 65 opening/closing the refrigerating compartment 63.

A freezing compartment duct 70 defining a passage through which cool air flows is provided in the freezing compartment 62, and at least one cool air discharge hole 71 is defined in the freezing compartment duct 70. Also, the evaporator 38 and a fan motor are provided inside the freezing compartment duct 70.

A refrigerating compartment duct 72 defining a passage through which cool air flow is provided in the refrigerating compartment 63, and at least one cool air discharge hole 74 is defined in the refrigerating compartment duct 72.

A connection duct 82 for supplying cool air heat-exchanged with the evaporator 38 into the refrigerating compartment 63 may be provided in a partition wall 80 partitioning the freezing compartment 62 and the refrigerating compartment 63 from each other. The current embodiment is not limited to the position of the connection duct 82.

A damper 84 adjusting a flow of cool air may be provided in the connection duct 82. In a normal cooling mode, the damper 84 may intermittently open the connection duct 82. For example, the damper 84 opens the connection duct 82 until a temperature of the refrigerating compartment 63 reaches a target temperature. Then, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 63 reaches the target temperature, the damper 84 may close the connection duct 82.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the refrigerator will be described.

Referring to FIG. 7, when a refrigerator 60 is turned on, the refrigerator 60 operates in a normal cooling mode (S21). Also, in the normal cooling mode, a refrigerant and air within an evaporator 38 are heat-exchanged to cool the air. Then, the cooled air is supplied into a freezing compartment. Also, the cooled air is selectively supplied into a refrigerating compartment according to a temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

Also, the freezing compartment 62 and the refrigerating compartment 63 are maintained at target temperatures by a freezing temperature button 111 and a refrigerating temperature button 113, respectively.

While the refrigerator 60 operates in the normal cooling mode, a control part 50 controls whether a cleaning mode button 114 is selected (S22).

When it is determined that the cleaning mode button is selected in the operation S22, the control part 50 determines whether the cleaning mode button 114 is selected again within a predetermined time (S23).

In the current embodiment, the reason in which the cleaning mode button 114 is selected, and then it is determined whether the cleaning mode button 114 is selected again within a predetermined time is for giving a cleaning mode changing time to a user when the cleaning mode is mischose, or the cleaning mode is changed.

When the control part 50 determines that the cleaning mode button 114 is not selected again within the predetermined time in the operation S23, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 60 to operate in a freezing compartment cleaning mode (S24). That is, in the current embodiment, when the cleaning mode button 114 is initially selected, the refrigerator 60 may be set so that the freezing compartment cleaning mode is selected.

In the current embodiment, since the air heat-exchanged with the evaporator 38 is supplied into the refrigerating compartment 63 via the connection duct 82, when the refrigerating compartment 63 is cleaned first, the freezing compartment 62 may be cleaned after the refrigerating compartment 63 is completely cleaned. In this case, after the freezing compartment 63 is completely cleaned, foods that should be stored in the freezing compartment 63 may not be stored anywhere in the refrigerating compartment 63 or the freezing compartment 62 to damage the foods.

On the other hand, when the freezing compartment 62 is cleaned first, since a temperature of the freezing compartment 63 gradually increases by the cool air existing within the refrigerating compartment 63, the foods may be stored in the refrigerating compartment 63 while the freezing compartment 62 is cleaned. Also, after the freezing compartment 62 is completely cleaned, the foods that should be stored in the refrigerating compartment 63 may be stored in the freezing compartment 62 while the refrigerating compartment 63 is cleaned, and the cool air may be supplied into the freezing compartment 62 to prevent the foods from being damaged.

In a freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control the damper 83 so that the damper 84 blocks the connection duct 84. In the current embodiment, the reason in which the connection duct 84 is blocked in the freezing compartment cleaning mode is for preventing a temperature of the refrigerating compartment 63 from increasing due to the supply of high-temperature air into the refrigerating compartment 63.

Also, when the refrigerator 60 operates in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the fan motor and the compressor 31 are turned off. Thus, the supply of cool air into the refrigerating compartment 62 is blocked.

For another example, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control the compressor 31 so that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 is less than that of the compressor 31 in the normal cooling mode. Alternatively, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control the fan motor so that an RPM of the fan motor is less than that of the fan motor in the normal cooling mode.

Also, in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, a sound generation part 52 is turned off. Thus, when a freezing compartment door is opened to clean the freezing compartment, a warning sound is not generated from the sound generation part 52. Thus, it may prevent the warning sound from being unnecessarily generated to reduce power consumption.

Also, when the refrigerator 60 operate in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while the freezing compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus, since the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the freezing compartment, the user may easily clean the freezing compartment.

While the refrigerator 60 operates in the freezing compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether the freezing compartment is completely cleaned (S25). In the current embodiment, the case in which the freezing compartment is completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user selects the cleaning mode button 114.

When the cleaning of the freezing compartment is completed in the operation S25, the freezing compartment cleaning mode is released. Also, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 60 so that the refrigerator 60 performs a quick cooling operation until the freezing compartment temperature reaches a target temperature (S26). That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor 31 so that an operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick cooling operation. Alternatively, the control part 50 may control the fan motor so that an RPM of the fan motor in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the fan motor in the quick cooling operation.

After it is determined that the freezing compartment is completely cleaned, the control part 50 determines whether the cleaning mode button 114 is selected (S27). When the control part 50 determines that the cleaning mode button 114 is selected in the operation S27, the control part 50 determines whether the cleaning mode button 114 is selected again within a predetermined time (S28).

When the control part 50 determines that the cleaning mode button 114 is not selected again within the predetermined time in the operation S28 or determines that the cleaning mode button 114 is selected again within the predetermined time in the operation S23, the control part 50 controls the refrigerator 60 to operate in a refrigerating compartment cleaning mode (S29).

In the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 may control the damper 83 so that the damper 84 closes the connection duct 84. Here, the compressor 31 and the fan motor may operate in the same state as that in the normal cooling mode. However, the refrigerator 60 may be set so that a target temperature of the freezing compartment in the freezing compartment cleaning mode is less than that of the refrigerating compartment in the normal cooling mode.

Also, in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the sound generation part 52 is turned off. Thus, when a refrigerating compartment door is opened to clean the refrigerating compartment, a warning sound is not generated from the sound generation part 52. Thus, it may prevent the warning sound from being unnecessarily generated to reduce power consumption.

Also, when the refrigerator 60 operate in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 controls the lighting part 51 so that the lighting part 51 is turned on while the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is continuous. Thus, since the lighting part 51 continuously illuminates the refrigerating compartment, the user may easily clean the refrigerating compartment.

While the refrigerator 60 operates in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, the control part 50 determines whether the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned (S30). In the current embodiment, the case in which the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned may represent a case in which the user selects the cleaning mode button 114.

When the cleaning of the refrigerating compartment is completed in the operation S30, the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode is released. Also, the control part 50 may control the damper 84 so that the damper 84 opens the connection duct 82 until the refrigerating compartment temperature reaches the target temperature. Here, the refrigerator 60 may perform the quick cooling operation so that the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 63 reaches the target temperature while the connection duct 82 is opened after the refrigerating compartment is completely cleaned. That is, the control part 50 may control a compressor 31 so that the operation frequency of the compressor 31 in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the compressor 31 in the quick cooling operation. Alternatively, the control part 50 may control the fan motor so that an RPM of the fan motor in the normal cooling mode is less than that of the fan motor in the quick cooling operation.

Therefore, in the current embodiment, it may be possible to clean the refrigerator in the state where foods are stored in a portion of the storage compartment to minimize unnecessary power consumption.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a main body comprising a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment;

an input part to select a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments;

a first evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the first storage compartment;

a first fan motor to blow the air into the first evaporator;

a second evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the second storage compartment;

a second fan motor to blow the air into the second evaporator; and

a control part to control each of the first and second fan motors,

wherein the control part controls a fan motor corresponding to a corresponding storage compartment so that an amount of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment when a cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments is selected is less than that of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment in a normal cooling mode.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, when the cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments is selected, the control part turns the fan motor corresponding to the corresponding storage compartment off to block the cool air supplied into the first and second storage compartments storage compartment.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, when the cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments is selected, the control part controls the fan motor to reduce an RPM of the fan motor corresponding to the corresponding storage compartment, thereby reducing the cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control part controls the refrigerator so that a special cleaning mode is selected, and then the selected cleaning mode is performed after a predetermined time elapses.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a refrigerant adjustment valve to control a flow of a refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows into at least one of the first evaporator and the second evaporator,

wherein the control part controls the refrigerant adjustment valve so that the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator corresponding to the corresponding storage compartment is blocked when the cleaning mode for the one of the first and second storage compartments is selected.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a lighting part to provide light into each of the first and second storage compartments,

wherein the control part controls the lighting part so that the lighting part of the corresponding storage compartment is continuously turned on while the selected cleaning mode is performed.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a sound generation part to generate a warning sound in the normal cooling mode when a door for opening or closing the first or second storage compartment is opened,

wherein the control part controls the sound generation part so that the sound generation part is turned off while the selected cleaning mode is performed.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a sound generation part to generate a warning sound in the normal cooling mode when a door for opening or closing the first or second storage compartment is opened,

Wherein, after a special cleaning mode is selected, the control part controls the sound generation part so that the sound generation part operates when the door for opening or closing the first or second storage compartment is opened, and then a predetermined time elapses, and so that the operation of the sound generation part is stopped after the sound generation part operates for a predetermined time.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a display part to display information with respect to the selected cleaning mode.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, after the selected cleaning mode is released, the control part control the refrigerator so that the refrigerator performs a quick cooling operation until a temperature of the corresponding storage compartment reaches a target temperature.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising a compressor to compress a refrigerant,

wherein, when the quick cooling operation is performed, the control part controls the compressor so that an operation frequency of the compressor is greater than that of the compressor in the normal cooling mode, or so that an RPM of the fan motor corresponding to the corresponding storage compartment is greater than that of the fan motor in the normal cooling mode.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control part determines whether the corresponding storage compartment is completely cleaned, and when the control part determines that the corresponding storage compartment is completely cleaned, the control part release the selected cleaning mode.

13. The refrigerator according to claim wherein the control part automatically releases the selected cleaning mode when the cleaning mode for one of the first the second storage compartments is selected, and then a predetermined time elapses.

14. A refrigerator comprising:

a main body comprising a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment;

an input part to select a refrigerating compartment cleaning mode, a freezing compartment cleaning mode, or a normal cooling mode;

an evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the freezing compartment;

a fan motor to blow the air into the evaporator;

a connection duct to supply cool air heat-exchanged with the evaporator into the refrigerating compartment;

a damper to adjust a flow of the cool air into the connection duct; and

a control part to control operations of the fan motor and the damper,

wherein the control part controls the damper so that the damper blocks the connection duct in the freezing compartment cleaning mode or the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the control part turns the fan motor off in the freezing compartment cleaning mode.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the control part turns the fan motor on in the refrigerating compartment cleaning mode.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein, when the selected cleaning mode is released, the control part controls the refrigerator so that the refrigerator performs a quick cooling operation until a temperature of the corresponding refrigerating or freezing compartment reaches a target temperature.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 14, further comprising a lighting part providing light into each of the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment,

wherein the control part controls the lighting part so that the lighting part is continuously turned on while the selected cleaning mode is performed.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein further comprising a sound generation part generating a warning sound in the normal cooling mode when a door for opening or closing the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment is opened,

wherein the control part controls the sound generation part so that the sound generation part is turned off while the selected cleaning mode is performed.

20. A refrigerator comprising:

a main body comprising a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment;

an input part to select a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments;

a first evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the first storage compartment;

a second evaporator to cool air to be supplied into the second storage compartment;

a refrigerant adjustment valve to control a flow of a refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows into at least one of the first and second evaporators; and

a control part to control the refrigerant adjustment valve,

wherein, when a cleaning mode for one of the first and second storage compartments is selected, the control part controls the refrigerant adjustment valve so that the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator corresponding to the corresponding storage compartment is blocked.