US20080156010A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents
Refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080156010A1 US20080156010A1 US11/967,715 US96771507A US2008156010A1 US 20080156010 A1 US20080156010 A1 US 20080156010A1 US 96771507 A US96771507 A US 96771507A US 2008156010 A1 US2008156010 A1 US 2008156010A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- opening
- passage
- closing
- refrigerating chamber
- refrigerator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
- F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/40—Refrigerating devices characterised by electrical wiring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigerator wherein cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber, and more particularly, to a refrigerator wherein a flow rate of cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber can be precisely regulated.
- FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one example of a conventional refrigerator.
- the conventional refrigerator will be described with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the conventional refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body 1 in which a freezing chamber F and a refrigerating chamber R are formed on both sides, and a freezing chamber door (not shown) and a refrigerating chamber door (not shown) installed on the refrigerator main body 1 to be openable and closable, respectively.
- An insulating material is foam-molded inside of walls of the refrigerator main body 1 and of the doors.
- the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R are separated by a partition wall 2 .
- Shelves 3 are provided in the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R so that a user can put articles thereon. Meanwhile, baskets (not shown) are provided on the freezing chamber door and the refrigerating chamber door so that the user can keep articles therein.
- a compressor (not shown), a condenser (not shown), a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve (not shown) and an evaporator 4 are built in an inner wall of the refrigerator main body 1 .
- the evaporator 4 is installed on a passage A in the inner wall contacting the freezing chamber F, a defrosting heater 5 is provided below the evaporator 4 for defrosting the evaporator 4 , and a cool air circulation fan 6 is provided over the evaporator 4 to blow heat-exchanged cool air from the evaporator 4 .
- a plurality of cool air supply holes 7 are formed in the inner wall contacting the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R to supply the cool air heat-exchanged with the evaporator 4 , and a damper assembly 10 is formed in the partition wall 2 to supply the cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the damper assembly of the conventional refrigerator.
- the damper assembly 10 applied to the conventional refrigerator will be explained with reference to FIG. 2 .
- the damper assembly 10 includes a damper 12 for opening and closing an opening portion 11 communicating with the passage, and a motor 13 for rotating a hinge shaft of the damper 12 to open and close the passage.
- the motor 13 enables the damper 12 to open and close the opening portion 11 , thereby controlling supply/interception of the cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- the motor 13 is connected to a control unit (not shown) for controlling an operation of the refrigerator through an electric wire 14 , and controlled by the control unit.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator wherein a flow rate of cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber is regulated to precisely control a temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator wherein a portion for regulating a flow rate of cool air supplied to a refrigerating chamber can be partially opened and closed.
- a refrigerator including: a plurality of opening and closing plates rotatably installed on a passage through which cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber passes, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage; a driving unit for driving the opening and closing plates to regulate an opening and closing degree of the passage; and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
- the passage includes one or more partitioning portions installed to contact the edges of the opening and closing plates when the opening and closing plates are closed.
- the driving unit is a plurality of step motors connected to each hinge shaft of the opening and closing plates, for rotating the opening and closing plates in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.
- control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that an open area of the passage can be widened to increase the flow rate of the cool air, as the measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber becomes higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
- a refrigerator including: an opening and closing blade slidably installed on a passage through which cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber passes, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage; a driving unit for driving the opening and closing blade to regulate an opening and closing degree of the passage; and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
- two or more opening and closing blades are formed to be interlocked at a sectional center of the passage and to slidably move between the sectional center and the circumference of the passage.
- control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that an open area of the passage can be widened to increase the flow rate of the cool air, as the measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber becomes higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
- a refrigerator including: a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber; a passage opening and closing member for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage; a driving unit for driving the passage opening and closing member so that the passage opening and closing member can open and close the passage; and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
- the passage opening and closing member is a plurality of dampers that independently operate.
- the passage opening and closing member includes a circular opening portion, and a plurality of opening and closing blades arranged along the circumference of the opening portion.
- the opening and closing blades slide in a radius direction of the opening portion.
- the plurality of opening and closing blades of the passage opening and closing member include a rotating blade and a fixed blade, the rotating blade being rotated in a circumferential direction to open some portion of the opening portion.
- a passage for supplying cool air from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber is wholly or partially openable and closable, an actual temperature of the refrigerating chamber can be precisely controlled into a preset temperature. Therefore, stored articles can be freshly maintained to improve users' satisfaction.
- a refrigerator of the present invention although a plurality of opening and closing blades opened and closed in a sliding direction are installed on a section of a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber, the opening and closing blades are opened and closed by one motor. As a result, an installation space and a production cost can be considerably reduced due to decrease of the component number.
- FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one example of a conventional refrigerator
- FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of the conventional refrigerator
- FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating operating states of the damper assembly of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- a damper assembly 50 of the refrigerator includes a mounting portion 51 mounted on a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber F to a refrigerating chamber R, a plurality of opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c hinge-connected to the mounting portion 51 , for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage, and a plurality of step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c for controlling operations of the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c .
- the damper assembly 50 can regulate a flow rate of cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- electric wires 54 a , 54 b and 54 c connected to the step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c respectively are connected to a control unit 55 for controlling an operation of the refrigerator, so that an operation of the damper assembly 50 is controlled by the control unit 55 .
- the control unit 55 controls the operation of the damper assembly 50 in consideration of a set temperature inputted through a button portion 56 provided on a door, and a measured temperature measured by a temperature sensor 57 mounted in the freezing chamber F or the refrigerating chamber R.
- the damper assembly 50 will be described in more detail.
- Three opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c communicating with the passage are defined in the mounting portion 51 side by side.
- Two partitioning portions B 1 and B 2 are provided between the opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c to partition off the passage.
- Three opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c are connected to three step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c through different hinge shafts so as to open and close the opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c , respectively.
- guide ribs protrude from the edges of the opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c , and the partitioning portions B 1 and B 2 protrude at the same height as that of the guide ribs.
- a thick cloth or the like is provided on surfaces of the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c which contact the guide ribs of the opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c and the partitioning portions B 1 and B 2 .
- the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c are rotated in a cool air flowing direction, the opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c are blocked, and when the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c are rotated in an opposite direction, the opening portions 51 a , 51 b and 51 c are opened.
- the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c are opened, they are placed to be horizontal to the cool air flowing direction.
- the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c are closed, they are placed to be vertical to the cool air flowing direction.
- the step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c individually maintain an opening and closing angle of the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c at 90°, and thus regulate the flow rate of the cool air flowing from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. Operations of the step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c are individually controlled by the control unit 55 .
- the control unit 55 controls the operations of the step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c to open the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c .
- the control unit 55 controls the operations of the step motors 53 a , 53 b and 53 c to close the opening and closing plates 52 a , 52 b and 52 c .
- the cool air is not supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating operating states of the damper assembly of FIG. 5 .
- the damper assembly 50 includes a mounting portion 51 mounted on a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber F to a refrigerating chamber R, a plurality of opening and closing blades 52 formed to slidably move on the mounting portion 51 , for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage, and a motor 53 for controlling operations of the opening and closing blades 52 .
- the damper assembly 50 can regulate a flow rate of cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- an electric wire 54 connected to the motor 53 is connected to a control unit 55 for controlling an operation of the refrigerator, so that an operation of the damper assembly 50 is controlled by the control unit 55 .
- the control unit 55 controls the operation of the damper assembly 50 in consideration of a set temperature inputted through a button portion 56 provided on a door, and a measured temperature measured by a temperature sensor 57 mounted in the freezing chamber F or the refrigerating chamber R.
- the damper assembly 50 will be described in more detail.
- An opening portion 51 h communicating with the passage is defined in the mounting portion 51 , and a groove (not shown) for storing the opening and closing blades 52 is defined in an inside surface of the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 .
- the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 is placed to be horizontal to a cool air flowing direction.
- the opening and closing blades 52 are installed to slidably move from the circumference to the center of the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 . Like a diaphragm of a camera, when the opening and closing blades 52 are driven by the motor 53 , they are operated to slidably move on the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 .
- the opening and closing blades 52 are formed as arc-shaped plates, and arranged in a circumferential direction to overlap each other in some sections. Circumferential portions of the opening and closing blades 52 are engaged with each other by gear teeth. Only the gear teeth connected to one opening and closing blade 52 are connected to the motor 53 . As the motor 53 operates, the whole opening and closing blades 52 cooperate with each other.
- the opening and closing blades 52 can be composed of a pair of plates, and installed to slidably move from the counter portions to the center of the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 .
- the motor 53 is connected to the gear teeth connected to one of the opening and closing blades 52 , and rotated in a forward or backward direction to open and close the opening and closing blades 52 .
- the opening and closing of the opening and closing blades 52 are determined according to a rotation direction of the motor 53 .
- the control unit 55 controls the operations of the motor 53 to open the opening and closing blades 52 .
- the control unit 55 increases the flow rate of the cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- the motor 53 is operated within a small rotation angle range to partially open the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 , thereby supplying a small flow rate of cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- the motor 53 is operated within a large rotation angle range to wholly open the opening portion 51 h of the mounting portion 51 , thereby supplying a large flow rate of cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- the control unit 55 controls the operation of the motor 53 to close the opening and closing blades 52 . As a result, the cool air is not supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R.
- the opening and closing blades 52 can be composed of a rotating blade and a fixed blade.
- the motor 53 drives the rotating blade.
- the rotating blade can be rotated at a predetermined angle by the motor 53 .
- the rotating blade overlaps the fixed blade as much as the angle rotated by the motor 53 , and opens the opening portion 51 h as much as the rotated angle.
- the rotation angle of the rotating blade is regulated to control an opening and closing degree of the opening portion 51 h , it is possible to regulate an amount of cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to a refrigerating chamber R.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides a refrigerator including a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber, a passage opening and closing member for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage, a driving unit for driving the passage opening and closing member so that the passage opening and closing member can open and close the passage, and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, as the passage for supplying the cool air from the freezing chamber to the refrigerating chamber is wholly or partially openable and closable, the actual temperature of the refrigerating chamber can be precisely controlled into the preset temperature. Therefore, stored articles can be freshly maintained to improve users' satisfaction.
Description
- The present invention relates to a refrigerator wherein cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber, and more particularly, to a refrigerator wherein a flow rate of cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber can be precisely regulated.
-
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one example of a conventional refrigerator. - The conventional refrigerator will be described with reference to
FIG. 1 . The conventional refrigerator includes a refrigeratormain body 1 in which a freezing chamber F and a refrigerating chamber R are formed on both sides, and a freezing chamber door (not shown) and a refrigerating chamber door (not shown) installed on the refrigeratormain body 1 to be openable and closable, respectively. An insulating material is foam-molded inside of walls of the refrigeratormain body 1 and of the doors. - The freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R are separated by a
partition wall 2. Shelves 3 are provided in the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R so that a user can put articles thereon. Meanwhile, baskets (not shown) are provided on the freezing chamber door and the refrigerating chamber door so that the user can keep articles therein. - Here, a compressor (not shown), a condenser (not shown), a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve (not shown) and an
evaporator 4 are built in an inner wall of the refrigeratormain body 1. Theevaporator 4 is installed on a passage A in the inner wall contacting the freezing chamber F, adefrosting heater 5 is provided below theevaporator 4 for defrosting theevaporator 4, and a coolair circulation fan 6 is provided over theevaporator 4 to blow heat-exchanged cool air from theevaporator 4. - A plurality of cool air supply holes 7 are formed in the inner wall contacting the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R to supply the cool air heat-exchanged with the
evaporator 4, and adamper assembly 10 is formed in thepartition wall 2 to supply the cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. - Accordingly, when the compressor operates, refrigerant is circulated along the compressor, the condenser, the capillary tube or the electronic expansion valve and the
evaporator 4. And when the coolair circulation fan 6 operates, the cool air heat-exchanged with theevaporator 4 is forcibly blown and supplied to the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R. The cool air circulated in the freezing chamber F with a relatively low temperature is supplied to the refrigerating chamber R with a relatively high temperature through thedamper assembly 10 installed on the passage between the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R, thereby controlling a temperature inside the refrigerator. -
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the damper assembly of the conventional refrigerator. Thedamper assembly 10 applied to the conventional refrigerator will be explained with reference toFIG. 2 . Thedamper assembly 10 includes adamper 12 for opening and closing anopening portion 11 communicating with the passage, and amotor 13 for rotating a hinge shaft of thedamper 12 to open and close the passage. - Here, the
motor 13 enables thedamper 12 to open and close theopening portion 11, thereby controlling supply/interception of the cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. Themotor 13 is connected to a control unit (not shown) for controlling an operation of the refrigerator through anelectric wire 14, and controlled by the control unit. - However, in the conventional refrigerator, as the damper is opened and closed on the passage for supplying the cool air from the freezing chamber to the refrigerating chamber, the whole passage is subsequently opened and closed. It is thus difficult to precisely control a temperature of the refrigerating chamber and thus to freshly keep articles stored therein.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator wherein a flow rate of cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber is regulated to precisely control a temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
- Particularly, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator wherein a portion for regulating a flow rate of cool air supplied to a refrigerating chamber can be partially opened and closed.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator, including: a plurality of opening and closing plates rotatably installed on a passage through which cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber passes, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage; a driving unit for driving the opening and closing plates to regulate an opening and closing degree of the passage; and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
- In addition, the passage includes one or more partitioning portions installed to contact the edges of the opening and closing plates when the opening and closing plates are closed.
- Moreover, the driving unit is a plurality of step motors connected to each hinge shaft of the opening and closing plates, for rotating the opening and closing plates in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.
- Further, the control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that an open area of the passage can be widened to increase the flow rate of the cool air, as the measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber becomes higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator, including: an opening and closing blade slidably installed on a passage through which cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber passes, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage; a driving unit for driving the opening and closing blade to regulate an opening and closing degree of the passage; and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
- In addition, two or more opening and closing blades are formed to be interlocked at a sectional center of the passage and to slidably move between the sectional center and the circumference of the passage.
- Moreover, the control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that an open area of the passage can be widened to increase the flow rate of the cool air, as the measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber becomes higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
- According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator, including: a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber; a passage opening and closing member for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage; a driving unit for driving the passage opening and closing member so that the passage opening and closing member can open and close the passage; and a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
- In addition, the passage opening and closing member is a plurality of dampers that independently operate.
- Moreover, the passage opening and closing member includes a circular opening portion, and a plurality of opening and closing blades arranged along the circumference of the opening portion.
- Further, the opening and closing blades slide in a radius direction of the opening portion.
- Furthermore, the plurality of opening and closing blades of the passage opening and closing member include a rotating blade and a fixed blade, the rotating blade being rotated in a circumferential direction to open some portion of the opening portion.
- According to a refrigerator of the present invention, as a passage for supplying cool air from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber is wholly or partially openable and closable, an actual temperature of the refrigerating chamber can be precisely controlled into a preset temperature. Therefore, stored articles can be freshly maintained to improve users' satisfaction.
- In addition, according to a refrigerator of the present invention, although a plurality of opening and closing blades opened and closed in a sliding direction are installed on a section of a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber, the opening and closing blades are opened and closed by one motor. As a result, an installation space and a production cost can be considerably reduced due to decrease of the component number.
- The present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given only by way of illustration and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one example of a conventional refrigerator; -
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of the conventional refrigerator; -
FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating operating states of the damper assembly ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , adamper assembly 50 of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes amounting portion 51 mounted on a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber F to a refrigerating chamber R, a plurality of opening andclosing plates mounting portion 51, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage, and a plurality ofstep motors closing plates damper assembly 50 can regulate a flow rate of cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. - In addition,
electric wires step motors control unit 55 for controlling an operation of the refrigerator, so that an operation of thedamper assembly 50 is controlled by thecontrol unit 55. Thecontrol unit 55 controls the operation of thedamper assembly 50 in consideration of a set temperature inputted through abutton portion 56 provided on a door, and a measured temperature measured by atemperature sensor 57 mounted in the freezing chamber F or the refrigerating chamber R. - The
damper assembly 50 will be described in more detail. Threeopening portions mounting portion 51 side by side. Two partitioning portions B1 and B2 are provided between theopening portions closing plates step motors opening portions - In order to precisely regulate the flow rate of the cool air, it is possible to subdivide the passage and additionally install the opening and
closing plates step motors - Here, in the
mounting portion 51, guide ribs protrude from the edges of theopening portions closing plates portions closing plates portions - Moreover, when the opening and
closing plates portions closing plates portions closing plates closing plates - Even if the opening and
closing plates step motors closing plates step motors control unit 55. - Here, if a measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R measured by the
temperature sensor 57 provided on the side of the refrigerating chamber R is higher than a set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R pre-inputted through the button portion 56 (T>To), thecontrol unit 55 controls the operations of thestep motors closing plates closing plates portions - On the contrary, if the measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R is equal to or lower than the set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R (T≦To), the
control unit 55 controls the operations of thestep motors closing plates -
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a damper assembly of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a cool air flow rate control apparatus of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating operating states of the damper assembly ofFIG. 5 . - A
damper assembly 50 of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6 . Thedamper assembly 50 includes a mountingportion 51 mounted on a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber F to a refrigerating chamber R, a plurality of opening andclosing blades 52 formed to slidably move on the mountingportion 51, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage, and amotor 53 for controlling operations of the opening andclosing blades 52. Thedamper assembly 50 can regulate a flow rate of cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. - In addition, an
electric wire 54 connected to themotor 53 is connected to acontrol unit 55 for controlling an operation of the refrigerator, so that an operation of thedamper assembly 50 is controlled by thecontrol unit 55. Thecontrol unit 55 controls the operation of thedamper assembly 50 in consideration of a set temperature inputted through abutton portion 56 provided on a door, and a measured temperature measured by atemperature sensor 57 mounted in the freezing chamber F or the refrigerating chamber R. - The
damper assembly 50 will be described in more detail. An openingportion 51 h communicating with the passage is defined in the mountingportion 51, and a groove (not shown) for storing the opening andclosing blades 52 is defined in an inside surface of the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51. - Here, the opening
portion 51 h of the mountingportion 51 is placed to be horizontal to a cool air flowing direction. - The opening and
closing blades 52 are installed to slidably move from the circumference to the center of the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51. Like a diaphragm of a camera, when the opening andclosing blades 52 are driven by themotor 53, they are operated to slidably move on the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51. - For example, the opening and
closing blades 52 are formed as arc-shaped plates, and arranged in a circumferential direction to overlap each other in some sections. Circumferential portions of the opening andclosing blades 52 are engaged with each other by gear teeth. Only the gear teeth connected to one opening andclosing blade 52 are connected to themotor 53. As themotor 53 operates, the whole opening andclosing blades 52 cooperate with each other. - For another example, the opening and
closing blades 52 can be composed of a pair of plates, and installed to slidably move from the counter portions to the center of the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51. - In a state where the opening and
closing blades 52 are closed, they are placed to be vertical to the cool air flowing direction. - Meanwhile, the
motor 53 is connected to the gear teeth connected to one of the opening andclosing blades 52, and rotated in a forward or backward direction to open and close the opening andclosing blades 52. - Here, the opening and closing of the opening and
closing blades 52 are determined according to a rotation direction of themotor 53. The larger a rotation angle is, the more the opening andclosing blades 52 open and close the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51. - Particularly, if a measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R measured by the
temperature sensor 57 provided on the side of the refrigerating chamber R is higher than a set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R pre-inputted through the button portion 56 (T>To), thecontrol unit 55 controls the operations of themotor 53 to open the opening andclosing blades 52. As a temperature difference ΔT between the measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R and the set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R increases, thecontrol unit 55 increases the flow rate of the cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. - That is, if the temperature difference ΔT between the measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R and the set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R is relatively small, as shown in
FIG. 7 , themotor 53 is operated within a small rotation angle range to partially open the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51, thereby supplying a small flow rate of cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. On the contrary, if the temperature difference ΔT between the measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R and the set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R is relatively large, as shown inFIG. 8 , themotor 53 is operated within a large rotation angle range to wholly open the openingportion 51 h of the mountingportion 51, thereby supplying a large flow rate of cool air from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. - On the other hand, if the measured temperature T of the refrigerating chamber R is equal to or lower than the set temperature To of the refrigerating chamber R (T≦To), the
control unit 55 controls the operation of themotor 53 to close the opening andclosing blades 52. As a result, the cool air is not supplied from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R. - In addition, as another example of the present invention, the opening and
closing blades 52 can be composed of a rotating blade and a fixed blade. Themotor 53 drives the rotating blade. According to a command of thecontrol unit 55, the rotating blade can be rotated at a predetermined angle by themotor 53. In this configuration, the rotating blade overlaps the fixed blade as much as the angle rotated by themotor 53, and opens the openingportion 51 h as much as the rotated angle. As the rotation angle of the rotating blade is regulated to control an opening and closing degree of the openingportion 51 h, it is possible to regulate an amount of cool air supplied from the freezing chamber F to a refrigerating chamber R. - The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and drawings, but is defined by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A refrigerator, comprising:
a plurality of opening and closing plates rotatably installed on a passage through which cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber passes, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage;
a driving unit for driving the opening and closing plates to regulate an opening and closing degree of the passage; and
a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein the passage comprises at least one partitioning portion installed to contact the edges of the opening and closing plates when the opening and closing plates are closed.
3. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein the driving unit is a plurality of step motors connected to each hinge shaft of the opening and closing plates, for rotating the opening and closing plates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
4. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that an open area of the passage can be widened to increase the flow rate of the cool air, as the measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber becomes higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
5. A refrigerator, comprising:
an opening and closing blade slidably installed on a passage through which cool air flowing from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber passes, for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage;
a driving unit for driving the opening and closing blade to regulate an opening and closing degree of the passage; and
a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
6. The refrigerator of claim 5 , wherein two or more opening and closing blades are formed to be interlocked at a sectional center of the passage and to slidably move between the sectional center and the circumference of the passage.
7. The refrigerator of claim 5 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that an open area of the passage can be widened to increase the flow rate of the cool air, as the measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber becomes higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber.
8. A refrigerator comprising:
a passage through which cool air flows from a freezing chamber to a refrigerating chamber;
a passage opening and closing member for wholly or partially opening and closing the passage;
a driving unit for driving the passage opening and closing member so that the passage opening and closing member can open and close the passage; and
a control unit for comparing a set temperature of the refrigerating chamber with a measured temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and controlling an operation of the driving unit according to a comparison result.
9. The refrigerator of claim 8 , wherein the passage opening and closing member is a plurality of dampers that independently operate.
10. The refrigerator of claim 8 , wherein the passage opening and closing member comprises a circular opening portion, and a plurality of opening and closing blades arranged along the circumference of the opening portion.
11. The refrigerator of claim 10 , wherein the opening and closing blades slide in a radius direction of the opening portion.
12. The refrigerator of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of opening and closing blades of the passage opening and closing member comprise a rotating blade and a fixed blade, the rotating blade being rotated in a circumferential direction to open some portion of the opening portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020070000322A KR20080063659A (en) | 2007-01-02 | 2007-01-02 | Refrigerator |
KR10-2007-0000322 | 2007-01-02 | ||
KR10-2007-0000773 | 2007-01-03 | ||
KR1020070000773A KR20080064046A (en) | 2007-01-03 | 2007-01-03 | Refrigerator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080156010A1 true US20080156010A1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
Family
ID=39582031
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/967,715 Abandoned US20080156010A1 (en) | 2007-01-02 | 2007-12-31 | Refrigerator |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080156010A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130042641A1 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2013-02-21 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
CN104677047A (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2015-06-03 | 合肥美菱股份有限公司 | Electric throttle control method for refrigerator |
CN113091374A (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2021-07-09 | 日立环球生活方案株式会社 | Refrigerator with a door |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5477699A (en) * | 1994-11-21 | 1995-12-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Evaporator fan control for a refrigerator |
US5876014A (en) * | 1995-09-13 | 1999-03-02 | Sankyo Seiki Mfg Co., Ltd. | Motor damper |
US6069466A (en) * | 1997-12-26 | 2000-05-30 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seiakusho | Method for driving opening/closing member |
US6192922B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-02-27 | Synetics Solutions Inc. | Airflow control valve for a clean room |
US20030005713A1 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2003-01-09 | Holmes John S. | Flexible sealed system and fan control algorithm |
-
2007
- 2007-12-31 US US11/967,715 patent/US20080156010A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5477699A (en) * | 1994-11-21 | 1995-12-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Evaporator fan control for a refrigerator |
US5876014A (en) * | 1995-09-13 | 1999-03-02 | Sankyo Seiki Mfg Co., Ltd. | Motor damper |
US6069466A (en) * | 1997-12-26 | 2000-05-30 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seiakusho | Method for driving opening/closing member |
US6192922B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-02-27 | Synetics Solutions Inc. | Airflow control valve for a clean room |
US20030005713A1 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2003-01-09 | Holmes John S. | Flexible sealed system and fan control algorithm |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130042641A1 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2013-02-21 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
CN104677047A (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2015-06-03 | 合肥美菱股份有限公司 | Electric throttle control method for refrigerator |
CN113091374A (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2021-07-09 | 日立环球生活方案株式会社 | Refrigerator with a door |
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Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEE, SANG-JUN;REEL/FRAME:020552/0035 Effective date: 20071226 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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