Patent Description:
For long-term storage of foods in a refrigerator, a refrigerator temperature is reduced using a compressor and an evaporator. For example, a freezer compartment in the refrigerator is maintained at a temperature of approximately -<NUM>.

Meanwhile, in order to improve refrigerator performance, it is desirable to remove frost which may be on the evaporator when the evaporator operates.

Meanwhile, Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication <CIT> discloses a method of removing frost on a refrigerator evaporator by attaching a heater wire, coated on an insulation film, to the evaporator.

The method has a problem in that by the operation of the defrost heater wire, temperature of the defrost heater wire increases to approximately <NUM> or higher, such that hot air is introduced into a refrigerating chamber or a freezer chamber, thereby increasing, rather than decreasing, the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or the freezer chamber.

<CIT>) relates to a capacitive high-frequency defrosting device for a domestic appliance. The capacitive arrangement, accommodated in a supplementary apparatus suitable for the defrosting process or in a defrosting compartment of a freezer, has at least one adjustable electrode, it being possible for the electrode form to be matched in terms of form to frozen goods to be defrosted. The high-frequency generator transmits preferably at a frequency of <NUM> and is switched off by a control unit after the energy maximum has been reached.

<CIT> relates to a refrigerator and a method for operating the same. The refrigerator includes an evaporator to carry out heat exchange, a frost sensing unit to sense an amount of frost formed on the frost sensing unit, and a heater to be operated for removing the frost from the frost sensing unit, wherein the heater is operated in at least a portion of a defrosting section.

<CIT> relates to a freezer-refrigerator, wherein a plurality of frost quantity sensors is provided above/below, to the left/right, and in the center of an evaporator and detection signals are delivered to a control section. Based on the detection signals from respective sensors, the control section controls the number and output of heating means, i.e., glass tube heaters, disposed below the evaporator and a plurality of heating means, i.e., pipe heaters, provided inContact with the fins of the evaporator.

<CIT> relates to a freezing refrigerator having a first freezing chamber and a second freezing chamber in order from an upper portion. A fin is disposed behind the second freezing chamber, a roll bond evaporator is disposed in close contact with the back surface side of the fin, a heat insulating member is disposed in close contact with the roll bond evaporator, and a heating coil is disposed in close contact with the heat insulating member. A fan motor is disposed on the back side of the second freezing chamber and above the fin. Upon freezing a refrigerant passes through a flow passage of the roll bond evaporator and cools the fin. Upon the cooling frost is deposited on the fin. When a current is supplied to the heating coil, an eddy current is produced on the roll bond evaporator. Defrosting is performed with Joule heat produced on the roll evaporator and the eddy current.

Further relevant prior art document is <CIT>.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of performing a defrosting operation by using an RF signal.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of performing a defrosting operation by using an RF signal while reducing heat generation.

The refrigerator according to claim <NUM> includes: a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; an evaporator configured to perform heat exchange using the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; an RF output device configured to output an RF signal to the evaporator for removing frost on the evaporator; and a controller configured to control the RF output device, wherein the controller is configured to: based on the RF signal, control the frost to phase change into a liquid by heat radiated from a plurality of metal fins of the evaporator; and after the phase change, control temperature of the phase changed liquid to increase by a water molecule movement based on the RF signal.

Meanwhile, by an operation of the RF output device, temperature of the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator is higher than temperature of the phase changed liquid near the metal fins.

Meanwhile, as a frequency of the RF signal increases, the heat radiated from a plurality of metal fins of the evaporator may increase.

Meanwhile, as a defrost section decreases, or as an amount of frost on the evaporator increases, or as a period of the defrost section increases, the controller may increase the frequency of the RF signal.

Meanwhile, as a number of the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator increases, or as a distance between the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator decreases, the heat radiated from the plurality of metal fins may increase.

Meanwhile, during at least the defrost section, the controller may output the RF signal to the evaporator.

Meanwhile, during a portion of a cooling section before defrost, an idle section following the cooling section before defrost, the defrost section, an idle section after defrost, and a portion of a cooling section after defrost, the controller may output the RF signal to the evaporator.

Meanwhile, during the operation of the RF output device, the controller may turn off the compressor.

Meanwhile, when a cooling section for operation of a refrigerating compartment or a freezer compartment starts after the operation of the RF output device, the controller may control the RF output device to stop outputting the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the controller may control the RF output device to be operated during an idle section and a defrost section following the idle section.

Meanwhile, the controller may control the RF output device to be further operated during a portion of a cooling section before defrost before the idle section.

Meanwhile, the controller may control the RF output device to be further operated during an idle section after defrost following the idle section and at least a portion of a cooling section after defrost following the idle section after defrost.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a fan configured to supply cold air generated by heat exchange in the evaporator into a freezer compartment.

Meanwhile, after stopping the operation of the RF output device during the cooling section after defrost, the controller may operate the fan.

Meanwhile, the controller may control a second idle section after defrost to perform after the fan is operated, and may control a second cooling section after defrost to perform after the second idle section after defrost, wherein during the second idle section after defrost and the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may continuously operate the fan.

Meanwhile, during a third idle section after defrost after the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may operate again the RF output device while turning off the compressor.

Meanwhile, the controller may continuously operate the fan during the third idle section after defrost.

Meanwhile, the controller may control power of the RF signal from the RF output device during the third idle section after defrost to be smaller than power of the RF signal during the defrost section.

Meanwhile, during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may operate again the RF output device while turning off the compressor.

Meanwhile, during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may continuously operate the fan.

Meanwhile, the controller may control power of the RF signal, output from the RF output device during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost, to be smaller than power of the RF signal during the defrost section.

Meanwhile, in response to a defrost end temperature of a freezer compartment or a refrigerating compartment in the RF output device being greater than or equal to a first temperature, or in response to a defrost period of the RF output device being greater than or equal to a first period, the controller may stop the operation of the RF output device.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a defrost heater, wherein after the operation of the RF output device, the controller may operate the defrost heater.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a frost sensor configured to detect an amount of frost on the evaporator, wherein during the operation of the RF output device, the controller may change at least one of an output period and output power of the RF signal according to the amount of the deposited frost.

Meanwhile, a frequency of the RF signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the RF output device includes a first plate and a second plate; and may include a heat insulating material disposed on a surface opposite to at least one evaporator of the first plate and the second plate.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first plate and the second plate is disposed facing at least a lower portion of the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the RF output device may include at least one of: a power detector configured to detect power of the RF signal reflected from the evaporator; a temperature detector configured to detect temperature of the evaporator; and a camera for photographing the evaporator.

Meanwhile, the controller may be configured to: output an RF signal of a first power during a scan section; and output an RF signal of a second power set based on an RF signal reflected from the evaporator during the scan section.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a fan configured to supply cold air generated by heat exchange in the evaporator into a freezer compartment; and a second RF output device disposed in a cavity of the freezer compartment and configured to output a second RF signal.

Accordingly, defrosting is performed using the RF signal. Particularly, defrosting may be performed while reducing heat generation.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by an operation of the RF output device, temperature of the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator is higher than temperature of the phase changed liquid near the metal fins. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal, while reducing heat generation.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as a frequency of the RF signal increases, the heat radiated from a plurality of metal fins of the evaporator may increase. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal, while reducing heat generation.

Meanwhile, as a defrost section decreases, or as an amount of frost on the evaporator increases, or as a period of the defrost section increases, the controller may increase the frequency of the RF signal. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as a number of the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator increases, or as a distance between the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator decreases, the heat radiated from the plurality of metal fins may increase. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, during at least the defrost section, the controller outputs the RF signal to the evaporator. Accordingly, defrosting is performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, during a portion of a cooling section before defrost, an idle section following the cooling section before defrost, the defrost section, an idle section after defrost, and a portion of a cooling section after defrost, the controller may output the RF signal to the evaporator. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed stably using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, during the operation of the RF output device, the controller may turn off the compressor. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal while reducing power consumption.

Meanwhile, when a cooling section for operation of a refrigerating compartment or a freezer compartment starts after the operation of the RF output device, the controller may control the RF output device to stop outputting the RF signal. Accordingly, a cooling operation may be performed smoothly during the cooling section, and power consumption of the refrigerator may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the controller may control the RF output device to be operated during an idle section and a defrost section following the idle section. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the controller may control the RF output device to be further operated during a portion of a cooling section before defrost before the idle section. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed stably using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the controller may control the RF output device to be further operated during an idle section after defrost following the idle section and at least a portion of a cooling section after defrost following the idle section after defrost. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed stably using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the controller may operate a fan after stopping the operation of the RF output device during the cooling section after defrost. Accordingly, a cooling operation may be performed smoothly during the cooling section, and power consumption of the refrigerator may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the controller may control a second idle section after defrost to perform after the fan is operated, and may control a second cooling section after defrost to perform after the second idle section after defrost, wherein during the second idle section after defrost and the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may continuously operate the fan. Accordingly, a cooling operation may be performed smoothly during the cooling section, and power consumption of the refrigerator may be reduced.

Meanwhile, during a third idle section after defrost after the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may operate again the RF output device while turning off the compressor. Accordingly, a cooling operation may be performed smoothly using the RF signal, and power consumption of the refrigerator may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the controller may continuously operate the fan during the third idle section after defrost. Accordingly, cold air may be supplied continuously into the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, the controller may control power of the RF signal from the RF output device during the third idle section after defrost to be smaller than power of the RF signal during the defrost section. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal, while reducing power consumption.

Meanwhile, during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may operate again the RF output device while turning off the compressor. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal, while reducing power consumption.

Meanwhile, during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost, the controller may continuously operate the fan. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal, while reducing power consumption.

Meanwhile, the controller may control power of the RF signal, output from the RF output device during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost, to be smaller than power of the RF signal during the defrost section. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal, while reducing power consumption.

Meanwhile, in response to a defrost end temperature of a freezer compartment or a refrigerating compartment in the RF output device being greater than or equal to a first temperature, or in response to a defrost period of the RF output device being greater than or equal to a first period, the controller may stop the operation of the RF output device. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a defrost heater, wherein after the operation of the RF output device, the controller may operate the defrost heater. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a frost sensor configured to detect an amount of frost on the evaporator, wherein during the operation of the RF output device, the controller may change at least one of an output period and output power of the RF signal according to the amount of the deposited frost. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, a frequency of the RF signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the RF output device includes a first plate and a second plate; and may include a heat insulating material disposed on a surface opposite to at least one evaporator of the first plate and the second plate. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first plate and the second plate is disposed facing at least a lower portion of the evaporator. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the RF output device may include at least one of: a power detector configured to detect power of the RF signal reflected from the evaporator; a temperature detector configured to detect temperature of the evaporator; and a camera for photographing the evaporator. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the controller may be configured to: output an RF signal of a first power during a scan section; and output an RF signal of a second power set based on an RF signal reflected from the evaporator during the scan section. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a fan configured to supply cold air generated by heat exchange in the evaporator into a freezer compartment; and a second RF output device disposed in a cavity of the freezer compartment and configured to output a second RF signal. Accordingly, freshness of goods in the cavity may be maintained using the RF signal.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" in elements used in description below are given only in consideration of ease in preparation of the specification and do not have specific meanings or functions. Therefore, the suffixes "module" and "unit" may be used interchangeably.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments being useful for understanding the invention, which are outside the subject-matter of the claims. <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments according to the present invention, which disclose a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment forms a rough outer shape by a case <NUM> having an internal space divided, although not shown, into a freezer compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a freezer compartment door <NUM> that shields the freezer compartment, and a refrigerator door <NUM> to shield the refrigerating compartment.

In addition, the front surface of the freezer compartment door <NUM> and the refrigerating compartment door <NUM> is further provided with a door handle <NUM> protruding forward, so that a user easily grips and rotates the freezer compartment door <NUM> and the refrigerating compartment door <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door <NUM> may be further provided with a home bar <NUM> which is a convenient means for allowing a user to take out a storage such as a beverage contained therein without opening the refrigerating compartment door <NUM>.

In addition, the front surface of the freezer compartment door <NUM> may be provided with a dispenser <NUM> which is a convenient means for allowing the user to easily take out ice or drinking water without opening the freezer compartment door <NUM>, and a control panel <NUM> for controlling the driving operation of the refrigerator <NUM> and displaying the state of the refrigerator <NUM> being operated on a screen may be further provided in an upper side of the dispenser <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in the drawing, it is illustrated that the dispenser <NUM> is disposed in the front surface of the freezer compartment door <NUM>, but is not limited thereto, and may be disposed in the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door <NUM>.

The control panel <NUM> may include an input device <NUM> formed of a plurality of buttons, and a display device <NUM> for displaying a control screen, an operation state, and the like.

The display device <NUM> displays information such as a control screen, an operation state, a temperature inside the refrigerator, and the like. For example, the display device <NUM> may display the set temperature of the freezer compartment and the set temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

The display device <NUM> may be implemented in various ways, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and the like. In addition, the display device <NUM> may be implemented as a touch screen capable of serving as the input device <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may include a plurality of operation buttons. For example, the input device <NUM> may include a freezer compartment temperature setting button (not shown) for setting the freezer compartment temperature, and a refrigerating compartment temperature setting button (not shown) for setting the refrigerating compartment temperature. Meanwhile, the input device <NUM> may be implemented as a touch screen that may also function as the display device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to a double door type shown in the drawing, but may be a one door type, a sliding door type, a curtain door type, and the like regardless of its type.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a door of the refrigerator of <FIG>.

Referring to the drawing, a freezer compartment <NUM> is disposed inside the freezer compartment door <NUM>, and a refrigerating compartment <NUM> is disposed inside the refrigerating compartment door <NUM>.

An RF output device <NUM> may be disposed in the inner upper portion of the freezer compartment <NUM> to freeze the goods by using cold air in the freezer compartment while maintaining the freshness.

In the drawing, it is shown that the RF output device <NUM> is attached to the freezer compartment door <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is also possible that the RF output device190 is disposed in a space inside the freezer compartment instead of the freezer compartment door <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of the refrigerator of <FIG>.

Referring to the drawing, the refrigerator <NUM> may include a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM> for condensing a refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM>, a freezer compartment evaporator <NUM> which is supplied with the refrigerant condensed in the condenser <NUM> to evaporate, and is disposed in a freezer compartment (not shown), and a freezer compartment expansion valve <NUM> for expanding the refrigerant supplied to the freezer compartment evaporator <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in the drawing, it illustrated that a single evaporator is used, but it is also possible to use respective evaporators may be used in the refrigerating compartment and the freezer compartment.

That is, the refrigerator <NUM> may further include a refrigerating compartment evaporator (not shown) disposed in a refrigerator compartment (not shown), a three-way valve (not shown) for supplying the refrigerant condensed in the condenser <NUM> to the refrigerating compartment evaporator (not shown) or the freezer compartment evaporator <NUM>, and a refrigerating compartment expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerating compartment evaporator (not shown).

In addition, the refrigerator <NUM> may further include a gas-liquid separator (not shown) which separates the refrigerant passed through the evaporator <NUM> into a liquid and a gas.

In addition, the refrigerator <NUM> may further include a refrigerating compartment fan (not shown) and a freezer compartment fan <NUM> that suck cold air that passed through the freezer compartment evaporator <NUM> and blow the sucked cold air into a refrigerating compartment (not shown) and a freezer compartment (not shown) respectively.

In addition, the refrigerator <NUM> may further include a compressor driver <NUM> for driving the compressor <NUM>, and a refrigerating compartment fan driver (not shown) and a freezer compartment fan driver <NUM> for driving the refrigerating compartment fan (not shown) and the freezer compartment <NUM>.

Meanwhile, based on the drawing, since a common evaporator <NUM> is used for the refrigerating compartment and the freezer compartment, in this case, a damper (not shown) may be installed between the refrigerating compartment and the freezer compartment, and a fan (not shown) may forcibly blow the cold air generated in one evaporator to be supplied to the freezer compartment and the refrigerating compartment.

<FIG> is a block diagram schematically illustrating the inside of the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

Referring to the drawing, the refrigerator of <FIG> includes a compressor <NUM>, a machine room fan <NUM>, a freezer compartment fan <NUM>, a main controller <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, an RF output device <NUM>, an RF driver <NUM>, a temperature detector <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>. In addition, the refrigerator may further include a compressor driver <NUM>, a machine room fan driver <NUM>, a freezer compartment fan driver <NUM>, a heater driver <NUM>, an RF driver <NUM>, an RF output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, and an input device <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM>, the machine room fan <NUM>, and the freezer compartment fan <NUM> are described with reference to <FIG>.

The input device <NUM> includes a plurality of operation buttons, and transmits a signal for an input freezer compartment set temperature or refrigerating compartment set temperature to the main controller <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may display an operation state of the refrigerator. Meanwhile, the display device <NUM> is operable under the control of a display controller (not shown).

The memory <NUM> may store data necessary for operating the refrigerator.

For example, the memory <NUM> may store power consumption information for each of the plurality of power consumption devices. In addition, the memory <NUM> may output corresponding power consumption information to the main controller <NUM> based on the operation of each power consumption device in the refrigerator.

The temperature detector <NUM> detects a temperature in the refrigerator and transmits a signal for the detected temperature to the main controller <NUM>. Here, the temperature detector <NUM> detects the refrigerating compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature respectively. In addition, the temperature of each chamber in the refrigerating compartment or each chamber in the freezer compartment may be detected.

As shown in the drawing, in order to control the on/off operation of the compressor <NUM>, the fan <NUM> or <NUM>, and the RF output device <NUM>, the main controller <NUM> may control the compressor driver <NUM>, the fan driver <NUM> or <NUM>, and the RF driver <NUM> to finally control the compressor <NUM>, the fan <NUM> or <NUM>, and the RF output device <NUM>. Here, the fan driver may be the machine room fan driver <NUM> or the freezer compartment fan driver <NUM>.

For example, the main controller <NUM> may output a corresponding speed command value signal to the compressor driver <NUM> or the fan driver <NUM> or <NUM> respectively.

The compressor driver <NUM> and the freezer compartment fan driver <NUM> described above are provided with a compressor motor (not shown) and a freezer compartment fan motor (not shown) respectively, and each motor (not shown) may be operated at a target rotational speed under the control of the main controller <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the machine room fan driver <NUM> includes a machine room fan motor (not shown), and the machine room fan motor (not shown) may be operated at a target rotational speed under the control of the main controller <NUM>.

When such a motor is a three-phase motor, it may be controlled by a switching operation in an inverter (not shown) or may be controlled at a constant speed by using an AC power source intactly. Here, each motor (not shown) may be any one of an induction motor, a Blush less DC (BLDC) motor, a synchronous reluctance motor (synRM) motor, and the like.

Meanwhile, as described above, the main controller <NUM> may control the overall operation of the refrigerator <NUM>, in addition to the operation control of the compressor <NUM> and the fan <NUM> or <NUM>.

For example, as described above, the main controller <NUM> may control the overall operation of the refrigerant cycle based on the set temperature from the input device <NUM>. For example, the main controller <NUM> may further control a three-way valve (not shown), a refrigerating compartment expansion valve (not shown), and a freezer compartment expansion valve <NUM>, in addition to the compressor driver <NUM>, the refrigerating compartment fan driver <NUM>, and the freezer compartment fan driver <NUM>. In addition, the operation of the condenser <NUM> may also be controlled. In addition, the main controller <NUM> may control the operation of the display device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the heater <NUM> may be a freezer compartment defrost heater. For removing frost attached to the freezer compartment evaporator <NUM>, the freezer compartment defrost heater <NUM> may operate. To this end, the heater driver <NUM> may control the operation of the heater <NUM>. Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> may control the heater driver <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> may output a driving signal to the RF driver <NUM> so as to control the RF output device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of an evaporator associated with the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a diagram referred to in the description of <FIG>.

First, referring to <FIG>, the evaporator <NUM> in a refrigerator 100x may be a freezer compartment evaporator, as illustrated in <FIG>. A sensor mounter <NUM> may be attached to the evaporator <NUM>.

Meanwhile, <FIG> illustrates an example in which frost ICE is formed on the evaporator <NUM>.

In the drawing, the frost ICE is formed on a center portion of the evaporator <NUM>, but the frost is not limited thereto and may be formed from a lower region of the evaporator <NUM> and grows upward.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating another example of an evaporator associated with the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawing, in a refrigerator 100y, a heater wire <NUM> coated on an insulation film may be attached to the evaporator <NUM> to remove the frost ICE illustrated in <FIG>.

In this case, the operation of the defrost heater wire leads to a rise in temperature of the defrost heater wire to approximately <NUM> or higher.

Meanwhile, in the drawing, it is illustrated that heat from the heater wire <NUM> is transferred leftward to the evaporator <NUM> in a direction Din, as well as transferred rightward in an opposite direction Dot to the evaporator <NUM>.

The heat transferred in the opposite direction Dot to the evaporator <NUM> causes a problem in that hot air is introduced into the refrigerating chamber or the freezer chamber, such that temperature inside the refrigerating chamber or the freezer chamber may rather increase.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method of performing a defrosting operation by using an RF signal while reducing heat generation, which will be describe below with reference to <FIG> and the following figures.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an RF output device and an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, which discloses a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>.

Referring to the drawing, a refrigerator 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an evaporator <NUM> configured to perform heat exchange by using a refrigerant compressed by a compressor <NUM>; an RF output device <NUM> configured to output an RF signal to the evaporator <NUM> for removing frost formed on the evaporator <NUM>; and a main controller <NUM> configured to control the RF output device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the evaporator <NUM> may be a freezer compartment evaporator, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Meanwhile, the sensor mounter <NUM> may be attached to the evaporator <NUM>.

To this end, the sensor mounter <NUM> may have a frame portion, and leg portions attached to the frame portion and extending in a vertical direction. Further, a pipe connector, which may be connected to a pipe of the evaporator <NUM>, may be disposed at the respective leg portions.

Meanwhile, the frame portion may have an insertion space, into which a circuit board (not shown) having a frost sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence of frost may be inserted. The circuit board <NUM> illustrated in the drawing may be slidably inserted into the insertion space in the frame portion and may be fixed thereto.

Meanwhile, the RF output device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first plate AND and a second plate CAT which are spaced apart from each other on the evaporator <NUM>.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first plate AND and the second plate CAP is disposed facing at least a lower portion of the evaporator <NUM>. This is because, as illustrated in <FIG>, a position where frost is first formed on the evaporator <NUM> is the lower portion, and the frost grows upward from the lower portion.

In the drawing, the evaporator <NUM> has a height of ho, and the first plate AND and the second plate CAP have a height of hb, which is lower than ho.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first plate AND and the second plate CAP may be electrically connected to an RF signal transmitter <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when an electrical signal is applied to at least one of the first plate AND and the second plate CAT, the RF signal is output to the frost ICE on the evaporator <NUM>.

Accordingly, the frost ICE on the evaporator <NUM> may be removed using the RF signal, without using a separate defrost heater.

Meanwhile, based on the RF signal, the main controller <NUM> controls the frost ICE to phase change into a liquid by heat radiated from a plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM>; and after the phase change, the main controller <NUM> controls temperature of the phase changed liquid to increase by the water molecule movement based on the RF signal. Accordingly, defrosting is performed using the RF signal. Particularly, defrosting may be performed while reducing heat generation.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, temperature of the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM> is higher than temperature of the phase changed liquid near the metal fins. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed while reducing heat generation.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as a frequency of the RF signal increases, temperature of heat radiated from the plurality of metal fins may increase. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed while reducing heat generation.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the number of the metal fins of the evaporator <NUM> increases, or as a distance between the metals fins of the evaporator <NUM> decreases, heat radiated from the metal fins may increase. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a defrost heater for removing frost on the evaporator <NUM>, and the main controller <NUM> may control the defrost heater to operate following the operation of the RF output device <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a defrost sensor for sensing the amount of frost on the evaporator <NUM>, and the main controller <NUM> may change at least one of an output period and output power of the RF signal based on the amount of frost during the operation of the RF output device <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, a frequency of the RF signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an RF output device and an evaporator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawing, a refrigerator 100b according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include an evaporator <NUM> configured to perform heat exchange by using a refrigerant compressed by a compressor <NUM>; an RF output device <NUM> configured to output an RF signal to the evaporator <NUM> for removing frost on the evaporator <NUM>; and a main controller <NUM> configured to control the RF output device <NUM>.

In this case, in the RF output device <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporator <NUM> has a height of ho, and the first plate AND and the second plate CAP have heights of hc and hd, respectively, which are almost the same as the height of the evaporator <NUM>.

Accordingly, the RF signal may be output over the whole area of the evaporator <NUM>, such that frost may be removed from the entire area of the evaporator <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an RF output device and an evaporator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which discloses a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>.

Referring to the drawing, a refrigerator 100c according to claim <NUM> includes an evaporator <NUM> configured to perform heat exchange by using a refrigerant compressed by a compressor <NUM>; an RF output device <NUM> configured to output an RF signal to the evaporator <NUM> for removing frost on the evaporator <NUM>; and a main controller <NUM> configured to control the RF output device <NUM>.

In this case, the RF output device <NUM> according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a first plate AND and a second plate CAP which are spaced apart from each other on the evaporator <NUM>.

In addition, the RF output device <NUM> according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a heat insulating material <NUM> disposed on a surface opposite to at least one evaporator <NUM> of the first plate AND and the second plate CAP.

By using the heat insulating material, frost formed on the evaporator <NUM> may be removed more efficiently.

Meanwhile, in the drawing, it is illustrated that the heat insulating material has a height which is almost the same as the height ho of the evaporator <NUM>, and is greater than the height ha of the first plate AND and the second plate CAP.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the interior of an RF output device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawing, the RF output device <NUM> may be connected to the RF signal transmitter <NUM>, and the RF signal transmitter <NUM> may be connected to the RF driver <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may include a separate button for operating on or off the RF output device <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may display information related to the operating on or off of the RF output device <NUM>.

The main controller <NUM> may control the RF output device <NUM> by using the RF driver <NUM>.

The RF driver <NUM> may include a frequency oscillator <NUM>, a level adjuster <NUM>, an amplifier <NUM>, a directional coupler <NUM>, and a power detector <NUM>.

The frequency oscillating device <NUM> oscillates to output an RF signal of a corresponding frequency, by a frequency control signal from the main controller <NUM>.

The frequency oscillator <NUM> may include a voltage controlled oscillator VCO. Based on the voltage level of the frequency control signal, the voltage controlled oscillator VCO oscillates a corresponding frequency. For example, as the voltage level of the frequency control signal becomes higher, the frequency oscillated and generated by the voltage controlled oscillator VCO becomes higher.

The level adjuster <NUM> may oscillate the frequency signal oscillated by the frequency oscillator <NUM> to output an RF signal with a corresponding power based on the power control signal. The level adjuster <NUM> may include a voltage controlled attenuator VCA.

Based on the voltage level of the power control signal, the voltage controlled attenuator VCA performs a correction operation so that an RF signal is output with a corresponding power. For example, as the voltage level of the power control signal becomes higher, the power level of the signal output from the voltage controlled attenuator VCA becomes higher.

The amplifier <NUM> may output a RF signal by amplifying the oscillated frequency signal, based on the frequency signal oscillated by the frequency oscillator <NUM> and the power control signal by the level adjuster <NUM>.

As described above, the amplifier <NUM> may include a solid state power amplifier SSPA using a semiconductor device, and in particular, may include a Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits MMIC using a single substrate. Thus, the size thereof is reduced, and the integration of device can be achieved.

Meanwhile, the frequency oscillator <NUM>, the level adjuster <NUM>, and the amplifier <NUM>, described above, may be implemented as a single device, which may be referred to as a solid state power oscillator SSPO.

The directional coupler DC <NUM> transmits the RF signal amplified and output by the amplifier <NUM> to the RF signal transmitter <NUM>. The RF signal output from the RF signal transmitter <NUM> is output to the goods in the RF output device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the RF signal that is not absorbed and reflected by the goods in the RF output device <NUM> may be input to the directional coupler <NUM> through the RF signal transmitter <NUM>. The directional coupler <NUM> transfers the reflected RF signal to the main controller <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the power detector <NUM> is disposed between the directional coupler <NUM> and the main controller <NUM>, and detects the output power of the RF signal which is amplified and output by the amplifier <NUM> and transferred to the RF signal transmitter <NUM> via the directional coupler <NUM>. The detected power signal is input to the main controller <NUM>, and is used for a signal output efficiency calculation. Meanwhile, the power detector <NUM> may be implemented of a diode device, or the like to detect a power.

Meanwhile, the power detector <NUM> is disposed between the directional coupler <NUM> and the main controller <NUM>, and detects the power of the reflected RF signal reflected by the RF output device <NUM> and received by the directional coupler <NUM>. The detected power signal is input to the main controller <NUM>, and is used for signal output efficiency calculation. Meanwhile, the power detector <NUM> may be implemented of a diode device, or the like to detect a power.

Meanwhile, the RF driver <NUM> is disposed between the amplifier <NUM> and the directional coupler <NUM>, and may further include an isolation device (not shown) for passing through the RF signal in the case of transferring the RF signal amplified by the amplifier <NUM> to the RF output device <NUM>, and blocking the RF signal reflected from the RF output device <NUM>. Here, the isolation device (not shown) may be implemented of an isolator.

The main controller <NUM> may calculate signal output efficiency, based on the RF signal which is not absorbed and reflected by the goods among the RF signals emitted into the RF output device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the plurality of RF signals are sequentially emitted into the RF output device <NUM>, the main controller <NUM> calculates signal output efficiency for each frequency of the plurality of RF signals.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> may control a RF signal output section to be divided into a scan section and a main operation section so as to output signal efficiently.

The main controller <NUM> may sequentially output a plurality of RF signals into the RF output device <NUM> during the scan section, and calculate signal output efficiency based on the reflected RF signal.

In addition, the main controller <NUM> may output RF signals having different output periods respectively or output only the RF signal having a certain frequency, in the main operation section, based on the signal output efficiency calculated in the scan section. Meanwhile, it is preferable that the power of the RF signal in the main operation section is significantly higher than the power of the RF signal in the scan section. Thus, power consumption can be reduced.

The main controller <NUM> may generate and output a frequency control signal to vary the output period of the RF signal based on the calculated signal output efficiency.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> may control to output the RF signal of corresponding frequency, only when the signal output efficiency calculated for each frequency is equal to or greater than a set value.

The power supply <NUM> may boost the power input to the refrigerator <NUM> to a high voltage and output to the RF driver <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be implemented of a high voltage transformer or an inverter.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> are diagrams referred to in the description of <FIG> and <FIG>.

First, referring to <FIG>, the main controller <NUM> turns off the compressor <NUM> (S705).

Then, the main controller <NUM> turns on the RF output device <NUM> (S710) for defrosting, such that the RF signal is output to the evaporator <NUM> (S720).

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the RF signal that causes the movement of water molecules in the goods is output to remove frost formed on the evaporator <NUM>.

Particularly, a frequency of the RF signal is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

When the frequency of the RF signal is between <NUM> and <NUM>, as it is not <NUM> for high-speed vibration of water molecules, the water molecule motion is performed in a range where an object is not heated. Thus, frost may be removed efficiently while reducing the rise in ambient temperature.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> determines whether an operating period is greater than or equal to a first period, or ambient temperature around the evaporator is greater than or equal to a first temperature (S730), and if so, the main controller <NUM> may turn off the RF output device <NUM> (S750).

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the evaporator <NUM> is disposed between the first plate AND and the second plate CAP, and frost ICE is formed on the evaporator <NUM>.

Particularly, in the drawing, it is illustrated that water molecules are in a frozen state.

In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the main controller <NUM> controls the frost to phase change into a liquid by heat radiated from the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM>, and after the phase change, the main controller <NUM> controls temperature of the phase changed liquid to increase by the water molecule movement based on the RF signal. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal. Particularly, defrosting may be performed while reducing heat generation.

When the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM> react to the RF signal, ice around the plurality of metal fins is melted.

In <FIG> illustrates an example in which the RF signal is output at a first time point to the frost ICE formed on the evaporator <NUM> within the first plate AND, in which as it is still at the initial stage, almost no frost ICE is melted.

In <FIG> illustrates an example in which the RF signal is output at a second time point, after the first time point, to frost ICE formed on the evaporator <NUM> within the first plate AND.

Referring to the drawings, when time elapses after the first time point, the plurality of metal fins react to the RF signal, such that a surrounding region OPb around the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM> is melted first.

Meanwhile, a defrosting method of a defrost heater is a method of removing frost using a defrost heater, in which a surrounding region around the heater is melted first, and a surrounding region around the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM> is melted last.

Meanwhile, as a defrost period is limited, the defrost heater method has a problem in that it is difficult to continuously remove frost formed in the surrounding region around the plurality of metal fins of the evaporator <NUM>.

However, in the defrosting method using the RF signal according to the present disclosure, unlike the defrosting method of a defrost heater, the surrounding area OPb around the plurality of metal fins is melted first, and then other surrounding regions are sequentially melted, such that defrosting may be performed efficiently in a short time.

<FIG> illustrates an ambient temperature curve Wava around the RF output device <NUM>, and a temperature curve Wavb of frost on the evaporator <NUM>.

It can be seen from the drawing that in the initial stage of operation of the RF output device <NUM>, a temperature difference between the RF output device <NUM> and the frost on the evaporator <NUM> is large, but as the RF signal is output continuously, the temperature of the frost on the evaporator <NUM> increases to approach the ambient temperature around the RF output device <NUM>. Accordingly, the frost on the evaporator <NUM> may be removed stably.

Meanwhile, regarding <FIG>, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the evaporator <NUM> to operate during periods, which are divided into a first period in which the RF signal is output such that temperature of a liquid around the evaporator <NUM> decreases, and a second period in which the liquid temperature increases after the first period, and then is maintained within a predetermined range.

Here, although not illustrated herein, the first period corresponds to a predetermined period after the RF signal is output, and despite the output of the RF signal, the temperature of the liquid around the evaporator <NUM> may decrease due to the heat exchange in the evaporator <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the second period may correspond to the entire section of the temperature curve Wavb of the frost illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, by the RF signal output during the second period, the liquid temperature may increase, and then may be maintained within a predetermined range. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed using the RF signal. Particularly, defrosting may be performed while reducing heat generation.

<FIG> illustrates a range of frequencies output by the RF output device <NUM>.

Referring to the drawing, a frequency range fscop of the RF signal is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, if the frequency of the RF signal is lower than <NUM>, movement of water molecules in the goods may not be active; and if the frequency of the RF signal is higher than <NUM>, movement of water molecules in the goods may be too active, causing a temperature rise of the goods.

Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the frequency range fscop of the RF signal used in the RF output device <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Meanwhile, depending on the amount of frost, the frequency of the RF signal may vary between <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, the amount of frost increases, the frequency of the RF signal may increase.

Meanwhile, power consumption may increase during the operation of the RF output device <NUM>, rather than before the operation of the RF output device <NUM>, which will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which power consumed by the compressor <NUM> before the operation of the RF output device <NUM> is Powa, and power consumed by the compressor <NUM> during the operation of the RF output device <NUM> is Powb which is greater than Powa.

When the RF output device <NUM> is disposed near the evaporator <NUM> for a defrosting operation, power consumed by the compressor <NUM> may increase more during the operation of the RF output device <NUM>, in order to maintain a setting temperature of the freezer compartment at -<NUM>.

Meanwhile, it is preferable that the RF output device <NUM> mainly operates in a defrost interval, which will be described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

First, <FIG> illustrates an example of a defrosting operation.

Referring to the drawing, <FIG> is a timing diagram illustrating an operating period of a refrigerator and power consumption during the operating period of the refrigerator.

First, a first section t1 is a cooling section, in which the compressor <NUM> is turned on to operate and a fan <NUM> is also turned on to operate. During the cooling section t1, first power L1 is consumed to perform the compressor <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first section t1 may be referred to as a deep cooling section or a cooling section before defrosting starts.

Then, a second section t2 is an idle section, in which the compressor <NUM> is turned off, and the fan <NUM> is also turned off. Meanwhile, the second section t2 may be referred to as an idle section before defrosting starts.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant in the evaporator <NUM> may be removed during the second section t2 before defrosting starts. Such operation may be referred to as pump down.

Subsequently, a third section t3 is a defrost section, in which the RF output device <NUM> operates. Accordingly, frost near the evaporator <NUM> may be removed efficiently and stably.

Meanwhile, second power L2, which is lower than the power consumed in the cooling section t1, may be consumed during the defrost section t3.

Next, a fourth section t4 is an idle section after defrost. Accordingly, the compressor <NUM> may be turned off.

Then, a fifth section t5 is a cooling section after defrost, in which the compressor <NUM> is turned on to operate, and the fan <NUM> is also turned on to operate. In the cooling section after defrost t5, the first power L1 is consumed to operate the compressor <NUM>.

Subsequently, a sixth section t6 is a second idle section after defrost, in which the compressor <NUM> may be turned off.

Next, a seventh section t7 is a second cooling section after defrost, in which the compressor <NUM> is turned on to operate, and the fan <NUM> is also turned on to operate.

At an initial stage of the second cooling section after defrost t7, third power L3, which is lower than the first power L1 and the second power L2, is consumed, and then the first power L1 is consumed again.

Then, an eighth section t8 is a third idle section after defrost, in which the compressor <NUM> may be turned off.

Subsequently, a ninth section t9 is a third cooling section after defrost, in which the compressor <NUM> is turned on to operate, and the fan <NUM> is also turned on to operate.

At an initial stage of the third cooling section after defrost t9, the third power L3, which is lower than the first power L1 and the second power L2, is consumed, and then the first power L1 is consumed again.

Next, a tenth section t10 is a fourth idle section after defrost, in which the compressor <NUM> may be turned off.

Meanwhile, as the defrost section t3 decreases, or as the amount of frost on the evaporator <NUM> increases, or as a period of the defrost section t3 increases, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may increase the frequency of the RF signal. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently by using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the RF signal to be output to the evaporator <NUM> during at least the defrost section t3. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently by using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, during a portion of the cooling section t1 before defrosting, the idle section t2 following the cooling section t1 before defrosting, the defrost section t3, the idle section after defrost t4, and a portion of the cooling section after defrost t5, the main controller <NUM> may control the RF signal to be output to the evaporator <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed stably by using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the compressor <NUM> to be turned off during the operation of the RF output device <NUM>. Accordingly, power consumption may be reduced while performing defrosting using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, once the cooling section for operation of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> or the freezer compartment <NUM> starts after the operation of the RF output device <NUM>, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the RF output device <NUM> to stop outputting the RF signal. Accordingly, a cooling operation may be performed smoothly during the cooling section, and power consumption of the refrigerator <NUM> may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the RF output device <NUM> to operate in the idle section t2 and the defrost section t3 following the idle section t2. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the RF output device <NUM> to be further operated during a portion of the cooling section before defrost t1 before the idle section t2. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed stably using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the RF output device <NUM> to be further operated during at least a portion of the idle section after defrost t4 following the idle section t2, and the cooling section after defrost t5 following the idle section after defrost t4. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed stably using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may operate the fan after stopping the operation of the RF output device <NUM> during the cooling section after defrost t5. Accordingly, a cooling operation may be performed smoothly during the cooling section, and power consumption of the refrigerator <NUM> may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the second idle section after defrost t6 to perform after the fan is operated, and may control the second cooling section after defrost t7 to perform after the second idle section after defrost t6, and may continuously operate the fan during the second idle section after defrost t6 and the second cooling section after defrost t7. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed smoothly during the cooling section, and power consumption of the refrigerator <NUM> may be reduced.

Meanwhile, while operating again the RF output device <NUM> during the third idle section after defrost t8 following the second cooling section after defrost t7, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may turn off the compressor <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed smoothly using the RF signal, and power consumption of the refrigerator <NUM> may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may continuously operate the fan during the third idle section after defrost t8. Accordingly, cold air may be supplied continuously into the refrigerator <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control power of the RF signal, output from the RF output device <NUM> during the third idle section after defrost t8, to be smaller than power of the RF signal during the defrost section t3. Accordingly, power consumption may be reduced while performing defrosting using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may turn off the compressor <NUM> while operating again the RF output device <NUM> during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost t7. Accordingly, power consumption may be reduced while performing defrosting using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may continuously operate the fan during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost t7. Accordingly, power consumption may be reduced while performing defrosting using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the power of the RF signal, output from the RF output device <NUM> during a portion of the second cooling section after defrost t7, to be smaller than power of the RF signal during the defrost section t3. Accordingly, power consumption may be reduced while performing defrosting using the RF signal.

Meanwhile, if a defrost end temperature of the freezer compartment <NUM> or the refrigerating compartment <NUM> in the RF output device <NUM> is greater than or equal to a first temperature, or if a defrost period of the RF output device <NUM> is greater than or equal to a first period, the main controller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may stop the operation of the RF output device <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

Then, <FIG> illustrates another example of a defrosting operation.

While similar to <FIG>, <FIG> is different in that a cooling operation is performed during the eighth section t8 and the tenth section t10 which are idle periods in <FIG>, and particularly, the first power L1 is consumed in the eighth section t8 and the tenth section t10. Accordingly, cooling may be performed stably after defrosting.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a positional relationship between the fan <NUM>, the evaporator <NUM>, the RF output device <NUM>, and the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment ROOM.

Referring to the drawing, the cold air evaporated by the evaporator <NUM> may be supplied to the refrigerating compartment or the freezer compartment ROOM by the operation of the fan <NUM>. In this case, the RF output device <NUM> may be preferably turned off. Accordingly, cold air may be supplied efficiently.

Meanwhile, the RF output device <NUM> operates during defrosting, and the operation of the fan <NUM> may be temporarily stopped, thereby allowing efficient defrosting.

Meanwhile, the RF output device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the following: a power detector <NUM> configured to detect power of the RF signal reflected from the evaporator <NUM>; a temperature detector <NUM> configured to detect temperature of the evaporator <NUM>; and a camera (not shown) configured to photograph the evaporator <NUM>. Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently using the RF signal.

For example, the RF output device <NUM> may operate based on the signal detected by the power detector <NUM>.

In another example, the RF output device <NUM> may operate based on the detected temperature of the evaporator <NUM>.

In yet another example, the RF output device <NUM> may operate when defrost is detected from an image related to the evaporator <NUM> which is captured by the camera (not shown).

Meanwhile, the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a fan configured to supply cold air, generated by heat exchange in the evaporator <NUM>, to the freezer compartment <NUM>; and a second RF output device (not shown) disposed in a cavity of the freezer compartment <NUM> and configured to output a second RF signal, such that the water molecules of goods in the cavity may move, thereby delaying freezing of the goods and maintaining freshness of the goods.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawing, the main controller <NUM> may turn off the compressor (S1505) and may perform a defrosting mode.

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> may determine whether the defrosting mode is in operation (S1506), and if an error occurs (S1508), the main controller <NUM> may perform a first defrosting stage (S1520).

In this case, the error may refer to a case where temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the freezer compartment is greater than or equal to a reference temperature, i.e., a case where the temperature increases.

Accordingly, the main controller <NUM> may reduce power of the RF signal output during the defrosting mode.

For example, the power of the RF signal in the first defrosting stage may be approximately <NUM> W. Accordingly, movement of water molecules occurs in frost on the evaporator <NUM>, thereby preventing formation or further formation of frost on the evaporator <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the power of the RF signal during defrosting before the first defrosting stage is performed may be approximately <NUM> W, thereby removing frost on the evaporator <NUM>.

Then, when the refrigerating compartment operates (S1522) or the freezer compartment operates (S1524) after the first defrosting stage is performed, the main controller <NUM> may end the first defrosting stage (S1550). Accordingly, defrosting may be performed efficiently.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a refrigerator according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawing, the main controller <NUM> may perform defrosting (S1620).

Then, the main controller <NUM> determines whether a time to initiate defrosting in the freezer compartment is satisfied (S1622).

In the case where defrosting is performed sufficiently, the main controller <NUM> may determine whether deep cooling, corresponding to the first section t1 of <FIG>, is complete (S1624), and if the deep cooling is not complete, the main controller <NUM> may control the deep cooling, corresponding to the first section t1 of <FIG>, to be continuously performed (S1626).

Meanwhile, if the deep cooling is complete, the main controller <NUM> may turn off the compressor <NUM>), and may perform a second defrosting stage (S1670).

For example, the power of the RF signal in the second defrosting stage may be approximately <NUM> W. Accordingly, movement of water molecules occurs in frost on the evaporator <NUM>, thereby preventing formation or further formation of frost on the evaporator <NUM>.

Subsequently, the main controller <NUM> determines whether temperature of the refrigerating compartment is greater than or equal to a first temperature, or an operating period thereof is greater than or equal to the first period (S1672), and if so, the main controller <NUM> may end the second defrosting stage (S1680).

Meanwhile, the main controller <NUM> determines whether temperature of the freezer compartment is greater than or equal to a first temperature, or an operating period thereof is greater than or equal to a first period (S1674), and if so, the main controller <NUM> may end the second defrosting stage (S1680).

Next, the main controller <NUM> starts the compressor <NUM> after defrosting is performed (S1685), thereby efficiently performing the defrosting operation.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to those exemplary embodiments and various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator (<NUM>) comprising:
a compressor (<NUM>) configured to compress a refrigerant;
an evaporator (<NUM>) configured to perform heat exchange using the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (<NUM>);
a radio frequency (RF) output device (<NUM>) configured to output a RF signal to the evaporator for removing frost on the evaporator (<NUM>);
wherein the RF output device (<NUM>) comprises a first plate (AND) and a second plate (CAT), wherein the evaporator (<NUM>) is positioned between the first plate (AND) and the second plate (CAT);
wherein a height (ha) of the first plate (AND) and/or a height of the second plate (CAT) is less than a height of the evaporator (<NUM>); and
wherein the first plate (AND) and/or the second plate (CAT) is positioned at an area corresponding to the lower portion of the evaporator (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to control the RF output device (<NUM>),
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to:
based on the RF signal, control the frost to phase change into a liquid by heat radiated from a plurality of metal fins of the evaporator (<NUM>); and
after the phase change, control temperature of the phase changed liquid to increase by a water molecule movement based on the RF signal; and
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to control the RF output device (<NUM>) during a defrost section (t3).