Patent Description:
A refrigerator is a home appliance that provides long-term storage of objects to be stored by using cold air, and there are provided at least one or more storage compartments in which the objects to be stored are stored.

The storage compartments may include: a freezing compartment for frozen storage of objects to be stored and a refrigerating compartment for refrigerated storage of objects to be stored. The storage compartments may include two or more freezing compartments or two or more refrigerating compartments.

The freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may be formed to be partitioned vertically or horizontally with a partition wall interposed therebetween. For example, in a case of a double-door refrigerator, a freezing compartment on one side and a refrigerating compartment on the other side are partitioned with a partition wall interposed therebetween.

The refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment are supplied with cold air generated by a refrigeration system, and are controlled to maintain a temperature range between an upper limit reference temperature (NT + Diff) and a lower limit reference temperature (NT - Diff) on the basis of each set reference temperature (NT; Noth). For example, when a temperature of any one storage compartment is higher than the upper limit reference temperature, a compressor is operated to supply cold air to the corresponding storage compartment, and when a temperature of any one storage compartment is lower than the lower limit reference temperature, the operation of the compressor is stopped to block the cold air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment.

In particular, in a case of a refrigerator that performs temperature control of a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment by using one evaporator, there is provided a cold air duct that guides at least a portion of the cold air supplied to the freezing compartment (or the refrigerating compartment) to be selectively supplied to the refrigerating compartment (or the freezing compartment), and the cold air duct is configured to be opened and closed with a damper. That is, at least the portion of the cold air that has passed through the evaporator through the opening or closing operation of the cold air duct by the damper is allowed to be selectively supplied to the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment.

Meanwhile, since the damper exists in a storage compartment having high humidity, there is a risk of freezing, and accordingly, in the related art, various structures for preventing the damper from freezing are provided.

For example, in a case of <CIT> a heater is provided between two baffles to generate heat for a preset time when door closing of a refrigerator is detected, whereby it is intended to prevent freezing of a damper.

However, in this case, since the heater is operated when the door closing of the refrigerator is detected regardless of a high room temperature, excessive temperature rise in a refrigerating compartment and an increase in power consumption are caused due to unnecessary heat generation of the heater.

In addition, since the heater is configured to operate only by the opening or closing of the refrigerator door, there occurs a case where the heater does not operate for a long time when the refrigerator door is not opened or closed, and accordingly, there is a problem in that freezing may occur.

In <CIT> a cold air inlet is provided in a control box positioned inside a refrigerating compartment. Thus, the space in the refrigerating compartment is reduced as much as the space of the corresponding control box. In particular, in a case of the refrigerating compartment, there is a problem of having an inevitable phenomenon in which when the heater generates heat, an ambient temperature rises easily, thereby affecting refrigeration.

Recently, a structure of a refrigerator has been provided wherein a damper is positioned in a freezing compartment, and a refrigerating compartment and a region where the damper is installed are connected to each other by a flow path duct, so as to enable transfer of cold air. Such structure is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Further similar structures are disclosed by European Patent Application Publication No. <CIT>, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. <CIT>, <CIT> and Chinese Registered Utility Model Publication No. <CIT>.

In these cases, as the damper provided to maintain a temperature difference between the refrigerating compartment and a refrigerating compartment duct is arranged in the freezing compartment, the problem of having the reduced space of the refrigerating compartment may be prevented.

However, there is a problem in that freezing occurs in a connection region between a damper housing (i.e., a first unit) provided to allow the damper of the freezing compartment duct (i.e., a grill assembly for the freezing compartment) to be installed and a supply duct (i.e., a second unit) configured to connect the damper housing to the refrigerating compartment duct (i.e., a grill assembly for the refrigerating compartment).

Naturally, the ice may be defrosted through a method of forcibly increasing the temperature of the refrigerating compartment, and also operation control may be performed in the supply duct periodically (or intermittently) to defrost the ice.

However, in the above-described defrosting method, there may occur a case where the freezing of the damper is unable to be accurately resolved, and when frequent defrosting is performed in order to prevent the freezing of the damper, there may occur a problem that consumption of power is large, thereby adversely affecting the power consumption.

That is, the risk of freezing of the damper may vary depending on a room temperature condition or a refrigerator internal humidity condition. However, conventionally, since only defrosting of an evaporator is considered without considering each of the above conditions, the defrosting to remove the freezing of the damper is not performed in a timely manner.

Accordingly, a new structure and a control method thereof capable of reducing the consumption of power while preventing the above-described damper from freezing are recently required.

The present disclosure has been devised to solve various problems according to the related art described above, and an objective of the present disclosure is to prevent freezing of a supply duct configured to guide a flow of cold air from one storage compartment to another storage compartment and to prevent freezing of a damper configured to open and close the corresponding supply duct.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to allow heaters provided for preventing freezing of a damper to be operated only when there is a risk of the freezing during use of a refrigerator, so as to reduce consumption of power, thereby improving power consumption.

Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to minimize influence on a refrigerator internal temperature due to excessive heat generation of heaters provided for preventing a damper from freezing.

According to claim <NUM> of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided comprising a refrigerator body having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment; a supply duct for guiding at least a portion of cold air generated by an operation of a compressor to flow to any one storage compartment; a damper configured to selectively block a flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct; one or more heaters configured to provide heat to at least any one of the damper or the supply duct; a room temperature sensor configured to detect a room temperature; refrigerator internal temperature sensors, respectively configured to detect a temperature in each storage compartment; a refrigerator internal humidity sensor configured to detect humidity in any one of the two storage compartments; and a controller configured to control at least any one operation of the compressor, the damper, and the one or more heaters when at least any one condition set on the basis of a sensing value of at least any one of the room temperature sensor, each of the refrigerator internal temperature sensors, and the refrigerator internal humidity sensor is satisfied.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include a condition in which the room temperature checked by the room temperature sensor falls within a first set temperature range.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include a condition in which the room temperature confirmed by the room temperature sensor falls within a temperature range higher than the first set temperature range.

The conditions set in the controller include a condition in which the damper is operated to block a flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include a condition in which the damper is operated to open the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include a condition in which the humidity in the storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor falls within a first set humidity range.

The conditions set in the controller include a condition in which the humidity in the storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor falls within a humidity range higher than the first set humidity range.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include room temperature conditions and damper operating conditions at the same time.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include the room temperature conditions and room humidity conditions at the same time.

In one or more embodiments, the conditions set in the controller may include the damper operating conditions and the room humidity conditions at the same time.

According to an example that is not part of the invention, operating conditions set in the controller may include a condition for controlling the heaters to generate the heat when the room temperature is maintained in the first set temperature range and the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct is blocked.

According to an example that is not part of the invention , operating conditions set in the controller may include a condition for controlling the heaters to generate the heat when the room temperature is maintained in a first set temperature range and the compressor is stopped.

Operating conditions set in the controller include at least one of the following: a first condition for controlling the heaters to generate the heat when the humidity in the storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor belongs to higher humidity than a first set humidity range and the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct is blocked, a second condition for controlling the heaters to generate the heat when the humidity in the storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor belongs to the higher humidity than a first set humidity range and the compressor is blocked, a third condition for controlling the heaters to stop generating the heat regardless of the room temperature when the humidity in any one storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor falls within a first set humidity range.

In one or more embodiments, any one storage compartment of the two storage compartments may be configured to maintain a lower temperature range than the other storage compartment.

In one or more embodiments, when the damper is operated to block the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct, the cold air may be supplied to the storage compartment having a relatively low temperature among the two storage compartments.

In one or more embodiments, the heaters may include a first heater that provides the heat to the damper.

In one or more embodiments, the heaters may include a second heater that provides the heat to the supply duct.

In one or more embodiments, the controller may be configured to control at least any one of the first heater and the second heater to generate the heat when at least any one condition that is set is satisfied.

In one or more embodiments, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor may be arranged to sense refrigerator internal humidity in the storage compartment maintained in a relatively high temperature range among the two storage compartments.

In one or more embodiments, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor may be provided at a higher position than that of a center among each region of the storage compartment, and may be provided at a lower position than that of the supply duct.

In one or more embodiments, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor may be positioned below a shelf positioned at an uppermost side.

According to claim <NUM>, a method of controlling an operation of the present disclosure for achieving the above objectives, the method includes performing a cooling operation to maintain each storage compartment in a set temperature range.

In one or more embodiments, the cooling operation is performed while supplying or blocking cold air to at least any one of two storage compartments by controlling an operation of selectively opening a supply duct through an operation of a damper and by controlling an operation of a compressor.

The method includes performing a defrosting operation for the damper to prevent freezing of the damper or to defrost the frozen damper.

The defrosting operation for the damper is performed by controlling operations of heaters configured to provide heat to the damper or the supply duct.

The defrosting operation for the damper is performed while controlling an operation of the heater when at least one operating condition is satisfied.

Operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper are set on the basis of information on a sensing value of at least any one of a room temperature sensor, each of refrigerator internal temperature sensors, and a refrigerator internal humidity sensor, and at least any one piece of information of either operation information of the compressor or operation information of the damper.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include a condition in which a room temperature checked by the room temperature sensor falls within a first set temperature range.

In one or more embodiments the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include a condition in which the room temperature confirmed by the room temperature sensor falls within a temperature range higher than the first set temperature range.

The operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper include a condition in which the damper operates to block a flow of cold air guided to the supply duct.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include a condition in which the damper operates to open the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include a condition in which humidity in the storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor falls within a first set humidity range.

The operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper include a condition in which the humidity in the storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor falls within a higher humidity range than the first set humidity range.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include room temperature conditions and damper operating conditions at the same time.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include the room temperature conditions and room humidity conditions at the same time.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may include the damper operating conditions and the room humidity conditions at the same time.

According to an example that is not part of the invention, in the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper, when the room temperature is maintained in the first set temperature range and the damper is operated to block the supply duct (i.e., to block supply of the cold air), a condition may be determined to be satisfied, so that the heaters may be controlled to generate the heat.

According to an example that is not part of the invention, in the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper, when the room temperature is maintained within the first set temperature range and the compressor is stopped, a condition may be determined to be satisfied, so that the heaters may be controlled to generate the heat.

The operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper are satisfied, when the humidity in the storage compartment is higher than the first set humidity range and the damper is operated to block the supply duct (i.e., to block the supply of the cold air), or when the humidity in the storage compartment belongs to the higher humidity than the first set humidity range and the compressor is stopped, so that the heaters may be controlled to generate the heat.

In one or more embodiments, in the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper, when the humidity in the storage compartment falls within the first set humidity range, a third condition may be determined to be satisfied, so that the heaters may be controlled to stop generating the heat.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may further include at least one or more set humidity ranges in which the humidity in any one storage compartment confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor is set to be higher than the first set humidity range.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may control the heater to generate the heat for a longer period of time as the humidity in the storage compartment is higher.

In one or more embodiments, the operating conditions of the defrosting operation for the damper may control the heater to generate the heat for the longer period of time as the temperature in the storage compartment is lower.

As described above, the present disclosure has the following various effects.

First, in the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since heaters respectively providing heat to a damper assembly and a supply duct are provided, freezing of the damper assembly or freezing of a connection region between the damper assembly and the supply duct may be prevented.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since a refrigerator internal humidity sensor is provided in a first storage compartment to detect humidity in the first storage compartment, precise operation settings of a defrosting operation for the damper may be conducted on the basis of the humidity in the first storage compartment.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor is provided at a higher position than that of a center in the first storage compartment, the humidity in the first storage compartment may be checked as accurately as possible.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor is provided at a lower position than the supply duct, more significant discrimination may be obtained than that of a case in which excessively high humidity at a higher position than the supply duct is measured.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor is provided at a position below a shelf, positioned at an uppermost side, among each of shelves provided in the first storage compartment, more significant discrimination may be obtained than that of a case in which excessively high humidity of a space at the uppermost side in the first storage compartment is measured.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the defrosting operation for the damper is controlled in consideration of the humidity in the first storage compartment and the room temperature at the same time, unnecessary consumption of power due to heat generated by the heaters may be reduced.

Hereinafter, a preferred exemplary embodiment of a refrigerator and a method of controlling an operation thereof according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying <FIG>.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof heaters <NUM> and <NUM> configured to provide heat to a supply duct <NUM> or a damper <NUM> are allowed to selectively generate the heat according to a room temperature and refrigerator internal humidity, so as to reduce consumption of power.

The refrigerator from among the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail for each component as follows.

In the accompanying views, <FIG> is an external perspective view of the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a front view illustrating an exterior shape of the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a front view illustrating an interior shape of the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in these views, the refrigerator includes a refrigerator body <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying <FIG>, the refrigerator body <NUM> may be configured to include: an outer case <NUM> forming an outer body; and inner cases <NUM> and <NUM> positioned in the outer case <NUM>.

Here, a plurality of inner cases <NUM> and <NUM> is provided to respectively form storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>. That is, each of the inner cases <NUM> and <NUM> is formed as a box body open to a front thereof, so as to form the respective storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM> for storing an object to be stored therein. Naturally, although not shown, the refrigerator body <NUM> may be formed of only either the outer case <NUM> or the inner cases <NUM> and <NUM>.

Such a refrigerator body <NUM> is configured to include a first storage compartment <NUM> on one side and a second storage compartment <NUM> on the other side, with a partition wall <NUM> interposed therebetween. For example, while having the partition wall <NUM> interposed therebetween, the first inner case <NUM> configured to provide the first storage compartment <NUM> and the second inner case <NUM> configured to provide the second storage compartment <NUM> are respectively provided on one side and the other side.

The two inner cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be respectively provided on left and right sides of the refrigerator body <NUM>, or may be respectively provided on upper and lower sides of the refrigerator body <NUM>. Then the partition wall <NUM> would extend horizontally. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the refrigerator body <NUM> is viewed from the front, the first storage compartment <NUM> of the first inner case <NUM> may be positioned on the right side, and the second storage compartment <NUM> of the second inner case <NUM> may be positioned on the left side. However, this might be vice versa.

The second storage compartment <NUM> is maintained at a lower temperature than that of the first storage compartment <NUM>. For example, the second storage compartment <NUM> may be a freezing compartment, and the first storage compartment <NUM> may be a refrigerating compartment.

In addition, doors <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively positioned on open front surfaces of the inner cases <NUM> and <NUM>, so as to selectively open and close the respective storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the doors <NUM> and <NUM> may be rotary doors or drawer-type doors.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment may include a first grill assembly <NUM>.

The first grill assembly <NUM> is positioned at the rear of the first inner case <NUM>.

The first grill assembly <NUM> serves to guide the flow of cold air supplied into the first storage compartment <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying <FIG>, the first grill assembly <NUM> may include: a first grill pan <NUM> positioned to be exposed to the first storage compartment <NUM>; and a first duct plate <NUM> coupled to the rear of the first grill pan <NUM>.

Here, a plurality of first cold air outlets <NUM> configured to discharge cold air to the first storage compartment <NUM> may be formed in the first grill pan <NUM>, and a cold air flow path <NUM> configured to supply the cold air to each first cold air outlet <NUM> may be formed in the first duct plate <NUM>.

A plurality of first communication holes <NUM> coincident with the respective first cold air outlets <NUM> may be formed in the first duct plate <NUM>, and the cold air flow path <NUM> may be formed to pass through each first communication hole <NUM>. In this case, the cold air flow path <NUM> may be formed in a concave shape on a rear surface of the first duct plate <NUM> or may be formed in the first duct plate <NUM>.

A supply hole <NUM> configured to receive supply of cold air from the supply duct <NUM> is formed on one side of the rear surface of the first duct plate <NUM>, and the cold air flow path <NUM> is formed to communicate with the supply hole <NUM>.

Accordingly, the cold air delivered to the supply duct <NUM> may pass through the supply hole <NUM> and flow into the cold air flow path <NUM>, and then may be supplied into the first storage compartment <NUM> by sequentially passing through each of the first communication holes <NUM> and each of the first cold air outlets <NUM> while flowing along the cold air flow path <NUM>.

Next, the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second grill assembly <NUM>.

The second grill assembly <NUM> is positioned at the rear inside the second inner case <NUM>, and serves to guide the flow of cold air supplied into the second storage compartment <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying <FIG> and <FIG>, the second grill assembly <NUM> may be configured to include: a second grill pan <NUM> positioned to be exposed to the second storage compartment <NUM>; a second duct plate <NUM> coupled to a rear of the second grill pan <NUM>; a shroud <NUM> coupled to the rear of the second duct plate <NUM>; and a blowing fan <NUM> installed between the second duct plate <NUM> and the shroud <NUM>.

Here, a plurality of second cold air outlets <NUM> configured to discharge cold air to the second storage compartment <NUM> may be formed in the second grill pan <NUM>, and a cold air flow path (not shown) configured to supply the cold air to each second cold air outlet <NUM> may be formed in the second duct plate <NUM>.

A plurality of second communication holes <NUM> coincident with the respective second cold air outlets <NUM> is formed in the second duct plate <NUM>, and the cold air flow path is formed to pass through each of the second communication holes <NUM>. In this case, the cold air flow path may be formed in a concave shape on a rear surface of the second duct plate <NUM> or may be formed in the second duct plate <NUM>.

A cold air inlet hole <NUM> is formed in the shroud <NUM> through which cold air having passed through an evaporator <NUM> is introduced.

A mounting part <NUM> configured to mount a damper assembly <NUM> is formed on a side of the shroud <NUM>, the side being opposite to the first grill assembly <NUM>. In this case, the mounting part <NUM> is formed concave from a front surface (i.e., an opposite surface of the second duct plate) of the shroud <NUM> so that the damper assembly <NUM> may be accommodated.

So, the damper assembly <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting part <NUM> of the second grill assembly <NUM>.

In addition, an exposure hole <NUM> is formed in the mounting part <NUM> through which a passing flow path <NUM> of the damper assembly <NUM> installed in the mounting part <NUM> is exposed, among sidewall surfaces of the shroud <NUM>, on a sidewall surface of a region where the mounting part <NUM> is formed.

Next, the refrigerator includes a supply duct <NUM>.

The supply duct <NUM> serves to supply at least a portion of cold air from the second grill assembly <NUM> to the first grill assembly <NUM>.

Referring to the accompanying views shown in <FIG>, the supply duct <NUM> is formed as a duct having a supply passage <NUM> or supply flow path <NUM> formed therein. One end of the supply duct <NUM> is connected to the first grill assembly <NUM>, and the other end of the supply duct <NUM> is connected to the second grill assembly <NUM>.

Specifically, one end of the supply duct <NUM> is formed to cover the supply hole <NUM> formed on the rear surface of the first grill assembly <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM> configured to supply cold air to the supply hole <NUM> is formed at a region coincident with the supply hole <NUM>. In this case, the outlet <NUM> may be a region of the supply passage <NUM>, the region being a side where cold air flows out of the supply duct <NUM>.

The other end of the supply duct <NUM> is formed to cover an exposed hole <NUM> of the second grill assembly <NUM> formed on a side surface of the second grill assembly <NUM>. An inlet <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM> (see <FIG>) configured to receive supply of cold air from the exposed hole <NUM> of the second grill assembly <NUM> is formed at a region coincident with the exposed hole <NUM>. In this case, the inlet <NUM> may be a region of the supply passage <NUM>, the region being a side where the cold air is introduced.

The supply duct <NUM> may be formed integrally or as a duct made of a single piece, or may be formed as a duct made by coupling two or more plurality of members to each other.

As an example, the supply duct <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is formed by coupling a body part <NUM> and a cover part <NUM> to each other.

Here, the body part <NUM> is a part formed to have an open outer surface while being positioned in between on respective sides, facing each other, of the two grill assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>, and the cover part <NUM> is a part formed to cover the open outer surface of the body part <NUM>.

In particular, the inlet <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM> is formed by coupling the body part <NUM> and the cover part <NUM> to each other, and the outlet <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM> is formed in the body part <NUM>.

Next, the refrigerator includes a damper assembly <NUM>.

The damper assembly <NUM> serves to selectively open or block the supply of cold air from the second grill assembly <NUM> toward the supply duct <NUM>.

For example, during a cooling operation for the first storage compartment <NUM>, the damper assembly <NUM> opens the supply duct <NUM>, so as to cause at least a portion of cold air introduced into the second grill assembly <NUM> to be supplied to the first storage compartment <NUM>. During a cooling operation for the second storage compartment <NUM>, the damper assembly <NUM> closes the supply duct <NUM>, so as to cause the cold air introduced into the second grill assembly <NUM> to be supplied to the second storage compartment <NUM>.

Naturally, during the cooling operation of the first storage compartment <NUM>, a substantially simultaneous operation in which cold air is also supplied to the second storage compartment <NUM> is performed, and during the cooling operation of the second storage compartment <NUM>, a standalone operation in which the cold air is supplied only to the second storage compartment <NUM> is performed.

As shown in <FIG>, a damper assembly <NUM> includes a damper cover <NUM> and a damper <NUM>.

The damper cover <NUM> is a part installed in a connection region between the supply duct <NUM> and the second grill assembly <NUM>.

The damper cover <NUM> may be formed of a heat insulating material (e.g., Styrofoam).

The damper cover <NUM> is formed to have an inlet through which cold air is introduced and an outlet through which the cold air is discharged, and is provided with a passing flow path <NUM> formed therein to communicate or connect the inlet and the outlet with each other. The inlet of the damner cover <NUM> communicates with the region where the blowing fan <NUM> of the second grill assembly <NUM> is positioned, and the outlet of the damper cover <NUM> communicated with the inlet <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM>.

The damper <NUM> is installed in the passing flow path <NUM> of the damper cover <NUM>. The damper <NUM> is formed to rotate or move by the operation of a damper motor <NUM>. The damper <NUM> is coupled to the damper motor <NUM>, so as to open and close the passing flow path <NUM>.

The refrigerator includes one or more heaters.

The one or more heaters serve to provide heat to at least one region of the supply duct <NUM> and/or the damper assembly <NUM>, thereby preventing the damper <NUM> from freezing.

Such one or more heaters may include a first heater <NUM> for providing heat to the damper assembly <NUM>.

The first heater <NUM> may be provided in the damper assembly <NUM>.

For example, as shown in the accompanying <FIG> and <FIG>, the first heater <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of the damper <NUM>.

In particular, the first heater <NUM> may be positioned, among the outer surfaces of the damper <NUM>, on a surface facing the supply duct <NUM> during the closing operation of the passing flow path <NUM>. Accordingly, not only the damper <NUM> is prevented from freezing, but also the supply flow path <NUM> in the supply duct <NUM> may also be prevented from freezing due to the heat generated by the first heater <NUM>.

For example, the first heater <NUM> may be formed as a surface heating element. Accordingly, the heater may be installed on the surface of the damper <NUM> or embedded into the damper <NUM>. Thus, the entire region of the damper <NUM> may be uniformly heated.

In addition, the one or more heaters may include a second heater <NUM> for providing heat to the supply duct <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying <FIG>, such a second heater <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>. For example, while being formed as a coil heater, the second heater <NUM> may be installed to be in contact along with at least a region of the outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>. That is, considering that maintenance of a heater may be difficult when the corresponding heater is provided on an inner surface of the supply duct <NUM>, the heater is provided on the outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>, so that the maintenance and installation may be made easy.

The second heater <NUM> may be installed outer side of the supply duct <NUM> at a position to be closer to a region among one end and the other end of the supply duct <NUM>. The second heater <NUM> is thus positioned at the region where the damper assembly <NUM> is internally assembled in the supply duct <NUM>. That is, considering that condensate water is generated in a place where there is a large temperature difference, from among the outer surfaces of the supply duct <NUM>, the condensate water is more likely to be generated in the region where the damper <NUM> is positioned inside the supply duct. Thus, the second heater <NUM> is positioned toward this region connected to the damper assembly <NUM>. In addition, the frosting is less likely to occur as the second heater <NUM> is positioned toward a region connected to the first grill assembly <NUM> due to a temperature higher than a dew point temperature. Considering this, it is preferable to position the second heater <NUM> at the region connected to the damper assembly <NUM> as much as possible.

The second heater <NUM> may be installed such that at least a part thereof is positioned at a corner of the supply duct <NUM> formed at the region connecting to the damper assembly <NUM> among the outer surfaces of the supply duct <NUM>.

That is, freezing of the condensate water generated in the corresponding region may be prevented by placing the second heater <NUM> in the region where the condensate water is most likely to be generated. In addition, since the corner is a bent region, the corner is most preferred as an installation position in that the second heater <NUM> made as a coil heater may be kept correctly installed even though accessory structures for the second heater <NUM> are not formed on the outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>.

In addition, the second heater <NUM> may be installed such that at least a part thereof is positioned on a central region of the outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>. That is, considering that condensate water may also be generated in the central region of the outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>, a part of the second heater <NUM> is placed in the corresponding region in order to prevent the condensate water generated in the corresponding region from freezing.

In addition, another part of the second heater <NUM> may be formed to be installed along an upper surface of the supply duct <NUM>. That is, the second heater <NUM> is installed so as to be in closer contact with the upper side region of the supply duct <NUM> than the lower side region of the supply duct <NUM>, whereby the condensate water generated on the upper surface of the supply duct <NUM> may be prevented from freezing. In this case, the second heater <NUM> is formed such that a region thereof from the corner of one end of the supply duct <NUM> to the central side of the supply duct <NUM> is installed along the upper surface of the supply duct <NUM>.

In addition, the first heater <NUM> may be provided to have a higher output value than that of the second heater <NUM>. That is, the second heater <NUM> is configured to perform a function of assisting the first heater <NUM> so as to reduce consumption of power as much as possible.

Naturally, in the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, only the first heater <NUM> or only the second heater <NUM> may be provided.

However, when only the first heater <NUM> is provided, since heat should be generated with a sufficiently high output in order to prevent freezing inside the supply duct <NUM>, power consumption is severe and there may be a risk of affecting the temperature of the second storage compartment <NUM>.

In addition, since the second heater <NUM> is provided on the outer surface of the supply duct <NUM>, it is difficult to effectively prevent freezing of the damper <NUM> when only the second heater <NUM> is provided. Moreover, in order to prevent the damper <NUM> from freezing, heat should be generated at a high output. In this case, since the central side region of the supply duct <NUM> is unnecessarily provided with excessive heat, the power consumption is inevitably increased.

In consideration of this, providing the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> together is most advantageous in preventing the freezing or reducing the power consumption.

Next, the refrigerator includes a sensing part <NUM>.

A sensing part <NUM> is provided for sensing a temperature for each region and/or sensing humidity. To this end, the sensing part <NUM> includes at least one or more sensors.

The sensing part <NUM> includes a room temperature sensor <NUM> (See <FIG>).

The room temperature sensor <NUM> is a sensor provided to detect a room temperature RT.

Such a room temperature sensor <NUM> may be installed in at least any one region of the refrigerator body <NUM> or doors <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, although not shown, the room temperature sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect a room temperature while being installed on the front surface of each of the doors <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition, the sensing part <NUM> may include refrigerator internal temperature sensors <NUM> and <NUM>.

The refrigerator internal temperature sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are sensors provided to detect respective temperatures in the storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>. Such refrigerator internal temperature sensors <NUM> may be respectively provided in the storage compartment <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the refrigerator internal temperature sensors <NUM> may include: a first refrigerator internal temperature sensor <NUM> provided in the first grill assembly <NUM> and configured to sense a temperature in the first storage compartment <NUM>; and a second refrigerator internal temperature sensor <NUM> provided in the second grill assembly <NUM> and configured to sense a temperature in the second storage compartment <NUM>. In this regard, views are provided as shown in the accompanying <FIG>.

The sensing part <NUM> includes a refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM>.

The refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is a sensor provided to detect humidity in the storage compartment. Such a refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be provided in one of the two storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be configured to sense the humidity in the corresponding storage compartment.

For example, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be configured to sense the refrigerator internal humidity of the first storage compartment <NUM> maintained in a relatively high temperature range among the two storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>. Naturally, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be provided in the second storage compartment <NUM> as well, but since the second storage compartment <NUM> is maintained at an extremely low temperature, the humidity is low. Considering this, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensed in the second storage compartment <NUM> does not affect the freezing of the damper <NUM>, it is unnecessary to provide the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> in the second storage compartment <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying <FIG>, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be installed in the first grill assembly <NUM>. For example, as a communication hole <NUM> is formed in the first grill pan <NUM> and the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is installed between the first grill pan <NUM> and the first duct plate <NUM>, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be positioned so as to be exposed to the interior of the first storage compartment <NUM> through the communication hole <NUM>.

The refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be provided at a higher position than that of the center among each region in the first storage compartment <NUM>. That is, in the interior of the first storage compartment <NUM>, since humidity in a space at a lower side relative to the center is low due to a natural convection phenomenon, discrimination power for determining humidity is low. In consideration of this, it is preferable to provide the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> at the higher position than the center among each region of the first storage compartment <NUM> in that a significant humidity value sufficient to have the discrimination power may be obtained.

The refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be provided at a lower position than the supply duct <NUM> in the first storage compartment <NUM>. That is, the supply duct <NUM> is provided in an upper space or region of each storage compartment <NUM> and <NUM> in consideration of the cold air circulation. However, humidity at the same height as that of the supply duct <NUM> or humidity at the higher height than that of the upper side space is excessively high, thereby having low discrimination power.

Accordingly, it is most preferable to provide the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> at the higher position than the center of the first storage compartment <NUM> and lower than the position of the supply duct <NUM> in that a significant humidity range to an extent discrimination power is secured may be obtained.

For example, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> may be installed to be positioned below a shelf <NUM> positioned at the uppermost side among each of the shelves provided in the first storage compartment <NUM>. Accordingly, the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is less affected by the humidity existing in the uppermost side space in the first storage compartment <NUM> by means of the shelf <NUM>, thereby obtaining humidity values showing changes capable of having sufficient discrimination power.

The refrigerator includes a controller <NUM>.

Such a controller <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of the entire refrigerator.

For example, a cooling operation may be performed such that cold air is selectively generated while the operation of a refrigeration system <NUM> including the compressor <NUM> and the evaporator <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM>, and the cold air is selectively supplied to each of the storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM> while the operation of the blowing fan <NUM> and the damper assembly <NUM> is controlled.

The controller <NUM> also controls heat generation of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM> to prevent freezing of the damper <NUM> constituting the damper assembly <NUM> may be performed.

The controller <NUM> is configured to control at least any one operation of the compressor <NUM>, the damper <NUM>, and the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> while having at least one or more operating conditions, so as to perform the cooling operation or defrosting operation for the damper.

Such operating conditions of the controller <NUM> for the defrosting operation for the damper include at least any one operating condition set on the basis of a sensing value of at least any one sensor among the room temperature sensor <NUM> and the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM>.

A first operating condition that is set in the controller <NUM> may have at least one of conditions, including: a condition in which a room temperature RT falls within a first set temperature range; a condition in which the room temperature RT falls within a temperature range higher than the first set temperature range; a condition in which humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> falls within a first set humidity range; and a condition in which the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> falls within a humidity range higher than the first set humidity range.

In addition, the operating condition of the controller <NUM> may include at least any one operating condition set on the basis of whether at least any one of the damper <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> operates or not.

The operating condition set in the controller <NUM> may include at least one of conditions, including: a condition in which the damper <NUM> is operated to block a flow of cold air guided to the supply duct <NUM>; a condition in which the damper <NUM> is operated to open the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct <NUM>; a condition in which the compressor <NUM> is operated; and a condition in which the compressor <NUM> is stopped.

Preferably, the operating condition set in the controller <NUM> may include an exemplary condition in which when a room temperature RT is maintained in the first set temperature range and a flow of cold air guided to the supply duct <NUM> is blocked, the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to generate heat.

The operating condition set in the controller <NUM> may include an exemplary condition in which when a room temperature RT is maintained in the first set temperature range and the compressor <NUM> is stopped, the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to generate heat.

The operating condition set in the controller <NUM> includes at least one of the following: a first condition in which when humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> are in or belongs to higher humidity than the first set humidity range and the flow of cold air guided to the supply duct <NUM> is blocked, the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to generate heat; a second condition in which when the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> belongs to the higher humidity than the first set humidity range and the compressor <NUM> is stopped, the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to generate heat; a third condition in which when the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> confirmed by the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> falls within the first set humidity range, the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to stop generating heat regardless of a room temperature RT.

The operating condition set in the controller <NUM> may include a fourth condition in which when a room temperature RT is higher than the first set temperature range, the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to stop generating heat.

Hereinafter, the operation control process of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the disclosure described above and the operation of each component due to such a control will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts and tables of <FIG>.

First, the operation of the refrigerator includes step S100 of a cooling operation.

Such step S100 of the cooling operation is an operation performed to maintain a temperature within a set temperature range while selectively supplying cold air to each of storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>.

In step S100 of the cooling operation (i.e., the operation for supplying cold air), when a performance condition is satisfied (i.e., when a refrigerator internal temperature of at least any one storage compartment belongs to unsatisfactory temperatures), the refrigeration system <NUM> including the compressor <NUM> is operated, and also the blowing fan <NUM> is operated.

In addition, when step S100 of the cooling operation is performed, a controller <NUM> for controlling the operation of the refrigerator controls the operation of a damper <NUM> according to a temperature in each of the storage compartments <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, in step S110, the controller <NUM> checks the temperature for each of the storage compartments (R, F) <NUM> and <NUM> through each of refrigerator internal temperature sensors <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition, through such temperature confirmation in step S110, when the refrigerator internal temperature of the first storage compartment <NUM> belongs to an unsatisfactory temperatures that is a temperature higher than an upper limit reference temperature (NT1 + Diff) specified on the basis of a set reference temperature NT1, cold air is controlled to be supplied to the first storage compartment <NUM> in step S121.

In this way, when the cold air is to be supplied to the first storage compartment <NUM>, the controller controls the damper <NUM> to be opened so that a passing flow path <NUM> of the damper assembly <NUM> and a supply flow path <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM> communicate with each other. Accordingly, the cold air passing through the evaporator <NUM> by the operation of the blowing fan <NUM> is introduced between the second duct plate <NUM> and the shroud <NUM> of the second grill assembly <NUM>. Subsequently, a portion of the cold air is supplied into the second storage compartment through each second cold air outlet <NUM> formed in the second grill assembly <NUM>, and the other portion of the cold air is supplied into the first storage compartment <NUM> by sequentially passing through the passing flow path <NUM> of the damper assembly <NUM>, and the supply flow path <NUM> of the supply duct <NUM>.

In this case, while the cold air sequentially passes through the passing flow path <NUM> and the supply flow path <NUM>, power supply to the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> is controlled to be blocked. Accordingly, an unwanted increase in the temperature of the cold air supplied to the first storage compartment <NUM> may be prevented.

In addition, when the refrigerator internal temperature in the first storage compartment <NUM> reaches a lower limit temperature NT1 - Diff set on the basis of the set reference temperature NT1, the supply of cold air to the first storage compartment <NUM> is stopped. That is, in step S122, the operation of the damper <NUM> is controlled to block the passing flow path <NUM>.

When the refrigerator internal temperature of the first storage compartment <NUM> is a satisfactory temperature, whereas the refrigerator internal temperature of the second storage compartment <NUM> belongs to unsatisfactory temperatures (i.e., temperatures exceeding NT2 + Diff), the cold air is controlled to be supplied only to the second storage compartment <NUM> in step S131.

In this way, when cold air is to be supplied to the second storage compartment <NUM>, the damper <NUM> is controlled to block the passing flow path <NUM>. Accordingly, the cold air that has passed through the evaporator <NUM> by the operation of the blowing fan <NUM> is introduced between the second duct plate <NUM> and the shroud <NUM> of the second grill assembly <NUM>, and then is supplied only to the second storage compartment <NUM> through each of the second cold air outlets <NUM> of the second grill pan <NUM>.

In addition, when the refrigerator internal temperature of the first storage compartment <NUM> is at a satisfactory temperature, and the refrigerator internal temperature of the second storage compartment <NUM> also reaches the lower limit temperature NT2 - Diff among the satisfactory temperatures NT2 ± Diff, the supply of cold air to the second storage compartment <NUM> is also stopped in step S132. That is, the operation of the compressor <NUM> and the blowing fan <NUM> is stopped. Naturally, even though the operation of the compressor <NUM> is stopped, the blowing fan <NUM> may be controlled to operate, and the compressor <NUM> may be controlled to continue operating, but only the operation of the blowing fan <NUM> may be controlled to be stopped.

In addition, while step S100 of the cooling operation is performed, it is checked whether an operating condition of the defrosting operation for the damper is satisfied in step S140, so that when the operating condition is satisfied, step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM> is controlled to be performed.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator includes step S200 of a defrosting operation for the damper <NUM>.

Step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM> may be performed in a state in which the damper <NUM> is operated to block the passing flow path <NUM>.

That is, in the state in which the damper <NUM> blocks the passing flow path <NUM>, the passing flow path <NUM> is affected by the temperature of the second storage compartment <NUM>, whereas the supply flow path <NUM> in the supply duct <NUM> is affected by the temperature of the first storage compartment <NUM>. In this case, considering that the second storage compartment <NUM> is maintained at a lower temperature than that of the first storage compartment <NUM>, dew (i.e., condensate water) is formed in the surfaces of the damper <NUM>, a damper cover <NUM>, or the inside of the supply duct <NUM> due to temperature differences therebetween.

Naturally, dew is naturally removed from the inside of the passing flow path <NUM> of the damper assembly <NUM> due to dry cold air. However, the dew inside the supply duct <NUM> is continuously generated due to humid air in the first storage compartment <NUM>, and in this process, the dew is frozen due to the cool air at damper assembly <NUM> coming from the second storage compartment121.

In consideration of this, step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM> is performed, wherein when the damper <NUM> blocks the passing flow path <NUM> as described above, heat is provided to the damper <NUM> or the supply duct <NUM> by operation control that periodically causes at least any one of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> to generate heat. That is, by performing step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM>, freezing of the damper <NUM> may be prevented, or the frozen damper <NUM> may be defrosted.

Such step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM> may be performed or terminated when at least any one condition is satisfied, the condition being set on the basis of at least any one piece of operation information including sensing information on sensing values provided from the sensing part <NUM> and operation information of the compressor <NUM>, the blowing fan <NUM>, or the damper <NUM>.

In this case, the sensing information provided from the sensing part <NUM> includes information on sensing values of at least any one of the room temperature sensor <NUM>, each of the refrigerator internal temperature sensors <NUM> and <NUM>, and the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM>.

The conditions under which step <NUM> of the defrosting operation for the damper is performed may include at least one of the first to second conditions, which are operating conditions set in the controller <NUM>.

This will be described in more detail for each example for each condition.

As an example, while step S100 of the general cooling operation is performed, the controller <NUM> checks whether a room temperature RT and an operation of the damper <NUM> satisfy the exemplary condition.

For example, as shown in the accompanying <FIG>, when a room temperature is maintained in the first set temperature range and the damper <NUM> is operated (i.e., the damper is closed) to block the supply duct <NUM> (i.e., to block the supply of cold air), the exemplary condition is determined to be satisfied in step S211. In this case, the room temperature may be confirmed by the room temperature sensor <NUM>.

When the exemplary condition is determined to be satisfied, the controller <NUM> controls each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to generate heat in step S212, thereby performing step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper.

The first set temperature range may be a temperature lower than an average room temperature. For example, the first set temperature range may be set to a temperature less than or equal to <NUM> (R ≤ <NUM>) as room temperatures in winter.

Meanwhile, as for the set temperature range, a plurality of set temperature ranges may be additionally set in addition to the first set temperature range.

For example, as shown in the table of <FIG>, the set temperature ranges may include: a second set temperature range higher than the first set temperature range; a third set temperature range higher than the second set temperature range; and a fourth set temperature range higher than the third set temperature range. For example, the second set temperature range may be set to <NUM> < RT ≤ <NUM>. The third set temperature range may be set to <NUM> < RT ≤ <NUM>. The fourth set temperature range may be set to <NUM> < RT. In this case, as for letter shown in the views, R is the first storage compartment <NUM>, F is the second storage compartment <NUM>, and Comp. is the compressor <NUM>.

The lower limit temperature and upper limit temperature of each of the set temperature ranges may be absolute values as described above, and the lower limit temperature and upper limit temperature of each of the set temperature ranges may be set to temperature values considering a hysteresis section as shown in FTG <NUM>.

As another example, while step S100 of the general cooling operation is performed, the controller <NUM> checks whether a room temperature and an operation of the compressor <NUM> satisfy the exemplary condition.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when a room temperature is maintained in the first set temperature range and the compressor <NUM> is in a stopped state thereof, the exemplary condition is determined to be satisfied in step S221.

When the exemplary condition is determined to be satisfied, the controller <NUM> controls each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to generate heat in step S222, thereby performing step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper.

As yet another example, while step S100 of the general cooling operation is being performed, the controller <NUM> checks whether humidity of the first storage compartment <NUM> and an operation of the damper <NUM> satisfy the first condition.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when humidity (RH: refrigerating compartment humidity) in the first storage compartment <NUM> belongs to higher humidity than a first set humidity range and the damper <NUM> is operated to block the supply duct <NUM> (i.e., to block the supply of cold air), the first condition is determined to be satisfied in step S231.

When the first condition is determined to be satisfied, the controller <NUM> controls each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to generate heat in step S232, thereby performing step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper.

Here, the first set humidity range may be a humidity range with a low risk of freezing despite a low temperature. For example, the first set humidity range may be humidity less than or equal to <NUM>% (RH < <NUM>%).

As for the set humidity range, at least one or more set humidity ranges may be additionally set in addition to the first set humidity range.

For example, the set humidity ranges may further include at least any one of humidity ranges including: a second set humidity range higher than the first set humidity range; a third set humidity range higher than the second set humidity range; and a fourth set humidity range higher than the third set humidity range. In this case, the second set humidity range may be set to <NUM>% < RH ≤ <NUM>%. The third set humidity range may be set to <NUM>% < RH ≤ <NUM>%. The fourth set humidity range may be set to <NUM>% < RH. In this regard, the humidity ranges are shown in the table of the accompanying <FIG>.

As yet another example, while step S100 of the general cooling operation is performed, the controller <NUM> checks whether the humidity of the first storage compartment <NUM> and the operation of the compressor <NUM> satisfy the second condition.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> belongs to the higher humidity than the first set humidity range and the compressor <NUM> is stopped, the second condition is determined to be satisfied in step S241.

When the second condition is determined to be satisfied, the controller <NUM> controls each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to generate heat in step S242, thereby performing step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper. This is as shown in <FIG>.

Meanwhile, according to an example which is not part of the invention, in the first or second condition, a humidity condition used as a criterion for determination may be set to room humidity instead of the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM>.

However, in a case where step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper <NUM> is controlled to be performed on the basis of room humidity, there is a problem in that the freezing of the damper <NUM> may not be properly managed when a user does not open the doors <NUM> and <NUM> for a long period of time, or when the humidity inside the first storage compartment <NUM> is excessive high. Considering this, it is preferable to determine the first condition or the second condition on the basis of the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> than to determine the first condition or the second condition on the basis of the room humidity in that heat may be provided to the supply duct <NUM> at a more accurate time. In addition, since heat generation control of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> is performed only when actually necessary, power consumption due to unnecessary heat generated by the heaters may be reduced.

As such, the controller <NUM> selectively performs step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper according to whether any one of each condition described above is satisfied.

When the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to generate heat in step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper, each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to generate heat at the same time, or only any one of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to generate heat as well. Alternatively, each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to generate heat sequentially. However, in order to sufficiently defrost the entire region inside the supply duct <NUM>, it is preferable that the two heaters <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled to generate heat at the same time.

Each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to continue to generate heat for a predetermined time, or may be controlled to repeat generating heat for a predetermined time and stopping the heating for a predetermined time.

For example, as the room temperature is low, the respective heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be differentially controlled to generate heat for a longer period of time.

When the humidity inside the first storage compartment <NUM> is higher, the respective heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be differentially controlled to generate heat for a longer period of time. For example, in the third set humidity range, each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to generate heat for a longer time than that of the second set humidity range. In the fourth set humidity range, each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to generate heat for a longer time than that of the third set humidity range.

Each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> whose heat generation is controlled for different times according to the humidity range in the first storage compartment <NUM> may be controlled to be repeatedly operated after a predetermined time elapses when the heat generation is terminated. In this case, the time for which the heat generation is stopped may be set longer when the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> is lower. For example, in the third set humidity range, the heat generation of each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to be stopped for a shorter time than that of the second set humidity range. In the fourth set humidity range, the heat generation of each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled to be stopped for a shorter time than that of the third set humidity range. Power consumption is minimized by controlling the heat generation of the different heaters <NUM> and <NUM> for each of such humidity ranges.

Accordingly, due to the (simultaneous or selective) heat generation of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> described above, heat is provided to the damper assembly <NUM>, the supply duct <NUM>, and the connection regions between the damper assembly <NUM> and the supply duct <NUM>, whereby freezing of the corresponding regions may be prevented.

Meanwhile, while step S100 of the cooling operation or step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper is being performed, the controller <NUM> controls the respective heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to stop generating heat when the third or fourth condition in which the refrigerator internal humidity RH or room temperature RT of the first storage compartment <NUM> is set is satisfied, thereby stopping step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper.

As an example, when the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> falls within the first set humidity range, the third condition is determined to be satisfied.

When the third condition is determined to be satisfied, the controller <NUM> controls each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to stop generating heat, whereby step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper is stopped.

When at least any one of the exemplary conditions is satisfied even though the third condition is satisfied, the controller <NUM> obeys the condition under which the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> generate heat. That is, even though the third condition is satisfied, when either one of the exemplary conditions is satisfied, step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper is controlled to be performed.

As another example, when a room temperature is higher than the first set temperature range, the fourth condition is determined to be satisfied.

When the fourth condition is determined to be satisfied, the controller <NUM> controls each of the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> to stop generating heat, whereby step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper is stopped.

When at least any one of the first condition or the second condition is satisfied even though the fourth condition is satisfied, the controller <NUM> obeys the condition under which the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> generate heat. That is, even though the fourth condition is satisfied, when either one of the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper is controlled to be performed.

As a result, in the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since each heater that provides heat to the damper assembly <NUM> and the supply duct <NUM> is provided, freezing of the damper assembly <NUM> or the connection region between the damper assembly <NUM> and the supply duct <NUM> may be prevented.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is provided in the first storage compartment <NUM> to detect humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM>, precise driving settings of step <NUM> of the defrosting operation for the damper may be performed on the basis of the humidity in the first storage compartment.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is provided at the higher position than that of the center in the first storage compartment, the humidity in the first storage compartment may be checked more precisely.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is provided at the lower position than the supply duct <NUM>, more significant discrimination may be obtained than the case of measuring excessively high humidity at the higher position than the supply duct <NUM>.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since the refrigerator internal humidity sensor <NUM> is provided at the position below the shelf <NUM> positioned at the uppermost side among the shelves <NUM> provided in the first storage compartment <NUM>, more significant discrimination may be obtained than the case of measuring excessively high humidity of the space at the uppermost side in the first storage compartment <NUM>.

In the refrigerator and the method of controlling the operation thereof according to the present disclosure, since step S200 of the defrosting operation for the damper is controlled in consideration of the humidity in the first storage compartment <NUM> and the room temperature at the same time, unnecessary power consumption due to heat generated by the heaters <NUM> and <NUM> may be reduced.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a refrigerator body (<NUM>) having a first storage compartment (<NUM>) and a second storage compartment (<NUM>)
a supply duct (<NUM>) for guiding at least a portion of cold air generated by an operation of a compressor (<NUM>) to flow to any one storage compartment (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a damper (<NUM>) configured to selectively block a flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct (<NUM>);
one or more heaters (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to provide heat to at least any one of the damper (<NUM>) or the supply duct (<NUM>);
a room temperature sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect a room temperature (RT);
refrigerator internal temperature sensors (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively configured to detect a temperature in each storage compartment (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a refrigerator internal humidity sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect humidity in any one of the two storage compartments (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to control at least any one operation of the compressor (<NUM>), the damper (<NUM>), and the one or more heaters (<NUM>, <NUM>) when at least any one condition set on the basis of a sensing value of at least any one of the room temperature sensor (<NUM>), each of the refrigerator internal temperature sensors (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the refrigerator internal humidity sensor (<NUM>) is satisfied
characterized by the operating conditions set in the controller (<NUM>) comprising at least one of:
a first condition for controlling the heaters (<NUM>, <NUM>) to generate the heat when the humidity in the storage compartment (<NUM>) is higher than a first set humidity range and the flow of the cold air guided to the supply duct (<NUM>) is blocked;
a second condition for controlling the heaters (<NUM>, <NUM>) to generate the heat when the humidity in the storage compartment (<NUM>) is higher than a first set humidity range and the compressor (<NUM>) is blocked;
a third condition for controlling the heaters (<NUM>, <NUM>) to stop generating the heat regardless of the room temperature (RT) when the humidity in any one storage compartment (<NUM>) falls within a first set humidity range.