JP2000180014A - Refrigerator control device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] When the discharge pipe temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature,
Since a normal cooling operation is performed and the compressor may be operated, there is a problem that the compressor protection means in a low temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature is lacking. The compressor includes a current detecting means for detecting a current value flowing through a compressor, a comparing means for comparing the current value with a predetermined current value, and a control means for controlling based on an output of the comparing means. When the detected current value is less than the predetermined current value, the operation of the compressor 4 is stopped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional control device for a refrigerator of this type, for example, has a discharge pipe temperature detector of a compressor. A control device of a refrigerator for stopping the operation of the refrigerator every predetermined time is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-91802.

[0003]

Normally, when the discharge pipe temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and the suction pressure of the compressor is lower than during normal operation (at this time, the current value during operation of the compressor is lower than during normal operation). ), The amount of oil circulating in the compressor is lower than in normal operation, and if the compressor is operated for a long time in this state, the movable parts of the compressor will be greatly worn and cause a failure.

[0004] However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-91802 disclosed in the above publication, when the discharge pipe temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, a normal cooling operation is performed and the compressor may be operated. In addition, there is a problem that the compressor has no protection means in a low temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A control device for a refrigerator according to the present invention has solved the above-mentioned problems, and the invention according to claim 1 comprises a current detecting means for detecting a current value flowing through a compressor; Comparing means for comparing the current value with a predetermined current value, and control means for controlling based on the output of the comparing means, operating the compressor, and when the detected current value is less than the predetermined current value, According to this configuration, when the operation is stopped, the discharge pipe temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the suction pressure of the compressor is lower than that during the normal operation, When the oil circulation amount of the compressor is lower than that in the normal operation), the compressor is stopped to obtain a compressor protection means in a low temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a current detecting means for detecting a current value flowing through the compressor, a comparing means for comparing the current value with a predetermined current value, and a control for controlling based on an output of the comparing means. Means, comprising operating the compressor, when the detected current value is less than the predetermined current value, to stop the operation of the compressor, to perform defrosting of the cooler,
With this configuration, when the cooler becomes frosted or icy and the current value flowing through the compressor decreases, defrosting of the cooler is performed, so that a decrease in the suction pressure of the compressor is eliminated, and the inside of the compressor is eliminated. The oil circulation amount returns to the normal state, the oil circulation in the movable part of the compressor returns to normal, and the compressor can be protected in the low-temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature, and the cooling operation can be efficiently performed by defrosting the cooler. Becomes possible.

[0007] The invention according to claim 3 is based on claim 2.
The invention according to the aspect, wherein the compressor is operated again after defrosting, and the operation of the compressor is stopped when a current value detected after a predetermined time becomes less than the predetermined current value. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a compressor protection means in a low temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the compressor is operated again after defrosting, and the detected current value after a predetermined time is less than the predetermined current value When it becomes, it is characterized by notifying the failure, by this configuration, failure of the defroster of the cooler, leakage of refrigerant gas, clogging of the capillary tube,
Can be notified of a refrigeration cycle-related failure.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 provides the invention according to claim 1.
4. The invention according to any one of items 4 to 4, wherein the predetermined current value to be compared is such that the change in the current value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value when the internal temperature of the refrigerator reaches the predetermined temperature by operating the compressor. This configuration is characterized by the current value at the time of cooling, and with this configuration, individual differences between refrigeration cycle related mass-produced products such as compressor characteristics and refrigerant gas filling amount, and the ambient temperature of the refrigerator and the refrigerator outer wall Due to differences in installation conditions, such as gaps with indoor walls,
It is possible to set a predetermined current value in consideration of a difference in current value during compressor operation.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a refrigerator control device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator control device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the refrigerator control device of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator control device.
The control unit 2 (for example, a microcomputer) receives the internal temperature detection device 3. The output of the control means 2 is connected to a driving means 5 for operating the compressor 4, a driving means 7 for operating the in-compartment blower 6, and a driving means 9 for operating the defrosting device 8. Also,
The control means 2 is supplied with a current detection device 10 for detecting a current value flowing through the compressor 4 and a power supply voltage detection device 11 for detecting a power supply voltage applied to the compressor 4, and a drive for operating the abnormality alarm device 12. The means 13 are respectively connected so as to be output.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 14 denotes a refrigerator body,
The partition 15 is divided into a freezer compartment 16 at the upper part and a refrigerator compartment 17 at the lower part. Reference numeral 18 denotes a machine room in which the compressor 4 is provided. 19 is a discharge pipe of the compressor 4.

A condenser 20 is provided inside the outer wall of the refrigerator body 14. Reference numeral 21 denotes a cooler, in which a defrosting device 8 using a glass tube heater or the like is provided below, and an in-compartment blower 6 is provided above. Reference numeral 22 denotes a suction pipe of the compressor 4. The compressor 4, discharge pipe 19, condenser 20, capillary tube (not shown), cooler 21, and suction pipe 22 constitute a series of refrigeration cycles.

Reference numeral 23 denotes an evaporator cover having an orifice portion 23a of the fan 6a in the internal blower 6 and a heat insulating portion 23b for covering the cooler 21. A fan louver 24 has a discharge hole 24a in front of the fan 6a and a fan louver 2
4 has a suction hole 24b below. Then, the evaporator cover 23 and the fan louver 24 are combined to form an evaporator cover assembly 25, and the evaporator cover 23 and the fan louver 24 are combined.
The evaporator cover assembly 25 includes a pressure chamber 25a and a cover duct portion 25b (indicated by a dotted line) communicating downward from a part of the pressure chamber 25a.

The cool air cooled by the cooler 21 is sent to the pressure chamber 25a by the fan 6a of the internal blower 6, and is discharged to the freezing chamber 16 through the discharge hole 24a. Thereafter, the cool air in the freezer compartment 16 cools the inside, returns to the lower part of the cooler 21 through the suction hole 24b, and forms a cool air circuit of the freezer compartment 16. A part of the cool air sent to the pressure chamber 25a passes through the cover duct part 25b, and is discharged to the refrigerator compartment 17 through a partition cool air duct 15a (indicated by a dotted line) provided in a part of the partition 15. Thereafter, the cool air in the refrigerator compartment 17 cools the inside, returns to the lower part of the cooler 21 through the modular duct 15b of the partition 15, and forms a cool air circuit of the refrigerator compartment 17.

In order to adjust the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 17 more appropriately, a damper is provided at a portion of the partitioning cold air duct 15a where the cool air is discharged to the refrigerator compartment 17, and the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 17 is adjusted by opening and closing the damper. Is also good.

A temperature detecting device 3 inside the refrigerator is provided inside the freezer compartment 16, and an abnormality alarm device 1 is provided on the front surface of the door 26 of the freezer compartment 16.
2 are respectively attached. Further, the control device 1, the current detection device 10, and the power supply voltage detection device 11 which constitute the electric circuit of the present invention are attached to the back of the refrigerator body 14. When the alarm 12 is an alarm, it may be provided in a circuit board of the control device 1 or the like.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the power is turned on, the control means 2 composed of a microcomputer is returned to the initial state and the process proceeds to step S1, and in step S1, the temperature in the freezing room 16 detected by the temperature detecting device 3 is set to a set value. ON if higher
In step S2, the compressor 4 is driven by the driving unit 5 in step S2, and the in-compartment blower 6 is driven by the driving unit 7 in step S3.
Drive.

Next, in step S4, the time from when the compressor 4 is driven is read. If the time T1 is equal to or less than a predetermined time a1 (for example, a1 = 8 minutes), the process returns to step S1, and the same as step S1 is performed. Step S4 is repeated.

Thereafter, when the time T1 exceeds the predetermined time a1 in step S4, the value of the current flowing through the compressor 4 is detected by the current detecting device 10 in step S5. Next, in step 6, the current value detected in step S5 is compared with the current value detected several times (for example, three times) at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds), and the change in the current value is calculated. A1 is a predetermined value a
If it is 2 (for example, 0.05 A) or more, the process returns to step S1, and steps S1 to S6 are repeated.

Thereafter, in step S6, the change in current value ΔA
When 1 is less than the predetermined value a2, in step S7, the current value at that time is read as the detected current value A1, and the read current value A1 includes the maximum value, the minimum value, or the current value in step S6 at this time. Any one of the average value and the like is adopted.

The power value applied to the compressor 4 is detected by the power supply voltage detecting device 11 at the same time as the current value detection at the step S5 or S7, and the basic voltage is determined based on the power supply voltage value. (For example, 100 V).

Next, at step S8, the predetermined current value A0 previously stored in the control means 2 (microcomputer) is compared with the current value A1 detected at step 7,
It is determined whether the difference between A0 and A1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value a3. In the present embodiment, the predetermined current value A0 is a current value flowing through the compressor 4 when the temperature in the freezer compartment 16 reaches −20 ° C. in a normal use state when the power supply voltage is the basic voltage (for example, A0 = 1.75A) is adopted.

When the refrigerator is operated in a normal state, the difference between A0 and A1 is minimal, and the predetermined value a3 is adjusted to the normal operation state of the refrigerator by experiment or the like (for example,
a3 = 0.15A). When the difference between A0 and A1 is less than the predetermined value a3 (that is, when the refrigerator is operating in a normal state), the process proceeds to step S9, and the process of F1 = 0 is performed. Next, the process of F2 = 0 is performed in step S10, the process of T1 = 0 is performed in step S11,
It returns to step S1.

Thereafter, the operation of the compressor 4 causes the cooler 21 to operate.
Is cooled, and when the temperature in the freezing compartment 16 becomes lower than the set value, it is turned off in step S1. Then, the compressor 4 is stopped by turning off the driving means 5 in step S12, and the in-compartment blower 6 is stopped by turning off the driving means 7 in step S13.
= 0, and the process returns to step S1.

The compressor 4, discharge pipe 19, condenser 2
0, capillary tube (not shown), cooler 21,
If the refrigeration cycle including the suction pipe 22 and the in-compartment blower 6 are in a normal state, A0-A1 <a3 is satisfied in step 8, and the drive and stop of the compressor 4 and the in-compartment blower 6 are performed in steps S1 to S13. The interior of the refrigerator is repeatedly cooled to the set temperature.

In step S8, the predetermined current value A
0 and the current value A1 detected in step S7,
When the difference between A0 and A1 is equal to or more than the predetermined value a3, the cooler 21 becomes frosted or frozen, the capillary tube is clogged in the refrigeration cycle, or refrigerant gas leaks, It is when it became a state.

In particular, when the cooler 21 becomes frosted or frozen, the suction pressure of the compressor 4 becomes lower than during normal operation (at this time, the current value flowing through the compressor 4 becomes lower than during normal operation). ), The amount of oil circulating in the compressor 4 is lower than in the normal operation, and when the compressor 4 is operated in this state for a long time, the moving parts of the compressor 4 are greatly worn, which causes a failure.

Next, in step S8, the predetermined current value A0 is compared with the current value A1, and if the difference between A0 and A1 is equal to or larger than the predetermined value a3, it is determined in step S14 whether F1 = 1. . If F1 = 1 is not satisfied (that is, the drive and stop of the compressor 4 and the in-compartment blower 6 are repeated during the above-described steps S1 to S13, and at step S9, F1 =
0, and the first time from step S8 to step S14
In step S15, the flag F1 = 1, the compressor 4 is stopped by the driving unit 5 in step S16, and the in-compartment blower 6 is driven by the driving unit 7 in step S17.

Next, in step S18, the time since the compressor 4 was stopped is read, and the time T2 is set to a predetermined time a4.
If (for example, a4 = 3 minutes) or less, the process returns to step S16, and steps S16 to S18 are repeated as described above. Thereafter, when the time T2 exceeds the predetermined time a4 in step S18, the timer T2 = 0 in step S19, the timer T1 = 0 in step S11, and the process returns to step S1.

Subsequently, in step S8, the predetermined current value A0 is compared with the current value A1 again. If the difference between A0 and A1 is equal to or larger than the predetermined value a3, F1 is determined in step S14.
= 1, the process proceeds to step S20, and the process proceeds to step S2.
At 0, it is determined whether F2 = 1.

In steps S16 to S18, the compressor 4 is stopped, and the in-compartment blower 6 is driven. The flow proceeds to step S19 and step S11, and proceeds to step S1.
After returning to step S8, the difference between A0 and A1 is
If it returns to less than 3, the refrigeration cycle including the compressor 4, the discharge pipe 19, the condenser 20, the capillary tube (not shown), the cooler 21, and the suction pipe 22 and the in-compartment blower 6 return to a normal state. In this case, the suction pressure of the compressor returns to the normal operation state, the amount of oil circulation in the compressor becomes normal, and the cause of the failure due to wear of the movable part of the compressor has been eliminated.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9, where the process of F1 = 0 is performed, then the process of F2 = 0 is performed in step S10, the process of T1 = 0 is performed in step S11, and the process returns to step S1. Thereafter, while the difference between A1 and A2 is smaller than the predetermined value a3 in step S8, steps S1 to S
Driving and stopping of the compressor 4 and the in-compartment blower 6 are repeated between 13 and the inside of the refrigerator is normally cooled to the set temperature.

In step S20, it is determined whether or not F2 = 1. If F2 = 1 is not satisfied (ie, step S10
Is set to F2 = 0, and the process proceeds from step S14 to step S20 for the first time).
2 = 1, the compressor 4 is stopped by the driving means 5 in step S22, and the in-compartment blower 6 is stopped by the driving means 7 in step S23.

Next, in step S24, the defrosting device 8 is operated by the driving means 9, and it is determined in step S25 whether the defrosting is completed. If the defrosting has not been completed, the process returns to step S24, and steps S24 to S25 are repeated as described above. If it is determined in step S25 that the defrosting has been completed, the driving unit 9 is determined in step S26.
The operation of the defrosting device 8 is stopped at step S11, and at step S11 T
The processing of 1 = 0 is performed, and the process returns to step S1.

Continuing with the above, when the process returns to step S20, since F2 = 1, the process proceeds to step S27, where the compressor 4 is stopped by the drive unit 5 in step S27, and the drive unit 7 is stopped by the drive unit 7 in step S28. To stop the blower 6 in the refrigerator, and in Step S29,
Activate As a result, failure of the defroster of the cooler,
A refrigeration cycle-related failure due to refrigerant gas leakage, clogged capillary tube, and the like can be notified.

After the defrosting of the cooler 21 in steps S24 to S26, if the difference between A0 and A1 returns to less than the predetermined value a3 in step S8, the compressor 4, the discharge pipe 19, the condenser 20, a refrigeration cycle including a capillary tube (not shown), a cooler 21, and a suction pipe 22 and a case in which the internal blower 6 returns to a normal state;
The frost and icing conditions of the cooler 21 are eliminated, the suction pressure of the compressor returns to the normal operation state, the oil circulation amount in the compressor becomes normal, and the cause of the failure due to wear of the movable part of the compressor is eliminated. It will be.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9, where the process of F1 = 0 is performed, then the process of F2 = 0 is performed in step S10, the process of T1 = 0 is performed in step S11, and the process returns to step S1. Thereafter, as long as the difference between A0 and A1 is less than the predetermined value a3 in step S8, steps S1 to S
Driving and stopping of the compressor 4 and the in-compartment blower 6 are repeated between 13 and the inside of the refrigerator is normally cooled to the set temperature.

In step S8, the predetermined current value A0 and the current value A1 are compared, and the difference between A0 and A1 becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value a3. In steps 16 to 18, the compressor 4 is stopped, and the internal blower 6 is turned off. After driving or defrosting the cooler 21 in steps S24 to S26, step S8 is performed.
If the difference between A0 and A1 returns to less than the predetermined value a3 in step S9, the process of F1 = 0 is performed in step S9, and step S10 is performed.
The processing of F2 = 0 is performed in step S11, and T1 = 0 in step S11.
Is performed, the operation of the refrigerator after returning to step S1 is the operation when returning to the initial state.

In step S14, M1> a4 (for example, a4 = 2), and in step S15, the counter M1 = M1 +
1. Step S9 is changed to M1 = 0 or step S2
If 0 is changed to M1> a5 (for example, a5 = 3), step S21 is changed to counter M2 = M2 + 1, and step S10 is changed to M2 = 0, the compressor is turned off in step S16, the in-compartment blower is turned on in step S17, and the step S22 is turned on. It is obvious that the compressor OFF, the internal blower OFF in step S23, the defrosting device ON in step S24, and the like are repeated several times, and the processing is more reliable.

When the compressor 4 is operated and the internal temperature of the refrigerator reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, the temperature of the freezing compartment 16 = −20 ° C.) in a normal operation state, the predetermined current value A0 is The current value when the change △ A1 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, △ A1 = 0.05 A) is stored in the microcomputer as A0, and is stored for a certain period of time (for example, one month).
After the lapse of time, if a function for repeatedly learning the same thing as above is provided between step 6 and step 7, the individual differences of the mass-produced products related to the refrigeration cycle such as the characteristics of the compressor 4 and the charged amount of the refrigerant gas and the like, It is possible to set a predetermined current value in consideration of a difference in current value during operation of the compressor 4 due to a difference in installation conditions such as an ambient temperature and a gap between a refrigerator outer wall and a room wall.

[0044]

Since the refrigerator control device of the present invention has the above-described structure, the invention according to claim 1 can be used when the discharge pipe temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, that is, when the discharge pipe temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature. When the suction pressure of the compressor is lower than during normal operation and the oil circulation amount in the compressor is lower than during normal operation),
Stopping the compressor provides a means of protecting the compressor in the low temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the value of the current flowing through the compressor decreases due to the frost or icing of the cooler, the defrost of the cooler is performed. The oil circulation in the compressor returns to the normal state, the oil circulation in the movable part of the compressor returns to normal, and the compressor can be protected in the low temperature range of the discharge pipe temperature, and the cooling can be performed. Efficient cooling operation by defrosting the vessel becomes possible.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a compressor protecting means in a low temperature region of the discharge pipe temperature.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to notify a failure related to the refrigeration cycle due to a failure of the defroster of the cooler, a leakage of the refrigerant gas, a clogged capillary tube, and the like.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that there are individual differences in mass-produced products related to the refrigeration cycle, such as compressor characteristics and refrigerant gas filling amount, the ambient temperature of the refrigerator, the gap between the outer wall of the refrigerator and the indoor wall. It is possible to set a predetermined current value in consideration of a difference in current value during compressor operation due to a difference in installation conditions such as the above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator showing the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control device of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Control means 3 Internal temperature detection apparatus 4 Compressor 8 Defrosting apparatus 10 Current detection apparatus 12 Abnormality alarm 21 Cooler

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Masaki Kaji 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term (reference) 3L045 AA02 BA01 CA02 DA02 EA01 GA07 HA01 LA05 LA09 LA14 LA18 MA02 MA20 NA16

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A current detecting means for detecting a current value flowing through a compressor, a comparing means for comparing a current value with a predetermined current value,
Control means for controlling based on the output of the comparing means,
A control device for a refrigerator, comprising operating a compressor and stopping operation of the compressor when a detected current value is less than a predetermined current value. 2. A current detecting means for detecting a current value flowing through the compressor, a comparing means for comparing the current value with a predetermined current value,
Control means for controlling based on the output of the comparing means,
A control device for a refrigerator, comprising: operating a compressor; and, when the detected current value is less than a predetermined current value, stopping the operation of the compressor and performing defrosting of the cooler. 3. The control device for a refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein after defrosting, the compressor is operated again, and when a current value detected after a predetermined time becomes less than a predetermined current value,
A control device for a refrigerator, wherein the operation of the compressor is stopped. 4. The control device for a refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein after defrosting, the compressor is operated again, and when a detected current value after a predetermined time becomes less than the predetermined current value,
A refrigerator control device for notifying a failure. 5. The control device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined current value to be compared is such that the compressor is operated and the internal temperature becomes the predetermined temperature. A control device for a refrigerator, wherein the current value is a current value when a change in the current value becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.