JP2005055062A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator capable of appropriately detecting ambient illuminance and performing an effective and efficient power saving operation.
The refrigerator includes an optical sensor 6 that detects the illuminance around the refrigerator body 1 and is configured to perform a power saving operation based on the illuminance detected by the optical sensor 6. Since the optical sensor 6 is disposed on the upper front surface of the refrigerator main body 1, even if a person stands in front of the refrigerator, the ambient illuminance can be accurately detected without being affected by the illuminance change. That is, it is possible to appropriately detect the ambient illuminance and perform an effective and efficient power saving operation.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator that includes, for example, illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator main body, and performs power saving operation using the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means.

  In a conventional refrigerator, the ambient brightness is detected by an optical sensor, and when it is dark, the set temperature of the cooling control is increased to perform a power saving operation (see JP 2001-99536 A: Patent Document 1), There is an apparatus that stores the illuminance detected by the optical sensor and calculates the illuminance for starting and ending the power saving operation based on the stored value (see JP 2002-1007025 A).

  However, in the conventional refrigerator, the optical sensor is disposed on an operation panel provided in the center of the front surface of the refrigerator. Therefore, during operation of the operation panel, when the refrigerator door is opened, or in front of the refrigerator. When a person stands or the like, there is a difference between the detected illuminance and the actual illuminance, and there is a case where power saving operation according to the ambient illuminance cannot be performed. Furthermore, when the optical sensor is disposed on the door, the optical sensor may be covered with a memo or the like attached to the door, so that ambient illuminance may not be detected. That is, the surrounding illuminance could not be detected properly, and effective and efficient power saving operation could not be performed.

  The conventional refrigerator further has the following problems.

  Even while the door is open and the interior lamp in the refrigerator is lit, the illuminance by the optical sensor is detected and stored. There is a problem that the illuminance for performing the power saving operation calculated by the stored value becomes brighter than the actual illuminance. Further, when the door is open even during the power saving operation, the determination is made based on the illuminance including the brightness inside the refrigerator and the like, so that the power saving operation may be canceled even though the surroundings are dark.

In addition, when the power of the refrigerator is turned off due to a power failure or cleaning, the stored illuminance for performing the power saving operation is cleared. Therefore, after the power is turned on, the optical sensor detects the illuminance for a predetermined period ( For several days, power saving operation is not possible.
JP 2001-99536 A JP 2002-107025 A

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the refrigerator which can detect the surrounding illumination intensity appropriately and can implement an efficient and efficient power-saving driving | operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the refrigerator of the present invention is
The refrigerator body,
Illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator body,
A power saving control means for controlling the refrigerator main body to a power saving state when the illuminance detected by the illuminance detecting means is lower than a predetermined illuminance level;
The illuminance detection means is arranged on the upper front surface of the refrigerator main body.

  Here, in this specification, the refrigerator main body includes a box and a door attached to the box, and further includes a refrigeration cycle means including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and the like, and a fan for circulating cold air It has what becomes the object of power saving, such as a heater for compensating the temperature inside the motor and the refrigerator main body and preventing condensation and freezing. For example, an optical sensor is used as the illuminance detection means. As the power saving control means, for example, a microcomputer or the like is used. The power saving of the refrigerator main body means, for example, that the cooling temperature inside the refrigerator main body is set higher than a normal set temperature, the rotational speed of the compressor is reduced, or the heater energization rate is reduced. Say. The predetermined illuminance level may be set in two types, an illuminance level at the start of starting power saving control and an illuminance level at the end of ending power saving control, which are detected during normal operation. When the illuminance is smaller than the starting illuminance level, the power saving control is started. During the power saving operation, the power saving control is terminated when the detected illuminance is larger than the ending illuminance level. At this time, the starting illuminance level is smaller than the ending illuminance level.

  According to the refrigerator of this embodiment, since the illuminance detection means is disposed on the upper front surface of the refrigerator main body, the operation panel provided on the front surface of the refrigerator main body is operated or the door of the refrigerator main body is operated. The ambient illuminance can be accurately detected without being affected by the change in illuminance when the user opens the door, when a person stands in front of the refrigerator, or by a memo attached to the door. That is, it is possible to appropriately detect the ambient illuminance and perform an effective and efficient power saving operation.

  In addition, by arranging the illuminance detection means on the front surface of the upper wall of the box body of the refrigerator body, it is possible to detect the ambient illuminance more accurately as compared with the case where the illuminance detection means is disposed on the door of the refrigerator body. it can.

Moreover, in the refrigerator of one embodiment, an interior lamp that is arranged inside the refrigerator body and lights up in the open state of the door of the refrigerator body,
Illuminance detection control means for controlling to stop detection of illuminance by the illuminance detection means when the door is opened and the interior lamp is lit.

  Here, in this specification, for example, a microcomputer or the like is used as the illuminance detection control means.

  According to the refrigerator of this embodiment, the illuminance detection control means controls to stop detection of illuminance by the illuminance detection means when the door is opened and the interior lamp is lit. Therefore, the illuminance detection by the illuminance detection means is not performed while the interior lamp is lit. Therefore, since the actual ambient illuminance can be detected without detecting the illuminance including the brightness of the interior lamp or the like, the power saving operation according to the ambient brightness can be reliably performed. Moreover, even if the door is opened during the power saving operation, the power saving operation can be prevented from being canceled due to the illuminance of the interior lamp.

Moreover, in the refrigerator of one embodiment, an interior lamp that is arranged inside the refrigerator body and lights up in the open state of the door of the refrigerator body,
Illuminance detection control means for controlling to stop detection of illuminance by the illuminance detection means when the door is opened and the interior lamp is lit,
Storage means for storing the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means for a predetermined period after power supply to the refrigerator body;
Illuminance level setting means for setting the predetermined illuminance level based on the illuminance data stored in the storage means.

  In this specification, for example, a microcomputer or the like is used as the illuminance detection control means, the storage means, and the illuminance level setting means.

  According to the refrigerator of this embodiment, the illuminance detection control means controls to stop detection of illuminance by the illuminance detection means when the door is opened and the interior lamp is lit. Therefore, the illuminance detection by the illuminance detection means is not performed while the interior lamp is lit. In this way, since the actual ambient illuminance is detected without detecting the illuminance including the brightness of the interior lamp or the like, the predetermined illuminance level is set by the storage means and the illuminance level setting means. Depending on the installation situation of the refrigerator, it can be automatically set to an appropriate level. Therefore, the power saving operation according to the brightness of the surroundings where the refrigerator is installed can be reliably performed. Moreover, even if the door is opened during the power saving operation, the power saving operation can be prevented from being canceled due to the illuminance of the interior lamp.

  In one embodiment, the refrigerator includes an EEPROM that stores the predetermined illuminance level.

  According to the refrigerator of this embodiment, since the EEPROM is provided, even when the power of the refrigerator is turned off due to a power failure or cleaning, the predetermined illuminance level for performing the power saving operation is not cleared, and thereafter The power saving operation by the illuminance detection means can be performed immediately after the power is turned on.

Moreover, in the refrigerator of one embodiment, the operation switch provided outside the refrigerator main body,
The power saving control means controls the refrigerator body based on the operation of the operation switch.

  According to the refrigerator of this one embodiment, the power saving control means controls the refrigerator main body based on the operation of the operation switch.For example, only when the operation switch is pressed and the power saving mode is input, Power saving control by the power saving control means can be performed, power saving control can be performed according to the use state / preference of the user, and the usability is improved.

  According to the refrigerator of the present invention, since the illuminance detection means is disposed on the upper front surface of the refrigerator body, it is effective to accurately detect the ambient illuminance without being affected by artificial illuminance changes.・ Efficient power saving operation can be implemented.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body 1, and the refrigerator body 1 includes a box body 15 and doors 7, 8, and 9 attached to the box body 15. The refrigerator body 1 has a refrigeration room 3 on the upper side, and a freezing room 4 and a vegetable room 5 on the left and right below the refrigeration room 3. The refrigerator compartment 3, the freezer compartment 4 and the vegetable compartment 5 are partitioned by a heat insulating partition 14. Each of the rooms 3, 4 and 5 can be opened and closed by a refrigerator door 7, a freezer door 8, and a vegetable room door 9 pivotally supported on the front surface. The chambers 3, 4, and 5 are respectively provided with a refrigeration cycle and a cold-air circulation fan motor (both not shown in the figure) formed by sequentially connecting a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser provided on the back side of the refrigerator body 1. ) To be cooled.

  The heat insulating partition 14 is provided with an operation panel 2 having a backlight 10, a liquid crystal display 11, and operation switches 12. With this operation panel 2, it is possible to perform power saving mode setting, internal temperature setting, refrigerator control mode setting (for example, automatic ice making operation, quick freezing operation, rapid ice making operation) and the like. Further, the operation panel 2 displays the current refrigerator internal temperature display and the control mode setting states. Further, a light switch (illuminance detection means) 6 and a door switch 13 for detecting opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 7 are provided on the upper front surface of the refrigerator body 1. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 6 is disposed at the center of the front surface of the upper wall of the box 15, but may not be the central portion as long as it is an upper portion, and is disposed at the door 7. May be.

  Therefore, since the optical sensor 6 is disposed on the upper front surface of the refrigerator body 1, a person is placed during operation of the operation panel 2, when the doors 7, 8, and 9 are opened, or in front of the refrigerator. The light sensor 6 is not hidden by a memo or the like attached to the doors 7, 8, 9.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic electric circuit diagram of the refrigerator of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  A main body microcomputer (microcomputer) 20 provided inside the refrigerator main body 1 includes a cooling control circuit 21 for controlling a compressor for cooling the inside of the refrigerator, a fan motor for circulating cold air (both not shown), and the like. Sensor 6, EEPROM 22, which is a storage element capable of electrically writing / reading data even when the power is turned off, and being placed in the refrigerating room 3 and lit in the open state of the refrigerating room door 7 The interior lamp 23 to be operated and a door switch 13 for detecting opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 7 are connected.

  Further, a backlight 10, a liquid crystal display 11, and an operation switch 12 are connected to the operation microcomputer 25 provided in the operation panel 2. The main body microcomputer 20 and the operation microcomputer 25 are connected by a communication circuit 24, and control data (for example, control mode such as power saving mode setting, temperature setting in the chamber, temperature in the chamber, power saving operation, etc.). Information).

  According to the refrigerator configured as described above, the main body microcomputer 20 includes power saving control means for controlling the refrigerator main body 1 to a power saving state when the illuminance detected by the optical sensor 6 is lower than a predetermined illuminance level. Therefore, since the optical sensor 6 is not affected by artificial illuminance change and can accurately detect the ambient illuminance, the ambient illuminance can be detected appropriately for effective and efficient power saving operation. Can be implemented.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a control flowchart showing a second embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention. The open / close state of the refrigerator compartment door 7 is detected by the door switch 13 (S101). If the door 7 is open, the interior lamp 23 is turned on (S102), and the open / close state of the door 7 is again. Is detected (S101). On the other hand, when it is detected that the door 7 is closed, the interior lamp 23 is turned off (S103), and the current illuminance L is detected by the optical sensor 6 (S104). Thus, since the illuminance is detected by the optical sensor 6 only when the interior lamp 23 is turned off, the interior lamp 23 is not affected by the light.

  Next, it is determined whether or not power saving control is currently being performed (S105). If normal control is being performed instead of power saving control, the current illuminance L is compared with the illuminance level L0 at which power saving control is started (S107). If the current illuminance L is smaller (darker) than the illuminance level L0 at which the power saving control is started, the power saving control is started (S108). Conversely, when the current illuminance L is greater (brighter) than the illuminance level L0 at which power saving control is started, normal control is continued (S109).

  On the other hand, if the power saving control is currently being performed, the current illuminance L is compared with the illuminance level L1 at which the power saving control is terminated (S106), and the current illuminance L is the illuminance level L1 at which the power saving control is terminated (L1> L0). If it is larger (brighter), the power saving control is terminated and normal control is performed (S109). Conversely, when the current illuminance L is smaller (darker) than the illuminance level L1 at which the power saving control ends, the power saving control is continued (S108).

  Here, the power saving control is to reduce power consumption by increasing the cooling temperature setting in the refrigerator cabinet set by the operation panel 2.

  According to the refrigerator configured as described above, the main body microcomputer 20 controls the refrigerator main body 1 to be in a power saving state when the illuminance detected by the optical sensor 6 is lower than the illuminance level, and the door 7. Illuminance detection control means for controlling to stop the detection of the illuminance by the optical sensor 6 when the interior light 23 is lit. Therefore, since the illuminance including the brightness of the interior lamp 23 is not detected and the actual ambient illuminance can be detected, the power saving operation according to the ambient brightness can be reliably performed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a control flowchart showing a third embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention. The door switch 13 detects the open / close state of the refrigerator compartment door 7 (S401). If the door 7 is closed, the internal lamp 23 is turned off (S402), and the light sensor 6 detects the illuminance. The detected data is stored in the main body microcomputer 20 (S403). On the other hand, when it is detected that the door 7 is in the open state, only the interior lamp 23 is turned on (S404), and the illuminance detection / storage is not performed.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the illuminance for a predetermined period is stored (S405). For example, it is determined whether illuminance data for three days or one week has been stored since the refrigerator was installed. When the illuminance for a predetermined period is not stored, normal control is performed because the illuminance level for performing power saving control cannot be set (S406). On the other hand, if the illuminance for a predetermined period is stored, the illuminance level for power saving control is set (S407). The illuminance level for performing the power saving control is calculated based on the illuminance data for a predetermined period, and the illuminance level L0 at which the power saving control is started when the ambient illuminance becomes dark during the normal control and the ambient illuminance during the power saving control. An illuminance level L1 (L1> L0) is set to end the power saving control when becomes brighter. Power saving control is performed according to the illuminance levels L0 and L1 set here.

  When the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are set, the open / close state of the refrigerator compartment door 7 is detected again (S408). If the door 7 is closed, the interior lamp 23 is turned off ( S409), the current illuminance L is detected by the optical sensor 6 (S410). On the other hand, when it is detected that the door 7 is in the open state, only the interior lamp 23 is turned on (S411), and the illuminance detection is not performed.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the current power saving control is being performed (S412). If the power saving control is being performed, the current illuminance L is compared with the illuminance level L1 at which the power saving control is terminated (S413). If it is larger (brighter) than the illuminance level L1 at which the power saving control is finished, the power saving control is finished and the normal control is performed (S416). On the other hand, when the current illuminance L is smaller (darker) than the illuminance level L1 at which the power saving control is finished, the power saving control is continued (S415).

  On the other hand, if the current illuminance L is not under power saving control and is under normal control, the current illuminance L is compared with the illuminance level L0 at which power saving control is started (S414), and the current illuminance L is at the illuminance level L0 at which power saving control is started. If it is smaller (darker), power saving control is started (S415). Conversely, if the current illuminance L is greater (brighter) than the illuminance level L0 at which power saving control is started, normal control is continued (S416).

  Here, the power saving control is to reduce power consumption by increasing the cooling temperature setting in the refrigerator cabinet set by the operation panel 2.

  According to the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the main body microcomputer 20 stores the illuminance detected by the optical sensor 6 for a predetermined period after power is supplied to the refrigerator main body 1, and the storage means stores the illuminance. Illuminance level setting means for setting a predetermined illuminance level for determining that the illuminance around the refrigerator body 1 is low based on the illuminance data, and the illuminance detected by the optical sensor 6 is the predetermined illuminance level. The power saving control means for controlling the refrigerator main body 1 to the power saving state when it is lower, and the detection of the illuminance by the light sensor 6 is stopped when the door 7 is opened and the interior lamp 23 is lit. Illuminance detection control means for controlling the illuminance. Therefore, since the illuminance including the brightness of the interior lamp 23 is not detected and the actual ambient illuminance can be detected, the power saving operation according to the ambient brightness can be reliably performed.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 5: shows the control flowchart which shows 4th Embodiment of the refrigerator of this invention. It is determined whether the EEPROM 22 stores an illuminance level L0 for starting power saving control and an illuminance level L1 for ending power saving control (S501). If not stored, the optical sensor 6 detects the illuminance. The detection data is stored in the main body microcomputer 20 (S502), and then it is determined whether the illuminance for a predetermined period is stored (S503). For example, it is determined whether illuminance data for three days or one week has been stored since the refrigerator was installed.

  If the illuminance for a predetermined period is not stored, the illuminance level for performing power saving control cannot be set, and normal control is performed (S504). On the other hand, if the illuminance for a predetermined period is stored, the illuminance level for performing power saving control is set (S506). The illuminance level for performing the power saving control is calculated based on the illuminance data for a predetermined period, and the illuminance level L0 at which the power saving control is started when the ambient illuminance becomes dark during normal control and the ambient illuminance during power saving control. An illuminance level L1 (L1> L0) is set to end the power saving control when becomes brighter, and the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are stored in the EEPROM 22 (S506). Here, the illuminance levels L0 and L1 stored in the EEPROM 22 are stored without being erased even when the refrigerator is turned off.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are stored in the EEPROM 22 (S501), the illuminance data storage for a predetermined period and the calculation of the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are skipped.

  Here, once the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are stored in the EEPROM 22 (S506), it is determined that the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are stored in the EEPROM 22 even after the refrigerator is turned off (S501). become.

  Then, after the illuminance levels L0 and L1 are set, the current illuminance L is detected by the optical sensor 6 (S507). Since the subsequent steps (S508 to S512) are the same as those in the third embodiment (S412 to S416 in FIG. 4), description thereof is omitted.

  Although the description is omitted, as in the third embodiment, the illuminance detection control means uses the light sensor 6 when the door 7 is opened and the interior lamp 23 is lit. It shall be controlled to stop the detection of illuminance.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, in all the embodiments described above, power saving control is performed by the optical sensor 6 without any particular operation. However, when the operation switch 12 of the operation panel 2 is pressed and a power saving mode is input. Only the power saving control by the optical sensor 6 may be performed. That is, the power saving control means may be configured to control the refrigerator main body 1 based on the operation of the operation switch 12, and can perform power saving control according to the use state / preference etc. of the user. Get better.

It is a front view which shows 1st Embodiment of the refrigerator of this invention. It is the electric circuit schematic of the refrigerator of this invention. It is a control flowchart which shows 2nd Embodiment of the refrigerator of this invention. It is a control flowchart which shows 3rd Embodiment of the refrigerator of this invention. It is a control flowchart which shows 4th Embodiment of the refrigerator of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator main body 2 Operation panel 6 Optical sensor 7 Refrigeration room door 8 Freezing room door 9 Vegetable room door 12 Operation switch 20 Main body microcomputer 22 EEPROM
23 Interior light

Claims (5)

The refrigerator body,
Illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator body,
A power saving control means for controlling the refrigerator main body to a power saving state when the illuminance detected by the illuminance detecting means is lower than a predetermined illuminance level;
The refrigerator, wherein the illuminance detection means is arranged on the upper front surface of the refrigerator body. The refrigerator according to claim 1,
An interior lamp that is arranged inside the refrigerator body and lights up in the open state of the door of the refrigerator body,
An illuminance detection control means for controlling to stop detection of illuminance by the illuminance detection means when the door is opened and the interior lamp is lit. The refrigerator according to claim 1,
An interior lamp that is arranged inside the refrigerator body and lights up in the open state of the door of the refrigerator body,
Illuminance detection control means for controlling to stop detection of illuminance by the illuminance detection means when the door is opened and the interior lamp is lit,
Storage means for storing the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means for a predetermined period after power supply to the refrigerator body;
An illuminance level setting means for setting the predetermined illuminance level based on the illuminance data stored in the storage means. The refrigerator according to claim 3,
A refrigerator comprising an EEPROM for storing the predetermined illuminance level. In the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Provided with an operation switch provided outside the refrigerator body,
The power saving control means controls the refrigerator body based on the operation of the operation switch.

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