JP2004156873A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator capable of simplifying a control circuit of a door opening device and arbitrarily varying the projecting force in opening a door. <P>SOLUTION: This refrigerator is provided with a door 10b openably and closeably mounted on a front face opening part of a main body storage compartment 1, the door opening device 20 pressing a door face to open the door by projecting out a pressing member 21c by an electric driving source, a handle switch 12 mounted on the door 10b or a main body outer side and outputting an operation signal in a state of being operated by a user, a door switch 14 outputting an opening signal in a state that the door is opened, and a control means 37 mounted to receive the outputs from the handle switch 12 and the door switch 14, and controlling the duty of the driving source 21 when the operation signal is input in a state that the opening signal is not input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a refrigerator provided with a door opening device for opening a storage room door by projecting a pressing member.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, refrigerators have a tendency to have a larger storage capacity along with diversification of eating habits, and in particular, in household refrigerators, a class in which the storage capacity exceeds 400 liters has become mainstream, and the height and width dimensions of the refrigerator body also tend to be large. It is in.
[0003]
Along with this, the doors of refrigerator compartments, freezer compartments, and vegetable compartments have also become larger, and the storage pockets inside the doors of refrigerator compartments, which have a large storage volume, have increased in height and width, and their depth has increased. And the door itself is large, which requires a great deal of force to open the door, and there is a problem that the burden is increased for weak women and the elderly.
[0004]
As a configuration for solving the above problem, in recent years, refrigerators provided with an electromagnetic solenoid type door opening mechanism in which a knock pin protrudes from a main body side by a user's operation of a handle switch and presses a door surface to open the door have been offered to the market. It is evaluated as a product that does not require a burden to open the door.
[0005]
Here, the conventional energization control of the door opening mechanism will be described with reference to, for example, a circuit diagram of FIG. The electromagnetic solenoid 103, which uses the full-wave rectifier circuit 101 as a power source, serves as a drive source of the door opening device 102, and applies a force in the opening direction to the refrigerator compartment door in an energized state to open it.
[0006]
The control circuit unit 120 is connected to the switching power supply 122 via the AC power supply 109 and the full-wave rectification circuit 121, and supplies the DC voltage processed by the full-wave rectification circuit 121 and the switching power supply 122 to the microcomputer 123. Has become.
[0007]
In the closed state of the door (a state in which a high-level signal is input from the door switch 104), when the high-level signal is input in response to the operation of the handle switch 105, the control circuit unit 120 Then, the transistor is turned on for a predetermined time set in the timer to energize the relay coil. As a result, the relay switch 108 is turned on, and the electromagnetic solenoid 103 is energized for the predetermined time.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-59675 (FIG. 1)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described control circuit, in addition to the full-wave rectifier circuit 120 in the control circuit unit 120, a full-wave rectifier circuit 101 for operating the electromagnetic solenoid 103 is separately required, which is expensive. The circuit was also complicated.
[0010]
In the relay switch 108, since the voltage doubler capacitor 110 is used for rectification, there is a high possibility that an inrush current is generated. At this time, if the spring force urging the contacts of the relay in the direction to separate them is weak, or if the contact surface is caught by irregularities, the contacts will be in contact for a longer time than the command signal. May be welded. For this reason, the electromagnetic solenoid 103 is always energized and is heated, and if the coil burns out or has a thermal fuse, there is a possibility that the control circuit will be stopped due to disconnection. is there.
[0011]
Further, in refrigerators having different internal volumes, since the size of the door closing the front surface and the attraction force of the gasket are different from each other, it is preferable to design the output of the electromagnetic solenoid 103 according to each refrigerator model. In the configuration using the relay switch 108, the output of the electromagnetic solenoid 103 itself cannot be adjusted, so that it is difficult to design for each model.
[0012]
Therefore, in order to optimize the output of the electromagnetic solenoid 103 for each type of refrigerator, it is necessary to change the circuit configuration for each model or to prepare one having a different output performance of the electromagnetic solenoid, thereby increasing the cost. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic solenoid is used in common, it is difficult to open the door with a large door, and the door with a small door tends to open too much.
[0013]
Further, even in a refrigerator having the same volume, the required protruding output is increased due to the use state, the closing time, the weight applied to the door, and the like, and accordingly, the output control of the electromagnetic solenoid 103 is performed using the relay switch 108. It was difficult in the above circuit.
[0014]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its object to simplify a control circuit of a door opening device, and to make a projection output at the time of door opening freely variable.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a door that can be opened and closed at a front opening of a main body storage room, a door opening device that projects a pressing member by an electric drive source to press the door surface to open the door, and the door. Alternatively, a handle switch that is provided on the outer surface of the main body and outputs an operation signal when operated by a user, a door switch that outputs an open signal when the door is open, and each output from the handle switch and the door switch And control means for duty-controlling the drive source when the operation signal is input while the release signal is not input.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the driving source is a DC-driven solenoid, and control means is provided for performing duty control of the solenoid with a switching element when the operation signal is input in a state where the open signal is not input. It is assumed that.
[0017]
According to the present invention, since a separate full-wave rectifier circuit is not required for operating the drive source or the electromagnetic solenoid, the control circuit can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.
[0018]
In addition, by performing the duty control, it is not necessary to use a relay switch, and it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of burn-out, disconnection, and the like of the drive source or the electromagnetic solenoid due to the welding of the contact point of the relay switch, which occurred in the conventional control circuit. .
[0019]
Furthermore, the same control circuit, the same output drive source or the electromagnetic solenoid can be commonly used only by the microcomputer processing even in refrigerators having different internal volumes, that is, models having different projection outputs required for opening the door. Therefore, cost can be reduced.
[0020]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, based on the closing time output from the door switch, when the closing time is longer than a predetermined time, the duty value for projecting the pressing member is set high, and when the closing time is short, the pressing is performed. It is characterized in that the duty value for projecting the member is set low.
[0021]
The power to open the refrigerator door depends on the closing time. Since the temperature inside the refrigerator after a certain period of time has been lower than immediately after the door is closed, the pressure in the refrigerator decreases accordingly, and the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the refrigerator is reduced. Becomes larger. Generally, a large difference between the outside air and the internal pressure means that a large force is urged in a direction to close the door when the door is opened, and the force required for opening the door is naturally large.
[0022]
According to the present invention, since the duty value for protruding the pressing member is selectively changed according to the door closing time, an optimal output can be performed in accordance with the pressure state of the atmospheric pressure and the internal pressure.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the storage room is provided, and based on the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the duty value for projecting the pressing member when the temperature in the refrigerator is low is set high. It is assumed that.
[0024]
As described above, when the internal temperature decreases, the internal pressure also decreases, so that the force required for opening the door increases. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the optimal output can be performed according to the internal temperature, ie, the required sudden output.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 5 is a food detecting means for detecting a load on the door by detecting whether or not the food is stored in the pocket and a pocket for storing the food inside the door, or detecting the weight of the stored food. Based on the output value of the food detecting means, when the amount of stored food or weight is large, the duty value for protruding the pressing member is set high, and when the amount of stored food or weight is small, the pressing is performed. It is characterized in that the duty value for projecting the member is set low.
[0026]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an optimal output can be performed according to the load state applied to the pocket of a door.
[0027]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the double door system, when one door is opened and the other door is opened by the door opening device, the pressing member is more pressed than when both doors are closed. The protruding duty value is set low.
[0028]
When the door on one side that is not opened by the door opening device is in the open state, the outside air and the pressure inside the refrigerator are uniform, and the adsorbing force by the magnet gasket is reduced, so that if the pressing member protrudes as usual. According to the present invention, since the duty value is changed in such a case, an output corresponding to a required sudden output can be performed.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the refrigerator in a state where the right door is opened. As shown in FIG. In the lower corner of the refrigerator compartment 2, an ice-making room 4 is provided adjacent to the low-temperature chilled compartment 3 and is insulated, and below the refrigerator compartment 2, a vegetable compartment 5 and a freezer compartment 6 are arranged by a drawer door system. .
[0030]
The refrigerating compartment 2 has a configuration in which cool air generated by a not-shown cooler provided on the back surface is introduced into the compartment by a fan and cooled, and the compartment formed by the inner box 7 is divided into a plurality of storage sections by a mounting shelf 8. In addition to forming a storage space for refrigerated food, the front opening is divided into openings in the width direction, and a double door opening left and right doors 9 and 10 that can be opened and closed by hinges provided on both sides of the main body are installed. ing.
[0031]
The right door has a magnet gasket 10b attached to the peripheral edge of the back side of the left door 9 and the right door 10, and the right side of the left door 9 slides with a pin (not shown) provided in the upper part of the refrigerator. Meanwhile, a rotary partition plate 9a that rotates according to the opening and closing operation of the door is provided.
[0032]
The rotary partition plate 9a rotates by 90 degrees when the left door 9 is closed. Each magnet gasket is in close contact with the rotary partition plate 9a. Since the right edge of the partition wall 4a and the magnet gasket 10b are attracted to each other, the intermediate partition of the refrigerator compartment 2 is kept closed.
[0033]
A door switch 14 for detecting the open / closed state of the right door 10 by being in contact with the bead portion 10a of the right door 10 is attached to the periphery of the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 2 so as to output a high-level signal when the door is closed. It has become.
[0034]
A handle 11 is attached to the front of the right door 10 facing the left door 9, and a handle switch 12 and an operation panel 13 are attached to the front of the handle 11.
[0035]
In this case, although not specifically illustrated, the operation panel 13 is provided with a display for displaying the room temperature and the switching mode of the refrigerator compartment 2, the vegetable compartment 5, the freezer compartment 6, and the like. 5, an operation switch group for individually switching the set temperatures of the freezing room 6 and the like are provided.
[0036]
Further, the handle switch 12 has a configuration in which a mechanical switch such as a normally-open micro switch that is turned on when the touch panel 12a is pressed is built. Note that the handle switch 12 may be configured by an optical switch or a magnetic switch using a photo interrupter.
[0037]
The refrigerating compartment 2 and the freezing compartment 6 are each provided with a temperature sensor 15 for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator, and output to a control circuit unit 35 described later.
[0038]
A door opening device 20 for applying a force in the opening direction to the right door 10 is attached to the ceiling of the refrigerator body 1. As shown in FIG. 4, which shows a sectional structure of the upper part of the refrigerator, the door opening device 20 is installed in a recessed state 1a formed in the ceiling of the refrigerator body 1 in a semi-embedded state. It has a driven electromagnetic solenoid 21 (corresponding to the drive source of the present invention). The electromagnetic solenoid 21 serving as a driving source is not limited to this, and may be a door opening device using a cam mechanism using a motor as a driving source.
[0039]
The electromagnetic solenoid 21 includes a coil unit 21a formed by resin-molding a coil formed in a cylindrical shape, a plunger 21b provided in the coil unit 21a so as to penetrate the coil unit 21a, and coaxially fixed to the plunger 21b. The pressed member 21c is a main component, and the plunger 21b and the pressed member 21c are moved in the direction of the right door 10 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6) in the energized state (state in which the coil of the coil unit 21a is energized). ).
[0040]
In this case, a flange 21d made of, for example, a C-ring is provided at one end of the plunger 21b (an end in the direction opposite to the arrow A) to prevent the plunger 21b from coming off in the direction of the arrow A. A return spring 21e composed of a compression coil spring is provided around the periphery to apply an extension force between the flange 21d and the coil unit 21a.
[0041]
The upper edge of the right door 10 is integrally provided with a receiving member 10c with which the tip of the pressing member 21c abuts, and when the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is energized, the plunger 21b and the pressing member 21c move in the direction of arrow A. When urged, the receiving member 10c is pressed by the pressing member 21c, and accordingly, the right door 10 is opened against the attraction force of the magnet gasket 10b.
[0042]
An auxiliary spring 21f formed of a torsion coil spring is provided in the door opening device 20 so as to urge the end face of the plunger 21b on the flange 21d side in the direction of arrow A against the return spring 21e. In the steady state in which the right door 10 is closed, the distal end of the pressing member 21c comes into contact with the receiving member 10c by the urging force of the auxiliary spring 21f. The urging force of the auxiliary spring 21f is naturally set to a level smaller than the attraction force of the magnet gasket 10b.
[0043]
FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration related to the door opening device 20 in the electrical configuration of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, which will be described below.
[0044]
The electromagnetic solenoid 21 in the door opening device 20 has a DC drive configuration that is output from an AC power supply 33 via a full-wave rectifier circuit 30, and is provided between a pair of output terminals of the full-wave rectifier circuit 30. The capacitor 31 is connected in parallel. Note that the full-wave rectifier circuit 30 may be a voltage doubler rectifier circuit.
[0045]
A switching element 32 is connected in series between one AC output terminal and the connection between the electromagnetic solenoid 21. The switching element 32 includes a transistor GTIB, a MOSFET, and the like. The switching element 32 changes the ON time (pulse width) of the switch with a constant period T in accordance with an input signal from a microcomputer 37, which will be described later. Is performed for time ratio control (duty control).
[0046]
The control circuit unit 35 includes a switching power supply 36 and a microcomputer 37 (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer). The switching power supply 36 chops a DC power supply through the full-wave rectifier circuit 30 and the smoothing capacitor 31 and sends the chopped signal to the microcomputer 37. The microcomputer 37 supplies a DC power supply of 5 V, selects a preset duty value in accordance with inputs from the handle switch 12, the door switch 14, the temperature sensor 15 and the like, and controls the duty of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 with the switching element 32. It is configured as follows.
[0047]
As a specific circuit configuration, it is connected to the switching element 32 via a transistor 42 that amplifies a pulse signal from the microcomputer 37 to the switching element 32.
[0048]
A resistor 43a (for example, 1 kΩ) and a resistor 43b (for example, 51Ω) are connected to the base (gate) side of the switching element 32, and the anode side of the diode 43c is connected to the resistor 43b. The resistors 43a and 41b and the transistor 42 are connected to the cathode side of the diode 43c.
[0049]
The above configuration is a circuit configuration using an Nch MOSFET for the switching element 32. This Nch-MOSFET is configured to apply a charge to the gate when turned on and to pull out the charge when turned off, but generally it takes more time to draw out the charge. For this reason, the resistor 43a having a large resistance value is used for limiting the current at the time of ON, and the resistor 43b having a small resistance value is set to the Lo level through the resistor 43b and the diode 43c in order to quickly remove the electric charge at the time of OFF. Can be shortened. At the time of OFF, it is sufficient that only the amount of charge applied to the gate can be extracted, and therefore, various changes can be made to the current limiting resistor 43a.
[0050]
Further, 41a and 42b constitute a pull-up resistor (for example, 10 kΩ).
[0051]
A resistor 44 (for example, 20 kΩ) for stabilizing the source voltage and a capacitor 45 (for example, 0.01 μF) for processing the stray capacitance of the switching element 32 are connected in parallel between the gate and the source of the switching element 32. .
[0052]
A resistor 48a (for example, 1Ω) is connected to the electromagnetic solenoid 21. By constantly inputting a voltage value applied to the resistor 48 to a microcomputer, an abnormal state such as disconnection or a normal current value is measured and the load is measured. Is detected. Reference numeral 48b denotes a resistor (for example, 10 kΩ) for limiting a current input to the microcomputer 37. It should be noted that since the detection method using the resistor 48 is an incidental one of the present invention, it goes without saying that the operation and effect of the present invention can be achieved without such a detection method.
[0053]
The microcomputer 37 is provided with an element capable of storing data, such as an EEPROM, and a duty value suitable for each type of refrigerator is stored in advance based on experimental values, and the duty value is appropriately changed according to each model. The same microcomputer and solenoid can be used for each model.
[0054]
For example, a model with a large door or a model with strong adhesion of the magnet gasket 10b requires a large projection output, so the output power is set to 100%. Conversely, a model with a small door or the adhesion of the magnet gasket 10b. If the door is protruded with the same protruding output as the above model, the door will be opened too vigorously. Therefore, for example, the duty value is set low so that the output power becomes 70%.
[0055]
On the other hand, the normally open handle switch 12 has one end connected to a power supply terminal + Vcc and the other end connected to a ground terminal via a pull-down resistor. As a result, the handle switch 12 outputs a low-level signal (ground potential level signal) at all times in the non-operation state, and outputs a high-level signal (power supply terminal + Vcc potential) when turned on by the user. Level signal).
[0056]
The door switch 14 has a well-known configuration that turns off when the right door 10 is closed and turns on when the right door 10 is opened. One end of the door switch 14 is connected to a power supply terminal + Vcc via a pull-up resistor. And the other end is connected to a ground terminal. As a result, the door switch 14 outputs a high-level signal when the right door 10 is closed (off) and outputs a low-level signal when the right door 10 is opened (on). Will do.
[0057]
Next, the operation of the door opening device will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0058]
In step 1, it is detected whether or not the user presses the handle switch 12 to input an operation signal to the microcomputer 37 (S1). If there is no operation signal, the right door 10 is opened using the door opening device 20. And that step 1 is repeated. If an operation signal is input, it is determined that there is an intention to open the right door 10 using the door opening device 20, and the process proceeds to step 2.
[0059]
In step 2, it is detected whether or not an open signal is input by detecting the door switch 12 (S2). If there is an open signal, the right door 10 has already been opened, and the door is opened by the door opener 20. It is determined that it is not necessary to perform the operation, and the process returns to step 1. If there is no opening signal, the right door 10 is in the closed state, and it is determined that it is necessary to operate the door opening device 20 to open the door, and the process proceeds to step 3.
[0060]
In step 3, the microcomputer 37 transmits an input signal to the switching element 32 at a predetermined timing according to a preset duty value, and energizes the electromagnetic solenoid 21 (S3). That is, duty control of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is performed to adjust the output power, and the process proceeds to step 4.
[0061]
When a predetermined power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 21, the plunger 21b and the pressing member 21c are urged toward the right door 10 (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4).
[0062]
In step 4, it is detected whether a predetermined time, for example, 1.5 to 2 seconds, has elapsed (S4). If the predetermined time has elapsed, the receiving member 10c provided on the right door 10 is pressed by the pressing member 21c. Accordingly, it is determined that the right door 10 is opened against the attraction force of the magnet gasket 10b, and the process proceeds to step 5.
[0063]
In step 5, the energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is terminated (S5), and the process returns to step 1 and waits for the next opening operation. At this time, if the energizing operation is performed continuously, the electromagnetic solenoid 21 heats up. For example, when the opening operation is performed a predetermined number of times continuously, the opening operation may be prohibited for a certain period by using a delay timer. Good.
[0064]
According to the above configuration, the output power could not be adjusted with the relay switch that was controlled only by the energization time.However, by using the switching element, the output power could be adjusted. Since there is no mechanical contact between the contacts, it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of burnout, disconnection, etc. of the drive source or the electromagnetic solenoid due to the welding of the contacts.
[0065]
Conventionally, a full-wave rectifier circuit for operating the electromagnetic solenoid was separately required.However, if a switching element is used, an AC voltage or current is duty-controlled, so a dedicated full-wave rectifier for operating the electromagnetic solenoid is used. The control circuit can be simplified without requiring a circuit.
[0066]
Furthermore, the same control circuit, the same output drive source or the electromagnetic solenoid can be commonly used only by the microcomputer processing even in refrigerators having different internal volumes, that is, models having different projection outputs required for opening the door. Therefore, cost can be reduced.
[0067]
Next, an example of duty control according to the door closing time will be described.
[0068]
The microcomputer 37 is provided with a door closing time timer 38 that operates a timer in response to a door closing signal of the door switch 14. Specifically, when the door switch 14 inputs a door closing signal to the microcomputer 37, the microcomputer 37 operates the door closing time timer 38 to count the door closing time. When operating the door opening device 20, the microcomputer 37 selects a duty value according to the closing time and controls the output power to the electromagnetic solenoid 21.
[0069]
In this case, if the door closing time has not passed the predetermined time T, for example, 10 minutes, since the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator is not large, it is determined that the protrusion output of the door opening device 20 may be weak, and a low duty value is selected. For example, when the output power is set to be 70%, duty control of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is performed. If 10 minutes have elapsed, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator is large, so that the protruding output of the door opening device 20 must be increased. It is determined that the duty must be set, and a high duty value is selected, for example, the output power is set to be 100%, and the duty of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is controlled. It is more effective to divide the time reference into a plurality of stages, and the time reference may be set for each model.
[0070]
This is because the opening / closing interval of the right door 10 becomes longer, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator increases as the inside of the refrigerator is cooled, and the adsorption state of the magnet gasket 10b is stabilized. It has the property of becoming larger.
[0071]
For this reason, if the protruding output of the door opening device 20 is controlled to be constant, it becomes difficult to open the right door 10 against the attraction force of the magnet gasket 10b. This may cause a problem that the door opening force of the opening device 20 becomes unnecessarily strong.
[0072]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, duty control for changing the protruding output of the door opening device 20 in a plurality of stages based on the time detection signal from the opening / closing time timer 38 that detects the opening / closing interval of the right door 10, that is, As the closing time of the right door 10 becomes longer, the control structure is such that the protruding output of the door opening device 20 is increased or decreased, so that the above-described problems can be prevented.
[0073]
Next, an embodiment of the duty control according to the temperature in the refrigerator will be described.
[0074]
The microcomputer 37 is provided with a temperature judging device 39 for judging whether or not the temperature has reached a predetermined temperature based on a temperature signal of the temperature sensor 15. Specifically, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15 is input to the microcomputer 37, the temperature determination device 39 constantly determines whether or not the temperature has reached a predetermined temperature. The microcomputer 37 selects a duty value according to the above determination and controls the output power to the electromagnetic solenoid 21.
[0075]
In this case, if the room temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, for example, 2 ° C., it is determined that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator is not large, and a low duty value is set. Selection, for example, duty control of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 by setting the output power to be 70%. If it is less than 2 ° C., it is determined that the pressure difference between inside and outside the refrigerator is large, and a high duty value is selected, for example, output power Is set to be 100%, and the duty of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is controlled. Note that it is more effective to divide the temperature reference into a plurality of stages, and the temperature reference may be set for each model.
[0076]
The property is that the lower the temperature in the refrigerator is, the lower the temperature in the refrigerator is due to the relationship between the temperature and the pressure, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator increases, resulting in a large opening force. There is.
[0077]
Therefore, if the door opening force of the door opening device 20 is controlled to be constant, it becomes difficult to open the right door 10 against the attraction force of the magnet gasket 10b, and conversely. This may cause a problem that the door opening force for the door opening device 20 becomes unnecessarily strong.
[0078]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, duty control for changing the projection output of the door opening device 20 in a plurality of steps based on the temperature detection signal of the temperature sensor 15 for detecting the room temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2, that is, the refrigerator compartment 2 Since the control structure is such that the opening force of the door opening device 20 is increased as the internal temperature decreases, the above-described problems can be prevented.
[0079]
Next, an embodiment of the duty control according to the food detecting means will be described.
[0080]
The microcomputer 37 is provided with a food weight determination device 40 that detects whether the number of foods or the weight of the foods is a predetermined value or more based on a food signal of the food detection device 16 corresponding to the food detection unit of the present invention.
[0081]
The food detection device 16 detects the quantity or weight of food stored in the door pocket 10d attached to the right door 10. For example, in the case of the former, the door pocket 10d is stored when a plastic bottle or the like is stored. Is configured to detect the number of stored food items such as plastic bottles by pressing a plurality of switches or the like provided on the back surface of the device, and in the latter case, the weight provided on the bottom surface of the door pocket 10d. The sensor is configured to detect the weight of the right door 10.
[0082]
It should be noted that the food may be configured in accordance with the type, weight, and quantity of the food managed by the input on the operation panel 13 or the like.
[0083]
Further, the food weight determination device 40 estimates a load applied to the right door 10 based on the food signal of the food detection device 16 and constantly detects whether a load equal to or more than a predetermined load is applied. .
[0084]
When the food signal of the food detection device 16 is input to the microcomputer 37, the microcomputer 37 operates the door opening device 20 based on the detected weight of the food weight determination device 40 and operates the door opening device 20 during the closing time. The output power to the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is controlled by selecting an appropriate duty value.
[0085]
In this case, if the detected weight is less than a predetermined weight, for example, less than 3 kg, it is determined that the load on the right door 10 is not large, and a low duty value is selected, for example, the output power is set to be 70%. The duty of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is controlled. If it is 3 km or more, the load on the right door 10 is large, so it is determined that the protruding output of the door opening device 20 must be increased, and a high duty value is selected. The electric power is set to be 100%, and the duty of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is controlled. It is more effective to divide the weight reference into a plurality of stages, and it may be set for each model.
[0086]
This has the property that the force required for opening increases as the load on the right door 10 increases, so if the projection output of the door opening device 20 is controlled to be constant, the right In spite of the large load applied to the door 10, there is a possibility that the protruding output is weak and cannot be opened, and conversely, the door opening force of the door opening device 20 becomes unnecessarily strong. There is.
[0087]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, duty control that changes the protruding output of the door opening device 20 based on the load applied to the right door 10 in a plurality of steps, that is, as the load applied to the right door 10 increases, Therefore, the above-described problem can be prevented beforehand because the control structure is such that the protrusion output of the door opening device 20 is increased.
[0088]
Next, an embodiment of the duty control of the electromagnetic solenoid when the other door is open in the refrigerator having the double door type door will be described.
[0089]
A left door switch 17 for detecting the open / close state of the left door 9 is provided at the front opening edge of the refrigerator compartment 2. The structure and operation of the left door switch 17 are the same as those of the door switch 14.
[0090]
When the operation signal is input to the right door 10 in the closed state in a state where the left door 9 is opened and the opening signal of the left door switch 17 is input to the microcomputer 37, the left door 9 is closed. The output power to the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is controlled by setting the duty value to be lower than that, for example, 70%. It is preferable that the duty value is set for each model.
[0091]
This is because when the left door 9 is closed, the refrigerator compartment 2 is completely closed, so that a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator is generated, and the magnet gasket 10b of the right door 10 is attached to the rotary partition plate 9a. Although the suction force is strong, the suction force is strong, but when the left door 9 is in the open state, the pressure inside and outside the refrigerator is substantially the same because one side is open, and the pressure is arranged on the side surface facing the left door 9a. Since the magnet gasket 10b is adsorbed only on the heat insulating partition wall 4a, its adsorbing force is reduced.
[0092]
For this reason, when the configuration is such that the projection output of the door opening device 20 is controlled to be constant, the door is opened even though the left door 9 is open and the force for opening the door is not so required. This may cause a problem that the door opening force of the device 20 becomes unnecessarily strong.
[0093]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the protruding output of the door opening device 20 is controlled based on the open / closed state of the left door 9, that is, the duty control, that is, the protruding output of the door opening device 20 when the left door 9 is open. Is made to be weaker, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned problem from occurring.
[0094]
Next, another embodiment to which the duty control is applied will be described.
[0095]
When the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is energized to open the right door 10, the plunger 21d is urged in the direction of arrow A. At this time, the flange 21d is connected to the coil unit 21a via the return spring 21e. Since the vehicle collides with and stops, a collision sound is generated.
[0096]
On the other hand, when the right door 10 is opened, when the magnet gasket 10b is peeled off, or when the automatic closing mechanism provided at the hinge portion is released, the most force is required, and thereafter the door is opened by inertia. However, in order to open the door by a predetermined amount, the door must be kept pressed.
[0097]
Therefore, for example, when the time until the flange 8d collides with the coil unit 21a is 0.5 seconds and the time that requires the most force is 0.3 seconds, the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is energized. If the configuration is such that 100% power supply is performed for 0.3 seconds after that and duty control is performed such that the duty value is reduced as the power supply or 50% power is supplied over 0.3 seconds, the coil unit 21a And the collision sound of the flange 8d can be reduced. If the plunger itself has a magnetic force, the collision sound can be further reduced by applying a reverse current.
[0098]
On the other hand, after the energization is completed, the pressing member 21c is urged in the depth direction inside the refrigerator by the action of the return spring 21e, but the flange portion 21d collides with the auxiliary spring 21f and is stopped. In such a case, a collision sound is also generated.
[0099]
Therefore, assuming that the time from the end of energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 to the collision between the flange 21d and the auxiliary spring 21f is t, the output power to the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is reduced by 20% after the right door 10 is opened. Alternatively, if the duty value is gradually increased until the time t, and duty control is performed to completely stop energization after the time t, the return speed of the pressing member 21c is reduced, and the flange portion 21d and the auxiliary spring 21f Collision noise can be reduced.
[0100]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, replacing the PAM control for controlling the output voltage as well as the duty control does not change the operation and effect at all. The setting of the reference and the like can be appropriately changed according to the specification form of the refrigerator.
[0101]
Various combinations are possible for the above-described embodiment. For example, when the door closing time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the internal temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the output power to the electromagnetic solenoid is set to 60%. Duty control may be performed so as to be lower.
[0102]
Furthermore, the double door type refrigerator door has been described. However, the single door type refrigerator has no problem, and the mode in which the door opening device is provided only on the right door has been described. Needless to say, it is possible to provide a door opening device.
[0103]
In general, the audible range of humans is set to 20 Hz to 20 kHz. However, since the vicinity of 4 kHz is particularly sensitive, it is possible to prevent the frequency when the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is energized from becoming noise due to the vibration sound with the door. Therefore, it is preferable to use a high frequency, for example, a frequency of 8 kHz or more.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
The control circuit of the door opening device can be simplified, and the projection output at the time of opening the door can be freely changed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a control circuit of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state where a right door of FIG. 2 is opened.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing details of an electromagnetic solenoid of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional control circuit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... refrigerator body 2 ... refrigerator room 4 ... ice making room
4a: Insulated partition wall 5: Vegetable room 6: Freezer room
9 Left door 9a Rotating partition plate 10 Right door
10b: magnet gasket 10c: receiving part 11: handle part
12 Handle switch 13 Operation panel 14 Door switch
15: Temperature sensor 16: Food detection means 17: Left door switch
20: Door opening device 21: Electromagnetic solenoid 21a: Coil unit
21b: Plunger 21c: Pressing member 30: Full-wave rectifier circuit
32 switching element 35 control circuit unit 37 microcomputer
38: Door closing time timer 39: Temperature judging device 40: Food weight judging device

Claims (6)

A door provided to be openable and closable at the front opening of the main body storage room, a door opening device for protruding a pressing member by an electric drive source to press the door surface to open the door, and a door opening device provided on the outer side of the door or the main body. A handle switch that outputs an operation signal when operated by a user, a door switch that outputs an open signal when the door is open, and a switch that is provided to receive each output from the handle switch and the door switch, Control means for duty-controlling the drive source when the operation signal is input in a state where the opening signal is not input. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the drive source is a DC-driven solenoid, and control means is provided for duty-controlling the solenoid with a switching element when the operation signal is input in a state where the release signal is not input. refrigerator. Based on the closing time output from the door switch, if the closing time is longer than a predetermined time, set a high duty value to protrude the pressing member, and if the closing time is short, lower the duty value to protrude the pressing member. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator is set. A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the storage room is provided, and based on the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor, a duty value for protruding the pressing member when the temperature in the refrigerator is low is set to be high. Item 2. The refrigerator according to Item 2. A food container that stores food inside the door; and a food detection unit that detects whether the food is stored in the pocket or detects a load applied to the door by the weight of the stored food. Based on the output value of the means, when the amount of stored food or weight is large, the duty value for pushing out the pressing member is set high, and when the amount of stored food or weight is small, the duty value for pushing out the pressing member is set low. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator is set. When one door is opened and the other door is opened by the door opening device in the double door, the duty value for projecting the pressing member is set lower than when both doors are closed. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

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