JP2008070015A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent dew condensation in a damper device, and therefore, freeze of a baffle plate with a simple and inexpensive constitution, in a refrigerator provided with the damper device in a duct. <P>SOLUTION: A control device controls power distribution to a damper motor for opening and closing motion of the baffle plate of the damper device (control of circulation of cold air to switching chamber), and further distributes the power for self-heating not accompanying the opening and closing motion of the baffle plate, to the damper motor at a time excluding the opening and closing motion of the baffle plate. At a timing of distributing the power for self-heating, the distribution of power for self-heating to the damper motor is started in a pre-cooling operation, the power distribution is continued during a defrosting operation, and the distribution of power for self-heating to the damper motor is terminated, and normal control of the opening and closing motion is recovered when an ordinary cooling operation is recovered after the termination of the defrosting operation. Power distribution to an A-phase coil of the damper motor and that to a B-phase coil are alternately switched by every specific time in distributing the power for self-heating. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator provided with a damper device for controlling the circulation of cold air in a duct for sending cold air generated by a cooler to a storage room.

  Conventionally, in a refrigerator for home use, a cooler chamber provided with a cooler is provided at a lower portion of the back wall portion of the refrigerator main body, and is generated by extending upward from the cooler chamber. A duct for sending cold air to a storage room (for example, a switching room) is provided. And the damper apparatus for controlling the distribution | circulation of the cold air supplied to a storage room is assembled | attached to the said duct (for example, refer patent document 1).

  FIG. 10 shows the appearance of this type of damper device 1. That is, the damper device 1 includes a frame portion 2 arranged so as to partition (close) the duct up and down, a baffle plate 4 that opens and closes an opening 2 a formed in the frame portion 2, and the baffle plate 4. The rotating drive mechanism unit 3 is integrally formed as a unit. The drive mechanism 3 is configured by incorporating a damper motor 7 and a gear mechanism (not shown) in a case 6 made of synthetic resin having a slightly vertically long rectangular box shape. And the rotating shaft 8 provided so that it may protrude horizontally from the lower rear-end part of the inner surface 6a which faces the inner side of a duct among the cases 6 is rotationally driven.

  The baffle plate 4 is made of synthetic resin into a rectangular plate shape and is connected to the rotating shaft 8. Further, a seal member 5 is provided on the inner surface (lower surface) of the baffle plate 4 so as to be in close contact with the periphery of the opening 2a when the opening 2a of the frame 2 is closed. The frame portion 2 is formed in a rectangular frame shape from synthetic resin, and is integrally provided in the case 6 so as to extend horizontally inward from the lower portion of the inner side surface 6a of the case 6 of the drive mechanism portion 3. Yes.

Although not shown, the unitized damper device 1 is assembled so that the drive mechanism portion 3 is fitted into a recess of a heat insulating material that constitutes a wall portion of the duct. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the inner surface 6a of the said case 6 may face in a duct. The damper motor 7 is energized and controlled by a control device (not shown) to open and close the baffle plate 4 so that the flow of cold air from the duct into the storage chamber is controlled. .
JP-A-10-205957

  By the way, in the above-mentioned refrigerator, cooling efficiency falls because frost formation of a cooler increases. Therefore, for example, a defrosting operation is performed in which the cooling operation is stopped and the defrosting heater is energized periodically (when the accumulated operation time reaches a predetermined time). In this defrosting operation, since the frost of the cooler is melted by the heat of the heater, the cooler chamber and the duct are filled with humid air of relatively high temperature.

  Here, the storage chamber side has a low temperature compared to the cooler quality, and in the conventional damper device 1, most of the members are made of synthetic resin, but the case 6 is made of metal. Since the damper motor 7 having the motor frame is built in, the heat capacity of this part is larger than that of the other parts, and there is a situation that the temperature does not increase so much even during the defrosting operation (the low temperature state continues). Therefore, when the baffle plate 4 is opened after the defrosting operation is completed, dew condensation may occur on the inner surface 6a portion of the case 6, and the dew condensation water may flow down and accumulate on the rotating shaft 8 portion. If the condensed water accumulates in the vicinity of the rotating shaft 8 in this way, the water freezes during the cooling operation after defrosting, and there is a possibility that the opening / closing operation of the rotating shaft 8 and the baffle plate 4 may be hindered.

  In order to prevent such a dew condensation of the damper device 1, some attempts have been made to attach a heater for heating the case 6 of the drive mechanism unit 3, for example, a surface heater in which a cord heater is attached to an aluminum foil. However, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated and the cost is increased due to the addition of the heater.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a damper device in a duct, and to prevent condensation of the damper device and thus freezing of the baffle plate with a simple and inexpensive configuration. To provide a refrigerator that can.

  In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a damper device that opens and closes a baffle plate using a damper motor as a driving source in a duct that sends cold air generated by a cooler to a storage chamber, and supplies power to the damper motor. Controlling the flow of cold air by opening and closing the baffle plate under control, and for the self-heating without the opening and closing operation of the baffle plate with respect to the damper motor other than during the opening and closing operation of the baffle plate It is characterized in that an energization control means for energizing is provided.

  According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the damper device is provided in the duct, and the energization control means for energizing the damper motor for self-heating is provided other than when the baffle plate is opened and closed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the condensation of the damper device and the freezing of the baffle plate with an inexpensive structure.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the main body 11 of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment. This refrigerator main body 11 is provided with a refrigerator compartment 13, an ice making room 14, a vegetable compartment 15, and a freezer compartment 16 in order from the top by partitioning the inside of the heat insulation box 12 up and down by heat insulation partition walls 12a, 12b, and 12c. ing. At this time, the ice making chamber 14 is provided side by side with the switching chamber 17 (see FIG. 3). The switching chamber 17 is configured to be able to switch between a plurality of temperature zones by a user operation, and can be used by switching to a freezing chamber, a partial chamber, a chilled chamber, a refrigerated chamber, or the like. Note that FIG. 3 shows a cross section in which the position in the left-right direction is different from that in FIG.

  A hinged door 18 is provided on the front side of the refrigerator compartment 13, and drawer type doors 19, 20, and 21 are provided on the front side of the ice making room 14, the vegetable room 15, and the freezing room 16, respectively. ing. An ice storage container 22 is connected to the back surface of the door 19, and storage containers 23 and 24 are connected to the back surfaces of the doors 20 and 21, respectively. A refrigerating room temperature sensor 25 for detecting the temperature in the refrigerating room 13 is provided in the refrigerating room 13, and in the freezing room 16, the temperature in the freezing room 16 is detected. A freezer temperature sensor 26 is provided. Further, a switching chamber temperature sensor 27 (see FIG. 6) for detecting the temperature in the switching chamber 17 is provided in the switching chamber 17.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a refrigerator room 28 for a refrigeration room and a cooler room 29 for a freezer room are provided on the back wall portion of the vegetable room 15 so as to overlap in two stages. As shown in FIG. 7, a refrigerating room cooler 30 and a refrigerating blower fan 31 for cooling the refrigerating room 13 and the vegetable room 15 are provided in the refrigerating room cooler room 28. It has been. The freezer cooler chamber 29 is provided with a freezer cooler 32 and a freezing blower fan 33 (see FIG. 3) for cooling the freezer 16, ice making chamber 14, and switching chamber 17. It has been. Although not shown in detail, the cooler 30 and the refrigeration blower fan 31, the freezer cooler 32 and the refrigeration blower fan 33 are provided at positions shifted left and right. The freezer cooler 20 is additionally provided with a defrosting heater 34 (shown only in FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the refrigeration blower fan 31 is driven, the cold air generated by the refrigeration room cooler 30 passes from the upper part of the refrigeration room cooler room 28 through the blower duct 35. After being supplied into the refrigerator compartment 13 from a plurality of outlets, and further supplied into the vegetable compartment 15, it is returned to the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 28 for refrigerator compartment. Thus, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 13 and the vegetable compartment 15 is cooled to a refrigerator temperature zone of 3 ° C. to 5 ° C., for example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the refrigeration blower fan 33 is driven, the cold air generated by the freezer cooler 32 is made from the upper part of the freezer cooler chamber 29 through the duct 36 to produce ice. The air is supplied to the chamber 14 (and the switching chamber 17), and further supplied to the freezer compartment 16 and then returned to the lower portion of the freezer cooler chamber 29. Thus, the freezing room 16 and the ice making room 14 are cooled to a freezing temperature zone of, for example, −18 ° C. or lower. At this time, a damper device 37 for controlling the supply of cold air into the switching chamber 17 (opening and closing the passage of the duct 36) is disposed in the duct 36. The damper device 37 will be described later.

  A refrigeration cycle 38 (see FIG. 7) is incorporated in the refrigerator body 11. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, a machine room 39 is provided on the back side of the lower end of the refrigerator body 11, and in this machine room 39, a compressor 40 and a condenser 41, cooling for cooling them. A fan 42 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and the like are disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigeration cycle 38 is a switching circuit composed of a three-way valve having the compressor 40, the condenser (condenser) 41, one inlet 43a, and first and second outlets 43b and 43c. The valve 43, the first capillary tube 44 connected to the first outlet 43b of the switching valve 43, the freezer cooler 32, the accumulator 45, and the check valve 46 are sequentially connected to a closed loop by a refrigerant pipe, and Between the second outlet 43c of the switching valve 43 and the connection point between the check valve 46 and the compressor 40, the second capillary tube 47 and the refrigerator compartment evaporator 30 are cooled by a refrigerant pipe for the freezer compartment. Connected in parallel with the device 32 and the like. The switching valve 43 is controlled by a control device 48 (refer to FIG. 6) mainly composed of a microcomputer.

  Thus, when the switching valve 43 is switched to the first outlet 43b side, the refrigerant passes through the condenser 41 by driving the compressor 40, and then passes through the first capillary tube 44 to cool the freezer compartment. After being supplied to the container 32, the accumulator 45 and the check valve 46 are sequentially returned to the compressor 40 (freezer cooling mode). On the other hand, when the switching valve 43 is switched to the second outlet 43c side, the refrigerant passes through the condenser 41 by driving the compressor 40, and then passes through the second capillary tube 47 to the refrigerator 31 for the refrigerator compartment. It is supplied and returned to the compressor 40 (refrigeration chamber cooling mode).

  Now, the configuration of the damper device 37 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the damper device 37 includes a frame portion 49 that is arranged to partition (close) the duct 36 in the vertical direction, and a baffle that opens and closes a rectangular opening portion 49 a formed in the frame portion 49. The plate 50 and the drive mechanism 51 that rotates the baffle plate 50 are integrated into a unit. The drive mechanism portion 51 is configured by incorporating a damper motor 53 and a gear mechanism (not shown) in a synthetic resin case 52 having a slightly vertically long rectangular box shape. The rotating shaft 54 provided to protrude horizontally from the lower rear end portion of the inner side surface 52a facing the inside of the duct 36 in the case 52 is rotationally driven. A connector (not shown) is provided on the outer wall of the case 52 so that the damper motor 53 is connected to the drive circuit.

  The baffle plate 50 is formed of a synthetic resin into a rectangular plate shape and is connected to the rotating shaft 54. Further, a seal member 55 is provided on the inner surface (lower surface) of the baffle plate 50 so as to be in close contact with the periphery of the opening 49a when the opening 49a of the frame 49 is closed. The frame portion 49 is made of a synthetic resin and is formed in a rectangular container shape having a wall on the peripheral portion (three sides), and horizontally from the lower portion of the inner side surface 52a of the case 52 of the drive mechanism portion 51. The case 52 is integrally provided so as to extend. The opening 49 a is formed in a rectangular shape at the center of the bottom wall of the frame portion 49.

  As shown in FIG. 3, such a unitized damper device 37 is incorporated such that the drive mechanism 51 is fitted into a recess of a heat insulating material constituting the wall of the duct 36. . At this time, it arrange | positions so that the inner surface 52a of the said case 52 may face in the duct 36. FIG. The damper motor 53 is energized and controlled by the control device 48 via a drive circuit (not shown), thereby opening and closing the baffle plate 50, thereby controlling the flow of cold air from the duct 36 into the switching chamber 17. It has come to be.

  In this embodiment, as the damper motor 53, a two-phase excitation stepping motor that can obtain a high torque and operates smoothly is employed. As shown in FIG. 5A, the damper motor (stepping motor) 53 has an A-phase coil 56 and a B-phase coil 57 that are shifted by 90 degrees as mechanical angles, and terminals A and A ′ of the A-phase coil 56. And the terminals B and B ′ of the B-phase coil 57 are rotated by alternately applying pulse signals in the pattern shown in FIG.

  In this case, when the baffle plate 50 is operated from the closed state to the open state, the energization is performed in the order of steps 1, 2, 3, 4 (from left to right in FIG. 5B). The damper motor 53 rotates forward (CW). By energizing in the reverse order (from right to left in FIG. 5B), the damper motor 53 rotates in the reverse direction (CCW), and the baffle plate 50 rotates from the open state to the closed state. Further, after the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate 50, the energization of the damper motor 53 is turned off. Even in this state, the opening / closing state of the baffle plate 50 is maintained by the magnet detent force of the damper motor 53.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows an electrical configuration of the refrigerator main body 11 with the control device 48 as the center. The control device 48 is supplied with signals from the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 25, the freezer compartment temperature sensor 26, and the switching compartment temperature sensor 27, as well as a signal from the defrost sensor 58, and further to the outside of the refrigerator. A signal from an outside air temperature sensor 59 for detecting the temperature (ambient temperature) is input. As shown in FIG. 7, the defrost sensor 58 is attached to an accumulator 45 in the vicinity of the freezer cooler 32.

  Further, the control device 48 follows the operation control program stored in advance, and based on the input signals, the compressor 40, the switching valve 43, the refrigeration blower fan 31, the refrigeration blower fan 33, the cooling fan 42, the removal fan, and the like. The frost heater 34, the damper motor 53, etc. are controlled.

  At this time, the control device 48 performs the cooling operation while alternately switching between the refrigerator compartment cooling mode and the freezer compartment cooling mode by switching the switching valve 43 due to its software configuration, and thus the refrigerator compartment 13 While the (and vegetable compartment 15) and the freezing compartment 16 (and the ice making compartment 14) are alternately cooled, the temperature in each compartment 13-16 is maintained near the set temperature. Further, the control device 48 controls the damper device 37 (opening and closing of the baffle plate 50 by the damper motor 53) for the switching chamber 17 based on the selected temperature zone and the detected temperature of the switching chamber temperature sensor 27. The interior is maintained at a set temperature range.

  In this case, the control device 48 sets an ON temperature and an OFF temperature of a predetermined temperature range with respect to a set temperature (target) for each of the refrigerator compartment 13 and the freezer compartment 16, and basically, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor. 25 and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 26 are configured to switch the switching valve 43.

  Specifically, for the refrigerator compartment 13, for example, the ON temperature is set to 5 ° C. and the OFF temperature is set to 2 ° C., and for the freezer compartment 16, for example, the ON temperature is set to −18 ° C. and the OFF temperature is set to −21 ° C. The The conditions for switching the mode are as follows: (1) When the detected temperature of the chamber being cooled has reached the OFF temperature, (2) More than a certain time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the previous mode switching, and no cooling is performed. When the detected temperature of the inside chamber rises to the ON temperature, (3) a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed since the previous mode switching. When the detected temperatures in both chambers are both equal to or lower than the OFF temperature, the compressor 40 is turned off (cooling operation is stopped).

  At this time, the refrigeration blower fan 31 is turned on when the refrigerant is flowing through the refrigeration compartment cooler 30 (refrigeration compartment cooling mode), and also when the freezer compartment cooling mode is executed. The refrigeration room cooler 30 is turned on to suppress frost formation (moisture operation). The refrigeration blower fan 33 is turned on when the refrigerant is flowing through the freezer cooler 32, and is also turned on when the refrigerator compartment cooling mode is executed. By this control, even when the refrigerator compartment cooling mode is executed, the temperature of the surface of the freezer cooler 32 is sufficiently low, so that the freezer fan 16 and the ice making chamber 14 ( Cold air can be supplied to an ice tray (not shown) to contribute to constant cooling. The cooling fan 42 is turned on when the compressor 40 is driven.

  Further, the control device 48 executes the defrosting operation every time the integrated value of the execution time of the freezer compartment cooling mode reaches a predetermined time (for example, 10 hours). In this embodiment, the precool operation is performed before the defrosting operation. In this pre-cooling operation, first, with the set temperature of the freezer compartments 16 and 14 shifted by, for example, 3 degrees to the low temperature side, the compressor 40 is continuously driven at a high rotational speed to execute the freezer compartment cooling mode. This is performed by forcibly cooling 16 and the like, and then forcibly cooling the refrigerator compartment 13 and the like by switching to the refrigerator cooling mode.

  The defrosting operation is performed by energizing the defrosting heater 34 with the compressor 40 and the fans 31, 33, 42 stopped, and the defrosting sensor 58 has a predetermined temperature (for example, 8 ° C) or higher. The process is terminated based on detecting the temperature. During the defrosting operation, the baffle plate 50 of the damper device 37 is closed. Further, as described above, since there is almost no frost formation with respect to the refrigerator 30 for the refrigerator compartment, it is not particularly necessary to melt the frost by heating. A defrost sensor may be provided and heated similarly.

  By the way, at the time of the said defrost operation, the defrost operation which supplies with electricity to the heater for defrost is performed. In this defrosting operation, the frost adhering to the freezer cooler 32 is melted by the heat of the defrosting heater 34, so that relatively high-temperature damp air is placed in the freezer cooler chamber 29 and the duct 36. Will be charged. When the baffle plate 50 of the damper device 37 is opened after the defrosting operation is completed, if the inner side surface 52a portion of the case 52 has a low temperature, hot and humid air touches the inner side surface 52a. Condensation may occur.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described later in the explanation of the operation (flowchart explanation), the control device 48 is used for opening / closing the baffle plate 50 of the damper device 37 (controlling the flow of cold air to the switching chamber 17). In addition to controlling the energization to the damper motor 53, the self-heating energization is performed to the damper motor 53 without the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate 50 other than during the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate 50. Yes. Therefore, the control device 48 functions as an energization control unit.

  More specifically, in this embodiment, when energization for self-heating is performed, the energization to the A-phase coil 56 of the damper motor 53 and the energization to the B-phase coil 57 are alternately switched at regular intervals. It has become. In this case, DC is applied to the terminals A and A ′ of the A-phase coil 56 and the terminals B and B ′ of the B-phase coil 57 in the same energization state as the last energization pattern when the baffle plate 50 was opened / closed last time. Current can flow. For example, when the last energization state when the baffle plate 50 is closed last time is the rightmost pattern in FIG. 5B, the terminal A is + Energization is performed so that the terminal A ′ becomes −. The B phase coil 57 is energized so that the terminal B is-and the terminal B 'is +.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the timing for conducting the self-heating, the self-heating for the damper motor 53 is started during the precooling operation, the energization is continued during the defrosting operation, and after the defrosting operation is completed. When returning to the normal cooling operation, the energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53 is terminated and returned to the normal opening / closing operation control.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 1 shows a processing procedure of a portion related to control of energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53, which is executed by the control device 48. That is, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the precool operation has been started. When the precool operation is started (Yes in Step S1), energization for self-heating to the coils 56 and 57 of the damper motor 53 is started in the next Step S2. As described above, this energization is performed by alternately repeating the energization to the A-phase coil 56 and the energization to the B-phase coil 57 at regular intervals.

  When the integration timer from the start of the precool operation elapses for a certain time, the precool operation is ended (step S3). Then, this time, the defrosting heater 34 is turned on, the baffle plate 50 of the damper device 37 is closed, and the defrosting operation is started (step S4). Even during the defrosting operation, energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53 is continuously performed.

  In the next step S5, it is determined whether it is the end timing of the defrosting operation. In this case, when the defrost sensor 58 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 8 ° C.), it is determined that the defrost is completed, but the defrost sensor 58 has not yet detected the predetermined temperature (for example, 8 ° C.). In both cases, when a certain time (for example, 20 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation, the process is forcibly terminated.

  When it is determined that the defrosting operation has ended (Yes in step S5), the defrosting heater 34 is turned off in step S6. In the next step S7, the compressor 40 is turned on after the time T1 (for example, 6 minutes) has elapsed. By delaying the start of operation of the compressor 40 by the time T1, the pressure balance between the coolers 30 and 32 is improved. Next, in step S8, after the time T2 (for example, 4 minutes) has elapsed, the refrigeration blower fan 33 is driven (forward rotation), and in step S9, after the time T3 (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed, the refrigeration blower fan is driven. The fan 33 is reversed. As a result, the warm air generated by the defrosting is made to flow without staying in the duct 36 (the lower part of the damper device 37).

  And in step S10, after time T4 (for example, 2 minutes) progresses, it transfers to normal cooling operation. At this time, the energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53 is terminated, and normal opening / closing control of the damper device 37 is performed. Further, the rotation of the refrigeration blower fan 33 is returned to the normal rotation.

  By the control described above, the damper motor 53 is energized for self-heating without the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate 50, and the coils 56 and 57 of the damper motor 53 generate heat. Due to this heat generation, the temperature of the motor frame of the damper motor 53 and thus the surrounding portion thereof can be increased, and the occurrence of condensation in the damper device 37 can be made difficult to occur. In this case, the energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53 is performed at the time of the defrosting operation in which the condensation of the damper device 37 easily causes dew condensation, so that the occurrence of the dew condensation at the time of the defrosting operation and immediately after that can be effectively prevented. . Furthermore, since the energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53 is started during the precool operation, the temperature of the peripheral portion of the damper motor 53 can be already increased when the defrost operation is started. Become effective.

  Incidentally, FIG. 8 shows the test results of examining the temperature change of the surface (inner side surface 52a) of the case 52 of the drive mechanism 51 of the damper device 37 during and after the defrosting operation. In the figure, a is a temperature change when the control (energization for self-heating) is performed in the present embodiment, and b in the figure shows a conventional temperature change in which the energization for self-heating is not performed. In addition, c in the drawing shows the temperature change in the duct 36 (lower part of the damper device 37).

  Also from this test result, according to the present embodiment, it is understood that condensation can be prevented by setting the temperature of the damper device 37 to be relatively high. In particular, the dew condensation prevention effect can be further enhanced by delaying the timing of opening the baffle plate 50 by the control of steps S7 to S9.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the damper device 37 is provided in the duct 36, and the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate 50 is not performed with respect to the damper motor 53 except during the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate 50. Since energization for self-heating is performed, condensation of the damper device 37 and thus freezing of the baffle plate 50 can be prevented. In this case, it is not necessary to add a separate heater or the like, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation and freezing by the energization control of the damper motor 53, so that a simple and inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the self-heating energization for the damper motor 53 is performed at the most effective timing, so that it is possible to save power while effectively preventing the occurrence of condensation. Further, particularly in this embodiment, when energization for self-heating is performed, the energization to the A-phase coil 56 and the energization to the B-phase coil 57 of the damper motor 53 are alternately switched. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the coils 56 and 57 from deteriorating in the life of the coil.

  The flowchart of FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment in the timing of energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53, which is controlled by the control device 48 as energization control means. Here, the control device 48 energizes the damper motor 53 for self-heating based on a signal from the outside air temperature sensor 59 that detects the outside temperature and the set temperature zone of the switching chamber 17. Of course, normal control (opening / closing control of the baffle plate 50) for the damper device 37 is performed.

  That is, first, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the outside air temperature sensor 59 detects a predetermined temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) or less. When the outside air temperature sensor 59 detects a temperature equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (Yes in Step S21), in the next Step S22, it is determined whether or not the setting of the switching chamber 17 is other than the freezer compartment temperature zone. When the setting of the switching chamber 17 is other than the freezer compartment temperature zone (Yes in step S22), the damper motor 53 is energized for self-heating in step S23.

  Thereafter, in step S24, it is monitored whether the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 59 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 10 ° C.). If a temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature is detected (No in step S24), step S25 is performed. Thus, energization for self-heating to the damper motor 53 is stopped. Thereafter, the processing from step S21 is repeated.

  Here, when the switching chamber 17 is set in the freezer compartment temperature zone, the baffle plate 50 of the damper device 37 is in an open state for most of the time, and a state in which cold air is always circulated in the duct 36. Therefore, condensation of the case 52 is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, when the switching chamber 17 is set in a relatively high temperature zone such as a refrigerated chamber or a chilled chamber, the time during which the baffle plate 50 is closed increases, and in this case, the inside of the duct 36 ( Since the cool air stagnates in the vicinity of the damper device 37), there is a situation in which condensation is likely to occur when the baffle plate 50 is opened. And in the winter season when the temperature outside the warehouse is low, the damper device 37 is likely to be cooler, and the case 52 is likely to be condensed.

  Therefore, as in the present embodiment, when the switching chamber 17 is set outside the freezer compartment temperature zone and the outside air temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature or less, the damper motor 53 is energized for self-heating. By configuring as described above, it is possible to suppress the damper device 37 from becoming low temperature and to effectively prevent the occurrence of condensation in the damper device 37. Compared to the case where the self-heating for the self-heating to the damper motor 53 is always performed, power saving can be achieved, and it is not necessary to add a separate heater or the like, and a simple and inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, this invention can also be changed and implemented as follows. First, as the timing for energizing the damper motor 53 for self-heating, the following several modifications are possible. That is, in a device provided with a failure detection means for detecting a failure of the defrost sensor 58, the damper motor 53 is always energized for self-heating when a failure of the defrost sensor 58 is detected by the failure detection means. You may comprise so that it may perform. Thereby, at the time of failure of the defrost sensor 58, generation | occurrence | production of the dew condensation in the damper apparatus 37 can be prevented reliably.

  Alternatively, the damper motor 53 may be energized continuously or intermittently in the open state of the baffle plate 50 of the damper device 37. According to this, when the baffle plate 50 is opened and cold air is flowing through the portion of the damper device 37 where condensation is likely to occur, the damper motor 53 can generate heat, and the portion where condensation is likely to occur becomes low temperature. This can be suppressed and the effect of preventing condensation can be enhanced.

  Furthermore, since the temperature in each of the storage chambers 13 to 17 is relatively high after the refrigerator is turned on, it is important to quickly cool to a certain low temperature. At the same time, since the temperature of the damper device 37 is relatively high during the pull-down period, there is little risk of condensation, and it is not necessary to conduct power for self-heating.

  Specifically, during the pull-down period, a predetermined time (for example, 150 minutes) elapses after the power is turned on, or a cycle between the freezer cooling mode and the refrigerator cooling mode is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). Until the freezer cooler 32 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, −20 ° C.), or until the inside of the freezer compartment 13 (or the ice making chamber 14) reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, −10 ° C.). It can be judged by either.

  Therefore, during the pull-down period until it is determined that the temperature in the storage chambers 13 to 17 has dropped below a predetermined temperature after the power is turned on, the damper motor 53 is prohibited from being energized for self-heating. You can also. According to this, it is possible to save power by prohibiting energization in a state where there is no risk of condensation.

  In addition, as a pattern for energizing the damper motor 53 for self-heating, when the baffle plate 50 is closed, the baffle plate 56 is energized to the two-phase coils 56 and 57 in the pattern for performing the closing operation of the baffle plate 50. In the open state of the plate 50, the two-phase coils 56 and 57 may be energized in a pattern when the baffle plate 50 is opened. According to this, while achieving the intended purpose, it is possible to eliminate a step shift caused by repeatedly opening and closing the baffle plate 50, so that a so-called tightening effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, various changes can be made to the configuration (arrangement) of each chamber in the refrigerator main body and the configuration such as the position where two coolers are provided. is there. Moreover, although the damper apparatus which controls the distribution | circulation of the cool air of a switching room was demonstrated, for example in a refrigerator provided with one cooler, this invention can be applied to the damper apparatus which controls the distribution | circulation of the cold air to a refrigerator compartment. it can. Further, when controlling the circulation of the cold air with respect to the two storage chambers, two damper devices can be provided, but these two damper devices can be configured as one unit. Furthermore, the specific values such as the set temperature and time described above are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate, and the present invention is appropriately changed and implemented within the scope not departing from the gist. It is possible.

The flowchart which shows one Example of this invention and shows the process sequence regarding control of electricity supply for self-heating with respect to a damper motor. Longitudinal side view schematically showing the entire structure of the refrigerator Expanded longitudinal side view showing the configuration of the cooler chamber and the vicinity thereof Perspective view of damper device The figure for explaining the energization method of the coil of the damper motor Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main part Diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle The figure which shows the test result which investigated the temperature change of the damper device FIG. 1 equivalent view showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 equivalent diagram showing a conventional example

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawing, 11 is a refrigerator main body, 17 is a switching chamber, 27 is a switching chamber temperature sensor, 29 is a refrigerator chamber for a freezing chamber, 32 is a refrigerator for a freezing chamber, 33 is a blower fan for freezing, 34 is a defrosting heater, 36 is a duct, 37 is a damper device, 38 is a refrigeration cycle, 48 is a control device (energization control means), 49 is a frame, 49a is an opening, 50 is a baffle plate, 51 is a drive mechanism, 52 is a case, 53 Is a damper motor, 54 is a rotating shaft, 56 is an A phase coil, 57 is a B phase coil, 58 is a defrost sensor, and 59 is an outside air temperature sensor.

Claims (9)

In the duct that sends the cool air generated by the cooler to the storage room, a damper device that opens and closes the baffle plate using the damper motor as a drive source is provided, and the baffle plate is opened and closed by controlling the conduction of the damper motor to control the flow of the cold air In the refrigerator
A refrigerator comprising an energization control means for energizing the damper motor for self-heating in addition to the opening / closing operation of the baffle plate.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the energization control unit energizes the damper motor for self-heating during the defrosting operation for the cooler.   The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the energization control means starts energization for self-heating to the damper motor during a precool operation performed before the defrosting operation. A defrosting sensor for determining when the defrosting operation is completed, and a failure detecting means for detecting a failure of the defrosting sensor,
The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energization control means constantly energizes the damper motor for self-heating when a failure of the defrost sensor is detected by the failure detection means.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the energization control unit energizes the damper motor for self-heating when the baffle plate is open. It is equipped with an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature,
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the energization control means energizes the damper motor for self-heating when the outside air temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature or less.   The energization control means prohibits energization for self-heating to the damper motor during a pull-down period after the power is turned on until it is determined that the temperature in the storage chamber has dropped below a predetermined temperature. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The damper motor is a two-phase excitation stepping motor having two-phase coils of A-phase and B-phase,
The energization control means alternately switches energization to one coil of the damper motor and energization to the other coil when energizing for self-heating. The refrigerator according to crab. The damper motor is a two-phase excitation stepping motor having two-phase coils of A-phase and B-phase,
In the closed state of the baffle plate, the energization control unit supplies power to the two-phase coil in a pattern for performing the closing operation of the baffle plate, and in the open state of the baffle plate, the baffle plate is opened. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the two-phase coil is energized in a pattern when the operation is performed.

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