JPH06307749A - Controller for refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a controller for a refrigerator in which a temperature sensor installed therein detects a damage or a connecting fault of a connecting part and simultaneously automatically suitably sets a temperature in the refrigerant. CONSTITUTION:The controller for a refrigerator comprises analog input ports 26a, 26b, 26c and output ports 26d, 26e, a temperature sensor and a voltage dividing resistor 6 connected to the port 26a, a temperature setter 2 and a voltage dividing resistor 7 connected to the port 26b and an atmospheric temperature sensor 25 and a voltage dividing resistor connected to the port 26c of a microcomputer 26 connected with a positive terminal 4 and a negative terminal 5 of a DC power source. A relay driver 10 for switching an AC power source 14 and a compressor 13 through a contact 12 of a relay 11 is connected to the port 26d, and a display element 8 and a current limiting resistor 9 are connected to the port 26e.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional operation control of a refrigerator is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 62-32980.
Hereinafter, operation control of the conventional refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a main part of a control device. Reference numeral 1 is a temperature detector such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator, and 2 is a temperature setting device such as a variable resistor for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator. , Outside the refrigerator (outside the refrigerator body). Reference numeral 3 denotes a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) that constitutes an electronic control circuit having analog input ports 3a and 3b, and the detected value of the temperature detector 1 and the set value of the temperature setting device 2 are set to the analog input port 3a, Three
Read from b.

Reference numerals 4 and 5 denote a positive terminal (+ Vdd) and a negative terminal (GND) of a power source for supplying a DC voltage to the microcomputer 3 and the like, 6
Is a voltage dividing resistor that is DC-connected to the temperature detector 1 between the temperature detector 1 and the power supply terminal 4.
Is determined and the signal of this voltage level is input to the microcomputer 3 from the analog input port 3a.

Reference numeral 7 denotes the temperature setting device 2 and the power supply terminal 4.
A voltage dividing resistor connected in series with the temperature setting device 2 determines the voltage level applied to the temperature setting device 2, and a signal of this voltage level is applied to the analog input port 3
Input from b to the microcomputer 3. One of the display elements 8 is a display element such as a light emitting diode connected to the output port 3c of the microcomputer 3 through the current limiting resistor 9 and the other is connected to the power supply terminal 5.

A relay drive circuit 10 is connected to the output port 3d of the microcomputer 3, and the relay drive circuit 10 excites a relay 11. And
When the relay 11 is excited, the contact 12 is closed and the electric power from the AC power supply 14 is supplied to the compressor 13 to drive the compressor 13. When the relay 11 is not excited, the contact 12 is open and the compressor 13 is stopped.

FIG. 9 shows the overall construction of a refrigerator equipped with a control device having the circuit construction of FIG. The temperature detector 1 such as a thermistor is provided in a freezer compartment 16 of the refrigerator 15, and an operation panel 17 having the temperature setting device 2 and the display element 8 for displaying an abnormality is provided on a door surface of the freezer compartment 16. It is provided. Reference numeral 18 denotes a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator and the set temperature, to which signals from the temperature detector 1 and the temperature setting device 2 are input.

Reference numeral 19 denotes an in-compartment temperature adjusting means for adjusting the in-compartment temperature based on the detected in-compartment temperature and set temperature. The compressor 13 is operated and stopped, and the temperature detector 1 is normal.
Determine the anomaly. Reference numeral 20 is a compressor control means for controlling the drive of the compressor 13 based on the determination, 21 is an abnormal display control means for controlling lighting and extinguishing of the display element 8, and these means serve to detect the temperature detector 1. An abnormality detection means is configured.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of the refrigerator 15 shown in FIG. The temperature detector 1 is arranged above the freezing compartment 16, and a cooler is installed in the deep part of the freezing compartment 16 via a partition plate 22. And
A control device 24 having the above-described circuit configuration is attached to the back surface of the refrigerator 15.

The operation of the controller 24 of the refrigerator 15 constructed as above will be described below with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 11 and 13.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart showing the entire control program stored in the microcomputer 3. First, after initial setting in step 100, the subsequent main routine is entered. That is, in step 200, the microcomputer 3 reads the voltage signal input from the analog input ports 3a and 3b, converts each analog value into a digital value, and stores it. Figure 14 shows the digital value and temperature (° C)
It shows the correlation with.

In this example, the analog input ports 3a, 3
The voltage signal input from b is "00" to "F" in hexadecimal notation.
"F" is divided into 256, and the value at -30 ° C is "E0", +30
The value is set to be "10" in ° C. That is,
The microcomputer 3 detects the value detected by the temperature detector 1 from -30 ° C to +3.
Input the temperature in the range up to 0 ° C to detect the temperature inside the refrigerator.

Similarly, the set value (resistance value) of the temperature setting device 2 is input in the same range to detect the set temperature. At that time, the temperature detector 1 uses the DC power supply (+
Since it is connected to Vdd) 4, if the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates and the detection value (resistance value) of the temperature detector 1 changes, the voltage signal applied to the analog input port 3b of the microcomputer 3 fluctuates. Thus, the digital value read by the microcomputer 3 fluctuates. With this, the microcomputer 3 can read the internal temperature.

Similarly, since the temperature setting device 2 is also connected to the DC power source (+ Vdd) 4 via the voltage dividing resistor 7, the voltage signal applied to the analog input port 3a of the microcomputer 3 fluctuates and the set temperature in the refrigerator is changed. Can be detected.

Next, the process shifts to step 300 to make a temperature input determination. Here, as shown in the detailed flowchart of FIG. 12, the magnitudes of the digital value of the internal temperature and the digital value of the set temperature read by the microcomputer 3 are compared,
It is determined whether the internal temperature is higher than the set temperature (step 3
01). Then, if the internal temperature is higher, the compressor operation flag is set (step 302), and if the internal temperature is low, the flag is reset (step 303).

When the temperature input determination is completed, step 40
Output is set at 0. That is, if the compressor operation flag is set, an excitation signal is output to the relay drive circuit 10 to excite the relay 11 and thereby the contact 12
Is closed and the compressor 13 is driven. Conversely, if the compressor operation flag is reset, a non-excitation signal is output to the relay drive circuit 10 to make the relay 11 non-excitation, and at this time, the contact 1
2 is open and compressor 13 is stopped.

Although the inside temperature is controlled to be kept constant by the above-mentioned operation, the detected value (resistance value) of the temperature detector 1 varies depending on the temperature, but the value is -30 ° C. or less ( It is usually unthinkable when the digital value is "E0" or higher) and + 30 ° C or higher (digital value "10" or higher) (including when the refrigerator is installed). That is, at this time, it is considered that the temperature detector 1 is in an abnormal state due to destruction or connection failure.

Therefore, in step 500, the temperature detector 1
The abnormality judgment is performed. FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart showing that the data (digital value) of the temperature in the refrigerator is “E”.
It is determined whether or not it is larger than "0" (step 501),
If so, an abnormal output is performed (step 502). It is determined whether or not the data of the internal temperature is smaller than "E0" (step 503), and if it is smaller, an abnormal output is similarly performed, at the same time, a signal is sent to the display element 8 and an abnormal display is displayed on the display operation panel 17. It

In this way, the abnormality of the temperature detector 1 can be detected, and the abnormality is displayed on the display operation panel 17, which is useful for inspection.

[0020]

However, in the above-described conventional refrigerator control device, the temperature detector 1 installed in the refrigerator is broken (open or short), or the lead of the temperature detector 1 is broken. A connection failure (contact failure) is detected at a connection portion such as a wire, and the display operation panel 17
Even if an abnormality is displayed on the display, it is not possible to immediately determine whether the wire is broken or destroyed (short circuit) and it takes time to repair, and if the abnormal state continues for a long time, the freezer compartment 16 cannot be cooled to a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, there is a drawback that it is overcooled and adversely affects foods in the refrigerator other than the freezer compartment 16.

The present invention solves the problems of the prior art, in which a temperature detector 1 installed in a refrigerator detects a breakage or a connection failure of a connection portion, and at the same time, automatically adjusts the refrigerator temperature to a proper temperature. The purpose is to provide a control device.

[0022]

To achieve this object, a control device for a refrigerator according to the present invention comprises a temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator and stopping the operation of the compressor, and a temperature setting device for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator. And an outside air temperature detector for detecting the outside temperature, a control circuit for controlling the inside temperature based on the detected value of the temperature detector and the set value by the temperature setting device, and the detected value of the temperature detector is within a predetermined range. When it exceeds, it is configured to include an abnormality detection means for detecting and notifying this and stopping the operation of the compressor at every predetermined time.

[0023]

In the refrigerator control device of the present invention, when the temperature detector is broken or the connection is in a defective state and the detected value exceeds a predetermined range, the abnormality detecting means notifies the abnormality, or the connection of the connecting portion is detected. Simultaneously with the detection, the compressor is stopped at every predetermined time so that the inside temperature is automatically made appropriate, and the inside temperature is made appropriate.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The first embodiment of the refrigerator controller according to the present invention will be described below.
Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same configurations as those of the conventional one are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a main part of the control device, and the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 8 of the prior art indicate the same parts. In the figure, reference numeral 25 denotes an outside air temperature detector such as a thermistor for detecting the outside temperature, which is attached outside the refrigerator (outside the refrigerator body). 26 is an analog input port 26a, 26
In a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) that constitutes an electronic control circuit having b and 26c, the detected value of the temperature detector 1, the set value of the temperature setting device 2, and the detected value of the outside air temperature detector 25 are Analog input port 26
Read from a, 26b, and 26c.

A voltage level signal applied to the temperature detector 1 is input to the microcomputer 26 from the analog input port 26a, and a voltage level signal applied to the temperature setting device 2 is input from the analog input port 26b to the microcomputer 26. Is input to. 27 is the outside air temperature detector 25
A voltage dividing resistor connected in series with the outside air temperature detector 25 between the power supply terminal 4 and the power supply terminal 4 determines the voltage level applied to the outside air temperature detector 25, and the signal of this voltage level is the analog input port 26c. Is input to the microcomputer 26.

FIG. 2 shows the entire structure of a refrigerator provided with the control device having the circuit structure shown in FIG. The freezer 16
An operation panel 28 having the outside air temperature detector 25 such as a thermistor is provided on the door surface of the. Reference numeral 29 is a temperature detecting means for detecting the inside temperature, the set temperature, and the outside temperature, to which signals from the temperature detector 1, the temperature setting device 2, and the outside air temperature detector 25 are input.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an in-compartment temperature adjusting means for adjusting the in-compartment temperature on the basis of the detected in-compartment temperature, set temperature, and outside temperature, which is used for operating and stopping the compressor 13 and for detecting the temperature of the temperature detector 1. Determine normal or abnormal. Reference numeral 20 denotes compressor control means for controlling the drive of the compressor 13 based on the determination, 3
Reference numeral 1 denotes an abnormality display control means for controlling lighting and extinction of the display element 8, and these means constitute an abnormality detection means of the temperature detector 1.

Further, FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of the refrigerator 15 shown in FIG. 2, and a control device 32 having the above-mentioned circuit configuration is attached to the rear surface of the refrigerator 15.

Next, the operation of the control device 32 of the refrigerator 15 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing the whole control program stored in the microcomputer 26. First, after initial setting in step 600, the main routine thereafter is entered. That is, in step 700, the microcomputer 26 reads the voltage signals input from the analog input ports 26a, 26b, 26c, converts each analog value into a digital value, and stores it. FIG. 7 shows the correlation between the digital value and the temperature (° C.).

In this example, the analog input port 26a,
The voltage signals input from 26b and 26c are divided into 256 in the hexadecimal system from "00" to "FF", and the value at -30 ° C is set to "E0" and the value at + 30 ° C is set to "10". ing. That is, the microcomputer 26 inputs the detected value of the temperature detector 1 in the range from -30 ° C to + 30 ° C and detects the temperature inside the refrigerator. Further, the microcomputer 26 uses the outside air temperature detector 25.
Enter the detected value of in the range from -30 ℃ to +30 ℃,
Detect the outside temperature.

Similarly, the set value (resistance value) of the temperature setting device 2 is input in the same range to detect the set temperature. At that time, the temperature detector 1 uses the DC power supply (+
Since it is connected to Vdd) 4, if the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates and the detection value (resistance value) of the temperature detector 1 changes, the voltage signal applied to the analog input port 26b of the microcomputer 26 fluctuates. Thus, the digital value read by the microcomputer 26 changes. With this, the microcomputer 26 can read the internal temperature. Similarly, since the temperature setting device 2 is also connected to the DC power source (+ Vdd) 4 via the voltage dividing resistor 7, the voltage signal applied to the analog input port 26a of the microcomputer 26 changes to detect the set temperature in the refrigerator. be able to.

Next, the routine proceeds to step 800, where temperature input judgment is performed. Here, as shown in the detailed flowchart of FIG. 5, the magnitudes of the digital value of the inside temperature and the digital value of the set temperature read by the microcomputer 26 are compared,
It is determined whether the internal temperature is higher than the set temperature (step 8).
01). Then, if the internal temperature is higher, the compressor operation flag is set (step 802), and if the internal temperature is low, the flag is reset (step 803).

When the temperature input determination is completed, step 90
Output is set at 0. That is, if the compressor operation flag is set, an excitation signal is output to the relay drive circuit 10 to excite the relay 11 and thereby the contact 12
Is closed and the compressor 13 is driven. Conversely, if the compressor operation flag is reset, a non-excitation signal is output to the relay drive circuit 10 to make the relay 11 non-excitation, and at this time, the contact 1
2 is open and compressor 13 is stopped.

The above-described operation controls the inside temperature to be constant. Here, the detected value (resistance value) of the temperature detector 1 varies depending on the temperature, but the value is -30 ° C. or less ( It is usually unthinkable when the digital value is "E0" or higher) and + 30 ° C or higher (digital value "10" or higher) (including when the refrigerator is installed). That is, at this time, it is considered that the temperature detector 1 is in an abnormal state due to destruction or connection failure.

Therefore, in step 1000, the abnormality of the temperature detector 1 is determined. FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart showing that the data (digital value) of the temperature in the refrigerator is “E”.
It is determined in step 1001 whether it is larger than "0",
If so, an abnormal output (for example,
All the display elements 8 are turned on. Also, step 100
In step 3, it is determined whether or not the temperature data in the refrigerator is smaller than "E0". If it is smaller, an abnormal output (for example, turning on / off the display element 8 at 1 second intervals) is similarly performed in step 1004, and at the same time, the display element 8 is output. To the operation panel 2
Abnormality is displayed on 8.

In this way, the abnormality (open, short circuit) of the temperature detector 1 can be detected, and the operation panel 2 can be detected.
Since the abnormality (open, short) is displayed on 8, the failure mode can be immediately judged at the time of inspection and the like, and the work time for repair can be greatly reduced, which is very useful.

Further, step 1002 and step 100
After performing the abnormal output in step 4 and the abnormal output, in step 1005, a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) is set to put the compressor 13 into the intermittent operation mode. Then, in step 1006, the relay drive circuit 10 is supplied with an excitation signal for a predetermined time (for example, 30
Min.) To excite relay 11 and thereby contact 1
2 is closed and the compressor 13 is driven. Then, after 30 minutes have elapsed, a non-excitation signal is output to the relay drive circuit 10 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) to deactivate the relay 11, at which time the contact 12 is open and the compressor 13 is stopped. Intermittent operation is repeated.

In this way, even if the temperature detector 1 becomes abnormal (open, short-circuited), the proper cooling operation is automatically continued, so that the user does not have to light the display element 8 for a long time. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on foods in the freezer compartment 16 or the like due to uncooling or overcooling, which has a great effect.

Further, in step 1005, the predetermined time in the intermittent operation mode of the compressor 13 is set to a high outside air temperature (for example, + 30 ° C. or more) depending on the detected value of the outside air temperature detector 25.
Is set to 40 minutes operation and 40 minutes stop, and it is set to 20 minutes operation and 20 minutes stop at low outside air temperature (for example, + 10 ℃ or less) to provide more suitable cooling amount for all environmental conditions. This makes it possible to prevent the food in the freezer compartment 16 and the like from being adversely affected.

Further, in step 1005, the compressor 13 is operated for a predetermined time in the intermittent operation mode for 20 minutes when the set temperature is raised depending on the set value of the temperature setting device 2 (for example, "weak" setting). , Set to 20 minutes stop, and when the set temperature is low (for example, "high" setting), run for 40 minutes and set to 40 minutes stop to provide a cooling amount that is more suitable for all food conditions in the refrigerator. It is possible to provide the food, and it is possible to prevent the food in the freezer compartment 16 or the like from being adversely affected.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, the temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator to stop the operation of the compressor, the temperature setting device for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator, and the outside air temperature detector for detecting the temperature outside the refrigerator. In the controller of the refrigerator including the control circuit for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator based on the detected value of the temperature detector and the set value by the temperature setting device, the detected value of the temperature detector exceeds the predetermined range. Sometimes this is detected and notified, and an abnormality detection means is provided to stop the operation of the compressor at every predetermined time.Therefore, the temperature detector is broken or the connection of the connection is defective, and the temperature inside the refrigerator is automatically adjusted appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on food in the refrigerator due to uncooling or excessive cooling.

Further, when the detected value of the temperature detector exceeds a predetermined range, this is detected and an abnormality is displayed for each predetermined range, so that the failure mode can be immediately judged at the time of inspection,
This has the effect of significantly reducing work time for repairs and the like.

Further, by changing the set time according to the detected value of the outside temperature detector and stopping the operation of the compressor, it is possible to provide a cooling amount more suitable for all environmental conditions, and There is an effect that the adverse effect of can be prevented.

Further, by changing the set time according to the set value of the temperature setting device and stopping the operation of the compressor, it is possible to provide a cooling amount that is more suitable for any food condition in the refrigerator. The adverse effect of can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a refrigerator showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a refrigerator including a control device having the circuit configuration of the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a main part of the refrigerator according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing a control operation of the microcomputer having the circuit configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart showing a temperature determination operation of the microcomputer of the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart showing an abnormality determination operation of the microcomputer of the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a correlation diagram showing the correlation between the temperature and the digital value of the circuit configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of a refrigerator showing a conventional example.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a refrigerator including a control device having a circuit configuration of the conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the conventional refrigerator.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart showing a control operation of a microcomputer having a circuit configuration of the conventional example.

FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart showing a temperature determination operation of the conventional microcomputer.

FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart showing an abnormality determination operation of the conventional microcomputer.

FIG. 14 is a correlation diagram showing the correlation between temperature and digital value in the circuit configuration of the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Temperature Detector 2 Temperature Setting Device 8 Display Element 13 Compressor 21 Refrigerator 25 Outside Air Temperature Detector 26 Microcomputer 28 Operation Panel 32 Control Device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator to stop the operation of the compressor, a temperature setting device for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator, and an outside air temperature detector for detecting the temperature outside the refrigerator. In a control device for a refrigerator having a control circuit for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator on the basis of a detected value and a set value by the temperature setting device, when the detected value of the temperature detector exceeds a predetermined range, it is detected. A control device for a refrigerator, which is provided with an abnormality detecting means for notifying the operation and stopping the operation of the compressor at predetermined time intervals. 2. The control of the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detecting means detects the detected value of the temperature detector when the detected value exceeds a predetermined range and displays an abnormality for each predetermined range. apparatus. 3. The control device for the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detecting means changes the set time according to the detected value of the outside temperature detector to stop the operation of the compressor. 4. The control device for the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detecting means changes the set time according to the set value of the temperature setting device to stop the operation of the compressor.