KR100756993B1 - Water supplying control apparatus for a ice maker and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A water supply control apparatus for an automatic ice maker is provided to accurately control amount of water supplied to a tray by operating a water supply valve drive unit so as to additionally supply water when difference between first step temperature and second step temperature is different from a standard value stored in a memory. A water supply control apparatus for an automatic ice maker comprises a temperature sensor(10), a memory, a water supply valve drive unit, a time information providing unit and a control unit. The temperature sensor senses temperature of a tray(6), converts temperature of a tray into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The memory stores water supply information. The water supply valve drive unit operates a water supply valve according to a control signal, and allows water to be supplied to a tray or stopped. The control unit judges initial water supply amount to be less when difference between first step temperature and second step temperature is different from a standard value stored in the memory, and operates the water supply valve drive unit so as to additionally supply water.

Description

Water supplying control apparatus for a ice maker and control method

1 is a block diagram of a water supply apparatus of a general automatic ice maker.

2 is a block diagram of a water supply control apparatus for an automatic ice maker according to the present invention.

3 is a configuration diagram of an automatic ice maker according to the present invention.

4 is an operation flowchart of a water supply control method of an automatic ice maker according to the present invention.

5 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of the water supply control apparatus of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100: water supply control device of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention

6: tray

10: temperature sensor 20: memory

30: control unit 40: water supply valve drive unit

50: timer 60: insulator

70: control box

The present invention relates to a water supply control device and a water supply control method of an automatic ice maker for a refrigerator, and more specifically, to detect a one-step temperature around the tray detected by a temperature sensor after initial water supply, and after a predetermined time has elapsed. The present invention relates to a water supply control device and a water supply control method of an automatic ice maker that can accurately control the amount of water supplied to a tray when temperature is detected and the difference is different from a reference value.

In general, a refrigerator is provided with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a heat exchanger for generating cold air are installed to operate the refrigerator and the freezer compartment to supply cool air at an appropriate temperature. The food is selected and sorted according to the cold characteristics of the storage.

The freezer is not only used as a storehouse for frozen foods, but also as a useful means of obtaining ice by putting purified water in a suitable container and freezing it with a cold freezer.

In the past, as an ice maker, a container having a fixed volume can be simply stored in a freezer compartment. However, in recent years, in response to the development of science and the user's demand, it has been used automatically from the supply of purified water to the storage and take out / delivery of frozen ice. By making the user's convenience automatic ice maker (Ice maker) is installed and used in the freezer.

The automatic ice maker installed in the freezer of the refrigerator and automatically producing ice includes a water supply unit for supplying purified water, a tray for receiving purified water to be made of ice, and a tray when all the water in the tray is frozen. And an ice lever for sweeping the inside of the ice, an ice motor for providing power for rotating the ice lever, an ice storage container for storing ice, and the like.

The automatic ice maker of the above-described structure stores the purified water when the tray receiving the purified water receives the cold air from the freezer and completes the ice making, and then checks that the ice level lever lowered to the bottom swings inside the ice storage container and checks that it is empty. In this case, the heater installed at the lower end of the tray is operated to exfoliate the ice ice from the tray, and to automatically drop it from the tray with the above-mentioned ice lever to drop and load the ice storage container located under the tray.

In addition, the automatic ice maker having the above-described configuration is configured to automatically receive purified water from a water supply device including a water tank and a water supply pump provided in the refrigerator for the next ice making after the completion of the ice removal. Since the water tank installed in the refrigerator is difficult to increase its capacity sufficiently due to the space limitation in the refrigerating chamber, it is necessary to replenish the water tank relatively frequently. Therefore, in some cases, a method of directly connecting the water supply via a filter or a water purifier is also adopted.

The water supply device of the above-mentioned automatic ice maker is employed in actual products in various ways depending on the manufacturer. However, as shown in FIG. 1, water is supplied to the tray 6 in connection with the water supply source 1. Water supply pipe (3) for supplying, water filter (2) is provided at one point of the water supply pipe (3) to purify the water flowing in the water supply pipe (3), water supply pipe (3) is installed at one point of the water supply pipe (3) It is provided with a water supply valve (4) for adjusting the amount of water flowing in the), and a rotary aberration (5) installed between the outlet of the water supply valve (4) and the water supply pipe (3) to rotate by water pressure.

As a water supply control method for controlling the operation of the water supply apparatus of the automatic ice maker configured as described above, there are various methods.

First, when a command to generate ice is input, the controller (not shown) controls to open the water supply valve 4. When the water supply valve 4 is opened as described above, water is supplied to the tray 6 through the water supply pipe 3 connected to the water supply source 1, and the water flowing through the water supply pipe 3 passes through the purified water filter 2. It is purified while being supplied to the tray (6).

While performing the water supply as described above, the controller (not shown) determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the set water supply time has elapsed, the process of supplying water to the tray 6 is terminated by closing the water supply valve 4. .

However, the water supply control method of the conventional automatic ice maker does not supply the correct amount of water to the tray without taking into account the fluctuations in the water pressure or other factors while simply controlling the water supply to the tray for a predetermined time, that is, the water supply in the tray. There is a problem that the amount of water is too little frozen ice cubes (each ice) is too small, or too many overflow to overflow into the ice container or freezer below.

As another conventional water supply control method, US Patent No. At 4,909,039, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the water supply operation is performed, the temperature of the tray is sensed, and when the temperature is less than the predetermined temperature, the water is not supplied and the water is supplied. As a result, when the temperature is more than a predetermined temperature, a method of determining that water is supplied to a tray and performing a deicing and ice-making process so that water supply is made constant at all times is disclosed.

However, this method also focuses on warning that no water is supplied to the tray, and it is difficult to accurately control the amount of water supplied to the tray.

As another conventional water supply control method, after the initial water supply, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor changes according to the amount of time it takes to change by the set temperature change amount, that is, the water supply is terminated, the additional water is supplied, or the initial water supply A method of adjusting the water supply by resetting the time has been disclosed.

However, since the conventional water supply control method also determines the amount of water supplied to the tray using the rate of change of temperature detected from the tray, an error in which the change rate of temperature according to the capacity difference of the tray is determined as the amount of water supplied to the tray is generated. There is a problem that does not accurately control the amount of water supplied to.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and detects the one-step temperature around the tray detected by the temperature sensor after the initial water supply, and detects the two-step temperature after a certain time, the difference If there is a difference from the reference value is to provide an additional water supply control device and a water supply control method of the automatic ice maker, which can accurately control the amount of water supplied to the tray.

Water supply control apparatus of an automatic ice maker according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the tray in the automatic ice maker, converts it into an electrical signal and outputs it, and a memory for storing the water supply information And a water supply valve driving means for operating the water supply valve according to a control signal to supply or cut off water to the tray, a means for providing time information, and after the initial water supply, Detects the one-step temperature, detects the second-step temperature after a predetermined time, and determines that the initial water supply is small when the difference between the one-step temperature and the second-step temperature is different from the set reference value stored in the memory And control means for supplying additional water by operating the water supply valve driving means. It is done.

Here, the control means, it is preferable to detect the one-step temperature around the tray after a predetermined time after or before the initial water supply.

In addition, the control means, it is preferable to detect a plurality of one-step temperature and two-step temperature around the tray at a predetermined time interval.

In addition, the control means, it is preferable to calculate and compare the average value, the maximum value or the minimum value of the difference between the plurality of one-step and two-step temperature.

In addition, the control means, after the additional water supply, redetects the one-step temperature around the tray using the temperature sensor, re-detects the second-step temperature after a predetermined time, and the first-step temperature and the second-step When the difference in temperature is smaller than the set reference value stored in the memory, it is preferable to determine that the initial water supply amount is small and output a control signal for re-supplement water supply by operating the water supply valve driving means.

The control means may determine that the initial water supply is large when the difference between the one-step temperature and the second-step temperature is greater than the reference value, and may output a control signal for decreasing the initial water supply time by a predetermined value.

In addition, the control means may determine that the initial water supply amount is small after the additional water supply when the additional water is supplied again, and may output a control signal for increasing the initial water supply time of the next cycle.

The water supply control method of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention for achieving the above object is the step of performing the initial water supply for a predetermined time, using a temperature sensor to detect the one-step temperature around the tray, after a predetermined time has elapsed Detecting a two-stage temperature to determine whether the difference between the one-stage temperature and the two-stage temperature is greater than a reference value, and when the difference between the one-stage temperature and the two-stage temperature is different from the reference value, It is characterized in that it comprises a step of operating the water supply valve drive means to determine the additional water supply.

Hereinafter, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. . Other objects, features, and operational advantages, including the object, operation, and effect of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment.

2 is a block diagram of a water supply control apparatus for an automatic ice maker according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention.

As shown, the water supply control device 100 of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention detects the temperature of the tray 6 and converts it into an electrical signal and outputs the temperature sensor 10, and storing the water supply information A memory 20 for supplying water, a water supply valve driver 40 for supplying or blocking water to the tray 6 by operating a water supply valve (not shown) according to a control signal, and a timer 50 for providing time information. After the initial water supply, the temperature sensor 10 detects the one-step temperature T1 around the tray 6, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, detects the two-step temperature T2 and the one step. When the difference between the temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is different from the set reference value stored in the memory 20 (large or small), the initial water supply is determined to be small and the water supply valve driving unit 40 is operated. It consists of a control unit 30 for the additional water supply.

Here, the control unit 30, the memory 20, the timer 50 is preferably installed in the control box 70 is built in the form of a circuit board in the present invention is not limited to the installation place of the refrigerator It can also be installed in a printed board assembly (PBA). In addition, the type of the temperature sensor 10 for detecting the above-mentioned primary and secondary temperature in real time may include a platinum resistance temperature sensor, a negative characteristic (NTC) thermistor, a positive characteristic (PTC) thermistor, a thermocouple, and an IC temperature sensor. However, the present invention is not intended to limit the type of heat radiation temperature sensor, heat flow sensor temperature sensor, or bimetal type using an external switch.

In addition, the controller 30 detects the one-step temperature around the tray 6 after a predetermined time (preferably about 5 seconds) has passed after the initial water supply, which is a temperature sensor 10 ), The temperature around the tray is temporarily raised due to the effect of the water supplied, but after a certain time the thermal equilibrium is reached, and immediately after that, the temperature is lowered by the cold air in the freezer compartment. This is because the exact temperature can be measured by measuring. In this case, the detection of the one-step temperature around the tray may be performed before the initial water supply or after a certain time.

In addition, it is preferable for the controller 6 to detect a plurality of one-step temperature T1 and two-step temperature T2 around the tray at regular time intervals for accuracy of water supply. That is, the temperature sensor 10 measures the difference between the plurality of one-step temperature T1 and the two-step temperature, and then calculates and compares the average value, the maximum value, or the minimum value, thereby further improving accuracy.

In addition, the predetermined reference value compared with the difference between the first stage temperature T1 and the second stage temperature T2 is a value corresponding to the initial water supply amount most appropriate according to the capacity and freezing capacity of the freezer, the capacity and material of the tray, It is experimentally predetermined and stored in the memory 20. Of course, in the full-water state, the temperature difference between the one-step temperature T1 (relatively high) and the two-step temperature T2 is inevitably increased due to the temperature of the full water. When the difference between the temperature T1 and the second stage temperature T2 is different from the set reference value stored in the memory 20, it is determined that the initial water supply amount is small.

Here, when the difference between the one-step temperature (T1) and the two-step temperature (T2) is greater than the set reference value at the time of the initial water supply, the controller 30 determines that the initial water supply amount is large and determines the initial water supply time for the next cycle. It is also possible to limit the initial water supply by decreasing the constant value, and may determine that the initial water supply after the second additional water supply is small and output a control signal for increasing the next initial water supply time by a certain amount.

4 is an operation flowchart of a water supply control method of an automatic ice maker according to the present invention, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 for convenience of description.

As shown, the water supply control method of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention, the initial water supply step (S10), one-step temperature detection step (S20), two-step temperature detection step (S30), comparison step (S40) And, additional water supply step (S50) and the like.

First, when power is applied and executed by the controller 30 according to an operation programmed and stored in the memory 20, the operation of the water supply control device of the automatic ice maker according to the present invention starts.

When the operation is started, the control unit 30 operates the water supply valve through the water supply valve driver 40 so that the water is supplied to the tray 6 for a predetermined time so that the initial water supply is made (S10). While the initial water supply is made in this way, the temperature around the tray where the temperature sensor 10 is installed is temporarily raised due to the influence of the water supplied.

Subsequently, after the initial water supply is made, the controller 30 waits a delay for a predetermined time (about 5 seconds). During the delay waiting, after the temperature of the water supplied to the tray is in thermal equilibrium with the tray, the temperature around the tray where the temperature sensor 10 is installed is lowered due to the influence of cold air in the freezer.

Subsequently, after the delay wait time passes, the controller 30 primarily detects the one-step temperature T1 around the tray 6 using the temperature sensor 10 (S20).

Here, the controller 30 waits again for a predetermined time (about 5 seconds), and then secondarily detects the second stage temperature T2 around the tray 6 by using the temperature sensor 10 (S30). . Of course, as described above, the first and second stage temperatures may not be measured only once, but may be detected at a predetermined time interval around the tray, and the average or maximum and minimum values of the differences may be calculated and used. .

In operation S40, it is determined whether the difference between the detected one-step temperature T1 and the two-step temperature T2 is different from the set reference value stored in the memory 20. The reference value is a value corresponding to the most suitable initial water supply amount according to the capacity and freezing capacity of the freezer, the capacity and material of the tray, etc., and is experimentally predetermined and stored in the memory 20.

If the difference between the detected one-step temperature T1 and the two-step temperature T2 is greater than the reference value, the controller 30 determines that the initial water supply amount is large and reduces the initial water supply time to slightly reduce the next initial water supply amount. A certain value (about 1 second) is reduced (S60). Of course, if the difference between the detected one-step temperature (T1) and the two-step temperature (T2) is almost the same or slightly larger than the reference value, the control unit 30 determines that the water supply amount supplied to the tray is sufficient to supply the water supply valve drive unit ( The water supply operation is terminated by shutting off the water supply valve through 40).

However, when the difference between the detected one-step temperature T1 and the two-step temperature T2 is different from the set reference value, the controller 30 determines that the initial water supply amount is small and supplies the water through the water supply valve drive unit 40. By operating the valve so that water is supplied to the tray for a predetermined time is the first additional water supply (S50). In this way, when the first additional water supply is made, the process returns to the one-step temperature detection step S20, and the difference between the one-step temperature T1 and the two-step temperature T2 is repeated until the reference value is almost the same. Will be made. Here, the controller 30 may determine that the initial water supply amount is small after the additional water supply, and may increase the next initial water supply time by a predetermined value (for example, 1 second increase).

On the other hand, the control unit 30 obtains the information on the time elapsed from the timer 50 in the above water supply control process, the timer 50 may use a separate external element, an internal program such as a counting program It can also be used.

When the water supply control process as described above is completed, the ice making cycle is started to freeze the water contained in the tray. When the water contained in the tray is completely frozen, the ice is taken out of the tray and stored in an ice storage container. do.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, when the temperature sensor 10 mounted on the tray 6 of the ice maker is mounted with the front surface surrounded by the insulator 60 except for the surface in contact with the water supplied, Except for the water, it does not affect the temperature sensor 10 so that accurate temperature measurement is possible, which enables more accurate control.

As described in the above embodiments, after the initial water supply, the present invention detects the one-step temperature around the tray using the temperature sensor, detects the two-step temperature after a predetermined time, and the difference is a reference value. If there is a difference with the additional water supply has an effect that can accurately control the amount of water supplied to the tray.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments according to the present invention, this is only for illustrating the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that this is possible as well as this is also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

In the automatic ice maker which consists of a water supply device, a tray, an ice-breaker, and an ice-breaker, A temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the tray and converts it into an electrical signal and outputs it; A memory for storing water supply information, A water supply valve driving means for operating the water supply valve according to a control signal to supply or cut off water to the tray; Means for providing time information, After the initial water supply, after the initial water supply using the temperature sensor after a certain time has passed, the first stage temperature around the tray is detected, after a predetermined time elapses to detect the second stage temperature, and the first stage temperature and Detecting a plurality of second stage temperatures at predetermined time intervals, and when the difference between the first stage temperature and the second stage temperature is different from the set reference value stored in the memory, it is determined that the initial water supply is small and the water supply valve driving means Water supply control device for an automatic ice maker, characterized in that it comprises a control means for operating additional water supply. delete delete The method of claim 1, The control means is a water supply control device of the automatic ice maker, characterized in that for comparing the average value, the maximum value or the minimum value of the difference between the plurality of one-step and two-step temperature. The method of claim 1, The control means re-detects the one-step temperature around the tray using the temperature sensor after the additional water supply, and re-detects the second-step temperature after a predetermined time elapses, so that the first-step temperature and the second-step temperature When the difference is smaller than the set reference value stored in the memory, it is determined that the initial amount of water is small, and the water supply control device of the automatic ice maker, characterized in that for outputting a control signal for the additional water supply by operating the water supply valve drive means. The method of claim 1, The control means, when the difference between the one-step temperature and the two-step temperature is greater than the reference value determines that the initial water supply is large, and outputs a control signal for reducing the initial water supply time constant value of the automatic ice maker, characterized in that Water supply control. The method of claim 5, The control means, when re-supplied water supply is determined that the initial water supply amount after the re-supplied water supply is small and outputs a control signal for increasing the initial water supply time of the next cycle constant water supply control of the automatic ice maker Device. In the automatic ice maker which consists of a water supply device, a tray, an ice-breaker, and an ice-breaker, The initial water supply for a certain time, Detecting a one-step temperature around the tray using a temperature sensor, and detecting a second step temperature after a predetermined time elapses, and determining whether a difference between the first step temperature and the second step temperature is greater than a reference value; Detecting the difference between the one-step temperature and the second-step temperature a plurality of times at a predetermined time interval, and if there is a difference compared to the reference value for each, determining that the initial water supply is small and operating additional water supply by operating a water supply valve driving means. Water supply control method of an automatic ice maker characterized in that it comprises a. delete delete The method of claim 8, The water supply control method of the automatic ice maker characterized in that the average value, the maximum value or the minimum value of the difference between the first stage and the second stage detected temperature is compared. The method of claim 8, After the additional water supply, the temperature sensor redetects the first stage temperature around the tray, and after a predetermined time elapses, the second stage temperature is redetected so that the difference between the first stage temperature and the second stage temperature is greater than the reference value. Determining whether it is large, After the additional water supply, when the difference between the measured first stage temperature and the second stage temperature is smaller than the set reference value stored in the memory, determining that the initial amount of water is small and operating the water supply valve driving means to supply additional water again. Water supply control method of an automatic ice maker, characterized in that further comprises. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 11 or 12, After the additional water supply, if the difference between the measured one-step temperature and two-step temperature is greater than the reference value is determined that the initial amount of water is large, and further comprising the step of reducing the next initial water supply time constant value Water control method of automatic ice maker. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 11 or 12, After the additional water supply, when the difference between the measured first stage temperature and the second stage temperature is smaller than the set reference value stored in the memory, it is determined that the initial water supply amount after the re-addition water supply is smaller, and the initial water supply time of the next cycle is constant. The water supply control method of the automatic ice maker characterized in that it further comprises the step of increasing.

Images