A refrigerator having a fault detection module

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigerator, concretely relates to a refrigerator with fault detection module. The scheme of the present application utilizes the connecting relationship of the interchamber illuminating lamp and control panel of refrigerator to realize low -cost fault indication function. When detecting the exception, the control signal generating unit generates the control signal of different frequency according to the level signal outputted by the signal processing unit, and the interchamber illuminating lamp is controlled by the drive unit to carry out fault indication with specific state. Through the intuitive mode such as light flicker frequency, brightness or color change, the user can quickly identify the refrigerator fault type, and the user can know the refrigerator condition in time, and the use experience of the user is improved. In addition, the sensor signal is converted into the specific state (such as flicker frequency, color change) of the illuminating lamp through the hardware circuit, without additional indicator light or display screen, the existing illuminating lamp can be directly reused, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and specifically to a refrigerator with a fault detection module. Background Technology

[0002] In modern life, refrigerators are essential household appliances for maintaining food freshness and storage. Their operational stability and reliability directly affect users' daily quality of life and food safety. With the continuous development of refrigerator technology, their functions have become increasingly complex, and their internal structures more precise. This has increased the probability of refrigerator malfunctions during operation. Once a refrigerator malfunctions, it not only leads to food spoilage and economic losses, but may also cause safety hazards such as electrical leaks and short circuits.

[0003] Currently, refrigerators on the market generally lack efficient and intuitive fault detection and indication methods. Existing fault detection methods often rely on complex testing equipment and professional repair personnel, making it difficult for users to diagnose refrigerator malfunctions themselves. Even some refrigerators with simple fault alarm functions often use a single audible and visual alarm, which cannot accurately distinguish between different types of faults. Users cannot quickly obtain fault information, and repair personnel cannot perform accurate repairs based on alarm prompts. This not only increases the difficulty and time cost of repairs but also reduces the user experience. Furthermore, existing refrigerator fault detection systems fail to adequately consider the priority of fault signals compared to other signals (such as door open / close signals) in signal processing. When multiple signals are present simultaneously, fault signals may be masked or misjudged, affecting the timeliness and accuracy of fault detection. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model discloses a refrigerator with a fault detection module, comprising a detection unit, a signal processing unit, a control signal generation unit, a drive unit, and a compartment lighting lamp. The detection unit detects the refrigerator's operating status signal, and its output is connected to the input of the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit compares the input signal from the detection unit with a preset threshold and outputs a corresponding level signal. The output of the signal processing unit is connected to the input of the control signal generation unit. The control signal generation unit generates control signals of different frequencies based on the level signals output by the signal processing unit. The output of the control signal generation unit is connected to the control terminal of the drive unit. The output of the drive unit is connected to the compartment lighting lamp controller. The signal processing unit also ensures that fault signals take precedence over door open / close signals. When the detection unit detects an abnormality, it generates a control signal of the corresponding frequency through the control signal generation unit to control the drive unit, thereby causing the compartment lighting lamp to indicate a fault in a specific state.

[0005] The detection unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, a vibration sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

[0006] The signal processing unit includes a multiplexer and a priority encoder. The multiplexer compares the signal input to the detection unit with a preset threshold and outputs a high or low level signal. The priority encoder processes the signal output by the multiplexer to ensure that fault signals are given priority.

[0007] The drive unit includes a transistor or a relay.

[0008] The compartment lighting includes a refrigerator compartment light, a freezer compartment light, and a main light; when an abnormal temperature is detected, the refrigerator compartment light is controlled to flash rapidly; when an abnormal pressure difference is detected, the freezer compartment light is controlled to flash slowly; when a compressor malfunction is detected, the main light is controlled to remain on.

[0009] A logic operation module is also provided between the signal processing unit and the control signal generation unit. This module performs logical operations on the level signal output by the signal processing unit and the processing result before inputting them into the control signal generation unit.

[0010] This application's solution utilizes the connection between the refrigerator compartment lighting and the control board to achieve a low-cost fault indication function. When an anomaly is detected, the control signal generation unit generates control signals of different frequencies based on the level signal output by the signal processing unit. These signals are then used by the drive unit to control the compartment lighting to indicate the fault in a specific state. By presenting fault information intuitively through changes in light flashing frequency, brightness, or color, users can quickly identify the type of refrigerator malfunction, allowing them to understand the refrigerator's status promptly and improving the user experience. Furthermore, by converting sensor signals into specific states of the lighting (such as flashing frequency and color changes) through hardware circuitry, no additional indicator lights or displays are required, allowing existing lighting to be reused directly, thus reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator structure with a fault detection module in an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another refrigerator structure with a fault detection module in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the utility model's objectives, features, and advantages more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the utility model. The principles and features of the utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the utility model and are not intended to limit its scope.

[0014] The term "comprising" and other similar expressions used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such as a process, method, system, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units but is not limited to the listed steps or units.

[0015] Example: Figure 1-2 As shown, a refrigerator with a fault detection module includes a detection unit 1, a signal processing unit 2, a control signal generation unit 3, a drive unit 4, and a compartment lighting lamp 5. The detection unit 1 is used to detect the refrigerator's operating status signal, and its output is connected to the input of the signal processing unit 2. The signal processing unit 2 is used to compare the signal input from the detection unit 1 with a preset threshold and output a corresponding level signal. The output of the signal processing unit 2 is connected to the input of the control signal generation unit 3. The control signal generation unit 3 is used to generate control signals of different frequencies based on the level signals output by the signal processing unit 2. The output of the control signal generation unit 3 is connected to the control terminal of the drive unit 4. The output of the drive unit 4 is connected to the controller of the compartment lighting lamp 5. The signal processing unit 2 is also used to ensure that fault signals take precedence over door opening / closing signals. When the detection unit 1 detects an abnormality, it generates a control signal of the corresponding frequency through the control signal generation unit 3 to control the drive unit 4, thereby causing the compartment lighting lamp 5 to indicate a fault in a specific state.

[0016] In this embodiment, detection unit 1 is responsible for detecting the refrigerator's operating status signals. These signals may include various parameters reflecting the refrigerator's operating status, such as the operating current, voltage, temperature, and compressor operating frequency of each component. By monitoring these signals in real time, any abnormalities during the refrigerator's operation can be detected promptly.

[0017] Signal processing unit 2 is connected to detection unit 1. It compares the signal input from detection unit 1 with a preset threshold. The preset threshold is set based on the range of various parameters during normal refrigerator operation. Signal processing unit 2 outputs a corresponding level signal based on the comparison result. A high-level or low-level signal indicates whether the refrigerator is operating normally.

[0018] The input terminal of the control signal generation unit 3 is connected to the output terminal of the signal processing unit 2. It generates control signals of different frequencies based on the level signal output by the signal processing unit 2. When the signal processing unit 2 outputs a level signal indicating a fault, the control signal generation unit 3 generates a control signal of a specific frequency. The specific frequency corresponds to the fault type, and different faults may correspond to different frequency control signals to ensure accurate fault indication later.

[0019] The control terminal of the drive unit 4 is connected to the output terminal of the control signal generation unit 3. It receives the control signals generated by the control signal generation unit 3 and controls the operation of the room lighting lamp 5 according to these signals. The drive unit 4 can convert the control signals into electrical signals that can drive the room lighting lamp 5, so that the room lighting lamp 5 works according to specific requirements.

[0020] Under the control of the drive unit 4, the compartment light 5 indicates faults in specific states. For example, it may use different flashing frequencies, brightness, or color changes to indicate different types of refrigerator malfunctions. In this way, users can quickly understand the refrigerator's fault status by observing the state of the compartment light 5 and take appropriate measures in a timely manner.

[0021] In the above scheme, the detection unit 1 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 11, a current sensor 12, a vibration sensor 13, and a pressure difference sensor 14.

[0022] The signal processing unit 2 includes a multiplexer 21 and a priority encoder 22. The multiplexer 21 is used to compare the signal input to the detection unit 1 with a preset threshold and output a high or low level signal. The priority encoder 22 is used to process the signal output by the multiplexer 21 to ensure that fault signals are given priority.

[0023] The drive unit 4 includes a transistor or a relay.

[0024] The compartment lighting 5 includes a refrigerator compartment light 51, a freezer compartment light 52, and a main lighting 53; when an abnormal temperature is detected, the refrigerator compartment light 51 is controlled to flash rapidly; when an abnormal pressure difference is detected, the freezer compartment light 52 is controlled to flash slowly; when a compressor malfunction is detected, the main lighting 53 is controlled to remain constantly lit.

[0025] A logic operation module 6 is also provided between the signal processing unit 2 and the control signal generation unit 3. This module performs logical operations on the level signal and processing result output by the signal processing unit 2 and then inputs them to the control signal generation unit 3.

[0026] In one specific implementation, the current detection module can be selected from the ACS712 series current sensor module, which can accurately measure the current in the refrigerator circuit. It has the advantages of high accuracy, good linearity and fast response speed. It can detect changes in the operating current of components such as the refrigerator compressor and fan, thereby determining their working status.

[0027] The temperature detection module can use the DS18B20 digital temperature sensor module, which adopts a single-bus communication method and can be easily connected to a microcontroller. It can accurately measure the temperature of each compartment of the refrigerator and detect whether the temperature exceeds the normal range.

[0028] The voltage detection module can use a voltage detection circuit module composed of LM358 dual operational amplifiers. Its input terminal is connected to the power supply circuit of the refrigerator, which can monitor the changes in power supply voltage in real time and determine whether the voltage is stable within the normal operating range.

[0029] The signal processing unit can use a microcontroller (MCU) to implement signal processing functions, such as the STC89C52RC microcontroller. It has rich I / O interfaces, allowing easy connection to the output of the detection unit to perform operations such as AD conversion of the input signal, comparison with preset thresholds, and output corresponding level signals. For more complex signal processing requirements, the STM32F103 series microcontroller with an ARM Cortex-M3 core can also be selected.

[0030] The control signal generation unit can be implemented using a microcontroller. For example, the STC89C52RC or STM32F103 series microcontrollers mentioned above can be programmed to generate PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control signals of different frequencies based on the level signals output by the signal processing unit, using functions such as timers. Alternatively, a dedicated PWM generator chip, such as the TL494CN, can be selected. It can generate high-precision PWM signals and has various control functions to meet different application requirements.

[0031] For driving the room lighting, the ULN2003A Darlington transistor array driver module can be used. It amplifies the control signal output from the microcontroller, providing sufficient current to drive the room lighting, and has high voltage withstand and anti-interference capabilities. If the room lighting uses LED lights, a dedicated LED driver chip, such as the LM3409HV, can be selected. This chip provides constant current drive to the LEDs, ensuring stable brightness, and allows for dimming control via PWM signals to indicate different fault states.

[0032] For room lighting, ordinary LED beads or LED strips can be selected, such as 5050 LED beads, which have advantages such as high luminous efficiency, long lifespan, and low power consumption. If multi-color fault indication is required, RGB-LED beads can be selected. By controlling the brightness combination of different color channels, multiple color changes can be achieved to more intuitively represent different fault types.

[0033] In another specific embodiment, the comparator is an LM358 (operating range of -55℃ to +135℃), the timer is a TS555 (operating range of -40℃ to +150℃), and the driving element is a transistor (such as 2N2222) or a small solid-state relay (SSR-416).

[0034] Sensor signals (temperature, current, vibration, and pressure difference) are each connected to an independent comparator module (LM358), which compares them with preset thresholds and outputs high and low level signals. The comparator outputs are connected to a 555 timer via hardware logic (such as an AND gate or a 74LS148 priority encoder) to generate control signals of different frequencies. For example, a temperature sensor malfunction triggers a high-frequency signal (100 times / second), while a pressure difference sensor malfunction triggers a low-frequency signal (10 times / second).

[0035] Compartment lighting status mapping: Refrigerator light flashes rapidly (abnormal temperature), freezer light flashes slowly (leaky seal), main light is constantly on (compressor malfunction). Circuit connection: Sensor signal → comparator → 555 timer → transistor / relay → lighting controller. A priority encoder ensures fault signals take precedence over door open / close signals; for example, if the temperature sensor malfunctions, the refrigerator light will still flash rapidly even if the door is closed.

[0036] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A refrigerator with a fault detection module, characterized in that, The system includes a detection unit, a signal processing unit, a control signal generation unit, a drive unit, and a compartment lighting unit. The detection unit detects the refrigerator's operating status signal, and its output is connected to the input of the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit compares the input signal from the detection unit with a preset threshold and outputs a corresponding level signal. The output of the signal processing unit is connected to the input of the control signal generation unit. The control signal generation unit generates control signals of different frequencies based on the level signals output by the signal processing unit. The output of the control signal generation unit is connected to the control terminal of the drive unit. The output of the drive unit is connected to the compartment lighting unit controller. The signal processing unit also ensures that fault signals take precedence over door open / close signals. When the detection unit detects an abnormality, it generates a control signal of the corresponding frequency through the control signal generation unit to control the drive unit, thereby causing the compartment lighting unit to indicate a fault in a specific state.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, a vibration sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing unit includes a multiplexer and a priority encoder. The multiplexer compares the signal input to the detection unit with a preset threshold and outputs a high or low level signal. The priority encoder processes the signal output by the multiplexer to ensure that fault signals are given priority.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a transistor or a relay.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compartment lighting includes a refrigerator compartment light, a freezer compartment light, and a main light; when an abnormal temperature is detected, the refrigerator compartment light is controlled to flash rapidly; when an abnormal pressure difference is detected, the freezer compartment light is controlled to flash slowly; when a compressor malfunction is detected, the main light is controlled to remain on.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A logic operation module is also provided between the signal processing unit and the control signal generation unit. This module performs logical operations on the level signal output by the signal processing unit and the processing result before inputting them into the control signal generation unit.

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