refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that can accurately determine whether or not an ice tray is present in the ice maker. [Solution] The refrigerator 10 comprises an ice maker 40 and an ice maker calculation control unit 50. The ice maker 40 has an ice tray 41 and a rotary drive unit 46 that rotates the ice tray 41. The rotary drive unit 46 is configured to rotate and twist the ice tray 41 using the driving force of a motor 462, thereby releasing the ice from the ice tray 41. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures a first load voltage value V1 of the motor 462 during a first measurement period D1 defined before the twisting of the ice tray 41 begins. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures a second load voltage value V2 of the motor 462 during a second measurement period D2 defined while the twisting of the ice tray 41 is taking place. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 based on the voltage difference between the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and particularly to a refrigerator provided with an ice maker.

Background Art

[0002] Recent refrigerators are equipped with ice makers that automatically produce ice. According to this ice maker, since water supply to the ice tray, water freezing, and ice removal are performed without requiring user operation, the user can easily use ice.

[0003] An invention relating to such an ice maker is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. In the automatic ice maker described in Patent Document 1, the ice tray is provided slidably with respect to the refrigerator main body together with the ice tray support. In addition, the ice tray and the ice tray support can be separated by being pulled out from the refrigerator main body. Furthermore, the ice tray support can also be taken out from the ice tray. Therefore, since the user can take out and wash only the ice tray, the user can easily keep the automatic ice maker in a clean state.

[0004] In addition, with reference to Patent Document 2, refrigerators that detect the state of the ice tray have also appeared. In Patent Document 2, the electric mechanism and the ice tray are configured to be integrally removable, and are configured to be slidably supported in the ice making chamber of the refrigerator main body. In Patent Document 2, the attached state of the ice tray is determined based on a current value. When the ice tray is properly attached, normal ice making operation is performed. On the other hand, when the electric mechanism and the ice tray are improperly attached or removed, water supply is stopped. By doing so, the attached state of the ice tray can be confirmed, and maintenance and management of the refrigerator are facilitated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, the automatic ice maker related to the background technology mentioned above had room for improvement in terms of accurately detecting the presence or absence of an ice tray.

[0007] Specifically, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the presence or absence of an automatic ice maker and the mounting state of the ice tray were determined by the magnitude of the current supplied to the electric mechanism that rotates the ice tray during the de-ice process. That is, if the detected current value is large, it is determined that the ice tray is properly mounted, and the ice-making operation is performed. On the other hand, if the detected current value is small, it is determined that the ice tray is not properly mounted, and the water supply to the ice tray is stopped. In Patent Document 2, although the mounting state of the automatic ice maker is determined based on the detected current value, the presence or absence of the ice tray is not determined. Therefore, there was a risk that water for ice making would be supplied to an automatic ice maker that did not have an ice tray installed.

[0008] Furthermore, the current or voltage values ​​detected when the ice tray is twisted during the de-icing process have temperature characteristics. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the current value is not stable depending on the ambient temperature of the ice maker, and there was a problem in accurately determining the state of the ice tray based on the current value.

[0009] The problem will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 shows the fluctuation of the motor load voltage when the ice tray is twisted during the de-icing process. Here, the case where the current is converted to voltage is shown. In Figure 14, the horizontal axis represents the ambient temperature of the motor. The vertical axis represents the motor load voltage when the ice tray is twisted.

[0010] In Figure 14, the solid line shows the temperature fluctuation of the load voltage when an ice tray is present in the ice maker. The dashed line shows the temperature fluctuation of the load voltage when an ice tray is absent in the ice maker. In both cases, as the ambient temperature of the motor rises, the motor load voltage decreases when twisting is applied to the ice tray.

[0011] Let's consider a scenario where the presence of an ice tray is determined if the motor load voltage is 1.6V or higher when the ice tray is twisted. In this case, if the ice maker is operated at an ambient temperature above 0°C, the motor load voltage when the ice tray is twisted will fall below 1.6V, even if the ice tray is present. Therefore, when the ice maker is operated at an ambient temperature above 0°C, it may be incorrectly determined that the ice tray is not present, even if it is. As a result, ice may not be made even if the ice tray is present.

[0012] On the other hand, consider the case where the system determines that an ice tray is present in the ice maker if the motor load voltage when the ice tray is twisted is 1.2V or higher. In this case, if the ice maker is operated at an ambient temperature lower than -20°C, the motor load voltage when the ice tray is twisted will exceed 1.2V even if the ice tray is not present. Therefore, if the ice maker is operated at an ambient temperature lower than -20°C, it will be incorrectly determined that an ice tray is present even if it is not. As a result, water may be supplied to the ice maker even though there is no ice tray. Figure 14 shows these temperature and voltage ranges with hatching.

[0013] Therefore, if we attempt to determine the presence or absence of an ice tray based solely on the motor load voltage or current value when the ice tray is twisted, there is a problem in that we cannot accurately determine the presence or absence of the ice tray depending on the ambient temperature of the motor.

[0014] This invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a refrigerator that can accurately determine whether or not an ice tray is present in an ice maker. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising an ice maker and a calculation control unit, wherein the ice maker has an ice tray and a rotary drive unit for rotating the ice tray, the rotary drive unit is configured to rotate and twist the ice tray by the driving force of a motor, thereby releasing the ice from the ice tray, and the calculation control unit measures a first load voltage value of the motor during a first measurement period defined before the twisting of the ice tray begins, measures a second load voltage value of the motor during a second measurement period defined while the twisting of the ice tray is taking place, and determines the presence or absence of the ice tray based on the voltage difference between the first load voltage value and the second load voltage value. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the presence or absence of the ice tray can be accurately determined regardless of the temperature of the location where the motor is installed. Whether the internal temperature of the freezer compartment where the ice tray is installed is in the freezing temperature range of about -20°C or at room temperature of about 20°C, the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value is sufficiently large. Therefore, regardless of the refrigerator's operating status, the presence or absence of an ice tray can be accurately determined based on the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value.

[0016] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the calculation control unit determines that the ice tray is present if the second load voltage value is greater than the first load voltage value, and the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value is greater than a predetermined threshold. According to the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the presence of the ice tray can be determined even more accurately by considering the magnitude of the first load voltage value relative to the second load voltage value, in addition to the magnitude of the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value.

[0017] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the calculation control unit determines that the ice tray does not exist if the second load voltage value is greater than the first load voltage value and the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value is less than a predetermined threshold, or if the first load voltage value is greater than the second load voltage value. According to the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the absence of an ice tray can be reliably detected by making a determination based on the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value.

[0018] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second measurement period is characterized in that it ends earlier than the timing at which the motor stops. According to the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second load voltage value can be accurately measured during the second measurement period. Specifically, the load voltage value may momentarily rise at the timing when the motor stops. Therefore, if the second measurement period includes the timing when the motor stops, there is a risk that the momentary rise in the load voltage value may be mistakenly measured as the second load voltage value. In the present invention, by ending the second measurement period earlier than the timing at which the motor stops, the second load voltage value can be accurately measured without being affected by the momentary rise in the load voltage value.

[0019] Furthermore, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the average value of the load voltage during the first measurement period is adopted as the first load voltage value. According to the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first load voltage value can be detected stably.

[0020] Furthermore, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the average value of the load voltage during the second measurement period is adopted as the second load voltage value. According to the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second load voltage value can be detected stably.

[0021] Further, in the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, an ice making lever for detecting the amount of ice made by the ice making tray is further provided, and the arithmetic control unit starts the measurement of the first load voltage value in the first measurement period after the operation of the ice making lever is completed. According to the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to start the first measurement period by excluding the operation period of the ice making lever where the motor voltage fluctuation exists, and the first load voltage value can be accurately detected.

[0022] Further, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a detection switch disposed in the vicinity of the motor, wherein the detection switch transmits an input signal to the arithmetic control unit when the ice making tray reaches a twisted angle, and the arithmetic control unit, upon receiving the input signal, performs measurement of the second load voltage value in the second measurement period. According to the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, an increase in the load voltage value caused by twisting the ice making tray can be reliably detected. Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the presence or absence of the ice making tray in the ice maker can be accurately determined, and water supply can be reliably stopped when the ice making tray is not present. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the refrigerator provided with the ice maker of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the ice maker of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] It is a front view showing the ice maker of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] It is a side view showing the ice maker of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. [Figure 5]This is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram showing an ice maker in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the ice tray and the rotating drive unit in a horizontal position. [Figure 6B] This figure shows an ice maker in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing the ice tray and rotating drive unit in a horizontal position. [Figure 6C] This figure shows an ice maker in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing the ice tray and rotary drive unit in a horizontal position. [Figure 7A] This is a diagram showing an ice maker in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the rotating ice tray and the rotating drive unit. [Figure 7B] This figure shows an ice maker in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing the rotating ice tray and the rotating drive unit. [Figure 7C] This figure shows an ice maker in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing the rotating ice tray and the rotating drive unit. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rotary drive unit in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the connection configuration in an ice maker for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the ice detection operation in the ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the de-ice operation in an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the operation of measuring the load voltage in the ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This graph shows the fluctuation of the motor load voltage during the de-iceing operation in an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] In the background technology section, this graph shows the fluctuation of the motor load voltage when the ice tray is twisted during the de-icing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components in principle, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, the directions of up, down, front, back, left, and right will be used as appropriate, but left and right refers to the left and right when the refrigerator 10 is viewed from the front. In addition, the calculation control unit in the claims corresponds to the ice maker calculation control unit 50 in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 1 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 10 of this embodiment.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, the refrigerator 10 is a device for refrigerating or freezing stored items such as food, beverages, and ice. The refrigerator 10 has an insulated box 11. The interior of the insulated box 11 is used as a storage room. This storage room is divided into a refrigerator room 12 and a freezer room 13 by an insulated partition wall 22. The front opening of the refrigerator room 12 is closed by an insulated door 15 that can be opened and closed. The front opening of the freezer room 13 is closed by an insulated door 16 that can be opened and closed. The insulated doors 15 and 16 are rotary doors whose right end is pivotally supported on the insulated box 11. Note that drawer-type doors may be used as the insulated doors 15 and 16. The refrigerator 10 also includes an ice maker 40 and an ice maker calculation control unit 50, which will be described later. The ice maker 40 will be described later with reference to Figures 2 to 7C. The operation of the ice maker calculation control unit 50 will be described later with reference to Figures 9 and later.

[0028] A cooling chamber 18 is partitioned off behind the freezer chamber 13, and an evaporator 17 is installed in the cooling chamber 18. A machine room 14 is partitioned off at the bottom rear of the insulated box 11, and a compressor 19 and other equipment are installed in the machine room 14. The evaporator 17 and compressor 19 are connected to an expansion means and a condenser (not shown) via refrigerant piping, forming a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. A defrost heater 21 is installed below the evaporator 17 to melt frost on the evaporator 17.

[0029] A blower 20 is installed at the top of the cooling chamber 18, and the air inside the cooling chamber 18, cooled by the evaporator 17, is blown via the blower 20 to the refrigerator chamber 12, the freezer chamber 13, and the ice maker 40, which will be described later.

[0030] The refrigerator arithmetic control unit 25 controls the operation of the compressor 19 and the blower 20, etc., so that the freezer compartment 13 is cooled to the freezing temperature range and the refrigerator compartment 12 is cooled to the refrigeration temperature range. It also maintains the frozen state of the ice stored in the ice storage container 23. The air that has cooled the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 returns to the cooling compartment 18 via the return air passage. Here, the refrigerator arithmetic control unit 25 is, for example, a CPU.

[0031] The insulated box 11 mainly consists of an outer box 111 made of steel plates that form the outer shape of the refrigerator 10, an inner box 112 made of a box-shaped synthetic resin plate formed inside the outer box 111, and an insulating material 113 disposed between the outer box 111 and the inner box 112. As the insulating material 113, for example, foamed urethane, vacuum insulating material, etc. are used.

[0032] The ice maker 40 is located near the upper end of the freezer compartment 13. The ice maker 40 is a device that performs the ice-making and de-ice-making processes with virtually no user intervention required. Here, an ice-making compartment is partitioned off at the upper end of the freezer compartment 13 as the internal space of the ice storage container 23, and the ice maker 40 is installed inside this ice-making compartment.

[0033] A water supply device 30 is installed at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12. The water supply device 30 includes a water supply container 31 and a water supply pipe 32, etc. The user stores water in the water supply container 31 for supply to the ice maker 40. The water supply pipe 32 is installed to connect the inside of the water supply container 31 and the ice tray 41. Since the water supply container 31 can be easily removed from inside the refrigerator compartment 12, supplying water to the water supply container 31 and cleaning it are easy. The water stored in the water supply container 31 is supplied to the ice tray 41, which will be described later, via the water supply pipe 32, driven by the power of a pump (not shown here).

[0034] In the ice maker 40, ice is produced by freezing water supplied from the water supply device 30 in the ice tray 41. The ice produced by the ice maker 40 is detached from the ice tray 41 and falls into the ice storage container 23. The ice storage container 23 is a container that partitions the ice-making chamber and is designed to be pull out in the front-to-back direction.

[0035] When making ice using the ice maker 40, the user first fills the water supply container 31 with water. Specifically, the user removes the water supply container 31 from the outside, supplies water to it, and then returns the water-filled water supply container 31 to the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12. Then, based on instructions from the user or the refrigerator control unit 25, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from inside the water supply container 31 to the ice tray 41 via the water supply pipe 32 using a pump (not shown). Next, once the water stored in the ice tray 41 has frozen, the ice tray 41 is inverted and then twisted by the rotary drive unit 46 (described later) to remove the ice. The removed ice is stored in the ice storage container 23. As a result, the ice maker 40 automatically performs the water supply to the ice tray 41 and the ice removal from the ice tray 41, so ice making is performed without the user having to perform these tasks.

[0036] When a user needs to use ice, they open the insulated door 16 and pull the ice storage container 23 forward. In this way, the user can take ice out of the ice storage container 23 and use it. Once the ice has been taken out, the user pushes the ice storage container 23 backward to return it to the inside of the freezer compartment 13 and closes the front opening of the freezer compartment 13 with the insulated door 16.

[0037] The configuration of the ice maker 40 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 3B. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ice maker 40. Figure 3A is a front view of the ice maker 40. Figure 3B is a side view of the ice maker 40. Each component of the ice maker 40 is made of, for example, injection-molded synthetic resin.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, the ice maker 40 mainly comprises a fixed frame section 43, a movable frame section 42, an ice tray 41, and a rotary drive section 46. The ice maker 40 has the function of de-iceing the ice formed when water stored in the ice tray 41 freezes. In other words, the ice maker 40 is a device that automatically performs the de-iceing operation on behalf of the user.

[0039] The fixed frame portion 43 is a member that is fixed to the side of the aforementioned insulated box body 11 and is configured to support the movable frame portion 42 and the ice tray 41 in a removable state. The upper surface of the fixed frame portion 43 is fixed to the ceiling surface of the freezer chamber 13 shown in Figure 1. The fixed frame portion 43 as a whole is a member that has a substantially frame shape with a longitudinal direction along the front-to-back direction. Details of the fixed frame portion 43 will be described later with reference to Figure 5, etc.

[0040] The movable frame portion 42 is a generally frame-shaped member with a longitudinal direction along the front-to-back direction. The movable frame portion 42 is slidably disposed relative to the fixed frame portion 43 along the front-to-back direction by a sliding mechanism. The movable frame portion 42 is also configured to rotatably support the ice tray 41.

[0041] The ice tray 41 is a container in which water used for ice making is stored. The ice tray 41 is a member having a longitudinal direction along the front-to-back direction. The ice tray 41 is rotatably held by the movable frame 42. The ice tray 41 has an ice-making recess 413 in which water that will turn into ice when frozen is stored.

[0042] The ice maker 40 also includes an air guide 24 and an ice-making lever 45.

[0043] The air guide 24 is attached to the rear of the fixed frame 43 and is a component that guides the air blown from the blower 20 forward toward the ice tray 41.

[0044] Referring to Figure 3B, the ice-making lever 45 is a lever that detects the amount of ice stored in the ice storage container 23 described above. The rear end of the ice-making lever 45 is rotatably connected to the rotary drive unit 46, which will be described later. The front end of the ice-making lever 45 is in contact with the ice stored in the ice storage container 23 described above.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2, the ice maker 40 has a rotating locking portion 433 and a recess 422 as restricting members that restrict the extension of the movable frame portion 42. The rotating locking portion 433 is provided at the front right end of the fixed frame portion 43. The recess 422 is formed at the front right end of the movable frame portion 42. The rotating locking portion 433 is rotatably provided with respect to the fixed frame body portion 431 of the fixed frame portion 43. The rotating locking portion 433 has a shape like a so-called knob that protrudes forward to facilitate rotation by the user. The recess 422 is a portion of the front right end of the movable frame body portion 421 that is partially recessed toward the rear.

[0046] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the components of the ice maker 40 will be described. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker 40, with each component disassembled, viewed from above. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker 40, with each component disassembled, viewed from below.

[0047] The ice maker 40 includes an ice tray 41 and a rotary drive unit 46. Furthermore, the ice maker 40 includes a fixed frame 43 and a movable frame 42, etc.

[0048] The fixed frame section 43 is a substantially frame-shaped member having a longitudinal direction along the front-rear direction, and is the main body of the ice maker 40. The fixed frame section 43 has a fixed frame main body section 431. Furthermore, by opening the rear portion of the fixed frame main body section 431 in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening 432 is formed for the circulation of air for freezing. Rail support sections 435 are formed at the lower part of both ends in the left-right direction of the fixed frame main body section 431. The rail support sections 435 are groove-shaped recesses that extend from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction. The rail section 426 of the movable frame section 42, which will be described later, is slidably installed on the rail support sections 435.

[0049] The ice tray 41 is a component that stores and freezes water for ice making. The ice tray 41 has a substantially rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction along the front-to-back direction. The ice tray 41 has an ice tray body 411. By partially recessing the ice tray body 411 downwards, ice-making recesses 413 are formed. In the ice-making recesses 413, water is stored and frozen to produce individual ice cubes. Numerous ice-making recesses 413 are formed in a matrix along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. As shown in Figure 4, a front rotation axis 412 is formed on the front part 414 of the ice tray body 411. The front rotation axis 412 is a portion that protrudes forward in a substantially cylindrical shape from near the center of the left-to-right direction on the front of the ice tray body 411.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a contact portion 415 is formed by making the right end of the front surface of the ice tray 41 protrude forward. The contact portion 415 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped. In the de-icing process described later, the contact portion 415 comes into contact with the contact portion 427 of the movable frame portion 42 shown in Figure 5.

[0051] The movable frame portion 42 is a part that rotatably holds the ice tray 41 and is slidably installed relative to the fixed frame portion 43. Referring to Figure 4, the movable frame portion 42 is a member that generally has a frame shape, and a tray storage opening 424 is formed in its center. The tray storage opening 424 is a roughly rectangular opening in which the ice tray 41 is stored. The size of the tray storage opening 424 in a top view is slightly larger than the ice tray 41.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the left and right sides of the movable frame body 421 are designated as rail sections 426. The rail sections 426 are convex portions that extend outward in the left-right direction. The rail sections 426 are inserted into the rail receiving portions 435 of the fixed frame section 43. That is, by inserting the rail sections 426 of the movable frame section 42 into the rail receiving portions 435 of the fixed frame section 43, the movable frame section 42 is held slidably relative to the fixed frame section 43.

[0053] A notch 423 is formed on the front surface of the main body of the movable frame 421. The notch 423 is a roughly rectangular cutout near the lower end of the front surface of the main body of the movable frame 421. The notch 423 is a place where the user can insert their hand and grip with their fingers when pulling out the movable frame 42 and the ice tray 41.

[0054] A connection opening 425 is formed on the rear surface of the movable frame body 421. The connection opening 425 is the part into which the rear portion of the rotating connection part 47, which will be described later, is inserted. That is, the rotating connection part 47 is drivenly connected to the rotating drive part 46 via the connection opening 425.

[0055] The rotary drive unit 46 is configured to rotate and twist the ice tray 41 using the driving force of the motor 462, thereby releasing the ice from the ice tray 41. The rotary drive unit 46 is fixed to the lower part of the rear end of the fixed frame 43 and houses the motor 462, which will be described later, for rotating the ice tray 41. The front of the rotary drive unit 46 is provided with a drive shaft 461 that protrudes forward in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. Based on instructions from the refrigerator calculation control unit 25, which will be described later, the drive shaft 461 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the front by the driving force of the motor 462. The drive shaft 461 is inserted into the concave portion of the rotary connection unit 47, which will be described later, so as to prevent relative rotation. As a result, the rotational driving force of the rotary drive unit 46 enables the ice tray 41 to rotate, reverse, and twist during the de-ice process.

[0056] The rotating connector 47 is positioned between the ice tray 41 and the rotary drive unit 46 and acts as a relay member that transmits rotational driving force from the rotary drive unit 46 to the ice tray 41. The rotating connector 47 is fixed to the rear end of the ice tray 41 by fitting. The rotating connector 47 can be removed from the movable frame 42 together with the ice tray 41 for purposes such as cleaning the ice tray 41.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5, a contact portion 427 is formed on the movable frame portion 42. The contact portion 427 is a substantially flat surface facing downward to the right at the front left end of the movable frame body portion 421. The contact portion 427 is located in a part corresponding to the front left end of the tray storage opening 424. As will be described later, the contact portion 427 is the part that the contact portion 415 of the ice tray 41 contacts during the process of de-ice-making the ice tray 41. When the contact portion 415 contacts the notch portion 423, the rotation of the front part of the ice tray 41 is prevented. This allows the ice tray 41 to be twisted for de-ice-making.

[0058] As described above, the ice tray 41 is inserted into and removed from the fixed frame 43 while incorporated into the movable frame 42. The ice tray 41 is also detachable from the movable frame 42. Therefore, the movable frame 42 may be inserted into the movable frame 42 without the ice tray 41. Referring to Figure 1, if the ice-making operation is performed without any countermeasures being taken and the ice tray 41 is not present in the ice maker 40, there is a risk that the water supplied to the ice maker 40 via the water supply pipe 32 may leak into the freezer compartment 13. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 is determined based on the temporal fluctuation of the load voltage generated when the ice tray 41 is rotated and twisted. If the ice tray 41 is present in the ice maker 40, water is supplied to the ice tray 41 from the water supply container 31 and the ice-making operation is performed. On the other hand, if the ice tray 41 is not present in the ice maker 40, water is not supplied to the ice tray 41 from the water supply container 31. In other words, in such cases, the ice-making operation is not performed. By doing this, if the ice tray 41 is not mounted on the movable frame 42, water is not supplied to the ice tray 41, preventing water from leaking into the freezer compartment 13. On the other hand, if the ice tray 41 is installed on the movable frame 42, water is supplied to the ice tray 41 and the ice-making operation can be performed.

[0059] Furthermore, some refrigerators 10 are equipped with a cleaning mode. In cleaning mode, the insulated door 16 is opened and closed frequently, so the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 where the ice maker 40 is located becomes about the same as the room temperature, for example, about 20°C. It is also possible that the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is about 20°C immediately after the refrigerator 10 returns to normal operation from cleaning mode. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 is determined based on the temporal change in the load voltage. Therefore, even at the stage immediately after cleaning mode, when the ice maker 40 is exposed to relatively high temperatures, the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 can be accurately determined. Therefore, when the ice tray 41 is not present immediately after the cleaning mode is completed, it is possible to prevent water from being supplied to the ice maker 40 from the water supply container 31. The same applies to the situation immediately after the refrigerator 10 is powered on.

[0060] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are perspective, front, and side views, respectively, of the ice tray 41 and the rotary drive unit 46 in a horizontal position. Except during the de-icing process, the ice maker 40 is in a horizontal position. That is, when water is supplied to the ice-making recess 413 of the ice maker 40, or when the water stored in the ice-making recess 413 is being cooled, the top surface of the ice maker 40 is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0061] Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C are perspective, front, and side views, respectively, showing the rotated ice tray 41 and the rotation drive unit 46. In the de-icing process, which separates ice from the ice-making recess 413, the ice tray 41 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the motor 462 provided in the rotation drive unit 46. Here, the ice tray 41 is shown rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise when viewed from the front by the rotation drive unit 46. In this embodiment, the clockwise direction when viewed from the front is referred to as the forward rotation direction, and the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front is referred to as the reverse rotation direction.

[0062] As described above, the rotation drive unit 46 further rotates the ice tray 41, causing it to invert so that the ice-making recess 413 faces downwards. As the rotation drive unit 46 rotates the ice tray 41 further, the contact portion 415 of the ice tray 41 comes into contact with the contacted portion 427, which is part of the movable frame portion 42 shown in Figure 5. As a result, the front end of the ice tray 41 is prevented from rotating by the contacted portion 427. On the other hand, the rear end of the ice tray 41 continues to rotate due to the rotation drive unit 46. In this way, the ice tray 41 deforms by twisting around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. As a result, the frozen ice in the ice-making recess 413 of the ice tray 41 is thawed and stored in the ice storage container 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0063] Referring to Figure 8, the internal configuration of the aforementioned rotary drive unit 46 will be explained. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the rotary drive unit 46, and is the cross-section at the AA cross-section in Figure 4. The AA cross-section includes both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0064] The rotary drive unit 46 comprises a housing 465, a motor 462, a gear 464, a detection switch 463, and a lever shaft 451. The rotary drive unit 46 is a device that rotates the drive shaft 461 and the ice-making lever 45.

[0065] The housing 465 is roughly rectangular in shape. Inside the housing 465 are the motor 462, gear 464, detection switch 463, and lever shaft 451. The drive shaft 461 is exposed from the front of the housing 465, facing forward. The lever shaft 451 is led out from the right side of the housing 465, facing to the right.

[0066] The motor 462 generates rotational driving force to rotate the drive shaft 461 and the ice-making lever 45.

[0067] Gear 464 transmits the rotational driving force generated by motor 462 to drive shaft 461 and lever shaft 451. In reality, multiple gears 464 are housed in the rotational drive unit 46. Gear 464 converts the rotational driving force generated by motor 462 into a predetermined rotational direction, rotational speed, and torque, which is then transmitted to drive shaft 461 and lever shaft 451. The rear surface of gear 464 has a convex portion that contacts the detection switch 463 and a groove-shaped portion that guides the lever shaft 451.

[0068] The detection switch 463 is a tact switch located near the drive shaft 461. When the gear 464 rotates to a predetermined rotation angle, a specific part of the gear 464, such as a grooved or uneven part, comes into contact with the detection switch 463, thereby pressing the detection switch 463. When the detection switch 463 is pressed by the gear 464, it transmits a signal to the ice maker calculation control unit 50, which will be described later, indicating that it is in the ON state.

[0069] The lever shaft 451 is a roughly cylindrical member that connects to the rear end of the ice-making lever 45 and extends to the left. The left end of the lever shaft 451 is slidably engaged with a groove-shaped portion formed on the rear surface of the gear 464. With this configuration, the rotation of the gear 464 can rotate the ice-making lever 45 via the lever shaft 451.

[0070] The drive shaft 461 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped projection formed on the front surface of the gear 464. As shown in Figure 4, the drive shaft 461 protrudes forward from the front surface of the housing 465 and is fitted to the concave portion of the rotating connection 47 in a manner that prevents relative rotation. With this configuration, the ice tray 41 can be rotated and twisted by the driving force of the motor 462 via the drive shaft 461 and the rotating connection 47.

[0071] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of the ice maker 40. The ice maker circuit board 52 is located near the ice maker 40. The ice maker 40 is connected to the main circuit board 51 via the ice maker circuit board 52. The main circuit board 51 houses the refrigerator calculation control unit 25 shown in Figure 1. The main circuit board 51 is located on the back or top surface of the insulated box 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0072] As described above, the ice maker 40 includes an ice tray 41 and a motor 462, and the motor 462 drives the rotation and twisting of the ice tray 41. Specifically, the motor 462 rotates the ice tray 41 via the drive shaft 461 and rotation connection part 47 shown in Figure 4. The ice maker 40 also has a detection switch 463. The configuration of the detection switch 463 is as shown in Figure 8. The detection switch 463 is configured to emit an ON signal to the ice maker calculation control unit 50, which will be described later, when the rotation angle of the ice tray 41 reaches a certain level.

[0073] The ice maker circuit board 52 includes a power supply circuit 53, a load current detection circuit 57, an ice maker calculation control unit 50, and a motor driver 56.

[0074] The power supply circuit 53 is a circuit configured to supply power to the motor 462 for rotational driving.

[0075] The ice maker calculation control unit 50 is, for example, a microcontroller and includes a CPU, memory 501, timer, etc. The memory 501 is, for example, ROM, RAM, etc. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 is configured to execute predetermined operations based on a program read from the memory 501, etc. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 is connected to the main board 51 via a harness (not shown). As will be described later, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether or not there is an ice tray 41 in the ice maker 40. The memory 501 also stores the first measurement period D1, the second measurement period D2, the first load voltage value V1, and the second load voltage value V2, etc., when determining whether or not there is an ice tray 41.

[0076] The motor driver 56 is configured to rotate the motor 462 based on instructions from the ice maker calculation control unit 50. Specifically, the motor driver 56 converts the power supplied from the power supply circuit 53 into power to rotate the motor 462 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed, based on instruction signals supplied from the ice maker calculation control unit 50. The power converted by the motor driver 56 is supplied to the motor 462.

[0077] The load current detection circuit 57 is a circuit that detects the load current supplied from the power supply circuit 53 to the motor driver 56. The load current detection circuit 57 converts the load current supplied from the power supply circuit 53 to the motor driver 56 into a load voltage. In this way, as will be described later, the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 can be determined based on the difference in load voltage. The load current detection circuit 57 includes a shunt resistor 55 and an operational amplifier 54.

[0078] The shunt resistor 55 is installed in the power supply path from the power supply circuit 53 to the motor driver 56. The load voltage is measured by measuring the voltage drop across the shunt resistor 55.

[0079] The operational amplifier 54 is interposed between the shunt resistor 55 and the ice maker calculation control unit 50. The operational amplifier 54 amplifies the load voltage measured by the shunt resistor 55 and supplies the amplified load voltage to the ice maker calculation control unit 50.

[0080] When the ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures the load voltage, it measures the load voltage of the power supplied from the power supply circuit 53 to the motor driver 56. This load voltage is the voltage across the shunt resistor 55 and is amplified by the operational amplifier 54.

[0081] The control panel 26 is connected to the ice maker calculation control unit 50 and is located on the front of the insulated door 15 of the insulated enclosure 11. The control panel 26 is equipped with a display, buttons, a touch panel, etc. By operating the control panel 26, the user can adjust the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13, turn the ice maker 40 ON and OFF, select a cleaning mode, and perform other operations.

[0082] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the ice inspection operation by the ice maker 40 described above. Based on Figure 10, and referring to the previously mentioned figures, the ice inspection operation will be explained. Here, ice inspection refers to determining whether the amount of ice stored in the ice storage container 23 is sufficient, as shown in Figure 1.

[0083] In step S101, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether the door to the ice-making compartment, i.e., the insulated door 16 shown in Figure 1, is open or not. Furthermore, if there is another door to the ice-making compartment for the ice storage container 23, separate from the insulated door 16, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 checks whether the ice-making compartment door is closed or not. In this way, the ice-making operation described later can only be performed when the insulated door 16 is closed.

[0084] If the answer in step S101 is YES, that is, if the insulated door 16 is open, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 returns to step S101. In other words, if the insulated door 16 is open, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 does not perform the ice detection operation or the de-iceing operation.

[0085] If the answer in step S101 is NO, that is, if the insulated door 16 is closed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S102. In other words, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs the ice detection operation and the de-iceing operation when the insulated door 16 is closed.

[0086] In step S102, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether or not a sufficient amount of ice is stored in the ice storage container 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0087] In step S103, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected an abnormality in the ice maker 40. This prevents ice making from occurring when the ice maker 40 is malfunctioning. Here, an abnormality in the ice maker 40 means, for example, that the detection switch 463 shown in Figure 8, which is normally in the OFF state, is in the ON state.

[0088] If the answer in step S103 is YES, that is, if an abnormality in the ice maker 40 is detected, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S106.

[0089] If the answer in step S103 is NO, that is, if no abnormality is detected in the ice maker 40, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S104.

[0090] In step S104, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 checks whether it has detected that the ice storage container 23 is full of ice. Specifically, referring to Figure 3B, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines the amount of ice stored in the ice storage container 23 based on the angle of inclination of the ice making lever 45 as it tilts downward from the horizontal plane. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 rotates the ice making lever 45 downward until it contacts the ice stored in the ice storage container 23. Furthermore, if the angle of inclination of the ice making lever 45 when it contacts the ice is greater than a predetermined threshold angle, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that there is not enough ice stored in the ice storage container 23 and continues the ice making operation by the ice maker 40. On the other hand, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that a sufficient amount of ice has been stored in the ice storage container 23 if the tilt angle of the ice-making lever 45 when it comes into contact with the ice is below a threshold angle, and stops the ice-making operation by the ice maker 40.

[0091] If the answer in step S104 is YES, that is, if a sufficient amount of ice is stored in the ice storage container 23, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S105.

[0092] If the answer in step S104 is NO, that is, if there is not enough ice stored in the ice storage container 23, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S107.

[0093] In step S105, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 executes the full ice operation because a sufficient amount of ice has been stored in the ice storage container 23. That is, it stops the ice making operation by the ice maker 40 by not proceeding to the de-ice operation. Also in step S105, after a certain period of time has elapsed, for example, after about an hour, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs the ice detection in step S104 again.

[0094] In step S106, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs an action when the ice maker 40 is showing an abnormality. For example, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 displays on the control panel 26 that the ice maker 40 is in an abnormal state. Also in step S106, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs the ice detection in step S103 again.

[0095] In step S107, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs a de-icing operation to separate the ice from the ice tray 41. The de-icing operation will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0096] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the de-icing operation by the ice maker 40 described above. Based on Figure 11, and referring to the figures mentioned above, the de-icing operation will be explained. Here, de-icing refers to the process of removing ice downwards from the ice-making recess 413 of the ice tray 41, as shown in Figure 7A, and storing the ice in the ice storage container 23 shown in Figure 1. When explaining the de-icing operation, the graph shown in Figure 13 will also be referred to.

[0097] Figure 13 is a graph showing the change in load voltage acting on the shunt resistor 55 over time. In Figure 13, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the load voltage acting on the shunt resistor 55. In Figure 13, the state in which the ambient temperature of the ice maker 40 is at freezing temperature and the ice tray 41 is attached to the ice maker 40 (C1) is shown by a dashed line, and the state in which the ambient temperature of the ice maker 40 is at freezing temperature and the ice tray 41 is not attached to the ice maker 40 (C2) is shown by a double dashed line. The state in which the ambient temperature of the ice maker 40 is at room temperature and the ice tray 41 is attached to the ice maker 40 (C3) is shown by a solid line, and the state in which the ambient temperature of the ice maker 40 is at room temperature and the ice tray 41 is not attached to the ice maker 40 (C4) is shown by a dotted line.

[0098] The following details each step in the de-icing process.

[0099] In step S201, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 causes the motor 462 to rotate in the forward direction. Specifically, referring to Figure 7A, based on instructions from the ice maker calculation control unit 50, the motor 462 of the rotation drive unit 46 rotates the ice tray 41. The direction of rotation is clockwise when viewed from the front.

[0100] In step S202, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time, for example 1.5 seconds, has elapsed since the start of the de-ice operation. By determining the elapsed time in this step, a stable voltage value can be measured. Specifically, referring to Figure 13, the load voltage value of the de-ice operation fluctuates greatly in the initial stage of the de-ice process. Therefore, by measuring the load voltage value of the motor 462 after 1.5 seconds have elapsed in this step, the load voltage value of the motor 462 can be accurately measured, and the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 can be accurately determined.

[0101] If the answer in step S202 is YES, that is, if a predetermined time has elapsed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S203.

[0102] If the answer in step S202 is NO, that is, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 returns to step S202. In other words, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 waits for the predetermined time to elapse.

[0103] In step S203, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures the load voltage of the shunt resistor 55 before twisting the ice tray 41. Specifically, referring to Figure 13, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures the first load voltage value V1 of the motor 462 during a first measurement period D1 defined before the twisting of the ice tray 41 begins. The first load voltage value V1 is stored in memory 501. In step S203, the average value of the load voltage values ​​during the first measurement period D1 is adopted as the first load voltage value V1. In this way, the first load voltage value V1 can be detected stably. This matter will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0104] Furthermore, the first measurement period D1 is set after the ice detection operation by the ice-making lever 45 described above has finished and a certain period of time has elapsed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the rotary drive unit 46 has a drive shaft 461 that twists the ice tray 41 and an ice-making lever 45. The drive shaft 461 and the ice-making lever 45 are driven by the same motor 462. Therefore, if the ice-making lever 45 and the drive shaft 461 are driven simultaneously by the motor 462, the load voltage of the motor 462 will be affected by the operation of the ice-making lever 45. As a result, there is a risk that the detection of the ice tray 41 based on the load voltage will become inaccurate. In this embodiment, the measurement of the first load voltage value V1 in the first measurement period D1 is started after the ice detection operation using the ice-making lever 45 has finished. By doing so, the first measurement period D1 can be started while excluding the operating period of the ice-making lever 45, which has large voltage fluctuations in the motor 462, and the first load voltage value V1 can be accurately detected.

[0105] In step S204, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether the detection switch 463 shown in Figure 9 is ON or OFF. That is, when the drive shaft 461 and gear 464 shown in Figure 8 rotate until they reach a predetermined rotation angle, and a predetermined part of the gear 464 presses the detection switch 463, the unit confirms whether the detection switch 463 has transmitted an ON signal to the ice maker calculation control unit 50. When the detection switch 463 is ON, it can be determined that twisting is being applied to the ice tray 41. Specifically, when the contact portion 415 of the ice tray 41 shown in Figure 7A is in contact with the contacted portion 427 shown in Figure 5, the rotation drive unit 46 rotates the ice tray 41, causing twisting to occur in the ice tray 41.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 does not immediately stop the motor 462 when the detection switch 463 is turned ON. After the detection switch 463 is turned ON, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs forward rotation of the motor 462 for a predetermined period of time, for example, 1 second, and continues the twisting operation of the ice tray 41. As a result, as will be described later, in step S205, the average value of the motor load voltage can be measured over a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the motor load voltage can be measured accurately and stably. In addition, even if the motor 462 is rotated forward for a predetermined period of time after the detection switch 463 is turned ON, the twisting operation of the ice tray 41 continues, so the motor 462 does not lock up.

[0107] In step S205, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures the load voltage of the motor 462 while the ice tray 41 is being twisted. Specifically, referring to Figure 13, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures the second load voltage value V2 of the motor 462 during a second measurement period D2 defined while the ice tray 41 is being twisted. As mentioned above, if the ice tray 41 is present, the resistance generated by the twisting of the ice tray 41 causes the second load voltage value V2 to be greater than the first load voltage value V1. On the other hand, if the ice tray 41 is not present, no resistance is generated, so the second load voltage value V2 will be approximately the same as the first load voltage value V1. The second load voltage value V2 is stored in the memory 501. In this step, the average value of the load voltage values ​​during the second measurement period D2 is adopted as the second load voltage value V2. In this way, the second load voltage value V2 can be detected stably. Related matters will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0108] Furthermore, in step S205, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 starts the second measurement period D2 based on the output of the detection switch 463 shown in Figure 8. Specifically, as described above, the motor 462 shown in Figure 8 rotates the drive shaft 461, causing the ice tray 41 to rotate and twist as shown in Figure 7A. After the ice tray 41 reaches the twisted angle, a specific part on the rear surface of the gear 464 presses the detection switch 463. When the detection switch 463 is pressed, the detection switch 463 transmits an input signal to the ice maker calculation control unit 50 indicating this. After receiving the input signal, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 measures the second load voltage value V2 during the second measurement period D2. In this way, the load voltage during the second measurement period D2 can be accurately measured while the ice tray 41 is being twisted.

[0109] Referring to Figure 13, the second measurement period D2 ends earlier than the timing when the motor 462 stops. Specifically, referring to the horizontal axis in Figure 13, the point at which the time becomes "0" is the timing when the motor 462 stops. In C1 to C4, the second measurement period D2 ends earlier than the timing when the motor 462 stops. In this way, the second load voltage value V2 can be accurately measured in the second measurement period D2. Specifically, at the timing when the motor 462 stops, the load voltage value increases instantaneously due to the motor 462 locking up. Therefore, if the second measurement period D2 includes the timing when the motor 462 stops, there is a risk of mistakenly measuring the instantaneous increase in the load voltage value as the second load voltage value V2. In the present invention, by ending the second measurement period D2 earlier than the timing when the motor 462 stops, the second load voltage value V2 can be accurately measured without being affected by the instantaneous increase in the load voltage value.

[0110] In step S206, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 activates the motor 462. Referring to Figure 7A, when the motor 462 is stopped, the rotation of the ice tray 41 stops. The ice tray 41 stops with the ice-making recess 413 facing downwards.

[0111] In step S207, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time, for example 1 second, has elapsed since the motor 462 stopped.

[0112] If the answer in step S207 is YES, that is, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the motor 462 stopped, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S208.

[0113] If the answer in step S207 is NO, that is, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the motor 462 stopped, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 returns to step S207. In this way, referring to Figure 7A, the state in which the ice tray 41 is facing downwards can be maintained for a predetermined period of time, and the ice can be reliably separated from the ice-making recess 413 of the ice tray 41.

[0114] In step S208, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 reverses the rotation of the motor 462. Specifically, referring to Figure 7A, based on instructions from the ice maker calculation control unit 50, the motor 462 rotates the ice tray 41 in the reverse direction, that is, counterclockwise when viewed from the front. This returns the ice tray 41 to the horizontal position. Here, the horizontal position is the state in which the top surface of the ice tray 41 is parallel to the horizontal plane, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0115] In step S209, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 checks whether the ice tray 41 has returned to the horizontal position.

[0116] If the answer in step S209 is YES, that is, if the ice tray 41 has returned to the horizontal position, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S210.

[0117] If the answer in step S209 is NO, that is, if the ice tray 41 has not yet returned to the horizontal position, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 returns to step S208 and continues the reverse rotation of the motor 462.

[0118] In step S210, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 detects an abnormality in the ice maker 40. Specifically, for example, it checks whether the detection switch 463 shown in Figure 8 is operating normally on or off.

[0119] If the answer in step S210 is YES, that is, if an abnormality in the ice maker 40 is detected, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S211.

[0120] If the answer in step S210 is NO, that is, if no abnormality is detected in the ice maker 40, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S212.

[0121] In step S211, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs an action to detect an abnormality in the ice maker 40. For example, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 causes the control panel 26 to display an indication that the ice maker 40 is malfunctioning. The ice maker calculation control unit 50 also stops the operation of the ice maker 40 and, after a certain period of time, for example about one hour, performs the detection action in step S210 again.

[0122] In step S212, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether or not there is an instruction to stop the ice maker 40. Specifically, it determines whether or not there is an instruction to stop the ice maker 40 based on the operation of the ice maker calculation control unit 50 or the user via the control panel 26.

[0123] If the answer in step S212 is YES, that is, if there is an instruction to stop the ice maker 40, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S213.

[0124] If the answer in step S212 is NO, that is, if there is no instruction to stop the ice maker 40, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S214.

[0125] In step S213, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 stops the operation of the ice maker 40 and does not continue the ice-making process.

[0126] In step S214, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 performs a process to compare the load current of the motor 462 in order to check whether or not there is an ice tray 41 in the ice maker 40.

[0127] This step will be explained with reference to Figure 13. In this step, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 based on the voltage difference between the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2. In this way, the presence or absence of the ice tray can be accurately determined regardless of the temperature of the location where the motor 462 is installed.

[0128] Specifically, if the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 were to be determined solely based on the motor load voltage value at a given point in time, there is a risk that the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 could not be accurately determined because the motor load voltage value is temperature-dependent. Therefore, in this embodiment, the load voltage during the period before the ice tray 41 is turned is compared with the load voltage during the period when the ice tray 41 is turned. If the voltage difference between these two voltages is greater than a predetermined threshold (threshold voltage value), the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that the ice tray 41 is present. Here, the threshold voltage difference is, for example, 0.2V.

[0129] Specifically, if the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is within the freezing temperature range, and the ice tray 41 is installed in the ice maker 40, the voltage difference between the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2 will be greater than the threshold. In this case, the fluctuation of the load voltage will be as shown by C1 in Figure 13. On the other hand, if the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is within the freezing temperature range, and the ice tray 41 is not installed in the ice maker 40, the voltage difference between the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2 will be extremely small, and will be less than the threshold. In this case, the fluctuation of the load voltage will be as shown by C2 in Figure 13.

[0130] The same applies when the refrigerator 10 is at room temperature and the cleaning mode is performed, even if the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is at room temperature. Specifically, if the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is at room temperature and the ice tray 41 is installed in the ice maker 40, the voltage difference between the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2 will be greater than the threshold. In this case, the fluctuation of the load voltage will be as shown by C3 in Figure 13. On the other hand, if the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is at room temperature and the ice tray 41 is not installed in the ice maker 40, the voltage difference between the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2 will be extremely small and less than the threshold. In this case, the fluctuation of the load voltage will be as shown by C4 in Figure 13.

[0131] From the above, in this embodiment, whether the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 13 is in the freezing temperature range of about -20°C or at room temperature of about 20°C, the voltage difference between the second load voltage value V2 and the first load voltage value V1 is sufficiently larger than the threshold voltage of 0.2V. Therefore, regardless of the operating status of the refrigerator 10, if the voltage difference between the second load voltage value V2 and the first load voltage value V1 is greater than 0.2V, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 can accurately determine the presence or absence of the ice tray 41. That is, if both the following equations 1 and 2 are satisfied, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that the ice tray 41 is present. Formula 1: Second load voltage value V2 > First load voltage value V1 Equation 2: Second load voltage value V2 - First load voltage value V1 > 0.2

[0132] Furthermore, the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 can also be determined by taking into account the relative magnitudes of the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2. That is, when the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines the presence or absence of the ice tray 41, in addition to the determination based on the threshold voltage difference described above, it also considers the relative magnitudes of the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2. Specifically, as described above, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that the ice tray 41 is not installed in the ice maker 40 if the voltage difference between the second load voltage value V2 and the first load voltage value V1 is less than or equal to the threshold voltage difference of 0.2V. Moreover, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that the ice tray 41 is not installed in the ice maker 40 if the first load voltage value V1 is greater than the second load voltage value V2. In this way, it is possible to prevent misjudging the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 when the first load voltage value V1 is greater than the second load voltage value V2 due to instability in the load voltage, and the voltage difference exceeds a threshold. That is, if either or both of the following equations 3 and 4 are satisfied, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines that the ice tray 41 does not exist. Equation 3: Second load voltage value V2 - First load voltage value V1 ≤ 0.2 Equation 4: First load voltage value V1 > Second load voltage value V2

[0133] In step S215, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 detects the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 based on the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2 measured in steps S203 and S205 described above, using the method described in step S214.

[0134] If the answer in step S215 is YES, that is, if it is determined that the ice tray 41 is installed in the ice maker 40, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S216, that is, it performs the ice-making operation.

[0135] If the answer in step S215 is NO, that is, if it is determined that the ice tray 41 is not installed in the ice maker 40, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S217.

[0136] In step S216, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to the water supply operation. That is, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 supplies water from the water supply container 31 shown in Figure 1 to the ice tray 41 and performs the ice making operation.

[0137] In step S217, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 transitions to operation in the state where the ice tray 41 is absent. Specifically, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 stops supplying water to the ice tray 41. Furthermore, based on instructions from the ice maker calculation control unit 50, the control panel 26 displays or notifies that the ice tray 41 is absent. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 again performs the detection operation in step S215.

[0138] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of detecting the load voltage to determine the presence or absence of the ice tray 41. In other words, the flowchart shown in Figure 12 shows how to detect the load voltage in steps S203 and S205 described above.

[0139] In step S301, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 acquires the load AD value of the motor 462 from the load current detection circuit 57 shown in Figure 9. Here, the load AD value is numerical data converted into a digital signal by the ice maker calculation control unit 50 from the analog signal, which is the load current value measured by the load current detection circuit 57.

[0140] In step S302, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 sets the timer for the interval at which load AD values ​​are acquired. Here, the interval for acquiring load AD values ​​(AD value acquisition interval) is, for example, 0.15 seconds.

[0141] In step S303, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time, for example 1 second, has elapsed since the start of the process for detecting the presence or absence of the ice tray 41. Specifically, the ice maker calculation control unit 50, referring to Figure 13, determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first measurement period D1 or the second measurement period D2.

[0142] If the answer in step S303 is YES, that is, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first measurement period D1 or the second measurement period D2, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S305. That is, referring to Figure 13, the first measurement period D1 or the second measurement period D2 is terminated.

[0143] If the answer in step S303 is NO, that is, if a predetermined amount of time has not elapsed since the start of the first measurement period D1 or the second measurement period D2, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S304.

[0144] In step S304, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 determines whether or not the AD value acquisition interval of 0.15 seconds has elapsed. In this way, the load AD value can be acquired every 0.15 seconds.

[0145] If the answer in step S304 is YES, that is, if the AD value acquisition interval has elapsed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S301. That is, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 returns to step S301 and resumes acquiring the load AD value of the motor 462.

[0146] If the answer in step S304 is NO, that is, if the AD value acquisition interval has not elapsed, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 proceeds to step S303, that is, waits for the AD value acquisition interval to elapse.

[0147] In step S305, the ice maker calculation control unit 50 calculates the average load AD value by averaging the load AD values ​​of the motor 462. That is, the average value of the motor load voltage is adopted as the index for determining the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 during the first measurement period D1 and the second measurement period D2, i.e., the first load voltage value V1 and the second load voltage value V2. In this way, the presence or absence of the ice tray 41 can be determined more accurately.

[0148] The above steps complete the calculation of the motor load voltage value for the detection process of the ice tray 41.

[0149] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10 Refrigerator 11 Insulated box 111 Outer box 112 Inner box 113 Insulation 12 Refrigerator 13 Freezer 14 Machine room 15 Insulated Doors 16 Insulated Doors 17 Evaporator 18 Cooling room 19 Compressor 20 Blower 21 Defrost heater 22 Insulated partition wall 23 Ice storage containers 24 Air guide material 25 Refrigerator Calculation and Control Unit 26. Control Panel 30 Water supply equipment 31 Water container 32 Water supply pipe 40 Ice makers 41 Ice trays 411 Ice tray body 412 Forward rotation axis 413 Ice-making recess 414 Front part 415 Contact part 42 Movable frame section 421 Movable frame main body 422 recess 423 Notch 424 Dish storage opening 425 Connection opening 426 Rail section 427 Abutted part 43 Fixed frame section 431 Fixed frame main body 432 Opening 433 Rotating locking part 435 Rail support section 45 Ice-making lever 451 Lever shaft 46 Rotary drive unit 461 Drive shaft 462 Motor 463 Detection switch 464 gears 465 Enclosure 47 Rotating connection part 50 Ice maker calculation control unit 501 memory 51 Main board 52 Ice maker circuit board 53 Power supply circuit 54 Op-amps 55 Shunt resistor 56 Motor Driver 57 Load current detection circuit D1 First measurement period D2 Second measurement period V1 First load voltage value V2 Second load voltage value

Claims

1. It comprises an ice maker and a calculation and control unit, The ice maker comprises an ice tray and a rotary drive unit that rotates the ice tray. The aforementioned rotary drive unit is configured to rotate and twist the ice tray using the driving force of the motor, thereby releasing the ice from the ice tray. The calculation control unit, During a first measurement period defined before the twisting of the ice tray begins, the first load voltage value of the motor is measured. During the second measurement period defined while the ice tray is being twisted, the second load voltage value of the motor is measured. A refrigerator characterized by determining the presence or absence of the ice tray based on the voltage difference between the first load voltage value and the second load voltage value.

2. The calculation control unit, The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that if the second load voltage value is greater than the first load voltage value, and the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the ice tray is present.

3. The calculation control unit, The second load voltage value is greater than the first load voltage value, and the voltage difference between the second load voltage value and the first load voltage value is less than a predetermined threshold, or The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that if the first load voltage value is greater than the second load voltage value, it is determined that the ice tray does not exist.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the second measurement period ends earlier than the timing at which the motor stops.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the average value of the load voltage during the first measurement period is adopted as the first load voltage value.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the average value of the load voltage values ​​during the second measurement period is adopted as the second load voltage value.

7. The system further comprises an ice-making lever for detecting the amount of ice produced by the ice tray, The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation control unit starts measuring the first load voltage value during the first measurement period after the operation of the ice-making lever is completed.

8. The system further comprises a detection switch located near the motor, The detection switch transmits an input signal to the calculation control unit when the ice tray reaches the angle at which it is twisted. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that when the calculation control unit receives the input signal, it performs measurement of the second load voltage value during the second measurement period.

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