U.S. patent application number 16/216921 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for apparatus and method for diagnosing valve failure of refrigerator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kwan Seo KOO, Seunghoon LEE.
Application Number | 20200011596 16/216921 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69065507 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200011596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOO; Kwan Seo ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING VALVE FAILURE OF
REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
An apparatus is for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator
by detecting whether or not a first valve configured to control
flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration
compartment and a second valve configured to control flow of a
refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment are
abnormal. The apparatus includes a first temperature sensor
measuring a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment, a
second temperature sensor measuring a temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment, and a controller configured to determine
whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by
comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature
sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first
valve or the second valve is opened. The apparatus further includes
a display configured to display the determination result indicating
whether or not the first valve and the second valve are
abnormal.
Inventors: |
KOO; Kwan Seo; (Gwangju,
KR) ; LEE; Seunghoon; (Gwangju, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Gwangju |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
69065507 |
Appl. No.: |
16/216921 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 29/008 20130101;
F25B 41/04 20130101; F25B 49/005 20130101; F25D 2400/36 20130101;
F25D 29/006 20130101; F25B 2500/06 20130101; F25D 2500/00 20130101;
F25D 2700/12 20130101; F25B 2700/2104 20130101; F25D 11/02
20130101; F25D 2600/00 20130101; F25B 2700/21 20130101; F25D
2500/04 20130101; F25B 2341/06 20130101; F25D 2700/121 20130101;
F25D 11/022 20130101; F25B 2600/0251 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00; F25B 41/04 20060101 F25B041/04; F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 3, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0077028 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by
detecting whether or not a first valve configured to control flow
of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment
and a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant
circulating in a second refrigeration compartment are abnormal, the
apparatus comprising: a first temperature sensor configured to
measure a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment; a
second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in
the second refrigeration compartment; a controller configured to
determine whether or not the first valve and the second valve are
abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first
temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state
where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and a display
configured to display a determination result of the controller, the
determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and
the second valve are abnormal.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to
calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that the first valve and the second valve are in
a "normal" state when the temperature in the first refrigerant
compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second
refrigerant compartment is constant.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to
calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that "valve connection failure" has occurred in
the first valve and the second valve when the temperature in the
first refrigerant compartment is constant and the temperature in
the second refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein "valve
connection failure" indicates that the first valve and the second
valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant
compartment.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to
calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that "valve leakage failure" has occurred in the
first valve and the second valve when both of the temperature in
the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second
refrigerant compartment are decreased, wherein "valve leakage
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve
maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in an open
state.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to
calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that "valve operation failure" has occurred in
the first valve and the second valve when the first refrigerant
compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant
compartment are constant, wherein "valve operation failure"
indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the
second refrigerant compartment in a closed state.
6. A refrigerator comprising: a first refrigeration compartment
comprising a first temperature sensor configured to measure a
temperature in the first refrigeration compartment; a second
refrigeration compartment comprising a second temperature sensor
configured to measure a temperature in the second refrigeration
compartment; a first valve configured to control flow of a
refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration compartment; a
second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant
circulating in the second refrigeration compartment; and a device
for diagnosing a valve failure by detecting whether the first valve
and the second valve are abnormal, the device comprising: a
controller configured to determine if the first valve and the
second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures
measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature
sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is
opened; and a display configured to display a determination result
of said controller, the determination result indicating whether or
not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.
7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable
to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that the first valve and the second valve are in
a "normal" state when the temperature in the first refrigerant
compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second
refrigerant compartment is constant.
8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable
to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that "valve connection failure" has occurred in
the first valve and the second valve when the temperature in the
first refrigerant compartment is constant and the temperature in
the second refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein "valve
connection failure" indicates that the first valve and the second
valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant
compartment.
9. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable
to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that "valve leakage failure" has occurred in the
first valve and the second valve when both of the temperature in
the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second
refrigerant compartment are decreased, wherein "valve leakage
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve
maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in an open
state.
10. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable
to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based
thereon determines that "valve operation failure" has occurred in
the first valve and the second valve when the first refrigerant
compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant
compartment are constant, wherein "valve operation failure"
indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the
second refrigerant compartment in a closed state.
11. A method for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by
detecting whether a first valve and a second valve are abnormal,
the first valve being configured to control flow of a refrigerant
circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve
being configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a
second refrigeration compartment, the method comprising: measuring
temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment; determining whether the first valve and
the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in the
temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the
second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the
second valve is opened; and displaying an indication of whether the
first valve and the second valve are abnormal.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said determining whether the
first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises:
calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened; and when
the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased
and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are
in a "normal" state.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said determining whether the
first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises:
calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the first valve is opened; and when
the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased
and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are
in a "normal" state; when the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment is decreased, determining that
"valve connection failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve, wherein "valve connection failure" indicates that the
first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the
second refrigerant compartment; when both of the temperature in the
first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that "valve
leakage failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second
valve, wherein "valve leakage failure" indicates that the first
valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of
the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment are constant, determining that "valve operation
failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second valve,
wherein "valve operation failure" indicates that the first valve
and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment in a closed state.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein in said determining whether the
first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises:
calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the second valve is opened; and
when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the
second valve are in a "normal" state.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein said determining whether the
first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises:
calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset
period of time in a state where the second valve is opened; when
the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the
second valve are in a "normal" state; when the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in
the first refrigeration compartment is decreased, determining that
"valve connection failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve, wherein "valve connection failure" indicates that the
first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the
second refrigerant compartment; when both of the temperature in the
first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that "valve
leakage failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second
valve, wherein "valve leakage failure" indicates that the first
valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of
the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment are constant, determining that "valve operation
failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second valve,
wherein "valve operation failure" indicates that the first valve
and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment in a closed state.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority from Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2018-0077028, filed on Jul. 3, 2018, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method
for diagnosing component failure of a refrigerator.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In general, a refrigerator is used for storing items such as
food, beverage, and the like at a low temperature for a long period
of time. For example, the refrigerator freezes or refrigerates
items depending on the various types of items to be stored.
[0004] The temperature in the refrigerator is maintained at a set
level by supplying cold air generated by a cooling cycle.
Therefore, the refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, an
expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor, the condenser,
the expansion device, and the evaporator are disposed in a machine
room disposed at one side of the refrigerator and configured to
supply cold air into the refrigerator.
[0005] For example, a refrigerant gas is compressed to a
high-temperature and high-pressure state by a compressor. While the
refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state is
passing through the condenser, heat from condensation is released
to the outside. Then, the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and
high-pressure state is vaporized while passing through an expansion
valve. The refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure
state absorbs evaporation latent heat from ambient air and is
vaporized by the evaporator. In this manner, cold air is generated
through a heat transfer process.
[0006] In the case of a refrigerator having two refrigeration
compartments, e.g., a dual compartment refrigerator, the flow of
the refrigerant toward each refrigeration compartment is adjusted
by a step valve. However, it is difficult to determine on a
production line whether or not the step valve is defective.
Therefore, if the step valve of the dual compartment refrigerator
operates abnormally, excessive cooling or insufficient cooling
occurs in the refrigerator.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a demand for a technique capable of
readily detecting failure of the step valve on a production line
and thereby reducing the failure rate of the refrigerator.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method
for diagnosing a valve failure by readily detecting failure of a
valve.
[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided an apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a
refrigerator by detecting whether or not a first valve configured
to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first
refrigeration compartment and a second valve configured to control
flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration
compartment are abnormal, including: a first temperature sensor
configured to measure a temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a
temperature in the second refrigeration compartment; a controller
configured to determine whether or not the first valve and the
second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures
measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature
sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is
opened; and a display configured to display a determination result
of the controller, the determination result indicating whether or
not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.
[0010] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that
the first valve and the second valve are in a "normal" state when
the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is decreased
and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is
constant.
[0011] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that
"valve connection failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve when the temperature in the first refrigerant
compartment is constant and the temperature in the second
refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein "valve connection
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve are
reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment.
[0012] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that
"valve leakage failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve when both of the temperature in the first refrigerant
compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant
compartment are decreased, wherein "valve leakage failure"
indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the
second refrigerant compartment in an open state.
[0013] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that
"valve operation failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve when the first refrigerant compartment and the
temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are constant,
wherein "valve operation failure" indicates that the first valve
and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant
compartment in a closed state.
[0014] In accordance with a second aspect of the present
disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator including: a first
refrigeration compartment comprising a first temperature sensor
configured to measure a temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment; a second refrigeration compartment comprising a second
temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment; a first valve configured to
control flow of a refrigerant circulating in the first
refrigeration compartment; a second valve configured to control
flow of a refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration
compartment; and a device for diagnosing a valve failure by
detecting whether the first valve and the second valve are
abnormal, the device including: a controller configured to
determine if the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by
comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature
sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first
valve or the second valve is opened; and a display configured to
display a determination result of said controller, the
determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and
the second valve are abnormal. 7. The refrigerator of claim 6,
wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes
in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant
compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first
valve is opened and based thereon determines that the first valve
and the second valve are in a "normal" state when the temperature
in the first refrigerant compartment is decreased and the
temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is constant.
[0015] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that
"valve connection failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve when the temperature in the first refrigerant
compartment is constant and the temperature in the second
refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein "valve connection
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve are
reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment.
[0016] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that
"valve leakage failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve when both of the temperature in the first refrigerant
compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant
compartment are decreased, wherein "valve leakage failure"
indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the
second refrigerant compartment in an open state.
[0017] The controller may be operable to calculate temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that
"valve operation failure" has occurred in the first valve and the
second valve when the first refrigerant compartment and the
temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are constant,
wherein "valve operation failure" indicates that the first valve
and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant
compartment in a closed state.
[0018] In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a method for diagnosing a valve failure of a
refrigerator by detecting whether a first valve and a second valve
are abnormal, the first valve being configured to control flow of a
refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a
second valve being configured to control flow of a refrigerant
circulating in a second refrigeration compartment, the method
including: measuring temperatures in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment; determining
whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by
comparing changes in the temperatures measured by the first
temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state
where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and displaying
and indication of whether the first valve and the second valve are
abnormal.
[0019] The determining whether the first valve and the second valve
are abnormal may include: calculating temperature changes in the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first
valve is opened; and when the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the
first valve and the second valve are in a "normal" state.
[0020] The determining whether the first valve and the second valve
are abnormal may include calculating temperature changes in the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first
valve is opened; and when the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the
first valve and the second valve are in a "normal" state; when the
temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant and
the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
decreased, determining that "valve connection failure" has occurred
in the first valve and the second valve, wherein "valve connection
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve are
reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment;
when both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment
and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are
decreased, determining that "valve leakage failure" has occurred in
the first valve and the second valve, wherein "valve leakage
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve
maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open
state; and when the temperatures in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are constant,
determining that "valve operation failure" has occurred in the
first valve and the second valve, wherein "valve operation failure"
indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and
the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.
[0021] The determining whether the first valve and the second valve
are abnormal may include: calculating temperature changes in the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the second
valve is opened; and when the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the
first refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the
first valve and the second valve are in a "normal" state.
[0022] The determining whether or not the first valve and the
second valve are abnormal may include calculating temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state
where the second valve is opened; when the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature
in the first refrigeration compartment is constant, determining
that the first valve and the second valve are in a "normal" state;
when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
constant and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment
is decreased, determining that "valve connection failure" has
occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein "valve
connection failure" indicates that the first valve and the second
valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant
compartment; when both of the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that "valve
leakage failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second
valve, wherein "valve leakage failure" indicates that the first
valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of
the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment are constant, determining that "valve operation
failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second valve,
wherein "valve operation failure" indicates that the first valve
and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the
first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment in a closed state.
[0023] The embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous
in that failure of a valve (e.g., "valve connection failure",
"valve leakage failure", "valve operation failure" or the like) in
a refrigerator can be readily detected by detecting whether or not
the flow of a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration
compartments is normal by comparing temperature changes in the
refrigeration compartments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an apparatus for diagnosing
a valve failure of a refrigerator of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of
diagnosing a valve failure by using the apparatus for diagnosing a
valve failure of a refrigerator according to the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary method for
diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Hereinafter, configurations and operations of embodiments
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The following description is one of various patentable
aspects of the disclosure and may form a part of the detailed
description of the disclosure. However, in describing the
disclosure, detailed descriptions of known configurations or
functions that may obscure the disclosure may be omitted.
[0028] The disclosure may be variously modified and may include
various embodiments. Specific embodiments will be exemplarily
illustrated in the drawings and described in the detailed
description of the embodiments. However, it should be understood
that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to specific
embodiments but rather to cover all modifications, similarities,
and alternatives which are included in the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.
[0029] The terms used herein, including ordinal numbers such as
"first" and "second" may be used to describe, and not to limit,
various components. The terms simply distinguish the components
from one another. When it is said that a component is "connected"
or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that the
former component may be directly connected or linked to the latter
component or a third component may be interposed between the two
components. Specific terms used in the present application are used
simply to describe specific embodiments without limiting the
disclosure. An expression used in the singular encompasses the
expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning
in the context.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an apparatus for diagnosing
a valve failure of a refrigerator of the present disclosure. FIG. 2
is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of diagnosing a valve
failure by using the apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a
refrigerator according to the present disclosure.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic apparatus for
diagnosing failure of a valve of a refrigerator according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first
temperature sensor (L-S) 110, a second temperature sensor (R-S)
120, a controller 200, and a display 300.
[0032] Specifically, the first temperature sensor 110 can measure a
temperature in a first refrigeration compartment 10, and the second
temperature sensor 120 can measure a temperature in a second
refrigeration compartment 20. Therefore, the first temperature
sensor 110 can be installed at a predetermined position in the
first refrigeration compartment 10, the second temperature sensor
120 can be installed at a predetermined position in the second
refrigeration compartment 20. For example, the first temperature
sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 can be disposed
adjacent to cold air discharge ports of the first refrigeration
compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20.
[0033] Here, the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second
refrigeration compartment 20 may be independent spaces of a Kimchi
refrigerator. For example, the first refrigeration compartment 10
may be an L room (Left Room) located on one side of the Kimchi
refrigerator, and the second refrigeration compartment 20 may be an
R room (Right Room) located on the other side of the Kimchi
refrigerator. Although the Kimchi refrigerator is disclosed, it is
appreciated that this refrigerator is merely exemplary and that
embodiments of the present invention apply equally well for any
dual compartment refrigerator.
[0034] For instance, although the first refrigeration compartment
10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 are described as the
refrigeration spaces of the Kimchi refrigerator in the present
embodiment, the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second
refrigeration compartment 20 may also be applied to other
refrigerators instead of the Kimchi refrigerator. For example, the
present disclosure may also be applied to cosmetic refrigerators,
wine refrigerators and the like.
[0035] In a state where a compressor (COMP) operates, the first
temperature sensor 110 can measure the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment 10 and then send the information on the
measured temperature to the controller 200. The controller is an
electronic device having logic therein for processing information,
e.g., a microcontroller, a processor, a state machine, a
microprocessor, etc. Further, in a state where the compressor
operates, the second temperature sensor 120 can measure the
temperature in the second refrigerator compartment 20 and then send
the information on the measured temperature to the controller
200.
[0036] A first valve (LV) 410 is installed on an inlet side of a
flow path of a refrigerant for cooling the first refrigeration
compartment 10, and thus can control the flow of the refrigerant
circulating in the first refrigeration compartment 10.
[0037] For example, when the first valve 410 shuts off the
refrigerant flow path of the first refrigeration compartment 10,
the movement of the refrigerant supplied into the first
refrigeration compartment 10 is stopped. Therefore, the temperature
in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is not decreased and can
be maintained at a constant level. When the first valve 410 opens
the refrigerant flow path of the first refrigeration compartment
10, the movement of the refrigerant supplied into the first
refrigeration compartment 10 is continued. Therefore, the
temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 can be
decreased.
[0038] A second valve (RV) 420 is installed on an inlet side of a
flow path of a refrigerant for cooling the second refrigeration
compartment 20, and thus can control the flow of the refrigerant
circulating in the second refrigeration compartment 20. For
example, when the second valve 420 shuts off the refrigerant flow
path of the second refrigeration compartment 20, the movement of
the refrigerant supplied into the second refrigeration compartment
20 is stopped. Therefore, the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment 20 is not decreased and maintained at a
constant level. When the second valve 420 opens the refrigerant
flow path of the second refrigeration compartment 20, the movement
of the refrigerant supplied into the second refrigeration
compartment 20 is continued. Therefore, the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment 20 can be decreased.
[0039] In a state where the first valve 410 or the second valve 420
is opened, the controller 200 can determine whether or not the
first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are abnormal by using the
temperature information received from the first temperature sensor
110 and the second temperature sensor 120.
[0040] For example, assume a state where the refrigerator is
powered on, the compressor operates and only the first valve 410
between the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 is opened.
After four minutes, the controller 200 can receive the temperature
information from the first temperature sensor 110 and the second
temperature sensor 120 for a preset period of time and calculate
temporal changes of the temperatures in the first refrigeration
compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 by using
the received temperature information. At this time, if the
temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is decreased
and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is
constant, the controller 200 can determine that the first valve 410
and the second valve 420 are in a "normal" state.
[0041] In a state where the compressor operates and only the first
valve 410 is opened, if the temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment 10 is constant and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment 20 is decreased, the controller 200 can
determine that "valve connection failure" has occurred. The "valve
connection failure" state indicates that the first valve 410 and
the second valve 420 are reversely connected to refrigerant flow
paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second
refrigeration compartment 20.
[0042] In a state where the compressor operates and only the first
valve 410 is opened, if both of the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment 10 and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment 20 are decreased, the controller 200 can
determine that "valve leakage failure" has occurred. The "valve
leakage failure" state indicates that the first valve 410 and the
second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration
compartment 20 in an open state.
[0043] In a state where the compressor operates and only the first
valve 410 is opened, if the temperatures in the first refrigeration
compartment 10 and second refrigeration compartment 20 are
constant, the controller 200 can determine that "valve operation
failure" has occurred. The "valve operation failure" state
indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420
maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration
compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 in a
closed state.
[0044] On the other hand, assume a state where the refrigerator is
powered on, the compressor operates and only the second valve 420
between the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 is opened.
After four minutes, the controller 200 can receive the temperature
information from the first temperature sensor 110 and the second
temperature sensor 120 for a preset period of time and calculate
temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and
the second refrigeration compartment 20 by using the received
temperature information. At this time, if the temperature in the
first refrigeration compartment 10 is decreased and the temperature
in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is constant, then it is
determined that "valve connection failure" has occurred. The "valve
connection failure" state indicates that the first valve 410 and
the second valve 420 are reversely connected to the refrigerant
flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second
refrigeration compartment 20.
[0045] In a state where the compressor operates and only the second
valve 420 is opened, if the temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment 10 is constant and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment 20 is decreased, the controller 200 can
determine that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are in
a "normal" state.
[0046] In a state where the compressor operates and only the second
valve 420 is opened, if both of the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment 10 and the temperature in the second
refrigeration compartment 20 are decreased, the controller 200 can
determine that "valve leakage failure" has occurred. The "valve
leakage failure" state indicates that the first valve 410 and the
second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration
compartment 20 in an open state.
[0047] In a state where the compressor operates and only the second
valve 420 is opened, if the temperatures in the first refrigeration
compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20, the
controller 200 can determine that "valve operation failure" has
occurred. The "valve operation failure" state indicates that the
first valve 410 and the second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant
flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second
refrigeration compartment 20 in a closed state.
[0048] The display 300 can display whether or not the first valve
410 and the second valve 420 are abnormal.
[0049] For example, before the test is performed. "0" can be
displayed on the display 300. When the controller 200 determines
that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are in a "normal"
state, "1" can be displayed on the display 300. When the controller
200 determines that the "valve connection failure" has occurred in
the first valve 410 and the second valve 420, "2" can be displayed
on the display 300.
[0050] When the controller 200 determines that the "valve leakage
failure" has occurred in the first valve 410 and the second valve
420, "E" can be displayed on the display 300. When the controller
200 determines that the "valve operation failure" has occurred in
the first valve 410 and the second valve 420, "-" can be displayed
on the display 300.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary method for
diagnosing a valve failure in a refrigerator of the present
disclosure.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the method for diagnosing a valve
failure in a refrigerator of the present disclosure includes:
measuring temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and
the second refrigeration compartment (S100), determining whether or
not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal (S200); and
displaying whether or not the first valve and the second valve are
abnormal (S300).
[0053] In the step S100 of measuring the temperatures in the first
refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment,
the first temperature sensor measures the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment and the second temperature sensor
measures the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment
when a predetermined time, e.g., four minutes elapse from the
power-on of the refrigerator and the switch-on of the compressor
and the first temperature sensor and the second temperature
sensor.
[0054] In the step S200 of determining whether or not the first
valve and the second valve are abnormal, whether or not the first
valve and the second valve are abnormal is determined by comparing
the changes in the temperatures measured by the first temperature
sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first
valve or the second valve is opened.
[0055] For example, in a state where only the first valve is
opened, the temperature changes in the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are calculated
for a preset period of time. If the temperature in the first
refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the
second refrigeration compartment is constant, it is possible to
determine that the first valve and the second valve are in a
"normal" state.
[0056] In a state where the first valve is opened, the temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of
time. If the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is
constant and the temperature in the second refrigeration
compartment is decreased, it is possible to determine that the
"valve connection failure" has occurred. The "valve connection
failure" indicates that the first valve and the second valve are
reversely connected to the refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration
compartment.
[0057] In a state where the first valve is opened, the temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of
time. If both of the temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration
compartment are decreased, it is possible to determine that the
"valve leakage failure" has occurred. The "valve leakage failure"
state indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain
the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment
and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state.
[0058] In a state where the first valve is opened, the temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of
time. If the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and
the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are
constant, it is possible to determine that the "valve operation
failure" has occurred. The "valve operation failure" state
indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the
refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and
the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.
[0059] In a state where the second valve is opened, the temperature
changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of
time. If the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is
decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration
compartment is constant, it is possible to determine that the first
valve and the second valve are in a "normal" state.
[0060] In a state where the second valve is opened, if the
temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant and
the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is
decreased, it is possible to determine that the "valve connection
failure" has occurred. The "valve connection failure" state
indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely
connected to the refrigerant flow path of the first refrigeration
compartment and the second refrigeration compartment.
[0061] In a state where the second valve is opened, if both of the
temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the
temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased,
it is possible to determine that the "valve leakage failure" has
occurred. The "valve leakage failure" state indicates that the
first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow
paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment in an open state.
[0062] In a state in which the second valve is opened, if the
temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second
refrigeration compartment are constant, it is possible to determine
that the "valve operation failure" has occurred. The "valve
operation failure" state indicates that the first valve and the
second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first
refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment
in a closed state.
[0063] In the step S300 of displaying whether or not the first
valve and the second valve are abnormal, whether or not the first
valve and the second valve are abnormal is determined by comparing
the temperature changes measured by the first temperature sensor
and the second temperature sensor, and the determination result is
displayed on the display.
[0064] For example, before the valve is tested, "0" is displayed on
the display. When it is determined that the first valve and the
second valve are in a "normal" state, "1" is displayed on the
display. When it is determined that the "valve connection failure"
has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, "2" is
displayed on the display. When it is determined that the "valve
leakage failure" has occurred in the first valve and the second
valve, "E" is displayed on the display. When it is determined that
the "valve operation failure" has occurred in the first valve and
the second valve, "-" is displayed on the display.
[0065] As described above, the present disclosure is advantageous
in that whether or not the valve in the refrigerator is abnormal
(e.g., "valve connection failure", "valve leakage failure", "valve
operation failure", or the like) can be readily determined by
detecting whether or not the flow of the refrigerant circulating in
the refrigeration compartments is normal by comparing temperature
changes in the refrigeration compartments.
[0066] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure
can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the
technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure.
For example, those skilled in the art can implement the present
disclosure in the form that is not clearly described in the
embodiments of the present disclosure by changing materials, sizes
and the like of the respective components depending on application
fields or by combining or replacing the embodiments without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it
should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely
illustrative in all aspects and are not to be construed as limiting
the present disclosure and also that the modifications are included
in the technical spirit of the present disclosure which is
described in the following claims.
* * * * *