JP4600414B2 - Water supply pump motor control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to motor drive control of a water supply pump used in an automatic ice making machine such as a refrigerator.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control / drive circuit of a general DC brushless motor (hereinafter referred to as DC-BLM) used for a water supply pump of an automatic ice maker such as a refrigerator. In the figure, 1 is a DC-BLM, 2 is a drive circuit for driving the DC-BLM1, 11 is a control circuit for performing control such as START and STOP of the DC-BLM1, and 4 is a rotational position of the DC-BLM1. A position detection device for detection uses a Hall element, a magnetoresistive (MR) element, a coil, or the like, and the position signal is input to the drive circuit 2.

  FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a water supply tank section of an automatic ice maker used in a refrigerator or the like. A magnet rotor 5 is rotatably attached to which an impeller for supplying water or the like is attached. A stator coil 6 rotates the rotor 5 by generating a magnetic field. 7 is a circuit board for mounting the stator coil 6, the position detection circuit 4, the drive circuit 2, etc., 8 is a water supply tank, 9 is water stored in the water supply tank 8, 10 is water 9 for making an ice tray (not shown) ), And a rotor 5 is incorporated therein. The water supply pump 10 including the rotor 5 is installed in the water supply tank 8 in a state where it can be separated from the stator coil 6. The water tank 8 has a structure that can be removed in order to put the water 9 into the water tank 8 when the water 9 in the water tank 8 runs out.

  Next, the operation will be described. The position detection circuit 4 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational position of the rotor 5 of the DC-BLM 1. In general, a Hall element or the like is used, and a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the magnetic field is output. The drive circuit 2 applies a drive voltage to the stator coil 6 based on the input position signal. A magnetic field is generated in the stator coil 6 by the applied drive voltage, and a rotational torque is generated in the rotor 5 by this magnetic field to rotate. Thereby, the feed water pump 10 is driven.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying constant water 9 to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S1), the control circuit 11 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the DC-BLM1 (step S2). As the rotor 5 of the DC-BLM 1 rotates, water 9 is sent from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5. When the water supply time is determined and the DC-BLM1 is rotated for a water supply time corresponding to a predetermined water supply amount (step S3), a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 11 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the DC-BLB1 (step S4). . By this sequence, a certain amount of water can be sent to the ice tray. FIG. 27 shows the relationship between the drive voltage and the rotation speed at this time. Since the amount of water supply is substantially proportional to the drive time of DC-BLM1, the amount of water supply can be changed by changing the drive time.
JP-A-6-346860

Since the conventional control of feedwater pump motor is constructed as described above, sub et beforehand set water to the ice tray near the ice tray is cause repelled water at the start of the water supply for driving the DC-BLM1 a driving voltage There was a problem that was scattered.

A motor controller for a water supply pump according to the present invention includes a water supply tank, a magnet rotor having an impeller and rotatably attached thereto, a stator coil that generates a magnetic field to rotate the magnet rotor, and the magnet rotor. In the ice making machine for a refrigerator, the magnet rotor is built in and is installed in the water tank so as to be separable from the stator coil, and is configured to supply water in the water tank to the ice tray. And the stator coil, the amount of water delivered at the time of starting the motor is made smaller than a predetermined delivery amount, and then the motor rotation speed is controlled so as to gradually become the prescribed delivery amount, and the water supply time is set in advance. When the set water supply time is reached, the motor is stopped .

A water tank, a magnet rotor having an impeller and rotatably mounted;
A stator coil that rotates the magnet rotor by generating a magnetic field and the magnet rotor are built in the water tank so as to be separable from the stator coil, and the water in the water tank is supplied to the ice tray. In a refrigerator ice maker comprising a water feed pump for starting a motor, the motor constituted by the magnet rotor and the stator coil is started at the rotational speed of an arbitrary low speed, and is rotated at a set rotational speed after a predetermined time has elapsed. controls to, and when the water supply time reaches the water supply time set in advance is obtained by the so that stopping the water supply pump motor.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, a sequence for gradually increasing the rotational speed of the motor is added, so that the control circuit can be made inexpensive. Moreover, since the scattering to the periphery of the ice-making tray to which water is supplied is reduced, the cleaning property is improved and it becomes hygienic.

  Since the amount of water delivered at the time of starting the motor is set to the minimum, splattering around the ice tray to be supplied with water is reduced, so that the cleaning property is improved and it becomes hygienic.

  Since the motor rotation speed is started at an arbitrarily low rotation speed and increased to a predetermined rotation speed after a predetermined rotation, the splattering around the ice tray to be supplied with water is reduced, so that the cleaning performance is improved and it is hygienic. Become.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control / drive circuit of a pump motor of the present invention used for a water supply pump of an automatic ice maker such as a refrigerator. In FIG. 1, 1 is a DC-BLM, 2 is a drive circuit for driving the DC-BLM1, 3 is a control of START and STOP of the DC-BLM1, the rotational speed of the rotor of the DC-BLM1, and the drive circuit 2 is DC -A control circuit for detecting the current applied to BLM1, etc. 4 is a position detection circuit for detecting the rotational position of DC-BLM1 based on the magnitude of the magnetic field, etc., and includes a Hall element, magnetoresistive (MR) element and coil The position signal is input to the drive circuit 2 and the control circuit 3.

  Next, the operation will be described. In general, in the case of a drive circuit for the DC-BLM 1 with position detection device, the rotational position signal of the DC-BLM 1 output from the position detection circuit 4 is input to the drive circuit 2. In general, a Hall element or the like is used as the position detection circuit 4, and a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the magnetic field is output. A drive voltage is applied to the stator coil 6 of the DC-BLM 1 based on the input position signal. Thereby, rotational torque is generated in the rotor 5 and the rotor 5 rotates. As the rotor 5 rotates, the voltage of the position detection signal changes. When the voltage is applied to the stator coil 6 at the position of the rotor 5 corresponding to the change in the position signal, the rotor 5 continues to rotate. Further, the control circuit 3 can detect the rotational speed based on the position detection signal from the position detection circuit 4 and the torque of the DC-BLM 1 from the current, voltage, etc. to the DC-BLM 1 of the drive circuit 2. It is also possible to control the rotation speed, torque, and the like.

  The rotation speed of the rotor 5 changes depending on the load applied to the rotor 5. When the load is light, the rotation is high, and when the load is heavy, the rotation is low. When there is no water in the water supply tank, the load on the rotor is reduced, and the rotational speed increases as shown in FIG. If the stop rotation speed is set in advance and the stop rotation speed is exceeded, it is determined that the water supply tank 8 has run out of water, and the driving of the DC-BLM 1 is stopped. In addition, when the load is heavy and the rotational speed is low and falls below the water supply possible rotational speed, water supply cannot be performed, and the driving of the DC-BLM1 is similarly stopped.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S11), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the DC-BLM1 (step S12). As the rotor 5 of the DC-BLM 1 rotates, water 9 is sent from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5. The control circuit 3 detects the rotational speed of the rotor 5 from the position detection signal from the position detection circuit 4, and determines whether or not it is equal to or less than the stop rotational speed in FIG. 2 (step S13). If the rotation speed is equal to or lower than the stop rotation speed, the rotation is continued. If the rotation speed exceeds the stop rotation speed, the DC-BLM1 is stopped (step S14). Further, it is determined whether or not the rotation speed at which water can be supplied has been reached (step S15). When the load on the rotor 5 is very large and the rotation speed does not reach the rotation speed at which water can be supplied for some reason, the water supply pump 10 Since water cannot be supplied, the DC-BLM1 is stopped (step S14).

  Subsequently, the water supply time is determined, and when the water supply time reaches a preset water supply time (step S16), a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the DC-BLM1 (step S14). . If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues and the routine returns to the rotation speed detection routine.

  With this sequence, when there is sufficient water 9 in the water supply tank 8, a certain amount of water can be sent to the ice tray. When there is not enough water 9 in the water supply tank 8, the DC-BLM 1 is stopped, so that useless power is not consumed. Further, since it can be detected that there is no water 9, it is possible to notify the user. Moreover, since the amount of water supply is substantially proportional to the drive time of DC-BLM1, the amount of water supply can be changed by changing the drive time.

  In this embodiment, the water supply time is determined after determining the rotation speed. However, the same effect can be obtained even if the rotation speed is determined after determining the water supply time.

  In this embodiment, the feed water pump motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

  Since it can be realized only by changing the software without changing the hardware, it does not affect the hardware measures taken for recycling.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the pump motor control for detecting the rotational speed of the DC-BLM1 and stopping the driving of the DC-BLM1 has been described. However, the driving current of the DC-BLM1 is detected and the driving of the DC-BLM1 is stopped. However, the same effect is achieved.

  FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram for explaining the pump motor control according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When water is supplied from the water supply pump 10 using the DC-BLM1, a drive current within the operable range shown in FIG. 4 flows. The drive current varies depending on the load applied to the rotor 5. When the load is small, the current is small, and when the load is large, a large amount of current flows. When the water 9 is removed from the water supply tank 8, the load on the rotor 5 is reduced, so that the current of the DC-BLM1 becomes very small. Further, when the load increases for some reason, the current of DC-BLM1 increases as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the drive current of the DC-BLM1 is out of the operable range, it is determined that there is no water 9 or water supply is impossible, and the DC-BLM1 is stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When the water supply start signal is output (step S21), the control circuit 3 rotates the signal START DC-BLM1 of the motor START to the drive circuit 2 (step S22). As the rotor 5 of the DC-BLM 1 rotates, water 9 is sent from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5. The control circuit 3 detects the drive current applied to the stator coil 6 from the drive circuit 2 and determines whether or not it is within the operable range of FIGS. 4 and 5 (step S23). If it is out of the range, the DC-BLM1 is stopped (step S24).

  Subsequently, the water supply time is determined, and when the water supply time reaches a preset water supply time (step S25), a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the DC-BLM1 (step S24). . If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues and the routine returns to the rotation speed detection routine.

  With this sequence, when there is sufficient water 9 in the water supply tank 8, a certain amount of water can be sent to the ice tray. When there is not enough water 9 in the water supply tank 8, the DC-BLM 1 is stopped, so that useless power is not consumed. Further, since it can be detected that there is no water 9, it is possible to notify the user. Moreover, since the amount of water supply is substantially proportional to the drive time of DC-BLM1, the amount of water supply can be changed by changing the drive time.

  In the second embodiment, the water supply time is determined after determining the current. However, the same effect can be obtained by determining the current after determining the water supply time.

  In the second embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first and second embodiments, the pump motor control for detecting the rotational speed and driving current of the DC-BLM1 and stopping the driving of the DC-BLM1 has been described. However, the rotational speed and torque of the DC-BLM1 are controlled. Even if the control command value of the control circuit to be performed is detected and the driving of the DC-BLM 1 is stopped, the same effect can be obtained.

  FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram for explaining the pump motor control according to the third embodiment of the present invention. When the rotational speed and torque of the rotor 5 are detected from the position detection signal from the position detection circuit 4 and the drive current from the drive circuit 2, and the rotational speed and torque are controlled to be constant, the rotor 5 The control command value also changes due to the load. For example, when the rotational speed of the rotor 5 is controlled, the rotational speed increases as the load applied to the rotor 5 decreases, so that the control command value changes to lower the rotational speed to a predetermined value. In the case of FIG. 7, control in which the control command value is small is taken as an example. Further, since the rotational speed decreases as the load applied to the rotor 5 increases, the control command value is controlled to increase. When the water 9 is removed from the water supply tank 8, the load on the rotor 5 is reduced, so that the control command value becomes very small. Further, when the load becomes large for some reason, the control command value becomes large. When the load becomes large to some extent, the control range is exceeded and the rotational speed decreases, so that water supply cannot be performed. Therefore, when the control command value is out of a predetermined range, that is, between the stop command value 1 and the stop command value 2, it is determined that there is no water 9 or water supply is impossible, and the DC-BLM 1 is stopped.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S31), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the motor (step S32). The water 9 is sent out from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5 as the rotor 5 rotates. The control circuit 3 detects the rotational speed of the rotor 5 from the position detection circuit 4 and the drive current applied to the stator coil 6 from the drive circuit 2, so that the control command value becomes the stop command value 1 to 1 in FIG. 2 is determined (step S33), and if it is within the predetermined range, the rotation is continued, and if it is out of the range, the DC-BLM1 is stopped (step S34).

  Subsequently, the water supply time is determined, and when the water supply time reaches a preset water supply time (step S35), a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the DC-BLM1. If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues and the routine returns to the rotation speed detection routine.

  With this sequence, when there is sufficient water 9 in the water supply tank 8, a certain amount of water can be sent to the ice tray. When there is not enough water 9 in the water supply tank 8, the DC-BLM 1 is stopped, so that useless power is not consumed. Further, since it can be detected that there is no water 9, it is possible to notify the user. Further, since the water supply amount is substantially proportional to the driving time of the motor, the water supply amount can be changed by changing the driving time.

  In the third embodiment, the water supply time is determined after determining the control command value. However, the same effect can be obtained by determining the control command value after determining the water supply time.

  In the third embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the first to third embodiments, the DC-BLM 1 is stopped when the rotational speed of the rotor 5 does not increase due to the presence or absence of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 or for some reason.

  When the DC-BLM 1 is activated, the rotational speed gradually increases from the rotor 5 in a stopped state to reach a predetermined rotational speed. The drive current at that time flows when the rotor 5 is stopped, the maximum current flows, and gradually decreases as the rotational speed increases, and eventually reaches a steady current. When the rotational speed and torque are controlled, the control command value becomes maximum when the rotor 5 is stopped, and becomes a predetermined control command value as the predetermined rotational speed is approached.

  In the case of the first to third embodiments, the rotation speed, current, and control command value may be out of a predetermined range at the time of startup, and the motor stop may be controlled. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, in the normal startup state, the time until the DC-BLM1 reaches the predetermined rotation speed is controlled so that the motor stop is controlled even if the rotation speed, current, and control command value are outside the predetermined range. Do not do it. Thereafter, the routine of the first to third embodiments is entered. Thereby, the erroneous control at the time of starting can be eliminated.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing pump motor control according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amount of water 9 delivered from the water supply pump 10. The delivery amount at the start of water supply is made smaller than the predetermined delivery amount, and the delivery amount is gradually increased so as to reach the prescribed delivery amount. If it is sent out at a predetermined delivery amount at the start of water supply, there is a risk that the water 9 will vigorously enter the ice tray and the water 9 will scatter around the ice tray. However, by reducing the delivery amount at the start of water supply, scattering around the ice tray can be reduced. Thereafter, by gradually approaching a predetermined water supply amount, scattering around the ice tray can be reduced.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S41), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the motor (step S42). As the rotor 5 rotates, the water 9 is supplied to an ice tray fed from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 by an impeller attached to the rotor 5. At this time, the rotational speed of the rotor 5 at the start of water supply is set to a value lower than a predetermined rotational speed in advance. The control circuit 3 detects the rotational speed of the rotor 5 from the position detection circuit 4 (step S43), and if not reached the predetermined rotational speed, increases the rotational speed of the rotor 5 until it reaches (step S44). When the predetermined rotation speed is reached, the rotation continues at the same rotation speed.

  Subsequently, the water supply time is determined (step S45). When the water supply time reaches a preset water supply time, a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the DC-BLM1 (step S46). If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues and the routine returns to the rotation speed detection routine.

  By this sequence, it is possible to suppress the splashing of the water 9 around the ice tray by reducing the delivery amount at the start of water supply. Further, since the water supply amount is substantially proportional to the driving time of the motor, the water supply amount can be changed by changing the driving time.

  In addition, although the delivery amount at the time of the start of water supply is made smaller than the predetermined delivery amount, water supply may be started after presetting to the minimum amount that can be delivered.

  In the fifth embodiment, the determination of the number of revolutions and the increase in the number of revolutions are followed by the determination of the water supply time. Conversely, the determination of the number of revolutions and the determination of the number of revolutions are performed after the determination of the water supply time. The same effect is obtained even if the increase is made.

  In the fifth embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
In Embodiment 5 described above, the rotational speed is gradually increased from the start of water supply to a predetermined rotational speed, but the rotational speed that has been maintained for a predetermined time from the start of water supply is increased to a predetermined output amount. However, the same effect is obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing pump motor control according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amount of water 9 delivered from the pump 10. At the start of water supply, the delivery amount is made smaller than the predetermined delivery amount or the lowest possible delivery amount, and the delivery amount is maintained for a predetermined time t1. Thereafter, the delivery amount is gradually increased so as to reach a predetermined delivery amount. If it sends out with the predetermined delivery amount at the time of water supply start, the water 9 will enter into an ice-making tray vigorously, and the water 9 will scatter around the ice-making tray. However, it is possible to reduce scattering to the periphery of the ice tray by reducing the delivery amount at the start of water supply. Further, the scattering to the periphery of the ice tray can be further reduced by maintaining the predetermined time t1 with a small discharge amount at the start of water supply and increasing the predetermined amount after the water 9 is accumulated to some extent in the ice tray.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S51), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the motor (step S22). The water 9 is sent out from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5 as the rotor 5 rotates. At this time, the rotational speed of the rotor 5 is set to a value lower than the predetermined rotational speed or to the lowest rotational speed that can be sent (step S53). It is determined whether a predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the motor START (step S54). If t1 has elapsed, the control circuit 3 detects the rotational speed of the rotor 5 from the position detection circuit 4 (step S55). If the predetermined rotational speed has not been reached, the rotational speed of the rotor 5 is increased until the predetermined rotational speed is reached (step S56). When the predetermined rotation speed is reached, the rotation continues at the same rotation speed.

  Subsequently, the water supply time is determined (step S57), and when the water supply time reaches the preset water supply time, a motor stop signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the DC-BLM1 (step S58). If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues and the routine returns to the rotation speed detection routine.

  By this sequence, it is possible to suppress the splashing of the water 9 around the ice tray by reducing the delivery amount at the start of water supply. Further, since the water supply amount is substantially proportional to the driving time of the motor, the water supply amount can be changed by changing the driving time.

  In the sixth embodiment, the delivery amount is gradually increased after the predetermined time t1, but depending on the value of the predetermined time t1, the same effect can be obtained even if the predetermined delivery amount is immediately after the predetermined time t1.

  In the sixth embodiment, the determination of the number of rotations and the increase in the number of rotations are followed by the determination of the water supply time. Conversely, the determination of the number of rotations and the determination of the number of rotations are performed after determining the water supply time. The same effect is obtained even if the increase is made.

  In the sixth embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram showing pump motor control according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the rotational speed and the drive voltage applied to the DC-BLM1.

  FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a water supply tank section of an automatic ice maker used in a refrigerator or the like. A magnet rotor 5 is rotatably attached to which an impeller for supplying water or the like is attached. A stator coil 6 rotates the rotor 5 by generating a magnetic field. 7 is a circuit board for mounting the stator coil 6, the position detection circuit 4, the drive circuit 2, etc. 8 is a water supply tank, 9 is water stored in the water supply tank 8, 10 is for supplying water 9 to the ice tray The rotor 5 is built in. The water supply pump 10 is installed in the water supply tank 8 so as to be separable from the stator coil 6. When the water supply boundary position above the water supply pump 10 is exceeded, the water 9 is supplied to an ice tray or the like. The water tank 8 has a structure that can be removed in order to put the water 9 into the water tank 8 when the water 9 in the water tank 8 runs out.

  Next, the operation will be described. When water 9 is supplied to an ice tray or the like, a driving voltage is applied to DC-BLM1. The drive voltage at this time is set to a voltage that provides a rotational speed that is a lift that exceeds the water supply boundary position in FIG. As a result, water 9 is supplied to the ice tray. When a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the ice tray, the drive voltage applied to the DC-BLM 1 is lowered to stop the water supply. The driving voltage at this time is not supplied to the ice tray by setting the driving voltage to a voltage that is below the water supply boundary position in FIG.

  Normally, when water is not supplied, no driving voltage is applied to stop the rotation of the rotor 5. At this time, the water 9 in the water supply tank 8 is maintained as it is. For this reason, slimming occurs on the wall surface in the water supply tank 8 and the water 9 is deteriorated. Therefore, when water is not supplied, the rotor 5 is rotated so that the water 9 does not reach the water supply boundary position as shown in FIG. The water 9 in the water supply tank 8 is circulated by the rotation of the rotor. Thereby, the slime generated on the wall surface of the water supply tank 8 can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the water 9 can be suppressed.

  In the case of the seventh embodiment, the rotor 5 is always rotated when water is not supplied, but the same effect can be obtained even when the operation is performed intermittently or for an arbitrary time.

  In the seventh embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
FIG. 15 is a characteristic diagram for illustrating pump motor control according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis represents the amount of water in the water supply tank 8, and the vertical axis represents the rotational speed. Although the shape of the graph varies depending on the shape of the water supply tank 8 and the water supply pump 10 and the characteristics of the DC-BLM1, in the eighth embodiment, the characteristics shown in FIG. 15 will be described. In FIG. 15, the rotational speed decreases as the amount of water increases, and the rotational speed increases as the amount of water decreases.

  In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis represents the amount of water in the water supply tank 8, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate flowing out of the water supply pump 10. When the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 increases, the length from the upper surface of the water 9 to the water supply boundary position decreases, so the flow rate increases. For this reason, it becomes large as a load of DC-BLM1, and a rotation speed becomes low. As the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 decreases, the flow rate also decreases as shown in FIG. 16, and therefore the rotational speed increases as shown in FIG. From the above, the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 can be estimated by measuring the rotational speed of the DC-BLM 1.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S61), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the DC-BLM1 (step S62). The water 9 is sent out from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5 as the rotor 5 rotates. The control circuit 3 detects the number of rotations of the rotor 5 from the position detection signal from the position detection circuit 4, and estimates the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 from FIG. 15 (step S63). From this amount of water, the number of revolutions of the DC-BLM 1 or the water supply time for setting the amount of water 9 supplied to the ice tray to a predetermined amount is set (step S64). And it continues rotation with the set rotation speed and supplies water.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the set water supply time has been reached (step S65), and when the water supply time has reached the set water supply time, a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to set the DC-BLM1. Stop (step S66). If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues.

  With this sequence, a fixed amount of water can be sent to the ice tray regardless of the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8. Further, the amount of water supply can be freely changed according to the number of rotations of the motor and the water supply time.

  Further, since the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 can be estimated from the rotational speed of the DC-BLM1, if the water 9 in the water supply tank 8 cannot supply a predetermined amount to the ice tray, the water supply is stopped, or Users can also be notified.

  In this embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 9 FIG.
FIG. 18 is a characteristic diagram for illustrating pump motor control according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis represents the amount of water in the water supply tank 8, and the vertical axis represents the drive current of the DC-BLM1. Although the shape of the graph varies depending on the shape of the water supply tank 8 and the water supply pump 10 and the characteristics of the DC-BLM1, in the ninth embodiment, the characteristics shown in FIG. 18 will be described. In FIG. 18, when the amount of water increases, the drive current increases, and when the amount of water decreases, the drive current decreases.

  In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents the amount of water in the water supply tank 8, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate delivered from the pump 10. When the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 increases, the length from the upper surface of the water 9 to the water supply boundary position decreases, so the flow rate increases. For this reason, it becomes large as a load of DC-BLM1, and much drive current flows. As the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 decreases, the flow rate decreases as shown in FIG. 19, so that the drive current decreases as shown in FIG. From this, if the drive current of DC-BLM1 is measured, the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 can be estimated.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S71), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the motor (step S72). The water 9 is sent out from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5 as the rotor 5 rotates. The control circuit 3 detects the drive current applied from the drive circuit 2 to the DC-BLM 1 (step S73), and estimates the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 from FIG. From this amount of water, the number of revolutions of the DC-BLM 1 or the water supply time for setting the amount of water 9 supplied to the ice tray to a predetermined amount is set (step S74). And it continues rotation with the set rotation speed and supplies water.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the set water supply time has been reached (step S75). When the water supply time reaches the set water supply time, a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2, and the DC-BLM1 is set. Stop (step S76). If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues.

  With this sequence, a fixed amount of water can be sent to the ice tray regardless of the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8. Further, the amount of water supply can be freely changed according to the number of rotations of the motor and the water supply time.

  Further, since the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 can be estimated from the current of the DC-BLM 1, when the predetermined water 9 cannot be supplied, the water supply can be stopped or the user can be notified.

  In this embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

Embodiment 10 FIG.
FIG. 21 is a characteristic diagram for illustrating pump motor control according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis represents the amount of water in the water supply tank 8, and the vertical axis represents the control command value for controlling the rotational speed or torque of the DC-BLM1. Although the shape of the graph varies depending on the shape of the water supply tank 8 and the water supply pump 10 and the characteristics of the DC-BLM1, in the tenth embodiment, the characteristics shown in FIG. 21 will be described. In FIG. 21, when the amount of water increases, the control command value increases, and when the amount of water decreases, the control command value decreases.

  In FIG. 22, the horizontal axis represents the amount of water in the water supply tank 8, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate flowing out from the water supply pump 10. When the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 increases, the length from the upper surface of the water 9 to the water supply boundary position decreases, so the flow rate increases. For this reason, the load on the DC-BLM 1 is increased, and the control command value is increased in order to increase the rotation speed or torque. As the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 decreases, the flow rate also decreases as shown in FIG. 22, so the control command value decreases as shown in FIG. From this, if the control command value is measured, the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 can be estimated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a simple operation sequence for supplying water to the ice tray. When a water supply start signal is output (step S81), the control circuit 3 sends a motor START signal to the drive circuit 2 to rotate the motor (step S82). The water 9 is sent out from the outlet of the water supply pump 10 and supplied to the ice tray by the impeller attached to the rotor 5 as the rotor 5 rotates. Next, a control command value for controlling the rotational speed or torque of the DC-BLM 1 is detected (step S83), and the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8 is estimated from FIG. From this amount of water, the number of revolutions of the DC-BLM 1 or the water supply time for setting a predetermined amount of water 9 to be supplied to the ice tray is set (step S84). And it continues rotation with the set rotation speed and supplies water.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the set water supply time has been reached (step S85), and when the water supply time reaches the set water supply time, a motor STOP signal is sent from the control circuit 3 to the drive circuit 2 to stop the motor. (Step S86). If the water supply time has not been reached, the rotation continues.

  With this sequence, a fixed amount of water can be sent to the ice tray regardless of the amount of water 9 in the water supply tank 8. Further, the amount of water supply can be freely changed according to the number of rotations of the motor and the water supply time.

  Further, since the amount of the water 9 in the water supply tank 8 can be estimated from the control command value, when the predetermined water 9 cannot be supplied, the water supply can be stopped or the user can be notified.

  In this embodiment, the motor used is described as DC-BLM, but the same effect can be obtained even if a motor other than DC-BLM is used.

It is a block diagram which shows the motor control apparatus of the feed water pump by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the rotation speed of the motor and drive voltage by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the water supply tank part of the automatic ice making machine by Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating the pump motor control by Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating pump motor control by Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a characteristic view for demonstrating pump motor control by Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the ice tray by Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the motor control apparatus of the conventional water supply pump. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the water supply tank part of the automatic ice making machine currently used with the refrigerator etc. in the past. It is a flowchart which shows the simple operation | movement sequence for supplying water to the conventional ice tray. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the conventional drive voltage and rotation speed.

  1 DC-BLM (direct current brushless motor), 2 drive circuit, 3, 11 control circuit, 4 position detection circuit (Hall element), 5 magnet rotor, 6 stator coil, 7 substrate, 8 water supply tank, 9 water, 10 pump.

Claims (3)

A water tank,
A magnet rotor having an impeller and rotatably mounted;
A stator coil for rotating the magnet rotor by generating a magnetic field;
A water supply pump that incorporates the magnet rotor, is installed in a state that is separable from the stator coil in the water supply tank, and supplies water in the water supply tank to an ice tray;
In the refrigerator ice maker comprising:
The amount of water delivered at the time of starting the motor composed of the magnet rotor and the stator coil is made smaller than a predetermined delivery amount, and then the motor rotation speed is controlled so as to gradually become the prescribed delivery amount , and water supply the motor control device of the feed water pump, characterized in Rukoto stops the motor when the time reaches the water supply time set in advance. 2. The water supply pump motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of water delivered is set to a minimum when the motor is started. A water tank,
A magnet rotor having an impeller and rotatably mounted;
A stator coil for rotating the magnet rotor by generating a magnetic field;
A water supply pump that incorporates the magnet rotor, is installed in a state that is separable from the stator coil in the water supply tank, and supplies water in the water supply tank to an ice tray;
In the refrigerator ice maker comprising:
The rotational speed of the motor composed of the magnet rotor and stator coil is started at an arbitrarily low rotational speed, controlled to rotate at a set rotational speed after a predetermined time has elapsed , and the water supply time is set to a preset water supply time. when reaching the motor controller of the feedwater pump, characterized in Rukoto to stop the water supply pump motor.

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