Refrigerator and method for controlling operation thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a running control method thereof. The refrigerator comprises an evaporator, a compressor, an evaporating chamber containing the evaporator, a compressor chamber containing the compressor and located below the evaporating chamber, and a drain pipe for discharging defrosting water in the evaporating chamber to the compressor chamber. The refrigerator further comprises a temperature sensor, a heat pipe heating assembly, an electric heating wire heating assembly, and a control unit. In the refrigerator structure, the heating speed of the heat pipe heating assembly and the electric heating wire heating assembly is different. Based on the specific running control method, the freezing phenomenon at the upper port position of the drain pipe can be effectively avoided, the defrosting water in the evaporating chamber can be smoothly discharged, and the energy consumption of the refrigerator can be greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a refrigerator and its operation control method. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in refrigerator technology and rising consumer awareness, the market share of frost-free refrigerators has been increasing year by year. The principle of a frost-free refrigerator is to rely on a fan to drive the internal air circulation for cooling. Specifically, the fan first blows air through the evaporator to each compartment, and then the air returns to the evaporator chamber, forming a cycle. During this circulation, the air carries moisture from the compartments to the evaporator surface. This moisture condenses into frost upon contact with the evaporator. To prevent excessive frost buildup, frost-free refrigerators typically have an automatic defrosting function. This function uses heating elements to melt the frost layer on the evaporator, turning it into water. This defrost water is then drained through a drain pipe into the evaporator dish inside the compressor chamber. However, because the refrigerator's cooling system continues to operate after defrosting, and the evaporator is cooling, there is a risk of ice buildup near the drain pipe's port on the evaporator. This can affect the normal drainage of defrost water in subsequent cycles. In addition, during the cooling process, the forced convection of the fan in the evaporator chamber and the drain pipe used to drain defrost water in the evaporator chamber are under negative pressure. Air in the compressor chamber is "sucked" into the evaporator chamber through the drain pipe, which increases the refrigerator's heat load and moisture content, increases energy consumption, accelerates frost formation on the evaporator, and reduces the refrigerator's reliability.

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an improved technical solution to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a refrigerator, the specific design of which is as follows.

[0005] A refrigerator includes an evaporator, a compressor, an evaporation chamber housing the evaporator, a compressor chamber housing the compressor and located below the evaporation chamber, and a drain pipe for discharging defrost water from the evaporation chamber to the compressor chamber. The refrigerator also includes a temperature sensor, a heat pipe heating assembly, a heating wire assembly, and a control unit. The control unit controls the operation of the heat pipe heating assembly and the heating wire assembly based on a signal sensed by the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is located at the upper end of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber. Both the heat pipe heating assembly and the heating wire assembly heat at least a section of the drain pipe near the upper end during operation. The heating rate of the heating wire assembly is greater than the heating rate of the heat pipe heating assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, the heat pipe heating assembly has a heat-absorbing heat pipe that is thermally connected to the heating area of ​​the compressor, a heat-dissipating heat pipe that is thermally connected to a section of the drain pipe near the upper port, and a connecting pipe that connects the heat-absorbing heat pipe and the heat-dissipating heat pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, the heat pipe heating assembly also has a solenoid valve disposed on the connecting pipe, the solenoid valve being controlled by the control unit to open or close to connect or disconnect the heat transfer between the heat-absorbing heat pipe and the heat-dissipating heat pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the heating wire assembly has a heating wire that is wound around the outside of the drain pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the distance between the portion of the heating wire assembly used to heat the drain pipe and the upper port is less than the distance between the portion of the heat pipe assembly used to heat the drain pipe and the upper port.

[0010] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes an evaporating dish disposed in the compressor chamber for receiving the defrosting water, a drain pipe connected to the evaporating dish, and a water level controller cooperating with the drain pipe; the water level controller is configured such that: when the water level in the evaporating dish is higher than a preset water level value, the water level controller opens to extract water exceeding the preset water level value via the drain pipe; when the water level in the evaporating dish is lower than the preset water level value, the water level controller closes to prevent water from draining out of the evaporating dish.

[0011] Furthermore, the drain pipe has a lower port away from the upper port, and the refrigerator also has an HCS eco-friendly moisturizing membrane located at the lower port position that allows moisture to flow unidirectionally from the evaporation chamber to the compressor chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the refrigerator also has a support portion for supporting the HCS eco-moisturizing film. The support portion is movably disposed relative to the lower port and is controlled by the control unit. The support portion has a first position where the HCS eco-moisturizing film covers the lower port and a second position where the lower port is opened.

[0013] The present invention also provides a refrigerator operation control method for controlling the operation of the refrigerator described above, the operation control method comprising:

[0014] S1. Start the evaporator defrosting;

[0015] S2. The temperature sensor senses the temperature T at the position of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber. The system determines the relationship between the temperature T and the first preset temperature T1 and the second preset temperature T2, where T1 < T2. If T1 ≤ T ≤ T2, then proceed to step S3; if T < T1, start the heating wire heating component for heating; if T > T2, do not start the heat pipe heating component and the heating wire heating component.

[0016] S3. Start the heat pipe heating component for heating, and the temperature sensor continuously senses the temperature at the position of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber. The system determines whether the duration for which the temperature is less than the second preset temperature T2 exceeds the first preset time. If so, start the heating wire heating component for heating; if not, stop heating.

[0017] Furthermore, in step S2 or step S3: If the heating wire heating component is started for heating, the temperature sensor continuously senses the temperature at the position of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber. When the duration for which the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is greater than the third preset temperature T3 exceeds the second preset time, stop heating.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In the refrigerator structure provided by the present invention, due to the different heating speeds of the heat pipe heating component and the heating wire heating component, based on its specific operation control method, it can effectively prevent the occurrence of icing at the upper port position of the drain pipe, thereby ensuring the smooth discharge of defrosting water in the evaporation chamber and significantly reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for description in the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative efforts.

[0020] Figure 1 Shown is a layout schematic diagram of the evaporation chamber and the compressor chamber in the refrigerator of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the refrigerator involved;

[0022] Figure 3 Shown are several different cooperation schematic diagrams of the moisture-proof mechanism and the drain pipe;

[0023] Figure 4 Shown is an operation control flow chart of the refrigerator of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator involved in this invention includes an evaporator 11, a compressor 21, an evaporation chamber 100 that houses the evaporator 11, a compressor chamber 200 that houses the compressor 21 and is located below the evaporation chamber 100, and a drain pipe 22 for draining defrost water from the evaporation chamber 100 to the compressor chamber 200.

[0026] The refrigerator involved in this invention is typically a frost-free refrigerator. It also includes a fan 12 positioned opposite the evaporator 11 and a compartment 300 for storing items. An air inlet and an air return outlet (not shown in the figure) are provided between the compartment 300 and the evaporator chamber 100. During refrigerator cooling, the fan 12 operates, blowing air cooled by the evaporator 11 through the air inlet into the compartment 300. The air in the compartment 300 then flows back to the evaporator chamber 100 through the air return outlet, completing one cycle. During this cycle, the air carries moisture from the compartment 300 to the surface of the evaporator 11. This moisture condenses into frost upon contact with the evaporator. To prevent excessive frost buildup on the evaporator 11, frost-free refrigerators typically have an automatic defrosting function. This function involves heating the evaporator 11 to form defrost water on its surface. The defrost water is then discharged from the evaporator chamber 100 through a drain pipe 22.

[0027] Further reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator of the present invention also includes a temperature sensor 23, a heat pipe heating assembly 24, a heating wire assembly 25, and a control unit (not shown in the figure). The control unit controls the operation of the heat pipe heating assembly 24 and the heating wire assembly 25 based on the sensing signal from the temperature sensor 23. The temperature sensor 23 is located at the upper port of the drain pipe 22 near the evaporation chamber 100. Both the heat pipe heating assembly 24 and the heating wire assembly 25 heat at least a section of the drain pipe 22 near its upper port during operation. The heating speed of the heating wire assembly 25 is greater than that of the heat pipe heater.

[0028] It is relatively easy to understand that in the refrigerator structure provided by this invention, when the evaporator 11 is cooling, the residual water in the drain pipe 22 is prone to freezing, forming an ice blockage. This ice blockage will affect the normal drainage of the drain pipe 22. In addition, the upper end of the drain pipe 22 is closest to the evaporator chamber 100, and therefore has the greatest risk of freezing. In this invention, the temperature sensor 23 is located near the upper end of the evaporator chamber 100, which can most accurately reflect whether there is ice formation in the drain pipe 22. Furthermore, by setting two heating components with different heating rates, the appropriate heating method can be selected for defrosting according to the actual situation in specific application scenarios. In this way, the energy consumption of the refrigerator can be reduced to the greatest extent while solving the problem of ice blockage in the drain pipe 22.

[0029] To better understand this invention, the following further details... Figure 1 , Figure 2 Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in detail below:

[0030] As shown in the figure, in some specific embodiments, the heat pipe heating assembly 24 has a heat-absorbing heat pipe 241 that is thermally connected to the heating area of ​​the compressor 21, a heat-dissipating heat pipe 242 that is thermally connected to a section of the drain pipe 22 near the upper port, and a connecting pipe 243 that connects the heat-absorbing heat pipe 241 and the heat-dissipating heat pipe 242.

[0031] Typically, the heat-absorbing heat pipe 241, the heat-dissipating heat pipe 242, and the connecting pipe 243 contain a working fluid. The heat pipe heating assembly 24 primarily relies on the vapor-liquid phase change of the working fluid for heat transfer, exhibiting very low thermal resistance and high thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, the heat from the compressor 21 is transferred to the drain pipe 22 via the heat pipe heating assembly 24. This effectively solves the ice blockage problem caused by icing to some extent without consuming additional electrical energy, thus significantly reducing the refrigerator's energy consumption.

[0032] To ensure controllable heat conduction in the heat pipe heating assembly 24, in practice, the heat pipe heating assembly 24 also includes a solenoid valve 240 mounted on the connecting pipe 243. The solenoid valve 240 is controlled by the control unit to open or close, thereby connecting or disconnecting the heat transfer between the heat-absorbing heat pipe 241 and the heat-dissipating heat pipe 242. Specifically, when the refrigerator initiates defrosting and the heat pipe heating assembly 24 is required, the solenoid valve 240 opens, and the heat from the heating area of ​​the compressor 21 (e.g., the top of the compressor 21) is transferred sequentially through the heat-absorbing heat pipe 241, the connecting pipe 243, and the heat-dissipating heat pipe 242 to the drain pipe 22, thus achieving the ice-melting action.

[0033] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the heating wire assembly 25 has a heating wire wound around the outside of the drain pipe 22. The wound heating wire can increase the heat conduction area between the heating wire assembly 25 and the drain pipe 22, thereby accelerating the ice melting speed.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, in some embodiments, the distance between the portion of the heating wire heating assembly 25 used to heat the drain pipe 22 and the upper port is less than the distance between the portion of the heat pipe heating assembly 24 used to heat the drain pipe 22 and the upper port.

[0035] It is relatively easy to understand that, for the drain pipe 22, its upper end is closest to the evaporation chamber 100, and therefore has the greatest risk of icing. Similarly, for other locations in the drain pipe 22, the closer to the upper end, the greater the risk of icing (i.e., more ice). In this invention, since the heating speed of the heating wire assembly 25 is greater than that of the heat pipe heater, placing the portion of the heating wire assembly 25 used to heat the drain pipe 22 relatively closer to the upper end of the drain pipe 22 allows for better cooperation between the heating wire assembly 25 and the heat pipe heater 24 to eliminate icing within the drain pipe 22.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, referring to the figures, the refrigerator further includes an evaporating dish 26 disposed in the compressor chamber 200 for receiving defrosting water, a drain pipe 260 connected to the evaporating dish 26, and a water level controller 27 cooperating with the drain pipe 260; the water level controller 27 is configured such that when the water level in the evaporating dish 26 is higher than a preset water level value, the water level controller 27 opens to extract water exceeding the preset water level value via the drain pipe 260; when the water level in the evaporating dish 26 is lower than the preset water level value, the water level controller 27 closes to prevent water from draining out of the evaporating dish 26.

[0037] In this embodiment, the water level controller 27 is a mechanical float valve; however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the water level controller 27 may also be an electrode-type water level controller, a pressure-type water level controller, etc. No specific limitations are imposed here.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in some embodiments of the present invention, the output end of the compressor 21 is connected to a refrigerant delivery pipe (not shown in the figure), which is positioned close to or near the bottom of the evaporating dish 26. Based on this, the heat carried by the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 can be used to evaporate the water in the evaporating dish 26 via the refrigerant delivery pipe.

[0039] The drain pipe 22 in this invention has a lower port located away from the upper port. As a further preferred embodiment, the refrigerator also has an HCS eco-friendly moisturizing membrane 280 located at the lower port, allowing moisture to flow unidirectionally from the evaporator chamber 100 to the compressor chamber 200. That is, moisture can only be discharged from the evaporator chamber 100 through the HCS eco-friendly moisturizing membrane 280 to the compressor chamber 200, while moisture within the compressor chamber 200 cannot enter the evaporator chamber 100. Because moisture within the compressor chamber 200 cannot pass through the HCS eco-friendly moisturizing membrane 280 into the evaporator chamber 100, the amount of frost on the evaporator 11 can be significantly reduced compared to existing technologies, thereby effectively reducing refrigerator energy consumption and optimizing overall refrigerator performance.

[0040] In the specific implementation process, the refrigerator also has a support part (not shown in the figure) that supports the HCS ecological moisturizing film 280. The ecological moisturizing film 280 and the support part together constitute the moisture-proof mechanism 28. The support part is movably set relative to the lower port and is controlled by the control unit. The support part has a first position where the HCS ecological moisturizing film 280 covers the lower port and a second position where the lower port is opened.

[0041] Specifically, when the evaporator 11 is in the defrosting state, the control unit controls the carrier to move to the second position. At this time, the HCS ecological moisturizing membrane 280 opens the lower port, and the defrosting water can be smoothly discharged into the evaporation dish 26. When the evaporator 11 is in the non-defrosting state, the control unit controls the carrier to move to the first position. At this time, the HCS ecological moisturizing membrane 280 blocks the lower port, and the HCS ecological moisturizing membrane 280 allows moisture to flow unidirectionally from the evaporation chamber 100 to the compressor chamber 200.

[0042] Combination Figure 3 As shown, it illustrates several different configurations of the HCS eco-friendly moisture-retaining membrane 280 of the moisture-proof mechanism 28 with the lower port of the drain pipe 22. Specifically, Figure 3 (a) The HCS eco-friendly moisturizing membrane 280 is a single piece. The control unit controls the movement of the supporting part, which allows the eco-friendly moisturizing membrane 280 to open or close the lower port of the drain pipe 22; and Figure 3 The ecological moisturizing film 280 in (a) has a different morphology. Figure 3 (b) The eco-friendly moisturizing film 280 adopts a four-piece independent structure. Figure 3 (c) The eco-friendly moisturizing film 280 uses a two-piece independent structure. This is understandable. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 Each individual eco-friendly moisture-retaining membrane 280 in (c) can be driven by the support unit, thereby enabling the opening or closing of the lower port of the drain pipe 22.

[0043] This invention also provides a refrigerator operation control method based on the specific structure of the refrigerator described above, for reference. Figure 4 As shown, the operation control method includes:

[0044] S1. Start defrosting the evaporator 11;

[0045] S2. The temperature sensor 23 senses the temperature T at the position of the drain pipe 22 close to the evaporation chamber 100. The system judges the relationship between the temperature T and the first preset temperature T1 and the second preset temperature T2, where T1 < T2; if T1 ≤ T ≤ T2, then proceed to step S3; if T < T1, then start heating the electric heating wire heating component 25; if T > T2, then do not start the heat pipe heating component 24 and the electric heating wire heating component 25;

[0046] S3. Start heating the heat pipe heating component 24, and the temperature sensor 23 senses the temperature at the position of the drain pipe 22 close to the evaporation chamber 100 in real time. The system judges whether the duration for which the temperature is less than the second preset temperature T2 exceeds the first preset time t1; if so, then start heating the electric heating wire heating component 25; if not, then stop heating.

[0047] Since in the refrigerator structure provided by the present invention, the heating speeds of the heat pipe heating component 24 and the electric heating wire heating component 25 are different, based on the above specific operation control method, it can effectively avoid the icing phenomenon at the upper port position of the drain pipe 22, and then ensure the smooth discharge of the defrosting water in the evaporation chamber 100, and can greatly reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, the first preset temperature T1 is -2°C, and the second preset temperature T2 is 0°C. In other embodiments, the first preset time t1 is set to 10 min. It can be understood that the specific design values of the first preset temperature T1, the second preset temperature T2, and the first preset time t1 in the above embodiments are only a preferred implementation parameter; in other embodiments of the present invention, the first preset temperature T1, the second preset temperature T2, and the first preset time t1 can also be appropriately adjusted according to requirements.

[0049] In addition, in step S2 or step S3 of the present invention: if the electric heating wire heating component 25 is started to heat, then the temperature sensor 23 senses the temperature at the position of the drain pipe 22 close to the evaporation chamber 100 in real time; when the duration for which the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 23 is greater than the third preset temperature T3 exceeds the second preset time t2, then stop the heating operation. It can be understood that stopping heating at this time means that the heating operations of both the heat pipe heating component 24 and the electric heating wire heating component 25 stop.

[0050] Specifically in implementation, the third preset temperature T3 can be the same as the second preset temperature T2, or can have a different value from the second preset temperature T2; generally, the third preset temperature T3 is not less than 0°C. The second preset time t2 can be 10 s, 30 s or other appropriate parameter values.

[0051] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0052] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising an evaporator, a compressor, an evaporation chamber housing the evaporator, a compressor chamber housing the compressor and located below the evaporation chamber, and a drain pipe for discharging defrost water from the evaporation chamber to the compressor chamber; characterized in that, The refrigerator further includes a temperature sensor, a heat pipe heating component, an electric heating wire heating component, and a control unit. The control unit controls the operation of the heat pipe heating component and the electric heating wire heating component according to the sensing signal of the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is disposed at the upper port position of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber. When the heat pipe heating component and the electric heating wire heating component are operating, they are both used to heat at least a section of the drain pipe near the upper port. The heating speed of the electric heating wire heating component during operation is greater than the heating speed of the heat pipe heating component during operation; The heat pipe heating component has a heat absorption heat pipe thermally connected to the heat generating area of the compressor, a heat dissipation heat pipe thermally connected to a section of the drain pipe near the upper port, and a connecting pipe connecting the heat absorption heat pipe and the heat dissipation heat pipe. The heat of the compressor is transferred to the drain pipe through the heat pipe heating component; The heat pipe heating component further has a solenoid valve disposed on the connecting pipe. The solenoid valve is controlled by the control unit to open and close to connect or cut off the heat transfer between the heat absorption heat pipe and the heat dissipation heat pipe; The drain pipe has a lower port away from the upper port. The refrigerator further has an HCS ecological moisture preservation film disposed at the lower port position to allow moisture to flow unidirectionally from the evaporation chamber to the compressor chamber; The refrigerator further has a carrying portion for carrying the HCS ecological moisture preservation film. The carrying portion is movably disposed relative to the lower port and is controlled by the control unit to operate. The carrying portion has a first position where it runs to the HCS ecological moisture preservation film to block the lower port and a second position where it opens the lower port.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric heating wire heating component has a heating wire wound around the outside of the drain pipe.

3. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The distance between the part of the drain pipe heated by the electric heating wire heating component and the upper port is less than the distance between the part of the drain pipe heated by the heat pipe heating component and the upper port.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The refrigerator further has an evaporation dish disposed in the compressor chamber for receiving the defrosting water, a water extraction pipe connecting the evaporation dish, and a water level controller cooperating with the water extraction pipe. The water level controller is configured as follows: when the water level in the evaporation dish is higher than a preset water level value, the water level controller opens to extract the water exceeding the preset water level value through the water extraction pipe; when the water level in the evaporation dish is lower than the preset water level value, the water level controller closes to prevent the water in the evaporation dish from draining out.

5. A refrigerator operation control method, characterized in that, For the operation control of the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, the operation control method includes: S1. Start the evaporator defrosting; S2. The temperature sensor senses the temperature T at the position of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber. The system judges the relationship between the temperature T and the first preset temperature T1 and the second preset temperature T2, where T1 < T2. If T1 ≤ T ≤ T2, then proceed to step S3; if T < T1, then start the electric heating wire heating component to heat; if T > T2, then do not start the heat pipe heating component and the electric heating wire heating component; S3. Start the heat pipe heating assembly to heat up, and the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber in real time. The system determines whether the duration of the temperature being lower than the second preset temperature T2 exceeds the first preset time. If so, start the heating wire heating assembly to heat up. If not, stop heating.

6. The refrigerator operation control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step S2 or step S3: if the heating element is activated, the temperature sensor will sense the temperature of the drain pipe near the evaporation chamber in real time; if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is greater than the third preset temperature T3 for a duration exceeding the second preset time, heating will stop.

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