Defrosting method of evaporator and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a defrosting method of an evaporator and a refrigerator. The evaporator comprises a plurality of parallel fins and heating devices for heating each fin. The defrosting method comprises: judging whether each fin needs defrosting; when both fins need defrosting, first starting the heating device on the upper side, and then starting the heating device on the lower side according to a first preset condition. On the one hand, since each fin corresponds to a heating device, the application can realize uniform defrosting. On the other hand, when both fins need defrosting, the two fins are heated in the order from top to bottom. The defrosting water generated by the defrosting of the upper fin can pre-defrost the lower fin. When the lower fin is heated, less heating energy is needed to complete the defrosting of the lower fin. In summary, the application has the advantages of low defrosting energy consumption and uniform defrosting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration, and in particular to a defrosting method for an evaporator and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Refrigeration equipment often experiences frost on the evaporator, which affects its operating efficiency. Therefore, the evaporator needs to be defrosted after a period of refrigeration. Conventional defrosting methods typically involve installing a separate heating device, such as a heating wire or heating tube, beneath the evaporator. Consequently, existing defrosting methods suffer from uneven defrosting and high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an evaporator defrosting method and a refrigerator that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems, and can solve the problems of high defrosting energy consumption and uneven defrosting.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a defrosting method for an evaporator, wherein the evaporator includes a plurality of fins arranged in parallel and a heating device for heating each of the fins; the defrosting method includes:

[0005] Determining whether each of the fins needs to be defrosted;

[0006] When both fins need to be defrosted, the heating device on the upper side is started first, and then the heating device on the lower side is started according to the first preset condition.

[0007] Preferably, the two fins are two adjacent fins; and the defrosting method for the evaporator further comprises:

[0008] When one of the fins needs to be defrosted and the fins adjacent to the upper side thereof are being defrosted or do not need to be defrosted, the corresponding heating device is started to defrost the corresponding fin.

[0009] Preferably, the two fins are two adjacent fins; and the defrosting method for the evaporator further comprises:

[0010] When one of the fins needs to be defrosted and the fin adjacent to the upper side thereof is being defrosted, the corresponding heating device is started according to a second preset condition to defrost the corresponding fin.

[0011] Preferably, the first preset condition is:

[0012] The heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned off; or, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned on for a first preset time; or, the surface temperature of the upper fin reaches a first preset temperature.

[0013] Preferably, the second preset condition is:

[0014] The heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned off; or, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned on after the second preset time; or, the surface temperature of the upper fin reaches the first preset temperature; or, one of the fins needs to be defrosted after the third preset time.

[0015] Preferably, when the surface temperature of the fin is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, or when the heating device corresponding to the fin is turned on for a fourth preset time, the heating device corresponding to the fin is turned off to stop defrosting the fin.

[0016] Preferably, the first preset time is shorter than the fourth preset time.

[0017] Preferably, when one of the fins needs to be defrosted and the fin adjacent to the upper side thereof needs to be defrosted,

[0018] When the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned on for a fifth preset time, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned off to stop defrosting the upper fin;

[0019] When the surface temperature of the lower fin is greater than or equal to a fifth preset temperature, the heating device corresponding to the lower fin is turned off to stop defrosting the lower fin.

[0020] Preferably, each fin comprises a fin body, and the fin body is a hollow structure;

[0021] The heating device is a heating element that generates heat using electricity, the heating element is arranged inside the fin body, and the heating element is configured to heat the fin body;

[0022] The fin body includes two fin layers, and the internal space of the fin body is enclosed by the two fin layers; the two fin layers are plugged or welded together;

[0023] The heating element includes a heating wire and an insulating layer arranged on the outside of the heating wire;

[0024] The internal space of the fin body is a serpentine channel or a U-shaped channel, the straight section of the U-shaped channel extends along the length direction of the fin body, and both ends of the serpentine channel or the U-shaped channel are located at the same end of the fin body.

[0025] The application also provides a refrigerator comprising a control device; the control device comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a control program, and when the control program is executed by the processor, the control program is used to implement the control method of the evaporator according to any one of the above.

[0026] In the defrosting method of the evaporator, on the one hand, since each fin corresponds to a heating device, the application can realize uniform defrosting; on the other hand, when both fins need to be defrosted, the two fins are heated in the order from top to bottom, and the defrosting water generated by the defrosting of the upper fin can pre-defrost the lower fin, and when the lower fin is heated, less heating energy is needed to complete the defrosting of the lower fin. In summary, the application has the advantages of low defrosting energy consumption and uniform defrosting.

[0027] Further, the fin comprises a fin body, and the heating device is a heating body arranged inside the fin body, which can reduce heat loss of the heating body, improve heating efficiency, and reduce defrosting energy consumption. In addition, by arranging a serpentine channel or a U-shaped channel, the contact area of the heating body and the fin body can be increased, and the defrosting can be more uniform. In addition, the wiring ends of the heating bodies of the fins are located on the same side of the evaporating pipe, which can facilitate the electrical connection between the heating bodies and save installation space.

[0028] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Some specific embodiments of the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in the drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a defrosting method of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the application;

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the application;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a fin of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the application;

[0033] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic structural diagram of a heating body of the fin;

[0034] Figure 5 is Figure 3Schematic diagram of the structure of the fin layer of the fin shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 5 To describe the defrosting method of the evaporator and the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features, that is, include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. When a feature "includes or contains" one or some of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may further include other features.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly defined or limited, terms such as "disposed," "installed," "connected," "connected," "fixed," and "coupled" should be broadly interpreted. For example, they may refer to fixed or detachable connections, or integration; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise expressly defined. A person of ordinary skill in the art should be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact via another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, the first feature being "above," "above," and "above" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below," "below," or "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of the present embodiment, reference to the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a defrosting method for an evaporator 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, and reference Figures 2 to 5 An embodiment of the present invention provides a defrosting method for an evaporator 300, wherein the evaporator 300 includes a plurality of fins 100 arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and a heating device for heating each fin 100; the defrosting method includes: judging whether each fin 100 needs to be defrosted; when both fins 100 need to be defrosted, first starting the upper heating device, and then starting the lower heating device according to a first preset condition.

[0040] In the defrosting method for the evaporator 300 of the present invention, on the one hand, since each fin 100 corresponds to a heating device, the present invention can achieve uniform defrosting. On the other hand, when both fins 100 need to be defrosted, the two fins 100 are heated in a descending order. The defrosting water generated by the defrosting of the upper fin 100 can defrost the lower fin 100. When heating the lower fin 100, less heating energy is consumed, and defrosting of the lower fin 100 can be completed. In summary, the present invention has the advantages of low defrosting energy consumption and uniform defrosting.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first preset condition is: turning off the heating device corresponding to the upper fins 100, that is, stopping defrosting the upper fins 100; or, the heating device corresponding to the upper fins 100 is turned on for a first preset time; or, the surface temperature of the upper fins 100 reaches the first preset temperature.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the two fins 100 are two adjacent fins 100. Specifically, when only two adjacent fins 100 require defrosting, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin 100 of the two adjacent fins 100 is directly activated, and then the heating device corresponding to the lower fin 100 of the two adjacent fins 100 is activated according to the first preset condition. When three adjacent fins 100 require defrosting, the heating device corresponding to the uppermost fin 100 of the three adjacent fins 100 is directly activated, and then the heating device corresponding to the middle fin 100 is activated according to the first preset condition. Then, based on the middle fin 100, the heating device corresponding to the lowermost fin 100 is activated again according to the first preset condition. In other words, when more than three adjacent fins 100 require defrosting, the heating devices are activated sequentially in a top-to-bottom order. In this case, for every two adjacent fins 100, the upper heating device is activated first, and then the lower heating device is activated according to the first preset condition.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the defrosting method for the evaporator 300 further includes: when a fin 100 requires defrosting and the fin 100 adjacent to it is currently defrosting or does not require defrosting, activating the corresponding heating device to defrost the corresponding fin 100. In other words, when a fin 100 requires defrosting, if the fin adjacent to it does not require defrosting at the same time, the heating device corresponding to the fin 100 is directly activated. Whether the fin below the fin 100 requires defrosting does not affect the activation of the heating device corresponding to the fin 100.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the defrosting method for the evaporator 300 further includes: when a fin 100 needs to be defrosted and the fin 100 adjacent to it is currently defrosting, activating the corresponding heating device according to a second preset condition to defrost the corresponding fin 100. In other words, when the fin 100 adjacent to the fin 100 above a fin 100 is currently defrosting, the heating device corresponding to the fin 100 is not directly activated, but is activated according to the second preset condition.

[0045] Furthermore, the second preset condition is: the heating device corresponding to the upper fin 100 of the fin is turned off; or the heating device corresponding to the upper fin 100 is turned on for a second preset time; or the surface temperature of the upper fin 100 reaches the first preset temperature. Alternatively, the second preset condition is when a fin 100 (the fin) requires defrosting after a third preset time. In other words, if a fin requires defrosting and the adjacent fin above it has already begun defrosting, the corresponding heating device can be activated after the third preset time to defrost the fin that requires defrosting.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, for each fin 100, defrosting of the fin 100 can be terminated by one or more of the following conditions. The condition is when the surface temperature of the fin 100 is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, or when the heating device corresponding to the fin 100 is turned on for a fourth preset time. That is, the defrosting method of the evaporator 300 further includes: when the surface temperature of the fin 100 is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, or when the heating device corresponding to the fin 100 is turned on for a fourth preset time, turning off the heating device corresponding to the fin 100 to stop defrosting the fin 100. The second preset temperature refers to the surface temperature of the fin 100 when it is completely defrosted, and the fourth preset time refers to the time required for the fin 100 to be completely defrosted.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first preset time is less than the fourth preset time. Specifically, when the heating device corresponding to the upper fin 100 of the two fins 100 has not stopped heating, the heating device corresponding to the lower fin 100 is activated to begin heating, and defrosting efficiency is high. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature. Specifically, when the surface of the upper fin 100 of the two fins 100 has not reached the second preset temperature, the heating device corresponding to the lower fin 100 is activated to begin heating, and defrosting efficiency is high.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, when only two adjacent fins 100 need to be defrosted at the same time, the defrosting of the two fins can be ended in the following manner: when the heating device corresponding to the upper fin 100 is turned on for the fifth preset time, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin 100 is turned off to stop defrosting the upper fin 100; when the surface temperature of the lower fin 100 is greater than or equal to the fifth preset temperature, the heating device corresponding to the lower fin 100 is turned off to stop defrosting the lower fin 100.

[0049] When multiple adjacent fins 100 need to be defrosted at the same time, the defrosting of the two fins can be ended in the following way: when the heating device corresponding to the uppermost fin 100 is turned on for the fifth preset time, the heating device corresponding to the uppermost fin 100 is turned off to stop defrosting the uppermost fin 100; when the surface temperature of each of the remaining fins 100 is greater than or equal to the fifth preset temperature, the corresponding heating device is turned off to stop defrosting the fin 100.

[0050] Preferably, the fifth preset time is equal to the time required for the fins 100 to be completely defrosted, and the fifth preset temperature is equal to the surface temperature of the fins 100 when completely defrosted. That is, the conditions for the upper and lower fins to terminate defrosting differ. Using time control on the upper fin allows for a longer heat generation period, producing more hot water for defrosting the lower fins. Defrost on the lower fins utilizes not only the heat from the heating device but also the heat from the upper fins. Using time control may result in heat waste.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2-5 As shown, each fin 100 includes a fin body, which is a hollow structure; a heating device, which is a heating element that generates heat using electricity and is disposed within the fin body and configured to heat the fin body. The defrosting process of the fin 100 is as follows: the heating element 110 generates heat using electricity, thereby heating the fin body 110, and the frost on the surface of the heated fin body 110 melts. In some alternative embodiments, the heating device is a heater plate, and the surface of each fin 100 is abutted against the heater plate.

[0052] During defrosting, the fin bodies 110 are heated by heating elements 120 located within the fins. Compared to conventional heating methods that operate from the bottom of the evaporator, the present invention provides a shorter heating path and a larger contact area between the heating element and the fin bodies. Consequently, the present invention offers the advantages of uniform defrosting, high efficiency, and effective defrosting. Furthermore, defrosting minimizes the impact on surrounding non-metallic components, preventing them from deforming or burning due to heat, while also saving installation space.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the fin body 110 includes two fin layers 111 , and the internal space of the fin body 110 is enclosed by the two fin layers 111 ; the two fin layers 111 are plugged or welded together, or glued together.

[0054] When assembling the fin 110, the heating element 120 is sandwiched between the two fin layers 111, and then the two fin layers 111 are plugged or welded together to complete the assembly of the fin 100. Therefore, the fin 100 has the advantages of simple structure, easy manufacturing and low manufacturing cost.

[0055] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the internal space of the fin body 110 is a serpentine channel or a U-shaped channel 112, the straight section of the U-shaped channel 112 extends along the length direction of the fin body 110, and the two ends of the serpentine channel or the U-shaped channel 112 are located at the same end of the fin body.

[0056] By providing a serpentine channel or a U-shaped channel 112, on the one hand, the contact area between the heating element 120 and the fin body 110 can be increased, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency and uniformity; in addition, on the other hand, the gap between the heating element 120 and the fin body 110 can be reduced, so that the heating element 120 and the fin body 110 are in close contact, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating element 120 and avoiding energy waste.

[0057] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4 As shown, the heating element 120 includes a heating wire and an insulating skin arranged on the outside of the heating wire, and the insulating skin can improve the safety performance of the fin.

[0058] Furthermore, both ends of the serpentine channel or the U-shaped channel 112 are sealed with silicone, which can further improve the safety performance of the fin.

[0059] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a mounting hole 140 is opened on the fin body 110 , and the mounting hole 140 is used to insert the evaporation tube 200 .

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the wiring terminals of the heating elements 120 of each fin 100 are located on the same side of the evaporation tube 200. The heating elements 120 of adjacent fins 100 are connected in parallel for independent control. Having the wiring terminals of the heating elements 120 of each fin 100 on the same side of the evaporation tube 200 facilitates electrical connection of each heating element 120 and saves installation space. Of course, in other optional embodiments, each heating element 120 of each fin 100 can be electrically controlled using separate lead wires.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fin 100 further includes a grounding device 130, which is used for safe grounding of the fin. The grounding device 130 is provided on the fin body 110, and the grounding device 130 is a screw hole, a quick-connect terminal, or a grounding wire. The heating element 120 is powered by strong electricity (AC220V) or weak electricity (DC12V / 24V); when the heating element 120 is powered by strong electricity, the grounding device is a grounding wire, specifically, the grounding wire is welded or crimped onto the fin body 110.

[0062] The present invention also provides a refrigerator, comprising a control device and an evaporator 300; the control device comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a control program and is used to implement the control method of the evaporator 300 according to any of the above embodiments when the control program is executed by the processor.

[0063] At this point, those skilled in the art will recognize that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the present invention may be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A defrosting method for an evaporator, characterized in that: The evaporator includes a plurality of fins arranged in parallel and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a heating device for heating each of the fins; the defrosting method includes: Determining whether each of the fins needs to be defrosted; When both fins need to be defrosted, the upper heating device is started first, and then the lower heating device is started according to the first preset condition; wherein the two fins are adjacent to each other; The first preset condition is: the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned off; or the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned on for a first preset time; or the surface temperature of the upper fin reaches a first preset temperature; The defrosting method also includes: when the surface temperature of the fin is greater than or equal to a second preset temperature, or when the heating device corresponding to the fin is turned on for a fourth preset time, turning off the heating device corresponding to the fin to stop defrosting the fin; wherein the first preset time is less than the fourth preset time; and the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature.

2. The defrosting method for an evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The defrosting method for the evaporator further comprises: When one of the fins needs to be defrosted and the fins adjacent to the upper side thereof are being defrosted or do not need to be defrosted, the corresponding heating device is started to defrost the corresponding fin.

3. The defrosting method for an evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The defrosting method for the evaporator further comprises: When one of the fins needs to be defrosted and the fin adjacent to the upper side thereof is being defrosted, the corresponding heating device is started according to a second preset condition to defrost the corresponding fin.

4. The defrosting method for an evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second preset condition is: The heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned off; or, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned on after the second preset time; or, the surface temperature of the upper fin reaches the first preset temperature; or, the lower fin needs to be defrosted after the third preset time.

5. The defrosting method for an evaporator according to claim 2, characterized in that: When one of the fins needs to be defrosted and the fin adjacent to it needs to be defrosted, When the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned on for a fifth preset time, the heating device corresponding to the upper fin is turned off to stop defrosting the upper fin; When the surface temperature of the lower fin is greater than or equal to a fifth preset temperature, the heating device corresponding to the lower fin is turned off to stop defrosting the lower fin.

6. The defrosting method for an evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each fin includes a fin body, and the fin body is a hollow structure; The heating device is a heating element that generates heat using electricity, the heating element is arranged inside the fin body, and the heating element is configured to heat the fin body; The fin body includes two fin layers, and the internal space of the fin body is enclosed by the two fin layers; the two fin layers are plugged or welded together; The heating element includes a heating wire and an insulating layer arranged on the outside of the heating wire; The internal space of the fin body is a serpentine channel or a U-shaped channel, the straight section of the U-shaped channel extends along the length direction of the fin body, and both ends of the serpentine channel or the U-shaped channel are located at the same end of the fin body.

7. A refrigerator comprising a control device; the control device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a control program and is used to implement the control method of the evaporator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when the control program is executed by the processor.

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