Control method for air-cooled refrigerator and air-cooled refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator and an air-cooled refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, an evaporator and a fan disposed within the storage compartment, and a heating unit. The heating unit's barrel is used to hold objects to be processed and is disposed within the storage compartment. The control method includes: activating the heating unit; determining whether defrosting conditions for the evaporator are met; if so, disconnecting the evaporator and activating the fan to utilize the heat generated by the heating unit to defrost the evaporator. This not only conserves the electrical energy otherwise consumed by defrosting the evaporator, but also improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the barrel, avoids uneven temperatures of the objects to be processed due to heat accumulation within the barrel, and improves compartment temperature stability and user experience.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of "Control method for air-cooled refrigerator and air-cooled refrigerator":

[0002] Filing date of original application: 20191120

[0003] Original application number: 201911142637.3

[0004] The name of the invention originally applied for: Control method for air-cooled refrigerator and air-cooled refrigerator. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration and freezing, and in particular to a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator and the air-cooled refrigerator. Background Art

[0006] During the freezing process, the quality of food is maintained, but the frozen food needs to be heated before processing or eating. In order to facilitate users to freeze and heat food, the prior art generally thaws food by arranging an electromagnetic wave heating unit in the refrigerator.

[0007] However, the evaporator will generate a lot of heat during the defrosting process and the electromagnetic wave generating system of the heating unit will generate a lot of heat during operation, causing the temperature of the storage room to fluctuate, affecting the preservation quality of the food in the storage room. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of a first aspect of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical drawback of the prior art and to provide a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator having a heating unit.

[0009] A further object of the first aspect of the present invention is to save energy.

[0010] Another further object of the present invention is to improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be treated.

[0011] An object of the second aspect of the present invention is to provide an air-cooled refrigerator having a heating unit.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator is provided, wherein the refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, an evaporator and a fan disposed in the storage compartment, and a heating unit, wherein a cylinder of the heating unit is used to place objects to be processed and is disposed in the storage compartment. The control method comprises:

[0013] starting the heating unit;

[0014] Determining whether a defrosting condition for defrosting the evaporator is met;

[0015] If so, the evaporator is turned off and the fan is started.

[0016] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises an air duct cover plate that forms an air duct with a vertical side wall of the storage compartment, the air duct cover plate being provided with at least one air supply port and one air return port spaced apart from each other, the storage compartment being divided into a heating zone and at least one storage zone, the cylinder being provided in the heating zone, and at least one air supply port being provided in the heating zone, wherein the control method further comprises:

[0017] When the heating unit is started and the defrosting condition for defrosting the evaporator is met, the return air port is connected to at least one air supply port arranged in the heating area.

[0018] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises an air duct cover plate that forms an air duct with a vertical side wall of the storage compartment, the air duct cover plate being provided with at least one air supply port and one air return port spaced apart from each other, the storage compartment being divided into a heating zone and at least one storage zone, the cylinder being provided in the heating zone, and at least one air supply port being provided in the heating zone, wherein the control method further comprises:

[0019] When the heating unit is started and the defrosting condition for the evaporator is not met, the evaporator and the fan are started to connect the return air port with at least one air supply port arranged in the heating area.

[0020] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0021] After the heating unit stops working, determining whether a defrosting condition for defrosting the evaporator is met;

[0022] If so, turn off the fan and defrost the evaporator.

[0023] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0024] When defrosting the evaporator, determining whether a heating instruction is received;

[0025] If so, the evaporator and the heating unit are started after defrosting is completed.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air-cooled refrigerator, characterized in that it comprises:

[0027] The box body defines a storage compartment;

[0028] The evaporator and the fan are arranged in the storage room;

[0029] A heating unit, comprising a cylinder for placing objects to be processed, wherein the cylinder is arranged in the storage room; and

[0030] A controller is configured to execute any of the control methods described above.

[0031] Optionally, the heating unit further includes:

[0032] An electromagnetic wave generating system, at least a portion of which is disposed within the cylinder to generate electromagnetic waves within the cylinder to heat the object to be processed; and

[0033] The cylinder is formed with a heat dissipation duct, and the portion is arranged in the heat dissipation duct.

[0034] Optionally, the electromagnetic wave generating system includes:

[0035] an electromagnetic wave generating module configured to generate an electromagnetic wave signal;

[0036] a radiation antenna, disposed in the heat dissipation duct and electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave generating module, to generate electromagnetic waves of corresponding frequencies according to the electromagnetic wave signal; and

[0037] The signal processing and measurement and control circuit is arranged in the heat dissipation duct and is located downstream of the radiation antenna.

[0038] Optionally, one of the air supply port and the return air port is arranged in the heating zone, and the heating device of the heating unit is at least partially arranged on the return air path from the at least one air supply port to the return air port.

[0039] Optionally, at least one of the air supply outlets is arranged in the heating area, the return air outlet is arranged in one of the storage areas, and the heating device of the heating unit is at least partially arranged on the air supply path from one of the air supply outlets to the return air outlet.

[0040] The present invention cuts off the evaporator and starts the fan when the heating unit is started and the defrosting conditions for the evaporator are met, and uses the heat generated by the heating unit to defrost the evaporator, thereby saving the electric energy consumed specifically for defrosting the evaporator (for example, using a heating wire to heat the evaporator), and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the cylinder, avoiding the occurrence of uneven temperature of the treated object due to heat accumulation in the cylinder, and improving the stability of the compartment temperature and user experience. Moreover, unexpectedly, by using the heat generated by thawing for defrosting the evaporator, the number of times the evaporator is defrosted specifically can be effectively reduced, avoiding the problem of large fluctuations in compartment temperature.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention starts the evaporator and the fan when the heating unit is started and the defrosting conditions for the evaporator are not met, which not only further improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the cylinder and improves the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed, but also further avoids large temperature fluctuations in the compartment and improves the preservation quality of the food.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention arranges the heating device of the heating unit on the return air path from at least one air supply port to the return air port, thereby avoiding the heat generated by heating from interfering with the temperature of the storage area, ensuring the preservation quality of the food in the storage area, and in particular, while the refrigeration system supplies air to cool any storage area, it can dissipate heat to the heating device of the heating unit, thereby improving the utilization rate of the cold capacity, and further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heating device, avoiding temperature fluctuations in the storage area.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention arranges the radiation antenna and the signal processing and measurement and control circuit in the heat dissipation duct of the cylinder, and arranges the signal processing and measurement and control circuit downstream of the radiation antenna, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiation antenna, thereby reducing the heat radiation of the radiation antenna to the object to be processed, effectively improving the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed, and avoiding the occurrence of local overheating.

[0044] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air-cooled refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a flow path of cold air for cooling a storage area;

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an air-cooled refrigerator is shown, showing the flow path of the cold air flow for dissipating heat from the heating zone;

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air-cooled refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a flow path of cold air for cooling a storage area;

[0050] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of an air-cooled refrigerator is shown, showing the flow path of the cold air flow for dissipating heat from the heating zone;

[0051] Figure 6is a schematic cross-sectional view of a compartment air duct according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit shown;

[0054] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 10 is a detailed flow chart of a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a flow path of cold air for cooling the storage area 112; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 is shown, which shows the flow path of the cold air flow for dissipating heat in the heating area 111. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air-cooled refrigerator 100 may include a cabinet 110 , a refrigeration system, an air duct cover 150 , a heating unit 200 , and a controller 160 .

[0057] The housing 110 may define a storage compartment. A door may be provided at the forward opening of the storage compartment for opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0058] The refrigeration system may be a vapor compression refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, an evaporator 120 and an air supply fan 130 .

[0059] The air duct cover 150 can be installed within the storage compartment and, together with the vertical sidewalls of the storage compartment, form a compartment air duct. The evaporator 120 and the air supply fan 130 can be installed within the compartment air duct. The air duct cover 150 can be provided with at least one air supply port 151 and one air return port 152 spaced apart to deliver cooling energy to the storage compartment.

[0060] In the present invention, at least one is one, two, or more than two. The vertical side wall can be a rear side wall or a transverse side wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct cover 150 is sandwiched with the rear side wall of the storage compartment to form a compartment air duct.

[0061] At least one partition 140 extending horizontally may be further provided in the storage compartment to separate the storage compartment into a heating area 111 and at least one storage area 112 .

[0062] The heating unit 200 may include a cylinder 210 for placing the object to be processed and having a take-in / take-out opening, and a door for opening and closing the take-in / take-out opening.

[0063] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the controller 160. Figure 3 The controller 160 may include a processing unit 161 and a storage unit 162. The storage unit 162 stores a computer program 163, which is used to implement the control method of the embodiment of the present invention when executed by the processing unit 161.

[0064] In particular, the controller 160 can be configured to cut off the evaporator 120 and start the air supply fan 130 when the heating unit 200 is started and it is determined that the defrosting conditions for the evaporator 120 are met, so as to utilize the heat generated by the heating unit 200 to defrost the evaporator 120, thereby saving the electric energy consumed specifically for defrosting the evaporator 120 and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the barrel 210, avoiding the occurrence of uneven temperature of the object to be treated due to heat accumulation in the barrel 210, and improving the stability of the compartment temperature and user experience.

[0065] Unexpectedly, by using the heat generated by thawing to defrost the evaporator, the number of times the evaporator is defrosted can be effectively reduced, avoiding the problem of large temperature fluctuations in the compartment.

[0066] In the present invention, the defrosting condition for the evaporator 120 to defrost may be that the evaporator 120 is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, or the temperature change rate of the storage compartment when the evaporator 120 is working is less than or equal to a preset rate threshold.

[0067] Cutting off the evaporator 120 may be to block the refrigerant flow path between the compressor and the evaporator 120 or to shut down the compressor. Starting the evaporator 120 may be to open the refrigerant flow path between the compressor and the evaporator 120 and start the compressor.

[0068] The controller 160 can be configured to connect the return air port 152 and at least one air supply port 151 when the heating unit 200 is started and the defrosting conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are determined to be met, that is, at least one air supply port 151 is connected to the return air port 152.

[0069] In some embodiments, the controller 160 can be configured to connect the return air port 152 and at least one air supply port 151 when the heating unit 200 is started and it is determined that the defrosting conditions for the evaporator 120 are not met, and start the evaporator 120 and the air supply fan 130 to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the cylinder, improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed, further avoid large temperature fluctuations in the compartment, and improve the preservation quality of food.

[0070] In some embodiments, the controller 160 may be configured to turn off the air supply fan 130 and perform exclusive defrosting on the evaporator 120 when the heating unit 200 stops working and the defrosting conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are still met.

[0071] In the present invention, the evaporator 120 can be defrosted specifically by heating the evaporator 120 with a heating wire, or by adjusting a reversing valve of the refrigeration system to allow the evaporator 120 to release heat.

[0072] In some embodiments, the controller 160 may be configured to, when defrosting the evaporator 120 and determining that a heating instruction has been received, restart the evaporator 120 and the heating unit 200 after defrosting is completed, so as to avoid excessive fluctuations in the compartment temperature.

[0073] In particular, at least one air supply port 151 and / or air return port 152 may be provided in the heating zone 111. That is, the compartment air duct is configured to blow air to the heating zone 111, and / or the air in the storage room must first pass through the heating zone 111 before returning to the compartment air duct.

[0074] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, an air supply port 151 and an air return port 152 may be provided in the heating area 111. The heating device of the heating unit 200 may be at least partially provided on the return air path from at least one air supply port 151 to the return air port 152 to prevent the heat generated by heating from interfering with the preservation temperature of the storage area 112, thereby ensuring the preservation quality of the food in the storage area 112, and independently dissipating heat to the heating area 111, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heating device and the efficiency of defrosting the evaporator 120. In the present invention, the return air path from at least one air supply port 151 to the return air port 152 is the overlapping portion of the air flow path from each air supply port 151 to the return air port 152.

[0075] In other embodiments, at least one air supply port 151 may be provided in at least one storage area 112, and the return air port 152 may be provided in the heating area 111. The heating device of the heating unit 200 may be at least partially provided on the return air path from the at least one air supply port 151 to the return air port 152, so as to prevent the heat generated by heating from interfering with the storage temperature of the storage area 112, thereby ensuring the preservation quality of the food in the storage area 112. Moreover, when the refrigeration system supplies air to cool any storage area 112, it can also dissipate heat from the heating device of the heating unit 200, thereby improving the utilization rate of the cooling capacity.

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a flow path of cold air for cooling the storage area 112; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The schematic cross-sectional view of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 is shown, which shows the flow path of the cold air flow for dissipating heat in the heating area 111. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some other embodiments, at least one air supply port 151 may be provided in the heating area 111, and the return air port 152 may be provided in a storage area 112. The heating device of the heating unit 200 may be at least partially provided in the air supply path from the air supply port 151 to the return air port 152 in the heating area 111, so as to independently dissipate heat from the heating area 111 and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the heating device.

[0077] In some further embodiments, the heating unit 200 may further include a housing 230 to separate the interior space of the barrel 210 into a heating chamber 211 and a heat dissipation duct 212 . The heating device of the heating unit 200 may be at least partially disposed in the heat dissipation duct 212 .

[0078] The heat dissipation duct 212 may be provided at the lower portion of the barrel 210 to improve the stability of the heating device and facilitate the user to place objects of appropriate size to be processed into the heating chamber 211 .

[0079] In some further embodiments, the heating device of the heating unit 200 may be disposed at the upper portion or the lower portion of the cylinder 210 , or inside the door.

[0080] In an embodiment where a return air vent 152 is provided in the heating zone 111, the heating zone 111 can be provided below the storage zone 112, that is, the return air vent 152 is provided below the storage zone 112, so as to improve the cooling efficiency of the storage zone 112 and accurately cool each storage zone 112 independently.

[0081] In an embodiment where the air supply port 151 is provided in the heating zone 111, the heating chamber 211 may be provided with a vent to receive the cold air flow blown out by the air supply port 151. For example, in an embodiment where the heating device is provided in the air supply path, the number of the air supply ports 151 in the heating zone 111 may be two, one for blowing the cold air flow into the heating chamber 211 and the other for blowing the cold air flow into the heating device.

[0082] The controller 160 can be configured to only open the return air port 152 and the air supply port 151 provided in the heating area 111 when the heating unit 200 is started and the defrosting conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are determined to be met, so as to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency and the defrosting efficiency.

[0083] The controller 160 can be configured to keep the air supply port 151 supplying air to the heating area 111 in communication with the air return port 152 during the operation of the heating unit 200 when the heating unit 200 is started and the defrosting condition for defrosting the evaporator 120 is determined not to be met.

[0084] When the temperature of the object to be processed or the time for heating the object to be processed is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the air supply port 151 that blows cold air to the heating chamber 211 can be configured to be connected to the return air port 152 to avoid external overheating of the object to be processed and improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed.

[0085] In some further embodiments, the controller 160 may be configured to operate the air supply fan 130 at a preset first speed when the defrost conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are not met and the temperature of one storage area 112 is greater than or equal to the preset refrigeration temperature; operate at a preset second speed when the defrost conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are not met, the temperature of each storage area 112 is less than the refrigeration temperature, and the heating unit 200 is operating; and operate at a preset third speed when the heating unit 200 is operating and the defrost conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are met. The first speed is greater than the second speed. For example, the first speed may be the rated speed of the fan 130, and the second speed may be 50% to 70% of the rated speed of the fan 130. The third speed may be less than or equal to the second speed.

[0086] Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of a compartment air duct according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In some embodiments, the air duct cover 150 can be sandwiched with the side wall of the storage compartment to form the return air portion of the compartment air duct, and the evaporator 120 can be located in the return air portion. The air duct cover 150 can form at least one air supply portion of the compartment air duct, and each air supply portion can have at least one air supply port 151 and an air inlet.

[0087] The air blower 130 may be disposed downstream of the evaporator 120 and includes a volute and an impeller disposed within the volute. The volute is configured to rotate and its air outlet is connected to the air inlet of an air supply unit, thereby conveying the cold air flow cooled by the evaporator 120 to the air supply unit and blowing it out through the air supply port 151 of the air supply unit.

[0088] In other embodiments, the air duct cover 150 can be sandwiched with the side wall of the storage compartment to form a compartment air duct. At least one air supply port 151 can be provided with a damper to controllably communicate with the return air port 152.

[0089] Figure 7 FIG is a schematic structural diagram of a heating unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 In some embodiments, the heating unit 200 may further include an electromagnetic wave generating system. At least a portion of the electromagnetic wave generating system may be disposed within the barrel 210 or communicate with the barrel 210 to generate electromagnetic waves within the barrel 210 to heat the object to be processed. That is, in this embodiment, the heating device of the heating unit 200 is the electromagnetic wave generating system.

[0090] The cylinder 210 and the door body may be respectively provided with electromagnetic shielding features so that the door body is conductively connected to the cylinder 210 when in a closed state to prevent electromagnetic leakage.

[0091] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave generating system may include an electromagnetic wave generating module 261 , a power supply module 262 and a radiation antenna 250 .

[0092] The electromagnetic wave generating module 261 can be configured to generate an electromagnetic wave signal. The power supply module 262 can be configured to be electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 to provide electrical energy to the electromagnetic wave generating module 261, thereby enabling the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 to generate an electromagnetic wave signal.

[0093] The radiation antenna 250 can be disposed in the cylinder 210 and electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 to generate electromagnetic waves of corresponding frequencies according to the electromagnetic wave signal to heat the object to be processed in the cylinder 210 .

[0094] In some further embodiments, the cylinder 210 may be made of metal to serve as a receiving pole of the radiating antenna 250. In this embodiment, the cylinder 210 itself serves as the electromagnetic shielding feature of the cylinder 210.

[0095] In some further embodiments, the electromagnetic wave generating system further includes a receiving plate disposed opposite the radiating antenna 250 and electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave generating module 261. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the cylinder 210 may be coated with a metal coating or attached with a metal mesh, etc., to provide electromagnetic shielding for the cylinder 210.

[0096] In some further embodiments, the electromagnetic wave generating system may further include a signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270. Specifically, the signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270 may include a control unit 271, a matching unit 272 and a detection unit 273.

[0097] The matching unit 272 can be connected in series between the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 and the radiation antenna 250, and is configured to adjust the load impedance of the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 by adjusting its own impedance, thereby improving the load matching degree of the electromagnetic wave generating module 261, so that foods with different fixed properties (type, weight, volume, etc.) or foods with different temperature changes have more electromagnetic wave energy absorbed by the objects to be processed, thereby increasing the heating rate.

[0098] The detection unit 273 may be connected in series between the matching unit 272 and the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 , and configured to detect the forward power signal output by the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 and the reverse power signal returned to the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 .

[0099] The control unit 271 can be configured to receive a heating instruction input by a user, determine the degree of impedance matching based on the forward power signal and the reverse power signal, and control the operation of the electromagnetic wave generating module 261 based on the impedance value of the matching unit 272 that achieves optimal load matching for the electromagnetic wave generating module 261. The smaller the ratio of the power of the reverse power signal to the power of the forward power signal, the higher the degree of matching.

[0100] The signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270 can be integrated into a circuit board to facilitate installation and maintenance of the signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270 .

[0101] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit 200 is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some further embodiments, the radiating antenna 250 and the signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270 can be arranged in the heat dissipation duct 212 to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiating antenna 250 and the signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270, reduce the amount of heat radiation to the object to be processed, and avoid local overheating of the object to be processed.

[0102] The signal processing and measurement and control circuit 270 may be disposed downstream of the radiating antenna 250 to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiating antenna 250 and further improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed.

[0103] Metal meshes 280 may be provided at the air inlet and the air outlet of the heat dissipation duct 212 respectively, so as to be electrically connected to the electromagnetic shielding feature of the cylinder 210 to prevent electromagnetic wave leakage.

[0104] In other embodiments, the heating device of the heating unit 200 may also be a heating tube.

[0105] In some embodiments, the cabinet may further define another storage compartment, and one or more cabinet doors may be disposed at the forward opening of the storage compartment. The refrigeration system may further include another evaporator connected in series or in parallel with the evaporator 120 and disposed in the other storage compartment.

[0106] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a control method for an air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The control method for the air-cooled refrigerator 100 executed by the controller 160 of any of the above embodiments of the present invention may include the following steps:

[0107] Step S902: Start the heating unit 200.

[0108] Step S904: Determine whether the defrosting conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are met.

[0109] Step S906 : If yes, cut off the evaporator 120 and start the air supply fan 130 .

[0110] The present invention cuts off the evaporator 120 and starts the fan 130 when the heating unit 200 is started and the defrosting conditions for the evaporator 120 are met, and uses the heat generated by the heating unit 200 to defrost the evaporator 120, thereby saving the electric energy consumed specifically for defrosting the evaporator 120 and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the barrel 210, avoiding the occurrence of uneven temperature of the object to be processed due to heat accumulation in the barrel 210, and improving the stability of the compartment temperature and user experience.

[0111] In some further embodiments based on at least one air supply port 151 being arranged in the heating zone 111 , step S906 may further include connecting the return air port 152 with at least one air supply port 151 arranged in the heating zone 111 to improve the defrosting efficiency of defrosting by heat from the heating unit 200 .

[0112] In some further embodiments based on at least one air supply port 151 being disposed in the heating zone 111, when the control method of the present invention determines in step S904 that it is no, the evaporator 120 and the air supply fan 130 are started, and the return air port 152 is connected to at least one air supply port 151 disposed in the heating zone 111, so as to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the cylinder 210, improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed, further avoid large temperature fluctuations in the compartment, and improve the preservation quality of the food.

[0113] In some embodiments, the control method of the present invention may further include determining whether the defrosting conditions for defrosting the evaporator 120 are met after the heating unit 200 stops working. If the defrosting conditions are still met, turning off the air supply fan 130 and performing special defrosting on the evaporator 120.

[0114] In the present invention, the situation where the heating unit 200 stops working may include the situation where heating is completed, the door is opened during heating, etc.

[0115] In some embodiments, the control method of the present invention may further include determining whether a heating instruction is received when defrosting the evaporator 120. If a heating instruction is received, the evaporator 120 and the heating unit 200 are started after defrosting to avoid excessive fluctuations in the compartment temperature.

[0116] Figure 10 is a detailed flow chart of the control method for the air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to the present invention, wherein "Y" represents "yes" and "N" represents "no". Figure 10 The control method for the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of the present invention may include the following detailed steps:

[0117] Step S1002: Determine whether a heating instruction is obtained or whether the defrosting condition of the evaporator 120 is met. If a heating instruction is obtained, execute step S1012; if the defrosting condition is met, execute step S1022; if not, repeat step S1002.

[0118] Step S1012: Control the electromagnetic wave generating system to start the evaporator 120 and the air supply fan 130, and connect the return air vent 152 to at least one air supply vent 151 disposed in the heating zone 111. Execute steps S1014 and S1018.

[0119] Step S1014: Determine whether heating is complete. If so, proceed to step S1016; if not, return to step S1012. In this step, whether heating is complete can be determined based on the heating time, the surface temperature of the object to be processed, or the rate of change of the dielectric constant of the object to be processed.

[0120] Step S1016: shut down the electromagnetic wave generating system. Start and stop the evaporator 120 and the air blower 130 according to the compartment temperature. Return to step S1002 to start the next cycle.

[0121] Step S1018: Determine whether the defrosting conditions for the evaporator 120 are met. If so, proceed to step S1020; if not, return to step S1012.

[0122] Step S1020: The evaporator 120 is turned off, and the evaporator 120 and the air blower 130 continue to operate. Return to step S1018.

[0123] Step S1022: Cut off the evaporator 120, turn off the air blower 130, and start the heating wire to heat the evaporator 120. Execute steps S1024 and S1028.

[0124] Step S1024: Determine whether defrosting is complete. If so, proceed to step S1026; if not, return to step S1022. In this step, whether defrosting is complete can be determined based on the operating time of the heating wire or the surface temperature of the evaporator 120.

[0125] Step S1026: Turn off the heating wire and start the evaporator 120 and the fan 130 to re-cool the compartment. Return to step S1002 to start the next cycle.

[0126] Step S1028: Determine whether a heating instruction is obtained. If so, execute step S1024 and start heating after defrosting is completed; if not, return to step S1022.

[0127] 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 control method for an air-cooled refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a box body defining a storage compartment, an air duct cover plate that forms a compartment air duct together with vertical side walls of the storage compartment, an evaporator and a blower arranged in the compartment air duct, and a heating unit, the air duct cover plate being provided with at least one air supply port and an air return port that are spaced apart, the blower being configured to deliver cold air cooled by the evaporator to at least one of the air supply ports, the storage compartment being divided into a heating zone and at least one storage zone, the cylinder of the heating unit being used to place objects to be processed and being arranged in the heating zone, the at least one air supply port being arranged in the heating zone, the return air port being arranged in one of the storage zones, and the heating device of the heating unit being at least partially arranged on an air supply path from the at least one air supply port to the return air port, characterized in that The control method includes: starting the heating unit; Determining whether a defrosting condition for defrosting the evaporator is met; If so, the evaporator is cut off, and the fan is started to connect the return air port and at least one supply air port arranged in the heating zone.

2. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the heating unit is started and the defrosting condition for the evaporator is not met, the evaporator and the fan are started to connect the return air port with at least one air supply port arranged in the heating area.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: After the heating unit stops working, determining whether a defrosting condition for defrosting the evaporator is met; If so, turn off the fan and defrost the evaporator.

4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: When defrosting the evaporator, determining whether a heating instruction is received; If so, the evaporator and the heating unit are started after defrosting is completed.

5. An air-cooled refrigerator, characterized in that: include: The box defines a storage compartment and is divided into a heating area and at least one storage area; An air duct cover plate, which together with the vertical side wall of the storage compartment forms an air duct for the compartment and is provided with at least one air supply port and one air return port which are spaced apart; The evaporator and the fan are arranged in the air duct of the compartment; A heating unit, comprising a cylinder for placing an object to be processed, wherein the cylinder is arranged in the heating zone; as well as Controller; in At least one of the air supply ports is provided in the heating area, the air return port is provided in one of the storage areas, and the heating device of the heating unit is at least partially provided on an air supply path from one of the air supply ports to the air return port; and The controller is configured to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating unit further comprises: The electromagnetic wave generating system is formed with a heat dissipation duct in the cylinder, and at least a part of the electromagnetic wave generating system is arranged in the heat dissipation duct to generate electromagnetic waves in the cylinder to heat the object to be processed.

7. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electromagnetic wave generating system comprises: an electromagnetic wave generating module configured to generate an electromagnetic wave signal; a radiation antenna, disposed in the heat dissipation duct and electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave generating module, to generate electromagnetic waves of corresponding frequencies according to the electromagnetic wave signal; and The signal processing and measurement and control circuit is arranged in the heat dissipation duct and is located downstream of the radiation antenna.

8. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heat dissipation duct is arranged at the lower part of the cylinder.

9. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner space of the cylinder is divided into a heating chamber and a heat dissipation duct, and the heating device is at least partially arranged in the heat dissipation duct; and There are two air supply ports in the heating zone, and the two air supply ports blow air toward the heating chamber and the heat dissipation duct respectively.

10. The air-cooled refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: A storage area is arranged below the heating area, and the return air port is located at the bottom of the storage area.

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