Defrosting method for a refrigeration system, refrigeration system, and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

The application provides a defrosting method for a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system and a refrigerator with the refrigeration system. The defrosting method for the refrigeration system comprises: a vibration generating step of controlling a frequency generator to work so that an evaporator of the refrigeration system generates vibration; a frequency obtaining step of obtaining a vibration frequency of the evaporator; and an evaporator defrosting step of defrosting the evaporator when the vibration frequency is in a preset frequency range. Compared with the prior art, the application is more timely in defrosting the evaporator, improves heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, reduces energy consumption of the refrigerator, prolongs service life of the compressor and guarantees environmental hygiene of a storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration or cooling, and in particular to a defrosting method for a refrigeration system, a refrigeration system, and a refrigerator having the refrigeration system. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerator provides cooling to the storage compartment through the evaporator. Water vapor in the storage compartment will condense on the low-temperature surface of the evaporator, which will reduce the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. Therefore, the evaporator needs to be defrosted.

[0003] Current technology primarily relies on the cumulative running time of the compressor or the cumulative opening time of the door to defrost the evaporator. However, in high humidity conditions within the storage compartment, the evaporator frosts up faster, but the defrosting time may not yet meet the requirements, leading to excessive frost buildup. This not only affects the refrigerator's cooling performance and increases power consumption but also causes the compressor to run continuously, reducing its lifespan. Furthermore, excessive frost buildup on the evaporator can lead to bacterial growth, blockage of the defrost drain pipe, and make the storage compartment more prone to unpleasant odors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide a defrosting method for a refrigeration system, which can more accurately determine the degree of frost on the evaporator and defrost the evaporator.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration system for performing the defrosting method.

[0006] A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having the refrigeration system.

[0007] A further objective of the third aspect of the present invention is to further improve the accuracy of judging the degree of frost formation on the evaporator.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a defrosting method for a refrigeration system is provided, comprising:

[0009] Vibration generation steps: Control the frequency generator to work, causing the evaporator of the refrigeration system to vibrate;

[0010] Frequency acquisition step: Acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator;

[0011] Evaporator defrosting procedure: Defrost the evaporator when the vibration frequency is within the preset frequency range.

[0012] Optionally, in the vibration generation step, the frequency generator strikes the evaporator with a preset force; wherein,

[0013] The frequency range is less than a preset first frequency threshold.

[0014] Optionally, in the vibration generation step, the frequency generator applies an excitation frequency to the evaporator, and the evaporator vibrates in the event of resonance; wherein,

[0015] The frequency range is greater than a preset second frequency threshold.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration system is provided, comprising:

[0017] An evaporator is used to provide cooling to the surrounding environment.

[0018] A frequency generator is configured to cause the evaporator to vibrate.

[0019] A vibration receiver is configured to acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator.

[0020] A defrosting device is configured to defrost the evaporator; and

[0021] The controller is configured to perform any of the defrosting methods described above.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, comprising:

[0023] The enclosure is limited to having at least one storage compartment;

[0024] An air duct assembly, fixed to the housing, forming a cooling air duct either alone or together with the housing; and

[0025] The refrigeration system according to any of the above is used to provide cooling capacity to the at least one storage compartment; wherein the evaporator is disposed within the refrigeration duct.

[0026] Optionally, the frequency generator is located upstream of the vibration receiver in the gas flow direction within the cooling duct.

[0027] Optionally, the air duct assembly is configured to allow gas within the cooling air duct to flow from bottom to top through the evaporator; and

[0028] The vibration receiver is located at the top of the evaporator, and the frequency generator is located below the vibration receiver.

[0029] Optionally, the evaporator includes:

[0030] Refrigerant pipes are designed with bends and extensions; and

[0031] Multiple heat exchange fins are arranged in parallel and configured to be thermally connected to the refrigerant pipe; wherein...

[0032] Both the frequency generator and the vibration receiver are fixed to the refrigerant pipe.

[0033] Optionally, the mounting surface of the housing or the duct assembly for mounting the evaporator is provided with multiple snap-fit ​​structures, and the refrigerant pipe is secured to the multiple snap-fit ​​structures; and

[0034] The projection of the frequency generator in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins is located inside the heat exchange fins and between the two snap-fit ​​structures, while the projection of the vibration receiver in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins is located outside the heat exchange fins and outside any two snap-fit ​​structures.

[0035] Optionally, the defrosting device is an electric heating element; and

[0036] The electric heating element is at least partially located upstream of the evaporator in the direction of gas flow within the refrigeration duct.

[0037] This invention uses a frequency generator to cause the evaporator to vibrate, and a vibration receiver monitors the vibration frequency of the evaporator. Based on the vibration frequency, the degree of frost on the evaporator is determined. Compared with the prior art, the defrosting of the evaporator is more timely, which improves the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, reduces the energy consumption of the refrigerator, extends the service life of the compressor, and ensures the hygiene of the storage compartment.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention places the frequency generator upstream of the vibration receiver in the gas flow direction, that is, the frequency generator is closer to the part of the evaporator that is severely frosted than the vibration receiver, so that the vibration frequency obtained by the vibration receiver comprehensively reflects the overall degree of frosting of the evaporator, thereby making the timing of defrosting the evaporator more appropriate.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention places the projection of the frequency generator in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins inside the heat exchange fins and between the two snap-fit ​​structures, and places the projection of the vibration receiver in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins outside the heat exchange fins and outside any two snap-fit ​​structures. This reduces the interference of the forces between the snap-fit ​​structures, the refrigerant pipes and the heat exchange fins on the vibration frequency obtained by the vibration receiver, and further improves the accuracy of judging the degree of frost on the evaporator.

[0040] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationships of some electrical components in the refrigeration system.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic front view of the evaporator.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a defrosting method for a refrigeration system or refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 The refrigeration system 100 may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120 connected to the refrigerant outlet of the compressor 110, at least one throttling element 130 connected to the refrigerant outlet of the condenser 120, and at least one evaporator 140 connected to the refrigerant outlet of the at least one throttling element 130, to provide cooling capacity to the surrounding environment of the evaporator 140. The throttling element 130 may be a capillary tube or a throttling valve.

[0048] In this invention, at least one refers to one, two, or more than two.

[0049] The refrigeration system 100 may also include a defrosting device 150 for defrosting the evaporator 140. The defrosting device 150 may be an electric heating element, an electromagnetic wave heater, a scraping device, or other device that can reduce or remove the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator 140.

[0050] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationships of some electrical components in the refrigeration system 100. (See also...) Figure 2 In particular, the cooling system 100 may also include a frequency generator 160, a vibration receiver 170, and a controller 180.

[0051] The frequency generator 160 can be configured to cause the evaporator 140 to vibrate. The vibration receiver 170 can be configured to acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140, thereby monitoring the degree of frost formation on the evaporator 140.

[0052] The controller 180 may include a processing unit 181 and a storage unit 182. The storage unit 182 stores a computer program 183, which, when executed by the processing unit 181, is used to implement the defrosting method of the present invention.

[0053] Specifically, the processing unit 181 can be configured to control the frequency generator 160 to operate so that the evaporator 140 vibrates, control the vibration receiver 170 to acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140, and control the defrosting device 150 to defrost the evaporator 140 when the vibration frequency is within a preset frequency range.

[0054] The refrigeration system 100 of the present invention causes the evaporator 140 to vibrate through the frequency generator 160, and the vibration receiver 170 monitors the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140 and judges the degree of frost on the evaporator 140 based on the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140. Compared with the prior art, the defrosting of the evaporator 140 is more timely, which improves the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 140, reduces energy consumption, and extends the service life of the compressor 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, the frequency generator 160 may be configured to strike the evaporator 140 with a preset force to cause the evaporator 140 to vibrate.

[0056] As the thickness of the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator 140 increases, the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140 in response to the preset force of the tap decreases, and the frequency range for determining whether to defrost can be less than the preset first frequency threshold.

[0057] In other embodiments, the frequency generator 160 may be configured to apply an excitation frequency to the evaporator 140 so that the evaporator 140 vibrates in the event of resonance.

[0058] The excitation frequency can be the natural frequency of the evaporator 140 when it reaches a certain level of frost. That is, when the evaporator 140 is frosted to the point that its natural frequency is close to the excitation frequency, the evaporator 140 resonates. The frequency range for determining whether to defrost can be greater than a preset second frequency threshold.

[0059] The refrigeration system 100 of the present invention can be applied to refrigerators, freezers and other refrigeration and freezing devices, and can also be applied to split-type air conditioners that supply heat to the indoor environment.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3Schematic front view of the evaporator 140. See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The present invention also provides a refrigerator 200. The refrigerator 200 may include a cabinet 210, at least one door 220, an air duct assembly, and a refrigeration system 100 of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0061] The enclosure 210 may include an outer casing, at least one inner liner disposed within the outer casing, and a heat insulation layer disposed between the outer casing and at least one inner liner.

[0062] The enclosure 210 may define at least one storage compartment via at least one inner liner. At least one door 220 may be used to open and close at least one storage compartment.

[0063] The air duct assembly can be fixed to the housing 210, forming a cooling air duct either alone or together with the housing 210. The cooling system 100 can provide cooling capacity to at least one storage compartment through the cooling air duct. The evaporator 140 can be disposed within the cooling air duct.

[0064] In embodiments where the defrosting device 150 is an electric heating element, the electric heating element may be at least partially disposed upstream of the evaporator 140 in the gas flow direction within the refrigeration duct to improve defrosting efficiency.

[0065] In some embodiments, the air duct assembly may include an air duct cover 231, an air duct back plate 232, and a cooling fan 233. The cooling air duct may include a cooling supply air duct 241 and a cooling return air duct 242.

[0066] The duct cover 231 and the duct back plate 232 can be sandwiched to form a cooling air supply duct 241. The duct cover 231 can have multiple air outlets.

[0067] The duct back panel 232 can be sandwiched with the rear wall of an inner liner to form a cooling return air duct 242. The duct back panel 232 and the inner liner can form a return air inlet. The duct back panel 232 can be provided with ventilation openings to allow air in the cooling return air duct 242 to flow into the cooling supply air duct.

[0068] A cooling fan 233 can be installed inside the cooling air supply duct 241, causing air to flow from the return air inlet through the ventilation opening to multiple air supply outlets. An evaporator 140 can be installed in the cooling return air duct 242 and fixed to the inner liner.

[0069] In other embodiments, the air duct assembly may be located below all the inner liner components, including a housing that independently encloses the cooling air duct. The evaporator 140 may be located within the housing and fixed to the housing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the frequency generator 160 may be located upstream of the vibration receiver 170 in the gas flow direction within the refrigeration duct. That is, the gas flows through the frequency generator 160 first and then through the vibration receiver 170. The frequency generator 160 is closer to the severely frosted part of the evaporator 140 than the vibration receiver 170, so that the vibration frequency acquired by the vibration receiver 170 comprehensively reflects the overall degree of frosting on the evaporator 140, thereby making the timing of defrosting the evaporator 140 more appropriate.

[0071] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct assembly can be configured to allow gas in the cooling air duct to flow from bottom to top through the evaporator 140, so as to ensure sufficient heat exchange between the air and the evaporator 140. The vibration receiver 170 can be disposed at the top of the evaporator 140; the frequency generator 160 can be disposed below the vibration receiver 170.

[0072] In some embodiments, the evaporator 140 may include a refrigerant pipe 141 and a plurality of heat exchange fins 142. The refrigerant pipe 141 may be configured to be bent and extended; the plurality of heat exchange fins 142 may be distributed in parallel and configured to be thermally connected to the refrigerant pipe 141 to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0073] The frequency generator 160 and the vibration receiver 170 can both be fixed to the refrigerant pipe 141 to reduce interference and improve the accuracy of judging the degree of frost on the evaporator 140.

[0074] The mounting surface of the housing 210 or the duct assembly for mounting the evaporator 140 may be provided with multiple snap-fit ​​structures 250, and the refrigerant pipe 141 may be snapped into the multiple snap-fit ​​structures 250.

[0075] The snap-fit ​​structure 250 may be an annular snap with a snap-fit ​​opening to securely connect with the refrigerant pipe 141 of the evaporator 140.

[0076] In some further embodiments, the projection of the frequency generator 160 in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins 142 may be located within the heat exchange fins 142 and between the two snap-fit ​​structures 250. The projection of the vibration receiver 170 in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins 142 may be located outside the heat exchange fins 142 and outside any two snap-fit ​​structures 250, in order to reduce the interference of the forces between the snap-fit ​​structures 250, the refrigerant pipe 141 and the heat exchange fins 142 on the vibration frequency acquired by the vibration receiver 170, and further improve the accuracy of judging the degree of frosting on the evaporator 140.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a defrosting method for a refrigeration system 100 or a refrigerator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 5 The defrosting method of the present invention for a refrigeration system 100 or a refrigerator 200 may include the following steps:

[0078] Vibration generation step (step S502): Control the frequency generator 160 to work, so that the evaporator 140 of the refrigeration system 100 vibrates;

[0079] Frequency acquisition step (step S504): Acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140;

[0080] Evaporator 140 defrosting step (step S506): Defrost the evaporator 140 when the vibration frequency is within the preset frequency range.

[0081] The defrosting method of the present invention uses a frequency generator 160 to cause the evaporator 140 to vibrate, and a vibration receiver 170 monitors the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140 and judges the degree of frost on the evaporator 140 based on the vibration frequency. Compared with the prior art, the defrosting of the evaporator 140 is more timely, which improves the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 140, reduces the energy consumption of the refrigerator 200, extends the service life of the compressor 110, and ensures the hygiene of the storage compartment.

[0082] In some embodiments, during the vibration generation step, the frequency generator 160 may strike the evaporator 140 with a preset force to cause the evaporator 140 to vibrate.

[0083] As the thickness of the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator 140 increases, the vibration frequency of the evaporator 140 in response to the preset force of the tap decreases, and the frequency range for determining whether to defrost can be less than the preset first frequency threshold.

[0084] In other embodiments, during the vibration generation step, the frequency generator 160 may apply an excitation frequency to the evaporator 140 to cause the evaporator 140 to vibrate in the event of resonance.

[0085] The excitation frequency can be the natural frequency of the evaporator 140 when it reaches a certain level of frost. That is, when the evaporator 140 is frosted to the point that its natural frequency is close to the excitation frequency, the evaporator 140 resonates. The frequency range for determining whether to defrost can be greater than a preset second frequency threshold.

[0086] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A defrosting method for a refrigerator's refrigeration system, comprising: Vibration generation steps: Control the frequency generator to work, causing the evaporator of the refrigeration system to vibrate; Frequency acquisition step: Acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator; Evaporator defrosting procedure: The evaporator is defrosted when the vibration frequency is within a preset frequency range; wherein, The refrigerator includes: The enclosure is limited to having at least one storage compartment; An air duct assembly, fixed to the housing, forming a cooling air duct either alone or together with the housing; and The refrigeration system is used to provide cooling to the at least one storage compartment; wherein... The refrigeration system includes: The evaporator is disposed within the refrigeration duct and is used to provide cooling capacity to the surrounding environment; A frequency generator is configured to cause the evaporator to vibrate. A vibration receiver is configured to acquire the vibration frequency of the evaporator. A defrosting device is configured to defrost the evaporator; and The controller is configured to perform the defrosting method; wherein, The evaporator includes: Refrigerant pipes are designed with bends and extensions; and Multiple heat exchange fins are arranged in parallel and configured to be thermally connected to the refrigerant pipe; wherein... Both the frequency generator and the vibration receiver are fixed to the refrigerant pipe; The mounting surface of the housing or the air duct assembly for mounting the evaporator is provided with multiple snap-fit ​​structures, and the refrigerant pipe is secured to the multiple snap-fit ​​structures; and The projection of the frequency generator in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins is located inside the heat exchange fins and between the two snap-fit ​​structures, while the projection of the vibration receiver in the extension direction of the heat exchange fins is located outside the heat exchange fins and outside any two snap-fit ​​structures.

2. The defrosting method according to claim 1, wherein, In the vibration generation step, the frequency generator strikes the evaporator with a preset force; wherein, The frequency range is less than a preset first frequency threshold.

3. The defrosting method according to claim 1, wherein, In the vibration generation step, the frequency generator applies an excitation frequency to the evaporator, causing the evaporator to vibrate under conditions of resonance; wherein, The frequency range is greater than a preset second frequency threshold.

4. The defrosting method according to claim 1, wherein, The frequency generator is located upstream of the vibration receiver in the direction of gas flow within the cooling duct.

5. The defrosting method according to claim 4, wherein, The air duct assembly is configured to allow gas within the cooling air duct to flow upwards through the evaporator; and The vibration receiver is located at the top of the evaporator, and the frequency generator is located below the vibration receiver.

6. The defrosting method according to claim 1, wherein, The snap-fit ​​structure is a ring-shaped snap fastener with a snap-fit ​​opening, used to securely connect with the refrigerant pipe.

7. The defrosting method according to claim 1, wherein, The defrosting device is an electric heating element; and The electric heating element is at least partially located upstream of the evaporator in the direction of gas flow within the refrigeration duct.

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