Control method of refrigerator fan and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a control method of a refrigerator fan and a refrigerator. The control method of the refrigerator comprises obtaining a working state of the refrigerator fan; if the refrigerator fan is in a shutdown state, obtaining an ambient temperature of the refrigerator; if the ambient temperature meets a first preset condition, controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to a first operation strategy; and if the ambient temperature meets a second preset condition, controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to a second operation strategy. The situation that the fan is blocked and cannot operate normally due to the formation of ice on the fan when the ambient temperature is low and the refrigerator fan has been in a shutdown state for a long time can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a method for controlling a refrigerator fan and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, people's demand for refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators is increasing. Frost-free refrigerators are favored by consumers because of their defrosting function and good cooling effect. Frost-free refrigerators often control the temperature of the refrigerator compartment by starting and stopping the refrigerator fan. For example, when the compartment temperature does not reach the preset temperature, the refrigerator fan is controlled to run; when the compartment temperature reaches the preset temperature, the refrigerator stops running. This cyclical operation logic allows the refrigerator fan to control its operation according to actual needs.

[0003] During refrigerator operation, if the refrigerator fan stops running for a long time, water vapor and water droplets can easily accumulate in some areas of the fan's structural components and blades. When the ambient temperature is low, ice can easily form at the fan, causing the fan to stall and fail to operate normally. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method for controlling a refrigerator fan and a refrigerator, which can solve the problem that the refrigerator fan cannot operate normally due to ice buildup.

[0005] This application provides a method for controlling a refrigerator fan, the method comprising:

[0006] Obtain the operating status of the refrigerator fan;

[0007] If the refrigerator fan is off, then obtain the ambient temperature of the refrigerator;

[0008] If the ambient temperature meets the first preset condition, the refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the first operating strategy;

[0009] If the ambient temperature meets the second preset condition, the refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the second operating strategy.

[0010] Optionally, if the refrigerator fan is in a stopped state, obtaining the ambient temperature of the refrigerator includes:

[0011] If the refrigerator fan is in a stopped state, determine whether the refrigerator is in the defrosting stage;

[0012] If the refrigerator is not in the defrosting stage, then obtain the ambient temperature of the refrigerator.

[0013] Optionally, the step of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the first operating strategy if the ambient temperature meets the first preset condition includes:

[0014] If the ambient temperature is greater than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan is controlled to start once every first preset time interval;

[0015] The step of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the second operating strategy if the ambient temperature meets the second preset condition includes:

[0016] If the ambient temperature is not greater than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan is controlled to start once every second preset time interval, where the second preset time interval is shorter than the first preset time interval.

[0017] Optionally, controlling the refrigerator fan to start once every first preset time interval includes:

[0018] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start at a first preset time interval;

[0019] After the refrigerator fan starts, it runs for a first duration, stops for a second duration, and then runs for the first duration again. The first duration is run at least twice. The sum of the first duration after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the second duration after it stops running are less than the first preset time period.

[0020] The refrigerator fan is set to start once every second preset time interval.

[0021] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start at a second preset time interval;

[0022] After the refrigerator fan starts, it runs for a third time, stops for a fourth time, and then runs for a third time again. The third time is run at least twice. The sum of the third time the refrigerator fan runs after starting and the sum of the fourth time it stops are less than the second preset time period.

[0023] Optionally, the step of controlling the refrigerator fan to start at a first preset time interval, controlling the refrigerator fan to run for a first duration after starting, stop running for a second duration, and then run for the first duration again, running for at least twice for the first duration, wherein the sum of the first duration of operation after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the second duration of operation after it stops are less than the first preset time interval includes:

[0024] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start once every hour;

[0025] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start and run for ten seconds, stop for five seconds, then run for ten seconds again, stop for five seconds, run for ten seconds again, and then stop.

[0026] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start at a second preset time interval. After starting, the refrigerator fan runs for a third time, stops for a fourth time, and then runs for a third time again. This process is repeated at least twice for the third time interval. The sum of the third time intervals after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the fourth time intervals after it stops running are less than the second preset time interval, including the following:

[0027] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start every thirty minutes;

[0028] The refrigerator fan is controlled to start and run for ten seconds, stop for five seconds, then run for ten seconds again, stop for five seconds, run for ten seconds again, and then stop.

[0029] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0030] If a cooling command is received while the refrigerator fan is being operated according to the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy, the refrigerator fan is then controlled to operate according to the third operating strategy.

[0031] Optionally, receiving a cooling command during the process of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy includes:

[0032] The temperature of the refrigerator compartment is obtained during the process of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy.

[0033] If the temperature of the refrigerator compartment does not meet the preset temperature condition, a cooling command is generated;

[0034] The refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the third operating strategy based on the cooling command.

[0035] Optionally, the refrigerator fan is equipped with a heating device, and the method further includes:

[0036] The refrigerator fan is heated by the heating device.

[0037] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0038] The ambient humidity, ambient temperature, and downtime of the refrigerator fan when it is off are obtained.

[0039] The duration for which the heating device heats the refrigerator fan is determined based on the ambient humidity, ambient temperature, and downtime.

[0040] This application provides a refrigerator, including a refrigerator fan, wherein the refrigerator controls the refrigerator fan using the refrigerator fan control method described above.

[0041] This application provides a method for controlling a refrigerator fan and a refrigerator. The method for controlling the refrigerator fan involves acquiring the operating status of the refrigerator fan. If the refrigerator fan is in a stopped state, the method acquires the ambient temperature of the refrigerator. If the ambient temperature meets a first preset condition, the method controls the refrigerator fan to operate according to a first operating strategy. If the ambient temperature meets a second preset condition, the method controls the refrigerator fan to operate according to a second operating strategy. This avoids the situation where the refrigerator fan stops for a long time and ice forms at the fan when the ambient temperature is low, causing the fan to stall and fail to operate normally. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a first flowchart illustrating the refrigerator fan control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart illustrating the refrigerator fan control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a first flowchart illustrating a refrigerator fan control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The embodiment of this application provides a refrigerator fan control method, which includes:

[0048] 101, Get the working status of the refrigerator fan.

[0049] During refrigerator operation, the refrigerator fan can be in a running or stopped (shutdown) state. For example, when the refrigerator compartment has a cooling demand, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to run to lower the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerator compartment no longer has a cooling demand, such as when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment drops to the preset temperature, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to stop running.

[0050] 102. If the refrigerator fan is off, obtain the ambient temperature of the refrigerator;

[0051] The ambient temperature of the refrigerator can be the ambient temperature of the outside environment where the refrigerator is located. For example, the ambient temperature can be detected by the temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator. A temperature sensor can also be installed around the refrigerator fan to detect the ambient temperature around the refrigerator fan.

[0052] 103. If the ambient temperature meets the first preset condition, the refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the first operating strategy.

[0053] 104. If the ambient temperature meets the second preset condition, the refrigerator fan will be controlled to operate according to the second operating strategy.

[0054] Regarding steps 103-104:

[0055] When the ambient temperature varies, the refrigerator fan's operating time and off time also differ. At higher ambient temperatures, the fan needs to run continuously to maintain cooling, resulting in shorter off-times. Conversely, at lower ambient temperatures, the refrigerator compartment warms up more slowly, leading to longer off-times. If the fan remains off for an extended period, moisture and water droplets can accumulate on its components and blades, easily forming ice at the fan in low temperatures, causing it to stall and malfunction. Therefore, by acquiring ambient temperature information when the refrigerator fan is off, and adjusting the operating strategy accordingly, the problem of fan icing due to prolonged off-time in low-temperature environments can be avoided.

[0056] This application provides a refrigerator fan control method and a refrigerator. The refrigerator fan control method acquires the operating status of the refrigerator fan. If the refrigerator fan is in a stopped state, it acquires the ambient temperature of the refrigerator. If the ambient temperature meets a first preset condition, it controls the refrigerator fan to operate according to a first operating strategy; if the ambient temperature meets a second preset condition, it controls the refrigerator fan to operate according to a second operating strategy. This can avoid the situation where the refrigerator fan stops for a long time and ice forms at the fan when the ambient temperature is low, causing the fan to stall and fail to operate normally. It can reduce after-sales defect rate and quality risk, and improve product quality.

[0057] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a second flowchart illustrating the refrigerator fan control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] 201. Obtain the operating status of the refrigerator fan;

[0059] During refrigerator operation, the refrigerator fan can be in a running or stopped (shutdown) state. For example, when the refrigerator compartment has a cooling demand, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to run to lower the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerator compartment no longer has a cooling demand, such as when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment drops to the preset temperature, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to stop running.

[0060] 202. If the refrigerator fan is off, determine whether the refrigerator is in the defrosting stage;

[0061] 203. If the refrigerator is not in the defrosting stage, obtain the ambient temperature of the refrigerator;

[0062] Regarding steps 202-203:

[0063] When a refrigerator is in the defrosting process, the refrigerator fan will also be off. Therefore, it's necessary to determine whether the defrosting process is in progress when the refrigerator fan is off. If it is, wait for the defrosting process to finish. It's understandable that during the defrosting phase, the refrigerator compartment doesn't need cooling, requiring the refrigerator fan to be off. Defrosting can be achieved through heating or other methods. During defrosting, a large amount of water vapor and water droplets may accumulate on the fan's structural components and blades. In low ambient temperatures, this can easily cause ice buildup on the fan, leading to fan blockage and malfunction. Therefore, by obtaining ambient temperature information when the refrigerator fan is off, and adjusting the operating strategy accordingly based on the ambient temperature, the problem of fan icing due to prolonged shutdown in low-temperature environments can be avoided.

[0064] 204. If the ambient temperature is greater than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan will be activated once every first preset time interval.

[0065] 205. If the ambient temperature is not greater than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan will be started once every second preset time interval, where the second preset time interval is shorter than the first preset time interval.

[0066] Regarding steps 204-205:

[0067] If the ambient temperature is higher than the ambient temperature threshold, it indicates a high ambient temperature, and the fan will take longer to freeze. In this case, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start once every first preset time interval. If the ambient temperature is lower than the ambient temperature threshold, it indicates a low ambient temperature, and the fan will freeze more quickly. In this case, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start once every second preset time interval, which is shorter than the first preset time interval. That is, when the refrigerator fan is off, if the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start running, and the frequency of starting running is higher than when the ambient temperature is high. For example, the ambient temperature threshold can be set to 25°C, or it can be other temperatures obtained by technicians based on experience or experiments. The first preset time interval can be one hour, and the second preset time interval can be thirty minutes. Of course, the first and second preset time intervals can be other time intervals obtained by technicians based on experience or experiments. If the ambient temperature is greater than 25°C when the refrigerator fan is off and not in defrosting mode, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start once every hour. If the ambient temperature is less than 25°C, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start once every half hour.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first preset time period and the second preset time period can be set according to the acquired ambient temperature. For example, the preset time period for fan start-up can be determined from the preset mapping relationship between ambient temperature and fan operation strategy based on the acquired ambient temperature. The mapping relationship between ambient temperature and fan operation strategy can be a mapping relationship obtained by technicians based on experience or multiple experiments. In this mapping relationship, one ambient temperature can correspond to one preset time period for fan start-up, or multiple ambient temperatures can correspond to one preset time period for fan start-up, as long as the frequency of controlling the refrigerator fan to start operation is higher as the ambient temperature is lower.

[0069] After the fan starts according to the operating strategy, the operation mode can be improved. For example, if the ambient temperature is higher than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start at a first preset time interval. After starting, the refrigerator fan runs for a first duration, stops for a second duration, and then runs for the first duration again, at least twice. The sum of the first duration running after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the second duration running after the refrigerator fan stops are less than the first preset time interval. Specifically, if the ambient temperature is higher than 25°C, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start once every hour. After starting, the refrigerator fan runs for ten seconds, stops for five seconds, runs for ten seconds again, stops for five seconds, runs for ten seconds again, and stops. That is, it runs for ten seconds, then stops for five seconds, and so on, repeating this cycle three times. This can quickly and efficiently remove any water droplets or moisture that may be present on the refrigerator fan.

[0070] If the ambient temperature is not higher than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start at a second preset time interval. After starting, the fan runs for a third time, stops for a fourth time, and then runs for another third time, repeating this process at least twice. The sum of the third-time runs and the fourth-time stops should be less than the second preset time interval. Specifically, if the ambient temperature is less than or equal to 25°C, the refrigerator fan can be controlled to start every thirty minutes. After starting, the fan runs for ten seconds, stops for five seconds, runs for another ten seconds, stops for five seconds, runs for another ten seconds, and then stops. This cycle repeats three times, with a ten-second interval between each ten-second run. This quickly and efficiently removes any water droplets or moisture that may be present on the refrigerator fan.

[0071] It should be noted that the temperature thresholds, the time interval for the refrigerator fan to start, and the operating mode after the refrigerator fan starts are all exemplary and can be adjusted according to the actual refrigerator specifications, ambient temperature, cooling time, etc.

[0072] Understandably, if a cooling command is received while the refrigerator fan is operating according to the first or second operating strategy, the refrigerator fan will be controlled to operate according to the third operating strategy. If, while the fan is off and not in the defrosting phase, it is running according to a preset operating strategy, and a cooling demand is received from the refrigerator compartment (i.e., a cooling command is received), the refrigerator fan will be controlled to operate according to the third operating strategy. This third operating strategy can be the strategy for the refrigerator fan's operation during refrigerator cooling.

[0073] The following method can be used to determine whether a refrigerator compartment needs cooling: The temperature of the refrigerator compartment is acquired while the refrigerator fan is operating according to either the first or second operating strategy. If the temperature of the refrigerator compartment does not meet the preset temperature conditions, for example, in the refrigerator compartment, if the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is 4°C, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (used to detect the temperature of the refrigerator compartment) is greater than 4°C, a cooling command is generated. The refrigerator fan is then controlled to operate according to the cooling command to cool the refrigerator compartment. The operating time of the refrigerator fan can be set according to the detected temperature.

[0074] In some embodiments, to further prevent the refrigerator fan from icing up, the refrigerator fan may be equipped with a heating device, and the method further includes:

[0075] The refrigerator fan is heated by a heating device. This heating device can be a heating wire installed on the fan blades and structure, or any other device capable of heating the refrigerator fan.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a refrigerator fan further includes:

[0077] The system obtains the ambient humidity, ambient temperature, and the duration of the refrigerator's fan being off. Based on these parameters, it determines the duration for which the heating device will heat the fan. For example, when the ambient humidity is high, the ambient temperature is low, and the fan is off for an extended period, frequent fan restarts are necessary to prevent icing. To save energy, a heating device installed on the fan can be used to heat it, working in conjunction with the fan's operating strategy to prevent icing. Furthermore, in extreme environments where icing causes the fan to stall, the heating device can also be used to reheat it. This can further reduce after-sales defect rates and quality risks, improving product quality.

[0078] The refrigerator fan control method provided in this application embodiment, when applied to a specific application scenario: After the refrigerator is powered on and running, it is determined whether the refrigerator fan is started. When the refrigerator fan is running, it is determined whether the refrigerator is in the cooling stage. If the refrigerator is in the cooling stage, it continues to run until the cooling demand of the refrigerator is met. When the cooling demand of the refrigerator is met, the refrigerator fan usually stops running. If the refrigerator fan is stopped, it is determined whether the refrigerator is in the defrosting stage. If the refrigerator is in the defrosting stage, the defrosting program is run until the defrosting exit condition is met. During the defrosting process, the refrigerator fan is stopped and no operation is performed. If the refrigerator is neither in the defrosting stage nor in the cooling stage, the refrigerator fan is stopped. The ambient temperature of the refrigerator is obtained. If the ambient temperature is greater than 25 degrees Celsius, the refrigerator fan performs a start-reset action every hour, starting for ten seconds and stopping for five seconds, for three cycles. If the ambient temperature is less than 25 degrees Celsius, the refrigerator fan performs a start-reset action every half hour, starting for ten seconds and stopping for five seconds, for three cycles. This continues until the refrigerator has a cooling demand and the fan starts. The refrigerator fan control method provided in this application improves upon existing refrigerator fan control methods. By optimizing the fan control logic and adding a reset and start-up action for the fan under different ambient temperatures, it reduces the risk of fan icing, especially addressing icing failures that occur at low ambient temperatures. This reduces after-sales defects and quality risks, thereby improving product quality. It can solve the fan icing problem in the market without increasing the cost of the original unit, reducing market defects and improving product quality.

[0079] This application also provides a refrigerator, including a refrigerator fan, which is controlled by the above-described refrigerator fan control method. The refrigerator may include a processor for executing the aforementioned refrigerator fan control method to control the refrigerator fan.

[0080] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0081] The refrigeration system and refrigeration equipment provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific provisions have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application, and the descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator fan, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the operating status of the refrigerator fan; If the refrigerator fan is off, then obtain the ambient temperature of the refrigerator; If the ambient temperature meets the first preset condition, the refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the first operating strategy; If the ambient temperature meets the second preset condition, the refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the second operating strategy; If the refrigerator fan is in a stopped state, obtaining the ambient temperature of the refrigerator includes: If the refrigerator fan is in a stopped state, determine whether the refrigerator is in the defrosting stage; If the refrigerator is not in the defrosting stage, then obtain the ambient temperature of the refrigerator; The step of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the first operating strategy if the ambient temperature meets the first preset condition includes: If the ambient temperature is greater than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan is controlled to start once every first preset time interval; The step of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the second operating strategy if the ambient temperature meets the second preset condition includes: If the ambient temperature is not greater than the ambient temperature threshold, the refrigerator fan is controlled to start once every second preset time interval, where the second preset time interval is shorter than the first preset time interval.

2. The refrigerator fan control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of starting the refrigerator fan once every first preset time interval includes: The refrigerator fan is controlled to start at a first preset time interval; After the refrigerator fan starts, it runs for a first duration, stops for a second duration, and then runs for the first duration again. The first duration is run at least twice. The sum of the first duration after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the second duration after it stops running are less than the first preset time period. The control of starting the refrigerator fan once every second preset time interval includes: The refrigerator fan is controlled to start at a second preset time interval; After the refrigerator fan starts, it runs for a third time, stops for a fourth time, and then runs for a third time again. The third time is run at least twice. The sum of the third time the refrigerator fan runs after starting and the sum of the fourth time it stops are less than the second preset time period.

3. The refrigerator fan control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the refrigerator fan to start at a first preset time interval, the control of the refrigerator fan to run for a first duration after starting, to stop for a second duration, to run for the first duration again, to run for at least two first durations, and the sum of the first duration of operation after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the second duration of operation after it stops being less than the first preset time interval includes: The refrigerator fan is controlled to start once every hour; The refrigerator fan is controlled to start and run for ten seconds, stop for five seconds, then run for ten seconds again, stop for five seconds, run for ten seconds again, and then stop. The refrigerator fan is controlled to start at a second preset time interval. After starting, the refrigerator fan runs for a third time, stops for a fourth time, and then runs for a third time again. This process is repeated at least twice for the third time interval. The sum of the third time intervals after the refrigerator fan starts and the sum of the fourth time intervals after it stops running are less than the second preset time interval, including the following: The refrigerator fan is controlled to start every thirty minutes; The refrigerator fan is controlled to start and run for ten seconds, stop for five seconds, then run for ten seconds again, stop for five seconds, run for ten seconds again, and then stop.

4. The method for controlling a refrigerator fan according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: If a cooling command is received while the refrigerator fan is being operated according to the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy, the refrigerator fan is then controlled to operate according to the third operating strategy.

5. The refrigerator fan control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receipt of a cooling command during the process of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy includes: The temperature of the refrigerator compartment is obtained during the process of controlling the refrigerator fan to operate according to the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy. If the temperature of the compartment does not meet the preset temperature condition, a cooling command is generated; The refrigerator fan is controlled to operate according to the third operating strategy based on the cooling command.

6. The method for controlling a refrigerator fan according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The refrigerator fan is equipped with a heating device, and the method further includes: The refrigerator fan is heated by the heating device.

7. The refrigerator fan control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The ambient humidity, ambient temperature, and downtime of the refrigerator fan when it is off are obtained. The duration for which the heating device heats the refrigerator fan is determined based on the ambient humidity, ambient temperature, and downtime.

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a refrigerator fan, and the refrigerator controls the refrigerator fan using the refrigerator fan control method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

Images