Air damper device, refrigerator, and method for handling air damper anomaly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a damper device, a refrigerator, and a method for processing damper abnormalities, relating to the technical field of refrigerators. The damper device specifically includes a baffle that can rotate to open or close the cold air duct, and a first heating element is provided on the edge of the baffle to melt the ice on the edge of the baffle so that the baffle can move normally. The aim is to ensure that the damper can be stably thawed and reduce the failure rate of the damper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and particularly to a damper device, a refrigerator, and a method for processing damper abnormalities. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator is composed of a door body, a box body, a control system (including a compressor, a controller, a protector, a blower, etc.), a refrigeration system (an evaporator, a condenser, a capillary tube, a filter, etc.), and various interior fittings (including various drawers, glass partitions, etc.).

[0003] Generally, a refrigerator has at least two compartments, namely a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. Some also have a variable-temperature compartment, a quick-freezing compartment, etc. To achieve precise temperature control for each compartment, it is necessary to control each compartment to meet the temperature requirements of different compartments. Since the temperature requirements and sizes of each compartment are different, the time to reach the temperature is also different. This requires a damper to switch between compartments, that is, when a compartment reaches the temperature, the damper closes; when the temperature of the compartment does not meet the requirements, the damper opens.

[0004] The damper is generally installed in the refrigerating compartment or the variable-temperature compartment. One end of the damper is usually connected to the evaporator, and the other end is connected to the compartment. There is a temperature difference on both sides. If there is moisture in the air duct, ice is easily formed at the cold and hot intersection (i.e., the damper). Thus, the damper is frozen, affecting the opening / closing of the damper, and thus affecting the refrigeration of the compartment, resulting in non-refrigeration or over-cooling of the compartment. To solve the ice formation problem of the damper, a heater is often added between the movable door and the bracket of the damper. By the operation of the heater, the ice at the damper is melted to facilitate the normal opening / closing of the damper.

[0005] However, when the humidity in the air duct is very high, the entire periphery of the damper will be covered with ice. At this time, the heater provided at the connection between the movable door and the bracket cannot completely thaw the damper. Therefore, how to ensure that the damper can be stably thawed has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a damper device, a refrigerator, and a method for processing damper abnormalities, aiming to ensure that the damper can be stably thawed and reduce the failure rate of the damper.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a damper device, including a baffle that can rotate to open or close a cold air duct, and a first heating member provided on the edge of the baffle to melt the ice on the edge of the baffle so that the baffle can move normally.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, a second heating member is further provided at the rotation position of the baffle to melt the ice at the rotation position of the baffle so that the baffle can rotate normally.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, a groove is provided on the edge of the baffle, and the first heating element is disposed in the groove.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the first heating element is arranged in an S shape.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the first heating element is an electric heating wire, and an insulating rubber sleeve is sleeved on the electric heating wire.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, an air door frame is further provided between the cold air duct and the baffle. The air door frame is connected to the air outlet of the cold air duct, and the baffle is rotatably connected to the air door frame to open or close the cold air duct.

[0013] The present application also discloses a refrigerator, including the air door device described in any one of the above.

[0014] The present application also discloses an air door deicing control method, including the following steps:

[0015] S1: Obtain the current air door state;

[0016] S2: And adjust the air door to a state opposite to the current air door state;

[0017] S3: After delaying for a predetermined time, obtain the first temperature change value of the corresponding compartment within the predetermined time, and determine whether the temperature change falls within a first preset range;

[0018] S4: When the temperature change does not fall within the first preset range, start the second heating element for heating, and in the process of heating, collect the temperature change in the compartment in real time. When the number of temperature collections meets the preset conditions and the temperature change still does not fall within the preset first range, start the first heating element for heating and clear the number of temperature collections.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present application, before obtaining the air door state, it further includes:

[0020] Obtain the temperature parameter of the refrigerator compartment, and calculate the difference between the temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter. When the difference between the first temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter does not fall within a second preset range, execute step S1.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, when the number of temperature collections does not meet the preset conditions or the temperature change falls within the first preset range, the first heating element is not started for heating.

[0022] With the above technical solution, when the temperature of the air flow blown out by the cold air duct is relatively low and the humidity of the environment where the cold air duct is located is relatively high, since the baffle plate does not move frequently, ice will form between the cold air duct and the baffle plate, thus freezing the baffle plate and making it unable to move. By arranging a first heating element on the edge of the baffle plate, when the baffle plate is frozen, the ice can be melted by the heating of the first heating element, so that the baffle plate can move normally. This ensures that the air damper can be stably thawed and reduces the failure rate of the air damper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 is the main structural view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is the side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is the schematic structural diagram of the air damper abnormality handling method flow of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0028] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an air damper device, including a baffle plate 10 that can rotate to open or close a cold air duct, and a first heating element 30 arranged on the edge of the baffle plate 10 for melting the ice on the edge of the baffle plate 10 so that the baffle plate 10 can move normally.

[0029] Specifically, an air damper device includes a baffle plate 10 and a first heating element 30.

[0030] The baffle plate 10 is made of a metal material, such as an aluminum alloy material, a alloy steel material, etc. The baffle plate 10 made of a metal material has advantages such as strong supporting ability and wear resistance. Of course, according to the design requirements, the baffle plate 10 can also be made of a plastic material. The baffle plate 10 made of a plastic material has advantages such as light weight, low cost and easy manufacturing. Since the baffle plate 10 made of a metal material has good heat conduction performance, the surface of the baffle plate 10 made of a metal material is easy to freeze. Therefore, the baffle plate 10 in this application is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0031] The baffle 10 can rotate relative to one side of the cold air duct, thereby realizing the opening or closing of the cold air duct. By rotating the baffle 10, the opening or closing of the cold air duct is realized, which is convenient for controlling the cold air duct.

[0032] The first heating element 30 uses an electric heating wire. The structure of the electric heating wire is simple and easy to implement. The first heating element 30 is detachably connected to the edge of the baffle 10, such as by snap connection, screw connection, etc. The detachable connection method is convenient for the installation and disassembly of the first heating element 30 and facilitates later maintenance. Of course, according to the design requirements, the first heating element 30 can also be fixedly connected to the edge of the baffle 10. The fixed connection method can improve the stability of the first heating element 30 during operation.

[0033] In this application, the edge refers to the periphery of the working surface of the baffle 10. The rotation point of the baffle 10 can be far from the cold air duct. At this time, icing between the baffle 10 and the cold air duct will only occur at the edge of the baffle 10. Therefore, by setting the first heating element 30 at the edge of the baffle 10, the ice cubes located on the edge of the baffle 10 can be stably melted.

[0034] With the above technical solution, when the temperature of the air flow blown out by the cold air duct is relatively low and the humidity of the environment where the cold air duct is located is relatively high, since the baffle 10 does not move frequently, icing will occur between the cold air duct and the baffle 10, thus freezing the baffle 10 and making the baffle 10 unable to move. By setting the first heating element 30 at the edge of the baffle 10, when the baffle 10 is frozen, the ice cubes are melted by the heating of the first heating element 30, so that the baffle 10 can move normally. Ensure that the air damper can be stably thawed and reduce the failure rate of the air damper.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present application, a second heating element 20 for melting the ice cubes at the rotation point of the baffle 10 to enable the baffle 10 to rotate normally is further provided at the rotation point of the baffle 10.

[0036] Specifically, a second heating element 20 is further provided at the rotation point of the baffle 10. The second heating element 20 uses a carbon film heater with a power of about 1W. The second heating element 20 is attached to the rotation point of the baffle 10 to melt the ice cubes at the rotation point of the baffle 10, further ensuring that the air damper can be stably thawed and reducing the failure rate of the air damper.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present application, a groove is provided on the edge of the baffle 10, and the first heating element 30 is arranged in the groove.

[0038] Specifically, a groove is provided on the edge of the baffle 10. By providing the groove, it is convenient to install the first heating element 30. Installing the first heating element 30 in the groove has good hiding characteristics and at the same time avoids the situation where the first heating element 30 protrudes and causes air leakage from the baffle 10.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present application, the first heating element 30 is arranged in an S shape.

[0040] Specifically, since the first heating element 30 is arranged on the edge of the baffle 10, it is determined that the heating range of the first heating element 30 is larger than that of the second heating element 20, and correspondingly, the heating power of the first heating element 30 is also greater. Since the first heating element 30 is attached to the plastic, when the heating load of the first heating element 30 is too large, it will cause the insulating plastic to melt and deform. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the length of the first heating element 30 and bend the first heating element 30 into an S shape, which can enable the first heating element 30 to not only meet the power requirements but also meet the surface load requirements. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, the first heating element 30 is an electric heating wire, and an insulating rubber sleeve is sleeved on the electric heating wire.

[0042] Specifically, the first heating element 30 uses an electric heating wire, and an insulating rubber sleeve is sleeved on the electric heating wire. By providing the insulating rubber sleeve, the safety of the electric heating wire during operation can be improved. At the same time, through the insulating rubber sleeve, the electric heating wire can be prevented from directly contacting the plastic of the baffle 10, thereby realizing the protection of the plastic of the baffle 10 and avoiding the deformation of the plastic of the baffle 10.

[0043] Adopting the above technical solution, the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, a wind door frame is further provided between the cold air duct and the baffle 10. The wind door frame is connected to the air outlet of the cold air duct, and the baffle 10 is rotatably connected to the wind door frame to open or close the cold air duct.

[0045] Specifically, a wind door frame is further provided between the cold air duct and the baffle 10. The wind door frame is made of a metal material, for example, aluminum alloy material, alloy steel material, etc. The wind door frame made of a metal material has the advantages of strong supporting ability and wear resistance. Of course, according to the design requirements, the wind door frame can also be made of plastic material or foam material. The wind door frame made of plastic material has the advantages of light weight, low cost, and easy production. The wind door frame made of foam material has the advantages of light weight, low cost, and not easy to freeze.

[0046] In this application, since the air duct is a cold air duct, setting a metal air door frame on the cold air duct will cause the air door frame to easily freeze. Therefore, the air door frame in this application is preferably made of foam material.

[0047] The air door frame is installed at the air outlet of the cold air duct. The air door frame and the cold air duct are connected by a fixed connection method, such as integral molding, welding, etc. Connecting the air door frame and the cold air duct by a fixed connection method can improve the stability of the air door frame during operation. Of course, according to the design requirements, the air door frame and the cold air duct can also be connected in a detachable manner, such as screw connection, bolt connection, etc. Adopting a detachable connection method can facilitate the installation and disassembly of the air door frame and is convenient for later maintenance.

[0048] The baffle 10 is rotatably connected to the air door frame, so the baffle 10 can rotate relative to the air door frame to open or close the opening of the air door frame, thereby realizing the opening or closing of the cold air duct.

[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, by setting the air door frame, the installation of the baffle 10 is convenient, the structure is simple, and it is easy to implement.

[0050] This application also discloses a refrigerator, including the air door device described in any one of the above.

[0051] Specifically, a refrigerator that adopts the air door device described in any one of the above has any one of the advantages of the above air door device. Details are not repeated here.

[0052] This application also discloses an air door deicing control method, including the following steps:

[0053] S1: Obtain the current air door state;

[0054] S2: And adjust the air door to a state opposite to the current air door state;

[0055] S3: After delaying for a predetermined time, obtain the first temperature change value of the corresponding compartment within the predetermined time, and determine whether the temperature change falls within the first preset range;

[0056] S4: When the temperature change does not fall within the first preset range, start the second heating element 20 for heating, and during the heating process, collect the temperature change in the compartment in real time. When the number of temperature collections meets the preset conditions and the temperature change still does not fall within the preset first range, start the first heating element 30 for heating and clear the number of temperature collections.

[0057] Specifically, obtaining the current air door state, the current air door state includes open or closed;

[0058] Since there is no sensor on the air damper, when detecting the state of the air damper, a temperature sensor set in the refrigerator compartment is generally used for delayed detection to obtain the current state of the air damper. The specific detection process is as follows: First, detect the temperature in the current refrigerator compartment, and then delay for a predetermined time, which can be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. Then detect the temperature in the same compartment again. When the temperature difference between the two is large, it is determined that the air damper is in the open state at this time. When the temperature difference between the two is small after delaying the predetermined time, it is determined that the air damper is in the closed state at this time.

[0059] After obtaining the current state of the air damper, adjust the air damper to the state opposite to the current state of the air damper. For example: if the current state of the air damper is the open state, the state of the air damper is correspondingly modified to the closed state at this time; if the current state of the air damper is the closed state, the state of the air damper is correspondingly modified to the open state at this time.

[0060] Then delay for a predetermined time, obtain the first temperature change value of the refrigerator compartment within the predetermined time, and then determine whether this change value falls within the first preset range. When the first temperature change value of the refrigerator compartment within the predetermined time falls within the first preset range, it indicates that the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment is normal, and at this time, it can be inferred that the air damper is in a good working state. When the first temperature change value of the refrigerator compartment within the predetermined time does not fall within the first preset range, it indicates that the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment is abnormal, and at this time, it can be inferred that the air damper is in an abnormal state.

[0061] When the air damper is in an abnormal state, start the second heating element 20 to heat and defrost the rotating part of the baffle 10 of the air damper. At this time, under the heating of the second heating element 20, the ice at the rotating part of the baffle 10 can be melted, so that the air damper can move normally. At the same time, during the heating process of the second heating element 20, the temperature change in the compartment is collected in real time. When the number of temperature collections reaches the preset condition and the temperature change does not fall within the first preset range, it means that the baffle 10 of the air damper is still abnormal during the heating process of the second heating element 20. At this time, start the first heating element 30 to heat the edge of the baffle 10 and clear the number of temperature collections.

[0062] During the process of the second heating element 20 heating and defrosting the ice, the temperature change in the compartment is detected, and there is no need for the second heating element 20 to pause frequently, which reduces the energy consumption and improves the ice melting efficiency of the second heating element 20 at the same time.

[0063] Adopting the above technical solution, the process is simple and easy to implement, realizing the setting of the start sequence between the second heating element 20 and the first heating element 30 to adapt to different ice melting situations, avoiding the second heating element 20 and the first heating element 30 always being turned on synchronously, reducing the energy consumption, and improving the safety of the air damper operation.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present application, before obtaining the damper state, the following steps are further included:

[0065] Obtain the temperature parameter of the refrigerator compartment, and calculate the difference between the temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter. When the difference between the first temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter does not fall within the second preset range, execute step S1.

[0066] Specifically, before obtaining the damper state, first obtain the temperature parameter of the refrigerator compartment, then calculate the difference between the temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter. When the difference between the first temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter does not fall within the second preset range, it indicates that the refrigeration of the current refrigerator compartment is abnormal. At this time, execute step S1 to start the abnormal detection of the refrigerator damper.

[0067] When the difference between the first temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter falls within the second preset range, it indicates that the refrigeration of the current refrigerator compartment is normal, and the abnormal detection of the damper is not performed.

[0068] By adopting the above technical solution, by setting the trigger condition for the abnormal detection of the damper, the abnormal situation of the damper is avoided from being detected in real time, the load of the refrigeration equipment operation is reduced, and the stability and safety of the refrigeration equipment operation are improved.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, when the number of temperature acquisitions does not meet the preset condition or the temperature change falls within the first preset range, the first heating element 30 is not started for heating.

[0070] Specifically, when the number of temperature acquisitions does not meet the preset condition, only the second heating element 20 is turned on at this time, leaving sufficient time for the ice melting of the second heating element 20.

[0071] When the temperature change falls within the first preset range, it indicates that after the second heating element 20 works, the state of the damper has returned to normal. At this time, it is no longer necessary to start the first heating element 30 for ice melting, reducing energy consumption, with a simple process and easy implementation.

[0072] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention accordingly. Any equivalent structural transformation made under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, is included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An abnormal air damper handling method, the air damper includes a baffle that can rotate to open or close the cold air duct, and a first heating element is provided around the working surface of the baffle to melt the ice on the edge of the baffle so that the baffle can move normally. A second heating element is also provided at the rotation point of the baffle to melt the ice at the rotation point of the baffle so that the baffle can rotate normally; characterized in that, The abnormal air damper handling method includes the following steps: Obtain the temperature parameter of the refrigerator compartment, and calculate the difference between the temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter. When the difference between the first temperature parameter and the preset temperature parameter does not fall within the second preset range, execute step S1; S1: Obtain the current air damper state; S2: And adjust the air damper to a state opposite to the current air damper state; S3: After a predetermined time delay, obtain the first temperature change value of the corresponding compartment within the predetermined time, and determine whether the temperature change falls within the first preset range; S4: When the temperature change does not fall within the first preset range, start the second heating element for heating, and collect the temperature change in the compartment in real time during the heating process. When the number of temperature acquisitions meets the preset conditions and the temperature change still does not fall within the preset first range, start the first heating element for heating and clear the number of temperature acquisitions.

2. The air damper abnormal handling method according to claim 1, wherein A groove is provided on the edge of the baffle, and the first heating element is arranged in the groove.

3. The air damper abnormality handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heating element is arranged in an S shape.

4. The air damper abnormal handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heating element is an electric heating wire, and an insulating rubber sleeve is sleeved on the electric heating wire.

5. The abnormal air damper processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wind door frame is further provided between the cold air duct and the baffle. The wind door frame is connected to the air outlet of the cold air duct, and the baffle is rotatably connected to the wind door frame to open or close the cold air duct.

6. The air damper abnormal handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the number of temperature acquisitions does not meet the preset conditions or the temperature change falls within the first preset range, do not start the first heating element for heating.

7. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Including the abnormal air damper handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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