Refrigerator and its control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator and a control method therefor. The refrigerator includes a plurality of identical and serially-connected electro-deoxygenation units, which are respectively used to carry out electrochemical reactions under the action of a working voltage to consume the oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator. Each electro-deoxygenation unit is respectively provided with a replacement component for replacing it to access the circuit, and the control method includes: obtaining the working voltage of each electro-deoxygenation unit; judging whether the range difference between the working voltages is less than a preset first threshold; if not, determining the aged deoxygenation unit from the plurality of electro-deoxygenation units, and making the replacement component corresponding to the aged deoxygenation unit replace it to access the circuit. The present invention provides a state detection means and a performance remedy means for a refrigerator having a plurality of serially-connected electro-deoxygenation units, which is beneficial to improving the effective working life of the plurality of electro-deoxygenation units and enhancing the intelligent level of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of preservation, and particularly to a refrigerator and its control method. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator can consume the oxygen in the storage space by means of the electrochemical reaction of an electro-deoxygenation device.

[0003] The inventor has recognized that if multiple series-connected electro-deoxygenation units are installed in the electro-deoxygenation device, the electro-deoxygenation device can obtain a higher electrochemical reaction rate with a smaller working current, and at the same time, the performance degradation of the electrochemical elements of the electro-deoxygenation units can be delayed. However, in the actual use process, the performance degradation of each electro-deoxygenation unit will inevitably occur at different degrees and rates. Due to the correlation effect between the electro-deoxygenation units, if the electro-deoxygenation unit with serious performance degradation is not detected in time and remedial measures are not taken, it will cause the performance of other electro-deoxygenation units to decay rapidly due to fluctuations in the electrolysis voltage or working current, which will greatly shorten the overall working life of the electro-deoxygenation device.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background art is only used to increase the understanding of the background art of the present application. Therefore, it may include prior art that is not known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide a refrigerator and its control method.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide a state detection means and a performance remedial means for a refrigerator having multiple series-connected electro-deoxygenation units, so as to improve the effective working life of the multiple electro-deoxygenation units.

[0007] Another further object of the present invention is to improve the performance remedial effect of the refrigerator.

[0008] Another further object of the present invention is to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a plurality of identical and series-connected electro-deoxygenation units, which are respectively used to perform an electrochemical reaction under the action of a working voltage to consume the oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator. Each electro-deoxygenation unit is respectively provided with a replacement element for replacing it to access the circuit, and the control method includes: obtaining the working voltage of each electro-deoxygenation unit; determining whether the range between the working voltages is less than a preset first threshold; if not, determining the aged deoxygenation unit from the plurality of electro-deoxygenation units, and making the replacement element corresponding to the aged deoxygenation unit replace it to access the circuit.

[0010] Optionally, the replacement component is a variable resistor; and before the replacement component corresponding to the aging deoxygenation unit is connected to the circuit in place of it, it further includes: determining the target operating resistance of the variable resistor; adjusting the resistance value of the replacement component according to the target operating resistance.

[0011] Optionally, the step of determining the target operating resistance of the variable resistor includes: obtaining the average operating resistance of other electrolytic deoxygenation units except the aging deoxygenation unit; configuring the target operating resistance of the variable resistor according to the average operating resistance.

[0012] Optionally, each electrolytic deoxygenation unit is respectively provided with a unit switch component for controllably disconnecting to cut off the power supply of the electrolytic deoxygenation unit; the replacement component is arranged on an adjustment branch in parallel with the corresponding electrolytic deoxygenation unit, and an adjustment switch component is also arranged on the adjustment branch for controllably closing to connect the replacement component to the circuit; and the step of connecting the replacement component thermally connected to the attenuation deoxygenation unit to the circuit in place of the aging deoxygenation unit includes: disconnecting the unit switch component and closing the adjustment switch component.

[0013] Optionally, before the step of obtaining the operating voltage of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit, it further includes: determining that all the unit switch components corresponding to each electrolytic deoxygenation unit are closed.

[0014] Optionally, there are multiple replacement components for each electrolytic deoxygenation unit, and they are respectively thermally connected to other electrolytic deoxygenation units except itself one by one; and the step of connecting the replacement component corresponding to the aging deoxygenation unit to the circuit in place of it includes: determining the electrolytic deoxygenation unit with the highest attenuation degree except the aging deoxygenation unit as the attenuation deoxygenation unit; connecting the replacement component thermally connected to the attenuation deoxygenation unit to the circuit in place of the aging deoxygenation unit.

[0015] Optionally, the step of determining the attenuation deoxygenation unit includes: sorting other electrolytic deoxygenation units except the aging deoxygenation unit in ascending order of the magnitude of the operating voltage; taking the electrolytic deoxygenation unit with the largest operating voltage as the attenuation deoxygenation unit.

[0016] Optionally, the step of determining the aging deoxygenation unit from multiple electrolytic deoxygenation units includes: determining the electrolytic deoxygenation unit with an operating voltage greater than a preset second threshold as the aging deoxygenation unit.

[0017] Optionally, the control method further includes: when the range between the operating voltages is not less than the first threshold, obtaining the operating resistance of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit; judging whether the average value of the operating resistance is greater than a preset resistance threshold; if so, cutting off the power supply of all electrolytic deoxygenation units and sending a prompt signal.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a refrigerator, which includes a plurality of identical and serially connected electro-deoxidation units, each of which is respectively used to perform an electrochemical reaction under the action of a working voltage to consume the oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator. Each electro-deoxidation unit is respectively provided with a replacement component for replacing it to access the circuit. And the refrigerator further includes: a processor and a memory. The memory stores a machine-executable program, which when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method according to any one of the above.

[0019] For the refrigerator and its control method of the present invention, by analyzing the working voltage of each electro-deoxidation unit, the aging deoxidation unit can be automatically detected. Using the replacement component corresponding to the aging deoxidation unit to replace it and access the circuit can automatically remedy the associated performance attenuation that may be caused by the aging deoxidation unit, and reduce or avoid the sharp performance attenuation of other electro-deoxidation units. Therefore, the present invention provides a state detection means and a performance remedy means for a refrigerator with a plurality of serially connected electro-deoxidation units, which is beneficial to improving the effective service life of the plurality of electro-deoxidation units and enhancing the intelligence level of the refrigerator.

[0020] Furthermore, for the refrigerator and its control method of the present invention, since the replacement component is a variable resistor and its resistance value can be configured according to the average working resistance of the un-aged electro-deoxidation unit, after the replacement component replaces the aging deoxidation unit and accesses the circuit, it can ensure that each of the other electro-deoxidation units performs an electrochemical reaction under a more appropriate working voltage, so that the refrigerator can provide a remedy scheme according to the actual performance attenuation of each of the other electro-deoxidation units, which is beneficial to improving the performance remedy effect of the refrigerator.

[0021] Even further, for the refrigerator and its control method of the present invention, since there are a plurality of replacement components for each electro-deoxidation unit, and when it is necessary to make the replacement component replace the aging deoxidation unit and access the circuit, the replacement component thermally connected to the attenuated deoxidation unit can be selectively made to access the circuit, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the attenuated deoxidation unit, enabling it to increase the electrochemical reaction rate and delay the attenuation, and is also beneficial to making full use of the heat generated by the replacement component to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0022] Based on the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more clear about the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings in an exemplary but non-limiting manner. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electro-deaeration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a control flowchart of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The refrigerator 1 generally may include a plurality of identical and serially-connected electro-deaeration units 100, a plurality of replacement elements 512, a processor 810, and a memory 820. It may further include a cabinet 20. The electro-deaeration units 100, the replacement elements 512, the processor 810, and the memory 820 are all disposed within the cabinet 20. The electro-deaeration units 100 and the replacement elements 512 may form an electro-deaeration device 10.

[0031] An internal storage space 21 is formed within the cabinet 20. The number of the storage spaces 21 may be set to one or more according to actual needs.

[0032] Each electro-deaeration unit 100 is respectively configured to perform an electrochemical reaction under the action of a working voltage to consume the oxygen in the storage space 21 of the refrigerator 1.

[0033] The electro-deaeration unit 100 may either specifically deaerate one storage space 21 or deaerate multiple storage spaces 21 simultaneously, as long as it is ensured that the electro-deaeration unit 100 is in gas flow communication with the storage space 21 to be deaerated. Gas flow communication means that the air within the storage space 21 can flow to the electro-deaeration unit 100, for example, to the cathode plate of the electro-deaeration unit 100, enabling the cathode plate to use the oxygen in the air as a reactant for an electrochemical reaction, thereby playing a role in deaeration. The following embodiments will illustrate the case where a plurality of electro-deaeration units 100 specifically deaerate one storage space 21. Those skilled in the art should be easily able to expand based on the following embodiments, and thus other cases will not be exemplified.

[0034] The electro-deaeration unit 100 generally may include an anode plate and a cathode plate.

[0035] The cathode plate is used to consume oxygen through an electrochemical reaction under the action of an electrolytic voltage. The anode plate is used to provide reactants (e.g., electrons) to the cathode plate and generate gas through an electrochemical reaction under the action of an electrolytic voltage.

[0036] When powered on, for example, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate, that is: O2 + 2H2O + 4e - → 4OH - . The OH - generated by the cathode plate can undergo an oxidation reaction at the anode plate and generate oxygen, that is: 4OH - → O2 + 2H2O + 4e - .

[0037] The cathode plate has a cathode terminal. The anode plate has an anode terminal. The cathode terminals and anode terminals of adjacent deaeration units 100 are connected, which enables multiple deaeration units 100 to be connected in series in sequence.

[0038] The above examples of the electrochemical reactions of the anode plate and cathode plate are merely illustrative. Based on understanding the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should easily change the type of electrochemical reaction, or expand the structure of the deaeration device 10 applicable to other types of electrochemical reactions. These changes and expansions should all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1 may further include a power supply configured to provide the working voltage required for the electrochemical reaction for multiple deaeration units 100.

[0040] The deaeration device 10 may further include a reaction vessel. Among them, the reaction vessel stores an electrolyte, such as sodium hydroxide solution, etc. The anode plate and cathode plate are respectively immersed in the electrolyte.

[0041] For example, the cathode plate may form one of the container walls of the reaction vessel, thereby realizing the air flow communication with the storage space 21.

[0042] The anode plate and the cathode plate are arranged in the reaction vessel at intervals from each other.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments, multiple deaeration units 100 are assembled into an integrated part, which can improve the structural integrity of multiple deaeration units 100. For example, multiple deaeration units 100 can all be assembled into the reaction vessel, and the reaction vessel respectively allocates an installation space for each deaeration unit 100. The reaction vessel can be generally in a flat cuboid shape.

[0044] Figure 2FIG. 0 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic deaeration device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the connection structure of the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 and the replacement element 512.

[0045] Each electrolytic deaeration unit 100 is respectively provided with a replacement element 512 for replacing it to access the circuit. For example, when the state of a certain electrolytic deaeration unit 100 ages, the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 no longer accesses the circuit, but the adjustment branch 510 with the replacement element 512 replaces the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 to access the circuit and undertakes the voltage division task, thereby adjusting the working current or working voltage of other electrolytic deaeration units 100.

[0046] By using the replacement element 512 to replace the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 with an aged state to access the circuit, the working current or working voltage of other non-aged electrolytic deaeration units 100 can be adjusted, delaying the attenuation or aging of the non-aged electrolytic deaeration units 100 and improving the overall working life of the electrolytic deaeration device 10. The method is very ingenious.

[0047] The processor 810 and the memory 820 are used to form the control device of the refrigerator 1, and the control device can be the main control board of the refrigerator 1. The machine-executable program 821 is stored in the memory 820. When the machine-executable program 821 is executed by the processor 810, it is used to implement the control method of the refrigerator 1 in any of the following embodiments. The processor 810 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital processing unit (DSP), etc. The memory 820 is used to store the program executed by the processor 810. The memory 820 can be any medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 820 can also be a combination of various memories 820. Since the machine-executable program 821 implements each process of the following method embodiments when executed by the processor 810 and can achieve the same technical effects, for the sake of avoiding repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0048] Figure 3 FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the control method of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control method generally may include the following steps:

[0049] Step S302, obtaining the working voltage of each electrolytic deaeration unit 100. The working voltage of each electrolytic deaeration unit 100 refers to the voltage across each electrolytic deaeration unit 100, that is, the voltage divided by each electrolytic deaeration unit 100 in the power supply circuit. For example, each electrolytic deaeration unit 100 can be respectively provided with a voltage detector 600 for detecting the working voltage of the corresponding electrolytic deaeration unit 100.

[0050] Step S304: Determine whether the range between the working voltages is less than a preset first threshold. In this embodiment, the range between the working voltages refers to the difference between the working voltage with the largest value and the working voltage with the smallest value.

[0051] The inventors recognized that, ideally, when multiple identical electrolytic deaeration units 100 connected in series perform electrochemical reactions synchronously, each electrolytic deaeration unit 100 will decay synchronously, and its working performance will basically remain consistent, and the range between the working voltages is almost zero. However, in actual applications, it is inevitable that each electrolytic deaeration unit 100 will experience performance decay to varying degrees and at different rates. When the range between the working voltages is not less than the preset first threshold, it indicates that the working performances of the respective electrolytic deaeration units 100 are different due to asynchronous decay.

[0052] Step S306: If the range between the working voltages is not less than the preset first threshold, determine the aging deaeration unit from the multiple electrolytic deaeration units 100, and cause the replacement element 512 corresponding to the aging deaeration unit to replace it and be connected to the circuit. The aging deaeration unit refers to the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 whose working performance has suddenly decayed, and its decay degree is significantly higher compared to other electrolytic deaeration units 100.

[0053] Using the above method, by analyzing the working voltage of each electrolytic deaeration unit 100, the aging deaeration unit can be automatically detected. By using the replacement element 512 corresponding to the aging deaeration unit to replace it and be connected to the circuit, it is possible to automatically remedy the associated performance decay that may be caused by the aging deaeration unit, and reduce or avoid the sharp decay of the working performance of other electrolytic deaeration units 100. Therefore, the present invention provides a state detection means and a performance remedy means for the refrigerator 1 having multiple series-connected electrolytic deaeration units 100, which is beneficial to improving the effective working life of the multiple electrolytic deaeration units 100.

[0054] When the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 is in an aging state, its working voltage during the electrochemical reaction will increase significantly. By detecting the working voltage of the electrolytic deaeration unit 100 to determine whether the working states of the multiple electrolytic deaeration units 100 are abnormal, the method is simple and the circuit structure is simple.

[0055] The solution of this embodiment can accurately determine whether there is a "black sheep" among the multiple electrolytic deaeration units 100 by analyzing the range between the working voltages. Only when the range between the working voltages is not less than the first threshold, the remedy measure is executed, which can bring into play the necessity of the remedy measure and be targeted.

[0056] In this embodiment, each electro-deaeration unit 100 is respectively provided with a unit switch element 520, which is used to be controlled to disconnect, so that the electro-deaeration unit 100 is powered off. For example, each electro-deaeration unit 100 may be connected in series with a unit switch element 520 to form a series connection section. The unit switch element 520 is controlled to disconnect, so that the series connection section is open-circuited, thereby powering off the electro-deaeration unit 100. That is, when the series connection section is open-circuited, the corresponding electro-deaeration unit 100 (i.e., the electro-deaeration unit 100 in the aging state) is no longer connected to the circuit.

[0057] The replacement element 512 may be disposed on an adjustment branch 510 in parallel with the corresponding electro-deaeration unit 100. The adjustment branch 510 is arranged in parallel with the series connection section and is used to be controlled to close when the series connection section is open-circuited, so as to replace the electro-deaeration unit 100 to be connected to the circuit. That is to say, when the adjustment branch 510 is in a conducting state, the replacement element 512 can replace the electro-deaeration unit 100 to be connected to the circuit. When the adjustment branch 510 is in an open-circuit state, the replacement element 512 will not be connected to the circuit and will not consume any electric energy.

[0058] For example, an adjustment switch element 511 is further provided on the adjustment branch 510, which is used to be controlled to close, so that the replacement element 512 is connected to the circuit. For example, the adjustment switch element 511 is used to be controlled to close when the series connection section is open-circuited, so that the series connection section is controlled to be connected, and the replacement element 512 performs voltage division.

[0059] The above adjustment switch element 511 and unit switch element 520 may be electromagnetic relays or other electronic switch devices respectively, and can receive instructions to open or close respectively.

[0060] The control method of this embodiment can prevent the normal operation of other electro-deaeration units 100 from being affected due to the aging of the state of a certain electro-deaeration unit 100 by regulating the on-off states of the unit switch element 520 and the adjustment branch 510. It has the advantages of delicate structure, simple control process and low manufacturing cost, and has a good application prospect.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, the replacement element 512 may be a fixed-value resistor, and its resistance value is set according to the average resistance value when the electro-deaeration unit 100 operates normally. For example, by detecting the resistance value of the electro-deaeration unit 100 when it operates normally and obtaining the average value, the resistance value of the replacement element 512 can be obtained.

[0062] In some other alternative embodiments, the replacement element 512 can be changed into a variable resistor, and its resistance value can be adjusted according to the actual situation. Before the replacement element 512 corresponding to the aging deoxidation unit is connected to the circuit in place of it, the control method may further include: determining the target working resistance of the variable resistor, and adjusting the resistance value of the replacement element 512 according to the target working resistance.

[0063] That is to say, the resistance value of the replacement element 512 can be flexibly configured before being connected to the circuit. Since when the aging deoxidation unit appears, the working performance of each of the other electrolytic deoxidation units 100 may also decay to a certain extent, resulting in a change in the working resistance. Therefore, by adjusting the resistance value of the replacement element 512 according to the target working resistance and connecting the replacement element 512 with a specific resistance value to the circuit, the resistance value of the replacement element 512 can be made substantially the same as the working resistance of each of the other electrolytic deoxidation units 100, so that each of the other electrolytic deoxidation units 100 can carry out an electrochemical reaction under appropriate working current and working voltage.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, the step of determining the target working resistance of the variable resistor may include: obtaining the average working resistance of the other electrolytic deoxidation units 100 except the aging deoxidation unit, and configuring the target working resistance of the variable resistor according to the average working resistance.

[0065] Since the replacement element 512 is a variable resistor and its resistance value can be configured according to the average working resistance of the non-aging electrolytic deoxidation units 100, after the replacement element 512 replaces the aging deoxidation unit and is connected to the circuit, it can ensure that each of the other electrolytic deoxidation units 100 carries out an electrochemical reaction under a more appropriate working voltage, enabling the refrigerator 1 to provide a remedial solution according to the actual performance decay of each of the other electrolytic deoxidation units 100, which is beneficial to improving the performance remedial effect of the refrigerator 1.

[0066] In some embodiments, the number of the branch 510 and the replacement element 512 is one respectively, and the circuit structure is simple.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, the step of connecting the replacement element 512 thermally connected to the attenuation deoxidation unit to the circuit in place of the aging deoxidation unit includes: disconnecting the unit switch element 520 and closing the adjustment switch element 511.

[0068] Using the above method, only by controlling the opening and closing states of the unit switch element 520 and the adjustment switch element 511, the aging electrolytic deoxidation unit 100 can be disconnected from the power supply circuit, and the replacement element 512 can be connected to the power supply circuit, which is easy to implement and has a better circuit state adjustment effect.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments, before the step of obtaining the operating voltage of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100, the control method further includes: determining that all the unit switching elements 520 corresponding to each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 are closed. That is, the step of obtaining the operating voltage of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 is performed when each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 is connected to the circuit. For example, when the oxygen concentration in the storage space 21 is greater than a preset concentration threshold, or when the opening duration of the storage space 21 exceeds a preset duration threshold, the refrigerator 1 can control all the unit switching elements 520 corresponding to each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 to be closed, so that a plurality of electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 perform electrochemical reactions simultaneously to quickly create a low-oxygen fresh-keeping atmosphere.

[0070] In some alternative embodiments, the number of the adjustment branches 510 and the replacement elements 512 can also be changed and adjusted. For example, the replacement elements 512 of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 are respectively multiple and are respectively thermally connected to the other electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 one by one except itself. In this embodiment, a plurality of adjustment branches 510 are respectively connected in parallel at both ends of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100, and an adjustment switch element 511 and a replacement element 512 are respectively arranged on each adjustment branch 510, and the number of the adjustment branches 510 is one less than the number of the corresponding electrolytic deoxygenation units 100, so that the replacement element 512 can be thermally connected to all the other electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 except this electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 one by one. Among them, the thermal connection can be any way such as abutting connection or winding connection, as long as the heat generated by the replacement element 512 can be transferred to the electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100.

[0071] The step of making the replacement element 512 corresponding to the aging deoxygenation unit replace it to access the circuit includes: determining the electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 with the highest attenuation degree except the aging deoxygenation unit as the attenuation deoxygenation unit, and making the replacement element 512 thermally connected to the attenuation deoxygenation unit replace the aging deoxygenation unit to access the circuit. That is to say, whether the replacement element 512 accesses the circuit is judged according to the attenuation degree of the electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 thermally connected to it. If the attenuation degree is the highest, the replacement element 512 is connected to the circuit.

[0072] Since the replacement elements 512 of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 are multiple, and when it is necessary to make the replacement element 512 replace the aging deoxygenation unit to access the circuit, the replacement element 512 thermally connected to the attenuation deoxygenation unit can be selectively connected to the circuit, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the attenuation deoxygenation unit, enabling it to increase the electrochemical reaction rate and delay attenuation, and is also beneficial to making full use of the heat generated by the replacement element 512 and improving the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0073] The steps of determining the attenuation deoxygenation unit include: sorting the other electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 except the aging deoxygenation unit in the order of the magnitude of the working voltage, and taking the electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 with the largest working voltage as the attenuation deoxygenation unit. Determining the attenuation deoxygenation unit by the magnitude of the working voltage is simple in method and reliable in conclusion.

[0074] In some alternative embodiments, the steps of determining the aging deoxygenation unit from multiple electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 include: determining the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 with a working voltage greater than a preset second threshold as the aging deoxygenation units. Among them, the difference between the second threshold and the standard working voltage of the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 without performance attenuation can be determined according to the voltage range in which the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 can work normally.

[0075] In some alternative embodiments, the above control method may further include: when the range difference between the working voltages is not less than the first threshold, obtaining the working resistance of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100, and determining whether the average value of the working resistances is greater than a preset resistance threshold. If so, power off all the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 and send a prompt signal. Among them, the difference between the resistance threshold and the standard working resistance of the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 without performance attenuation can be determined according to the resistance range in which the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 can work normally.

[0076] Using the above method, when the possible attenuation degrees of multiple electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 are relatively consistent and all reach the aging state, by timely cutting off the power supply of all the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100, it is possible to prevent accidents caused by the continued electrochemical reaction of the aging electrolytic deoxygenation units 100, improve the safety of the deoxygenation process of the refrigerator 1, and by sending a prompt signal, it can prompt the user to replace or repair the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100.

[0077] Figure 4 It is a control flow chart of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control flow generally may include the following steps:

[0078] Step S402, determining that all the unit switch elements 520 corresponding to each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 are closed.

[0079] Step S404, obtaining the working voltage of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100.

[0080] Step S406, determining whether the range difference between the working voltages is less than a preset first threshold. If so, execute step S422; if not, execute step S408.

[0081] Step S408, determining the electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 with a working voltage greater than a preset second threshold as the aging deoxygenation units.

[0082] Step S410: Obtain the average working resistance of other electro-deaeration units 100 except the aging deaeration unit.

[0083] Step S412: Configure the target working resistance of the adjustable resistor according to the average working resistance.

[0084] Step S414: Adjust the resistance value of the replacement component 512 according to the target working resistance.

[0085] Step S416: Sort other electro-deaeration units 100 except the aging deaeration unit in the order of the magnitude of the working voltage.

[0086] Step S418: Take the electro-deaeration unit 100 with the largest working voltage as the attenuation deaeration unit.

[0087] Step S420: Make the replacement component 512 thermally connected to the attenuation deaeration unit replace the aging deaeration unit and be connected to the circuit. For example, by disconnecting the unit switch component 520 and closing the adjustment switch component 511, make the replacement component 512 corresponding to the aging deaeration unit replace it and be connected to the circuit.

[0088] Step S422: Obtain the working resistance of each electro-deaeration unit 100.

[0089] Step S424: Determine whether the average value of the working resistance is greater than the preset resistance threshold. If so, execute Step S426; if not, execute Step S402.

[0090] Step S426: Cut off the power supply of all electro-deaeration units 100 and send a prompt signal.

[0091] Using the above method, by analyzing the working voltage of each electro-deaeration unit 100, the aging deaeration unit can be automatically detected. By using the replacement component 512 corresponding to the aging deaeration unit to replace it and be connected to the circuit, the associated performance attenuation caused by the aging deaeration unit can be automatically remedied, and the performance sharp attenuation of other electro-deaeration units 100 can be reduced or avoided. Therefore, the present invention provides a state detection means and a performance remedy means for the refrigerator 1 having a plurality of series-connected electro-deaeration units 100, which is beneficial to improving the effective working life of the plurality of electro-deaeration units 100 and enhancing the intelligent level of the refrigerator 1.

[0092] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the positional relationship between the electro-deaeration device 10 and the storage space 21. The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is an electrical equipment with a low-temperature storage function, including both a narrow sense refrigerator and a freezer, a storage cabinet, and other refrigeration and freezing devices.

[0093] In some other embodiments, the electrolytic deoxidation device 10 may also supply oxygen to the storage space 21 to create a high-oxygen fresh-keeping atmosphere in the storage space 21. For example, the oxygen generated by the anode plate of the electrolytic deoxidation unit 100 may be discharged into the storage space 21.

[0094] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can still be directly determined or derived from the content disclosed in 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 determined to cover all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a plurality of identical and serially connected electro-deoxygenation units, each for consuming oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator through an electrochemical reaction under the action of a working voltage, and each of the electro-deoxygenation units is respectively provided with a replacement element for replacing it to access the circuit, and the control method includes: Obtain the working voltage of each electro-deoxygenation unit; Judge whether the range between the working voltages is less than a preset first threshold; If not, determine the aged deoxygenation unit from the plurality of electro-deoxygenation units, and make the replacement element corresponding to the aged deoxygenation unit replace it to access the circuit; The replacement element is an adjustable resistor; and Before making the replacement element corresponding to the aged deoxygenation unit replace it to access the circuit, it further includes: Determine the target working resistance of the adjustable resistor; Adjust the resistance value of the replacement element according to the target working resistance; The step of determining the target working resistance of the adjustable resistor includes: Obtain the average working resistance of the other electro-deoxygenation units except the aged deoxygenation unit; Configure the target working resistance of the adjustable resistor according to the average working resistance.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the replacement elements of each electro-deoxygenation unit is a plurality, and is respectively thermally connected to the other electro-deoxygenation units except itself one by one; And The step of making the replacement element corresponding to the aged deoxygenation unit replace it to access the circuit includes: Determine the electro-deoxygenation unit with the highest attenuation degree except the aged deoxygenation unit as the attenuation deoxygenation unit; Make the replacement element thermally connected to the attenuation deoxygenation unit replace the aged deoxygenation unit to access the circuit.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein, The step of determining the attenuation deoxygenation unit includes: Sort the other electro-deoxygenation units except the aged deoxygenation unit in the order of the magnitude of the working voltage; Take the electro-deoxygenation unit with the largest working voltage as the attenuation deoxygenation unit.

4. The control method according to claim 2, wherein, Each electro-deoxygenation unit is respectively provided with a unit switch element for being controlled to disconnect so that the electro-deoxygenation unit is powered off; the replacement element is arranged on an adjustment branch in parallel with the corresponding electro-deoxygenation unit, and an adjustment switch element is further arranged on the adjustment branch for being controlled to close so that the replacement element accesses the circuit; And The step of making the replacement element thermally connected to the attenuation deoxygenation unit replace the aged deoxygenation unit to access the circuit includes: Disconnect the unit switch element and close the adjustment switch element.

5. Before the step of obtaining the working voltage of each electro-deoxygenation unit in the control method according to claim 4, it further includes: Determine that the unit switch elements corresponding to each electro-deoxygenation unit are all closed.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the aged deoxygenation unit from the plurality of electro-deoxygenation units includes: Determine the electrolytic deoxygenation unit with the operating voltage greater than a preset second threshold as the aging deoxygenation unit.

7. The control method according to claim 1 further includes: When the range between the operating voltages is less than the first threshold, obtain the operating resistance of each electrolytic deoxygenation unit; Judge whether the average value of the operating resistance is greater than a preset resistance threshold; If so, cut off the power supply of all the electrolytic deoxygenation units and send out a prompt signal.

8. A refrigerator includes a plurality of identical and serially connected electrolytic deoxygenation units, which are respectively used to carry out an electrochemical reaction under the action of an operating voltage to consume the oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator. Each electrolytic deoxygenation unit is respectively provided with a replacement element for replacing it to access the circuit, and the refrigerator further includes: A processor and a memory. The memory stores a machine-executable program. When the machine-executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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