Refrigerator, frosting control method, control device

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator, and discloses a frosting control method, a control device and a computer readable storage medium applied to the refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator comprises a frosting device, a cabinet is provided with a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment; the frosting device comprises an atomization module, a liquid storage box and a fluid control member, the atomization module is located in a sandwich layer between the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment, and the atomization module comprises an atomization sheet, and the atomization sheet is located on one side of the atomization module close to the freezing compartment. The atomization module converts water into mist, realizes humidification of food materials, and forms crystals on the surface of the food materials in the low-temperature environment of the freezing compartment, so that a drainage mechanism is not needed, and the cost is effectively reduced. Furthermore, the atomization module is arranged in a foaming layer between the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment, and the atomization sheet is located at the bottom of the atomization module, so that mist can be directly sprayed into the freezing compartment without being transported, and the loss of mist is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food preservation technology, and particularly to refrigerators, ice coating control methods, control devices, and computer-readable storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main cooling method for refrigerators is air cooling. However, because air-cooled refrigerators blow air directly, the humidity in the freezer compartment becomes too low, causing food to lose moisture quickly, especially the surface, which severely affects the taste and results in significant nutrient loss. To improve this situation, some technologies use a combination of water spraying and drainage to coat the food surface with an ice coating. However, this method is complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a refrigerator that can employ an alternative method for coating with ice to simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a method, control device, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling the ice coating of the above-mentioned refrigerator.

[0005] A refrigerator according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a cabinet and an ice coating device. The cabinet has a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. The ice coating device includes an atomizing module, a liquid storage box, and a fluid control component. The fluid control component is used to deliver liquid from the liquid storage box to the atomizing module. The atomizing module is located in a layer between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. The atomizing module includes an atomizing plate located on the side of the atomizing module closer to the freezer compartment to generate mist that enters the freezer compartment.

[0006] The refrigerator according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the atomizing module converts water into mist, which directly enters the freezer compartment to humidify the food. Simultaneously, in the low-temperature environment of the freezer compartment, crystals form on the surface of the food, resulting in a good ice-coating effect, allowing the food to retain its original color and flavor for a longer period, avoiding severe water loss and nutrient loss. Furthermore, the structure is simple, requiring no drainage mechanism, effectively reducing costs. Moreover, the atomizing module is placed in the foam layer between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, with the atomizing plate located at the bottom of the atomizing module, eliminating the need for mist delivery and allowing direct spraying into the freezer compartment, reducing mist loss.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid storage box and the fluid control component are located in the cold storage compartment, and the fluid control component delivers the liquid to the atomizing module through a first pipeline.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the atomizing module includes a housing, the housing is provided with a liquid storage chamber, the atomizing plate is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber, the housing is provided with a mist outlet, and the mist generated by the atomizing plate enters the freezing chamber through the mist outlet.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fluid control component includes a reciprocating pump capable of pumping liquid from the reservoir chamber to the reservoir box.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner surface of the liquid storage cavity is a diamond surface.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid in the storage box contains a preservative.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ice coating control method is applied to a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a cabinet and an ice coating device, the cabinet having a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment; the ice coating device including an atomizing module, a liquid storage box, and a fluid control component, the fluid control component being used to deliver liquid from the liquid storage box to the atomizing module, the atomizing module including an atomizing plate, the atomizing module being located in a layer between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment, the atomizing plate being located on the side of the atomizing module closer to the freezer compartment to generate mist entering the freezer compartment; the control method includes:

[0013] Obtain the activation signal for the ice coating mode;

[0014] The fluid control unit and the atomizing module are activated according to the activation signal.

[0015] The ice coating control method according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: By controlling the fluid control component and the atomizing module to start according to the ice coating mode activation signal, the atomizing module converts water into water mist, which directly enters the freezer compartment to humidify the food. Simultaneously, in the low-temperature environment of the freezer compartment, crystals form on the surface of the food, resulting in a good ice coating effect. This allows the food to maintain its original color and flavor for a longer period, avoiding severe water loss and nutrient loss. Furthermore, the structure is simple, requiring no drainage mechanism, effectively reducing costs. Moreover, the atomizing module is placed in the foam layer between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, with the atomizing plate located at the bottom of the atomizing module, eliminating the need for mist delivery and allowing direct spraying into the freezer compartment, reducing mist loss.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the atomizing module includes a housing, the housing having a liquid storage chamber, the atomizing plate being located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber, and the activation of the fluid control component and the atomizing module includes:

[0017] The fluid control unit is activated to inject a rated amount of liquid into the liquid storage chamber, and the atomizing module is activated.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fluid control element includes a reciprocating pump, and the control method includes:

[0019] Start the reciprocating pump to drain the liquid from the storage chamber.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control method includes:

[0021] When the operating time of the atomizing module reaches the first preset time, the atomizing module is stopped;

[0022] When a signal indicating that the freezer compartment contains food is received, and the stopping time of the atomizing module reaches the second preset time, the signal to activate the ice coating mode is issued.

[0023] A control device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the ice coating control method as described in a second aspect of the present invention.

[0024] A refrigerator according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a control device as described in a third aspect of the present invention.

[0025] A computer-readable storage medium according to a fifth aspect of the present invention stores computer-executable instructions for performing the ice coating control method as described in a second aspect of the present invention.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a refrigerator with the cabinet removed.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The AA section view shown;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The BB cross-sectional view shown;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The enlarged view at point C is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A flowchart of one embodiment of the detailed process of step S620 is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 101. Cabinet body; 102. Ice coating device; 103. Refrigerated compartment; 104. Freezer compartment; 105. First drawer; 106. Atomizing module; 107. Liquid storage box; 108. Fluid control components; 109. Tray; 110. Second drawer;

[0040] 201. Installation support; 202. First pipeline; 203. Second pipeline;

[0041] 401. Shell; 402. Liquid reservoir;

[0042] 501. Atomizing plate; 502. Sealing gasket; 503. Atomizing outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0045] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0046] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0047] The main cooling method used in refrigerators today is frost-free cooling, which utilizes air for cooling. When hot air flows through the built-in evaporator (separate from the refrigerator's inner walls), heat exchange occurs directly between the high-temperature air and the low-temperature evaporator, causing the air temperature to drop. This cooled air is then blown into the refrigerator, and through this continuous circulation, the refrigerator's temperature is lowered. Frost-free refrigerators are widely used due to their advantages, such as being frost-free and maintaining a fresh odor inside the refrigerator through air circulation.

[0048] However, because frost-free refrigerators blow cold air directly, the humidity in the freezer compartment can easily become too low. This is especially true when the cold air blows directly onto the food in the freezer, causing the food to lose moisture more quickly, particularly on the surface. This leads to severe dehydration and accelerated oxidation. For frozen meat, this can easily result in DFD (dry, coarse, and dark-colored meat) or PSE (white, soft, and exudative meat). For pasta, it can cause cracking. For seafood, it can accelerate oxidation. For fruits, it can cause them to dry out and turn brown. This severely affects the taste of the food and causes significant nutrient loss.

[0049] To address the problem of nutrient loss caused by rapid moisture loss, some methods aim to maintain humidity and reduce moisture loss by changing the direction of cold air outlets or adding covers. However, these methods do not increase the humidity of the food and are therefore ineffective. Other methods involve coating the food surface with an ice layer, which involves spraying water onto the food in the freezer compartment. To ensure sufficient water on the food surface for ice layer formation, a large amount of water is typically sprayed, resulting in excess water that needs to be drained. This requires a complex drainage system, and to prevent water accumulation and freezing, sensors and heating devices are also needed, leading to relatively high costs and hindering the widespread application of this technology.

[0050] The following reference Figures 1 to 5 This explains how the refrigerator of the present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator of this embodiment includes a cabinet 101, a refrigeration system (not shown in the figure), and an ice coating device 102. The refrigeration system is located inside the cabinet 101 and is used to generate cold air. The cabinet 101 has a vertical cabinet structure with an opening facing forward. The inner cavity is divided into a refrigerator compartment 103 and a freezer compartment 104. The refrigerator compartment 103 is located on the upper side, and the freezer compartment 104 is located on the lower side. Of course, the positions of the refrigerator compartment 103 and the freezer compartment 104 can be interchanged. The cabinet 101 is also provided with doors (not shown in the figure) for closing the refrigerator compartment 103 and the freezer compartment 104. Doors can be provided for the refrigerator compartment 103 and the freezer compartment 104 separately, or a single door can be provided to close both the refrigerator compartment 103 and the freezer compartment 104 simultaneously. The temperature of the refrigerator compartment 103 is generally above 0℃ and will not freeze, while the temperature of the freezer compartment 104 is generally below 0℃ and will freeze.

[0052] It is understandable that a refrigerator can be a single-door refrigerator, a side-by-side double-door refrigerator, a three-door refrigerator, etc.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is understood that the freezer compartment 104 is equipped with a first support component for placing food. The first support component can be a partition, drawer, or other structure. Multiple first support components can be provided, and these components can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction or sequentially in the vertical direction, thereby facilitating the placement and categorization of various food items and improving the space utilization of the freezer compartment 104.

[0054] The uppermost supporting component can be a partition or a drawer. When the uppermost supporting component is a partition, the space above the partition is the glazing space; when the uppermost supporting component is a drawer, the interior space of the drawer is the glazing space. The glazing space is used to glaze the food placed there, so as to humidify and preserve the food, avoiding the problem of severe water loss and nutrient loss caused by direct cold air.

[0055] Understandably, the ice coating device 102 includes an atomizing module 106, a liquid storage box 107, and a fluid control component 108. The atomizing module 106 includes an atomizing plate 501, which generally utilizes ultrasonic principles to atomize water into tiny droplets through high-frequency oscillation, thereby generating mist. The liquid storage box 107 stores liquid, and the fluid control component 108 can be a solenoid valve or a water pump, etc. The fluid control component 108 delivers the liquid in the liquid storage box 107 to the atomizing module 106. The atomizing plate 501 then operates, atomizing the water into tiny droplets, thereby generating mist that directly enters the freezer compartment 104. The mist comes into full contact with the food on the first support component. Due to the low temperature inside the freezer compartment 104, the sprayed mist quickly forms a thin layer of ice on the surface of the food, encapsulating the food and preventing moisture loss, thus greatly reducing food dehydration and preventing problems such as ice crystal sublimation, drying, and oxidation during freezer storage. At the same time, the ice coating can prevent air from contacting food, prevent adverse oxidation reactions, avoid oxidative spoilage, and maintain the nutritional value of food.

[0056] Among them, the atomizing plate 501 can be a microporous atomizing plate 501. The working principle of the microporous atomizing plate 501 is that when the microporous atomizing plate 501 is placed on the water surface or connected to an absorbent cotton swab, the water is instantly decomposed into tiny beads by high-frequency vibration through the fine hole in the middle, and then sprayed out from the fine hole in the middle of the atomizing plate 501.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is understood that the first supporting component includes a first drawer 105 and a tray 109. The tray 109 is placed on the first drawer 105 and can slide along the length of the first drawer 105. The bottom of the tray 109 is higher than the bottom of the first drawer 105, meaning there is a gap between the bottom of the tray 109 and the bottom of the first drawer 105, allowing cold air to cool the food from the bottom, resulting in more even cooling. The bottom of the tray 109 may be provided with several support protrusions to support the food, allowing mist and cold air to enter from the bottom of the tray 109, resulting in a more even distribution of the ice coating on the food.

[0058] Furthermore, the bottom of the tray 109 can be equipped with ventilation holes, allowing mist and cold air to enter from the bottom of the tray 109 for more comprehensive food preservation. In other words, the perforated tray 109 designed for placing food allows for a more even coating of ice onto the food surface. Simultaneously, if too much mist is generated by the atomizing component, any small amount of liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the tray 109 can drip down through the ventilation holes, reducing the adverse effects of liquid submerging the food.

[0059] It should be noted that the ice coating device 102 can also use a storage bracket instead of the tray 109. The storage bracket can be formed by multiple staggered connecting rods to create multiple holes, which facilitates full contact between the cold air and mist and the food, and can more evenly coat the surface of the food with a thin layer of ice.

[0060] Because the refrigerator in this embodiment of the invention employs the above-described structure, when food needs to be preserved, the food is placed on the first supporting component, and the fluid control component 108 is activated. The fluid control component 108 delivers the liquid in the liquid storage box 107 to the atomizing module 106. The atomizing module 106 generates mist and sprays it onto the food. Under the temperature environment inside the freezer compartment 104, a thin layer of ice forms on the surface of the food, enveloping it. Because the atomizing module 106 generates mist, the liquid falling onto the surface of the food is more evenly distributed, making it easier to control the flow rate adhering to the food and reducing the amount of liquid flowing outside the food, thereby achieving the goal of avoiding the use of a drainage structure.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is understandable that the atomizing module 106 is placed in the interlayer between the freezer compartment 104 and the refrigerator compartment 103, and the atomizing plate 501 is located at the bottom of the atomizing module 106. It can directly spray into the freezer compartment 104 without the need for mist delivery, reducing mist loss. The fluid control component 108 can be located in the refrigerator compartment 103, the freezer compartment 104, the foam layer between the freezer compartment 103 and the refrigerator compartment 104, or on the outside of the freezer compartment 104 or the cabinet 101. The liquid storage box 107 can be placed on the outside of the refrigerator compartment 103 or the cabinet 101. When the liquid storage box 107 is located in the freezer compartment 104, a heating device is required to prevent the water in the liquid storage box 107 from freezing; otherwise, it will affect the normal supply of liquid to the atomizing module 106 by the liquid storage box 107. Since the ice coating device 102 includes an atomizing module 106, a liquid storage box 107, and a fluid control component 108, which are connected by pipes, the liquid storage box 107 and the fluid control component 108 can be positioned away from the freezer compartment 104. Placing the liquid storage box 107 outside the refrigerator compartment 103 or the refrigerator body 101 reduces the impact of the low temperature of the freezer compartment 104 on the liquid in the liquid storage box 107, thus eliminating the need for an additional heating device, reducing costs, and minimizing the impact of the heating device on the refrigerator.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2Understandably, the refrigerator compartment 103 is generally equipped with a second support component for storing food. This second support component is a second drawer 110. A liquid storage box 107 and a fluid control component 108 are located on one side of the second drawer 110. A drawer slide is provided on the side of the liquid storage box 107 closest to the second drawer 110, and drawer slides are also provided on the other side of the cabinet 101 of the second drawer 110, thus enabling the second drawer 110 to slide on the cabinet 101. The drawer slides on the side of the liquid storage box 107 eliminate the need for re-molding the slides. This also improves the space utilization of the refrigerator compartment 103. Of course, the second support component can also be a partition.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is understood that the ice coating device 102 also includes a mounting bracket 201, the interior of which forms a mounting cavity. A fluid control component 108 is installed inside the mounting cavity. The fluid control component 108 is connected to the atomizing module 106 via a first conduit 202 to deliver liquid to the atomizing module 106. The fluid control component 108 is connected to the liquid storage box 107 via a second conduit 203. Parts of the first conduit 202, the second conduit 203, and the fluid control component 108 are housed within the mounting cavity, effectively protecting them from exposure and ensuring normal operation.

[0064] The liquid storage box 107 is installed on the mounting bracket 201, and the liquid storage box 107 is connected to the mounting bracket 201 via a slide rail, so that the liquid storage box 107 can be pulled out horizontally for easy replenishment of liquid.

[0065] Understandably, preservatives can also be added to the liquid storage box 107, causing the atomizing module 106 to form a mist containing the preservative. When this water mist is applied to coat food with an ice coating, the preservation effect on the food can be further improved, preventing the loss of nutrients. For example, if the added preservative is an antifreeze agent, it can enhance the effect of forming an ice film on the coating.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the atomizing module 106 includes a housing 401, with a liquid storage chamber 402 inside the housing 401. An atomizing plate 501 is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 402. The housing 401 has a mist outlet 503, the position of which corresponds to the position of the atomizing plate 501, and the mist outlet 503 connects to the freezer compartment 104. The fluid control component 108 delivers liquid from the liquid storage box 107 to the liquid storage chamber 402, which stores the flow rate required for one or more sprays. The mist generated by the atomizing plate 501 enters the freezer compartment 104 through the mist outlet 503.

[0067] Understandably, when the liquid storage chamber 402 is used to store the flow rate required for one spray, the atomizing module 106 can just use up the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 402 after completing the spray, thereby reducing the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage chamber 402, and thus reducing the risk of the atomizing module 106 failing due to the freezing of the liquid remaining in the liquid storage chamber 402.

[0068] It is understandable that the inner surface of the liquid storage chamber 402 is designed as a diamond surface. From one angle, a diamond surface can be understood as multiple three-dimensional rhomboid facets with sharp corners, thereby reducing the amount of water adhering to the inner wall. Generally, liquid distributed around the perimeter of a container is subject to natural surface tension, preventing it from flowing down quickly and easily leading to water adhering. This water adhering phenomenon causes liquid residue to remain on the inner surface of the liquid storage chamber 402, which is prone to freezing in low-temperature environments, thus affecting the normal operation of the liquid storage chamber 402. This embodiment of the invention, by designing the inner surface of the liquid storage chamber 402 as a diamond surface, reduces the contact area between the liquid and the diamond surface, thereby reducing the likelihood of water adhering, which in turn reduces residual liquid and freezing.

[0069] It is understandable that fluid control component 108 includes reciprocating pumps, which include piston pumps, metering pumps, and diaphragm pumps, collectively referred to as reciprocating pumps. It is a type of positive displacement pump and has a wide range of applications. A reciprocating pump is a conveying machine that directly provides energy to the liquid in the form of pressure energy through the reciprocating motion of a piston. According to the driving method, reciprocating pumps are divided into two main categories: motorized pumps (driven by electric motors) and direct-acting pumps (driven by steam, gas, or liquid).

[0070] A reciprocating pump mainly consists of a pump cylinder, piston, piston rod, and suction and discharge valves. The working principle of a reciprocating pump is as follows: when the piston moves from left to right, a negative pressure is created inside the pump cylinder, causing liquid in the storage tank to enter the pump cylinder through the suction valve. When the piston moves from right to left, the liquid inside the cylinder is compressed, increasing the pressure, and is discharged through the discharge valve. One reciprocating motion of the piston, with one intake and one discharge of liquid, is called one working cycle; this type of pump is called a single-acting pump. If the piston moves back and forth once, with two intake and two discharges of liquid, it is called a double-acting pump. The movement of the piston from one end to the other is called one stroke.

[0071] It is understood that the fluid control component 108 in this embodiment of the invention includes a reciprocating pump. During the ice coating process, the reciprocating pump injects liquid from the liquid storage box 107 into the liquid storage chamber 402 of the atomizing module 106. After the ice coating is completed, the reciprocating pump starts to back-pump, removing any residual liquid that may remain in the liquid storage chamber 402, thereby reducing icing in the liquid storage chamber 402 and improving the operational reliability of the atomizing module 106. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an additional heating device, reducing costs and minimizing the impact of heating devices on the refrigerator.

[0072] Reference Figure 5As shown, it can be understood that a sealing gasket 502 is provided on each side of the atomizing plate 501 to achieve a seal between the housing 401 and the atomizing plate 501, preventing liquid from flowing out from the gap between the housing 401 and the atomizing plate 501. It can be understood that the sealing gasket 502 can be selected as an O-ring, and a line seal can be achieved by using an O-ring.

[0073] This invention provides a method for controlling the ice coating process in a refrigerator. The structure and components of the refrigerator have been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the control method of this invention is not limited to the solutions described in the above embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 6 As shown, the ice coating control method of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, steps S610 and S620.

[0074] Step S610: Obtain the ice coating mode start signal.

[0075] The ice coating mode activation signal can be issued by the user through the control panel, buttons, remote control, or other refrigerator control components as needed. The refrigerator controller (not shown in the figure) can then receive the ice coating mode activation signal issued by the user. Alternatively, the ice coating mode activation signal can also be issued by a detection element that detects the presence of food in the freezer compartment. For example, a weighing device (not shown in the figure) can be installed at the bottom of the freezer compartment to detect the weight of the stored food. The weighing device is electrically connected to the controller. If the detected weight is greater than zero, it indicates that there is food in the freezer compartment, and the signal is fed back to the controller, thus issuing the ice coating mode activation signal. Alternatively, an infrared detector can be used to detect the presence of food in the freezer compartment. The infrared detector is electrically connected to the controller. If the infrared detector detects the presence of food in the freezer compartment, it feeds back a signal to the controller, allowing the controller to receive the ice coating mode activation signal issued by the detection element.

[0076] Alternatively, the ice coating mode activation signal can be issued through a combination of the two methods mentioned above. That is, when the user issues the first ice coating mode activation signal via the control panel, buttons, remote control, or other refrigerator control components, and simultaneously the detection element detects food in the freezer compartment and issues a second ice coating mode activation signal, the controller can then truly receive the ice coating mode activation signal, thus avoiding accidental operation. The specific method of issuing the ice coating signal is not limited here.

[0077] Step S620: Activate the fluid control unit and atomizing module according to the activation signal.

[0078] When the controller receives the signal to activate the ice coating mode, it activates the fluid control unit and the atomizing module. The fluid control unit delivers liquid from the storage box to the atomizing module, where the atomizing plate atomizes the water into tiny droplets, generating mist that directly enters the freezer compartment. The mist makes full contact with the food on the first support component. Due to the low temperature inside the freezer compartment, the sprayed mist quickly forms a thin layer of ice on the surface of the food, encapsulating it and preventing moisture loss. This significantly reduces dehydration and avoids the problems of ice crystal sublimation, drying out, and oxidative spoilage that can occur when frozen foods are stored in the refrigerator. Simultaneously, the ice coating prevents air from contacting the food, preventing adverse oxidation reactions, avoiding spoilage, and preserving the nutritional value of the food.

[0079] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling the icing coating, wherein the atomizing module includes a housing, a liquid storage chamber is provided inside the housing, an atomizing plate is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber, the housing is provided with a mist outlet, the position of the mist outlet corresponds to the position of the atomizing plate, and the mist outlet communicates with the freezing chamber. Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the detailed process of step S620, which includes, but is not limited to, step S621.

[0080] Step S621: Activate the fluid control unit to inject a rated amount of liquid into the liquid storage chamber and start the atomizing module.

[0081] The fluid control unit is activated, delivering liquid from the reservoir to the storage chamber to inject the specified amount of liquid, ensuring the storage chamber holds the required flow rate for one or more sprays. The fluid control unit is then deactivated, and the atomizing module is activated. The mist generated by the atomizing plate enters the freezing chamber through the mist outlet. By injecting the specified amount of liquid, the residual liquid in the storage chamber is minimized after the ice coating process is completed, thereby reducing icing and improving the reliability of the atomizing module.

[0082] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for controlling icing coating, wherein the fluid control component includes a reciprocating pump. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the ice coating control method of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, step S810.

[0083] Step S810: Start the reciprocating pump to drain the liquid from the storage chamber.

[0084] The reciprocating pump can deliver water in two opposite directions. During the ice-coating process, the pump rotates forward, injecting liquid from the storage tank into the atomizing module's storage chamber. After ice coating, the pump reverses direction to remove any residual liquid from the storage chamber. This process reduces icing in the storage chamber and improves the reliability of the atomizing module. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an additional heating element, reducing costs and minimizing the impact of heating devices on the refrigerator.

[0085] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for controlling the icing coating, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the ice coating control method of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, steps S910 and S920.

[0086] Step S910: When the running time of the atomizing module reaches the first preset time, stop the atomizing module.

[0087] After the fluid control unit and atomizing module are activated, the fluid control unit delivers the liquid from the storage box to the atomizing module. The atomizing plate then operates, turning the water into tiny droplets, thus generating mist that directly enters the freezing compartment. The mist makes full contact with the food on the first support component. Due to the low temperature inside the freezing compartment, the sprayed mist quickly forms a thin layer of ice on the surface of the food, coating it. The atomizing module stops operating after a first preset time, such as 10 or 15 minutes, ensuring sufficient liquid adheres to the food surface, thereby increasing the thickness of the ice coating. Stopping the atomizing module after the first preset time ensures effective ice coating while saving energy.

[0088] Step S920: When a signal indicating that food is stored in the freezer compartment is obtained, and the stopping time of the atomizing module reaches the second preset time, an ice coating mode start signal is issued.

[0089] For example, a weighing device (not shown in the figure) is installed at the bottom of the freezer compartment to detect the weight of the stored food. The weighing device is electrically connected to the controller. If the detected weight is greater than zero, it indicates that there is food stored in the freezer compartment, and the signal is fed back to the controller, that is, the controller is given a signal indicating that there is food stored in the freezer compartment.

[0090] It is understandable that an infrared detector can also be used to detect whether there is food in the freezer compartment. The infrared detector is electrically connected to the controller. If the infrared detector detects that there is food in the freezer compartment, it will send a signal back to the controller, so that the controller can receive the signal from the detection element indicating that there is food in the freezer compartment.

[0091] When a signal indicating that food is stored in the freezer compartment is received, and the atomizing module's stop time reaches the second preset time, a command to start the ice coating mode is issued. If no signal indicating that food is stored in the freezer compartment is received, but the atomizing module's stop time reaches the second preset time, the ice coating mode remains stopped. If the determination value indicates that food is stored in the freezer compartment, but the atomizing module's stop time does not reach the second preset time, the ice coating mode remains stopped.

[0092] For example, if the weighing instrument detects that the weight of the items stored in the freezer compartment is greater than zero, or the infrared detector detects items in the freezer compartment, and simultaneously the atomization module's stop time reaches a second preset time, such as 24 hours, then the controller receives the ice coating mode activation signal again and performs the next ice coating operation. This means re-coating the food in the freezer compartment with ice, either on new food or on food that already has an ice coating, thus improving the preservation effect. The ice coating can be automatically controlled, requiring minimal human intervention; the control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0093] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for controlling the icing coating, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the ice coating control method of this invention includes, but is not limited to, steps S1010, S1020, S1030, S1040, S1050, S1060, S1070, S1080, and S1090.

[0094] Step S1010: Obtain the ice coating mode start signal.

[0095] The ice coating mode activation signal can be issued by the user through the control panel, buttons, remote control, or other refrigerator control components as needed. The refrigerator controller (not shown in the figure) can then receive the ice coating mode activation signal issued by the user. Alternatively, the ice coating mode activation signal can also be issued by a detection element that detects the presence of food in the freezer compartment. For example, a weighing device (not shown in the figure) can be installed at the bottom of the freezer compartment to detect the weight of the stored food. The weighing device is electrically connected to the controller. If the detected weight is greater than zero, it indicates that there is food in the freezer compartment, and the signal is fed back to the controller, thus issuing the ice coating mode activation signal. Alternatively, an infrared detector can be used to detect the presence of food in the freezer compartment. The infrared detector is electrically connected to the controller. If the infrared detector detects the presence of food in the freezer compartment, it feeds back a signal to the controller, allowing the controller to receive the ice coating mode activation signal issued by the detection element.

[0096] Alternatively, the ice coating mode activation signal can be issued through a combination of the two methods mentioned above. That is, when the user issues the first ice coating mode activation signal via the control panel, buttons, remote control, or other refrigerator control components, and simultaneously the detection element detects food in the freezer compartment and issues a second ice coating mode activation signal, the controller can then truly receive the ice coating mode activation signal, thus avoiding accidental operation. The specific method of issuing the ice coating signal is not limited here.

[0097] Step S1020: Start the reciprocating pump and inject the rated amount of liquid into the storage chamber.

[0098] Start the reciprocating pump, which delivers liquid from the reservoir to the storage chamber to inject the rated amount of liquid, allowing the storage chamber to hold the flow rate required for one or more sprays. Then turn off the reciprocating pump. By injecting the rated amount of liquid, the residual liquid in the storage chamber is minimized after the ice coating process is completed, thereby reducing icing and improving the operational reliability of the atomizing module.

[0099] Step S1030: Start the atomizing module.

[0100] When the atomizing module is activated, the mist generated by the atomizing plate enters the freezer compartment through the mist outlet. Due to the low temperature inside the freezer compartment, the sprayed mist quickly forms a thin layer of ice on the surface of the food, enveloping it.

[0101] Step S1040: Determine whether the running time of the atomizing module has reached the first preset time. If the running time of the atomizing module has reached the first preset time, execute step S1050; otherwise, continue executing step S1040.

[0102] Step S1050: Stop the atomizing module.

[0103] After the atomizing module has run for a preset time (e.g., 10 or 15 minutes), it stops working, allowing sufficient liquid to adhere to the surface of the food, thus increasing the thickness of the ice coating. Stopping the atomizing module after the preset time ensures effective ice coating while saving energy.

[0104] In step S1060, the reciprocating pump rotates in reverse.

[0105] The reciprocating pump can deliver water in two opposite directions. During the ice-coating process, the pump rotates forward, injecting liquid from the storage tank into the atomizing module's storage chamber. After ice coating, the pump reverses direction to remove any residual liquid from the storage chamber. This process reduces icing in the storage chamber and improves the reliability of the atomizing module. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an additional heating element, reducing costs and minimizing the impact of heating devices on the refrigerator.

[0106] In step S1070, if a signal indicating that food is stored in the freezer compartment is obtained, then step S1080 is executed; otherwise, step S1070 is executed.

[0107] Step S1080: Determine whether the stopping time of the atomizing module has reached the second preset time. If the stopping time of the atomizing module has reached the second preset time, execute step S1090; otherwise, continue to execute step S1070.

[0108] Step S1090: Send a signal to activate the ice coating mode.

[0109] When a signal indicating the presence of food in the freezer compartment is received, and the atomizing module's stop time reaches a second preset time, an ice-coating mode activation command is issued. For example, if a weighing instrument detects that the weight of the items stored in the freezer compartment is greater than zero, or an infrared detector detects items in the freezer compartment, and simultaneously the atomizing module's stop time reaches the second preset time, such as 24 hours, the controller again receives the ice-coating mode activation signal and performs the next ice-coating operation, i.e., re-coating the food in the freezer compartment with ice. This can be done on new food or on food that is already coated with ice, improving the preservation effect. The ice-coating can be automatically controlled, requiring minimal human intervention; the control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0110] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a control device, which includes: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The processor and the memory can be connected via a bus or other means.

[0111] Memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor, and these remote memories can be connected to the processor via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0112] The non-transient software program and instructions required to implement the air conditioner control method of the above embodiments are stored in memory. When executed by a processor, the air conditioner control method of the above embodiments is executed, for example, the method described above is executed. Figure 6 Method steps S610 to S620 in the text Figure 7 Method steps S621 Figure 8 Method steps S810 Figure 9 Method steps S910 to S920 Figure 10 Method steps S1010 to S1090.

[0113] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0114] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention also provides a refrigerator, which includes the control device of the above embodiment. Since the refrigerator adopts all the technical solutions of the control device of the above embodiment, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiment.

[0115] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that are executed by a processor or controller, for example, by a processor in the above-described air conditioner embodiment, causing the processor to perform the control method of the air conditioner in the above-described embodiment, for example, performing the above-described control method. Figure 6 Method steps S610 to S620 in the text Figure 7 Method steps S621 Figure 8 Method steps S810 Figure 9 Method steps S910 to S920 Figure 10 Method steps S1010 to S1090.

[0116] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0117] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The cabinet is equipped with a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment; An ice coating device includes an atomizing module, a liquid storage box, and a fluid control component. The fluid control component is used to deliver liquid from the liquid storage box to the atomizing module. The atomizing module is located in a space between a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. The atomizing module includes an atomizing plate located on the side of the atomizing module closer to the freezer compartment to generate mist that enters the freezer compartment. The atomizing module includes a housing with a liquid storage chamber. The atomizing plate is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber. The housing has a mist outlet, through which the mist generated by the atomizing plate enters the freezer compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage box and the fluid control component are located in the cold storage compartment, and the fluid control component delivers the liquid to the atomizing module through the first pipeline.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid control component includes a reciprocating pump capable of pumping liquid from the storage chamber to the storage box.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the liquid storage chamber is diamond-shaped.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid in the storage box contains a preservative.

6. A method for controlling the coating of ice, applied to refrigerators, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a cabinet and an ice-coating device. The cabinet has a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. The ice-coating device includes an atomizing module, a liquid storage box, and a fluid control component. The fluid control component is used to deliver liquid from the liquid storage box to the atomizing module. The atomizing module includes an atomizing plate and is located in the interlayer between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. The atomizing plate is located on the side of the atomizing module closer to the freezer compartment to generate mist that enters the freezer compartment. The atomizing module includes a housing with a liquid storage chamber. The atomizing plate is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber, and the housing has a mist outlet. The mist generated by the atomizing plate enters the freezer compartment through the mist outlet. The control method includes: Obtain the activation signal for the ice coating mode; The fluid control unit and the atomizing module are activated according to the activation signal.

7. The method for controlling the icing coating according to claim 6, characterized in that, The activation of the fluid control component and the atomizing module includes: The fluid control unit is activated to inject a rated amount of liquid into the liquid storage chamber, and the atomizing module is activated.

8. The method for controlling the icing coating according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fluid control component includes a reciprocating pump, and the control method includes: Start the reciprocating pump to drain the liquid from the storage chamber.

9. The method for controlling the icing coating according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control method includes: When the operating time of the atomizing module reaches the first preset time, the atomizing module is stopped; When a signal indicating that the freezer compartment contains food is received, and the stopping time of the atomizing module reaches the second preset time, the signal to activate the ice coating mode is issued.

10. A control device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the ice coating control method as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the control device as described in claim 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, characterized in that, The computer-executable instructions are used to execute the ice coating control method as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

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