Control method of a purification device of a refrigerator, refrigerator, and storage medium
By monitoring the operating status of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, especially the evaporator surface temperature, the purification equipment is only allowed to operate when there is no refrigerant leakage. This solves the problem of malfunctions caused by refrigerant leakage and ensures the safe and stable operation of the refrigerator.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEFEI HUALING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
The problem of refrigerant leakage in the refrigerator coming into contact with the purification equipment, causing malfunctions.
By monitoring the operating status of the refrigeration system, the purification equipment is only allowed to operate if there is no refrigerant leakage into the refrigerator compartment. This includes monitoring the evaporator surface temperature and defrost sensor information to prevent the purification equipment from operating when there is a refrigerant leak.
This effectively prevents the purification equipment from malfunctioning when refrigerant leaks, ensuring the normal operation and safety of the refrigerator.
Smart Images
Figure CN116412637B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of smart home appliance technology, specifically relating to a control method for a refrigerator's purification equipment, a refrigerator, and a storage medium. Background Technology
[0002] Many refrigerators currently use high-voltage ionization air technology to generate ozone and positive and negative ions, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing the refrigerator compartment. The core component of high-voltage ionization air is a purification device that converts low-voltage direct current into high-voltage electricity. However, in frost-free refrigerators, the air inside the compartment undergoes forced convection heat exchange directly with the evaporator. When the evaporator leaks, the refrigerant will leak directly into the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerant comes into contact with the purification device, it can easily cause malfunctions in both the purification device and the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This application provides a control method for a refrigerator purification device, a refrigerator, and a storage medium to solve the technical problem of refrigerator refrigerant leakage and contact with the purification device causing malfunction.
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: a control method for a purification device of a refrigerator, the control method comprising: in response to the start of the refrigeration system of the refrigerator and the refrigerator requesting cooling, detecting the operating status of the refrigeration system; in response to the refrigeration system stopping operation, and before the refrigeration system stops operation, the operating status of the refrigeration system is normal, permitting the purification device to operate.
[0005] According to one embodiment of this application, detecting the operating status of the refrigeration system includes: detecting the first surface temperature of the evaporator after the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling, and after running for a first preset time; determining that the first surface temperature is below a first preset temperature, and the operating status of the refrigeration system is normal.
[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, detecting the operating status of the refrigeration system includes: detecting the initial surface temperature of the evaporator when the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling; detecting the second surface temperature of the evaporator after the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling, and after running for a second preset time, the second preset time is less than the first preset time; determining that the second surface temperature is less than the initial surface temperature, and the operating status of the refrigeration system is normal.
[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the purification device is disabled in response to the refrigeration system being in operation, or in response to the refrigerator being powered on for the first time within a predetermined time, or the refrigeration system being in an overloaded state, or the defrosting heater of the refrigerator being turned on.
[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator is a single-system refrigerator, and the refrigerator requesting cooling in response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system includes: in response to the start of the compressor of the refrigeration system, the freezer compartment of the refrigerator requesting cooling.
[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator is a multi-system refrigerator, and the refrigerator requesting cooling in response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system includes: in response to the start of the compressor of the refrigeration system, the refrigerator's cold compartment requesting cooling.
[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, detecting the surface temperature of the evaporator of the refrigeration system includes: obtaining the detection temperature of the defrost sensor of the evaporator.
[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the purification device includes at least one of an ozone generator, an ion generator, or an electronic deodorizer.
[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: a refrigerator, including a purification device, a refrigeration system and a control device, wherein the control device is coupled to the purification device and the refrigeration system respectively to realize the above-mentioned method.
[0013] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: a computer-readable storage medium storing program data thereon, wherein the program data is executed by a processor to implement the above-mentioned method.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: When the control method in this embodiment detects that the refrigeration system has stopped operating, the refrigerant stops circulating within the system, and there is no leakage into the refrigerator compartments. Furthermore, the refrigeration system was operating normally before it stopped, indicating that no refrigerant had leaked into the refrigerator compartments. Therefore, the purification equipment can only be allowed to operate during the period when the refrigeration system is stopped, effectively preventing the purification equipment from operating under refrigerant leakage conditions and avoiding malfunctions. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for the purification device of the refrigerator according to this application;
[0017] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of an embodiment of the control method for the purification equipment of the refrigerator of this application;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of an embodiment of the control method for the purification equipment of the refrigerator of this application;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of an embodiment of the refrigerator of this application;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a framework of an embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for the purification device of the refrigerator according to this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of an embodiment of the control method for the purification equipment of the refrigerator of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of an embodiment of the control method for the purification equipment of the refrigerator of this application.
[0023] Many refrigerators nowadays have purification devices installed in the refrigerator compartment. These devices use high-voltage air ionization technology to generate ozone and positive and negative ions to sterilize and deodorize the refrigerator compartment. The core component of this high-voltage air ionization technology is an electronic deodorizing device that converts low-voltage direct current into high-voltage electricity. The various ions generated by high-voltage air ionization require airflow to achieve optimal sterilization and deodorization effects; therefore, most refrigerators using this technology are frost-free refrigerators.
[0024] In frost-free refrigerators, the indoor air undergoes forced convection heat exchange directly with the evaporator. If the evaporator leaks due to corrosion, the refrigerant will leak directly into the refrigerator compartment, affecting the purification equipment and the refrigerator's operation. In particular, modern refrigerators often use R600a as the refrigerant; therefore, if R600a refrigerant leaks into the refrigerator compartment and encounters a high-voltage arc generated by the purification equipment, it will affect the refrigerator's operation.
[0025] One embodiment of this application provides a control method for a refrigerator's purification device, comprising the following steps:
[0026] S11: In response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system and the refrigerator requesting cooling, detect the operating status of the refrigeration system.
[0027] In response to the refrigerator's refrigeration system starting and the refrigerator requesting cooling, the refrigeration system will exchange heat with the refrigerator compartment. If a refrigerant leak occurs during this time, the leaked refrigerant will flow into the refrigerator compartment and come into contact with the working purification equipment, causing a malfunction. Therefore, the method in this application embodiment needs to detect the operating status of the refrigeration system, which includes normal operation and abnormal operation. If an abnormal operating status of the refrigeration system is detected, it indicates that there may be a refrigerant leak in the refrigeration system.
[0028] In the prior art, refrigerators include single-system refrigerators and multi-system refrigerators. In a single-system refrigerator, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment share a single refrigeration system, and the evaporator is usually located in the freezer compartment. The high-pressure purification device is usually located in the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerator compartment needs cooling, the freezer compartment needs to cool simultaneously, that is, the freezer compartment requests cooling. Therefore, for a single-system refrigerator, responding to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system and the freezer compartment requesting cooling includes: responding to the start of the refrigeration system's compressor and the freezer compartment requesting cooling.
[0029] In multi-system refrigerators, the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment each have independent refrigeration systems. The high-pressure purification device is usually located in the refrigerator compartment, so when the refrigerator compartment needs cooling, it directly requests cooling. Therefore, for a multi-system refrigerator, responding to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system and the freezer compartment requesting cooling includes responding to the start of the refrigeration system's compressor and the refrigerator compartment requesting cooling.
[0030] In some embodiments, detecting the operating status of the refrigeration system includes:
[0031] S111: The first surface temperature of the evaporator after the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling, when the first preset time has elapsed.
[0032] The system detects the evaporator's initial surface temperature after the first preset time since the refrigeration system started and the refrigerator requested cooling. When the refrigeration system is running normally, the evaporator surface temperature gradually decreases and, after a certain period, falls below an empirical preset value, which is typically less than or equal to 0°C.
[0033] Specifically, the timing begins when the refrigeration system is detected to start and the refrigerator requests refrigeration, and the first surface temperature of the evaporator is detected at the nth minute (i.e., the first preset time).
[0034] If the refrigerator requests cooling but the cooling system is not running, timing and temperature measurement will not be triggered.
[0035] S112: Determine that the first surface temperature is below the first preset temperature, and the refrigeration system is operating normally.
[0036] When the first preset time is determined, if the temperature of the first surface of the evaporator is below the first preset temperature and below the critical normal value, it meets the normal operating conditions of the refrigeration system, and the operating status of the refrigeration system is judged to be normal.
[0037] Specifically, the first surface temperature is determined to be less than or equal to a first preset temperature. The first preset temperature is an empirical preset value, set at the factory, and is typically less than or equal to 0°C. In some embodiments, the first preset temperature can be set to any integer temperature value less than or equal to 0°C.
[0038] In some other embodiments, to ensure that the refrigeration system remains in normal operation after the first preset time, the surface temperature of the evaporator is checked at predetermined time intervals after the first preset time. If the surface temperature of the evaporator remains below the first preset temperature after the first preset time, it meets the normal operating conditions of the refrigeration system, and the refrigeration system is judged to be operating normally.
[0039] Since the evaporator surface temperature should show a decreasing trend during the initial operation phase of the refrigeration system when it starts up and the refrigerator requests cooling, this can also be used as an auxiliary method to detect the operating status of the refrigeration system. Therefore, in some embodiments, determining the operating status of the refrigeration system further includes:
[0040] S113: Detects the initial surface temperature of the evaporator when the refrigeration system starts and the refrigerator requests cooling.
[0041] When the refrigeration system starts and the refrigerator requests cooling, the initial surface temperature of the evaporator is detected and recorded. Specifically, the timing starts at the moment the refrigeration system is detected to start and the refrigerator requests cooling, and the initial surface temperature of the evaporator is detected at minute 0 (i.e., the initial start time).
[0042] If the refrigerator requests cooling but the cooling system is not running, timing and temperature measurement will not be triggered.
[0043] S114: When the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling, the second surface temperature of the evaporator is less than the first preset time during the second preset time.
[0044] When the refrigeration system starts and the refrigerator requests cooling, the second surface temperature of the evaporator is detected and recorded after the second preset cooling time has elapsed. The second preset time is shorter than the first preset time. Specifically, timing begins at the moment the refrigeration system is detected to have started and the refrigerator requests cooling, and the second surface temperature of the evaporator is detected at the m-th minute (i.e., the second preset time).
[0045] If the refrigerator requests cooling but the cooling system is not running, timing and temperature measurement will not be triggered.
[0046] S115: It is determined that the second surface temperature is lower than the initial surface temperature, and the refrigeration system is operating normally.
[0047] If the second surface temperature is determined to be lower than the initial surface temperature, it indicates that the refrigeration system is operating in accordance with the initial operating stage of the refrigeration system. The evaporator surface temperature shows a decreasing trend, indicating that the refrigeration system is operating normally. By combining the determination of the evaporator's operating status at the first preset time in steps S111-S112 with the determination of the operating status during the initial operating stage of the refrigeration system in steps S113-S115, the operating status of the refrigeration system can be accurately determined.
[0048] Steps S113-S115 should be performed before steps S111-S112.
[0049] It should be noted that in some embodiments, determining that the first surface temperature is below a first preset temperature is sufficient to determine that the refrigeration system is operating normally. In other embodiments, determining that the second surface temperature is less than the initial surface temperature and the first surface temperature is below the first preset temperature is sufficient to determine that the refrigeration system is operating normally. However, it is not possible to determine that the refrigeration system is operating normally simply by determining that the second surface temperature is less than the initial surface temperature, because in this case, the second surface temperature is only less than the initial surface temperature, and may be greater than 0 degrees Celsius. This only indicates that the refrigeration system has a cooling effect in the initial stage of operation, and does not indicate that it can maintain a normal and stable operating state continuously.
[0050] In some embodiments, a defrost sensor is typically installed on the evaporator surface to monitor its temperature. Therefore, the defrost sensor can be used directly to detect the evaporator surface temperature without requiring additional components, thus avoiding increased component quantity and cost, and making it widely applicable. Of course, if some refrigerators do not have a defrost sensor on their evaporator surface, a temperature sensor can be added to monitor the evaporator surface temperature.
[0051] In this embodiment, the evaporator surface temperature is detected, which provides the simplest, most intuitive, and accurate indication of the refrigeration system's operating status. Of course, in other embodiments, other methods can be used to detect the refrigeration system's operating status. For example, the refrigerant circulation pressure within the refrigeration system can be detected to determine if there is a leak.
[0052] S12: In response to the refrigeration system stopping operation, and prior to the refrigeration system stopping operation, the refrigeration system was in normal operating condition, the purification equipment is permitted to operate.
[0053] The purification equipment includes at least one of an ozone generator, an ion generator, or an electronic deodorizer. The purification equipment uses high-voltage air ionization technology to generate ozone and positive and negative ions to sterilize and deodorize the refrigerator compartment. The core working component of the high-voltage air ionization is an electronic deodorizer that converts low-voltage direct current into high-voltage electricity.
[0054] Under normal circumstances, the refrigeration system operates intermittently. When the refrigeration system is detected to have stopped operating, the refrigerant stops circulating within the system, and there is no leakage into the refrigerator compartments. Furthermore, the system operated normally during its previous operation before stopping, indicating that no refrigerant had leaked into the refrigerator compartments. Therefore, the purification equipment can only be allowed to operate during the period when the refrigeration system is not running, effectively preventing the purification equipment from operating under refrigerant leakage conditions and avoiding malfunctions.
[0055] It should be noted that after the purification equipment is permitted to operate, it can start its purification work immediately, or it can temporarily suspend its purification work, and other control methods related to the operation of the purification equipment can also be implemented. In this application, permitting the purification equipment to operate means that there is no leaked refrigerant in the refrigerator compartment environment, which is sufficient for the purification equipment to operate normally, but does not mean that the purification equipment will start immediately.
[0056] It should also be noted that if the first surface temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, or the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the initial surface temperature, the refrigeration system is considered to be operating abnormally, and the purification equipment is not allowed to operate at this time. However, this does not necessarily mean that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the refrigeration system; rather, it is a possibility of a refrigerant leak, or it could be due to special operating conditions of the refrigerator. Therefore, the purification equipment is not allowed to operate during this period when the refrigeration system is stopped. When the refrigerator's refrigeration system restarts again and requests cooling, the operating status of the refrigeration system is checked again.
[0057] In some embodiments, the refrigerator operates in a special state, which may cause the abnormal operation of the refrigeration system determined in steps S111-S115. For example, if the refrigerator is powered on again within a predetermined time after its first power-on (e.g., 5, 6, or 7 hours), or after the freezer compartment temperature reaches above 0°C following a power outage, the refrigeration system is in a temperature-pull state, and the evaporator surface temperature is high, which may not meet the evaporator surface temperature conditions in steps S111-S115, causing an abnormal operation of the refrigeration system. Therefore, it is not suitable to operate the purification equipment in this situation. For example, if the refrigeration system is operating under overload, the evaporator surface temperature is also high, which again does not meet the evaporator surface temperature conditions in steps S111-S115, causing an abnormal operation of the refrigeration system. Therefore, it is not suitable to operate the purification equipment in this situation. For example, if the defrosting heater of the refrigeration system is turned on to defrost the evaporator, the evaporator surface temperature will continue to rise, which will also cause an abnormal operation of the refrigeration system.
[0058] Therefore, when the above situations occur, it is not advisable to operate the purification equipment. Furthermore, when the above situations occur, the refrigeration system is running, so there is no need to detect the evaporator surface temperature. The purification equipment can be directly prohibited from operating (including the purification equipment is not allowed to operate during the current refrigeration system operation period, and the purification equipment is not allowed to operate during the shutdown period after the current refrigeration system stops operating). This saves on the judgment process and improves judgment efficiency.
[0059] The specific control method is as follows: in response to the refrigeration system being running, or in response to the refrigerator being powered on for the first time within a predetermined time, or the refrigeration system being in an overload state, or the refrigerator's defrosting heater being turned on; the purification equipment is not allowed to operate.
[0060] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of an embodiment of the refrigerator of this application.
[0061] Another embodiment of this application includes a refrigerator 20, which includes a purification device 21, a refrigeration system 22 and a control device 23. The control device 23 is coupled to the purification device 21 and the refrigeration system 22 respectively to implement any of the control methods described in the above embodiments.
[0062] Specifically, in response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system 22 and the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling, the control device 23 detects the operating status of the refrigeration system 22. In response to the refrigeration system 22 stopping operation, and provided that the refrigeration system 22 was operating normally before stopping operation, the purification equipment 21 is permitted to operate.
[0063] In some embodiments, in response to the start of the refrigeration system 22 of the refrigerator 20 and the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling, the control device 23 detects the operating status of the refrigeration system 22. This includes: when the refrigeration system 22 of the refrigerator 20 is started and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, the refrigeration system 22 will exchange heat with the refrigerator compartment. If a refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigeration system 22 at this time, the leaked refrigerant will flow into the refrigerator compartment and come into contact with the working purification device 21, causing a malfunction. Therefore, in the refrigerator 20 of this embodiment, the control device 23 needs to detect the operating status of the refrigeration system 22. The operating status of the refrigeration system 22 includes normal operation and abnormal operation. If an abnormal operating status of the refrigeration system 22 is detected, it indicates that there may be a refrigerant leak in the refrigeration system 22.
[0064] In the prior art, refrigerator 20 includes single-system refrigerators and multi-system refrigerators. In a single-system refrigerator, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment share a single refrigeration system 22, and the evaporator is usually located in the freezer compartment. The high-pressure purification device is usually located in the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerator compartment needs cooling, the freezer compartment needs to cool synchronously, that is, the freezer compartment requests cooling. Therefore, for a single-system refrigerator, the control device 23 responding to the start of the refrigeration system 22 of the refrigerator 20, and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling includes: the control device 23 responding to the start of the compressor of the refrigeration system 22, and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling.
[0065] In a multi-system refrigerator, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment each have independent refrigeration systems 22. A high-pressure purification device is typically located in the refrigerator compartment; when the refrigerator compartment needs cooling, it directly requests cooling. Therefore, for a multi-system refrigerator, the control device 23 responding to the activation of the refrigeration system 22 of the refrigerator 20, and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling, includes: the control device 23 responding to the activation of the compressor of the refrigeration system 22, and the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling.
[0066] In some embodiments, the control device 23 detects the operating status of the refrigeration system 22 by:
[0067] When the control device 23 detects that the refrigeration system 22 has started and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, the first surface temperature of the evaporator is measured during the first preset time.
[0068] When the control device 23 detects that the refrigeration system 22 has started and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, it measures the first surface temperature of the evaporator after running for a first preset time. When the refrigeration system 22 is cooling normally, the surface temperature of the evaporator gradually decreases as the refrigeration system 22 runs, and after running for a certain period of time, it falls below an empirical preset value, which is usually less than or equal to 0°C.
[0069] Specifically, the timing begins when the refrigeration system 22 is activated and the refrigerator 20 requests refrigeration, and the first surface temperature of the evaporator is detected at the nth minute (i.e., the first preset time).
[0070] If refrigerator 20 requests cooling, but cooling system 22 is not running, timing and temperature measurement will not be triggered.
[0071] Furthermore, the control device 23 determines that the first surface temperature is below a first preset temperature, indicating that the refrigeration system 22 is operating normally. Specifically, this includes: when the control device 23 determines a first preset time, if the first surface temperature of the evaporator is below the first preset temperature and lower than the critical normal value, then it meets the normal operating conditions of the refrigeration system 22, and the refrigeration system 22 is judged to be operating normally.
[0072] Specifically, the control device 23 determines that the first surface temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature. The first preset temperature is an empirical preset value, set at the factory, and is typically less than or equal to 0°C. In some embodiments, the first preset temperature can be set to any integer temperature value less than or equal to 0°C.
[0073] In some other embodiments, in order to determine that the refrigeration system 22 is still in normal operation after the first preset time, the control device 23 also needs to detect the surface temperature of the evaporator at predetermined time intervals after the first preset time. If it is determined that the surface temperature of the evaporator is always below the first preset temperature after the first preset time, it meets the normal operation conditions of the refrigeration system 22, and the operating state of the refrigeration system 22 is judged to be normal.
[0074] Since the evaporator surface temperature should show a decreasing trend during the initial operation phase of the refrigerator 20 requesting cooling when the refrigeration system 22 is operating normally, this can also be used as an auxiliary method to detect the operating status of the refrigeration system 22. Therefore, in some other embodiments, determining the operating status of the refrigeration system 22 further includes:
[0075] Furthermore, the control device 23 detects the initial surface temperature of the evaporator when the refrigeration system 22 is started and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling.
[0076] When the refrigeration system 22 starts and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, the control device 23 detects and records the initial surface temperature of the evaporator. Specifically, the timing starts at the moment when the refrigeration system 22 is detected to start and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, and the initial surface temperature of the evaporator is detected at the 0th minute (i.e., the initial start time).
[0077] If refrigerator 20 requests cooling, but cooling system 22 is not running, timing and temperature measurement will not be triggered.
[0078] Furthermore, when the control device 23 detects that the refrigeration system 22 has started and the refrigerator 20 requests refrigeration, the second surface temperature of the evaporator is less than the first preset time during the second preset time.
[0079] When the refrigeration system 22 starts and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, the control device 23 detects and records the second surface temperature of the evaporator after the refrigeration system 22 has been running for a second preset time. The second preset time is less than the first preset time. Specifically, the timing starts when the refrigeration system 22 is detected to have started and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling. At the m-th minute (i.e., the second preset time), the control device 23 detects the second surface temperature of the evaporator.
[0080] If refrigerator 20 requests cooling, but cooling system 22 is not running, timing and temperature measurement will not be triggered.
[0081] Furthermore, the control device 23 determines that the second surface temperature is lower than the initial surface temperature, and the refrigeration system 22 is operating normally.
[0082] The control device 23 determines that the second surface temperature is lower than the initial surface temperature, which means that the operating state of the refrigeration system 22 is in line with the initial operating stage of the refrigeration system 22. The evaporator surface temperature shows a downward trend, and it is judged that the operating state of the refrigeration system 22 is normal.
[0083] It should be noted that in some embodiments, determining that the first surface temperature is below a first preset temperature is sufficient to determine that the refrigeration system 22 is operating normally. In other embodiments, determining that the second surface temperature is less than the initial surface temperature and the first surface temperature is below the first preset temperature is sufficient to determine that the refrigeration system 22 is operating normally. However, it is not possible to determine that the refrigeration system 22 is operating normally simply by determining that the second surface temperature is less than the initial surface temperature, because in this case, the second surface temperature is only less than the initial surface temperature, and may be greater than 0 degrees Celsius. This only indicates that the refrigeration system 22 has a cooling effect in the initial stage of operation, and does not indicate that it can maintain a normal and stable operating state continuously.
[0084] In some embodiments, a defrost sensor is typically installed on the evaporator surface to monitor its temperature. Therefore, the defrost sensor can be used directly to detect the evaporator surface temperature without requiring additional components, thus avoiding increased component quantity and cost, and making it widely applicable. Of course, if some refrigerators 20 do not have a defrost sensor on their evaporator surface, a temperature sensor can be added to monitor the evaporator surface temperature.
[0085] In this embodiment, the evaporator surface temperature is detected, which provides the simplest, most intuitive, and accurate indication of the operating status of the refrigeration system 22. Of course, in other embodiments, other methods can be used to detect the operating status of the refrigeration system 22. For example, the refrigerant circulation pressure within the refrigeration system 22 can be detected by the control device 23 to determine if there is a leak.
[0086] In some embodiments, the control device 23 responds to the refrigeration system 22 stopping operation, and the refrigeration system 22 was in normal operating condition before it stopped operating, allowing the purification equipment 21 to operate.
[0087] The purification device 21 includes at least one of an ozone generator, an ion generator, or an electronic deodorizer. The purification device 21 uses high-voltage ionization air technology to generate ozone and positive and negative ions to sterilize and deodorize the refrigerator compartment. The core working component of the high-voltage ionization air is an electronic deodorizer that can convert low-voltage direct current into high-voltage current.
[0088] Under normal conditions, the refrigeration system 22 operates intermittently. When the refrigeration system 22 is detected to have stopped operating, the refrigerant stops circulating within it, and there is no leakage into the refrigerator compartment. Furthermore, the refrigeration system 22 operated normally in its previous run before stopping, indicating that no refrigerant had leaked into the refrigerator compartment. Therefore, during the period when the refrigeration system 22 is not operating, the control device 23 can permit the purification equipment 21 to operate, effectively preventing the purification equipment 21 from working under refrigerant leakage conditions and avoiding malfunction.
[0089] It should be noted that after the control device 23 permits the purification equipment 21 to operate, the purification equipment 21 can start its purification work immediately, or it can temporarily not start its purification work, or it can perform other control methods related to the operation of the purification equipment 21. In this application, permitting the purification equipment 21 to operate means that there is no leaked refrigerant in the refrigerator compartment environment, which allows the purification equipment 21 to operate normally, but does not mean that the purification equipment 21 will start immediately.
[0090] It should also be noted that if the first surface temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, or the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the initial surface temperature, the refrigeration system 22 is deemed to be operating abnormally, and the purification device 21 is not allowed to operate at this time. However, this does not necessarily mean that the refrigeration system 22 has experienced a refrigerant leak, but rather that there is a possibility of a refrigerant leak, or it could be due to a special operating condition of the refrigerator 20. Therefore, during this period when the refrigeration system 22 is not operating, the purification device 21 is temporarily not allowed to operate. When the refrigeration system 22 starts again in response to the refrigerator 20 and the refrigerator 20 requests cooling, the operating status of the refrigeration system 22 is checked again.
[0091] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 20 is in a special operating state, which may cause the refrigeration system 22 to malfunction. For example, if the refrigerator 20 is powered on for the first time within a predetermined time (e.g., 5, 6, or 7 hours), or if the freezer compartment temperature reaches above 0°C after a power outage and is then powered on again, the refrigeration system 22 is in a temperature-pull state, and the evaporator surface temperature is high, which may not meet the evaporator surface temperature requirements, causing the refrigeration system 22 to malfunction. Therefore, it is not suitable to operate the purification equipment 21 in this situation. For example, if the refrigeration system 22 is operating under overload conditions, the evaporator surface temperature of the refrigeration system 22 is high, which also does not meet the evaporator surface temperature requirements, causing the refrigeration system 22 to malfunction. Therefore, it is not suitable to operate the purification equipment 21 in this situation. For example, if the defrost heater of the refrigeration system 22 is turned on to defrost the evaporator, the evaporator surface temperature will continue to rise, which will also cause the refrigeration system 22 to malfunction.
[0092] Therefore, when the above situation occurs, the control device 23 is not suitable to operate the purification equipment 21. Furthermore, when the above situation occurs, the refrigeration system 22 is running, so there is no need to detect the evaporator surface temperature. The purification equipment 21 can be directly prohibited from operating (including the purification equipment 21 is not allowed to operate during the current operation of the refrigeration system 22, and the purification equipment 21 is not allowed to operate during the shutdown period after the current operation of the refrigeration system 22 stops). This saves the judgment process and improves the judgment efficiency.
[0093] The specific control method is as follows: in response to the refrigeration system 22 being in operation, or in response to the refrigerator 20 being powered on for the first time within a predetermined time, or the refrigeration system 22 being in an overload state, or the defrosting heater of the refrigerator 20 being turned on; the purification equipment 21 is not allowed to operate.
[0094] In summary, the refrigerator 20 of this application embodiment has at least the following advantages:
[0095] In this embodiment, when the refrigerator 20 detects that the refrigeration system 22 has stopped operating, the refrigerant stops circulating in the refrigeration system 22, and there is no leakage into the refrigerator compartment. Furthermore, the refrigerator 20 was operating normally before the refrigeration system 22 stopped, indicating that no refrigerant had leaked into the refrigerator 20's compartment. Therefore, during the period when the refrigeration system 22 is not operating, the purification equipment 21 can be allowed to operate, effectively preventing the purification equipment 21 from working under refrigerant leakage conditions and avoiding malfunction.
[0096] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a framework of an embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium of this application.
[0097] Another embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium 30 that stores program data 31 thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method described in any of the above embodiments.
[0098] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and apparatus can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus implementations described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.
[0099] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.
[0100] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.
[0101] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium 30. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium 30 and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium 30 includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.
[0102] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A control method for a refrigerator's purification device, characterized in that, The control method includes: In response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system and the refrigerator requesting cooling, the operating status of the refrigeration system is detected; In response to the refrigeration system stopping operation, and prior to the refrigeration system stopping operation, the refrigeration system was in normal operating condition, the purification equipment is permitted to operate; The detection of the operating status of the refrigeration system includes: The temperature of the first surface of the evaporator after the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling, and after running for a first preset time; If the temperature of the first surface is determined to be below a first preset temperature, the refrigeration system is operating normally.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection of the operating status of the refrigeration system includes: The initial surface temperature of the evaporator when the refrigeration system is started and the refrigerator requests cooling; When the refrigeration system is activated and the refrigerator requests cooling, the second surface temperature of the evaporator is less than the first preset time after the second preset time has elapsed since the second preset time was less than the first preset time. If the second surface temperature is determined to be lower than the initial surface temperature, the refrigeration system is operating normally.
3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, include: In response to the refrigeration system being in operation, or in response to the refrigerator being powered on for the first time within a predetermined time, or the refrigeration system being in an overload state, or the refrigerator's defrost heater being turned on; The purification equipment is not permitted to operate.
4. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The refrigerator is a single-system refrigerator, and the response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, and the refrigerator requesting refrigeration, includes: In response to the compressor of the refrigeration system starting, the freezer compartment of the refrigerator requests cooling.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The refrigerator is a multi-system refrigerator, and the response to the start of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, and the refrigerator requesting refrigeration, includes: In response to the compressor of the refrigeration system starting, the refrigerator compartment requests cooling.
6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Detecting the surface temperature of the evaporator includes: Obtain the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor of the evaporator.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The purification equipment includes at least one of an ozone generator, an ion generator, or an electronic deodorizer.
8. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes a purification unit, a refrigeration system, and a control device, wherein the control device is coupled to the purification unit and the refrigeration system respectively to implement the method of any one of claims 1-7.
9. A computer-readable storage medium storing program data thereon, characterized in that, When the program data is executed by the processor, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.