Refrigerating and freezing device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a refrigeration and freezing device and a control method thereof, comprising: obtaining an evaporator temperature of a freezing evaporator and a chamber temperature in a freezing chamber during refrigeration of the freezing chamber by the refrigeration and freezing device; determining a target change trend of a chamber humidity in the freezing chamber according to the evaporator temperature and the chamber temperature; counting a measured change trend of the chamber humidity according to a measured humidity in the freezing chamber detected by a humidity sensor; adjusting a running frequency of a compressor if the measured change trend counted for consecutive times is inconsistent with the target change trend, so that an actual chamber humidity in the freezing chamber changes according to the target change trend; counting the measured change trend of the chamber humidity according to the measured humidity in the freezing chamber detected by the humidity sensor again; and determining that the humidity sensor is faulty if the measured change trend counted for consecutive times again is still inconsistent with the target change trend.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigeration and freezing, and in particular to a refrigeration and freezing device and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] The humidity level in the refrigeration and freezing device affects the speed of water evaporation of food materials, thereby affecting the quality of the food materials. When the humidity is too low, the water evaporation of the food materials is too fast, which causes weight loss of the food materials, and then causes problems such as poor food storage effect and short food preservation period. Therefore, it is always an important research topic to humidify the refrigeration and freezing device. However, most of the current refrigeration and freezing devices are humidified in the refrigeration chamber, and little attention is paid to the humidification of the freezing chamber. In fact, the air-cooled refrigeration and freezing device generally has a problem of large humidity fluctuation during freezing refrigeration. The humidity fluctuation and low humidity cause the food materials stored in the freezing chamber to lose water, thereby affecting the taste of the food materials, and also causing loss of nutrients, affecting the user experience.

[0003] In the prior art, a humidity sensor is generally used to detect the real-time humidity in the freezing chamber, so as to control the humidification. That is, the humidity control in the freezing chamber is based on the accurate acquisition of the real-time humidity in the freezing chamber by the humidity sensor. However, if the humidity sensor fails, the humidity in the freezing chamber cannot be accurately obtained, and it is difficult to accurately and properly control the humidity. SUMMARY

[0004] One object of the first aspect of the present application is to overcome at least one defect of the prior art, and to provide a control method of a refrigeration and freezing device capable of accurately detecting whether a humidity sensor fails.

[0005] A further object of the first aspect of the present application is to continue to effectively control the humidity in the freezing chamber when the humidity sensor fails.

[0006] An object of the second aspect of the present application is to provide a refrigeration and freezing device capable of accurately detecting whether a humidity sensor fails.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present application, the present application provides a control method of a refrigeration and freezing device, the refrigeration and freezing device comprising a cabinet and a compression refrigeration system, the cabinet defining a freezing chamber therein, the freezing chamber being provided with a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity in the chamber, and the compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor for compressing refrigerant and a freezing evaporator for providing cold energy to the freezing chamber; the control method comprising:

[0008] acquiring an evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator and a chamber temperature in the freezing chamber during freezing chamber refrigeration of the refrigeration and freezing device;

[0009] determining a target change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room according to the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator and the room temperature in the refrigeration room;

[0010] statistically determining a measured change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room according to the measured humidity in the refrigeration room detected by the humidity sensor;

[0011] if the measured change trend determined for consecutive times is inconsistent with the target change trend, adjusting the operation frequency of the compressor so that the actual room humidity in the refrigeration room changes according to the target change trend;

[0012] statistically determining again the measured change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room according to the measured humidity in the refrigeration room detected by the humidity sensor; and

[0013] if the measured change trend determined again for consecutive times is still inconsistent with the target change trend, determining that the humidity sensor is malfunctioning.

[0014] Optionally, if the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator is less than the room temperature in the refrigeration room, the target change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room should be gradually decreasing; and

[0015] The control method specifically comprises:

[0016] acquiring the measured humidity in the refrigeration room detected by the humidity sensor according to a first preset period;

[0017] statistically determining a measured change trend of the measured humidity;

[0018] if the measured change trend determined for consecutive times is gradually increasing or remains unchanged, increasing the operation frequency of the compressor so that the actual room humidity in the refrigeration room gradually decreases;

[0019] acquiring again the measured humidity in the refrigeration room detected by the humidity sensor according to the first preset period;

[0020] statistically determining again the measured change trend of the measured humidity; and

[0021] if the measured change trend determined again for consecutive times is gradually increasing or remains unchanged, determining that the humidity sensor is malfunctioning.

[0022] Optionally, if the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator is greater than the room temperature in the refrigeration room, the target change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room should be gradually increasing; and

[0023] The control method specifically comprises:

[0024] acquiring, according to a second preset period, a measured humidity in the freezing chamber detected by the humidity sensor;

[0025] statistically determining a measured change trend of the measured humidity;

[0026] if the measured change trend determined for consecutive times is gradually reduced or remains unchanged, reducing the operating frequency of the compressor so as to gradually increase the actual humidity in the freezing chamber;

[0027] again acquiring, according to the second preset period, the measured humidity in the freezing chamber detected by the humidity sensor;

[0028] again statistically determining the measured change trend of the measured humidity; and

[0029] if the measured change trend determined for consecutive times again is gradually reduced or remains unchanged, determining that the humidity sensor is malfunctioning.

[0030] Optionally, the second preset period is less than the first preset period.

[0031] Optionally, the control method further comprises:

[0032] if the measured change trend determined for consecutive times is consistent with the target change trend, determining that the humidity sensor is normal;

[0033] if the measured change trend determined for consecutive times again is consistent with the target change trend, returning to continue acquiring the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator and the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber.

[0034] Optionally, the cabinet further defines a refrigerating chamber, and the compression refrigeration system further comprises a freezing throttling device, a refrigerating branch in parallel with the freezing throttling device for providing cold energy for the refrigerating chamber, and a switching valve for selectively conducting the freezing throttling device or the refrigerating branch;

[0035] after determining that the humidity sensor is malfunctioning, the control method further comprises:

[0036] when the refrigerating-freezing device reaches a preset automatic shutdown condition, controlling the switching valve to switch to a state of conducting the refrigerating branch, adjusting the operating frequency of the compressor to a preset frequency, controlling a refrigerating fan for driving air supply for the refrigerating chamber to operate at 45% to 55% of a set duty cycle, and controlling a freezing fan for driving air supply for the freezing chamber to operate at 45% to 55% of a set duty cycle.

[0037] stopping the compressor, the refrigeration fan and the freezing fan after the first preset time period.

[0038] Optionally, the cabinet further defines a temperature-variable compartment therein, and the compression refrigeration system further comprises a temperature-variable branch in parallel with the freezing throttling device for providing cold energy for the temperature-variable compartment, and the switching valve is configured to selectively conduct one of the freezing throttling device, the refrigeration branch and the temperature-variable branch.

[0039] After determining that the humidity sensor is faulty, the control method further comprises:

[0040] After the refrigeration and freezing device switches to the refrigeration compartment refrigeration state for the second preset time period, the freezing fan is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of the set duty ratio thereof; and / or

[0041] After the refrigeration and freezing device switches to the temperature-variable compartment refrigeration state, the freezing fan is controlled to operate at 65% to 75% of the set duty ratio thereof.

[0042] Optionally, after determining that the humidity sensor is faulty, the control method further comprises:

[0043] an alarm signal is sent to prompt that the humidity sensor is faulty.

[0044] Optionally, after sending the alarm signal, the control method further comprises:

[0045] continuously counting a measured change trend of the compartment humidity in the freezing compartment according to the measured humidity in the freezing compartment detected by the humidity sensor;

[0046] if the measured change trend counted for consecutive times is consistent with the target change trend, it is determined that the humidity sensor is restored to normal, and the sending of the alarm signal is stopped.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the present application, the present application further provides a refrigeration and freezing device, comprising a cabinet and a compression refrigeration system, the cabinet defines a freezing compartment therein, the compression refrigeration system comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant and a freezing evaporator for providing cold energy for the freezing compartment, and the refrigeration and freezing device further comprises:

[0048] a humidity sensor for acquiring the compartment humidity in the freezing compartment; and

[0049] a control device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory stores a machine executable program, and the machine executable program is executed by the processor to implement the control method of any one of the above-mentioned schemes.

[0050] The present application determines the target change trend of the chamber humidity in the freezing chamber according to the magnitude relation between the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator and the chamber temperature of the freezing chamber during refrigeration of the freezing chamber, then determines the measured change trend of the chamber humidity by the measured humidity in the freezing chamber detected by the humidity sensor, and judges whether the humidity sensor is likely to malfunction by comparing the measured change trend and the target change trend multiple times. If the measured change trend is inconsistent with the target change trend for several times in succession, it indicates that the humidity sensor is likely to malfunction. In order to verify whether the humidity sensor really malfunctions, the present application adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor so that the actual chamber humidity in the freezing chamber changes according to the target change trend, and determines the measured change trend of the chamber humidity by the measured humidity in the freezing chamber detected by the humidity sensor again. If the measured change trend of the chamber humidity is still inconsistent with the target change trend for several times, it indicates that the humidity sensor malfunctions. That is, the control method of the present application can accurately draw the conclusion of whether the humidity sensor malfunctions by comparing whether the measured change trend of the chamber humidity in the freezing chamber is consistent with the target change trend multiple times, reduces or prevents the possibility of misjudgment, facilitates timely discovery of sensor malfunction and timely maintenance, so as to facilitate subsequent humidity control.

[0051] Further, after the humidity sensor malfunctions, the chamber humidity of the freezing chamber cannot be directly obtained by the humidity sensor. At this time, the present application delays the shutdown when the refrigerating-freezing device reaches the automatic shutdown condition, continues to refrigerate the refrigerating chamber by switching to the refrigerating branch, sets the operating frequency of the compressor to a lower preset frequency, and adjusts the refrigerating fan and the freezing fan to run at 45% to 55% of the respective set duty cycle. On the one hand, it can deliver cooling air flow to the refrigerating chamber in advance, and appropriately reduce the temperature of the refrigerating chamber. On the other hand, it can also effectively increase the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator, so that it is higher than the chamber temperature of the freezing chamber. Therefore, the moisture in the freezing chamber and the moisture generated by the sublimation of frost on the freezing evaporator will all gather in the freezing chamber, thereby achieving the purpose of humidifying the freezing chamber.

[0052] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Some specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are exemplary and not limiting. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0054] Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural block diagram of a compression refrigeration system of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to another specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural block diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] This invention first provides a control method for a refrigeration and freezing device. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural block diagram of a compression refrigeration system of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigeration and freezing apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a housing 10 and a compression refrigeration system 20. The housing 10 defines a freezing compartment 11, and the freezing compartment 11 is equipped with a humidity sensor 31 for detecting the humidity within the compartment. The compression refrigeration system 20 includes a compressor 21 for compressing refrigerant and a refrigeration evaporator 22 for providing cooling capacity to the freezing compartment 11. Further, the compression refrigeration system 20 also includes a refrigeration throttling device 23 and a condenser 29 connected in series with the compressor 21. Specifically, the refrigeration throttling device 23 can be a capillary tube or a throttling valve, etc.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 3 The control method of the refrigeration and freezing apparatus of the present invention includes:

[0062] Step S10: During the refrigeration and freezing device 1 when the freezer compartment is refrigerating, the evaporator temperature of the freezer evaporator 22 and the compartment temperature inside the freezer compartment 11 are obtained;

[0063] Step S20: Determine the target trend of humidity change in the freezer compartment 11 based on the evaporator temperature of the freezer evaporator 22 and the compartment temperature in the freezer compartment 11.

[0064] Step S30, the measured humidity change trend is determined according to the measured humidity in the refrigeration room 11 detected by the humidity sensor 31.

[0065] Step S40, whether the measured humidity change trends of the continuous times are all inconsistent with the target change trend is determined, if yes, step S50 is turned to;

[0066] Step S50, the running frequency of the compressor 21 is adjusted, so that the actual room humidity in the refrigeration room 11 changes according to the target change trend;

[0067] Step S60, the measured humidity change trend is determined again according to the measured humidity in the refrigeration room 11 detected by the humidity sensor 31; and

[0068] Step S70, whether the measured humidity change trends of the continuous times are all inconsistent with the target change trend is determined again; if yes, step S80 is turned to;

[0069] Step S80, it is determined that the humidity sensor 31 is faulty.

[0070] The present application determines the target change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room 11 according to the size relationship between the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator 22 and the room temperature of the refrigeration room 11 during the refrigeration of the refrigeration room; then, the measured humidity change trend of the room humidity is determined according to the measured humidity in the refrigeration room 11 detected by the humidity sensor 31; and then, whether the humidity sensor 31 is faulty is determined by comparing the measured humidity change trend with the target change trend for many times. If the measured humidity change trends of the continuous times are all inconsistent with the target change trend, it is indicated that the humidity sensor 31 is possibly faulty. In order to verify whether the humidity sensor 31 is really faulty, the present application adjusts the running frequency of the compressor 21, so that the actual room humidity in the refrigeration room 11 changes according to the target change trend, and the measured humidity change trend of the room humidity is determined again according to the measured humidity in the refrigeration room 11 detected by the humidity sensor 31. If the measured humidity change trends of the times are still inconsistent with the target change trend, it is indicated that the humidity sensor 31 is really faulty.

[0071] The control method of the present application can accurately determine whether the humidity sensor 31 is faulty by comparing the measured humidity change trend of the room humidity in the refrigeration room 11 with the target change trend for many times, reduces or prevents the possibility of misjudgment, and facilitates timely discovery of sensor faults and timely maintenance, so as to facilitate subsequent humidity control.

[0072] Specifically, in step S40 and step S70, the continuous times can be two times, three times, four times, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, the control method of the present application further comprises:

[0074] If the measured change trend is consistent with the target change trend for a plurality of times, then go to step S90 to determine that the humidity sensor 31 is normal.

[0075] If the measured change trend is consistent with the target change trend again for a plurality of times, then return to continue acquiring the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator 22 and the chamber temperature in the refrigeration chamber 11.

[0076] That is, when the determination result of step S40 is no, go to step S90 to determine that the humidity sensor 31 is normal. When the determination result of step S70 is no, return to step S10 to continue acquiring the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator 22 and the chamber temperature in the refrigeration chamber 11.

[0077] It can be understood that in the middle and later stages of the refrigeration chamber refrigeration period, the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator 22 must be lower than the chamber temperature in the refrigeration chamber 11, so as to have the ability to cool the refrigeration chamber 11. Water vapor usually condenses at a lower temperature. Therefore, when the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator 22 is lower than the chamber temperature in the refrigeration chamber 11, the moisture in the refrigeration chamber 11 will condense at the refrigeration evaporator 22, and the humidity in the refrigeration chamber 11 must decrease. That is, when the evaporator temperature of the refrigeration evaporator 22 is lower than the chamber temperature in the refrigeration chamber 11, the target change trend of the chamber humidity in the refrigeration chamber 11 should be gradually decreasing. At this time, the control method of the present application can specifically comprise:

[0078] Acquire the measured humidity in the refrigeration chamber 11 detected by the humidity sensor according to a first preset period;

[0079] Statistically determine the measured change trend of the measured humidity;

[0080] If the measured change trend is gradually increasing or remains unchanged for a plurality of times, then increase the operating frequency of the compressor 21, so that the actual chamber humidity in the refrigeration chamber 11 gradually decreases;

[0081] Acquire the measured humidity in the refrigeration chamber 11 detected by the humidity sensor 31 again according to the first preset period;

[0082] Statistically determine the measured change trend of the measured humidity again; and

[0083] If the measured change trend is gradually increasing or remains unchanged for a plurality of times again, then determine that the humidity sensor 31 is malfunctioning.

[0084] When the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is lower than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11, if the operating frequency of the compressor 21 is increased, the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 will be further decreased, and the moisture in the freezing chamber 11 will be more quickly condensed on the freezing evaporator 22, so the actual chamber humidity in the freezing chamber 11 should be further gradually decreased, i.e. the target change trend is gradually decreased. If the actual change trend still does not match the target change trend, it can be determined that the humidity sensor 31 is malfunctioning.

[0085] When the cabinet 10 defines a non-freezing chamber, such as a refrigerating chamber and / or a freezing chamber, the freezing chamber refrigeration is usually performed after the non-freezing chamber refrigeration. Therefore, when the refrigerating-freezing device 1 is just switched from the non-freezing chamber refrigeration state to the freezing chamber refrigeration state, the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 will be greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11. In addition, when the freezing chamber refrigeration is performed after the defrosting of the freezing evaporator 22 is completed, the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 can also be greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11. That is, during the freezing chamber refrigeration, there can also be a case that the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11. At this time, the water vapor will usually be gathered and condensed in the freezing chamber 11 with a lower temperature, and the humidity in the freezing chamber 11 will usually increase. That is, when the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11, the target change trend of the chamber humidity in the freezing chamber 11 should be gradually increased. At this time, the control method of the present application can specifically include:

[0086] acquiring the actual humidity in the freezing chamber 11 detected by the humidity sensor according to a second preset period;

[0087] statistically determining the actual change trend of the actual humidity;

[0088] if the actual change trend statistically determined for a plurality of times is gradually decreased or remains unchanged, decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor 21 so that the actual chamber humidity in the freezing chamber 11 is gradually increased;

[0089] again acquiring the actual humidity in the freezing chamber 11 detected by the humidity sensor 31 according to the second preset period;

[0090] again statistically determining the actual change trend of the actual humidity; and

[0091] if the actual change trend statistically determined for a plurality of times again is gradually decreased or remains unchanged, determining that the humidity sensor 31 is malfunctioning.

[0092] When the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11, if the operating frequency of the compressor 21 is reduced, the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 will be further increased, and the moisture sublimated from the frost on the freezing evaporator 22 and the moisture in the freezing chamber 11 will be more quickly accumulated in the freezing chamber 11, and the actual chamber humidity in the freezing chamber 11 should be further gradually increased, i.e., the target change trend is gradually increased. If the actual change trend still does not match the target change trend, it can be determined that the humidity sensor 31 has failed.

[0093] It can be understood that the phenomenon that the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11 does not last for a long time during the refrigeration of the freezing chamber, and in order to ensure the accuracy of the judgment result, it is necessary to ensure that the step of judging whether the humidity sensor 31 has failed is performed during the period when the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11. That is, the time of the above-mentioned failure judgment step cannot last for too long. Therefore, the second preset period is set to be less than the first preset period in the present application. That is, when the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 is greater than the chamber temperature in the freezing chamber 11, the time period for detecting the actual humidity in the freezing chamber 11 by the humidity sensor is short and the frequency is fast, so as to shorten the time length of the entire failure judgment step as much as possible.

[0094] Specifically, the second preset period can be any time length value between 3s and 7s. The first preset period can be any time length value between 25s and 35s.

[0095] After the humidity sensor fails, the chamber humidity of the freezing chamber 11 cannot be accurately obtained by the humidity sensor 31, and therefore the humidity control cannot be performed according to the actual humidity of the freezing chamber 11, and the humidity in the freezing chamber 11 needs to be controlled by other ways.

[0096] Therefore, in some embodiments, the cabinet 10 further defines a refrigerating chamber 12, and the compression refrigeration system 20 further includes a freezing throttling device 23, a refrigerating branch in parallel with the freezing throttling device 23 for providing cold energy for the refrigerating chamber 12, and a switching valve 24 for selectively conducting the freezing throttling device 23 or the refrigerating branch. Specifically, the refrigerating branch can include a refrigerating evaporator 25 and a refrigerating throttling device 26 connected in series, and the refrigerating throttling device 26 can be a capillary or a throttling valve, etc.

[0097] In these embodiments, after it is determined that the humidity sensor 31 has failed, the control method of the present application further includes:

[0098] When the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 reaches the preset automatic shutdown condition, the control switching valve 24 is switched to the state of conducting the refrigeration branch, and the operating frequency of the compressor 21 is adjusted to the preset frequency. The refrigeration fan used to drive the air supply to the refrigeration compartment 12 is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of its set duty cycle, and the refrigeration fan used to drive the air supply to the freezing compartment 11 is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of its set duty cycle.

[0099] After the first preset time, the compressor 21, the refrigeration fan, and the freezer fan will stop.

[0100] In other words, the present invention delays the shutdown of the refrigeration and freezing device 1 when it reaches the automatic shutdown condition, and continues to cool the refrigeration compartment 12 by switching to the refrigeration branch. The operating frequency of the compressor 21 is set to a lower preset frequency, and the refrigeration fan and the freezing fan are adjusted to operate at 45% to 55% of their respective set duty cycles. On the one hand, cooling airflow can be delivered to the refrigeration compartment 12 in advance, and the temperature of the refrigeration compartment 12 can be appropriately reduced. On the other hand, the evaporator temperature of the freezing evaporator 22 can be effectively increased, making it higher than the compartment temperature of the freezing compartment 11. As a result, the moisture in the freezing compartment 11 and the moisture generated by the sublimation of frost on the freezing evaporator 22 will accumulate in the freezing compartment 11, thereby achieving the purpose of humidifying the freezing compartment 11.

[0101] Specifically, the preset frequency is set such that the evaporator temperature of the freezer evaporator 22 is higher than the compartment temperature inside the freezer compartment 11. For example, the preset frequency can be set between 40 and 50 Hz.

[0102] Specifically, the refrigeration fan can operate at a duty cycle of 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, or 55%.

[0103] Specifically, the refrigeration fan can operate at a duty cycle of 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, or 55%.

[0104] Specifically, the first preset duration can be any duration value between 4 and 6 minutes.

[0105] Specifically, the automatic shutdown condition is that the temperature of each storage compartment of the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 reaches its respective set temperature. Specifically, if the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 includes at least one non-freezing compartment in addition to the freezing compartment 11, such as a refrigeration compartment 12 and a variable temperature compartment 13, then the automatic shutdown condition is that the refrigeration compartment 12 reaches the refrigeration set temperature, the variable temperature compartment 13 reaches the variable temperature set temperature, and the freezing compartment 11 reaches the freezing set temperature.

[0106] In some embodiments, the housing 10 further defines a variable temperature compartment 13, and the compression refrigeration system 20 also includes a variable temperature branch connected in parallel with the refrigeration throttling device 23 to provide cooling capacity to the variable temperature compartment 13. A switching valve 24 is used to selectively activate one of the refrigeration throttling device 23, the refrigeration branch, and the variable temperature branch. Specifically, the variable temperature branch may include a variable temperature evaporator 27 and a variable temperature throttling device 28 connected in series. The variable temperature throttling device 28 may specifically be a capillary tube or a throttling valve, etc.

[0107] In these embodiments, after determining that the humidity sensor 31 has malfunctioned, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0108] After the refrigeration unit 1 switches to the refrigeration state of the refrigeration compartment for a second preset time, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of its set duty cycle; and / or

[0109] After the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 switches to the variable temperature compartment refrigeration state, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate at 65% to 75% of its set duty cycle.

[0110] Understandably, before the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment is started, the refrigeration unit is usually in a stopped state, and the temperature of the evaporator 22 is relatively high. In this invention, the refrigeration fan is started only after the cold storage compartment has been refrigerating for a second preset period, i.e., after the cold storage compartment has been running for some time. At this time, the temperature of the evaporator 22 has dropped to a certain level. Then, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate at its set duty cycle of 45% to 55%, which can deliver a lower temperature cooling airflow to the freezer compartment 11, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the freezer compartment 11 during the refrigeration period of the cold storage compartment.

[0111] After the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment is completed, it immediately switches to the cooling of the variable temperature compartment. Therefore, during the cooling of the variable temperature compartment, the temperature of the evaporator 22 is already relatively low. The present invention controls the refrigeration fan to operate at 65% to 75% of its set duty cycle when the cooling of the variable temperature compartment begins, which can deliver a cooler airflow to the freezer compartment 11, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the freezer compartment 11 during the cooling of the cold storage compartment and the cooling of the variable temperature compartment.

[0112] Specifically, after the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 switches to the refrigeration state of the refrigeration compartment for a second preset time, the refrigeration fan can operate at a duty cycle of 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, or 55%.

[0113] Specifically, after the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 switches to the variable temperature compartment refrigeration state, the refrigeration fan can operate at 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74% or 75% of its set duty cycle.

[0114] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, after determining that the humidity sensor 31 has malfunctioned, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0115] In step S100, an alarm signal is issued to indicate that the humidity sensor 31 has malfunctioned, so that the user can be informed of the malfunction of the humidity sensor 31 in a timely manner and replace or repair it in a timely manner.

[0116] Furthermore, after issuing the alarm signal, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0117] Step S110: Continue to statistically analyze the measured change trend of the humidity in the freezer compartment 11 based on the measured humidity detected by the humidity sensor 31.

[0118] Step S120: Determine whether the measured change trend of several consecutive statistical analyses is consistent with the target change trend. If yes, proceed to step S130; otherwise, return to step S100 and continue sending alarm signals.

[0119] Step S130: Determine that the humidity sensor 31 has returned to normal and stop issuing alarm signals.

[0120] The present invention also provides a refrigeration and freezing apparatus. Figure 5 This is a schematic structural block diagram of a refrigeration and freezing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The refrigeration and freezing apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a housing 10 and a compression refrigeration system 20. The housing 10 defines a freezing compartment 11. The compression refrigeration system 20 includes a compressor 21 for compressing refrigerant and a freezing evaporator 22 for providing cooling capacity to the freezing compartment 11.

[0121] Specifically, the refrigeration and freezing unit 1 also includes a humidity sensor 31 and a control device 40. The humidity sensor 31 is used to acquire the humidity of the freezer compartment 11. The control device 40 includes a processor 41 and a memory 42, the memory 42 storing a machine-executable program 43, and the machine-executable program 43 is executed by the processor 41 to implement the control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0122] Specifically, both the compressor 21 and the humidity sensor 31 are connected to the control device 40.

[0123] Specifically, processor 41 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital processing unit, etc. Processor 41 sends and receives data via a communication interface. Memory 44 is used to store the program executed by processor 41. Memory 44 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer; it can also be a combination of multiple memories. The aforementioned machine-executable program 43 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the corresponding computing / processing device or via a network (e.g., the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network) to a computer or external storage device.

[0124] The refrigeration and freezing device 1 of the present invention can accurately determine whether the humidity sensor 31 has malfunctioned by comparing the measured change trend of the humidity in the freezing compartment 11 with the target change trend multiple times, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of misjudgment, facilitating timely detection and repair of sensor malfunctions, and enabling subsequent humidity control.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will understand that the refrigeration and freezing apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to [specific type]. Figure 1 The three-door refrigerator shown can also be a single-door refrigerator, a double-door refrigerator, or other refrigerators with a freezer compartment.

[0126] Those skilled in the art should also understand that the refrigeration and freezing apparatus 1 of the present invention includes not only refrigerators, but also freezers, freezers or other refrigeration and freezing apparatuses with at least freezing function.

[0127] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for a refrigeration and freezing device, the refrigeration and freezing device comprising a housing and a compression refrigeration system, the housing defining a freezing compartment, the freezing compartment being equipped with a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity within the compartment, the compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor for compressing refrigerant and a refrigeration evaporator for providing cooling capacity to the freezing compartment; the control method comprising: During the refrigeration and freezing process, the evaporator temperature of the evaporator and the compartment temperature inside the freezer are obtained. The target trend of humidity change in the freezer room should be determined based on the evaporator temperature of the freezer evaporator and the room temperature in the freezer room; The measured humidity trend of the freezer room is statistically analyzed based on the measured humidity detected by the humidity sensor. If the measured change trend is inconsistent with the target change trend in several consecutive statistical analyses, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted so that the actual humidity in the freezer room changes in accordance with the target change trend. The measured humidity trend of the freezer room is statistically analyzed again based on the measured humidity detected by the humidity sensor. as well as If the measured change trend is inconsistent with the target change trend in several consecutive statistical analyses, then the humidity sensor is determined to be faulty.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, If the evaporator temperature of the freezer is lower than the room temperature inside the freezer room, then the target trend for the room humidity inside the freezer room should be a gradual decrease; and The control method specifically includes: The measured humidity inside the freezer room, detected by the humidity sensor, is obtained according to the first preset cycle. The measured trend of humidity was statistically analyzed. If the measured change trend is gradually increasing or remains unchanged after several consecutive statistical analyses, the operating frequency of the compressor is increased so that the actual humidity in the freezer room gradually decreases. The measured humidity inside the freezer room, detected by the humidity sensor, is obtained again according to the first preset cycle. The measured trend of humidity was statistically analyzed again; and If the measured trend of the humidity sensor is gradually increasing or remains unchanged in several consecutive statistical analyses, then the humidity sensor is determined to be faulty.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein, If the evaporator temperature of the freezer evaporator is greater than the room temperature inside the freezer room, then the target trend for the room humidity inside the freezer room should be a gradual increase; and The control method specifically includes: The measured humidity inside the freezer room, detected by the humidity sensor, is obtained according to the second preset cycle. The measured trend of humidity was statistically analyzed. If the measured change trend is gradually decreasing or remains unchanged after several consecutive statistical analyses, then the operating frequency of the compressor is reduced so that the actual humidity in the freezer room gradually increases. The measured humidity inside the freezer room, detected by the humidity sensor, is obtained again according to the second preset cycle. The measured trend of humidity was statistically analyzed again; and If the measured trend of change is gradually decreasing or remains unchanged in several consecutive statistical analyses, then the humidity sensor is determined to be faulty.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein, The second preset period is shorter than the first preset period.

5. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: If the measured change trend is consistent with the target change trend in several consecutive statistical analyses, then the humidity sensor is determined to be normal. If the measured change trend is consistent with the target change trend after several consecutive statistical analyses, then return to continue obtaining the evaporator temperature of the freezer evaporator and the compartment temperature inside the freezer room.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the cabinet body further defines a cold storage compartment, and the compression refrigeration system further includes a refrigeration throttling device, a cold storage branch connected in parallel with the refrigeration throttling device for providing cooling capacity to the cold storage compartment, and a switching valve for selectively activating the refrigeration throttling device or the cold storage branch; After determining that the humidity sensor has malfunctioned, the control method further includes: When the refrigeration and freezing unit reaches the preset automatic shutdown condition, the switching valve is controlled to switch to the state of conducting the refrigeration branch, and the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the preset frequency. The refrigeration fan used to drive the air supply to the refrigeration compartment is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of its set duty cycle, and the refrigeration fan used to drive the air supply to the freezing compartment is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of its set duty cycle. The compressor, the refrigeration fan, and the freezing fan will stop after a first preset time period.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the housing further defines a variable temperature compartment, the compression refrigeration system further includes a variable temperature branch connected in parallel with the refrigeration throttling device for providing cooling capacity to the variable temperature compartment, and the switching valve is used to selectively activate one of the refrigeration throttling device, the refrigeration branch, and the variable temperature branch; After determining that the humidity sensor is faulty, the control method further includes: After the refrigeration unit switches to the refrigeration state of the refrigeration compartment for a second preset time, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate at 45% to 55% of its set duty cycle; and / or After the refrigeration and freezing unit switches to the variable temperature compartment refrigeration state, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate at 65% to 75% of its set duty cycle.

8. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising, after determining that the humidity sensor has malfunctioned: An alarm signal is issued to indicate that the humidity sensor has malfunctioned.

9. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising, after issuing the alarm signal: Continue to statistically analyze the measured humidity trend of the freezer room based on the measured humidity detected by the humidity sensor. If the measured change trend is consistent with the target change trend in several consecutive statistical analyses, the humidity sensor is determined to have returned to normal and will stop issuing the alarm signal.

10. A refrigeration and freezing apparatus, comprising a housing and a compression refrigeration system, the housing defining a freezing compartment, the compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a refrigeration evaporator for providing cooling capacity to the freezing compartment, the refrigeration and freezing apparatus further comprising: A humidity sensor is used to acquire the humidity of the room inside the freezer room; as well as A control device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images