A refrigerator and a thawing control method of the refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a thawing control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator is provided with a thawing chamber for storing and thawing food to be thawed; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the food to be thawed; a thawing device for thawing the food to be thawed when starting to operate; in response to a preset thawing control instruction, the total thawing time set at present and the set temperature of the food to be thawed are obtained; the process of thawing the food to be thawed from an initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages, the operating parameters of the thawing device in each temperature stage are determined, and the thawing device is controlled to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters in each temperature stage. By using the application, the operating state of the thawing device can be controlled according to the thawing requirements of each temperature stage in the food thawing process, so that the nutrient loss of the thawed food is reduced while the thawing requirements are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator defrosting control, and more particularly to a refrigerator and a method for defrosting control of a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With economic development and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have long become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives. Refrigerators mainly achieve the effect of long-term storage by lowering the temperature of food and delaying its spoilage.

[0003] Foods stored at low temperatures require a thawing process before use, so existing refrigerators are equipped with a dedicated thawing compartment. The existing thawing compartment typically controls the operation of the heater inside based on the food's temperature and the user-set thawing time, ensuring the food is thawed before the set time.

[0004] However, the inventors discovered that existing technologies have at least the following problems: the heat required to thaw food consists of two parts: the latent heat of phase change at the freezing point and the sensible heat below the freezing point. At low temperatures, the water in food mainly exists in the form of ice crystals. During thawing, the water content increases, the specific heat capacity of water increases, and the overall specific heat capacity of the food also increases, requiring more heat. During thawing, the food must quickly pass through the crystallization zone to prevent nutrient loss. Furthermore, as the ice crystals melt, hydrophilic colloids within the cells absorb water, leading to water diffusion and infiltration into the cells. Cell integrity and thawing rate become crucial conditions for post-thawing recovery. Therefore, food thawing is actually a phased process, and improper heating at each stage can cause excessive nutrient loss. Existing thawing chamber heating control processes do not consider the phased nature of the thawing process, making it difficult to match the thawing process with the food and to simultaneously complete thawing in a timely manner while preserving the food's nutrients. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and a defrosting control method for the refrigerator, which can control the operating status of the defrosting device according to the defrosting requirements at each temperature stage during the food defrosting process, thereby meeting the defrosting requirements while reducing the loss of nutrients in the defrosted food.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0007] Box;

[0008] A thawing chamber, located within the enclosure, is used to store and thaw food awaiting thawing;

[0009] A temperature sensor, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to detect the temperature of the food to be defrosted;

[0010] A defrosting device, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to defrost the food to be defrosted during startup.

[0011] Controller, used for:

[0012] In response to a preset defrosting control command, the system obtains the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature at which the food to be defrosted is fully defrosted.

[0013] The process of thawing the food to be thawed from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages;

[0014] Based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed, the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage are determined.

[0015] The defrosting device is controlled to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage.

[0016] As an improvement to the above scheme, the temperature stages include a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage; wherein, the temperature range of the first temperature stage is from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1; the temperature range of the second temperature stage is from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, which is the temperature range corresponding to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food to be thawed during the thawing process; the temperature range of the third temperature stage is from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3; T3≥T2>T1>T0.

[0017] As an improvement to the above scheme, the first temperature T1 is -5℃; the second temperature T2 is -1℃ to 0℃.

[0018] As an improvement to the above solution, the defrosting device includes a heater for heating the food to be defrosted during startup.

[0019] The step of determining the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed includes:

[0020] The heating power of the heater at each temperature stage is determined based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0021] The control of the defrosting device to operate according to corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage includes:

[0022] The heater is controlled to operate at the corresponding heating power at each temperature stage.

[0023] As an improvement to the above solution, determining the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed specifically includes:

[0024] During the first temperature stage, a preset first heating power corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained, which is used as the heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage.

[0025] In the second temperature stage, the preset maximum heating power of the heater is obtained as the heating power of the heater in the second temperature stage;

[0026] In the third temperature stage, the thawing time of the third temperature stage is calculated based on the total thawing time, the thawing time already elapsed in the first temperature stage and the second temperature stage.

[0027] Calculate the target heating rate corresponding to the third temperature stage based on the thawing time of the third temperature stage and the set temperature.

[0028] Based on the target heating rate, calculate the heating power of the heater corresponding to the third temperature stage.

[0029] As an improvement to the above solution, the step of determining the heating power of the heater in each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed further includes:

[0030] In the first temperature stage, obtain the preset heating rate range corresponding to the first temperature stage;

[0031] The actual heating rate of the food to be thawed during the first temperature stage is calculated in real time.

[0032] When the actual heating rate is not within the range of the heating rate, the current heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage is adjusted.

[0033] As an improvement to the above solution, the defrosting device further includes a fan and an air duct, wherein the fan is used to blow hot air through the air duct to the food to be defrosted when the device is started.

[0034] The step of determining the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed further includes:

[0035] The operating speed of the fan is determined according to the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0036] The method of controlling the defrosting device to operate according to corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage further includes:

[0037] The fan is controlled to operate at the corresponding operating speed during each temperature stage.

[0038] As an improvement to the above solution, determining the operating speed of the fan at each temperature stage based on the temperature range of the food to be thawed specifically includes:

[0039] During the first temperature stage, a preset first operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the first temperature stage.

[0040] During the second temperature stage, the preset maximum operating speed of the fan is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the second temperature stage.

[0041] In the third temperature stage, a preset second operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan in the third temperature stage; wherein, the first operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed, and the second operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed.

[0042] This invention also provides a defrosting control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0043] Box;

[0044] A thawing chamber, located within the enclosure, is used to store and thaw food awaiting thawing;

[0045] A temperature sensor, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to detect the temperature of the food to be defrosted;

[0046] A defrosting device, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to defrost the food to be defrosted during startup.

[0047] The method includes:

[0048] In response to a preset defrosting control command, the system obtains the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature at which the food to be defrosted is fully defrosted.

[0049] The process of thawing the food to be thawed from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages;

[0050] Based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed, the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage are determined.

[0051] The defrosting device is controlled to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage.

[0052] As an improvement to the above scheme, the temperature stages include a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage; wherein, the temperature range of the first temperature stage is from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1; the temperature range of the second temperature stage is from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, which is the temperature range corresponding to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food to be thawed during the thawing process; the temperature range of the third temperature stage is from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3; T3≥T2>T1>T0.

[0053] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator and its defrosting control method disclosed in this invention include a defrosting chamber for storing and defrosting food to be defrosted; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the food to be defrosted; a defrosting device for defrosting the food to be defrosted during startup; in response to a preset defrosting control command, the refrigerator acquires the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature at which the food to be defrosted is completed; the process of defrosting the food to be defrosted from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages; based on the total defrosting time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be defrosted, the operating parameters of the defrosting device in each temperature stage are determined; and the defrosting device is controlled to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters in each temperature stage. By employing the technical means of this invention, based on the total thawing time of the food to be thawed and the set temperature at which thawing is completed, several temperature stages are divided into the thawing process of the food. Then, according to the thawing requirements of each temperature stage, the operating state of the thawing device is controlled at each temperature stage, so that the operating state of the thawing device can match the thawing requirements of the food to be thawed at the current temperature stage in real time. While completing thawing in a timely manner, it effectively reduces the loss of nutrients in the food to be thawed during the thawing process, ensures the quality of the food to be thawed, and improves the user's needs. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thawing curve of food in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a refrigerator 10, including a cabinet 11, which has at least one storage compartment, such as a refrigerator compartment and / or a freezer compartment, for storing items requiring preservation or freezing. The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system for performing the refrigeration operation.

[0066] It should be noted that the refrigerator operates through the refrigeration system, providing cooling capacity to the storage compartment to maintain it at a constant low temperature. Specifically, the refrigeration system of the refrigerator in this embodiment consists of a compressor, a condenser, a dryer filter, a capillary tube, and an evaporator. The operation of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process, and an evaporation process.

[0067] The compression process is as follows: When the refrigerator is plugged in and there is a need for cooling, the compressor starts working. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder before being discharged into the condenser. The condensation process is as follows: The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser, and its temperature continuously decreases until it is gradually cooled into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into saturated liquid. The temperature at this point is no longer decreasing; this temperature is called the condensation temperature. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the entire condensation process. The throttling process is as follows: After condensation, the saturated refrigerant liquid is filtered through a dryer to remove moisture and impurities before flowing into a capillary tube. Through this tube, it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction, turning the refrigerant into room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process is as follows: Subsequently, the refrigerant begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator, which not only lowers the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator returns to the compressor, repeating the above process to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of cooling.

[0068] The refrigerator also includes a defrosting chamber 12, which is located within the refrigerator body 11 and is used to store and defrost food to be defrosted. The defrosting chamber 12 is a sealed space, and there is a sufficient insulation layer between the defrosting chamber 12 and the other storage spaces of the refrigerator.

[0069] The refrigerator also includes a temperature sensor 13, which is located in the defrosting chamber 12 and is used to detect the temperature of the food to be defrosted.

[0070] It should be noted that the specific structure and working principle of the temperature sensor 13 can refer to existing technologies, as long as it can detect the temperature of the food to be thawed in the defrosting chamber. For example, by managing the food placed inside, i.e., by attaching electronic tags to the food, and the refrigerator emitting a magnetic field, the information from the electronic tags is sensed and fed back to the read / write module and controller. This allows for real-time monitoring of the food temperature. Furthermore, the emitted magnetic field can penetrate the food's interior, enabling the sensing of its internal temperature. This is a mature technology, such as RFID technology for food management, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0071] The refrigerator also includes a defrosting device 14, which is located in the defrosting chamber 12 and is used to defrost the food to be defrosted during startup.

[0072] It should be noted that the specific structure and working principle of the defrosting device 14 can refer to existing technologies, as long as it can achieve the function of defrosting the food to be defrosted in the defrosting chamber. For example, the defrosting device 14 includes a heater, which defrosts the food to be defrosted in the defrosting chamber by heating.

[0073] The refrigerator also includes a controller 15, which is connected to the temperature sensor 13 and the defrosting device 14. The controller 15 can acquire the temperature of the food to be defrosted detected by the temperature sensor 13 in real time or periodically, and can also calculate and generate corresponding control commands to control the operation of the defrosting device 14 based on the acquired parameter information.

[0074] Specifically, see Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the first embodiment of the present invention. The controller 15 is specifically used to execute steps S11 to S14:

[0075] S11. In response to a preset defrosting control command, obtain the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature when the food to be defrosted is fully defrosted;

[0076] S12. The process of thawing the food to be thawed from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages;

[0077] S13. Determine the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0078] S14. Control the defrosting device to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, when a user needs to defrost food, after placing the food to be defrosted into the defrosting chamber, a defrosting control command is sent to the controller through a preset human-computer interaction module to control the defrosting chamber to enter the defrosting mode.

[0080] Furthermore, the controller 15 acquires the total defrosting time and the temperature the food needs to reach upon completion of defrosting, i.e., the set temperature T3. Understandably, the total defrosting time can be directly set by the user, or the user can set the defrosting completion time, and the controller will automatically calculate the total defrosting time to ensure the food is defrosted promptly before use. Alternatively, the user can input the set temperature of the food to be defrosted, or the user can input the type of food to be defrosted, or the defrosting chamber can automatically identify the food type and analyze it to obtain the set temperature; none of these methods constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0081] Furthermore, the thawing process of the food to be thawed is essentially the process of thawing from the initial temperature T0 when placed in the thawing chamber to the set temperature T3. The controller 15 determines several temperature stages of the food to be thawed based on the initial temperature T0 and the set temperature T3, and then controls the operating parameters of the thawing device 14 at each temperature stage as the food sequentially experiences these stages. Thawing is complete when the temperature of the food to be thawed reaches the set temperature.

[0082] By employing the technical means of this invention, based on the total thawing time of the food to be thawed and the set temperature at which thawing is completed, several temperature stages are divided into the thawing process of the food. Then, based on the thawing requirements of each temperature stage, the operating state of the thawing device is controlled at each temperature stage. This ensures that the operating state of the thawing device can match the thawing requirements of the food at the current temperature stage in real time, effectively reducing nutrient loss during thawing while completing thawing promptly, thus guaranteeing the quality of the food and improving user experience.

[0083] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thawing curve of food in an embodiment of the present invention. The temperature stages include a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage. The temperature range of the first temperature stage is from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1. The temperature range of the second temperature stage is from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, which is the temperature range corresponding to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food to be thawed during the thawing process. The temperature range of the third temperature stage is from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3, where T3 ≥ T2 > T1 > T0.

[0084] Preferably, the first temperature T1 is -5℃; the second temperature T2 is -1℃ to 0℃.

[0085] It's important to note that when the core temperature of most foods drops from -1°C to -5°C, nearly 80% of the water will freeze into ice. This temperature range is called the maximum ice crystal formation zone, and most ice crystals form between -1°C and -5°C. The maximum ice crystal formation zone is the most crucial temperature range for ensuring the quality of frozen foods. The formation pattern of ice crystals within the maximum ice crystal formation zone has a significant impact on food quality; the shorter the time spent passing through this zone during freezing, the better the quality. Therefore, it's understandable that during the thawing process, the maximum ice crystal formation zone is the most critical temperature range for ensuring the quality of thawed food.

[0086] Furthermore, the set temperature for different foods varies depending on the user's needs and the characteristics of the food itself. Most foods need to be thawed at least above 0°C to prevent them from freezing, so that meat can be easily cut. Steamed buns need to be thawed at 20°C or higher to be eaten directly without feeling cold.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, the temperature range corresponding to the zone of maximum ice crystal formation during the thawing process of the food to be thawed is taken as the temperature range corresponding to the second temperature stage. Thus, the process of thawing the food from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into three temperature stages: a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage. The first temperature stage is the process of the food thawing from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1 = 5°C; the second temperature stage is the process of the food thawing from the first temperature T1 to the first temperature T2 = -1 to 0°C; and the third temperature stage is the process of the food thawing from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3.

[0088] Furthermore, the controller 15 can control the operating parameters of the defrosting device 14 according to the defrosting requirements of the food at different temperature stages throughout the defrosting process, thereby completing the defrosting of the food. Specifically, the shorter the time spent passing through the maximum ice crystal formation zone during defrosting, the better the quality of the food.

[0089] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is a further implementation based on the above embodiment. The defrosting device 14 includes a heater 141. The heater 141 can be configured as a heating wire and is disposed on the inner wall and / or top of the defrosting chamber. The heater 141 is used to heat the food to be defrosted when the machine is started.

[0090] Based on this, see Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the refrigerator controller in the second embodiment of the present invention. Step S13, namely determining the operating parameters of the defrosting device at each temperature stage based on the total defrosting time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be defrosted, includes step S131:

[0091] S131. Determine the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0092] Step S14, which is to control the defrosting device to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage, includes step S141:

[0093] S141. Control the heater to operate at the corresponding heating power in each of the temperature stages.

[0094] In this embodiment of the invention, the defrosting device 14 is configured as a heater 141 to defrost the food to be defrosted by heating. The heating power of the heater 141 is adjustable, and the operating parameters of the defrosting device 14 refer to the heating power of the heater 141.

[0095] In practical applications, after determining several temperature stages of the food to be thawed, the heating power of the heater 141 is controlled at each temperature stage as the food to be thawed sequentially goes through each temperature stage. This ensures that the heat generated by the heater at the corresponding heating power can match the thawing needs of the food to be thawed at the current temperature stage in real time, thereby taking into account both the need to thaw the food and reduce the loss of nutrients.

[0096] Preferably, see Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the refrigerator controller in a third embodiment of the present invention. The present invention optimizes and explains the heating power control of the heater 141 at each temperature stage. Step S131, that is, determining the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total defrosting time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be defrosted, specifically includes the following steps:

[0097] During the first temperature stage, a preset first heating power corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained, which is used as the heating power of the heater during the first temperature stage.

[0098] In the second temperature stage, the preset maximum heating power of the heater is obtained as the heating power of the heater in the second temperature stage;

[0099] In the third temperature stage, the thawing time of the third temperature stage is calculated based on the total thawing time, the thawing time already elapsed in the first temperature stage and the second temperature stage.

[0100] Calculate the target heating rate corresponding to the third temperature stage based on the thawing time of the third temperature stage and the set temperature.

[0101] Based on the target heating rate, calculate the heating power of the heater corresponding to the third temperature stage.

[0102] Specifically, the first temperature stage is the process of the food to be thawed rising from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1. The heating rate is relatively fast. In this embodiment of the invention, a first heating power W1 corresponding to the first temperature stage is preset. By obtaining the first heating power W1 as the heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage, the heater is controlled to operate according to the first heating power W1 in the first temperature stage.

[0103] Preferably, see Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Step S131 further includes the following steps:

[0104] In the first temperature stage, obtain the preset heating rate range corresponding to the first temperature stage;

[0105] The actual heating rate of the food to be thawed during the first temperature stage is calculated in real time.

[0106] When the actual heating rate is not within the range of the heating rate, the current heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage is adjusted.

[0107] That is, in this embodiment of the invention, a first heating rate corresponding to the first temperature stage is preset to characterize the expected value of the heating rate of the food to be thawed in the first temperature stage. In the first temperature stage, after controlling the heater to operate at the first heating power, the controller 15 acquires the temperature change of the food to be thawed and the elapsed thawing time in real time, calculates the actual heating rate of the food to be thawed in the first temperature stage, and adjusts the current heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage based on the comparison between the actual heating rate and the preset heating rate range. Specifically, the heating power is increased or decreased to make the actual heating rate fall within the preset heating rate range, and the operation of the heater in the first temperature stage is controlled according to the adjusted heating power.

[0108] Furthermore, the second temperature stage is the process of thawing the food from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2. This process corresponds to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food. The shorter the time spent passing through the maximum ice crystal formation zone during thawing, the better the quality of the food. Therefore, by obtaining the maximum heating power W of the heater... max As the heating power corresponding to the heater in the second temperature stage, the heater is controlled to operate at the maximum heating power W in the second temperature stage. max It runs so that it can pass through the ice crystal zone at the fastest speed.

[0109] The third temperature stage is the process of thawing the food from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3. The heating rate is relatively fast. Furthermore, based on the user's setting of the total thawing time, the controller calculates the remaining thawing time in the third temperature stage by subtracting the thawing time already elapsed in the first and second temperature stages from the total thawing time. Combining this with the temperature range of the third temperature stage, the controller calculates the target heating rate of the food to be thawed in the third temperature stage. Then, based on the target heating rate, the controller calculates the heating power W2 corresponding to the heater in the third temperature stage and controls the heater to operate at the heating power W2 in the third temperature stage.

[0110] By employing the technical means of this invention, the food thawing process is divided into three temperature stages. In the first temperature stage, a preset heating power is used to control the heater to achieve rapid heating of the food. In the second temperature stage, the maximum heating power is used to control the heater to pass through the ice crystal zone as quickly as possible, ensuring the quality of the food. In the third temperature stage, the corresponding heating power is calculated based on the total thawing time to complete the thawing task on time. This ensures that the heat provided by the heater can match the thawing needs of the food to be thawed in real time at the current temperature stage. While completing thawing in a timely manner, it effectively reduces the loss of nutrients in the food to be thawed during the thawing process, ensuring the quality of the food and improving the user's experience.

[0111] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is a further implementation based on the above embodiments. The defrosting device 14 also includes a fan 142 and an air duct 143. The fan 142 is used to blow hot air through the air duct 143 to the food to be defrosted when the device is started.

[0112] Based on this, see Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the refrigerator controller in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Step S13, which involves determining the operating parameters of the defrosting device at each temperature stage based on the total defrosting time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be defrosted, further includes step S132:

[0113] S132. Determine the operating speed of the fan in each temperature stage according to the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed;

[0114] Step S14, which is to control the defrosting device to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage, also includes step S142:

[0115] S142. Control the fan to operate at the corresponding operating speed in each temperature stage.

[0116] In this embodiment of the invention, the defrosting device 14 is configured as a heater 141 to defrost the food by heating. Furthermore, the defrosting chamber is equipped with a fan 142 and an air duct 143 to assist in the defrosting of the food in conjunction with the operation of the heater. The operating parameters of the defrosting device 14 include the heating power of the heater 141 and the operating speed of the fan 142.

[0117] In practical applications, after determining several temperature stages of the food to be thawed, the heating power of the heater 141 and the operating speed of the fan 142 are controlled as the food to be thawed sequentially goes through each temperature stage, so as to match the thawing needs of the food to be thawed in real time at the current temperature stage, thereby taking into account both the need to complete the thawing of the food and reduce the loss of nutrients in the food.

[0118] Preferably, see Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the refrigerator controller in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Step S132, which is to determine the operating speed of the fan at each temperature stage based on the temperature range of the food to be thawed, specifically includes the following steps:

[0119] During the first temperature stage, a preset first operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the first temperature stage.

[0120] During the second temperature stage, the preset maximum operating speed of the fan is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the second temperature stage.

[0121] In the third temperature stage, a preset second operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan in the third temperature stage; wherein, the first operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed, and the second operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed.

[0122] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, a first operating speed U1 corresponding to the first temperature stage, a second operating speed U2 corresponding to the third temperature stage, and the maximum operating speed U of the fan are pre-set. max .

[0123] In the first temperature stage, the heater is controlled to operate at the first heating power W1 and the fan is controlled to operate at the first operating speed U1 in the first temperature stage by acquiring the first heating power W1 and the first operating speed U1 in the first temperature stage.

[0124] In the second temperature stage, the maximum heating power W is obtained. max The heating power of the heater in the second temperature stage is used as the reference, and the maximum operating speed U is obtained. max As the operating speed of the fan in the second temperature stage, the heater is controlled to operate at the maximum heating power W in the second temperature stage. max The fan is operated and controlled to operate at the maximum operating speed U during the second temperature stage. max run.

[0125] In the third temperature stage, the heating power W2 of the heater in the third temperature stage is calculated, and the second operating speed U2 is obtained as the operating speed of the fan in the third temperature stage. The heater is controlled to operate according to the second heating power W2 in the third temperature stage, and the fan is controlled to operate according to the second operating speed U2 in the third temperature stage.

[0126] By employing the technical means of this invention, in addition to using heating to defrost food, a fan and air duct are set up to assist in defrosting the food. Furthermore, the defrosting process is divided into three temperature stages, and the operating parameters of the heater and fan are controlled accordingly at each temperature stage. This allows the operating status of the heater and fan to match the defrosting requirements of the food to be defrosted at the current temperature stage in real time. While completing defrosting in a timely manner, this effectively reduces the loss of nutrients in the food to be defrosted during the defrosting process, ensuring the quality of the food and improving the user's experience.

[0127] This invention also provides a defrosting control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0128] Box;

[0129] A thawing chamber, located within the enclosure, is used to store and thaw food awaiting thawing;

[0130] A temperature sensor, located inside the defrosting chamber, is used to detect the temperature of the food to be defrosted;

[0131] A defrosting device, used to defrost the food to be defrosted during startup;

[0132] The thawing control method includes steps S21 to S24:

[0133] S21. In response to a preset defrosting control command, obtain the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature when the food to be defrosted is fully defrosted;

[0134] S22. The process of thawing the food to be thawed from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages;

[0135] S23. Determine the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0136] S24. Control the defrosting device to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage.

[0137] Preferably, the temperature stages include a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage; wherein, the temperature range of the first temperature stage is from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1; the temperature range of the second temperature stage is from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, which is the temperature range corresponding to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food to be thawed during the thawing process; the temperature range of the third temperature stage is from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3; T3≥T2>T1>T0.

[0138] Preferably, the first temperature T1 is -5℃; the second temperature T2 is -1℃ to 0℃.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment, the defrosting device includes a heater for heating the food to be defrosted during startup.

[0140] The step of determining the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed includes:

[0141] The heating power of the heater at each temperature stage is determined based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0142] The control of the defrosting device to operate according to corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage includes:

[0143] The heater is controlled to operate at the corresponding heating power at each temperature stage.

[0144] Preferably, determining the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed specifically includes:

[0145] During the first temperature stage, a preset first heating power corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained, which is used as the heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage.

[0146] In the second temperature stage, the preset maximum heating power of the heater is obtained as the heating power of the heater in the second temperature stage;

[0147] In the third temperature stage, the thawing time of the third temperature stage is calculated based on the total thawing time, the thawing time already elapsed in the first temperature stage and the second temperature stage.

[0148] Calculate the target heating rate corresponding to the third temperature stage based on the thawing time of the third temperature stage and the set temperature.

[0149] Based on the target heating rate, calculate the heating power of the heater corresponding to the third temperature stage.

[0150] Preferably, determining the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed further includes:

[0151] In the first temperature stage, obtain the preset heating rate range corresponding to the first temperature stage;

[0152] The actual heating rate of the food to be thawed during the first temperature stage is calculated in real time.

[0153] When the actual heating rate is not within the range of the heating rate, the current heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage is adjusted.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment, the defrosting device further includes a fan and an air duct, wherein the fan is used to blow hot air through the air duct onto the food to be defrosted when the device is started.

[0155] The step of determining the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed further includes:

[0156] The operating speed of the fan is determined according to the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed.

[0157] The method of controlling the defrosting device to operate according to corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage further includes:

[0158] The fan is controlled to operate at the corresponding operating speed during each temperature stage.

[0159] Preferably, determining the operating speed of the fan at each temperature stage based on the temperature range of the food to be thawed specifically includes:

[0160] During the first temperature stage, a preset first operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the first temperature stage.

[0161] During the second temperature stage, the preset maximum operating speed of the fan is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the second temperature stage.

[0162] In the third temperature stage, a preset second operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan in the third temperature stage; wherein, the first operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed, and the second operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed.

[0163] By employing the technical means of this invention, based on the total thawing time of the food to be thawed and the set temperature at which thawing is completed, several temperature stages are divided into the thawing process of the food. Then, based on the thawing requirements of each temperature stage, the operating state of the thawing device is controlled at each temperature stage. This ensures that the operating state of the thawing device can match the thawing requirements of the food at the current temperature stage in real time, effectively reducing nutrient loss during thawing while completing thawing promptly, thus guaranteeing the quality of the food and improving user experience.

[0164] It should be noted that the defrosting control method for a refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same process steps as the controller of a refrigerator in the above embodiment. The working principles and beneficial effects of the two are one-to-one, so they will not be described again.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0166] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Box; A thawing chamber, located within the enclosure, is used to store and thaw food awaiting thawing; A temperature sensor, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to detect the temperature of the food to be defrosted; A defrosting device, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to defrost the food to be defrosted during startup. Controller, used for: In response to a preset defrosting control command, the system obtains the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature at which the food to be defrosted is fully defrosted. The process of thawing the food to be thawed from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages; Based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed, the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage are determined. The defrosting device is controlled to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each of the temperature stages; The temperature stages include a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage; wherein, the temperature range of the first temperature stage is from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1; The temperature range of the second temperature stage is from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, which is the temperature range corresponding to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food to be thawed during the thawing process; the temperature range of the third temperature stage is from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3; T3≥T2>T1>T0.

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature T1 is -5℃; the second temperature T2 is -1℃ to 0℃.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The defrosting device includes a heater for heating the food to be defrosted during startup. The step of determining the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed includes: The heating power of the heater at each temperature stage is determined based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed. The control of the defrosting device to operate according to corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage includes: The heater is controlled to operate at the corresponding heating power at each temperature stage.

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed specifically includes: During the first temperature stage, a preset first heating power corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained, which is used as the heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage. In the second temperature stage, the preset maximum heating power of the heater is obtained as the heating power of the heater in the second temperature stage; In the third temperature stage, the thawing time of the third temperature stage is calculated based on the total thawing time, the thawing time already elapsed in the first temperature stage and the second temperature stage. Calculate the target heating rate corresponding to the third temperature stage based on the thawing time of the third temperature stage and the set temperature. Based on the target heating rate, calculate the heating power of the heater corresponding to the third temperature stage.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining the heating power of the heater at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed further includes: In the first temperature stage, obtain the preset heating rate range corresponding to the first temperature stage; The actual heating rate of the food to be thawed during the first temperature stage is calculated in real time. When the actual heating rate is not within the range of the heating rate, the current heating power of the heater in the first temperature stage is adjusted.

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The defrosting device also includes a fan and an air duct, wherein the fan is used to blow hot air through the air duct onto the food to be defrosted when the device is started. The step of determining the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed further includes: The operating speed of the fan is determined according to the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed. The method of controlling the defrosting device to operate according to corresponding operating parameters at each temperature stage further includes: The fan is controlled to operate at the corresponding operating speed during each temperature stage.

7. The refrigerator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the operating speed of the fan at each temperature stage based on the temperature range of the food to be thawed specifically includes: During the first temperature stage, a preset first operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the first temperature stage. During the second temperature stage, the preset maximum operating speed of the fan is obtained as the operating speed of the fan during the second temperature stage. In the third temperature stage, a preset second operating speed corresponding to the first temperature stage is obtained as the operating speed of the fan in the third temperature stage; wherein, the first operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed, and the second operating speed is less than the maximum operating speed.

8. A defrosting control method for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: Box; A thawing chamber, located within the enclosure, is used to store and thaw food awaiting thawing; A temperature sensor, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to detect the temperature of the food to be defrosted; A defrosting device, located in the defrosting chamber, is used to defrost the food to be defrosted during startup. The method includes: In response to a preset defrosting control command, the system obtains the currently set total defrosting time and the set temperature at which the food to be defrosted is fully defrosted. The process of thawing the food to be thawed from the initial temperature to the set temperature is divided into several temperature stages; Based on the total thawing time and the temperature range of each temperature stage of the food to be thawed, the operating parameters of the thawing device at each temperature stage are determined. The defrosting device is controlled to operate according to the corresponding operating parameters at each of the temperature stages; The temperature stages include a first temperature stage, a second temperature stage, and a third temperature stage; wherein, the temperature range of the first temperature stage is from the initial temperature T0 to the first temperature T1; the temperature range of the second temperature stage is from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, which is the temperature range corresponding to the maximum ice crystal formation zone of the food to be thawed during the thawing process; the temperature range of the third temperature stage is from the second temperature T2 to the set temperature T3; T3≥T2>T1>T0.

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