Air-cooled refrigerator and method and control device for humidity control of the freezer compartment thereof
By controlling the compressor speed to regulate the evaporator module temperature, frost formation and sublimation are achieved, solving the problem of insufficient humidity in the freezer compartment of air-cooled refrigerators, improving preservation effect and reducing cost.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Air-cooled refrigerators generate dry, cold air during cooling, which causes food to dry out and affects its preservation effect. Existing technologies are unable to effectively increase the humidity in the freezer compartment.
By controlling the compressor speed, the refrigerant temperature in the evaporator module changes, achieving frost formation and sublimation, thus increasing the humidity in the freezer compartment. This includes controlling the compressor to run at a first speed to cause frost formation on the evaporator module, and then running at a second speed to cause the frost to sublimate, thereby increasing air humidity.
It effectively increases the humidity in the freezer compartment, reduces food drying, enhances the refrigerator's preservation capabilities, and eliminates the need for additional humidification components, thus reducing costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN116817528B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration and freezing equipment technology, and in particular to a method and device for controlling humidity in a frost-free refrigerator and its freezer compartment. Background Technology
[0002] Frost-free refrigerators use air circulation for cooling. Moisture in the freezer compartment condenses on the evaporator, and then dry, cold air is blown out, keeping the freezer dry for a period of time. Because frost-free refrigerators create a direct, blowing stream of dry, cold air, many users use plastic bags to wrap food. However, these bags may tear or open while users are searching for food, allowing the dry, cold air to blow directly onto the food, causing severe dehydration and affecting its freshness. Summary of the Invention
[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the humidity of the freezer compartment of a frost-free refrigerator, which can effectively increase the humidity of the freezer compartment to reduce food drying and enhance the refrigerator's preservation capabilities.
[0004] A further objective of this invention is to simplify and expedite the humidification process in the freezer compartment.
[0005] Specifically, this invention provides a method for humidity control in the freezer compartment of a frost-free refrigerator. The refrigeration system of the frost-free refrigerator includes a compressor and an evaporator module, and the air in the freezer compartment exchanges heat with the evaporator module. The method includes:
[0006] The compressor is controlled to run at a first speed so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the evaporator module is at least partially frosted.
[0007] The compressor is controlled to run at a second speed, which raises the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module to sublimate the frost on the evaporator module and humidify the freezer compartment. The second speed is less than the first speed.
[0008] Optionally, the step of controlling the compressor to operate at a first speed may include:
[0009] Determine if the air temperature in the freezer compartment has reached the compartment's start-up temperature;
[0010] If so, control the compressor to run at the first speed.
[0011] Optionally, the step of controlling the compressor to operate at a first speed so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment includes:
[0012] The compressor is controlled to run at the first speed so that the absolute value of the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module and the target temperature of the compartment is not less than the preset difference threshold.
[0013] Optionally, the step of controlling the compressor to operate at the second speed may include:
[0014] Determine whether the air temperature in the freezer compartment has reached the target temperature for the compartment;
[0015] If so, control the compressor to run at the second speed.
[0016] Optionally, the step of controlling the compressor to operate at a second speed to raise the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module includes:
[0017] The compressor is controlled to run at the second speed, raising the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module to the target temperature of the compartment.
[0018] Optionally, the evaporator module has a single refrigerant flow path; the method includes:
[0019] The compressor is controlled to run at the first speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator module is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the evaporator module frosts up;
[0020] The compressor is controlled to run at the second speed, which raises the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator module to sublimate the frost on the evaporator module and humidify the freezer compartment.
[0021] Optionally, the evaporator module includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator arranged in parallel, the first evaporator and the second evaporator being disposed in an evaporator chamber, the evaporator chamber being connected to the freezer chamber; the method includes:
[0022] The compressor is controlled to run at the first speed, and the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator is opened while the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator is closed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the first evaporator is frosted.
[0023] The compressor is controlled to run at the second speed, and the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator is disconnected while the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator is opened, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the second evaporator rises to sublimate the frost in the first evaporator and humidify the freezer compartment.
[0024] Optionally, the evaporator module has a first refrigerant line and a second refrigerant line arranged in parallel; the method includes:
[0025] The compressor is controlled to run at the first speed, and the first refrigerant line is opened while the second refrigerant line is closed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant line is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the first refrigerant line is frosted.
[0026] The compressor is controlled to run at the second speed, and the first refrigerant line is disconnected while the second refrigerant line is connected, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant line rises to sublimate the frost in the first refrigerant line, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment.
[0027] The present invention also provides a control device for an air-cooled refrigerator, having a memory and a processor. The memory stores a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the aforementioned humidity control method for the freezer compartment of the air-cooled refrigerator.
[0028] The present invention also provides an air-cooled refrigerator having the aforementioned control device.
[0029] The humidity control method for the freezer compartment of the air-cooled refrigerator of the present invention controls the compressor to operate at a first speed to lower the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, causing at least partial frost formation on the evaporator module. Then, the compressor is controlled to operate at a second speed lower than the first speed, raising the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module and causing further frost formation. The frost sublimates and enters the air, resulting in high-humidity air flowing into the freezer compartment. This effectively increases the humidity of the freezer compartment, reducing food dehydration and enhancing the refrigerator's preservation capabilities. Furthermore, the humidity control method of the air-cooled refrigerator of the present invention can rapidly increase the humidity of the freezer compartment simply by controlling the compressor and evaporator module, eliminating the need for additional humidification components and effectively reducing costs.
[0030] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0031] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air-cooled refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a flow chart illustrating the humidity control method for the freezer compartment of a frost-free refrigerator.
[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial component composition of a frost-free refrigerator.
[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a detailed flowchart of the humidity control method for the freezer compartment of a frost-free refrigerator.
[0036] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system of an air-cooled refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system of an air-cooled refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system of an air-cooled refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wind-cooled refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates the humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial component composition of the air-cooled refrigerator 100.
[0040] The air-cooled refrigerator 100 of this embodiment is a storage device that includes a refrigeration system, and generally includes a cabinet 101, a door 102 and a refrigeration system.
[0041] The cabinet 101 comprises an outer shell, an inner liner, and an insulation layer located between the outer shell and the inner liner. The inner liner of the cabinet 101 defines at least one storage compartment open at the front. There are typically multiple storage compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment 111, a freezer compartment 112, a variable temperature compartment, etc. The specific number and function of the storage compartments can be configured according to pre-defined needs. In some embodiments, the storage temperature of the refrigerator compartment 111 can be 2–9°C, or 4–7°C; the storage temperature of the freezer compartment 112 can be -22–-14°C, or -20–-16°C. Figure 1 As shown, the freezer compartment 112 is located below the refrigerator compartment 111. The door 102 is pivotally located on the front side of the storage compartment.
[0042] The refrigeration system can be a refrigeration cycle system consisting of a compressor 201, a condenser 202, a throttling device, and an evaporator module 203. The working principle of the refrigeration system is as follows: the compressor 201, driven by an electric motor, continuously rotates, compressing the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vapor to a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The condenser 202 is a heat exchange device that utilizes ambient cooling to remove heat from the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor from the compressor 201, cooling and condensing the vapor into a high-pressure, room-temperature refrigerant liquid. The high-pressure, room-temperature refrigerant liquid passes through the throttling device to obtain a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, which is then sent to the evaporator module 203 to absorb heat and evaporate. The evaporator module 203, as another heat exchange device, allows the throttled low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid to evaporate into vapor, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and lowering the ambient temperature, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration. Figure 1 As shown, the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 also has an evaporator compartment 113 inside the cabinet 101. The evaporator compartment 113 is connected to the freezer compartment 112 through an air outlet 114 and an air return vent 115. An evaporator module 203 is installed in the evaporator compartment 113, and a fan 104 is installed at the air outlet 114 to circulate cooling to the freezer compartment 112. A compressor compartment 103 is formed on the lower rear side of the cabinet 101, and the compressor 201 and condenser 202 are installed in the compressor compartment 103.
[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:
[0044] S102: Control the compressor 201 to run at a first speed so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112, and the evaporator module 203 is at least partially frosted;
[0045] S104: Control the compressor 201 to run at a second speed to raise the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 so that the frost in the evaporator module 203 sublimates, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment 112, wherein the second speed is less than the first speed.
[0046] The humidity control method of the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of this invention controls the compressor 201 to operate at a first speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112, causing at least partial frost to form on the evaporator module 203. Then, the compressor 201 is controlled to operate at a second speed lower than the first speed, raising the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203, defrosting the evaporator module 203. The frost in the evaporator module 203 sublimates into the air, making the air flowing into the freezer compartment 112 high-humidity air. This effectively increases the humidity of the freezer compartment 112, reducing food dehydration and enhancing the refrigerator 100's preservation ability. Furthermore, the humidity control method of the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of this invention can quickly increase the humidity of the freezer compartment 112 by controlling only the compressor 201 and the evaporator module 203, without the need for additional humidification components, effectively reducing costs.
[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of this embodiment also includes a control device 400, which has a memory 401 and a processor 402. The memory 401 stores a machine-executable program 410. When the machine-executable program 410 is executed by the processor 402, it is used to implement the aforementioned humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100. The temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112 can be obtained by a temperature sensor 105 installed at the air duct cover.
[0048] In some embodiments, the humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of the present invention further includes the following steps before the step of controlling the compressor 201 to operate at a first speed:
[0049] Determine whether the air temperature in freezer compartment 112 has reached the compartment's start-up temperature;
[0050] If so, control compressor 201 to run at the first speed.
[0051] When the measured air temperature in the freezer compartment 112 reaches the compartment's start-up temperature, refrigeration begins, and the compressor 201 and fan 104 operate to cool the freezer compartment 112. At this time, controlling the compressor 201 to operate at a first speed allows for cooling of the freezer compartment 112 while at least partially frosting the evaporator module 203.
[0052] In some embodiments, the humidity control method of the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of the present invention includes the step of controlling the compressor 201 to operate at a first speed so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112, which includes:
[0053] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed so that the absolute value of the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 and the target temperature of the compartment is not less than a preset difference threshold.
[0054] The start-up temperature of the freezer compartment 112 can be, for example, -16℃ or -15℃. The target temperature of the freezer compartment 112 is lower than the start-up temperature of the freezer compartment 112, for example, -18℃ or -19℃. The preset difference threshold can be, for example, 5-7℃. The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 is, for example, -23℃ to -25℃. By ensuring that the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 and the target temperature of the compartment is not less than the preset difference threshold, it can be ensured that a large amount of frost forms at the evaporator module 203 when the air in the freezer compartment 112 passes through the evaporator module 203.
[0055] In some embodiments, the humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of the present invention further includes the following steps before the step of controlling the compressor 201 to operate at a second speed:
[0056] Determine whether the air temperature in freezer compartment 112 has reached the target temperature for the compartment;
[0057] If so, control compressor 201 to run at the second speed.
[0058] Once the air temperature in the freezer compartment 112 reaches the target temperature, the compressor speed 201 is adjusted to defrost and humidify, ensuring the freezing effect of the freezer compartment 112 while humidifying.
[0059] In some embodiments, in the humidity control method of the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 of the present invention, the step of controlling the compressor 201 to operate at a second speed to raise the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 includes:
[0060] The compressor 201 is controlled to operate at a second speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 is raised to the target temperature of the compartment.
[0061] By raising the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 to the target temperature of the compartment, the temperature of the freezer compartment 112 can be maintained while defrosting the evaporator module 203 using the air in the freezer compartment 112.
[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A detailed flowchart illustrating the humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 is shown. The humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:
[0063] S202: Determine whether the air temperature in the freezer compartment 112 has reached the compartment's start-up temperature. If the result of step S202 is yes, proceed to step S204.
[0064] S204: Control the compressor 201 to run at the first speed so that the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 and the target temperature of the compartment is not less than the preset difference threshold.
[0065] S206: Determine whether the air temperature in the freezer compartment 112 has reached the target temperature of the compartment. If the determination result of step S206 is yes, proceed to step S208.
[0066] S208: Control the compressor 201 to run at the second speed to raise the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module 203 to the target temperature of the compartment.
[0067] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system of a wind-cooled refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator module 203 has a single refrigerant flow path. The humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention includes:
[0068] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator module 203 is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112, and the evaporator module 203 is frosted.
[0069] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a second speed, which raises the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator module 203 to sublimate the frost in the evaporator module 203, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment 112.
[0070] Assuming the freezer compartment's start-up temperature is -16℃, the target temperature is -18℃, and the shutdown temperature is -20℃, when the temperature of the freezer compartment 112 is detected to be -16℃, meaning the air temperature in the freezer compartment 112 has reached the start-up temperature, refrigeration begins, and the fan 104 starts operating. The compressor 201 is controlled to run at its first speed, and the refrigerant temperature in the evaporator module 203 is -25℃. As the air in the freezer compartment 112 passes through the evaporator module 203, a large amount of frost forms on the evaporator module 203, and dry air is blown out, causing the temperature and humidity of the freezer compartment 112 to decrease. When the temperature in the freezer compartment 112 reaches -18℃, meaning the air temperature in the freezer compartment 112 has reached the target temperature, the compressor 201 speed is reduced to a lower speed. The refrigerant temperature in the evaporator module 203 is -18℃. As the -18℃ air passes through the evaporator module 203, the -25℃ frost on the evaporator module 203 absorbs heat from the refrigerant and air, increasing its temperature and sublimating into the air, blowing out high-humidity air and rapidly increasing the humidity in the freezer compartment 112. Once the compartment shutdown temperature of -20℃ is reached, the compressor 201 and fan 104 are shut down.
[0071] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system of a wind-cooled refrigerator 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator module 203 includes a first evaporator 251 and a second evaporator 252 arranged in parallel. The first evaporator 251 and the second evaporator 252 are disposed within the evaporator chamber 113, which communicates with the freezer chamber 112. The humidity control method for the freezer chamber 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention includes:
[0072] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed, and the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator 251 is opened and the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator 252 is closed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator 251 is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112, and the first evaporator 251 is frosted.
[0073] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at the second speed, and the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator 251 is disconnected while the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator 252 is opened, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the second evaporator 252 is raised to sublimate the frost in the first evaporator 251, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment 112.
[0074] The first evaporator 251 and the second evaporator 252 can be arranged in parallel, one above the other, with a switching valve 204 at the inlet. Assume the compartment's start-up temperature is -16℃, the target temperature is -19℃, and the shutdown temperature is -20℃. When the temperature of the freezer compartment 112 is detected to be -16℃, refrigeration begins, and the fan 104 starts. The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed, the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator 251 is open, and the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator 252 is closed, allowing refrigerant to flow from the first evaporator 251. The temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator 251 is -25℃. Air in the freezer compartment 112 passes through the first evaporator 251, where it frosts extensively, blowing out dry air and lowering the temperature and humidity of the freezer compartment 112. The temperature of the second evaporator 252 is the same as that of the freezer compartment 112, so air passing through the second evaporator 252 will not frost on it. When the temperature in the freezer compartment 112 reaches -19°C, the compressor 201 speed is reduced to a second speed, maintaining the refrigerant temperature at -19°C. The first evaporator 251 shuts off, and the second evaporator 252 opens. The second evaporator 252 maintains the same temperature as the freezer compartment 112 and will not frost. As the -19°C air passes through the first evaporator 251, the -25°C frost on it absorbs heat, rises in temperature, sublimates, and enters the air, blowing out highly humid air and rapidly increasing the humidity in the freezer compartment 112.
[0075] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system of a wind-cooled refrigerator 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator module 203 has a first refrigerant line 261 and a second refrigerant line 262 connected in parallel. The humidity control method for the freezer compartment 112 of the air-cooled refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention includes:
[0076] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed, and the first refrigerant line 261 is connected and the second refrigerant line 262 is disconnected, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant line 261 is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment 112, and the first refrigerant line 261 is frosted.
[0077] The compressor 201 is controlled to run at the second speed, and the first refrigerant line 261 is disconnected and the second refrigerant line 262 is connected, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant line 262 rises to sublimate the frost in the first refrigerant line 261, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment 112.
[0078] The first refrigerant line 261 and the second refrigerant line 262 can be connected in parallel, with a switching valve 204 at the inlet. Assume the compartment's start-up temperature is -16℃, the target temperature is -19℃, and the shutdown temperature is -20℃. When the temperature of the freezer compartment 112 is detected to be -16℃, refrigeration begins, and the fan 104 starts. The compressor 201 is controlled to run at a first speed, the first refrigerant line 261 is open, and the second refrigerant line 262 is closed, allowing refrigerant to flow through the first refrigerant line 261. The temperature of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant line 261 is -25℃. Air in the freezer compartment 112 passes through the first refrigerant line 261, where a large amount of frost forms, and dry air is blown out, causing a decrease in both temperature and humidity in the freezer compartment 112. The second refrigerant line 262 is at the same temperature as the freezer compartment 112, so the air in the freezer compartment 112 will not frost on the second refrigerant line 262. When the temperature of the freezer compartment 112 reaches -19℃, the speed of the compressor 201 is reduced to a second speed, the refrigerant temperature is -19℃, the first refrigerant line 261 is disconnected, and the second refrigerant line 262 is connected. The second refrigerant line 262 is at the same temperature as the freezer compartment 112 and will not frost. The -19℃ air passes through the first refrigerant line 261, and the -25℃ frost on the first refrigerant line 261 absorbs heat, its temperature rises, and it sublimates into the air, blowing out high-humidity air and quickly increasing the humidity of the freezer compartment 112.
[0079] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the appendix. Figure 1 The orientations or positional relationships shown are for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0080] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.
[0081] 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 method for controlling humidity in the freezer compartment of a frost-free refrigerator, wherein the refrigeration system of the frost-free refrigerator includes a compressor and an evaporator module, and the air in the freezer compartment exchanges heat with the evaporator module, the method comprising: The compressor is controlled to operate at a first speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the evaporator module is at least partially frosted. The compressor is controlled to operate at a second speed to raise the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module to sublimate the frost in the evaporator module and humidify the freezer compartment, wherein the second speed is less than the first speed; Prior to the step of controlling the compressor to operate at the second speed, the following is also included: Determine whether the air temperature in the freezer compartment has reached the target temperature of the compartment; the target temperature of the compartment is lower than the start-up temperature of the freezer compartment. If so, control the compressor to operate at the second speed; The step of controlling the compressor to operate at a second speed to raise the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module includes: The compressor is controlled to operate at the second speed, thereby raising the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module to the target temperature of the compartment.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Prior to the step of controlling the compressor to operate at the first speed, the following is also included: Determine whether the air temperature in the freezer compartment has reached the compartment's start-up temperature; If so, control the compressor to operate at the first speed.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The step of controlling the compressor to operate at a first speed so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment includes: The compressor is controlled to operate at the first speed so that the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator module and the target temperature of the compartment is not less than a preset difference threshold.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The evaporator module has a single refrigerant flow path; the method includes: The compressor is controlled to operate at the first speed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator module is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the evaporator module is frosted. The compressor is controlled to operate at the second speed, thereby raising the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator module to sublimate the frost in the evaporator module and humidify the freezer compartment.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The evaporator module includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected in parallel, the first evaporator and the second evaporator being disposed in an evaporator chamber, the evaporator chamber being connected to the freezer chamber; the method includes: The compressor is controlled to run at the first speed, and the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator is opened and the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator is closed, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the first evaporator is frosted. The compressor is controlled to run at the second speed, and the refrigerant flow path of the first evaporator is disconnected and the refrigerant flow path of the second evaporator is opened, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the second evaporator is increased to sublimate the frost in the first evaporator, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The evaporator module has a first refrigerant line and a second refrigerant line connected in parallel; the method includes: The compressor is controlled to run at the first speed, and the first refrigerant line is connected and the second refrigerant line is disconnected, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant line is lower than the temperature of the air in the freezer compartment, and the first refrigerant line is frosted. The compressor is controlled to run at the second speed, and the first refrigerant line is disconnected and the second refrigerant line is connected, so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant line rises to sublimate the frost in the first refrigerant line, thereby humidifying the freezer compartment.
7. A control device for a frost-free refrigerator, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, and when the machine-executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the humidity control method for the freezer compartment of the frost-free refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-6.
8. A frost-free refrigerator having the control device according to claim 7.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Refrigerator
JP2003287331A