A refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator comprises a vacuum storage chamber, a refrigerating system, a vacuumizing system, a heating system and a controller connected with the vacuum storage chamber; the refrigerating system comprises an air inlet and outlet and a compressor. In response to a preset air drying function starting instruction, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are turned on to control the refrigerating system to perform a preset refrigerating operation; when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are turned off, the vacuumizing system is started to perform a vacuumizing operation, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation, and when the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are turned on, and the vacuumizing system and the heating system are turned off. By using the application, a low-temperature drying storage environment can be provided for food materials, and the fresh-keeping and shelf life of the food materials can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous development of society and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives. The types of food people store in refrigerators are becoming increasingly diverse, and people's requirements for food storage are also getting higher and higher.

[0003] With consumers' aspirations for a healthier lifestyle, the proportion of dried goods in their diets is gradually increasing, and these dried goods require low-temperature and dry storage. However, the inventors have discovered that existing technologies have at least the following problems: traditional refrigerators include two compartments, a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and it is difficult for the humidity and temperature of these two compartments to simultaneously meet the storage requirements of these dried goods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator control method that can provide a low-temperature and dry storage environment for food, effectively preserve the food and extend its shelf life, and provide users with a good user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator, comprising: a vacuum storage compartment, and a refrigeration system, a vacuuming system, a heating system, and a controller connected thereto; the refrigeration system includes an air inlet / outlet and a compressor;

[0006] The controller is used for:

[0007] In response to a preset air-drying function start command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform a preset refrigeration operation.

[0008] When the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is started to perform a vacuuming operation, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold. Then the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes a sensor system, which includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage compartment, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage compartment; the controller is connected to the sensor system.

[0010] The refrigeration operation includes pre-freezing refrigeration and quick-freezing refrigeration; therefore, in response to a preset air-drying function start command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to execute the preset refrigeration operation, specifically including:

[0011] In response to a preset air-drying function start command, the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor are acquired;

[0012] When the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are turned on, and the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein, the pre-freezing refrigeration operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to a preset second temperature threshold within a preset first refrigeration time.

[0013] When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing operation; wherein, the quick-freezing operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to the first temperature threshold within a preset second refrigeration time; the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is activated to perform a vacuuming operation, and the heating system is activated to perform a heating operation, until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, at which point the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed, specifically including:

[0015] When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is started to perform a vacuuming operation on the vacuum storage chamber, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0016] When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0017] After opening the air inlet and outlet and waiting for a preset time, the air inlet and outlet are closed again, and the following steps are repeated: when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0018] When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are turned off; wherein the first humidity threshold is less than the second humidity threshold.

[0019] As an improvement to the above solution, the heating system includes a radiant plate, a radiant heat pipe, and a flow control valve. The radiant plate is installed below or around the vacuum storage chamber. The radiant plate is connected to the radiant heat pipe, one end of the radiant heat pipe is connected to the first end of the flow control valve, and the second end of the flow control valve is connected to the exhaust pipe of the compressor.

[0020] Therefore, starting the heating system specifically involves:

[0021] The flow control valve is opened so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows out of the exhaust pipe and into the radiant heat pipe, transferring heat to the radiant plate so that the radiant plate heats the vacuum storage chamber.

[0022] The specific steps of shutting down the heating system are as follows:

[0023] The flow control valve is closed to prevent the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor from entering the radiant heat pipe, thereby stopping the heating operation of the radiant plate on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0024] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes: an air inlet / outlet duct connected to the air inlet / outlet, and a dryer and a sealing component are provided in the air inlet / outlet duct; the dryer is used to dry the air in the air inlet / outlet duct to form the dry air.

[0025] This invention also provides a method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: a vacuum storage compartment, and a refrigeration system, a vacuuming system, a heating system, and a controller connected thereto; the refrigeration system includes an air inlet / outlet and a compressor;

[0026] The method includes:

[0027] In response to a preset air-drying function start command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform a preset refrigeration operation.

[0028] When the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is started to perform a vacuuming operation, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold. Then the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed.

[0029] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes a sensor system, which includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage compartment, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage compartment.

[0030] The refrigeration operation includes pre-freezing refrigeration and quick-freezing refrigeration; therefore, in response to a preset air-drying function start command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to execute the preset refrigeration operation, specifically including:

[0031] In response to a preset air-drying function start command, the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor are acquired;

[0032] When the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are turned on, and the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein, the pre-freezing refrigeration operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to a preset second temperature threshold within a preset first refrigeration time.

[0033] When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing operation; wherein, the quick-freezing operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to the first temperature threshold within a preset second refrigeration time; the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

[0034] As an improvement to the above solution, when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is activated to perform a vacuuming operation, and the heating system is activated to perform a heating operation, until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, at which point the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed, specifically including:

[0035] When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is started to perform a vacuuming operation on the vacuum storage chamber, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0036] When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0037] After opening the air inlet and outlet and waiting for a preset time, the air inlet and outlet are closed again, and the following steps are repeated: when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0038] When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are turned off; wherein the first humidity threshold is less than the second humidity threshold.

[0039] As an improvement to the above solution, the heating system includes a radiant plate, a radiant heat pipe, and a flow control valve. The radiant plate is installed below or around the vacuum storage chamber. The radiant plate is connected to the radiant heat pipe, one end of the radiant heat pipe is connected to the first end of the flow control valve, and the second end of the flow control valve is connected to the exhaust pipe of the compressor.

[0040] Therefore, starting the heating system specifically involves:

[0041] The flow control valve is opened so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows out of the exhaust pipe and into the radiant heat pipe, transferring heat to the radiant plate so that the radiant plate heats the vacuum storage chamber.

[0042] The specific steps of shutting down the heating system are as follows:

[0043] The flow control valve is closed to prevent the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor from entering the radiant heat pipe, thereby stopping the heating operation of the radiant plate on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0044] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes: an air inlet / outlet duct connected to the air inlet / outlet, and a dryer and a sealing component are provided in the air inlet / outlet duct; the dryer is used to dry the air in the air inlet / outlet duct to form the dry air.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator and its control method disclosed in this invention have a vacuum storage compartment inside the refrigerator. In response to a preset drying function activation command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage compartment is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet / outlet and the compressor connected to the vacuum storage compartment are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform a cooling operation on the vacuum storage compartment. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage compartment is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet / outlet is closed, the vacuum system is activated to perform a vacuuming operation on the vacuum storage compartment, and the heating system is activated to perform a heating operation on the vacuum storage compartment until the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage compartment is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold. Then, the air inlet / outlet is opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed. The present invention employs a vacuum storage chamber specifically designed for storing food items requiring low-temperature and dry storage conditions. By using negative pressure freezing technology, the free water in the food items within the vacuum storage chamber is quickly removed, providing a low-temperature and dry storage environment. This effectively maintains the temperature and humidity of the food items within a low range, thus preserving freshness and extending their shelf life, providing users with a superior experience. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration operation performed by the refrigeration system of the refrigerator in this embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the piping connection of the refrigeration system and heating system of the refrigerator in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum storage chamber in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution of a preset cooling operation in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another preferred embodiment of the refrigerator control method in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] 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.

[0057] This invention provides a refrigerator 10, including at least one storage compartment, such as a refrigerator compartment and / or a freezer compartment, for storing items that require preservation or freezing. The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system for performing the refrigeration operation.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The compression process is as follows: When the refrigerator power cord is plugged in and the thermostat contacts are closed, 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 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, where 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 refrigeration.

[0060] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 10 further includes a vacuum storage chamber 11 for storing food, medicine, and other items. The vacuum storage chamber 11 can be independently installed or located in the refrigerator's refrigeration or freezer compartment.

[0061] The refrigeration system 12 is also used to refrigerate the vacuum storage chamber 11 by supplying air to the vacuum storage chamber 11 through the air inlet / outlet 121 connected to the vacuum storage chamber 11. The refrigerator 10 also includes a vacuum system 13, a heating system 14, and a controller 15. The vacuum system 13 is connected to the vacuum storage chamber 11 and is used to perform a vacuum operation on the vacuum storage chamber 11 by extracting steam and air from the vacuum storage chamber 11 through the air extraction port connected to the vacuum storage chamber 11. The heating system 14 is connected to the vacuum storage chamber 11 and is used to heat the vacuum storage chamber 11 to achieve the evaporation and sublimation of water and ice within the vacuum storage chamber 11.

[0062] The controller 15 is connected to the refrigeration system 12, the vacuum system 13 and the heating system 14 respectively, and is used to control the operation of the above systems, so that the vacuum storage chamber can form a low-temperature and dry environment, which is convenient for users to store dry food.

[0063] Specifically, see Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the controller 15 is used to execute steps S11 to S12:

[0064] S11. In response to a preset air-drying function start command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform a preset refrigeration operation.

[0065] S12. When the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, close the air inlet and outlet, start the vacuum system to perform vacuuming operation, and start the heating system to perform heating operation until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, then open the air inlet and outlet, and close the vacuum system and the heating system.

[0066] Specifically, when a user stores food requiring low-temperature drying in the vacuum storage compartment 11, they send a start command for the drying function to the refrigerator controller 15 via a preset human-machine interaction module, such as a preset start button or a voice control module. Of course, the user can also set a timer to send the start command for the drying function to the refrigerator controller 15, which does not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0067] Upon receiving the air-drying function start command, the controller 15 responds to the air-drying function start command by detecting and judging the indoor temperature and indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the controller 15 opens the air inlet / outlet 121 and starts the compressor 122 to control the refrigeration system 12 to perform a refrigeration operation on the vacuum storage chamber 11, freezing the moisture inside the food stored in the vacuum storage chamber 11 into ice, and lowering the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber 11 to a preset temperature threshold, namely the first temperature threshold T1.

[0068] The controller 15 monitors the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber 11 in real time. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber 11 is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold T1, the air inlet / outlet 121 is closed to seal the vacuum storage chamber. Next, the vacuum system 13 is activated to vacuum the vacuum storage chamber 11, removing excess air and steam. The heating system 14 is then controlled to heat the vacuum storage chamber 11, accelerating the sublimation of ice inside the food stored in the vacuum storage chamber 11, thereby reducing the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11.

[0069] The controller 15 monitors the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11 in real time. When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the preset first humidity threshold H1, the air inlet and outlet 121 are opened, and the vacuum system 13 and the heating system 14 are closed at the same time to stop the vacuuming operation and the heating operation. At this time, the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the low temperature and dry environment that meets the requirements for food storage, and the refrigerator will then operate normally.

[0070] It should be noted that the first temperature threshold T1 is a target temperature value set to meet the low-temperature and dry storage conditions for food, and the first humidity threshold H1 is a target humidity value set to meet the low-temperature and dry storage conditions for food. Both can be set according to the actual situation, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0071] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 10 also includes a sensor system 16, which includes a temperature sensor 161 and a humidity sensor 162; the temperature sensor 161 is used to detect the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber 11, and the humidity sensor 162 is used to detect the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11.

[0072] The controller 15 is connected to the sensor system 16, thereby interacting with the temperature sensor 161 and the humidity sensor 162 to obtain the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 161 and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 162 in real time, thereby realizing real-time monitoring of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity of the vacuum storage room 11.

[0073] This invention provides a refrigerator with a vacuum storage compartment inside. A controller, responding to a preset drying function activation command, opens the air inlet and outlet connected to the vacuum storage compartment and the compressor to control the refrigeration system to cool the vacuum storage compartment. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage compartment is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is activated to vacuum the vacuum storage compartment, and the heating system is activated to heat the vacuum storage compartment until the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage compartment is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold. Then, the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed. By employing the technical means of this invention, a vacuum storage compartment is specifically designed for storing food requiring low-temperature and dry storage conditions. Through negative pressure freezing technology, free water in the food within the vacuum storage compartment is quickly removed, providing a low-temperature and dry storage environment. This maintains the temperature and humidity of the food within a low range, effectively preserving freshness and extending the shelf life of the food, providing a better user experience.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the preset refrigeration operation includes a pre-freezing refrigeration operation and a quick-freezing refrigeration operation. See also... Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the refrigeration operation performed by the refrigeration system of the refrigerator in this embodiment of the invention. Step S11, which is the response to the preset air-drying function start command, involves opening the air inlet / outlet and the compressor when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, in order to control the refrigeration system to perform the preset refrigeration operation. Specifically, this includes steps S111 to S113:

[0075] S111. In response to a preset air-drying function start command, acquire the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor;

[0076] S112. When the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are turned on, and the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein, the pre-freezing refrigeration operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage room to a preset second temperature threshold within a preset first refrigeration time.

[0077] S113. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing operation; wherein, the quick-freezing operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to the first temperature threshold within a preset second refrigeration time; the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

[0078] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller 15 acquires the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 161 and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 162 in real time. When it receives the command to start the air drying function, it determines whether the indoor temperature and indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11 meet the storage requirements, that is, whether the indoor temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold and whether the indoor humidity is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold. If the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, it indicates that the current low-temperature drying storage requirement is met. Then, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are turned on, and the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation so that the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is reduced to a preset second temperature threshold T2 within a preset first refrigeration time.

[0079] Furthermore, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold T2, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing operation so that the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is reduced to the first temperature threshold T1 within a preset second refrigeration time.

[0080] It should be noted that the first temperature threshold T1 is less than the second temperature threshold T2, and the first temperature threshold T1 and the second temperature threshold T2 can be set according to the different types of food being stored. For example, the first temperature threshold T1 can be set to -30℃, and the second temperature threshold T2 can be set to -10℃.

[0081] Using the technical means of this invention, in response to the start of refrigeration by the air-drying function, the refrigeration system is first controlled to perform a pre-freezing operation. The purpose of the pre-freezing operation is to solidify the free water on the surface of the food to prevent the free water from forming air bubbles during vacuuming, which would affect the appearance of the food. Then, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform a quick-freezing operation. The purpose of the quick-freezing operation is to quickly solidify the water to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which would damage the cell structure and thus affect the taste.

[0082] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the refrigerator controller in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, step S12, namely, when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, closing the air inlet and outlet, starting the vacuum system to perform a vacuuming operation, and starting the heating system to perform a heating operation, until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, opening the air inlet and outlet, and closing the vacuum system and the heating system, specifically includes steps S121 to S134:

[0083] S121. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is started to perform a vacuuming operation on the vacuum storage chamber, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0084] S122. When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0085] S123. After opening the air inlet and outlet and waiting for a preset time, close the air inlet and outlet again, and repeat step S122: when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the preset second humidity threshold, open the air inlet and outlet to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0086] S124. When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, open the air inlet and outlet and close the vacuum system and the heating system; wherein the first humidity threshold is less than the second humidity threshold.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber 11 drops to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet 121 are closed to seal the vacuum storage chamber. Then, the vacuum system 13 is activated to vacuum the vacuum storage chamber 11, removing excess air and vapor, and the heating system 14 is controlled to heat the vacuum storage chamber 11, accelerating the sublimation of ice inside the food stored in the vacuum storage chamber 11, thereby reducing the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11.

[0088] Once the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11 is detected to have decreased to a preset second humidity threshold H2, the air inlet / outlet 121 is opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber to replace the moisture-saturated air. After a preset waiting period, the air inlet / outlet 121 is closed again, and the vacuuming and heating operations continue in the vacuum storage chamber. The indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11 is monitored in real time. If the indoor humidity decreases again to below the second humidity threshold H2, the air inlet / outlet 121 is opened again to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber to replace the moisture-saturated air. This cycle is repeated until the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber 11 decreases to the first humidity threshold H1.

[0089] It should be noted that the first humidity threshold H1 is less than the second humidity threshold H2, and the first humidity threshold H1 and the second humidity threshold H2 can be set according to the different foods being stored.

[0090] Optionally, the heating system can achieve the heating function through devices such as electric heating wires, or other heating methods can be used, which are not specifically limited here.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator further includes an air inlet / outlet duct connected to the air inlet / outlet, and a dryer and a sealing component are provided in the air inlet / outlet duct; the dryer is used to dry the air in the air inlet / outlet duct to form the dry air.

[0092] Using the technical means of this invention, in response to the start of the air-drying function, after pre-freezing and quick-freezing the vacuum storage chamber, the vacuum system and heating system are turned on. By repeatedly opening and closing the air inlet and outlet, the operations of vacuuming, heating and introducing dry air are cyclically executed so that the humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is reduced to the target value as quickly as possible.

[0093] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the piping connection of the refrigeration system and heating system of the refrigerator in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum storage chamber in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The heating system 14 includes a radiant plate 141, a radiant heat pipe 142, and a flow control valve 143. The radiant plate 141 is installed below or around the vacuum storage chamber 11. The radiant plate 141 is connected adjacent to the radiant heat pipe 142. One end of the radiant heat pipe 142 is connected to the first end of the flow control valve 143, and the second end of the flow control valve 143 is connected to the exhaust pipe of the compressor 122.

[0094] Therefore, starting the heating system specifically involves:

[0095] The flow control valve is opened so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows out of the exhaust pipe and into the radiant heat pipe, transferring heat to the radiant plate so that the radiant plate heats the vacuum storage chamber.

[0096] The specific steps of shutting down the heating system are as follows:

[0097] The flow control valve is closed to prevent the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor from entering the radiant heat pipe, thereby stopping the heating operation of the radiant plate on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0098] In this embodiment of the invention, the air inlet and outlet ducts and refrigeration piping of the original refrigeration system of the refrigerator are redesigned. A radiant heat pipe 142 branch is added to the compressor exhaust pipe outlet, and a flow control valve 143 with a switch is installed on the radiant heat pipe branch. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor is discharged from the exhaust pipe, and a portion of the refrigerant enters the radiant heat pipe 142 branch. When the heating system 14 needs to be activated to heat the vacuum storage chamber 11, the flow control valve 143 is opened, controlling the refrigerant flow rate within a certain range. The high-temperature refrigerant passes through the radiant plate 141, transferring heat to the radiant plate 141, which then transfers the heat to the food in the vacuum storage chamber in the form of radiation, thus achieving the function of heating the food. When the heating system 14 needs to be turned off, the flow control valve 143 is closed, the refrigerant stops flowing to the radiant heat pipe branch, and the heating stops.

[0099] It should be noted that, see Figure 6 In this embodiment of the invention, a second evaporator circuit is added in parallel to the first evaporator of the original refrigeration system of the refrigerator, and the independent cooling control of the vacuum storage chamber 11 is achieved through the second evaporator.

[0100] By employing the technical means of this invention, heat from the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor exhaust pipe is recovered by setting up a radiant plate, thereby achieving the heating operation of the vacuum storage chamber and effectively improving energy recovery and utilization.

[0101] See Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a refrigerator control method applicable to the refrigerator field. The refrigerator includes: a vacuum storage compartment, and a refrigeration system, a vacuuming system, a heating system, and a controller connected thereto; the refrigeration system includes air inlets and outlets and a compressor.

[0102] The method is specifically executed through steps S21 to S22:

[0103] S21. In response to a preset air-drying function start command, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform a preset refrigeration operation.

[0104] S22. When the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, close the air inlet and outlet, start the vacuum system to perform vacuuming operation, and start the heating system to perform heating operation until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, then open the air inlet and outlet, and close the vacuum system and the heating system.

[0105] The present invention employs a vacuum storage chamber specifically designed for storing food items requiring low-temperature and dry storage conditions. By using negative pressure freezing technology, the free water in the food items within the vacuum storage chamber is quickly removed, providing a low-temperature and dry storage environment. This effectively maintains the temperature and humidity of the food items within a low range, thus preserving freshness and extending their shelf life, providing users with a superior experience.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a sensor system comprising a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage compartment, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage compartment.

[0107] The refrigeration operation includes pre-freezing refrigeration and quick-freezing refrigeration; see [link / reference] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution of a preset cooling operation in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step S21 specifically includes steps S211 to S213:

[0108] S211. In response to a preset air-drying function start command, acquire the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor;

[0109] S212. When the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are turned on, and the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein, the pre-freezing refrigeration operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage room to a preset second temperature threshold within a preset first refrigeration time.

[0110] S213. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing operation; wherein, the quick-freezing operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to the first temperature threshold within a preset second refrigeration time; the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

[0111] Using the technical means of this invention, in response to the start of refrigeration by the air-drying function, the refrigeration system is first controlled to perform a pre-freezing operation. The purpose of the pre-freezing operation is to solidify the free water on the surface of the food to prevent the free water from forming air bubbles during vacuuming, which would affect the appearance of the food. Then, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform a quick-freezing operation. The purpose of the quick-freezing operation is to quickly solidify the water to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which would damage the cell structure and thus affect the taste.

[0112] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating another preferred embodiment of the refrigerator control method in this invention. Step S22 specifically includes steps S221 to S224:

[0113] S221. When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum system is started to perform a vacuuming operation on the vacuum storage chamber, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0114] S222. When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0115] S223. After opening the air inlet and outlet and waiting for a preset time, close the air inlet and outlet again, and repeat the step: when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, open the air inlet and outlet to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber.

[0116] S224. When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, open the air inlet and outlet and close the vacuum system and the heating system; wherein the first humidity threshold is less than the second humidity threshold.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator further includes an air inlet / outlet duct connected to the air inlet / outlet, and a dryer and a sealing component are provided in the air inlet / outlet duct; the dryer is used to dry the air in the air inlet / outlet duct to form the dry air.

[0118] Using the technical means of this invention, in response to the start of the air-drying function, after pre-freezing and quick-freezing the vacuum storage chamber, the vacuum system and heating system are turned on. By repeatedly opening and closing the air inlet and outlet, the operations of vacuuming, heating and introducing dry air are cyclically executed so that the humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is reduced to the target value as quickly as possible.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the heating system includes a radiant plate, a radiant heat pipe, and a flow control valve. The radiant plate is installed below or around the vacuum storage chamber. The radiant plate is connected to the radiant heat pipe, one end of the radiant heat pipe is connected to the first end of the flow control valve, and the second end of the flow control valve is connected to the exhaust pipe of the compressor.

[0120] Therefore, in the control method of the refrigerator, starting the heating system specifically means:

[0121] The flow control valve is opened so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows out of the exhaust pipe and into the radiant heat pipe, transferring heat to the radiant plate so that the radiant plate heats the vacuum storage chamber.

[0122] The specific steps of shutting down the heating system are as follows:

[0123] The flow control valve is closed to prevent the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor from entering the radiant heat pipe, thereby stopping the heating operation of the radiant plate on the vacuum storage chamber.

[0124] By employing the technical means of this invention, heat from the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor exhaust pipe is recovered by setting up a radiant plate, thereby achieving the heating operation of the vacuum storage chamber and effectively improving energy recovery and utilization.

[0125] It should be noted that the refrigerator control method provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same process steps as the refrigerator controller in the above embodiment, and the working principle and beneficial effects of the two correspond one-to-one, so they will not be described again.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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, The refrigerator comprises a vacuum storage chamber, a refrigeration system, a vacuumizing system, a heating system and a controller connected with the vacuum storage chamber; the refrigeration system comprises an air inlet and outlet and a compressor; The controller is configured to: in response to a preset air-drying function starting instruction, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, open the air inlet and outlet and the compressor to control the refrigeration system to perform a preset refrigeration operation; when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, close the air inlet and outlet, start the vacuumizing system to perform a vacuumizing operation, and start the heating system to perform a heating operation, until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, open the air inlet and outlet, and close the vacuumizing system and the heating system; The refrigerator further comprises a sensor system comprising a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; the temperature sensor is configured to detect the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber, and the humidity sensor is configured to detect the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber; the controller is connected with the sensor system; The refrigeration operation comprises a pre-freezing refrigeration operation and a quick-freezing refrigeration operation; therefore, in response to the preset air-drying function starting instruction, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform the preset refrigeration operation, specifically comprising: in response to the preset air-drying function starting instruction, obtaining the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor; when the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein the pre-freezing refrigeration operation is configured to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to a preset second temperature threshold within a preset first refrigeration time period; when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein the quick-freezing refrigeration operation is configured to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to the first temperature threshold within a preset second refrigeration time period; the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold. The step of, when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, closing the air inlet and outlet, starting the vacuumizing system to perform a vacuumizing operation, and starting the heating system to perform a heating operation, until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, opening the air inlet and outlet, and closing the vacuumizing system and the heating system, specifically comprises:

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuumizing system is started to perform a vacuumizing operation on the vacuum storage chamber, and the heating system is started to perform a heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber; ​ when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet opening is opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber; after the air inlet and outlet opening is opened and a preset waiting duration elapses, the air inlet and outlet opening is closed again, and the step of opening the air inlet and outlet opening to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the preset second humidity threshold is performed again; until the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet opening is opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed; the first humidity threshold is less than the second humidity threshold.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the heating system comprises a radiation plate, a radiation heat pipe, and a flow control valve; the radiation plate is installed below or around the vacuum storage chamber; the radiation plate is connected with the radiation heat pipe; one end of the radiation heat pipe is connected with a first end of the flow control valve; a second end of the flow control valve is connected with an exhaust pipe of the compressor; then, the heating system is started, specifically: the flow control valve is opened, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows out from the exhaust pipe and enters the radiation heat pipe, heat is transferred to the radiation plate, and the radiation plate performs heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber; the heating system is closed, specifically: the flow control valve is closed, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor cannot enter the radiation heat pipe, and the heating operation of the radiation plate on the vacuum storage chamber is stopped.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the refrigerator further comprises an air inlet and outlet duct connected with the air inlet and outlet opening, and a dryer and a sealing component are arranged in the air inlet and outlet duct; the dryer is used to dry the air in the air inlet and outlet duct to form the dry air.

5. A control method of a refrigerator, characterized by, the refrigerator comprises a vacuum storage chamber, and a refrigeration system, a vacuum system, a heating system, and a controller connected with the vacuum storage chamber; the refrigeration system comprises an air inlet and outlet opening and a compressor; the method comprises: in response to a preset air drying function starting instruction, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet opening and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform preset refrigeration operation; when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet opening is closed, the vacuum system is started to perform vacuum operation, and the heating system is started to perform heating operation; until the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet opening is opened, and the vacuum system and the heating system are closed; the refrigerator further comprises a sensor system comprising a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber; The refrigeration operation includes a pre-freezing refrigeration operation and a quick-freezing refrigeration operation; and the opening of the air inlet and outlet and the compressor is in response to a preset air drying function starting instruction, when the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is greater than a first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than a first humidity threshold, to control the refrigeration system to perform a preset refrigeration operation, specifically including: In response to a preset air drying function starting instruction, the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor are obtained; When the indoor temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or the indoor humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet and the compressor are opened to control the refrigeration system to perform the pre-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein the pre-freezing refrigeration operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to a preset second temperature threshold within a preset first refrigeration time; and When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the refrigeration system is controlled to perform the quick-freezing refrigeration operation; wherein the quick-freezing refrigeration operation is used to reduce the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber to the first temperature threshold within a preset second refrigeration time; and the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

6. The control method of a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The closing of the air inlet and outlet, the starting of the vacuum pumping system for vacuum pumping operation, and the starting of the heating system for heating operation when the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, and the opening of the air inlet and outlet and the closing of the vacuum pumping system and the heating system when the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, specifically include: When the indoor temperature of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the air inlet and outlet are closed, the vacuum pumping system is started for vacuum pumping operation on the vacuum storage chamber, and the heating system is started for heating operation on the vacuum storage chamber; When the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to a preset second humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber; After the air inlet and outlet are opened and a preset waiting time elapses, the air inlet and outlet are closed again, and the step of opening the air inlet and outlet when the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the preset second humidity threshold to introduce dry air into the vacuum storage chamber is re-executed; Until the indoor humidity of the vacuum storage chamber is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, the air inlet and outlet are opened, and the vacuum pumping system and the heating system are closed; wherein the first humidity threshold is less than the second humidity threshold.

7. The control method of a refrigerator according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The heating system includes a radiant plate, a radiant heat pipe, and a flow control valve, the radiant plate is installed below or around the vacuum storage chamber; the radiant plate is connected with the radiant heat pipe, one end of the radiant heat pipe is connected with a first end of the flow control valve, and a second end of the flow control valve is connected with an exhaust pipe of the compressor; The starting of the heating system specifically includes: The flow control valve is opened, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows out from the exhaust pipe and enters the radiation heat pipe, heat is transferred to the radiation plate, and the radiation plate heats the vacuum storage chamber; The heating system is closed, in particular: The flow control valve is closed, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor cannot enter the radiation heat pipe, and the heating operation of the radiation plate on the vacuum storage chamber is stopped.

8. The control method of a refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator further comprises an air inlet and outlet duct connected with the air inlet and outlet port, and a dryer and a sealing component are arranged in the air inlet and outlet duct; the dryer is used for drying the air in the air inlet and outlet duct to form the dry air.

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