Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes an evaporator and a cold storage device, wherein the cold storage device is configured to receive defrosted material that falls from the evaporator. The control method includes: in response to the refrigerator reaching defrosting conditions and currently being in a first time period, controlling the refrigerator to defrost the evaporator so that the cold storage device receives the defrosted material; in response to the evaporator defrosting being completed, controlling the refrigerator to cause the evaporator to refrigerate the cold storage device so that the cold storage device completes cold storage before the end of a second time period; wherein the first time period and the second time period each include a portion of a low-power consumption period, and the first time period is located before the second time period. The refrigerator of the present invention can receive defrosted material through the cold storage device and complete cold recovery during the defrosting process; and both defrosting and cold storage of the refrigerator are completed during the low-power consumption period, thereby reducing the load on the power grid and lowering the user's electricity bill.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and specifically provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] An air-cooled refrigerator includes a cabinet, a refrigeration system, and a fan. The cabinet defines at least one of a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment, and a variable temperature compartment. The cabinet also defines a freezer compartment. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator placed within the freezer compartment. During cooling, the fan drives cool air around the evaporator into the refrigerator compartment, cooling the food inside. The air inside the compartment is then driven by the fan and flows through the evaporator again, where it is cooled.

[0003] During the operation of an air-cooled refrigerator, water vapor in the air is frozen as it flows through the evaporator, condensing into frost that adheres to the evaporator. Excessive frost on the evaporator not only reduces the flow area around the evaporator but also reduces the evaporator's heat exchange performance, thereby reducing the refrigerator's cooling efficiency. Therefore, the evaporator must be regularly defrosted to ensure proper cooling.

[0004] When defrosting, conventional refrigerators usually direct frost water to the evaporator of the refrigerator, resulting in a serious waste of cooling energy during defrosting. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem of cold energy waste during defrosting in existing refrigerators.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to enable the refrigerator to defrost during the off-peak period of electricity consumption.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising an evaporator and a cold storage device, the cold storage device being configured to receive defrosted material falling from the evaporator;

[0008] The control method includes:

[0009] In response to the refrigerator meeting a defrosting condition and currently being in a first time period, controlling the refrigerator to defrost the evaporator so that the cold storage device receives the defrosted material;

[0010] In response to the evaporator defrosting being completed, controlling the refrigerator to cause the evaporator to refrigerate the cold storage device, so that the cold storage device completes cold storage before the end of the second period;

[0011] The first time period and the second time period respectively include a portion of a low-power consumption period, and the first time period is located before the second time period.

[0012] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises a knocking device provided on the evaporator;

[0013] The controlling the refrigerator to defrost the evaporator includes:

[0014] In response to the temperature of the evaporator being greater than a first preset temperature, the knocking device is controlled to knock the evaporator to promote the defrosted material to separate from the evaporator.

[0015] Optionally, the first preset temperature is -5°C.

[0016] Optionally, the evaporator is a fin evaporator, and the knocking device is configured to force the fins on the evaporator to vibrate along the thickness direction thereof.

[0017] Optionally, the knocking device includes at least one vibration generator; and controlling the knocking device to knock the evaporator includes:

[0018] At least one of the vibration generators is controlled to generate sinusoidal vibrations with alternating strengths.

[0019] Optionally, the cold storage material in the cold storage device is water, and the cold storage device includes a drain valve for controlling drainage and a liquid level detector for detecting a liquid level; before the cold storage device receives the defrosted material, the control method further includes:

[0020] determining the temperature of water in the cold storage device;

[0021] In response to the temperature being greater than a second preset temperature, opening the drain valve; wherein the second preset temperature is 0° C. to 2° C. higher than the first preset temperature;

[0022] In response to the liquid level detector detecting that the liquid level of the water in the cold storage device drops to a preset height, the drain valve is closed to enable the cold storage device to receive all the defrosted material.

[0023] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises a water receiving tray, an evaporating dish, and a reversing valve; the water receiving tray is disposed on the bottom side of the evaporator to receive defrosted material that falls from the evaporator; the reversing valve comprises an inlet for fluid communication with the water receiving tray, a first outlet for fluid communication with the cold storage device, and a second outlet for fluid communication with the evaporating dish; the evaporating dish is also in fluid communication with the outlet of the drain valve;

[0024] After closing the drain valve, the control method further includes:

[0025] Controlling the inlet of the reversing valve to communicate with the first outlet;

[0026] In response to the liquid level detector detecting that the liquid level of water in the cold storage device rises to a rated height, the inlet is controlled to communicate with the second outlet.

[0027] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0028] In response to the current moment reaching a preset moment, obtaining an estimated amount of frost on the evaporator before a next first time period; wherein the preset moment is within the first time period;

[0029] It is determined whether the evaporator meets defrosting conditions based on the estimated frost amount.

[0030] Optionally, obtaining the estimated frost amount of the evaporator before the next first time period includes:

[0031] Obtain the number of times the evaporator's door is opened and closed during this operation cycle, the time of each door opening, and the ambient humidity during each door opening;

[0032] determining a current amount of frost on the evaporator according to the number of door openings and closings, the door opening time, and the ambient humidity;

[0033] Obtaining a historical amount of frost on the evaporator in a previous non-first time period;

[0034] An estimated frost amount of the evaporator before a next first time period is determined according to the current frost amount and the historical frost amount.

[0035] Optionally, the defrosting condition is that the amount of frost on the evaporator reaches a set amount of frost;

[0036] The determining, based on the estimated frost amount, whether the evaporator meets the defrosting condition includes:

[0037] It is determined whether the estimated frost amount reaches the set frost amount.

[0038] Optionally, before the evaporator is defrosted, the control method further includes:

[0039] If the evaporator meets the defrost condition within the next first time period, determining an estimated defrost time period for the evaporator within the next first time period;

[0040] Determining the interval between the estimated defrost period and the current time;

[0041] Determine the defrosting parameters of the evaporator this time according to the interval time and the historical defrosting cycle of the evaporator, so that the evaporator is in the first time period when it meets the defrosting condition next time.

[0042] Optionally, the interval time is recorded as t, the historical defrost cycle is recorded as T, the rated defrost parameter of the F zone is recorded as M0, and the current defrost parameter of the evaporator is recorded as M;

[0043] The determining of the defrosting parameters of the evaporator this time according to the interval time and the historical defrosting cycle of the evaporator includes:

[0044] M=k·M0·[1-(t÷T)]

[0045] Among them, 1<k<1.2.

[0046] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising:

[0047] an evaporator comprising a plurality of fins;

[0048] a cold storage device configured to receive defrosted material falling from the evaporator;

[0049] a knocking device comprising at least one vibration generator for knocking the evaporator;

[0050] Controller;

[0051] A memory having execution instructions stored thereon, wherein the execution instructions are configured to enable the refrigerator to execute any one of the control methods described in the first aspect when executed by the controller.

[0052] Optionally, the cold storage material in the cold storage device is water, and the cold storage device includes a drain valve for controlling drainage and a liquid level detector for detecting the liquid level; the execution instruction is also configured to enable the refrigerator to execute any one of the control methods described in the first aspect when executed by the controller.

[0053] Optionally, the refrigerator further comprises a water receiving tray, an evaporating dish and a reversing valve; the water receiving tray is arranged on the bottom side of the evaporator to receive defrosted material falling from the evaporator; the reversing valve comprises an inlet for fluid communication with the water receiving tray, a first outlet for fluid communication with the cold storage device and a second outlet for fluid communication with the evaporating dish; the evaporating dish is also fluidly communicated with the outlet of the drain valve; the execution instruction is further configured to enable the refrigerator to execute any one of the control methods described in the first aspect when executed by the controller.

[0054] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that, in the aforementioned technical solution of the present invention, by configuring the refrigerator with a cold storage device, and configuring the cold storage device to receive defrosted material that falls from the evaporator, the refrigerator can store the defrosted material and cold energy through the cold storage device, and when the refrigerator needs cold energy, the cold energy can be used to cool the compartments. Furthermore, when the refrigerator reaches the defrost conditions and is currently in the first time period, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost the evaporator, allowing the cold storage device to receive the defrosted material, completing the refrigerator's cold energy recovery during the defrost process. When the evaporator is defrosted, the refrigerator is controlled to cause the evaporator to cool the cold storage device, so that the cold storage device completes cold storage before the end of the second time period. This allows the refrigerator's defrosting and cold storage to be completed during low-power periods, reducing the load on the power grid and lowering the user's electricity bills.

[0055] Furthermore, by configuring a knocking device for the evaporator, and making the knocking device knock on the evaporator when the temperature of the evaporator is greater than the first preset temperature and starts to defrost, the falling of the defrosted material on the evaporator is promoted, so that more frost or frost-water mixture enters the cold storage device, thereby enabling the cold storage device to store more cold capacity.

[0056] Furthermore, by making at least one vibration generator generate sinusoidal vibrations with alternating strengths along the thickness direction, it is ensured that the vibration generator can generate vibrations that resonate with the fins, thereby making it easier for defrosted materials on the fins to fall off the fins.

[0057] Furthermore, when the temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, the drain valve is opened; and when the liquid level detector detects that the water level in the cold storage device drops to a preset height, the drain valve is closed, so that the cold storage device can receive all the defrosted materials while being filled with water, thereby making the best use of the cold energy during defrosting of the refrigerator and ensuring the cold storage capacity of the cold storage device.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the current moment reaches the preset moment, the current frost amount of the evaporator and the estimated frost amount of the evaporator in the next non-off-peak period are obtained, and then based on the current frost amount and the estimated frost amount, it is judged whether the evaporator meets the defrost conditions, and defrosts when the defrost conditions are met, thereby avoiding the refrigerator defrosting the evaporator during peak power consumption and reducing the power load of the entire power grid.

[0059] Furthermore, when the refrigerator's estimated defrost period falls within the next non-low-power consumption period, the evaporator's defrost parameters are adjusted so that the evaporator is in a low-power consumption period when it meets the defrost conditions next time. This avoids the refrigerator defrosting according to the rated defrost strategy every time, thereby reducing the refrigerator's energy consumption during defrosting.

[0060] The rated defrost strategy is the defrost strategy of ordinary refrigerators. That is, when the evaporator of the refrigerator meets the defrost conditions, defrost is performed according to the same defrost parameters regardless of whether the current time is a peak power consumption period or a low power consumption period.

[0061] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts; and the drawings of the present invention are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0063] In the attached figure:

[0064] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of a refrigerator provided according to the purpose of the invention;

[0065] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the effect of the evaporator and the cold storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of the main steps of the refrigerator control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram of the effect of the evaporator and the cold storage device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 5 is a flowchart of some steps of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 6 2 is a schematic diagram showing the effect of the evaporator and the cold storage device in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 7 is a flowchart of some steps of a refrigerator control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 8 is a flowchart of some steps of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the steps of obtaining an estimated amount of frost on the evaporator before the next first time period in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 10 is a flowchart of some steps of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an application of the cold storage device of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 12 This is another simplified structural diagram of a refrigerator provided according to the purpose of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments of the present invention, and that these embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0077] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0078] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that, for the convenience of description and to enable those skilled in the art to quickly understand the technical solution of the present invention, the following text only describes the technical features that are closely related (directly or indirectly related) to the technical problem and / or technical concept to be solved by the present invention, and does not describe the technical features that are less closely related to the technical problem and / or technical concept to be solved by the invention. Since such technical features with a lesser degree of relevance are common knowledge in the field, even if the present invention does not describe such features with a lesser degree of relevance, it will not result in insufficient disclosure of the present invention.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, in the present invention, the refrigerator 100 includes a box 110, an evaporator 120, a fan (not shown) and an evaporation dish 152 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 ). The cabinet 110 defines a refrigerator compartment 111, a freezer compartment 112, and a refrigerator compartment 113. An evaporator 120 is located within the refrigerator compartment 113. A fan drives cold air around the evaporator 120 into the refrigerator compartment 111 and the freezer compartment 112, cooling the food inside these compartments. The fan then drives the air inside the refrigerator compartment 111 and the freezer compartment 112 back through the evaporator 120, where it is cooled. An evaporating dish 152 receives defrost water from the evaporator 120.

[0081] In addition, those skilled in the art may also define the temperature-variable compartment as needed in the box body 110, or define only any two of the refrigeration compartment 111, the freezing compartment 112, and the temperature-variable compartment.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 100 of the present invention further includes a cold storage device 130, which is capable of receiving defrosted material falling from the evaporator 120. Preferably, the cold storage device 130 is disposed on the bottom side of the evaporator 120 so that the defrosted material (including defrosted water, frost-water mixture, ice crystals, etc.) on the evaporator 120 falls onto the cold storage device 130 under the action of its own gravity.

[0083] Optionally, in the present invention, the cold storage device 130 is cooled by the cold air cooled by the evaporator 120. For example, the cold storage device 130 is disposed downstream of the evaporator 120 along the air flow path, and the cold air cooled by the evaporator 120 cools the cold storage device 130 as it flows through the cold storage device 130.

[0084] Refer to the following Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the refrigerator 100 includes:

[0086] In step S110 , in response to the refrigerator 100 meeting the defrosting condition and currently being in the first time period, the refrigerator 100 is controlled to defrost the evaporator 120 so that the cold storage device 130 receives the defrosted material.

[0087] The first time period includes a portion of the off-peak period. Preferably, the start time of the first time period is the same as the start time of the off-peak period, and the end time of the first time period is earlier than the end time of the off-peak period. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may also set the first time period to any other feasible time period as needed, for example, setting the start time of the first time period to half an hour later than the start time of the off-peak period, and setting the end time of the first time period to two hours earlier than the end time of the off-peak period.

[0088] Furthermore, the first time period is pre-stored on the refrigerator 100 or on a cloud server or a backend server that is communicatively connected to the refrigerator 100 .

[0089] Alternatively, those skilled in the art may also enable the refrigerator 100 to automatically obtain the first time period as needed. For example, the refrigerator 100 may obtain the low electricity consumption period in its area from the Internet, and then intercept the first 3 hours, 4 hours, 5.5 hours, 7 hours, etc. of the low electricity consumption period.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the defrosting condition for the evaporator 120 is that the amount of frost on the refrigerator 100 reaches a set amount. When the amount of frost on the evaporator 120 reaches this set amount, the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 120 is low. In other words, the amount of frost on the evaporator 120 is large, which seriously hinders the heat exchange of the evaporator 120. Based on this, those skilled in the art can determine the set amount of frost through multiple experiments for different models of refrigerators 100. Since the technical means for determining the set amount of frost are conventional in the art and can be obtained by those skilled in the art through simple experience, they will not be described in detail here.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art may determine the amount of frost on the evaporator 120 in any feasible manner.

[0092] Exemplarily, the refrigerator 100 obtains the number of door openings and closings, the time of each door opening, and the ambient humidity during each door opening in this operation cycle, and determines the amount of frost on the evaporator 120 based on the three.

[0093] The operation cycle refers to a period of time from the start or end of the last defrost to the start or end of the next defrost of the refrigerator 100. The last defrost and the next defrost are two adjacent defrosts.

[0094] The number of door openings and closings refers to the number of times the refrigerator door 100 is opened. If the refrigerator 100 has multiple refrigerator doors 100, it is necessary to count the number of times each refrigerator door 100 is opened, the time each refrigerator door is opened, and the ambient humidity when each refrigerator door is opened.

[0095] The ambient humidity is the air humidity of the environment in which the refrigerator 100 is located. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that air humidity is related to temperature, and the water content in the air is different at different temperatures. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the ambient humidity includes the air humidity corresponding to each temperature.

[0096] Specifically, the refrigerator 100 is operated in chronological order. Each time the door is opened and closed, the door opening time and the ambient humidity at the time of door opening are counted. Based on the door opening time and ambient humidity, the amount of frost on the evaporator 120 of the refrigerator 100 is determined from a pre-stored table of door opening time, ambient humidity, and frost amount. The current amount of frost in the refrigerator 100 is then determined by counting all the times the door is opened and closed, and adding the frost amount for each time.

[0097] The door opening time-ambient humidity-frost amount table is a data mapping table determined through repeated experiments for the corresponding model of refrigerator 100. Since obtaining this data mapping table through experiments is a conventional technical means in the art and can be obtained by those skilled in the art through simple experience, it will not be described in detail here.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 100 preferably further includes a liquid level detector 140 disposed on the evaporator 120 .

[0099] In the first embodiment of the present invention, step S110 specifically includes:

[0100] Step S111 : when the evaporator 120 reaches a defrosting condition and the current moment is in the first time period, the refrigerator 100 is controlled to defrost the evaporator 120 .

[0101] Optionally, the refrigerator 100 further includes a heating device (e.g., an electric heating wire) for heating the evaporator 120, so that the evaporator 120 is defrosted by the heating device. Alternatively, the evaporator 120 is used as a condenser during defrosting to heat itself and achieve the purpose of defrosting.

[0102] In step S112 , when the temperature of the evaporator 120 is greater than a first preset temperature, the liquid level detector 140 is controlled to knock the evaporator 120 to promote the defrosted material to separate from the evaporator 120 .

[0103] The first preset temperature is preferably -5°C. The technicians of the present application have found that at this temperature, the frost on the evaporator 120 begins to melt gradually, especially when the liquid level detector 140 is struck. It should be noted that at this temperature, the frost on the evaporator 120 may also be caused by the striking of the liquid level detector 140.

[0104] In addition, those skilled in the art may also set the first preset temperature to a slightly higher temperature value, such as 0°C, 0.5°C, 1°C, etc., as needed.

[0105] Furthermore, those skilled in the art may also enable the liquid level detector 140 to knock on the evaporator 120 all the time during the defrosting process of the evaporator 120 as needed.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator 120 is preferably a fin evaporator 120, and the liquid level detector 140 can force the fins 121 on the evaporator 120 to vibrate along the thickness direction thereof when working, so that the vibration generator 141 can force the fins 121 to vibrate only through a smaller vibration output.

[0107] Further preferably, the liquid level detector 140 includes at least one vibration generator 141, such as two vibration generators 141, three vibration generators 141, five vibration generators 141, eight vibration generators 141, ten vibration generators 141, etc. When the liquid level detector 140 is working, the at least one vibration generator 141 is made to generate sinusoidal vibrations that alternate between strong and weak. In addition, the frequency of the vibration generator 141 when vibrating strongly is greater than the vibration frequency of the fin 121 itself, and the frequency of the vibration generator 141 when vibrating weakly is less than the vibration frequency of the fin 121 itself, so that the wave generated by the vibration generator 141 resonates with the fin 121 for at least a period of time when it changes periodically and alternately, so that the fin 121 obtains a larger amplitude and shakes off the frost thereon.

[0108] In step S120 , in response to the evaporator 120 defrosting being completed, the refrigerator 100 is controlled to allow the evaporator 120 to refrigerate the cold storage device 130 , so that the cold storage device 130 completes cold storage before the end of the second period.

[0109] The second period includes a portion of the off-peak period and is located after the first period. Preferably, the start time of the second period is the same as the end time of the first period, and the end time of the second period is the same as the end time of the off-peak period. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may also set the second period to any other feasible period as needed, for example, setting the start time of the second period to half an hour later than the end time of the first period and setting the end time of the second period to half an hour earlier than the end time of the off-peak period.

[0110] Furthermore, the second time period is pre-stored on the refrigerator 100 or on a cloud server or backend server that is communicatively connected to the refrigerator 100 .

[0111] Alternatively, those skilled in the art may also enable the refrigerator 100 to automatically obtain the second time period as needed. For example, the refrigerator 100 may obtain the low electricity consumption period in its area from the Internet, and then intercept the last 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, etc. of the low electricity consumption period.

[0112] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 100 can receive defrosted materials through the cold storage device 130, thereby completing the cold recovery of the refrigerator 100 during the defrosting process; and the defrosting and cold storage of the refrigerator 100 are completed during the period of low electricity consumption, thereby reducing the load on the power grid and reducing the user's electricity bill.

[0113] Furthermore, by making at least one vibration generator 141 generate sinusoidal vibrations with alternating strengths along its thickness direction, it is ensured that the vibration generator 141 can generate vibrations that resonate with the fins 121 , thereby making it easier for defrosted matter on the fins 121 to separate from the fins 121 .

[0114] Refer to the following Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the cold storage material in the cold storage device 130 is water, and the cold storage device 130 includes a drain valve 131 for controlling drainage and a liquid level detector 132 for detecting the liquid level.

[0116] like Figure 5 As shown, compared with the first embodiment, in the second embodiment of the present invention, before the cold storage device 130 receives the defrosted material, the control method further includes:

[0117] Step S210 , determining the temperature of the water in the cold storage device 130 .

[0118] Specifically, a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) is provided in the cold storage device 130 , so that the refrigerator 100 obtains the temperature of the water in the cold storage device 130 through the temperature sensor.

[0119] In step S220 , in response to the temperature of the water in the cold storage device 130 being greater than the second preset temperature, the drain valve 131 is opened.

[0120] The second preset temperature is 0°C to 2°C higher than the first preset temperature. Preferably, the second preset temperature is 0.5°C or 1°C higher than the first preset temperature.

[0121] Specifically, when the temperature of the water in the cold storage device 130 is greater than the second preset temperature, the drain valve 131 is opened to drain the high-temperature water in the cold storage device 130 , leaving enough space for receiving the defrosted material.

[0122] In step S230 , in response to the liquid level detector 132 detecting that the liquid level of the water in the cold storage device 130 drops to a preset height, the drain valve 131 is closed to allow the cold storage device 130 to receive all the defrosted material.

[0123] Specifically, the liquid level detector 132 detects the liquid level of the water in the cold storage device 130 in real time. When the liquid level in the cold storage device 130 drops to a preset height, it indicates that the cold storage device 130 has left enough space for defrosting. At this time, the drain valve 131 is closed.

[0124] Preferably, after the cold storage device 130 receives all the defrosted materials, the space inside the cold storage device 130 is almost full.

[0125] To achieve this goal, those skilled in the art can determine the amount of water that the evaporator 120 defrosts each time based on the historical defrosting conditions or historical frost amount of the evaporator 120, and then determine how much water will be discharged for every unit (for example, 1 mm or 1 cm) drop in the water in the cold storage device 130, thereby determining the height difference by which the water level in the cold storage device 130 needs to drop, and the height to which it needs to drop.

[0126] For example, a person skilled in the art can install a water collection container on the bottom side of the evaporator 120, then count the amount of water collected by the water collection container after each defrosting of the evaporator 120, and calculate the average of the water collection amounts over multiple times, and use this average as the amount of water that needs to be discharged from the cold storage device 130. Similarly, a person skilled in the art can use a measuring cup to determine how much water is discharged for each unit (e.g., 1 mm or 1 cm) drop in the water level within the cold storage device 130.

[0127] Optionally, in step S240 , in response to the temperature of the water in the cold storage device 130 being not greater than the second preset temperature, the drain valve 131 is kept closed.

[0128] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that the second embodiment of the present invention enables the cold storage device 130 to receive all defrosted materials while also being filled with water, thereby maximizing the use of the cold energy during defrosting of the refrigerator 100 and ensuring the cold storage capacity of the cold storage device 130.

[0129] Refer to the following Figure 6 and Figure 7 The third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0130] like Figure 6As shown, refrigerator 100 further includes a water receiving tray 151, an evaporating dish 152, and a reversing valve 153. The water receiving tray 151 is located on the bottom side of the evaporator 120 to receive defrosted material that falls from the evaporator 120. The reversing valve 153 includes an inlet for fluid communication with the water receiving tray 151, a first outlet for fluid communication with the cold storage device 130, and a second outlet for fluid communication with the evaporating dish 152. The evaporating dish 152 is also in fluid communication with the outlet of the drain valve 131.

[0131] like Figure 7 As shown, compared with the second embodiment, in the third embodiment of the present invention, after step S230, the control method further includes:

[0132] In step S310 , the inlet of the reversing valve 153 is controlled to communicate with the first outlet, so that the defrost flow in the water receiving tray 151 flows into the cold storage device 130 .

[0133] In step S320, in response to liquid level detector 132 detecting that the water level in cold storage device 130 has risen to a rated height, control is performed to connect the inlet to the second outlet, so that the defrost in water receiving tray 151 flows into evaporating dish 152. Specifically, when the temperature of the water in cold storage device 130 is not greater than a second preset temperature, the defrost in water receiving tray 151 is completely flowed into evaporating dish 152.

[0134] The rated height is used to indicate that the cold storage device 130 is full of water, which can be obtained by first filling the cold storage device 130 with water, then determining the height detected by the liquid level detector 132 and determining the height as the rated height.

[0135] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the third embodiment of the present invention can also allow the defrosted material of the evaporator 120 to flow directly into the evaporation dish 152 when the temperature of the water in the cold storage device 130 is relatively low.

[0136] Refer to the following Figure 8 and Figure 9 , to describe the fourth embodiment of the present invention in detail.

[0137] like Figure 8 As shown, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, compared with any of the above embodiments, the control method of the refrigerator 100 further includes:

[0138] Step S410 , in response to the current time reaching the preset time, obtaining the estimated frost amount of the evaporator 120 before the next first time period.

[0139] The preset time is within the first time period, and the time interval between the preset time and the end time of the current low-power period can ensure that the evaporator 120 completes defrosting and the cold storage device 130 completes cold storage.

[0140] like Figure 9 As shown, when the current time reaches the preset time, step S410 further includes:

[0141] Step S411, obtaining the number of times the door of the refrigerator 100 is opened and closed during this operation cycle, the time of each door opening, and the ambient humidity when the door is opened each time.

[0142] The number of door openings and closings refers to the number of times the refrigerator door 100 is opened. If the refrigerator 100 has multiple refrigerator doors 100, it is necessary to count the number of times each refrigerator door 100 is opened, the time each refrigerator door is opened, and the ambient humidity when each refrigerator door is opened.

[0143] The ambient humidity is the air humidity of the environment in which the refrigerator 100 is located. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that air humidity is related to temperature, and the water content in the air is different at different temperatures. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the ambient humidity includes the air humidity corresponding to each temperature.

[0144] The operation cycle refers to a period of time from the start or end of the last defrost to the start or end of the next defrost of the refrigerator 100. The last defrost and the next defrost are two adjacent defrosts.

[0145] Step S412: determining the current frost amount of the evaporator 120 according to the number of door opening and closing times, the door opening time, and the ambient humidity.

[0146] Specifically, each time the refrigerator 100 door is opened and closed, the door opening time and the ambient humidity at the time of door opening are counted. Based on the door opening time and ambient humidity, the amount of frost on the evaporator 120 of the refrigerator 100 is determined from a pre-stored door opening time-ambient humidity-frost amount table. The current amount of frost in the refrigerator 100 (referred to as S0 for ease of description) is then determined by counting all the times the refrigerator 100 door is opened and closed.

[0147] Among them, the door opening time-ambient humidity-frost amount table is a data mapping table determined by repeated multiple tests for the corresponding model of refrigerator 100. Since obtaining the data mapping table through experiments is a conventional technical means in this field and can be obtained by those skilled in the art with simple experience, it will not be described here in detail. Those skilled in the art will understand that since the refrigerator 100 drives the air flow when opening and closing the door, thereby promoting the exchange of cold air in the refrigerator 100 room with the air in the environment, it is more likely to cause high-temperature and high-humidity air in the environment (relative to the air in the refrigerator 100 room) to enter the refrigerator 100 room, increasing the frost amount of the refrigerator 100. In order to make the current frost amount of the present invention closer to the actual frost condition of the refrigerator 100, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the number of door opening and closing times is recorded as n, the cumulative door opening time of all door opening and closing times is recorded as L, and the final current frost amount is recorded as S, then

[0148]

[0149] In addition, those skilled in the art can also modify the comparison base "1 time / minute" in the formula to any other feasible value as needed, such as 0.8 times / minute, 1.2 times / minute, 1.3 times / minute, 1.5 times / minute, 2 times / minute, 3 times / minute, etc.

[0150] Step S413 , obtaining the historical frost amount of the evaporator 120 in the previous non-first time period (including the second time period and the non-low electricity consumption time period).

[0151] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 100 retains its frost condition in a non-first time period at least once, so that the refrigerator 100 can obtain its historical frost amount in the previous non-first time period from its stored data.

[0152] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the frosting condition of the evaporator 120 in any time period (including the previous non-first time period described in step S413 ) can be obtained using the acquisition method described in step S412 .

[0153] In step S414 , the sum of the current frost amount obtained in step S412 and the historical frost amount obtained in step S413 is determined as the estimated frost amount of the evaporator 120 .

[0154] It should be noted that although the present invention is combined with Figure 2Step S411, step S412, step S413 and step S414 are introduced and explained in order, but those skilled in the art may also execute step S413 and step S414 first, or execute step S411 and step S413 at the same time, and execute step S412 and step S414 at the same time as needed.

[0155] It is understandable to those skilled in the art that, since users use the refrigerator 100 differently every day, in order to improve the accuracy of estimating the amount of frost on the evaporator 120, those skilled in the art may also replace step S413 with the following steps S415 and S416 as needed.

[0156] Step S415 , obtaining the historical frost amount of the evaporator 120 in at least two recent non-first time periods.

[0157] The at least two non-first time periods are at least two non-first time periods closest to the current first time period.

[0158] Step S416: Determine the average of the at least two historical frost amounts or the one with the largest frost amount among the at least two historical frost amounts as the final historical frost amount.

[0159] Step S420: judging whether the evaporator 120 meets the defrosting condition based on the estimated frost amount.

[0160] Specifically, it is determined whether the estimated frost amount has reached the set frost amount.

[0161] If so, it is determined that the evaporator 120 has reached the defrosting condition at the preset time.

[0162] If not, it is determined that the evaporator 120 does not reach the defrosting condition at the preset time.

[0163] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that the fourth embodiment of the present invention can ensure that each defrost time of the evaporator 120 is within the first time period, thereby ensuring that the refrigerator 100 completes the defrosting of the evaporator 120 and the cold storage of the cold storage device 130 during the low electricity consumption period.

[0164] Refer to the following Figure 10 The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0165] like Figure 10 As shown, compared with the fourth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, before the evaporator 120 defrosts, the control method further includes:

[0166] In step S510 , if the evaporator 120 meets the defrost condition within the next first time period, an estimated defrost time period of the evaporator 120 within the next first time period is determined.

[0167] Specifically, if the refrigerator 100 meets the defrost condition in the next non-first time period, the estimated defrost time period of the refrigerator 100 in the next non-first time period is determined according to the historical frosting conditions.

[0168] The historical frost condition may be the historical frost condition of the previous non-first period, or the average value of the historical frost conditions of at least two recent non-first periods.

[0169] More specifically, based on the historical frosting conditions, the amount of frost formed in each unit time of the next non-first time period is estimated for the refrigerator 100. The current frosting condition (S or S0) is then superimposed with the amount of frost formed in each unit time in chronological order. When the superimposed frost amount meets the defrosting conditions, the estimated defrosting period for the refrigerator 100 in the next non-first time period is determined based on the last superimposed unit time. Optionally, the middle time or end time of the last superimposed unit time is used as the estimated defrosting start time for the refrigerator 100.

[0170] The unit time may be any feasible time, such as 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 3 hours, etc. Preferably, the unit time is not greater than the defrosting time of the refrigerator 100 .

[0171] Step S520, determining the interval between the estimated defrost period and the current time.

[0172] Specifically, a certain moment within the estimated defrost period is selected, and the interval between the certain moment and the current moment is determined. The certain moment is preferably the starting moment of the estimated defrost period, or, as needed, those skilled in the art may also set the certain moment as the ending moment or the middle moment of the estimated defrost period.

[0173] Step S530 , determining the defrosting parameters of the evaporator 120 this time according to the aforementioned interval time and the historical defrosting cycle of the evaporator 120 , so that the evaporator 120 is in the first time period when it meets the defrosting conditions next time.

[0174] The defrost cycle is the time interval between two adjacent defrosts of the evaporator 120, corresponding to the operation cycle of the evaporator 120. The historical defrost cycle is the average value of multiple previous defrost cycles of the evaporator 120, for example, the average value of two, three, five, etc. defrost cycles.

[0175] Furthermore, the interval time is recorded as t, the historical defrost cycle is recorded as T, the rated defrost parameter of the evaporator 120 is recorded as M0, and the current defrost parameter of the evaporator 120 is recorded as M. Then:

[0176] M=k×M0×[1-(t÷T)]

[0177] Wherein, 1<k<1.2, preferably, k=1.1.

[0178] Here, k is a correction parameter to prevent the evaporator 120 from having an incomplete defrost due to the defrost parameter determined based on historical defrost data being too small.

[0179] Furthermore, in the present invention, the cold storage device 130 may be used to cool at least one of the refrigerating compartment 111 , the freezing compartment 112 , and the condenser of the refrigerator 100 .

[0180] Alternatively, as Figure 11 As shown, the refrigerator 100 also includes a cooling plate 162 placed on the bottom wall of the refrigerated compartment 111, a heat exchange component 161 thermally connected to the cold storage device 130, a circulation pump 163, and a pipe 164. The cooling plate 162 and the heat exchange component 161 are both hollow structures. The cooling plate 162, the heat exchange component 161, and the circulation pump 163 are fluidically connected together via the pipe 164, thereby forming a circulation loop. The loop is filled with a liquid having a freezing point below -18°C to prevent the liquid from freezing in the loop. The liquid can be any feasible liquid, such as water glycol, hydraulic oil, red oil, blue oil, etc.

[0181] like Figure 11 As shown, when the circulation pump 163 is working, it drives the liquid in the circuit to circulate, so that the liquid in the circuit absorbs the cold energy of the cold storage device 130 at the heat exchange component 161 and releases the cold energy to the refrigerated compartment 111 at the cooling plate 162 .

[0182] Refer to the following Figure 12 The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0183] like Figure 12 As shown, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 100 further includes a memory 170 and a controller 180. The memory 170 stores execution instructions; the controller 180 is used to execute the execution instructions stored in the memory 170, so that the refrigerator 100 executes the control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0184] The memory 170 is used to store execution instructions, which are specifically executable computer programs. Furthermore, the memory 170 may include a memory and a non-volatile memory 170 (non-volatile memory), and provide execution instructions and data to the controller 180. For example, the memory may be a high-speed random access memory 170 (RAM), and the non-volatile memory 170 may be at least one disk storage 170.

[0185] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-mentioned control method can be applied to the controller 180, or can be implemented with the help of the controller 180. Exemplarily, the controller 180 is an integrated circuit chip with the ability to process signals. In the process of the controller 180 executing the above-mentioned control method, each step of the above-mentioned control method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit in the form of hardware or an instruction in the form of software in the controller 180. Furthermore, the above-mentioned controller 180 can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, microprocessors and any other conventional processors.

[0186] Finally, it should be noted that although the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings using a refrigerator having a single evaporator as an example, the refrigerator of the present invention may also have multiple evaporators. When a refrigerator has multiple evaporators, the refrigerator of the present invention may execute the control method described in any of the above embodiments for each evaporator.

[0187] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the above multiple embodiments. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may split and combine the technical solutions in the above various embodiments, and may also make equivalent changes or replacements to the relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of the present invention will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising an evaporator, a cold storage device, and a knocking device disposed on the evaporator, the cold storage device being configured to receive defrosted material falling from the evaporator; the cold storage material in the cold storage device being water, the cold storage device comprising a drain valve for controlling drainage and a liquid level detector for detecting the liquid level; The control method includes: In response to the refrigerator meeting a defrosting condition and currently being in a first time period, controlling the refrigerator to defrost the evaporator so that the cold storage device receives the defrosted material; The controlling the refrigerator to defrost the evaporator includes: in response to the temperature of the evaporator being greater than a first preset temperature, controlling the knocking device to knock the evaporator to promote the defrosted material to separate from the evaporator; In response to the evaporator defrosting being completed, controlling the refrigerator to cause the evaporator to refrigerate the cold storage device, so that the cold storage device completes cold storage before the end of the second period; The first time period and the second time period each include a portion of a low-consumption period, and the first time period is located before the second time period; Before the cold storage device receives the defrosted material, the control method further includes: determining the temperature of water in the cold storage device; In response to the temperature being greater than a second preset temperature, opening the drain valve; wherein the second preset temperature is 0° C. to 2° C. higher than the first preset temperature; In response to the liquid level detector detecting that the liquid level of the water in the cold storage device drops to a preset height, the drain valve is closed to enable the cold storage device to receive all the defrosted material.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The first preset temperature is -5°C.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The evaporator is a finned evaporator, The knocking device is configured to force the fins on the evaporator to vibrate along the thickness direction of the fins.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein: The striking device includes at least one vibration generator; The controlling the knocking device to knock the evaporator comprises: At least one of the vibration generators is controlled to generate sinusoidal vibrations with alternating strengths.

5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerator further includes a water receiving tray, an evaporating dish, and a reversing valve; the water receiving tray is disposed on the bottom side of the evaporator to receive defrosted material that falls from the evaporator; the reversing valve includes an inlet for fluid communication with the water receiving tray, a first outlet for fluid communication with the cold storage device, and a second outlet for fluid communication with the evaporating dish; the evaporating dish is also in fluid communication with the outlet of the drain valve; After closing the drain valve, the control method further includes: Controlling the inlet of the reversing valve to communicate with the first outlet; In response to the liquid level detector detecting that the liquid level of water in the cold storage device rises to a rated height, the inlet is controlled to communicate with the second outlet.

6. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control method further includes: In response to the current moment reaching a preset moment, obtaining an estimated amount of frost on the evaporator before a next first time period; wherein the preset moment is within the first time period; It is determined whether the evaporator meets defrosting conditions based on the estimated frost amount.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein: The obtaining of the estimated frost amount of the evaporator before the next first time period includes: Obtain the number of times the evaporator's door is opened and closed during this operation cycle, the time of each door opening, and the ambient humidity during each door opening; determining a current amount of frost on the evaporator according to the number of door openings and closings, the door opening time, and the ambient humidity; Obtaining a historical amount of frost on the evaporator during a period other than the first period; An estimated frost amount of the evaporator before a next first time period is determined according to the current frost amount and the historical frost amount.

8. The control method according to claim 6, wherein: The defrosting condition is that the amount of frost on the evaporator reaches a set amount of frost; The determining, based on the estimated frost amount, whether the evaporator meets the defrosting condition includes: It is determined whether the estimated frost amount reaches the set frost amount.

9. The control method according to claim 6, wherein: Before the evaporator is defrosted, the control method further includes: If the evaporator meets the defrost condition within the next first time period, determining an estimated defrost time period for the evaporator within the next first time period; Determining the interval between the estimated defrost period and the current time; Determine the defrosting parameters of the evaporator this time according to the interval time and the historical defrosting cycle of the evaporator, so that the evaporator is in the first time period when it meets the defrosting condition next time.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein: The interval time is recorded as t, the historical defrost cycle is recorded as T, the rated defrost parameter of the refrigerator is recorded as M0, and the current defrost parameter of the evaporator is recorded as M; The determining of the defrosting parameters of the evaporator this time according to the interval time and the historical defrosting cycle of the evaporator includes: M=k·M0·[1-(t÷T)] Among them, 1<k<1.

2.

11. A refrigerator comprising: an evaporator comprising a plurality of fins; a cold storage device configured to receive defrosted material falling from the evaporator; a knocking device comprising at least one vibration generator for knocking the evaporator; Controller; A memory having execution instructions stored thereon, wherein the execution instructions are configured to enable the refrigerator to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 10 when executed by the controller.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein The refrigerator further includes a water receiving tray, an evaporating dish, and a reversing valve; the water receiving tray is disposed on the bottom side of the evaporator to receive defrosted material that falls from the evaporator; the reversing valve includes an inlet for fluid communication with the water receiving tray, a first outlet for fluid communication with the cold storage device, and a second outlet for fluid communication with the evaporating dish; the evaporating dish is also in fluid communication with the outlet of the drain valve; The execution instruction is further configured to enable the refrigerator to execute the control method of claim 5 when executed by the controller.

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