Method for producing cooling water and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a method for preparing cooling water, comprising the following steps: obtaining a cooling water function opening signal; injecting water to be cooled into a water kettle placed in a cooling water compartment; obtaining the temperature T of the water to be cooled in the water kettle and a preset cooling water temperature T1; comparing the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1; and starting a cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water compartment if T>T1. The application improves the cooling rate of the cooling water, does not affect the refrigeration effect of other refrigeration compartments, and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and particularly to a method for producing cooling water and a refrigerator applying the method for producing cooling water. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, people's demands for household appliances have become diversified. Therefore, more and more refrigerators have begun to provide cooled drinking water, hereinafter referred to as cooling water for short.

[0003] Generally, there are two ways to supply cooling water on a refrigerator. One supply method is to set a dispenser on the door body, and users can use a water cup to receive water at the dispenser; the other supply method is to set a water kettle in the refrigerator. After filling the water kettle with water and putting it into the refrigerating chamber, take it out after a period of time to get cooling water. However, both of these methods use the cold air in the refrigerating chamber to cool the cooling water, not only with a slow cooling rate, but also unable to produce cooling water with a temperature lower than the temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and at the same time, it will affect the refrigeration effect of the refrigerating chamber.

[0004] In view of this, there is an urgent need to provide a new method for producing cooling water and a refrigerator to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing cooling water and a refrigerator to solve the above problems.

[0006] To achieve the above invention purpose, the present invention provides a method for producing cooling water, including the following steps: obtaining a cooling water function activation signal; injecting water to be cooled into a water kettle placed in a cooling water compartment, obtaining the temperature T of the water to be cooled in the water kettle and a preset cooling water temperature T1; comparing the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1, if T>T1, then starting a cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water compartment.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, after "starting a cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water compartment", the method for producing cooling water includes the following steps: obtaining the temperature T2 of the cooling water compartment; comparing the temperature T2 of the cooling water compartment with the preset cooling water temperature T1, if T2<T1, then closing the cooling water evaporator.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, "the temperature of the cooling water compartment is less than the preset cooling water temperature" specifically means: the temperature of the cooling water compartment is 2°C lower than the preset cooling water temperature.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, after “starting the cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water room” and before “obtaining the cooling water room temperature T2”, the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps: recording the running time of the cooling water evaporator, and starting the fan located in the cooling water room when the running time of the cooling water evaporator reaches the preset running time.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, after “closing the cooling water evaporator”, the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps: comparing the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1, and if T = T1, then turning off the fan located in the cooling water room.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, "injecting water to be cooled into a kettle placed in the cooling water room" specifically includes the following steps: turning on the water supply device to supply water to the kettle; detecting that the water level in the kettle has reached a preset height, and turning off the water supply device.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, before “turning on the water supply device to supply water to the kettle”, the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps: determining whether the door of the cooling water chamber is closed; if so, turning on the water supply device to supply water to the kettle when the door has been closed for more than 10 seconds.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator, including a refrigeration compartment, a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to the refrigeration compartment, a kettle for holding water, and a controller for controlling the operation of the refrigerator. The refrigeration compartment includes a cooling water compartment for producing cooling water, and the kettle is placed in the cooling water compartment. The refrigeration system includes a cooling water evaporator disposed in the cooling water compartment.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, a fan is also provided in the cooling water room, and the fan is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the refrigeration compartment further includes a cold storage compartment, and the cooling water compartment is disposed on the door of the cold storage compartment.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cooling water evaporator is disposed above the kettle.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the refrigerator also includes a water supply device that is communicatively connected to the controller, the water supply device being used to supply water to the kettle.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator in this invention is equipped with a separate cooling water chamber, and a cooling water evaporator is installed in the cooling water chamber to directly supply cooling capacity to the kettle, thereby improving the cooling rate of the cooling water without affecting the cooling effect of other cooling chambers and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for producing cooling water according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of step S200 in another specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for producing cooling water according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] This invention provides a refrigerator, including a cooling compartment, a refrigeration system providing cooling capacity to the cooling compartment, a kettle for holding water, and a controller for controlling the operation of the refrigerator. The cooling compartment includes a cooling water compartment for producing cooling water, and the kettle is placed in the cooling water compartment. The refrigeration system includes a cooling water evaporator disposed in the cooling water compartment. This invention places the kettle in a separately located cooling water compartment, and the cooling water evaporator in the cooling water compartment directly provides cooling capacity to the kettle, increasing the speed of cooling water production without affecting the cooling effect of other cooling compartments.

[0024] Furthermore, the cooling water evaporator is located above the kettle. Based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises, the cooling energy released by the cooling water evaporator located above will sink, filling the entire cooling water chamber with cooling energy and making the cooling energy in the cooling water chamber more uniform.

[0025] Furthermore, a fan is also installed in the cooling water chamber, and the fan is communicatively connected to the controller. After the cooling water evaporator is started, the fan is activated to increase the air circulation in the cooling water chamber, making the cooling capacity in the cooling water chamber more even and allowing for more accurate temperature measurements in the cooling water chamber.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the refrigerator is also equipped with a water supply device for supplying filtered water to the kettle. The water supply device is communicatively connected to the controller, so that water can be automatically added to the kettle through the water supply device without the need for manual water filling. The operation of producing cooling water is simple and convenient, improving the user experience.

[0027] Furthermore, the refrigeration compartment also includes a cold storage compartment, and the cooling water compartment is located on the door of the cold storage compartment. Therefore, the cooling water compartment does not occupy storage space within the cold storage compartment.

[0028] In one specific embodiment, the cooling water compartment is provided with a door or cover, allowing the user to remove the kettle containing cooling water for use. Of course, this is not a limitation; it is understood that in other embodiments, a water dispenser may be provided on the door of the refrigeration compartment, allowing the cooling water in the kettle to flow out through the dispenser.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for producing cooling water based on the above-described refrigerator. The structure of the refrigerator is as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shows a flowchart of a method for producing cooling water according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. The method for producing cooling water specifically includes the following steps:

[0031] S100, receive the cooling water function start signal;

[0032] S200, fill the kettle placed in the cooling water room with water to be cooled;

[0033] S300, obtain the temperature T of the water to be cooled in the kettle and the preset cooling water temperature T1;

[0034] S400, compare the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1. If T > T1,

[0035] Then the cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water room will be started.

[0036] This invention places the kettle in a separate cooling water room. By comparing the temperature of the cooling water in the kettle with a preset cooling water temperature, when the temperature of the cooling water to be cooled is greater than the preset cooling water temperature, the cooling water evaporator in the cooling water room is activated. The cooling water evaporator is used to directly provide cooling to the kettle, thereby increasing the speed of cooling water production, while not affecting the cooling effect of other cooling rooms.

[0037] Generally, the signal to produce cooling water is triggered by the user. Specifically, a touch panel connected to the controller can be installed on the refrigerator door. The user selects the cooling water production mode via the touch panel, which then sends a signal to the controller to activate the cooling water function. Of course, this is not a limitation; a button to trigger cooling water production can also be installed on the refrigerator door.

[0038] See Figure 2 As shown, in another specific embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator further includes a water supply device communicatively connected to the controller. The water supply device is used to supply filtered water to the kettle. S200 specifically includes the following steps:

[0039] S210, turn on the water supply device to supply water to the kettle;

[0040] S220, the water level in the kettle is detected to have reached a preset height, and the water supply device is turned off.

[0041] In this embodiment, a water level sensor, such as a pressure sensor, is installed inside the kettle and is communicatively connected to the controller. When the water level in the kettle reaches a preset height, the sensor sends a signal to the controller, which then shuts off the water supply. This automatic water filling eliminates the need for manual refilling, simplifying the cooling water production process and enhancing the user experience.

[0042] Furthermore, the preset water level can be one or multiple. For example, when the kettle has a large capacity and the user needs to quickly produce a small amount of water, the preset height can be set at the same time the user activates the cooling water function, providing a variety of preset height modes to enhance the user experience.

[0043] Further, see Figure 3 As shown, this is another specific embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the following steps are included between steps S100 and S200:

[0044] S110, determine whether the door of the cooling water chamber is closed. If so, turn on the water supply device to supply water to the kettle when the door has been closed for more than 10 seconds.

[0045] Before starting the water supply device to fill the kettle, check that the door is closed to prevent the door from moving when the water supply device is filling the kettle, which could cause the water waiting to be cooled in the kettle to overflow.

[0046] In addition, the water supply device is turned on to supply water to the kettle after the door has been closed for more than 10 seconds. This can determine that the door has been closed for a long time, preventing the user from accidentally closing the door and then opening it again, which could cause the water in the kettle to overflow.

[0047] In step S300, there are various ways to obtain the temperature T of the water to be cooled in the kettle. A temperature sensor in direct contact with the cooling water can be set inside the kettle, or a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the kettle can be set outside the kettle. The temperature detected by this temperature sensor is the temperature of the water to be cooled in the kettle. Of course, this is not limited thereto.

[0048] In addition, the value of the preset cooling water temperature T1 can be set before S300. For example, it can be set in S100. As Figure 1 shown in a specific embodiment, when the user selects the mode of制取冷却水模式 (it should be noted that this part may be a misspelling, assuming it is "producing cooling water mode"), the value of the preset cooling water temperature T1 is input or selected. Optionally, the range of the preset cooling water temperature T1 is 1°C - 9°C. Of course, it can be understood that the selected value of the preset cold drinking water temperature T1 is not limited to this range and can be adjusted according to the temperature actually required by the user.

[0049] In step S400, T>T1 indicates that the water temperature in the kettle is higher than the preset cooling water temperature at this time, and the filtered water in the kettle needs to be cooled. At this time, by starting the cooling water evaporator, cold energy is provided to the cooling water compartment to produce cooling water.

[0050] In the present invention, by arranging a cooling water evaporator in the cooling water compartment and using the cooling water evaporator to directly provide cold energy for the water to be cooled in the kettle, the cooling rate of the cooling water is increased, and at the same time, the refrigeration effect of other refrigeration compartments is not affected, improving the user experience.

[0051] Specifically, the refrigeration system includes a solenoid valve provided on the pipeline connecting the compressor and the cooling water evaporator. The start and stop of the cooling water evaporator can be controlled by controlling the on and off of the solenoid valve. That is, when the cooling water evaporator needs to refrigerate, the solenoid valve is controlled to open to make the pipeline in a connected state. At this time, the cooling water evaporator is in a startup state; when the cooling water evaporator does not need to refrigerate, the solenoid valve is controlled to close to make the pipeline in a disconnected state. At this time, the cooling water evaporator is in a closed state.

[0052] Further, after step S400, the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps:

[0053] S500, obtaining the temperature T2 of the cooling water compartment;

[0054] S600, comparing the temperature T2 of the cooling water compartment and the preset cooling water temperature T1. If T2<T1, the cooling water evaporator is closed.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, a temperature sensor is provided in the cooling water chamber. Optionally, there can be one or multiple temperature sensors in the cooling water chamber. If multiple temperature sensors are provided, optionally, the multiple temperature sensors are dispersedly arranged in the cooling water chamber, and the average value of the measurement values of the multiple temperature sensors is taken as the result of obtaining the temperature T2 in the cooling water chamber, so that the obtained temperature of the cooling water chamber is closer to the actual temperature value and the measurement result is more accurate.

[0056] In S600, when T2 < T1, it is determined that there is already sufficient cooling capacity in the cooling water chamber at this time to make the water to be cooled in the kettle reach the preset cooling water temperature T1. At this time, the cooling water evaporator is turned off, so that the refrigerator can save more energy while ensuring the temperature of the produced cooling water.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, that the temperature of the cooling water chamber is less than the preset cooling water temperature specifically means: the temperature of the cooling water chamber is 2°C lower than the preset cooling water temperature. That is, when T2 < T1 - 2°C, it is determined that there is already sufficient cooling capacity in the cooling water chamber to make the water to be cooled in the kettle reach the preset cooling water temperature T1. At this time, the cooling water evaporator is turned off, which can save more energy while ensuring the temperature of the produced cooling water. Of course, this is not limited thereto, and the specific value of T2 less than T1 can also be set to be 3°C, 5°C, etc. lower than the preset cooling water temperature.

[0058] Further, after step S400 and before step S500, the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps:

[0059] S410, record the running time t of the cooling water evaporator. When the running time t of the cooling water evaporator reaches the preset running time t 预 start the fan located in the cooling water chamber.

[0060] A fan is provided in the cooling water chamber, and the fan is communicatively connected to the controller. After starting the cooling water evaporator, by starting the fan, the circulation of the air in the cooling water chamber is increased, so that the cooling capacity in the cooling water chamber is more balanced, and when measuring the temperature of the cooling water chamber subsequently, the measurement result is more accurate; secondly, the fan is turned on after the cooling water evaporator has run for a period of time, which can save more energy of the refrigerator.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 the preset running time can be set in S100. Of course, this is not limited thereto.

[0062] In a specific embodiment, the preset running time is set to 3 minutes. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the preset running time is adjustable.

[0063] After shutting down the evaporator, the method for producing cooling water also includes the following steps:

[0064] S700, compare the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1. If T = T1, then turn off the fan located in the cooling water room.

[0065] When T = T1, it indicates that the temperature of the water to be cooled in the kettle has dropped to the preset cooling water temperature, and the refrigerator has completed the command to produce cooling water. Then, the fan is turned off, and it waits for the next command to produce cooling water.

[0066] In summary, the refrigerator of this invention is equipped with a separate cooling water compartment, and a cooling water evaporator is installed in the cooling water compartment to directly supply cooling capacity to the kettle, thereby improving the cooling rate of the cooling water without affecting the cooling effect of other cooling compartments and enhancing the user experience.

[0067] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0068] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing cooling water, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: Obtain a signal for starting the cooling water function; Inject the water to be cooled into a kettle placed in the cooling water chamber; Obtain the temperature T of the water to be cooled in the kettle and the preset cooling water temperature T1; Compare the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1. If T > T1, start the cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water chamber; After "starting the cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water chamber", the method for producing cooling water includes the following steps: Obtain the temperature T2 of the cooling water chamber; Compare the temperature T2 of the cooling water chamber with the preset cooling water temperature T1. If T2 < T1, turn off the cooling water evaporator.

2. The method for producing cooling water according to claim 1, characterized in that, "The temperature of the cooling water chamber is less than the preset cooling water temperature" specifically means: the temperature of the cooling water chamber is 2°C lower than the preset cooling water temperature.

3. The method for producing cooling water according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before "obtaining the temperature T2 of the cooling water chamber" after "starting the cooling water evaporator located in the cooling water chamber", the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps: Record the running time of the cooling water evaporator. When the running time of the cooling water evaporator reaches the preset running time, start the fan located in the cooling water chamber.

4. The method for producing cooling water according to claim 3, characterized in that, After "turning off the cooling water evaporator", the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps: Compare the temperature T of the water to be cooled with the preset cooling water temperature T1. If T = T1, turn off the fan located in the cooling water chamber.

5. The method for producing cooling water according to claim 1, characterized in that, "Injecting the water to be cooled into a kettle placed in the cooling water chamber" specifically includes the following steps: Open the water supply device to supply water to the kettle; When it is detected that the water level in the kettle reaches the preset height, close the water supply device.

6. The method for producing cooling water according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before "opening the water supply device to supply water to the kettle", the method for producing cooling water further includes the following steps: Judge whether the door of the cooling water chamber is closed. If so, when the closing time of the door is greater than 10 s, open the water supply device to supply water to the kettle.

7. A refrigerator, comprising a cooling compartment, a refrigeration system providing cooling capacity to the cooling compartment, a kettle for holding water, and a controller for controlling the operation of the refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigeration chamber includes a cooling water chamber for producing cooling water, and the kettle is placed in the cooling water chamber; the refrigeration system includes a cooling water evaporator arranged in the cooling water chamber; The controller is used to execute the method for producing cooling water according to any one of claims 1 - 6.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, A fan is further arranged in the cooling water chamber, and the fan is communicatively connected with the controller.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigeration chamber further includes a cold storage chamber, and the cooling water chamber is arranged on the door of the cold storage chamber.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cooling water evaporator is arranged above the kettle.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigerator further includes a water supply device communicatively connected with the controller, and the water supply device is used to supply filtered water to the kettle.

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