A control method, device, equipment and medium for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention discloses a control method, device, equipment and medium for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator. The control method includes determining the target temperature difference of each temperature zone based on the difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature. Then, the target temperature difference is compared with a plurality of standard temperature difference intervals in a preset temperature interval table to determine the standard temperature difference interval in which the target temperature difference is located, which is defined as the target temperature difference interval. Then, the enabling state of the solenoid valve in the evaporator branch and the output frequency of the compressor are determined based on the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of the target temperature difference interval. The present invention sets the enabling state of the solenoid valve in each temperature zone and the output frequency of the compressor based on the interval in which the difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature is located. The control of each temperature zone is no longer isolated, but organically coordinated, which can solve at least one of the above problems.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the invention patent with application number 202210847870.7, application date July 19, 2022, and invention name is a control method, device, equipment and medium for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention belongs to the technical field of refrigeration devices, and in particular relates to a control method, device, equipment and medium for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator. Background Art

[0003] The multi-temperature zone freezers currently on the market include a cabinet body, a fan, an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. The cabinet body is divided into multiple temperature zones by partitions. Each temperature zone is equipped with an evaporator and a fan. Each temperature zone is independently controlled by the evaporator and the fan, and the temperature of each temperature zone can be independently adjusted. For example, a multi-temperature zone wine cabinet. How to control the temperature of multiple temperature zones separately is a technical problem that needs to be solved for this type of freezer. Some freezers have independent control for each temperature zone, and the temperature control between freezers does not interfere with each other. This type of control method can achieve precise temperature regulation for each temperature zone, but it may cause the compressor to start and stop frequently, affecting the compressor's energy efficiency and service life, and is also noisy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the shortcomings of the above-mentioned technology, the present invention provides a control method for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator, which sets the enable state of the solenoid valve in each temperature zone and the output frequency of the compressor according to the range of the difference between the real-time temperature and the target temperature of each temperature zone. The control of each temperature zone is no longer isolated, but organically coordinated, which can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The present application proposes a control method for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, and a refrigeration system consisting of multiple temperature zones. Each temperature zone is equipped with an evaporator, and the multiple evaporators are connected in parallel. A solenoid valve is provided for each evaporator branch. The control method is characterized in that:

[0006] Get the real-time temperature and target temperature of each temperature zone;

[0007] Determining a target temperature difference for each temperature zone according to a difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature;

[0008] The target temperature difference interval of each temperature zone is determined according to the target temperature difference of each temperature zone and the preset temperature interval table; the preset temperature interval table includes multiple standard temperature difference intervals, each standard temperature difference interval has a minimum value and a maximum value, when the target temperature difference is greater than the minimum value of a certain standard temperature difference interval and less than or equal to the maximum value of the standard temperature difference interval, then the target temperature difference is in the standard temperature difference interval, and the standard temperature difference interval is the target temperature difference interval where the corresponding temperature zone is located; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals have a level attribute, and the higher the temperature shown in the standard temperature difference interval, the higher the level of the standard temperature difference interval; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals constitute a continuous temperature interval;

[0009] Determine the number of temperature zones within each target temperature difference interval;

[0010] The output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch are determined according to the number of temperature zones located in each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval; the enabling state includes valid and invalid. When the enabling state is valid, the solenoid valve can be opened according to the opening signal; when the enabling state is invalid, the solenoid valve is continuously in the closed state.

[0011] In this embodiment, the control of each temperature zone is no longer isolated but is organically coordinated. Specifically, the target temperature difference of each temperature zone is determined based on the difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature. Then, the target temperature difference is compared with multiple standard temperature difference intervals in the preset temperature interval table to determine the standard temperature difference interval in which the target temperature difference is located, which is defined as the target temperature difference interval. Then, the enabling state of the solenoid valve in the evaporator branch and the output frequency of the compressor are determined based on the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of the target temperature difference interval. In this way, the refrigeration function of the temperature zones with the same temperature difference interval can be enabled and started within the same period, rather than controlling the start of the refrigeration function based on a single temperature zone, and the output frequency of the compressor is associated with the number of temperature zones in the target temperature interval, so that the compressor can run at a suitable frequency, run more smoothly, and reduce the energy consumption for refrigeration.

[0012] Optionally, determining the output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch according to the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval includes:

[0013] Obtaining the number of temperature zones within a first target temperature difference interval, where the first target temperature difference interval is the highest level target temperature difference interval;

[0014] The output frequency of the compressor is determined according to the level of the first target temperature difference interval and the number of temperature zones therein, and the enabling states of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval are set to be valid.

[0015] In this embodiment, the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the temperature zone within the highest-level target temperature difference range is set to valid. Such a setting can start cooling from the area with the largest target temperature difference, so that all temperature zones can reach the target temperature efficiently and quickly, and can gradually reduce the operating frequency of the compressor, making the operation more stable, which is conducive to reducing energy consumption.

[0016] Optionally, the determining the output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch according to the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval further includes:

[0017] When the target temperature differences of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval decrease to those within a second target temperature difference interval, obtaining the number of temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval; the second target temperature difference interval is an interval that is lower in level than the first target temperature difference interval and is adjacent to the first target temperature difference interval;

[0018] The output frequency of the compressor is determined according to the level of the second target temperature difference interval and the number of temperature zones therein, and the enabling states of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval are set to be valid.

[0019] In this embodiment, it is further exemplified that after the temperature of the temperature zone within the target temperature difference interval of the highest level is reduced to the target temperature difference interval of the next level, the output frequency of the compressor is continued to be determined according to the number of temperature zones and their levels within the target temperature difference interval of the next level, and the enabling state of the solenoid valve is set to valid.

[0020] Optionally, when the refrigerator is started, the compressor is turned on, and after a first preset time, the solenoid valves of multiple temperature zones are opened.

[0021] In this embodiment, the working process after the initial startup of the refrigerator is further defined. Specifically, when the refrigerator is started, the compressor is turned on, and after a first preset time, the solenoid valves of multiple temperature zones are opened. This allows the solenoid valves to be opened after the compressor has been running stably for a period of time, which is beneficial to the stable operation of the refrigeration system.

[0022] Optionally, a throttling element is provided for each evaporator branch; the solenoid valves for opening multiple temperature zones include: opening the solenoid valves of each temperature zone in sequence from near to far according to the distance of the multiple temperature zones from the compressor.

[0023] In this embodiment, the solenoid valves are opened in a bottom-up order. If the throttle elements in each temperature zone are identical, the pressure differential in the top temperature zone is the greatest, and the refrigerant in the throttle element is fully liquid. The pressure differential in the bottom temperature zone is the smallest, and the refrigerant in the throttle element may still be mixed. Consequently, the cooling effect is not as good as that in the upper temperature zones. Therefore, selecting a bottom-up opening order for the solenoid valves allows cooling to begin in temperature zones with initially poor cooling performance, improving the overall cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0024] Optionally, each evaporator is equipped with a fan; after the solenoid valve of each temperature zone is turned on, the fan of the evaporator is turned on after a second preset time has passed.

[0025] In this embodiment, after the solenoid valve in the temperature zone is opened, the evaporator fan is turned on after a period of time. Since the fan's on-time is staggered with the solenoid valve and compressor's on-time, the refrigerator's noise level can be reduced. Furthermore, since the evaporator's temperature has not yet cooled, or has not cooled sufficiently, during initial operation, even turning on the fan at this time will not achieve the cooling effect of circulating cold air. Therefore, this configuration can also reduce unnecessary power consumption, thereby helping to lower the refrigerator's energy consumption.

[0026] Optionally, the control method includes at least one of the following:

[0027] Setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval to be valid includes: sequentially setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval to be valid according to the distance from the compressor to the compressor from near to far;

[0028] Alternatively, setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval to be valid includes: setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of each temperature zone to be valid in sequence from near to far according to the distance of all temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval from the compressor.

[0029] In this embodiment, the solenoid valves are opened in a bottom-up order. If the throttling elements in each temperature zone are identical, the pressure differential in the top temperature zone is the greatest, and the refrigerant in the throttling element is fully liquid. The pressure differential in the bottom temperature zone is the smallest, and the refrigerant in the throttling element may still be in a mixed vapor-liquid state. Consequently, the cooling effect is not as good as that of the upper temperature zones. Therefore, by setting the corresponding solenoid valve opening order for all temperature zones within the target temperature difference range from bottom to top, cooling can be initiated first in temperature zones with poor initial cooling effects, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the entire refrigerator.

[0030] Optionally, the refrigerator has at least three compartments, and each temperature zone includes at least one compartment.

[0031] In this embodiment, it is further clarified that the temperature zone in the embodiment is not necessarily a certain compartment, and multiple compartments may belong to the same temperature zone and use one evaporator branch.

[0032] Optionally, each temperature zone has a start-up temperature and a shutdown temperature. When the real-time temperature of the temperature zone is greater than or equal to the start-up temperature, an on signal is output to the solenoid valve of the temperature zone, and the solenoid valve of the temperature zone controls the switch state according to the start signal and the enable state; when the real-time temperature of the temperature zone is lower than the shutdown temperature, an off signal is output to the solenoid valve of the temperature zone, and the solenoid valve of the temperature zone controls the switch state according to the off signal and the enable state.

[0033] In this embodiment, the on / off control method of each temperature zone is further defined. When the aforementioned solenoid valve enabling state is valid, the on / off control of the solenoid valve is implemented according to the method in this embodiment.

[0034] Optionally, when there are other temperature zones above and below a certain temperature zone, the startup temperature of the temperature zone is adjusted to a corrected startup temperature, where the corrected startup temperature is equal to the sum of the original startup temperature and the correction value, and the correction value is related to the difference between the real-time temperature of the adjacent temperature zone and the real-time temperature of the temperature zone.

[0035] In this embodiment, because the cooling effect of the intermediate temperature zone is affected by the upper and lower temperature zones, correcting the startup temperature of the intermediate temperature zone can more accurately achieve temperature control in the intermediate temperature zone. Specifically, the correction value can be set to be related to the difference between the real-time temperature of the adjacent temperature zone and the real-time temperature of the temperature zone, further improving the accuracy of temperature control in the intermediate temperature zone.

[0036] Optionally, the output frequency of the compressor is positively correlated with the level of the first target temperature difference interval and is positively correlated with the number of temperature zones in the first target temperature difference interval.

[0037] In this embodiment, correlation factors of the compressor output frequency are set, including the level of the first target temperature difference interval and the number of temperature zones in the first target temperature difference interval. That is to say, the higher the level and the more temperature zones, the higher the output frequency. This enables the compressor output frequency to be correlated with the temperature control load, which is beneficial to improving the operating efficiency of the compressor.

[0038] The present application also proposes an electronic device, comprising: a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor implements the control method as described above.

[0039] The present application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the control method as described above is implemented.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0041] The present application determines the target temperature difference of each temperature zone based on the difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature; then compares the target temperature difference with multiple standard temperature difference intervals in the preset temperature interval table to determine the standard temperature difference interval in which the target temperature difference is located, which is defined as the target temperature difference interval; then determines the enabling state of the solenoid valve in the evaporator branch and the output frequency of the compressor based on the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of the target temperature difference interval; thereby enabling the refrigeration function of temperature zones with the same temperature difference interval to be enabled and started within the same time period, rather than controlling the start of the refrigeration function according to a single temperature zone, and associating the output frequency of the compressor with the number of temperature zones in the target temperature interval, so that the compressor can operate at a suitable frequency, operate more smoothly, and reduce the energy consumption for refrigeration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a refrigeration system of a multi-temperature zone freezer, which is the control object of an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of a control device provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of an electronic device provided in another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the following description, specific details such as specific system structures and technologies are provided for purposes of illustration rather than limitation to facilitate a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present application may be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known systems and devices are omitted to avoid obscuring the description of the present application with unnecessary detail.

[0048] It should be understood that when used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term "plurality" as used in this specification means greater than or equal to two.

[0049] It will also be understood that the term "and / or" used in this specification and the appended claims refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0051] The embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator. The refrigeration system block diagram of the multi-temperature zone refrigerator is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration system includes a compressor 6, a condenser 5, a first solenoid valve 31, a second solenoid valve 32, a third solenoid valve 33, a first throttling element 21, a second throttling element 22, a third throttling element 23, a first evaporator 11, a second evaporator 12, and a third evaporator 13. The above components constitute a refrigeration system. Figure 1 The refrigeration system shown includes three evaporator branches. Each evaporator branch is connected to a corresponding solenoid valve and a throttling element. Each evaporator branch is applied to a temperature zone of the refrigerator. Figure 1 The number of evaporator branches in the figure is only an example. There is no limitation on the specific number in this embodiment. The multiple temperature zones in this embodiment refer to greater than or equal to 2 temperature zones. Figure 1 Also shown is a liquid reservoir 7. The throttling element in the figure can be a capillary tube. This embodiment does not limit the type of the throttling element.

[0052] The control method of the embodiment of the present application is as follows Figure 2 As shown, including:

[0053] Step S200: Acquire the real-time temperature and target temperature of each temperature zone.

[0054] The real-time temperature in this step can be sampled in real time using the temperature sensors in each temperature zone. The target temperature can be preset, such as preset in a memory and obtained through a lookup table or other means. The target temperature can also be set by the user, such as through a human-computer interface or by using a physical button such as a knob. The specific method for setting the target temperature is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0055] Step S210: determining a target temperature difference for each temperature zone according to the difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature.

[0056] In this step, the difference between the real-time temperature and the target temperature of each temperature zone is calculated, and this difference is defined as the target temperature difference. It is understandable that the target temperature difference will change with the change of the real-time temperature.

[0057] Step S220: Determine the target temperature difference interval for each temperature zone based on the target temperature difference of each temperature zone and the preset temperature interval table; the preset temperature interval table includes multiple standard temperature difference intervals, each standard temperature difference interval has a minimum value and a maximum value, when the target temperature difference is greater than the minimum value of a certain standard temperature difference interval and is less than or equal to the maximum value of the standard temperature difference interval, then the target temperature difference is in the standard temperature difference interval, and the standard temperature difference interval is the target temperature difference interval for the corresponding temperature zone; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals have a level attribute, and the higher the temperature shown in the standard temperature difference interval, the higher the level of the standard temperature difference interval; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals constitute a continuous temperature interval.

[0058] In this step, the preset temperature table may be pre-stored information. In the preset temperature table, a plurality of continuous standard temperature difference intervals are included, and each standard temperature difference interval has a minimum value and a maximum value. And each standard temperature difference interval has a level attribute, and the larger the value in the interval, the higher the level. For example, the preset temperature table may include four standard temperature difference intervals (0,5], (5,10], (10,15], (15,∞), and the numerical unit of the table is degrees Celsius. In the four intervals, the level increases successively. The four standard temperature difference intervals are only examples, and the specific number of intervals, as well as the maximum and minimum values ​​of each interval can be flexibly set. It can be understood that, in adjacent intervals, the maximum value of the previous interval is the minimum value of the next interval.

[0059] When the target temperature difference is greater than the minimum value of a certain standard temperature difference interval and less than or equal to the maximum value of the standard temperature difference interval, the target temperature difference is within the standard temperature difference interval, and the standard temperature difference interval is the target temperature difference interval where the corresponding temperature zone is located.

[0060] For example, if the target temperature difference of a certain temperature zone is 7 degrees Celsius, then the temperature zone belongs to the (5, 10] interval.

[0061] Step S230: Determine the number of temperature zones within each target temperature difference interval.

[0062] Step S240: Determine the output frequency of the compressor and the enable state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch according to the number of temperature zones located in each target temperature difference interval and the level of the target temperature difference interval in which each temperature zone is located; the enable state includes valid and invalid. When the enable state is valid, the solenoid valve can be opened according to the opening signal; when the enable state is invalid, the solenoid valve is continuously in the closed state.

[0063] The solenoid valve's enable state in this step determines whether the solenoid valve's on / off control signal can control the solenoid valve. If the solenoid valve's enable state is valid, the on / off control signal can be used to control the solenoid valve. If the solenoid valve's enable state is invalid, the solenoid valve cannot be controlled by the on / off control signal and remains in the off state.

[0064] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the control of each temperature zone is no longer isolated but rather coordinated. Specifically, the target temperature difference of each temperature zone is determined based on the difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature. The target temperature difference is then compared with multiple standard temperature difference intervals in the preset temperature interval table to determine the standard temperature difference interval in which the target temperature difference lies, which is defined as the target temperature difference interval. The enable state of the solenoid valve in the evaporator branch and the output frequency of the compressor are then determined based on the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of the target temperature difference interval. This allows the cooling function of temperature zones with the same temperature difference interval to be enabled and started within the same time period, rather than controlling the activation of the cooling function based on a single temperature zone. The output frequency of the compressor is associated with the number of temperature zones in the target temperature interval, allowing the compressor to operate at an appropriate frequency, operating more smoothly and reducing cooling energy consumption.

[0065] In some embodiments, determining the output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch according to the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval includes:

[0066] Obtaining the number of temperature zones within a first target temperature difference interval, where the first target temperature difference interval is the highest level target temperature difference interval;

[0067] The output frequency of the compressor is determined according to the level of the first target temperature difference interval and the number of temperature zones therein, and the enabling states of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval are set to be valid.

[0068] In this embodiment, the target temperature difference interval with the highest level is first found. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator has three temperature zones, the first temperature zone at the top, the second temperature zone in the middle, and the third temperature zone at the bottom. The target temperature difference of the first temperature zone and the target temperature difference of the second temperature zone are both 8 degrees Celsius, and the target temperature difference of the third temperature zone is 12 degrees Celsius. Assume that the four preset standard temperature difference intervals are (0,5], (5,10], (10,15], (15,∞). Then the target temperature difference intervals can be determined to be (5,10] and (10,15], among which the target temperature difference interval with the highest level is (10,15]. The target temperature difference interval (10,15] is the first target temperature difference interval. There is only the third temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval with the highest level (10,15), and the number of temperature zones is 1. Next, the output frequency of the compressor can be determined according to the level and number of temperature zones of the target temperature difference interval, and the enable state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones in the first target temperature difference interval can be set to valid.

[0069] In this embodiment, the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the temperature zone within the highest-level target temperature difference range is set to valid. Such a setting can start cooling from the area with the largest target temperature difference, so that all temperature zones can reach the target temperature efficiently and quickly, and can gradually reduce the operating frequency of the compressor, making the operation more stable, which is conducive to reducing energy consumption.

[0070] In this embodiment, the above steps can be executed in real time. The real-time temperatures of each temperature zone collected in each sampling period are different, and the target temperature difference will be different. Accordingly, the target temperature difference interval, the first target temperature difference interval, the number of temperature zones in the first target temperature difference interval, etc. in this embodiment will change.

[0071] For example, in some embodiments, determining the output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch according to the number of temperature zones in each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval further includes:

[0072] When the target temperature differences of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval decrease to those within a second target temperature difference interval, obtaining the number of temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval; the second target temperature difference interval is an interval that is lower in level than the first target temperature difference interval and is adjacent to the first target temperature difference interval;

[0073] The output frequency of the compressor is determined according to the level of the second target temperature difference interval and the number of temperature zones therein, and the enabling states of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval are set to be valid.

[0074] In this embodiment, after the temperature of the temperature zone within the target temperature difference interval of the highest level drops to the target temperature difference interval of the next level, the output frequency of the compressor is determined based on the number of temperature zones and their levels within the target temperature difference interval of the next level, and the enable state of the solenoid valve is set to valid. For example, when the temperature of the third temperature zone drops to the (5, 10] interval, the highest level interval is updated to (5, 10]. At this time, the output frequency of the compressor is set based on the level of the (5, 10] interval and the number of temperature zones within the interval (3), and the enable states of the solenoid valves in the three temperature zones within the interval are all set to valid.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator is started, the compressor is turned on, and after a first preset time, the solenoid valves of multiple temperature zones are opened.

[0076] In this embodiment, the working process after the initial startup of the refrigerator is further defined. Specifically, when the refrigerator is started, the compressor is turned on, and after a first preset time, the solenoid valves of multiple temperature zones are opened. This allows the solenoid valves to be opened after the compressor has been running stably for a period of time, which is beneficial to the stable operation of the refrigeration system.

[0077] In some embodiments, a throttling element is provided for each evaporator branch; the solenoid valves for opening multiple temperature zones include: opening the solenoid valves for each temperature zone in sequence from near to far according to the distance of the multiple temperature zones from the compressor.

[0078] In this embodiment, the solenoid valves are opened in a bottom-up order. If the throttle elements in each temperature zone are identical, the pressure differential in the top temperature zone is the greatest, and the refrigerant in the throttle element is fully liquid. The pressure differential in the bottom temperature zone is the smallest, and the refrigerant in the throttle element may still be mixed. Consequently, the cooling effect is not as good as that in the upper temperature zones. Therefore, selecting a bottom-up opening order for the solenoid valves allows cooling to begin in temperature zones with initially poor cooling performance, improving the overall cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0079] In some embodiments, each evaporator is equipped with a fan; after the solenoid valve of each temperature zone is turned on, the fan of the evaporator is turned on after a second preset time has passed.

[0080] In this embodiment, the evaporator fan is turned on after a period of time has passed since the solenoid valve in the temperature zone is opened. Since the fan's on-time is staggered with the solenoid valve and compressor's on-time, the refrigerator's noise level can be reduced. Furthermore, since the evaporator's temperature has not yet cooled, or has not cooled sufficiently, during initial operation, even turning on the fan will not circulate cool air to cool the refrigerator. Therefore, this configuration reduces unnecessary power consumption, helping to lower the refrigerator's energy consumption.

[0081] In some embodiments, the control method has at least one of the following:

[0082] Setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval to be valid includes: sequentially setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the first target temperature difference interval to be valid according to the distance from the compressor to the compressor from near to far;

[0083] Alternatively, setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of all temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval to be valid includes: setting the enabling state of the solenoid valves of each temperature zone to be valid in sequence from near to far according to the distance of all temperature zones within the second target temperature difference interval from the compressor.

[0084] For example, when the temperature of the third temperature zone drops to the (5, 10] interval, the highest level interval is updated to (5, 10]. At this time, the number of temperature zones in the (5, 10] interval is 3, including the first to third temperature zones, and the enable states of the solenoid valves in the three temperature zones will be set to valid from bottom to top, that is, in the order of the third temperature zone, the second temperature zone, and the first temperature zone. For example, after the state of the third solenoid valve in the third temperature zone is set to valid, 10 seconds later, the state of the second solenoid valve in the second temperature zone is set to valid, and after another 10 seconds, the state of the first solenoid valve in the first temperature zone is set to valid.

[0085] In some embodiments, the refrigerator has at least three compartments, and each temperature zone includes at least one compartment.

[0086] In this embodiment, it is further clarified that the temperature zone in the embodiment is not necessarily a certain compartment, and multiple compartments may belong to the same temperature zone and use one evaporator branch.

[0087] In some embodiments, each temperature zone has a start-up temperature and a shutdown temperature. When the real-time temperature of the temperature zone is greater than or equal to the start-up temperature, an on signal is output to the solenoid valve of the temperature zone, and the solenoid valve of the temperature zone controls the switch state according to the on signal and the enable state; when the real-time temperature of the temperature zone is lower than the shutdown temperature, an off signal is output to the solenoid valve of the temperature zone, and the solenoid valve of the temperature zone controls the switch state according to the off signal and the enable state.

[0088] In this embodiment, the on / off control method of each temperature zone is further defined. When the aforementioned solenoid valve enabling state is valid, the on / off control of the solenoid valve is implemented according to the method in this embodiment.

[0089] In some embodiments, when there are other temperature zones above and below a certain temperature zone, the startup temperature of the temperature zone is adjusted to a corrected startup temperature, where the corrected startup temperature is equal to the sum of the original startup temperature and the correction value, and the correction value is related to the difference between the real-time temperature of the adjacent temperature zone and the real-time temperature of the temperature zone.

[0090] In this embodiment, because the cooling effect of the intermediate temperature zone is affected by the upper and lower temperature zones, correcting the startup temperature of the intermediate temperature zone can more accurately achieve temperature control in the intermediate temperature zone. Specifically, the correction value can be set to be related to the difference between the real-time temperature of the adjacent temperature zone and the real-time temperature of the temperature zone, further improving the accuracy of temperature control in the intermediate temperature zone.

[0091] In some embodiments, the output frequency of the compressor is positively correlated with the level of the first target temperature difference interval and is positively correlated with the number of temperature zones in the first target temperature difference interval.

[0092] For example, for the three temperature zones described above, Table 1 shows the compressor output frequency gears corresponding to different numbers of temperature zones within different standard temperature difference intervals. In the table, the higher the standard temperature difference interval and the greater the number of temperature zones, the greater the compressor output frequency gear. The greater the compressor gear in the table, the greater the compressor output frequency.

[0093] Table 1

[0094]

[0095] Table 2 lists the correspondence between the output frequency of the compressor and the level and number of temperature zones of the standard temperature difference interval. The correspondence can be stored in advance, and during the execution of the control method, the relationship in the table can be obtained by calling, searching, etc. In addition, the output frequency of the compressor can be set by calculation, f = a*L*b*n*f0. In the formula, f represents the set output frequency of the compressor, f0 represents the reference frequency, L represents the level L of the standard temperature difference interval, a is the correction coefficient of the standard temperature difference interval, a is a positive number, n represents the number of temperature zones, b represents the correction coefficient of the number of temperature zones, b is a positive number.

[0096] In this embodiment, correlation factors of the compressor output frequency are set, including the level of the first target temperature difference interval and the number of temperature zones in the first target temperature difference interval. That is to say, the higher the level and the more temperature zones, the higher the output frequency. This enables the compressor output frequency to be correlated with the temperature control load, which is beneficial to improving the operating efficiency of the compressor.

[0097] The present application also proposes an embodiment of a control device for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, and a refrigeration system consisting of multiple temperature zones, each temperature zone is equipped with an evaporator, multiple evaporators are connected in parallel, and each evaporator branch is provided with a solenoid valve, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control device 8 includes:

[0098] An acquisition module 81 is used to obtain the real-time temperature and target temperature of each temperature zone;

[0099] The processing module 82 is configured to perform the following steps:

[0100] Determining a target temperature difference for each temperature zone according to a difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature;

[0101] The target temperature difference interval of each temperature zone is determined according to the target temperature difference of each temperature zone and the preset temperature interval table; the preset temperature interval table includes multiple standard temperature difference intervals, each standard temperature difference interval has a minimum value and a maximum value, when the target temperature difference is greater than the minimum value of a certain standard temperature difference interval and less than or equal to the maximum value of the standard temperature difference interval, then the target temperature difference is in the standard temperature difference interval, and the standard temperature difference interval is the target temperature difference interval where the corresponding temperature zone is located; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals have a level attribute, and the higher the temperature shown in the standard temperature difference interval, the higher the level of the standard temperature difference interval; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals constitute a continuous temperature interval;

[0102] Determine the number of temperature zones within each target temperature difference interval;

[0103] The output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch are determined according to the number of temperature zones located in each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone in the target temperature difference interval; the enabling state includes valid and invalid. When the enabling state is valid, the solenoid valve can be opened according to the opening signal; when the enabling state is invalid, the solenoid valve is continuously in the closed state.

[0104] It should be noted that the information interaction, execution process, etc. between the above devices are not related to the present application. Figure 2 The control method of the illustrated embodiment is based on the same concept. For its specific functions and technical effects, please refer to the method embodiment section and will not be repeated here.

[0105] This application also proposes an electronic device embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device 4 of this embodiment includes: at least one processor 40 ( Figure 4Only one processor is shown in the figure), a memory 41, and a computer program 42 stored in the memory 41 and executable on the at least one processor 40, wherein the processor 40 implements the steps of any of the above-mentioned method embodiments when executing the computer program 42.

[0106] The electronic device 4 can be a computing device such as a desktop computer, a notebook, a PDA, or a cloud server. The electronic device can include, but is not limited to, a processor 40 and a memory 41. Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 4 This is merely an example of the electronic device 4 and does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 4 . The electronic device 4 may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or a combination of certain components, or different components. For example, the electronic device 4 may also include input and output devices, network access devices, etc.

[0107] The processor 40 may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0108] In some embodiments, the memory 41 may be an internal storage unit of the electronic device 4, such as a hard disk or memory of the electronic device 4. In other embodiments, the memory 41 may also be an external storage device of the electronic device 4, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart memory card (Smart Media Card, SMC), a secure digital (Secure Digital, SD) card, a flash card (Flash Card), etc. equipped on the electronic device 4. Furthermore, the memory 41 may also include both an internal storage unit of the electronic device 4 and an external storage device. The memory 41 is used to store an operating system, an application program, a boot loader (BootLoader), data, and other programs, such as the program code of the computer program. The memory 41 may also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

[0109] An embodiment of the present application further discloses a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the above-mentioned various method embodiments can be implemented.

[0110] An embodiment of the present application discloses a computer program product. When the computer program product is run on an electronic device, the electronic device can implement the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments when executing the computer program product.

[0111] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the present application implements all or part of the process in the above-mentioned embodiment method by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of each of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in source code form, object code form, executable file or some intermediate form. The computer-readable medium can at least include: any entity or device that can carry the computer program code to the camera / electronic device, recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electric carrier signal, telecommunication signal and software distribution medium. For example, a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk. In some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, computer-readable media cannot be electric carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0112] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described or recorded in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0114] In the embodiments disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices / electronic devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device / electronic device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0115] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0116] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A control method for a multi-temperature zone refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator comprises a compressor, a condenser, and a refrigeration system consisting of multiple temperature zones, wherein each temperature zone is equipped with an evaporator, the multiple evaporators are connected in parallel, and each evaporator branch is provided with a solenoid valve, characterized in that: The control method includes: Get the real-time temperature and target temperature of each temperature zone; Determining a target temperature difference for each temperature zone according to a difference between the real-time temperature of each temperature zone and the target temperature; The target temperature difference interval of each temperature zone is determined according to the target temperature difference of each temperature zone and the preset temperature interval table; the preset temperature interval table includes multiple standard temperature difference intervals, each standard temperature difference interval has a minimum value and a maximum value, when the target temperature difference is greater than the minimum value of a certain standard temperature difference interval and less than or equal to the maximum value of the standard temperature difference interval, then the target temperature difference is in the standard temperature difference interval, and the standard temperature difference interval is the target temperature difference interval where the corresponding temperature zone is located; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals have a level attribute, and the higher the temperature shown in the standard temperature difference interval, the higher the level of the standard temperature difference interval; the multiple standard temperature difference intervals constitute a continuous temperature interval; Determine the number of temperature zones within each target temperature difference interval; determining the output frequency of the compressor and the enabling state of the solenoid valve of the evaporator branch according to the number of temperature zones within each target temperature difference interval and the level of each temperature zone within the target temperature difference interval; the enabling state includes valid and invalid, and when the enabling state is valid, the solenoid valve can be opened according to the opening signal; when the enabling state is invalid, the solenoid valve is continuously in the closed state; Start cooling from the temperature zone within the target temperature difference range with the highest level; After the temperature of the temperature zone within the highest level target temperature difference interval decreases to the target temperature difference interval of the next level, the output frequency of the compressor is determined according to the number and level of the temperature zones within the target temperature difference interval of the next level, and the enabling state of the solenoid valve is set to valid; The higher the level of the target temperature difference interval is, the more temperature zones there are in the target temperature difference interval, and the higher the output frequency of the compressor is.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the refrigerator is started, the compressor is turned on, and after a first preset time has passed, the solenoid valves of the plurality of temperature zones are opened.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each evaporator branch is provided with a throttling element; the solenoid valves for opening multiple temperature zones include: opening the solenoid valves of each temperature zone in sequence from near to far according to the distance of the multiple temperature zones from the compressor.

4. The control method according to any one of claims 1 or 3, characterized in that: Each evaporator is equipped with a fan, and each evaporator branch is provided with a throttling element; after the solenoid valve of each temperature zone is opened, the fan of the evaporator is turned on after a second preset time has passed.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each temperature zone has a start-up temperature and a shutdown temperature. When the real-time temperature of the temperature zone is greater than or equal to the start-up temperature, an on-signal is output to the solenoid valve of the temperature zone, and the solenoid valve of the temperature zone controls the switch state according to the on-signal and the enable state; when the real-time temperature of the temperature zone is lower than the shutdown temperature, an off-signal is output to the solenoid valve of the temperature zone, and the solenoid valve of the temperature zone controls the switch state according to the off-signal and the enable state.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: When there are other temperature zones above and below a certain temperature zone, the startup temperature of the temperature zone is adjusted to the corrected startup temperature. The corrected startup temperature is equal to the sum of the original startup temperature and the correction value. The correction value is related to the difference between the real-time temperature of the adjacent temperature zones and the real-time temperature of the temperature zone.

7. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, characterized in that: The memory stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor implements the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is implemented.

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