Refrigerator and water outlet cooling control method of water dispenser thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for controlling the water cooling output of a refrigerator and its water dispensing device. A refrigeration fan is installed in the refrigeration air duct connected to the refrigerator's cold compartment. When the unit water flow rate of the water storage container per unit time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate, so that cold air is quickly blown from the air outlet on the front cover into the cold compartment. This accelerates the flow rate of cold air from the cold compartment through the return air vent into the refrigeration return air duct, allowing the cold air to rapidly wash the surface of the water storage container, significantly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the water dispensing device, and ultimately enabling the water to cool down quickly, meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a method for controlling the water cooling output of a refrigerator and its water dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerators with built-in water dispensers are quite common. They not only meet users' needs for making cold drinks but also provide convenient water dispensing, similar to a water dispenser. Generally, refrigerators with built-in water dispensers require a water storage container in the lower air return zone to store the water needed for the dispenser. However, during the implementation of this invention, the inventors discovered that although the water storage container is located in the air return zone, the refrigerator's refrigeration system does not actively participate in cooling the dispensed water. It merely maintains the water temperature in the container according to the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. This results in the dispenser only providing a limited amount of cold water at a time, which cannot meet the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the cooling of water outlet in a refrigerator and its water dispensing device, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the water dispensing device, enabling the water to cool down quickly and meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] A refrigerated air duct assembly includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a refrigerated fan disposed on the rear cover; wherein the front cover and the rear cover form a refrigerated air duct, and the refrigerated fan is used to blow cold air from an air outlet disposed on the front cover to the refrigerator compartment.

[0006] A water storage container is located in the lower part of the cold storage compartment and in the cold storage return air duct that is connected to the return air vent.

[0007] A flow meter is installed in the outlet pipe connected to the water storage container;

[0008] The controller is used to acquire the unit outflow rate of the water storage container detected by the flow meter within a unit time. When the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow threshold, the controller controls the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment to the preset lowest temperature and controls the refrigerator fan to run.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes a refrigeration evaporator, located on the side of the rear cover opposite to the front cover. The refrigeration evaporator is used to cool the cold air flowing through the water storage container. The controller is further used for:

[0010] Obtain the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment;

[0011] When the real-time temperature is detected to be higher than the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to run, so that the refrigeration evaporator starts cooling.

[0012] When the real-time temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to stop running, so that the refrigeration evaporator stops cooling.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0014] When the unit outflow rate is detected to be less than the preset flow rate threshold, the outflow time is accumulated from zero.

[0015] When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

[0016] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0017] Obtain the water outlet status of the water storage container detected by the flow meter;

[0018] When the water outlet status is detected as a stopped water outlet status, the stopped water outlet time is accumulated starting from zero;

[0019] When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

[0020] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes:

[0021] A duct base plate is disposed within the refrigerated return air duct. A first air inlet and a second air inlet are respectively provided on both sides of the duct base plate, connecting the refrigerated return air duct and the evaporator's air inlet duct. The first air inlet corresponds to the water storage container. Cold air in the refrigerated compartment passes through the return air inlet and then flows to the evaporator via the first and second air inlets. After being cooled by the refrigerated evaporator, the cooled cold air is drawn into the refrigerated duct by the refrigerated fan and then flows back to the refrigerated compartment through the air outlet.

[0022] As an improvement to the above solution, a sealing rib is provided on the outer side of the air duct bottom plate, and the sealing rib connects the air duct bottom plate to the refrigerator liner.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a method for controlling the cooling of the water outlet of a refrigerator's water dispenser. The refrigerator includes at least a refrigeration aisle assembly, a water storage container located in the lower part of the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment and within a refrigeration return air duct communicating with a return air vent, and a flow meter located in a water outlet pipe communicating with the water storage container. The refrigeration aisle assembly includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a refrigeration fan mounted on the rear cover. The front and rear cover form a refrigeration air duct. The refrigeration fan blows cold air from the air outlet on the front cover towards the refrigeration compartment. Therefore, the method for controlling the cooling of the water outlet of the refrigerator's water dispenser includes:

[0024] The unit outflow rate of the water storage container detected by the flow meter per unit time is obtained.

[0025] When the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is controlled to the preset lowest temperature, and the refrigerator fan is controlled to run.

[0026] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes a refrigeration evaporator, wherein the refrigeration evaporator is located on the side of the rear cover opposite to the front cover. Therefore, the water cooling control method for the refrigerator's water dispensing device further includes:

[0027] Obtain the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment;

[0028] When the real-time temperature is detected to be higher than the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to run, so that the refrigeration evaporator starts cooling.

[0029] When the real-time temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to stop running, so that the refrigeration evaporator stops cooling.

[0030] As an improvement to the above solution, the water cooling control method for the refrigerator's water dispensing device further includes:

[0031] When the unit outflow rate is detected to be less than the preset flow rate threshold, or when the water storage container is in a stopped outflow state, the stopped outflow time is accumulated from zero.

[0032] When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a method for controlling the water cooling of a refrigerator and its water dispensing device. When the unit water flow rate of the water storage container is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold per unit time, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate, so that cold air is quickly blown from the air outlet on the front cover to the refrigerator compartment. This accelerates the flow rate of cold air from the refrigerator compartment to the refrigeration return air channel through the return air inlet, allowing the cold air to quickly wash the surface of the water storage container, greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the water dispensing device, and ultimately enabling the water to be cooled quickly, meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a front structural block diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a side structural block diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a first front sectional view of the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a second front sectional view of the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a partial structural block diagram of the back of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a partial structural block diagram of the rear of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a first working flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a second workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a third workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a water cooling control method for a refrigerator water dispenser provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Among them, 100 is the refrigerator compartment; 200 is the refrigerator air duct assembly; 300 is the refrigerator return air duct; 400 is the variable temperature compartment; 500 is the freezer air duct; 600 is the freezer compartment; 700 is the refrigerator evaporator; 101 is the ice maker; 102 is the air outlet; 201 is the refrigerator fan; 202 is the front cover; 203 is the rear cover; 204 is the refrigerator temperature sensor; 301 is the water dispenser; 301A is the water storage container; 301B is the water valve; 302 is the sealing rib; 303 is the first air inlet; and 304 is the second air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0047] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] See Figures 1-4The refrigerator of this embodiment has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space and multiple doors located at the opening of the cabinet. Each door includes a door shell on the outside of the cabinet, a door inner liner on the inside of the cabinet, an upper cover, a lower cover, and an insulation layer between the door shell, door inner liner, upper cover, and lower cover; typically, the insulation layer is filled with foam material. The cabinet has chambers, including component storage chambers for housing refrigerator components, such as the compressor, and storage spaces for storing food. These storage spaces can be divided into multiple compartments, which, depending on their purpose, can be configured as a refrigerator compartment 100, a variable temperature compartment 400 (also called a crisper compartment), and a freezer compartment 600. A refrigerator return air duct 300 is provided between the refrigerator compartment 100 and the variable temperature compartment 400, and a freezer air duct 500 is provided between the variable temperature compartment 400 and the freezer compartment 600. Each storage compartment corresponds to one or more doors, for example, in… Figure 1 The upper storage compartment features double doors. These doors can be pivotally mounted at the opening of the cabinet or can open like drawers for drawer-style storage.

[0050] The refrigerator has an ice-making compartment 101 located on the upper left of the refrigerator compartment 100. The refrigerator is equipped with a water dispenser 301, and the water valve 301B of the water dispenser 301 is located on the refrigerator door. Users can obtain water through the water valve 301B, which can meet the user's needs for making cold drinks using the refrigerator.

[0051] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are not only applicable to single-system refrigerators, but also to dual-system refrigerators with independent evaporators and fans in the refrigeration compartment. Therefore, an independent evaporator can also be provided in the refrigeration compartment 100, which can realize independent refrigeration and independent air supply and return system, avoiding cross-contamination of odors with other compartments.

[0052] The refrigeration system in a single-system refrigerator includes a compressor, condenser, anti-condensation tube, dryer filter, capillary tube, evaporator, and gas-liquid separator. The working process of the refrigeration system includes compression, condensation, throttling, and evaporation processes.

[0053] The compression process is as follows: When the refrigerator power cord is plugged in and the thermostat contacts are closed, the compressor starts working. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder before being discharged into the condenser. The condensation process is as follows: The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser, and its temperature continuously decreases until it is gradually cooled into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into saturated liquid. The temperature at this point is no longer decreasing and is called the condensation temperature. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the condensation process. The throttling process is as follows: After condensation, the saturated liquid refrigerant is filtered through a dryer to remove moisture and impurities before flowing into a capillary tube, where it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction, turning the refrigerant into room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process is as follows: The room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator, which not only lowers the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator passes through a gas-liquid separator and returns to the compressor, repeating the above process to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0054] The fan continuously draws air into the fins of the evaporator for heat exchange, while simultaneously sending the cooled air from the evaporator through the duct to the refrigerator compartment 100 and the freezer compartment 600. In this way, the air in the storage compartment is continuously circulated, achieving the purpose of lowering the temperature.

[0055] The refrigeration system in a dual-system refrigerator includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a first capillary tube and a second capillary tube that depressurize the refrigerant, a refrigerator evaporator and a freezer evaporator that act as heat absorption mechanisms, a three-way valve that controls the refrigerant flow path, a one-way valve that prevents refrigerant backflow, a dryer that removes moisture from the refrigeration cycle, and a refrigerant manifold that connects the refrigerant flow path. These components are connected by piping to circulate the refrigerant and form a refrigeration cycle. During this process, fans are installed in each storage compartment to accelerate the airflow, thereby speeding up the heat absorption of the refrigerator and freezer evaporators and increasing the cooling speed of the storage compartment. The three-way valve has a first outlet and a second outlet. When the three-way valve is controlled to open the first outlet, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the first capillary tube, the refrigerator evaporator, the gas-liquid separator, and the refrigerant manifold, then returns to the compressor. After passing through the first capillary tube, the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant flows in the refrigerator evaporator, exchanging heat with the evaporator and the air in the refrigerator compartment 100, thus cooling the refrigerator compartment 100. Similarly, when the three-way valve is controlled to open the second outlet, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the second capillary tube, the refrigeration evaporator, the gas-liquid separator, and the refrigerant junction, and then returns to the compressor. After passing through the second capillary tube, the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant flows in the refrigeration evaporator and exchanges heat with the air in the refrigeration evaporator and the freezer compartment 600 to cool the freezer compartment 600.

[0056] An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0057] like Figures 5-6 As shown, the refrigerated air duct assembly 200 includes a front cover plate 202, a rear cover plate 203, and a refrigerated fan 201 disposed on the rear cover plate 203; wherein, the front cover plate 202 and the rear cover plate 203 form a refrigerated air duct, and the refrigerated fan 201 is used to blow cold air from the air outlet 102 disposed on the front cover plate 202 to the refrigerator compartment 100;

[0058] A water storage container 301A is located at the lower part of the cold storage compartment 100 and is situated within the cold storage return air duct 300, which is connected to the return air vent (not shown in the figure).

[0059] A flow meter (not shown in the figure) is installed in the outlet pipe connected to the water storage container 301A;

[0060] When a user takes water from the drinking device 301, the entry of the external high-temperature water source will inevitably and rapidly raise the water temperature inside the water storage container 301A. This embodiment of the invention, by controlling the operation of the refrigeration fan 201 when the unit outflow rate of the water storage container 301A per unit time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold, can accelerate the cooling process of the water source in the water storage container 301A by the cold air in the refrigeration compartment 100, thus meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention, by actively participating the refrigeration system in the cooling process of the drinking device 301, enables the cold air to participate in the forced convection heat exchange of the water storage container 301A during the refrigeration process, rapidly cooling the water source in the water storage container 301A and its outlet pipe, and preventing the water source in the water storage container 301A from freezing and maintaining a reasonable water temperature.

[0061] It is worth noting that because the outlet air temperature of the cold storage compartment 100 is too low (generally ≤-15℃), that is, the cold air temperature near the air outlet 102 is too low, if the water dispenser 301 is installed at this location, the water in the storage container 301A and the water supply pipe is prone to freezing. Therefore, the installation location of the water dispenser 301 should be far away from the air outlet 102. The installation location of the water storage container 301A provided in this embodiment of the invention is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, a drinking water device 301, which is formed by defining a water storage container 301A, a water valve 301B, and a water outlet pipe (not shown in the figure), is assembled in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 100 in a refrigerator return air channel 300 that is connected to the return air vent. Since the temperature of the cold air in the refrigerator return air channel 300 is always greater than 0°C, the water in the water storage container 301A and the water outlet pipe will not freeze at low temperatures.

[0062] To further improve the heat exchange capacity of the water storage container 301A, the water storage container 301A can be made of metal materials such as stainless steel, and corresponding ribs or fins can be added to the outside of the water storage container 301A to improve the heat exchange capacity of the surface of the water storage container 301A.

[0063] See Figures 5-6 This is a partial structural block diagram of the back of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigeration air duct assembly 200 includes a front cover plate 202, a rear cover plate 203, a refrigeration fan 201, air duct foam, and fastening screws, etc. The air duct foam is disposed between the front cover plate 202 and the rear cover plate 203, and the air duct foam and the front cover plate 202 form a refrigeration air duct. The front cover plate 202 and the rear cover plate 203 are connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​connection and the fastening screws. The front cover plate 202 is provided with an air outlet 102, and the refrigerated air duct is connected to the refrigerated compartment 100 through the air outlet 102. The rear cover plate 203 is provided with an air intake. The refrigerated fan 201 is installed in the refrigerated air duct and at a position corresponding to the air intake. The refrigerated fan 201 blows cold air from the air outlet 102 to the refrigerated compartment 100. Then, the cold air in the refrigerated compartment 100 flows through the return air inlet and the water storage container 301A in the refrigerated return air channel 300. It can be seen that the refrigerated fan 201 increases the flow rate of cold air through the water storage container 301A, so that the cold air can wash the surface of the water storage container 301A at high speed, which greatly improves the heat exchange efficiency of the drinking water device.

[0064] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration evaporator 700, located on the side of the rear cover 203 opposite to the front cover 202. The refrigeration evaporator 700 is used to cool the cold air flowing through the water storage container 301A. After the cold air rushes through the water storage container 301A at high speed, the temperature of the cold air will rise. The refrigeration evaporator 700 cools the cold air. Then, the cooled cold air is transported into the refrigeration air duct by the suction of the refrigeration fan 201, and then flows to the refrigerator compartment 100 through the air outlet 102, accelerating the rapid cooling of the water dispensed by the water dispenser 301.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, to accelerate the cooling process, the temperature setting of the refrigerator compartment 100 is controlled at the lowest setting (e.g., 2°C). At this time, the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment 100 is obtained through the refrigerator temperature sensor 204. When the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the lowest setting temperature, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to run, causing the refrigerator evaporator 700 to start cooling. The low-temperature air that has passed through the refrigerator evaporator 700 can accelerate the heat exchange of the water dispenser 301, rapidly cooling the water in the water dispenser 301 to meet the user's cold beverage needs. When the real-time temperature is less than or equal to the lowest setting temperature, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to stop running, causing the refrigerator evaporator 700 to stop cooling.

[0066] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes: an air duct base plate (not shown in the figure), which is disposed in the refrigeration return air duct 300. The air duct base plate has a first air inlet 303 and a second air inlet 304 on both sides, which connect the refrigeration return air duct 300 and the air inlet duct of the evaporator. The first air inlet 303 corresponds to the water storage container 301A. The cold air in the refrigerator compartment 100 flows to the evaporator through the first air inlet 303 and the second air inlet 304 after passing through the return air inlet. After being cooled by the refrigeration evaporator 700, the cooled cold air is transported to the refrigeration air duct by the suction of the refrigeration fan 201, and then flows to the refrigerator compartment 100 through the air outlet 102.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, the water storage container 301A is disposed within the refrigerated return air channel 300 corresponding to the first air inlet 303. According to Bernoulli's equation in fluid mechanics, the fluid velocity increases when the cross-section through which the fluid flows narrows. Therefore, when cold air flows from the air outlet 102 to the first air inlet 303, the flow velocity increases, enhancing the convective heat transfer of the cold air to the water storage container 301A and its water outlet pipe, thereby achieving rapid cooling of the water dispensed from the drinking water device 301.

[0068] Furthermore, to avoid the problem of poor cooling effect caused by poor air circulation on the other side due to cold air only passing through one side of the water storage container 301A, a second air inlet 304 is provided on the other side of the air duct base plate to improve the air circulation on that side; the size of the second air inlet 304 can be determined by considering the actual cooling temperature difference and the cooling rate of the water drinking device 301.

[0069] Optionally, a sealing rib 302 is provided on the outer side of the air duct bottom plate, and the sealing rib 302 connects the air duct bottom plate to the refrigerator liner.

[0070] It is worth noting that, in order to rationally plan the airflow organization and improve the cooling speed of the refrigeration and water dispensing device 301, a sealing rib 302 is added to the outer side of the bottom of the air duct. The sealing rib 302 works with the refrigerator liner to prevent cold air from passing through the gap between the bottom plate of the air duct and the refrigerator liner.

[0071] For example, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a first workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S11 to S17:

[0072] S11. Obtain the unit outflow rate of the water storage container per unit time as detected by the flow meter;

[0073] S12. Determine that the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold;

[0074] S13. When the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is controlled to the preset lowest temperature.

[0075] S14. Control the operation of the refrigeration fan.

[0076] S15. When the unit outflow rate is less than the preset flow rate threshold, the outflow time is accumulated starting from zero.

[0077] S16. Determine whether the cumulative water outflow time is greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold.

[0078] S17. When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling state.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the unit outflow rate of the water storage container is obtained by accumulating the number of pulses in the flow meter within a unit time. When the unit outflow rate is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset flow threshold, it can be determined that the outflow water temperature begins to rise significantly. At this time, the set temperature of the refrigerator 100 is controlled to the preset lowest temperature, and the refrigerator fan 201 is controlled to run, using the cold air in the refrigerator 100 to quickly cool the water storage container 301A.

[0080] When the unit water flow rate is detected to be less than the preset flow rate threshold, the timer is reset to zero and the accumulation of water outflow time restarts. When the accumulated water outflow time is greater than or equal to the accumulated time threshold, it is considered that the temperature of the water source in the water storage container 301A has met the requirements and can provide a certain amount of cold drinks. At this time, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the normal cooling state, that is, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 100 is adjusted according to the set temperature, and the refrigerator fan 201 is controlled according to the normal cooling conditions.

[0081] For example, see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a second workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S18 to S21:

[0082] S18. Obtain the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment;

[0083] S19. Determine whether the real-time temperature is greater than the lowest temperature setting;

[0084] S20. When the real-time temperature is detected to be greater than the lowest temperature setting, control the compressor in the refrigerator to run, so that the refrigeration evaporator starts cooling.

[0085] S21. When the real-time temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to stop running so that the refrigeration evaporator stops cooling.

[0086] It is worth noting that the refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention also includes a refrigeration evaporator 700, which is disposed on the side of the rear cover 203 opposite to the front cover 202. The refrigeration evaporator 700 is used to cool the cold air flowing through the water storage container 301A.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, to accelerate the cooling process, the temperature setting of the refrigerator compartment 100 is controlled at the lowest setting (e.g., 2°C). At this time, the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment 100 is obtained through the refrigerator temperature sensor 204. When the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the lowest setting temperature, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to run, causing the refrigerator evaporator 700 to start cooling. The low-temperature air that has passed through the refrigerator evaporator 700 can accelerate the heat exchange of the water dispenser 301, rapidly cooling the water in the water dispenser 301 to meet the user's cold beverage needs. When the real-time temperature is less than or equal to the lowest setting temperature, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to stop running, causing the refrigerator evaporator 700 to stop cooling.

[0088] For example, see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a third flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S31 to S34:

[0089] S31. Obtain the water outlet status of the water storage container detected by the flow meter;

[0090] S32. Determine whether the water outlet status is a stopped water outlet status;

[0091] S33. When the water outlet state is detected to be a stopped water outlet state, the stopped water outlet time is accumulated starting from zero.

[0092] S33. Determine whether the cumulative water outflow time is greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold.

[0093] S34. When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling state.

[0094] In this embodiment of the invention, when the water dispensing status is detected as a stopped water dispensing status, i.e., the user stops taking water, the timer is reset to zero and the accumulated stopped water dispensing time restarts. When the accumulated stopped water dispensing time is greater than or equal to the accumulated time threshold, it is considered that the temperature of the water source in the water storage container has met the requirements and can provide a certain amount of cold drinks. At this time, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the normal cooling state, i.e., the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 100 is adjusted according to the set temperature setting, and the refrigerator fan 201 is controlled according to the normal cooling conditions.

[0095] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention controls the operation of the refrigeration fan 201 when the unit water flow rate of the water storage container 301A per unit time is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold. This causes cold air to be blown quickly from the air outlet on the front cover 202 to the refrigerator compartment 100, thereby accelerating the flow rate of cold air from the refrigerator compartment 100 through the return air vent into the refrigerator return air channel 300. This allows the cold air to wash the surface of the water storage container 301A at high speed, greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the water dispensing device 301, and ultimately enabling the water to be cooled quickly, meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks.

[0096] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a water cooling control method for a refrigerator water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water cooling control method for the refrigerator water dispenser described in this embodiment is executed by a controller in the refrigerator and includes at least a refrigeration aisle assembly, a water storage container located in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment and within a refrigeration return air aisle connected to a return air vent, and a flow meter located in a water outlet pipe connected to the water storage container. The refrigeration aisle assembly includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a refrigeration fan located on the rear cover. The front cover and the rear cover form a refrigeration air duct. The refrigeration fan blows cold air from an air outlet located on the front cover into the refrigerator compartment. Therefore, the water cooling control method for the refrigerator water dispenser includes:

[0097] S1. Obtain the unit outflow rate of the water storage container per unit time as detected by the flow meter;

[0098] S2. When the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the set temperature of the cold storage compartment is controlled to the preset lowest temperature, and the cold storage fan is controlled to run.

[0099] When a user draws water from the drinking device, the entry of the external high-temperature water source will inevitably and rapidly raise the water temperature inside the storage container. This embodiment of the invention, by controlling the operation of the refrigeration fan when the unit outflow rate of the storage container per unit time is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold, can accelerate the cooling process of the water source in the storage container by the cold air in the refrigeration compartment, meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention, by actively participating the refrigeration system in the cooling process of the drinking device, allows the cold air to participate in the forced convection heat exchange of the storage container during refrigeration, rapidly cooling the water source in the storage container and its outlet pipe, and preventing the water from freezing and maintaining a reasonable water temperature.

[0100] To further improve the heat exchange capacity of the water storage container, the container can be made of stainless steel or other metal materials, and corresponding ribs or fins can be added to the outside of the container to improve the heat exchange capacity of the container surface.

[0101] In this embodiment of the invention, the refrigerated air duct assembly includes a front cover plate, a rear cover plate, a refrigerated fan, air duct foam, and fastening screws. The air duct foam is disposed between the front and rear cover plates, forming a refrigerated air duct with the front cover plate. The front and rear cover plates are connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​connection and the fastening screws. The front cover plate has an air outlet, through which the refrigerated air duct communicates with the refrigerated compartment. The rear cover plate has an air intake. The refrigerated fan is installed within the refrigerated air duct, corresponding to the air intake. The refrigerated fan blows cold air from the air outlet into the refrigerated compartment, and then the cold air in the refrigerated compartment flows through a return air inlet into a water storage container within the refrigerated return air channel. Therefore, the refrigerated fan accelerates the flow rate of cold air through the water storage container, allowing the cold air to rapidly wash the surface of the water storage container, significantly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the drinking water device.

[0102] In this embodiment of the invention, a refrigerated evaporator is located on the side of the rear cover plate opposite to the front cover plate. The refrigerated evaporator is used to cool the cold air flowing through the water storage container. After the cold air rushes through the water storage container at high speed, the temperature of the cold air will rise. The refrigerated evaporator cools the cold air. Then, the cooled cold air is transported into the refrigerated air duct by the suction of the refrigerated fan, and then flows to the refrigerated compartment through the air outlet, thereby accelerating the rapid cooling of the water dispensed by the water drinking device.

[0103] In this embodiment of the invention, the unit outflow rate of the water storage container is obtained by accumulating the number of pulses in the flow meter within a unit time. When the unit outflow rate is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset flow threshold, it can be determined that the outflow water temperature begins to rise significantly. At this time, the set temperature of the cold storage chamber is controlled to the preset lowest temperature, and the cold storage fan is controlled to run, using the cold air in the cold storage chamber to quickly cool the water storage container.

[0104] Optionally, the refrigerator further includes a refrigeration evaporator, wherein the refrigeration evaporator is located on the side of the rear cover opposite to the front cover; in this case, the water cooling control method for the refrigerator's water dispensing device further includes:

[0105] Obtain the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment;

[0106] When the real-time temperature is detected to be higher than the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to run, so that the refrigeration evaporator starts cooling.

[0107] When the real-time temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to stop running, so that the refrigeration evaporator stops cooling.

[0108] In this embodiment of the invention, to accelerate the cooling process, the temperature setting of the refrigerator compartment is controlled at the lowest setting (e.g., 2°C). At this time, the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment is obtained through a refrigerator temperature sensor. When the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the lowest setting temperature, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to run, causing the refrigerator evaporator to start cooling. The low-temperature air, after heat exchange in the refrigerator evaporator, accelerates heat exchange in the water dispenser, rapidly cooling the water in the dispenser to meet the user's cold beverage needs. When the real-time temperature is less than or equal to the lowest setting temperature, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to stop running, causing the refrigerator evaporator to stop cooling.

[0109] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes: an air duct base plate disposed within the refrigeration return air duct; the air duct base plate has a first air inlet and a second air inlet on both sides, respectively, connecting the refrigeration return air duct and the air inlet duct of the evaporator; the first air inlet corresponds to the water storage container; wherein, after the cold air in the refrigerator compartment passes through the return air inlet, it flows to the evaporator through the first air inlet and the second air inlet; after being cooled by the refrigeration evaporator, the cooled cold air is transported into the refrigeration air duct by the suction action of the refrigeration fan, and then flows to the refrigerator compartment through the air outlet.

[0110] Optionally, the water cooling control method for the water dispensing device of the refrigerator further includes:

[0111] When the unit outflow rate is detected to be less than the preset flow rate threshold, or when the water storage container is in a stopped outflow state, the stopped outflow time is accumulated from zero.

[0112] When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

[0113] In this embodiment of the invention, when the unit outflow rate is less than the preset flow rate threshold, or when the water outlet status of the water storage container is a stopped outflow state, i.e., when the user stops taking water, the timer is reset to zero and the accumulated stop outflow time restarts; when the accumulated stop outflow time of the timer is greater than or equal to the accumulated time threshold, it is considered that the temperature of the water source in the water storage container has met the requirements and can provide a certain amount of cold drinks. At this time, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the normal cooling state, i.e., the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted according to the set temperature, and the refrigerator fan is controlled according to the normal cooling conditions.

[0114] Compared with the prior art, the water dispensing device cooling control method of the refrigerator provided by the embodiments of the present invention controls the operation of the refrigeration fan when the unit water dispensing flow rate of the water storage container is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold per unit time. This causes cold air to be blown quickly from the air outlet on the front cover to the refrigeration compartment, thereby accelerating the flow rate of cold air from the refrigeration compartment to the refrigeration return air channel through the return air vent. This allows the cold air to wash the surface of the water storage container at high speed, greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the water dispensing device, and ultimately enabling the water to be cooled quickly, meeting the needs of users with high demand for cold drinks.

[0115] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: include: A refrigerated air duct assembly includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a refrigerated fan disposed on the rear cover; wherein the front cover and the rear cover form a refrigerated air duct, and the refrigerated fan is used to blow cold air from an air outlet disposed on the front cover to the refrigerator compartment. A water storage container is located in the lower part of the cold storage compartment and in the cold storage return air duct that is connected to the return air vent. A refrigerated evaporator is located on the side of the rear cover plate opposite to the front cover plate, and the refrigerated evaporator is used to cool the cold air flowing through the water storage container. A duct base plate is disposed within the refrigerated return air duct. A first air inlet and a second air inlet are respectively provided on both sides of the duct base plate, connecting the refrigerated return air duct and the refrigerated evaporator. The first air inlet corresponds to the water storage container. Cold air in the refrigerated compartment passes through the return air inlet and then flows to the refrigerated evaporator via the first and second air inlets. After being cooled by the refrigerated evaporator, the cooled cold air is drawn into the refrigerated duct by the refrigerated fan and then flows back to the refrigerated compartment through the air outlet. A flow meter is installed in the outlet pipe connected to the water storage container; The controller is used to acquire the unit outflow rate of the water storage container detected by the flow meter within a unit time. When the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow threshold, the controller controls the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment to the preset lowest temperature and controls the refrigerator fan to run.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The controller is also used for: Obtain the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment; When the real-time temperature is detected to be higher than the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to run, so that the refrigeration evaporator starts cooling. When the real-time temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to stop running, so that the refrigeration evaporator stops cooling.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The controller is also used for: When the unit outflow rate is detected to be less than the preset flow rate threshold, the outflow time is accumulated from zero. When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The controller is also used for: Obtain the water outlet status of the water storage container detected by the flow meter; When the water outlet status is detected as a stopped water outlet status, the stopped water outlet time is accumulated starting from zero; When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the air duct bottom plate is provided with a sealing rib, which connects the air duct bottom plate to the refrigerator liner.

6. A method for controlling the cooling of water outlet from a refrigerator's water dispenser, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes at least a refrigeration aisle assembly, a water storage container located in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment and within a refrigeration return air duct connected to a return air vent, a refrigeration evaporator, an air duct base plate, and a flow meter located in a water outlet pipe connected to the water storage container. The refrigeration aisle assembly includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a refrigeration fan mounted on the rear cover. The front and rear cover form a refrigeration air duct. The refrigeration fan blows cold air from the air outlet on the front cover into the refrigerator compartment. The refrigeration evaporator is located on the side of the rear cover opposite to the front cover and is used to cool the cold air flowing through the water storage container. The bottom plate of the air duct is located within the refrigerated return air duct. A first air inlet and a second air inlet are respectively provided on both sides of the bottom plate, connecting the refrigerated return air duct and the refrigerated evaporator. The first air inlet corresponds to the water storage container. After passing through the return air inlet, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment flows to the refrigerated evaporator through the first and second air inlets. After being cooled by the refrigerated evaporator, the cooled cold air is drawn into the refrigerated air duct by the refrigerated fan and then flows back to the refrigerator compartment through the air outlet. Therefore, the water cooling control method for the refrigerator's water dispensing device includes: The unit outflow rate of the water storage container detected by the flow meter per unit time is obtained. When the unit outflow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is controlled to the preset lowest temperature, and the refrigerator fan is controlled to run.

7. The water cooling control method for the water dispensing device of a refrigerator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water cooling control method for the water dispensing device of the refrigerator also includes: Obtain the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment; When the real-time temperature is detected to be higher than the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to run, so that the refrigeration evaporator starts cooling. When the real-time temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the lowest temperature setting, the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled to stop running, so that the refrigeration evaporator stops cooling.

8. The water cooling control method for the water dispensing device of a refrigerator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water cooling control method for the water dispensing device of the refrigerator also includes: When the unit outflow rate is detected to be less than the preset flow rate threshold, or when the water storage container is in a stopped outflow state, the stopped outflow time is accumulated from zero. When the water outflow time is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset cumulative time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to enter normal cooling mode.

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