Humidity control device for cold storage equipment, cold storage equipment and humidity control method

Abstract

The application discloses a humidity control device of a cold storage equipment, the cold storage equipment and a humidity control method, wherein the device comprises a controller and a storage box arranged in a chamber of the cold storage equipment, the surface of the storage box is provided with one or more air exchange windows with adjustable opening degrees, and a humidity sensor is arranged in the storage box; and the controller is in signal connection with the humidity sensor and an executing mechanism for adjusting the opening degrees of the air exchange windows, so that the technical problem of complicated humidity control operation and poor precision of the cold storage equipment in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cold storage technology, and in particular to a humidity control device, cold storage equipment, and humidity control method for cold storage equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, common cold storage equipment, such as refrigerators, often lacks humidity control functions. This causes fruits and vegetables stored in the refrigerator to dehydrate too quickly, resulting in a decline in quality. Some refrigerators with humidity control functions require users to manually ventilate, which is cumbersome and lacks precision in humidity control.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the technical problems of cumbersome and inaccurate humidity control operation of cold storage equipment in the aforementioned related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a humidity control device, a cold storage device, and a humidity control method for cold storage equipment, so as to solve the technical problems of cumbersome and inaccurate humidity control operation of cold storage equipment in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a humidity control device for a cold storage equipment is provided, comprising a controller and a storage box disposed in a compartment of the cold storage equipment, wherein the surface of the storage box is provided with one or more adjustable ventilation windows, and a humidity sensor is disposed inside the storage box; the controller is signal connected to the humidity sensor and an actuator for adjusting the opening of the ventilation windows respectively.

[0007] Optionally, the actuator includes a lead screw and a motor, the output shaft of the motor being connected to the lead screw, and the lead screw being connected to the ventilation window.

[0008] Optionally, the ventilation window includes a first ventilation area and a second ventilation area located outside the first ventilation area.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cold storage device is provided, including the humidity control device described above.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidity control method for a cold storage device is provided for controlling the aforementioned humidity control apparatus, the method comprising:

[0011] Detect the humidity level inside the storage box;

[0012] The humidity value inside the storage box is compared with the set target humidity value;

[0013] The opening degree of the ventilation window is controlled based on the comparison results.

[0014] Optionally, controlling the opening degree of the ventilation window based on the comparison result specifically includes:

[0015] If the humidity value inside the storage box is less than or equal to the set target humidity value, the ventilation window will be closed or its opening will be reduced.

[0016] Optionally, controlling the opening degree of the ventilation window based on the comparison result specifically includes:

[0017] If the humidity level inside the storage box is greater than the set target humidity level, the opening of the ventilation window will be increased.

[0018] Optionally, controlling the increase of the ventilation window opening specifically includes determining the extent to which the ventilation window opening is increased based on the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value, wherein the humidity difference is positively correlated with the extent to which the ventilation window opening is increased.

[0019] Optionally, determining the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased based on the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value specifically includes:

[0020] For the ventilation window including the first ventilation area and the second ventilation area located outside the first ventilation area, if the humidity difference between the humidity value in the storage box and the set target humidity value is less than or equal to the preset humidity difference threshold, then only the opening of the first ventilation area is controlled to increase.

[0021] If the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value is greater than the preset humidity difference threshold, then the opening of both the first ventilation area and the second ventilation area will be increased.

[0022] Optionally, controlling the increase of the ventilation window opening specifically includes: determining the extent to which the ventilation window opening is increased based on the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value, and the value of the set target humidity value, wherein the humidity difference and the value of the set target humidity value are both positively correlated with the extent to which the ventilation window opening is increased.

[0023] This invention provides a humidity control device, a cold storage device, and a humidity control method for a cold storage equipment. A storage box with an adjustable ventilation window is installed inside the cold storage equipment. A humidity sensor is installed inside the storage box. After receiving the humidity value inside the storage box, the controller compares it with a set target humidity value. Based on the comparison result, the controller can automatically control and adjust the opening of the ventilation window to achieve the set target humidity value. This realizes intelligent and automatic humidity control of the cold storage equipment, thereby solving the technical problems of cumbersome and inaccurate humidity control operations in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cold storage device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a humidity control device for a cold storage equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a humidity control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the ventilation window in a state from completely closed to partially open.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the topology of a humidity control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 A flowchart of a humidity control method for a cold storage device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 A flowchart of a humidity control method for a cold storage device provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1-Refrigerator compartment; 2-Ventilation window; 3-Freezer compartment; 4-Storage box; 5-Humidity sensor; 6-Refrigerator compartment damper; 7-Compressor; 8-Lead screw; 9-Motor; 10-Evaporator; 21-First ventilation zone; 22-Second ventilation zone. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] Among related technologies, the few cold storage devices with humidity control functions rely on manual adjustment, which is cumbersome and lacks precision. Currently, there is no satisfactory solution.

[0034] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a humidity control device, a cold storage device, and a humidity control method for cold storage equipment, in order to solve the aforementioned technical problems in related technologies. A detailed description follows.

[0035] Combination Figure 1-4 The cold storage equipment provided in this embodiment of the invention, such as refrigerators and freezers, generally includes one or more storage compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment 1 and a freezer compartment 3, and also includes conventional components such as a refrigerator compartment damper 6, an evaporator 10, and a compressor 7. A storage box 4 is provided in each storage compartment for holding food. In this embodiment, the storage box 4 has one or more adjustable ventilation windows 2, for example, they can be located on the upper surface of the box. The ventilation window 2 has several blades that can move along the direction of opening and closing the ventilation window to adjust the opening area of ​​the ventilation window 2, i.e., adjust the opening degree of the ventilation window 2. The cold storage equipment has a humidity control device. In addition to the ventilation windows 2, the humidity control device also includes a controller, a humidity sensor 5 located inside the storage box 4, and the controller is signal-connected to the humidity sensor 5 and the actuator that controls the opening degree of the ventilation windows 2. After the humidity sensor 5 collects the humidity signal inside the storage box 4, it transmits it to the controller. The controller obtains the humidity value inside the storage box 4 and compares it with the target humidity value set manually or by the system. Then, based on the comparison result, it sends a control signal to the actuator of the ventilation window 2 to adjust the opening of the ventilation window. By adjusting the opening of the ventilation window 2, the gas exchange efficiency between the inside and outside of the storage box 4 can be changed, thereby changing the humidity inside the storage box. The entire process is automatically and intelligently controlled by the controller, which is simple to operate and provides precise control.

[0036] Adjustable ventilation windows can take many forms, but generally include a set of actuators. The actuators typically include a drive unit such as a motor, and a transmission mechanism for driving the ventilation window blades to move along the direction of opening or closing the ventilation window. As an example, the actuator in this embodiment includes a motor 9 and a lead screw 8. The output shaft of the motor 9 is connected to the lead screw 8, driving the lead screw 8 to rotate. The lead screw 8 is connected to the ventilation window 2 to control the opening degree of the ventilation window 2. For example, the blades of the ventilation window 2 may include a connectable rotating shaft. Thus, by controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft, the coverage area between the blades and the opening of the ventilation window 2 can be changed. Furthermore, the lead screw 8 is connected to the rotating shaft, enabling control of the rotation of the rotating shaft, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the ventilation window 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the motor 9 can be a stepper motor. The motor can be programmed to rotate in different numbers of revolutions to correspond to the area of ​​the ventilation window 2 that is opened. For example, the motor can be programmed to rotate twice to open 10% of the ventilation window area, and so on. When it rotates 20 times, the ventilation window is fully open.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ventilation window 2 may include a first ventilation area 21 located on the inner side and a second ventilation area 22 located on the outer side. These two areas can be controlled independently, for example, each controlled by a set of actuators. By dividing the ventilation area into two independent areas, more precise control of ventilation efficiency can be achieved by adjusting the opening priority of the two areas. For example, when the humidity level inside the storage box is slightly higher than the set humidity level, the humidity difference between the inside and outside of the storage box is small, and only the first ventilation area 21 needs to be opened for ventilation. When the humidity level inside the storage box is much higher than the set humidity level, the humidity difference between the inside and outside of the storage box is large. Even with the first ventilation area 21 fully open, it may still be insufficient to reach the target humidity level. In this case, the first ventilation area 21 needs to be fully opened, and the second ventilation area 22 also needs to be partially opened.

[0039] As described in the previous embodiment, the actuator can be a stepper motor. In this case, it can be set that the motor rotates twice to open 10% of the area of ​​the first ventilation area 21, and so on. When it rotates 20 times, the first ventilation area 21 is fully opened. It is set that the motor rotates three times to open 10% of the second ventilation area 22, and when it rotates 30 times, the second ventilation area 22 is fully opened.

[0040] This invention also provides a humidity control method for the above-mentioned humidity control device, combined with... Figure 5 The method includes:

[0041] Step S101: Detect the humidity value inside the storage box;

[0042] As mentioned earlier, a humidity sensor is installed inside the storage box, which can detect the humidity value and transmit the humidity signal to the controller.

[0043] Step S103: Compare the humidity value inside the storage box with the set target humidity value.

[0044] Users can manually set the target humidity value, or the system can set it automatically. For example, a touch panel can be configured for cold storage equipment. The touch panel is connected to the controller, and users can set the target humidity value through the touch panel. In addition, the humidity value inside the storage box collected by the humidity sensor can also be output to the touch panel.

[0045] Step 105: Control the opening degree of the ventilation window based on the comparison result.

[0046] In steps S103 and S105, the difference between the actual humidity value and the target humidity value is determined by comparing the humidity value inside the storage box (hereinafter referred to as the actual humidity value) with the set target humidity value. The ventilation window is then adjusted to a suitable opening based on the difference to ensure that the actual humidity value and the target humidity value remain consistent and achieve precise humidity control.

[0047] In some embodiments, step S103 compares the actual humidity value with the target humidity value. Then, step S105 specifically includes: step S1051, if the actual humidity value in the storage box is less than or equal to the set target humidity value, then control the ventilation window to close or reduce the opening of the ventilation window.

[0048] In step S1051, if the actual humidity value inside the storage box is less than or equal to the target humidity value, it means that there is no need to reduce the humidity inside the storage box. If the opening of the ventilation window is increased at this time, the humidity value will be lower and further away from the target humidity value. Therefore, the ventilation window can be closed to isolate the internal and external environments of the storage box, or the opening of the ventilation window can be reduced to reduce the release of moisture from the storage box to the external environment. If the rate at which the food in the storage box releases moisture is greater than the rate at which moisture is released to the external environment, then the humidity inside the storage box will not be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, it also includes step S1052, which involves controlling the opening of the ventilation window to increase if the humidity value inside the storage box is greater than the set target humidity value.

[0050] In contrast to step S1051, in step S1052, the actual humidity value inside the storage box is relatively large, exceeding the set target humidity value. At this time, it is necessary to reduce the humidity inside the storage box, that is, to increase the opening of the ventilation window so that the moisture inside and outside the storage box can be fully exchanged, and the moisture inside the storage box can be quickly discharged to reduce the humidity inside the storage box.

[0051] Further, in step S1052, controlling the increase of the opening of the ventilation window specifically includes step S1052a, determining the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased based on the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value, wherein the humidity difference is positively correlated with the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased.

[0052] In step S1052a, the opening degree of the ventilation window is determined based on the difference between the actual humidity value and the target humidity value inside the storage box. These two values ​​are positively correlated; generally, a larger difference requires a larger opening degree because the ventilation area needs to be increased quickly to improve moisture removal efficiency. Conversely, a smaller difference requires a smaller opening degree because while humidity needs to be reduced, the required ventilation area is not large, so the adjustment of the ventilation window opening can be smaller. This control strategy, which determines the ventilation window opening based on the difference between the actual and target humidity values, achieves a more precise control effect that better reflects the actual humidity environment.

[0053] As described in the previous embodiments, when the ventilation window includes a first ventilation area and a second ventilation area, the following strategy can be adopted to adjust the opening of the ventilation window based on the difference between the actual humidity value and the target humidity value. Specifically:

[0054] If the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value is less than or equal to the preset humidity difference threshold, then only the opening of the first ventilation area is increased.

[0055] If the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value is greater than the preset humidity difference threshold, the opening of both the first and second ventilation zones will be increased.

[0056] For example, the humidity difference threshold can be set to 50%. When the actual humidity value minus the target humidity value is ≤ 50%, only the opening of the first ventilation zone is increased. When the actual humidity value minus the target humidity value is > 50%, the opening of both the first and second ventilation zones are increased simultaneously to provide a larger ventilation area.

[0057] In step S1052, in addition to determining the opening degree of the ventilation window based on the humidity difference between the actual humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value, more precise control can be achieved by further combining the set target humidity value. Specifically, in some embodiments, step S1052 includes:

[0058] Step S0152b: Based on the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value, and the value of the set target humidity value, determine the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased, wherein the humidity difference and the value of the set target humidity value are both positively correlated with the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased.

[0059] For example, even if the difference between the actual humidity inside the storage box and each set target humidity value is the same for several different humidity settings, the required increase in ventilation opening will differ. This is because, when the difference between the actual humidity inside the storage box and each set target humidity value is the same, if the set humidity value is higher, it means the actual humidity value is also higher. In this case, for the case of a higher set humidity value, the increase in ventilation opening is greater than for the case of a lower set humidity value. This larger ventilation opening helps to expel the high humidity moisture more quickly.

[0060] As an example, several target humidity thresholds can be set. When determining the extent to which the ventilation window opening should be increased, in addition to combining the humidity difference mentioned above, the current set target humidity value and target humidity thresholds are also considered to comprehensively determine the extent to which the ventilation window opening needs to be increased.

[0061] For example, two target humidity thresholds can be set: 70% and 30%. The set target humidity value Th 设 Divided into three intervals, namely Th 设 ≥70%, 30%≤Th 设 <70%, and, Th 设 <30%, the increase in the opening of the three intervals decreases sequentially. For example, in the first interval, i.e., Th 设 When the humidity is ≥70%, if the difference between the actual humidity value and the target humidity value inside the storage box is greater than the preset humidity difference threshold (as described in step S1052a, which will not be repeated here), then both the first and second ventilation zones can be fully opened; in the second range, i.e., 30% ≤ Th 设 When the humidity is <70%, if the difference between the actual humidity value inside the storage box and the target humidity value is greater than the preset humidity difference threshold, since the actual humidity value is lower than the actual humidity value in the first interval, the first ventilation zone can be fully opened, and the second ventilation zone can be partially opened, such as 50%; in the third interval, i.e., Th... 设 When the humidity is less than 30%, if the difference between the actual humidity value and the target humidity value in the storage box is greater than the preset humidity difference threshold, since the actual humidity value is lower than the actual humidity value in the second interval, the first ventilation zone can be fully opened, and the second ventilation zone can be partially opened, with the opening range being less than that of the second interval, such as opening by 10%. This allows for more precise control of humidity.

[0062] Combination Figure 6 The present invention also provides a humidity control method for the above-mentioned humidity control device, specifically including:

[0063] After the process starts, it first checks whether the humidity control is in set mode. If so, the humidity is manually set; otherwise, it enters smart mode and automatically sets and controls the humidity.

[0064] In smart mode, the set target humidity value (hereinafter referred to as Th) is first determined. 设 Is it equal to the actual humidity value inside the storage box (hereinafter referred to as Th)? 盒 If Th 设 =Th 盒 If the two are different, then close the ventilation window. If they are different, further determine whether it is Th. 设 <Th 盒 If so, increase the area of ​​the ventilation window; if not, further determine whether it is Th. 设 >Th 盒 If yes, reduce the ventilation window area or close the ventilation vent; otherwise, return to Th. 设 and Th 盒 Other size relationship judgment process.

[0065] In the configuration mode, first check if Th exists. 设 ≥70%, if so, further determine whether it is Th 设 ≤Th 盒 If not, close the ventilation window; if yes, further determine if it is Th. 盒 -Th 设 If the ventilation rate is ≤50%, then control the opening of parts ① and ② of the ventilation window (parts ① and ② are the first ventilation area and the second ventilation area described in the above embodiment). If the rate is ≤50%, then control the opening of part ① of the ventilation window.

[0066] If Th 设 If it is less than 70%, then further determine whether it is 30% ≤ Th 设 <70%, if so, further determine whether it is Th 设 ≤Th 盒 If not, close the ventilation window; if yes, further determine if it is Th. 盒 -Th 设 If the humidity is ≤50%, then control the opening of portions ① and ② of the ventilation window (portions ① and ② refer to the first and second ventilation areas described in the previous embodiment). If the humidity is ≤50%, then control the opening of portion ① of the ventilation window. As can be seen from the preceding description, since the actual humidity value is relatively low at this time, it is less than Th... 设 In the range of ≥70%, although the basic control strategy is the same, the opening range of the ventilation window should be smaller than that of the Th window. 设 The range is ≥70%.

[0067] 0≤Th 设 If <30%, further determine whether it is Th 设 ≤Th 盒 If not, close the ventilation window; if yes, further determine if it is Th. 盒 -Th设 If the humidity is ≤50%, then control the opening of portions ① and ② of the ventilation window (portions ① and ② refer to the first and second ventilation areas described in the previous embodiment). If the humidity is ≤50%, then control the opening of portion ① of the ventilation window. As can be seen from the preceding description, since the actual humidity value is relatively low at this time, it is more appropriate to open portion ① of the ventilation window compared to 30% ≤Th. 设 In the range of <70%, although the basic control strategy remains the same, the opening degree of the ventilation window should be less than 30% ≤Th 设 The range is less than 70%.

[0068] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0069] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A humidity control device for cold storage equipment, characterized in that, The device includes a controller and a storage box located inside the cold storage unit. The surface of the storage box is provided with one or more adjustable ventilation windows, and a humidity sensor is provided inside the storage box. The controller is connected to the humidity sensor and an actuator that adjusts the opening of the ventilation windows. The ventilation window includes a first ventilation area located on the inner side and a second ventilation area located on the outer side, and the first ventilation area and the second ventilation area are controlled independently of each other; The controller is used to compare the humidity value inside the storage box with a set target humidity value. When the humidity value inside the storage box is greater than the target humidity value, the controller controls the opening degree of the first ventilation area and the second ventilation area according to the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the target humidity value. When the humidity difference is less than or equal to a preset humidity difference threshold, only the opening of the first ventilation area is increased; when the humidity difference is greater than the preset humidity difference threshold, the opening of both the first and second ventilation areas is increased. Based on the humidity difference between the humidity value inside the storage box and the set target humidity value, as well as the value of the set target humidity value, the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased is determined. The humidity difference and the set target humidity value are both positively correlated with the extent to which the opening of the ventilation window is increased.

2. The humidity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator includes a lead screw and a motor, the output shaft of the motor is connected to the lead screw, and the lead screw is connected to the ventilation window.

3. A cold storage device, characterized in that, Includes the humidity control device according to any one of claims 1-2.

4. A humidity control method for a cold storage device, characterized in that, The method for controlling the humidity control device according to any one of claims 1-2 includes: Detect the humidity level inside the storage box; The humidity value inside the storage box is compared with the set target humidity value; The opening degree of the ventilation window is controlled based on the comparison results.

5. The humidity control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening degree of the ventilation window based on the comparison result specifically includes: If the humidity value inside the storage box is less than or equal to the set target humidity value, the ventilation window will be closed or its opening will be reduced.

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