Control method of refrigerator and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator control method and refrigerator, the refrigerator comprises a storage compartment and a storage device arranged in the storage compartment, the storage device comprises a storage container, an electric coil and an induction coil, the electric coil is arranged at the top of the storage container, the induction coil is arranged at the bottom of the storage container, the axis direction of the electric coil and the induction coil is along the vertical direction, the control method comprises: obtaining the set magnetic field intensity of the food storage; applying a preset voltage to the electric coil according to the set magnetic field intensity; obtaining the induced current of the induction coil; calculating the verification magnetic field intensity at the induction coil according to the induced current; judging whether the verification magnetic field intensity is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field intensity, if not, increasing the voltage of the electric coil. By obtaining the induced current of the induction coil, the actual magnetic field intensity near the food can be obtained, thereby helping to ensure that the magnetic field intensity near the food meets the requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration and freezing technology, and in particular to a control method for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators, as a common household appliance, enable low-temperature storage to extend the shelf life of food. To provide users with a better experience, the preservation function of refrigerators is receiving increasing attention. Research has found that magnetic fields have a significant impact on the preservation effect of food. Specifically, applying a magnetic field to meat can keep it fresh even at sub-zero temperatures, thus extending storage time while maintaining its taste and other quality characteristics. However, when the magnetic field generator is placed on top of the storage unit, the distance from the food results in a weaker magnetic field applied to the food than the set magnetic field strength of the generator, potentially affecting the storage effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator control method and a refrigerator that can solve any of the above problems.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a storage compartment and a storage device disposed in the storage compartment, the storage device including a storage container, an electric coil, and an induction coil, the electric coil being disposed on the top of the storage container, the induction coil being disposed against the bottom of the storage container, and the axes of the electric coil and the induction coil being both vertical, the control method including:

[0005] Obtain the set magnetic field strength for food storage;

[0006] A preset voltage is applied to the electric coil according to the set magnetic field strength;

[0007] Obtain the induced current of the induction coil;

[0008] Calculate the verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil based on the induced current;

[0009] Determine whether the strength of the verification magnetic field is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength; if not, increase the voltage of the coil.

[0010] Optionally, the step of increasing the voltage of the coil includes:

[0011] Obtain the difference between the set magnetic field strength and the verification magnetic field strength;

[0012] The increase in voltage of the coil is controlled based on the difference.

[0013] Optionally, the rear side wall of the storage room is provided with a first air door and a second air door, and the storage room is provided with an air baffle plate, which is disposed between the first air door and the second air door, and the second air door and the coil are located on the bottom side of the air baffle plate.

[0014] Optionally, if the strength of the verification magnetic field is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength, the first damper is controlled to open.

[0015] Optionally, the step of controlling the opening of the first damper includes:

[0016] Determine whether the difference between the verification magnetic field strength and the set magnetic field strength is within a preset range. If yes, control the first damper to open; otherwise, reduce the voltage of the coil.

[0017] Optionally, the step of controlling the opening of the first damper is followed by:

[0018] The heating power of the electric coil is obtained and used as the first heating power;

[0019] The heating power of the induction coil is obtained and used as the second heating power;

[0020] Calculate the reference value based on the first heating power and the second heating power;

[0021] Determine whether the reference value is greater than or equal to a preset value. If yes, control the first damper to remain open; otherwise, control the second damper to open.

[0022] Optionally, the step of calculating the reference value based on the first heating power and the second heating power includes:

[0023] The reference value is calculated using the formula δ=(P1-P2) / P2;

[0024] Where δ is the reference value, P1 is the first heating power, and P2 is the second heating power.

[0025] Optionally, the step of obtaining the set magnetic field strength for food storage includes:

[0026] To obtain the types of food ingredients inside the storage container;

[0027] The set magnetic field strength is determined according to the type of food.

[0028] In another aspect of this application, a refrigerator is also provided, comprising:

[0029] The container is designed to form storage rooms;

[0030] A storage device is provided in the storage room. The storage device includes a storage container, an electric coil, and an induction coil. The electric coil is provided on the top of the storage container, and the induction coil is provided against the bottom of the storage container. The axes of the electric coil and the induction coil are both vertical.

[0031] And a controller, which includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program that, when executed by the processor, implements a refrigerator control method according to any one of the foregoing.

[0032] Optionally, the storage device includes a magnetic block covering the top of the storage container, the magnetic block having a protrusion on one side facing the storage container, and the coil being wound around the protrusion.

[0033] The refrigerator of this invention has an electric coil positioned at the top of the storage container and an induction coil positioned against the bottom of the storage container. The control method includes acquiring a set magnetic field strength for food storage; applying a preset voltage to the electric coil according to the set magnetic field strength; acquiring the induced current of the induction coil; calculating a verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil based on the induced current; determining whether the verification magnetic field strength is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength; if not, increasing the voltage of the electric coil. Because the induction coil is positioned against the bottom of the storage container, the actual magnetic field strength near the food, i.e., the verification magnetic field strength, can be obtained by acquiring the induced current of the induction coil. Then, by comparing the verification magnetic field strength with the set magnetic field strength, it is determined whether the magnetic field strength at the bottom of the storage container reaches the set magnetic field strength. If the verification magnetic field strength is less than the set magnetic field strength, the voltage of the electric coil is increased to ensure that the magnetic field strength near the stored food reaches the required magnetic field strength. Therefore, this helps to ensure that the magnetic field strength at the food meets the requirements, thereby improving the storage effect of the food.

[0034] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the step of obtaining the set magnetic field strength for food storage in a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. These partial embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus or device).

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 10, a storage device 20, and a door 30. The cabinet 10 forms a storage compartment 110. The storage device 20 is disposed in the storage compartment 110. The door 30 is pivotally connected to the cabinet 10 for closing the storage compartment 110. The storage device 20 includes a storage container 210, an electric coil 220, and an induction coil 230. The electric coil 220 is disposed on the top of the storage container 210. The induction coil 230 is disposed against the bottom of the storage container 210. The axes of both the electric coil 220 and the induction coil 230 are vertical.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the storage container 210 is a drawer, which is installed between the electric coil 220 and the induction coil 230 in a pull-out manner along the front-back direction of the refrigerator 1. The axes of the electric coil 220 and the induction coil 230 are the center lines around which the coils are surrounded. Furthermore, the axes of the electric coil 220 and the induction coil 230 coincide.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the storage device 20 further includes a magnetic block 240. The magnetic block 240 covers the top of the storage container 210. The magnetic block 240 has a protrusion 241 on the side facing the storage container 210. An electric coil 220 is wound around the protrusion 241.

[0048] Specifically, a protrusion 241 is formed in the middle of the magnetic block 240. Additionally, protrusions are also provided at both ends of the magnetic block 240. Because the magnetic block 240 covers the storage container 210, it helps to guide the magnetic field generated by the coil 220 to both sides, thereby improving the uniformity of the magnetic field inside the drawer. Furthermore, a magnetic plate 250 is provided at the bottom of the storage container 210, and the induction coil 230 is placed on the magnetic plate 250. The magnetic plate 250 can concentrate the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic block 240, thereby increasing the effective magnetic field strength on the drawer.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 further includes a refrigeration chamber 120, which houses an evaporator and a fan. The rear wall of the storage compartment 110 is provided with a first air damper 130 and a second air damper 140. An air baffle 150 is provided inside the storage compartment 110. The air baffle 150 is positioned between the first air damper 130 and the second air damper 140. The second air damper 140 and the coil 220 are located on the bottom side of the air baffle 150.

[0050] Specifically, the first air damper 130 and the second air damper 140 are distributed vertically. An air baffle 150 is disposed between the first air damper 130 and the second air damper 140, such that the first air damper 130 is located on the top side of the air baffle 150, and the second air damper 140 is located on the bottom side of the air baffle 150. One end of the air baffle 150 is attached to the rear wall of the storage compartment 110, and the other end extends to the front end of the storage device 20.

[0051] The storage compartment 110 is also equipped with a support plate 160, one end of which is attached to the rear side wall of the storage compartment 110, and the other end extends to the front end of the storage device 20. A second air damper 140 is located between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160. A magnetic block 240 and an electric coil 220 are disposed between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160 and are supported by the support plate 160. Therefore, an air duct supplied by the first air damper 130 is formed at the top of the baffle plate 150, and another air duct supplied by the second air damper is formed between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160.

[0052] In this embodiment, the induction coil 220 is positioned at the top of the storage container 210, and the induction coil 230 is attached to the bottom of the storage container 210. By acquiring the induced current of the induction coil 230, the magnetic field strength at the bottom of the storage container 210 can be deduced, thereby determining whether the actual magnetic field strength applied to the food meets the requirements, and making adjustments if the magnetic field strength is insufficient. Therefore, this helps ensure that the magnetic field strength at the food meets the requirements, thus contributing to the effective storage of the food.

[0053] Furthermore, by setting up a first air damper 130 and a second air damper 140, and positioning the second air damper 140 and the electric coil 220 between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160, the heat generated by the electric coil 220 is concentrated between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160 when the first air damper 130 is opened alone, thus rapidly cooling the food. When the electric coil 220 generates a large amount of heat, the second air damper 140 quickly removes the heat, preventing the food from overheating.

[0054] It should be noted that in the technical solution of this application, the coil 220 is energized with alternating current.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator 1 also includes a controller 40, which includes a memory 41 and a processor 42. The memory 41 stores an executable program, and the processor 42 can execute the program in the memory 41 to perform the control method in any of the following embodiments.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator control method generally includes:

[0057] Step S402: Obtain the set magnetic field strength for food storage.

[0058] Step S404: Apply a preset voltage to the coil according to the set magnetic field strength.

[0059] Step S406: Obtain the induced current of the induction coil.

[0060] Step S408: Calculate the verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil based on the induced current.

[0061] Step S410: Determine whether the verification magnetic field strength is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength. If not, proceed to step S412.

[0062] Step S412: Increase the voltage of the coil.

[0063] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 As shown, step S402, the step of obtaining the set magnetic field strength for food storage, includes:

[0064] Step S502: Obtain the types of ingredients in the storage container.

[0065] Step S504: Determine the set magnetic field strength according to the type of food.

[0066] Specifically, each time food is placed into a storage container, the user manually enters the type of food, and the refrigerator records this information. Then, the magnetic field strength for each type of food is obtained to determine a common magnetic field strength for all types of food. For example, if fish is stored in the refrigerator, and pork is also stored, the magnetic field strength ranges for the fish and pork are obtained to determine a common magnetic field strength for both.

[0067] Alternatively, the refrigerator may have preset settings for different types of food for users to choose from. For example, there might be three settings for fish, three settings for pork, and two settings for mixed storage of fish and pork. When new food is placed in the refrigerator, the user can select the appropriate setting based on the storage needs, and the refrigerator will determine the set magnetic field strength accordingly.

[0068] Furthermore, after determining the set magnetic field strength, a preset voltage is applied to the coil 220. However, because the food is placed at the bottom of the storage container 210, the magnetic field strength generated by the coil 220 with the preset voltage applied at the food differs from the set magnetic field strength.

[0069] Therefore, by acquiring the induced current of the induction coil 230, the verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil 230 is calculated based on the induced current. In other words, it is the actual magnetic field strength near the food. When the verification magnetic field strength is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength, it indicates that the actual magnetic field strength near the food meets the requirements. When the verification magnetic field strength is less than the set magnetic field strength, it indicates that the actual magnetic field strength near the food needs to be increased. Therefore, the voltage of the induction coil 220 is increased, thereby increasing the magnetic field strength near the food to meet the requirements.

[0070] By acquiring the induced current of the induction coil 230, the verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil 230, i.e., the magnetic field strength near the food, is calculated based on the induced current. Then, the verification magnetic field strength is compared with the set magnetic field strength, and when the verification magnetic field strength is less than the set magnetic field strength, the voltage of the induction coil 220 is increased to ensure that the magnetic field strength near the food reaches the required level, thereby helping to ensure the food's storage effect.

[0071] It should be noted that calculating the magnetic field strength at the induction coil 230 using the induced current is equivalent to using the physical calculation formula of the induced current to inversely deduce the magnetic field strength.

[0072] Specifically, the steps to increase the voltage of the coil include: obtaining the difference between the set magnetic field strength and the verified magnetic field strength, and controlling the increase in the voltage of the coil based on the difference. By controlling the increase in voltage based on the difference, it is helpful to adjust the magnetic field strength near the food to the required strength more quickly.

[0073] It should be noted that the voltage of the coil can also be increased by a fixed value each time. Furthermore, the magnetic field strength can be checked and set repeatedly until the magnetic field strength near the food is increased to the required level.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator control method generally includes:

[0075] Step S602: Obtain the set magnetic field strength for food storage.

[0076] Step S604: Apply a preset voltage to the coil according to the set magnetic field strength.

[0077] Step S606: Obtain the induced current of the induction coil.

[0078] Step S608: Calculate the verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil based on the induced current.

[0079] Step S610: Determine whether the verification magnetic field strength is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength. If not, proceed to step S612; if yes, proceed to step S614.

[0080] Step S612: Increase the voltage of the coil.

[0081] Step S614: Control the opening of the first air damper.

[0082] Specifically, when the magnetic field strength is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength, it indicates that the magnetic field strength near the food meets the requirements of the current storage temperature. Then, cooling begins, which involves opening the first air damper 130. By opening the first air damper 130 independently, the heat generated by the coil 220 is concentrated between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160, preventing mixed airflow and resulting in increased air temperature, thus rapidly cooling the food.

[0083] It should be noted that, further, in the step of controlling the opening of the first air damper: it is determined whether the difference between the verified magnetic field strength and the set magnetic field strength is within the preset range. If so, the first air damper is opened; otherwise, the voltage of the coil is reduced. This avoids the magnetic field strength near the food being too large compared to the actual required magnetic field strength.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, after step S614, which controls the opening of the first damper, the following steps are included:

[0085] Step S702: Obtain the heating power of the electric coil as the first heating power.

[0086] Step S704: Obtain the heating power of the induction coil as the second heating power.

[0087] Step S706: Calculate the reference value based on the first heating power and the second heating power.

[0088] Step S708: Determine whether the reference value is greater than or equal to the preset value. If yes, proceed to step S710; otherwise, proceed to step S712.

[0089] Step S710: Keep the first damper open.

[0090] Step S712: Control the second damper to open.

[0091] Specifically, the formula for calculating the reference value is:

[0092] δ=(P1-P2) / P2 (1)

[0093] In formula (1), δ is the reference value, P1 is the first heating power, and P2 is the second heating power.

[0094] Because the resistance of a coil changes as the energizing time increases, the coil possesses both cold-state and hot-state power. Cold-state power is the power generated from the initial energization until the resistance changes, while hot-state power is the power generated after the resistance changes. The cold-state power of the coil is higher than the hot-state power and has a wider range of variation. However, the change in the magnetic field strength generated by the coil is relatively small. Therefore, the change in the magnetic field strength experienced by the induction coil is minimal. Consequently, the change in the induced current of the induction coil is not significant, and the power of the induction coil can be considered constant.

[0095] The reference value is calculated using formula (1), and the range of the reference value is concentrated between 5 and 9. The preset value can be set to 6 or 7. By comparing the reference value and the preset value, when the reference value is less than the preset value, it indicates that the coil 220 has entered the hot state stage. There is a lot of heat accumulated between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160, so it is necessary to cool down the coil 220. The second air damper 140 is opened to quickly remove the heat accumulated between the baffle plate 150 and the support plate 160.

[0096] Therefore, by setting a reference value, the judgment range is reduced, and the same preset value can be used under different voltages, which helps to simplify the judgment procedure.

[0097] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a storage compartment and a storage device disposed within the storage compartment, the storage device comprising a storage container, an electric coil, and an induction coil, the electric coil being disposed on the top of the storage container, the induction coil being disposed against the bottom of the storage container, the axes of the electric coil and the induction coil being both vertical, the control method comprising: Obtain the set magnetic field strength for food storage; A preset voltage is applied to the electric coil according to the set magnetic field strength; Obtain the induced current of the induction coil; Calculate the verification magnetic field strength at the induction coil based on the induced current; Determine whether the strength of the verification magnetic field is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength; if not, increase the voltage of the coil. The rear wall of the storage room is provided with a first air door and a second air door. The storage room is provided with a windproof plate, which is located between the first air door and the second air door. The second air door and the coil are located on the bottom side of the windproof plate. If the strength of the verification magnetic field is greater than or equal to the set magnetic field strength, the first damper is controlled to open. Following the step of controlling the opening of the first damper, the following is included: The heating power of the electric coil is obtained and used as the first heating power; The heating power of the induction coil is obtained and used as the second heating power; Calculate the reference value based on the first heating power and the second heating power; Determine whether the reference value is greater than or equal to a preset value. If yes, control the first damper to remain open; otherwise, control the second damper to open.

2. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of increasing the voltage of the coil includes: Obtain the difference between the set magnetic field strength and the verification magnetic field strength; The increase in voltage of the coil is controlled based on the difference.

3. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, wherein, The steps for controlling the opening of the first damper include: Determine whether the difference between the verification magnetic field strength and the set magnetic field strength is within a preset range. If yes, control the first damper to open; otherwise, reduce the voltage of the coil.

4. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of calculating the reference value based on the first heating power and the second heating power includes: The reference value is calculated using the formula δ=(P1-P2) / P2; Where δ is the reference value, P1 is the first heating power, and P2 is the second heating power.

5. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of obtaining the set magnetic field strength for food storage includes: To obtain the types of food ingredients inside the storage container; The set magnetic field strength is determined according to the type of food.

6. A refrigerator, comprising: The container is designed to form storage rooms; A storage device is provided in the storage room. The storage device includes a storage container, an electric coil, and an induction coil. The electric coil is provided on the top of the storage container, and the induction coil is provided against the bottom of the storage container. The axes of the electric coil and the induction coil are both vertical. And a controller, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program that, when executed by the processor, implements the refrigerator control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The storage device includes a magnetic block that covers the top of the storage container. The magnetic block has a protrusion on one side facing the storage container, and the coil is wound around the protrusion.

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