Control method of refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a refrigerator, which comprises the following steps: obtaining a first temperature value when defrosting of a refrigeration compartment is completed, and determining whether to start a defrosting program of the refrigerator according to the first temperature value. The first temperature value reflects the temperature of the surface of an evaporator, and the defrosting program of the refrigerator is determined according to the first temperature value. The control method does not need to change hardware, realizes upgrading of the defrosting control of the existing refrigerator, and can know the amount of frost on the evaporator by monitoring the temperature change, so that whether the defrosting is needed can be determined. The method can avoid the following problems: the evaporator is covered with a large amount of frost in a short time due to high ambient temperature and a large amount of water vapor in the refrigeration compartment, the refrigerator cannot identify the amount of frost and does not defrost, and the refrigeration compartment has a small amount of cold energy, the stored food is warmed and thawed, and the like. Further, the method can also avoid the problem that the defrosting program of the refrigerator is not started due to that the refrigerator door is not opened for a long time.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Most refrigerators nowadays use frost-free cooling systems, which are popular because the compartments don't frost. However, moisture in frost-free refrigerators condenses on the evaporator, and frost buildup directly affects the evaporator's heat exchange efficiency. Current defrosting logic determines the defrosting time based on the length of time the user opens and closes the door. When the items stored in the refrigerator are very humid, the temperature is high, and the refrigerator is frequently refrigerated, a lot of frost will form on the evaporator in a very short time. If the user doesn't open the refrigerator door (e.g., going on a trip for several days), the refrigerator will run continuously for three days before defrosting, and a thick layer of frost will have already formed on the evaporator much earlier. Because the refrigerator cannot monitor the frost level in time, the cooling efficiency is poor, and the power consumption is high. In more serious cases, the evaporator can be completely blocked by frost, the fan will run but the airflow will be very weak, causing the refrigerator compartment to fail to cool, resulting in increased temperature inside the refrigerator compartment and spoilage of stored food. To solve these problems, some have proposed adding a pressure sensor to the evaporator to monitor changes in its weight in real time, thereby determining the amount of frost. Defrosting will begin when the frost level is sufficient. However, this method requires weighing the evaporator, which demands high technical skill and necessitates additional components, increasing costs. The current challenge is to find a way to monitor evaporator frost levels and defrost promptly when needed, without increasing costs, even if the user doesn't open the refrigerator door. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a refrigerator control method that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems, and can solve the problem of timely defrosting even if the user does not open the refrigerator door without increasing costs.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a refrigerator control method, which includes:

[0005] When the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment is completed, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained to get the first temperature value;

[0006] Determine whether to start the refrigerator's defrosting program based on the first temperature value.

[0007] Optionally, determining whether to activate the refrigerator's defrosting program based on the first temperature value includes:

[0008] Obtain the second temperature value;

[0009] Determine whether the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value;

[0010] If the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value, the defrosting procedure is initiated.

[0011] Optionally, obtaining the second temperature value includes:

[0012] When the refrigerator compartment is cooled, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained to obtain a third temperature value, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is obtained to obtain a fourth temperature value, and the temperature of the freezer compartment is obtained to obtain a fifth temperature value.

[0013] The second temperature value is obtained based on the third temperature value, the fourth temperature value, and the fifth temperature value.

[0014] Optionally, the second temperature value is a preset temperature value.

[0015] Optionally, obtaining the second temperature value includes:

[0016] Obtain the total operating time of the compressor;

[0017] When the total operating time of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset operating time, the second temperature value is the preset temperature value;

[0018] When the total running time of the compressor is greater than the preset running time, the second temperature value is obtained by obtaining the third temperature value obtained from the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor when the refrigerator compartment starts to cool, obtaining the fourth temperature value obtained from the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, obtaining the fifth temperature value obtained from the temperature of the freezer compartment, and obtaining the third temperature value.

[0019] Optionally, the current third temperature value is obtained based on all the third temperature values ​​obtained each time the defrosting sensor detects the temperature when the refrigeration of the cold compartment is started;

[0020] The current fourth temperature value is obtained based on all the fourth temperature values ​​obtained each time the refrigeration of the refrigeration compartment is started.

[0021] The current fifth temperature value is obtained based on all the fifth temperature values ​​obtained each time the refrigeration of the refrigeration compartment is started.

[0022] Optionally, the refrigerator control method further includes:

[0023] Based on whether the door is open, determine whether the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment has ended, obtain the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor, and obtain the first temperature value.

[0024] Optionally, the step of determining whether the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment has ended based on whether the door is open, and obtaining the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor to obtain the first temperature value includes:

[0025] Detect whether the door is open;

[0026] When the refrigerator compartment begins cooling, it is determined whether the door has been opened within a preset time period. If the door has not been opened, then when the refrigerator compartment finishes cooling, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained to obtain the first temperature value; or...

[0027] During the cooling process of the refrigerator compartment, it is determined whether the door has been opened. If the door has not been opened, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained when the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, and the first temperature value is obtained; or...

[0028] When the refrigerator compartment starts to cool, it is determined whether the door has been opened within a preset time period, and it is also determined whether the door has been opened during the cooling process of the refrigerator compartment. If the door has not been opened, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained when the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, and the first temperature value is obtained.

[0029] Optionally, the step of determining whether the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment has ended based on whether the door is open, and obtaining the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor to obtain the first temperature value includes:

[0030] Detect whether the door is open;

[0031] If the door is opened, determine whether the cooling of the refrigerator compartment begins after a preset time following the opening and closing of the door; if so, proceed to the point where cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, acquire the temperature detected by the defrost sensor, and obtain the first temperature value; or...

[0032] Determine whether the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends after the preset time following the opening and closing of the door; if so, proceed to the point where the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, acquire the temperature detected by the defrost sensor, and obtain the first temperature value.

[0033] Optionally, if the door has been opened, the refrigerator's defrosting program is initiated according to a preset program set based on the door being opened.

[0034] Optionally, if not, the defrosting program of the refrigerator is initiated according to a preset program set based on the door being opened.

[0035] Optionally, it is determined whether the start of cooling for the refrigerator compartment is based on the start-up temperature of the refrigerator compartment. If so, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained when the cooling for the refrigerator compartment ends, and the first temperature value is obtained.

[0036] Optionally, the refrigerator control method further includes:

[0037] After determining that the refrigerator's defrost program has been started, the defrost program is executed immediately; or,

[0038] After determining that the refrigerator's defrost program should be initiated, the defrost program is executed after the compressor stops; or,

[0039] After determining that the defrosting program of the refrigerator should be started, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, or only the freezer compartment, should be pre-cooled before defrosting, and then the defrosting program should be executed.

[0040] Optionally, the evaporator of the refrigerator continuously supplies cooling to the freezer compartment and controlled cooling to the refrigerator compartment during operation, and the defrosting program of the refrigerator is performed on the evaporator.

[0041] This invention discloses a refrigerator control method that determines whether to activate the refrigerator's defrosting program based on a first temperature value reflecting the evaporator surface temperature. This upgrade to existing refrigerator defrosting control requires no hardware modifications. By monitoring temperature changes, the amount of frost on the evaporator can be determined, thus ruling out defrosting. This avoids situations where high ambient temperatures and high humidity in the refrigerator compartment cause excessive frost buildup on the evaporator in a short time, preventing the refrigerator from recognizing the frost level and thus failing to defrost, resulting in insufficient cooling in the compartment and the thawing of stored food. Furthermore, it also prevents the refrigerator door from remaining closed for extended periods without activating the defrosting program.

[0042] 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

[0043] 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:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0050] This invention provides a method for controlling a refrigerator. Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 And refer to Figures 2 to 5 The refrigerator control method of this invention includes an evaporator and a compressor. A defrost sensor is installed on the evaporator to monitor its surface temperature. The refrigerator also includes a cabinet and a door. The cabinet interior has storage spaces with different functions, such as a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment.

[0051] The refrigerator control method includes: after the cooling of the refrigerator compartment is completed, acquiring the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain a first temperature value; and determining whether to start the refrigerator's defrost program based on the first temperature value.

[0052] The system determines whether to activate the refrigerator's defrost program based on the first temperature value reflecting the evaporator surface temperature at a specific moment. This upgrade to existing refrigerator defrost control requires no hardware modifications. By monitoring temperature changes, the amount of frost on the evaporator can be determined, thus ruling out defrosting. This prevents situations where high ambient temperatures and high humidity in the refrigerator compartment cause excessive frost buildup on the evaporator in a short time, preventing the refrigerator from recognizing the amount of frost and thus failing to defrost, resulting in insufficient cooling in the compartment and the thawing of stored food. Furthermore, it also prevents the refrigerator door from remaining closed for extended periods without triggering the defrost program.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the evaporator of the refrigerator continuously supplies cooling to the freezer compartment and supplies cooling to the refrigerator compartment in a controlled manner during operation, and the defrosting program of the refrigerator is performed on the evaporator.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2As shown, determining whether to activate the refrigerator's defrost program based on the first temperature value includes: obtaining the second temperature value; determining whether the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value; and activating the defrost program if the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value. When the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value, it is considered that the evaporator is severely frosted, and the defrost program needs to be activated.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, obtaining the second temperature value includes: obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor when the refrigerator compartment starts cooling to obtain the third temperature value; obtaining the temperature of the refrigerator compartment to obtain the fourth temperature value; and obtaining the temperature of the freezer compartment to obtain the fifth temperature value. The second temperature value is obtained based on the third, fourth, and fifth temperature values. Using the data from the third, fourth, and fifth temperature values, the theoretical temperature D2 of the defrost sensor when there is no frost on the evaporator can be determined. The defrost sensor is mostly located on the upper part of the evaporator, which is the region where the refrigerant undergoes its first phase change. The temperature is low, and frost forms fastest and thickest. When the evaporator is severely frosted, the defrost sensor may even be sealed within the frost layer. The influence of external heat on the defrost sensor decreases. When the relatively high-temperature air from the refrigerator compartment is cooled and then blown onto the frost layer around the defrost sensor, its influence on the defrost sensor is reduced, causing the actual temperature rise of the defrost sensor to be less than the product of the theoretical temperature rise and n. Here, n can be a value obtained through experimental testing, ranging from 0.6 to 0.85. The actual temperature rise of the defrost sensor is equal to the first temperature value D minus the third temperature value D1. The theoretical temperature rise of the defrost sensor is equal to the theoretical temperature D2 minus the third temperature value D1, that is, D - D1 < (D2 - D1) × n. This can be converted to...

[0056] D < (D2 - D1) ×n + D1, so the second temperature here is equal to (D2 - D1) ×n + D1.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature value may also be a preset temperature value.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, obtaining the second temperature value includes: obtaining the total operating time of the compressor. When the total operating time of the compressor is less than or equal to a preset operating time, the second temperature value is the preset temperature value. When the total operating time of the compressor is greater than the preset operating time, the second temperature value is obtained based on a third temperature value obtained from the temperature detected by the defrost sensor when the refrigerator compartment begins to cool, a fourth temperature value obtained from the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and a fifth temperature value obtained from the temperature of the freezer compartment. That is, in the initial stage of refrigerator operation, the second temperature value is the preset temperature value, which can be obtained based on experience.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the current third temperature value can be obtained based on all third temperature values ​​obtained from the temperature detected by the defrost sensor each time the refrigerator compartment starts cooling. The current fourth temperature value is obtained based on all fourth temperature values ​​obtained from the temperature of the refrigerator compartment each time the refrigerator compartment starts cooling. The current fifth temperature value is obtained based on all fifth temperature values ​​obtained from the temperature of the freezer compartment each time the refrigerator compartment starts cooling. After the refrigerator has run for a sufficiently long time and accumulated enough data, the second temperature value can be obtained from the weighted calculation of the third, fourth, and fifth temperature values. This allows for the determination of whether the evaporator is frosted even if the refrigerator compartment cooling is not started based on the refrigerator compartment's start-up temperature.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator control method further includes: determining whether the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment has ended based on whether the door is open, obtaining the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor, and obtaining a first temperature value.

[0061] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method for determining whether the refrigerator compartment cooling has ended based on whether the door is open, and obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain the first temperature value, specifically includes: detecting whether the door is open; determining whether the door has been opened within a preset time period when the refrigerator compartment begins cooling; if the door has not been opened, obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain the first temperature value when the refrigerator compartment cooling ends.

[0062] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the method for determining whether the door has been opened during the cooling process of the refrigerator compartment and obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain the first temperature value specifically includes: determining whether the door has been opened during the cooling process of the refrigerator compartment; if the door has not been opened, obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain the first temperature value when the cooling process of the refrigerator compartment ends.

[0063] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the method for determining whether the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained at the end of the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment based on whether the door is open, and obtaining the first temperature value, specifically includes: determining whether the door has been opened within a preset time period when the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment begins, and determining whether the door has been opened during the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment; if the door has not been opened, then obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor at the end of the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment to obtain the first temperature value.

[0064] The above three scenarios all apply if the door has not been opened. However, if the door has been opened, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as... Figure 5As shown, the refrigerator's defrosting program will then be initiated based on a preset program set according to the number of times the door has been opened. This preset program can determine whether to defrost based on the refrigerator's running time and the cumulative time the door has been open.

[0065] Similarly, in some embodiments of the present invention, the method for determining whether the refrigerator compartment cooling has ended based on whether the door is open, and obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain a first temperature value, specifically further includes: detecting whether the door is open. If open, determining whether the refrigerator compartment cooling started after a preset time following the door opening and closing. If yes, obtaining the temperature detected by the defrost sensor to obtain the first temperature value after the refrigerator compartment cooling has ended. If no, starting the refrigerator's defrost program according to a preset program set based on whether the door has been opened.

[0066] In other embodiments of the present invention, it is determined whether the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends after a preset time following the opening and closing of the door. If yes, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained after the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, and a first temperature value is obtained. If no, the refrigerator's defrost program is started according to a preset program based on whether the door has been opened.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, it is determined whether the start of cooling of the refrigerator compartment is based on the start-up temperature of the refrigerator compartment. If so, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained when the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, and a first temperature value is obtained.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator control method further includes: immediately executing the defrosting program after determining that the defrosting program of the refrigerator has been started.

[0069] In other embodiments of the present invention, after determining that the refrigerator's defrosting program should be started, the defrosting program is executed after the compressor stops. That is, the defrosting program is executed after the refrigerator has finished its normal cooling process.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, after determining that the defrosting program of the refrigerator should be started, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, or only the freezer compartment, are pre-cooled before defrosting, and then the defrosting program is executed. Pre-cooling before defrosting involves lowering the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, or only the freezer compartment, to a certain degree below a set temperature to prevent the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment from rising too high during the defrosting process of the evaporator, which could cause the food stored therein to spoil.

[0071] 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 method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, include: When the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment is completed, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained to get the first temperature value; Determine whether to start the refrigerator's defrosting program based on the first temperature value; The control method further includes: Based on whether the door is open, determine whether the refrigeration of the cold room has ended, obtain the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor, and obtain the first temperature value; The step of determining whether the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment has ended based on whether the door is open, obtaining the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor, and obtaining the first temperature value includes: Detect whether the door is open; When the refrigerator compartment begins cooling, it is determined whether the door has been opened within a preset time period. If the door has not been opened, then when the refrigerator compartment finishes cooling, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained to obtain the first temperature value; or... During the cooling process of the refrigerator compartment, it is determined whether the door has been opened. If the door has not been opened, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained when the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, and the first temperature value is obtained; or... When the refrigerator compartment begins cooling, it is determined whether the door has been opened within a preset time period, and again during the cooling process. If the door has not been opened, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained when the cooling process ends, thus acquiring the first temperature value; or... The step of determining whether the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment has ended based on whether the door is open, obtaining the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor, and obtaining the first temperature value includes: Detect whether the door is open; If the door is opened, determine whether the cooling of the refrigerator compartment begins after a preset time following the opening and closing of the door; if so, proceed to the point where cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, acquire the temperature detected by the defrost sensor, and obtain the first temperature value; or... Determine whether the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends after the preset time following the opening and closing of the door; if so, proceed to the point where the cooling of the refrigerator compartment ends, acquire the temperature detected by the defrost sensor, and obtain the first temperature value.

2. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to start the refrigerator's defrosting program based on the first temperature value includes: Obtain the second temperature value; Determine whether the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value; If the first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value, the defrosting procedure is initiated.

3. The refrigerator control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the second temperature value includes: When the refrigerator compartment is cooled, the temperature detected by the defrost sensor is obtained to obtain a third temperature value, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is obtained to obtain a fourth temperature value, and the temperature of the freezer compartment is obtained to obtain a fifth temperature value. The second temperature value is obtained based on the third temperature value, the fourth temperature value, and the fifth temperature value.

4. The refrigerator control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second temperature value is a preset temperature value.

5. The refrigerator control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the second temperature value includes: Obtain the total operating time of the compressor; When the total operating time of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset operating time, the second temperature value is the preset temperature value; When the total running time of the compressor is greater than the preset running time, the second temperature value is obtained by acquiring the third temperature value obtained from the temperature detected by the defrosting sensor when the refrigerator compartment starts to cool, the fourth temperature value obtained from the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and the fifth temperature value obtained from the temperature of the freezer compartment.

6. The refrigerator control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The current third temperature value is obtained based on all the third temperature values ​​obtained each time the defrosting sensor detects the temperature when the refrigeration of the cold compartment is started; The current fourth temperature value is obtained based on all the fourth temperature values ​​obtained each time the refrigeration of the refrigeration compartment is started. The current fifth temperature value is obtained based on all the fifth temperature values ​​obtained each time the refrigeration of the refrigeration compartment is started.

7. The refrigerator control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determine whether the start of cooling for the cold storage compartment is based on the start-up temperature of the cold storage compartment. If so, proceed to obtain the temperature detected by the defrost sensor when the cooling for the cold storage compartment ends, and obtain the first temperature value.

8. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: After determining that the defrosting program of the refrigerator has been started, the defrosting program is executed immediately. or, After determining that the refrigerator's defrost program should be initiated, the defrost program is executed after the compressor stops; or, After determining that the defrosting program of the refrigerator is to be started, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, or only the freezer compartment, are pre-cooled before defrosting, and then the defrosting program is executed. The refrigerator's evaporator continuously supplies cooling to the freezer compartment and controlled cooling to the refrigerator compartment during operation. The refrigerator's defrosting program is designed to defrost the evaporator.

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