Refrigerator and control method for refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator and a control method for the refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet defining at least one storage compartment, a refrigerating system for providing cold energy to the at least one storage compartment, a heating unit for heating a to-be-treated object, and a defrosting and heat dissipation pipeline. The defrosting and heat dissipation pipeline is arranged to transfer heat generated by all or part of heating devices of the heating unit to an evaporator of the refrigerating system. The control method comprises: when the heating unit starts to work, judging whether the evaporator meets a preset auxiliary defrosting condition; if yes, turning on the defrosting and heat dissipation pipeline to dissipate heat of the heating devices and defrost the evaporator; and if no, starting a heat dissipation device to dissipate heat of the heating devices. The application defrosts the evaporator while dissipating heat of the heating devices, improves the heating efficiency and service life of the heating unit, reduces the energy consumption of the refrigerator, shortens the period of defrosting the evaporator by using a separate defrosting device, and improves the temperature stability of the storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Current technology uses electromagnetic wave heating units in refrigerators to defrost food. However, during the operation of the heating unit, some heating elements generate a lot of heat, which can easily cause temperature fluctuations in the storage compartment, affecting the preservation quality of food, as well as the defrosting effect, shortening the continuous working time and lifespan of the heating unit.

[0003] Taking all factors into consideration, the design requires a refrigerator that can effectively dissipate heat from heating electrical components while saving energy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the first aspect of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide a refrigerator having a heating unit.

[0005] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to save energy.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention aims to provide a control method for a refrigerator.

[0007] A further objective of the second aspect of the invention is to improve the temperature uniformity of the material to be processed and to avoid undesirable energy waste.

[0008] Another further objective of the second aspect of the present invention is to ensure defrosting efficiency.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, comprising:

[0010] The enclosure is limited to having at least one storage compartment;

[0011] A refrigeration system, including at least one evaporator, for providing cooling to the at least one storage compartment;

[0012] The heating unit includes a heating cavity disposed within one of the storage compartments for heating the object to be processed; and

[0013] The defrosting heat dissipation pipe is configured to transfer all or part of the heat generated by the heating element of the heating unit to an evaporator.

[0014] Optionally, the defrosting heat dissipation pipe includes:

[0015] Refrigerant pipes are configured to be thermally connected to the heating element and the evaporator; and

[0016] A valve is used to open or close the refrigerant pipe or to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant within the refrigerant pipe.

[0017] Optionally, the evaporator includes:

[0018] Multiple heat exchange fins, configured to extend in parallel; and

[0019] A cooling pipe is configured to pass through and be thermally connected to the plurality of heat exchange fins; wherein...

[0020] The projections of the refrigeration pipes onto an imaginary plane are arranged in multiple columns; and

[0021] The projection of the refrigerant pipe onto the imaginary plane lies between the two rows of refrigerant pipes.

[0022] Optionally, the heating unit further includes:

[0023] The frequency source is configured to generate electromagnetic wave signals.

[0024] A power amplifier, configured to amplify the power of the electromagnetic wave signal; and

[0025] The power supply module is configured to provide electrical energy to the frequency source and the power amplifier; wherein,

[0026] The power amplifier is configured to be thermally connected to the defrost cooling pipes.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for a refrigerator is provided, the refrigerator being any of the refrigerators described above, the refrigerator further comprising a heat dissipation device for dissipating heat from the heat-generating device, wherein the control method includes:

[0028] Step A: When the heating unit starts working, determine whether the evaporator meets the preset auxiliary defrosting conditions;

[0029] Step B: If so, activate the defrosting heat dissipation pipe to dissipate heat from the heat-generating device and defrost the evaporator;

[0030] Step C: If not, activate the heat dissipation device to dissipate heat from the heat-generating device.

[0031] Optionally, the heating unit heats the object to be processed via electromagnetic waves, wherein the control method further includes:

[0032] Step D: When the preset frequency modulation conditions are met, control the heating unit to adjust the frequency of the electromagnetic waves it generates in order to meet the preset matching conditions;

[0033] Step E: Determine the heating power of the heating unit and the flow rate of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe based on the cumulative frequency difference of the frequencies that meet the matching conditions for a preset number of times.

[0034] Optionally, after step B, the method further includes:

[0035] Step F: When the surface temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to a preset first temperature threshold and the heating unit is still in operation, the defrosting heat dissipation pipe is blocked and the heat dissipation device is activated to continue dissipating heat for the heat-generating device.

[0036] Optionally, the refrigerator further includes a defrosting device for defrosting the evaporator, wherein, after step B, the following is further included:

[0037] Step G: When the heating unit stops working, if the surface temperature of the evaporator is less than the preset second temperature threshold, block the defrosting heat dissipation pipe and start the defrosting device to continue defrosting the evaporator.

[0038] Optionally, after step B, the method further includes:

[0039] Step H: When the heating unit stops working, if the surface temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and less than the preset first temperature threshold, the defrosting heat dissipation pipe remains open, and the defrosting heat dissipation pipe is blocked when the surface temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold; wherein

[0040] The first temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature threshold.

[0041] Optionally, the auxiliary defrosting conditions include at least one of the following: the cumulative operating time of the compressor is greater than or equal to a preset operating time threshold since the previous defrosting of the evaporator, and the cumulative opening time of all doors is greater than or equal to a preset opening time threshold.

[0042] This invention transfers the heat generated by all or part of the heating elements of the heating unit to the evaporator through a defrosting heat dissipation pipe. While dissipating heat from the heating elements, it also defrosts the evaporator, improving the heating efficiency and service life of the heating unit, reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator, shortening the defrosting cycle of the evaporator using a defrosting device alone, and improving the temperature stability of the storage compartment.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention determines the heating power of the heating unit and the flow rate of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe based on the cumulative frequency difference of the frequencies that meet the frequency matching conditions. This improves the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed and makes the heat dissipation capacity of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe match the heat generated by the heating device, thus avoiding unwanted energy waste.

[0044] Furthermore, when the heating unit stops working, the present invention selects whether to continue defrosting through the defrosting heat dissipation pipe or to start the defrosting device to defrost based on the surface temperature of the evaporator. While ensuring defrosting efficiency, it improves the overall energy efficiency of the refrigerator, further reduces the impact on the storage compartment, and improves the preservation quality of food.

[0045] 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

[0046] 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:

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the refrigerator shown;

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic side view of the evaporator that is thermally connected to the defrosting heat dissipation pipes;

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic detailed flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the refrigerator 100 shown. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 100 may include a cabinet defining at least one storage compartment, at least one door for opening and closing the at least one storage compartment, a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to the at least one storage compartment, and a heating unit. In this invention, "at least one" can refer to one, two, or more than two units.

[0054] The enclosure may include an outer casing 111, at least one inner liner 112 disposed within the outer casing 111, and thermal insulation material 113 disposed between the outer casing 111 and the inner liner 112. Each inner liner 112 may define a storage compartment.

[0055] The refrigeration system may include a compressor 121, a condenser 122, a throttling element, and at least one evaporator 123.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, there are two storage compartments and one evaporator 123. The evaporator 123 is located in one storage compartment and provides cooling to the other storage compartment via an air duct and a cooling fan 124.

[0057] In other embodiments, each storage compartment may be equipped with an evaporator.

[0058] The heating unit may include a heating cavity 131 disposed in a storage room for containing and heating the object to be processed.

[0059] In some embodiments, the heating unit may further include an electromagnetic wave generating system to heat the object to be processed by electromagnetic waves.

[0060] The electromagnetic wave generating system may include a frequency source, a power amplifier 132, a radiating antenna, and a power supply module 133. The frequency source may be configured to generate electromagnetic wave signals.

[0061] The power amplifier 132 can be configured to be electrically connected to a frequency source to amplify the power of the electromagnetic wave signal.

[0062] A radiating antenna can be installed in the heating cavity 131 and electrically connected to the power amplifier 132 to radiate the amplified electromagnetic waves into the heating cavity 131.

[0063] The power supply module 133 can be configured to be electrically connected to the frequency source and power amplifier 132 to provide power to the frequency source and power amplifier 132.

[0064] In other embodiments, the heating unit may heat the object to be processed via an electric heating element.

[0065] Specifically, the refrigerator 100 may also include a defrosting and heat dissipation circuit. The defrosting and heat dissipation circuit may be configured to transfer all or part of the heat generated by the heating elements of the heating unit to an evaporator 123, so as to defrost the evaporator 123 while dissipating heat from the heating elements, thereby saving energy.

[0066] In some embodiments, the defrosting cooling conduit may include a refrigerant pipe 141 and a valve 142. The refrigerant pipe 141 may be an aluminum pipe containing refrigerant. The refrigerant pipe 141 may be configured to be thermally connected to the heating element and evaporator 123 of the heating unit.

[0067] Furthermore, the power amplifier 132 is a heat-generating device and can be configured to be thermally connected to the defrosting heat dissipation pipe to improve heating efficiency and service life.

[0068] Valve 142 can be configured to open or close refrigerant pipe 141 or regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in refrigerant pipe 141, thereby regulating the heat exchange efficiency between refrigerant pipe 141 and power amplifier 132 and evaporator 123. Valve 142 itself can promote the flow of refrigerant in refrigerant pipe 141, and the defrosting heat dissipation pipe can also be additionally equipped with a circulation pump to promote the flow of refrigerant in refrigerant pipe 141.

[0069] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic side view of the evaporator 123, which is thermally connected to the defrosting cooling pipes. See also... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The evaporator 123 may include a plurality of parallel heat exchange fins 1232 and a refrigeration pipe 1231 connected to the compressor 121 and the throttling element.

[0070] The refrigeration pipe 1231 can be configured to pass through multiple heat exchange fins 1232 and be thermally connected to the multiple heat exchange fins 1232 in order to improve the refrigeration efficiency through the heat exchange fins 1232.

[0071] In some embodiments, the projection of the refrigerant pipes 1231 onto an imaginary plane may be distributed in multiple rows. The refrigerant pipes 141 are configured to pass through and be thermally connected to multiple heat exchange fins 1232, and their projection onto the imaginary plane may be located between two rows of refrigerant pipes 1231 to improve the defrosting uniformity of the evaporator 123.

[0072] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the projections of the refrigeration pipes 1231 onto the heat exchange fins 1232 are arranged in two columns, and the projection of the refrigerant pipes 141 onto the heat exchange fins 1232 is located between the two columns of refrigeration pipes 1231.

[0073] In other embodiments, the refrigerant pipe 141 may also be wound around the outer periphery of the evaporator 123.

[0074] The refrigerator 100 may also include a defrosting device 160 that can defrost the evaporator 123 independently. The defrosting device 160 may be located below or at the bottom of the evaporator 123.

[0075] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 shown. See also Figure 2 and Figure 4 All or part of the heating elements of the heating unit can be placed on the outside of the heat insulation material 113 to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the heating elements and reduce interference with the storage room.

[0076] The refrigerant pipe 141 of the defrosting heat dissipation pipeline may be at least partially pre-installed in the heat insulation material 113 to facilitate connection with the heat-generating device and the evaporator 123.

[0077] The enclosure may have an inwardly recessed receiving groove 114, in which the power amplifier 132 and the power supply module 133 may be disposed.

[0078] The refrigerator 100 may also include a cover 115 for closing the opening of the receiving slot 114. The cover 115 may have multiple ventilation holes to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat-generating components.

[0079] The refrigerator 100 may also include a heat dissipation device 150 for separately cooling the power amplifier 132 and the power supply module 133. The heat dissipation device 150 may be disposed between the power amplifier 132 and the power supply module 133. The heat dissipation device 150 may be a fan.

[0080] The refrigerator 100 may further include a controller. The controller may include a processing unit and a storage unit. The storage unit stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processing unit, is used to implement the control method of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine whether the evaporator 123 meets the preset auxiliary defrosting conditions when the heating unit starts working. If the auxiliary defrosting conditions are met, the controller controls the valve 142 to open the defrosting heat dissipation pipeline to dissipate heat for the heating device while defrosting the evaporator 123. If the auxiliary defrosting conditions are not met, the controller starts the heat dissipation device 150 to dissipate heat for the heating device.

[0082] In some further embodiments, the auxiliary defrosting conditions may include at least one of the following: the cumulative operating time of the compressor 121 since the last defrosting of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to a preset operating time threshold, and the cumulative door opening time of all doors is greater than or equal to a preset door opening time threshold, so as to accurately determine the degree of frost on the evaporator 123.

[0083] The controller can be configured to determine whether the evaporator 123 meets the preset normal defrosting conditions when the heating unit stops working. If the normal defrosting conditions are met, the defrosting device 160 is activated to defrost the evaporator 123.

[0084] The working time threshold or door opening time threshold under normal defrosting conditions can be greater than that under auxiliary defrosting conditions, so as to extend the start-up cycle of the defrosting device 160.

[0085] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to block the defrosting heat dissipation pipe and activate the heat dissipation device 150 to continue dissipating heat for the heat-generating device when the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to a preset first temperature threshold and the heating unit is still in operation, so as to ensure the heat dissipation efficiency of the power amplifier 132.

[0086] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to block the defrosting heat dissipation pipe and activate the defrosting device 160 to continue defrosting the evaporator 123 when the heating unit stops working and the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is lower than a preset second temperature threshold, so as to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 100 while ensuring defrosting efficiency. The first temperature threshold may be greater than the second temperature threshold.

[0087] The controller can also be configured to continue to conduct defrost heat dissipation pipes when the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and less than the first temperature threshold when the heating unit stops working, and to block the defrost heat dissipation pipes when the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, so as to use the residual heat of the defrost heat dissipation pipes to complete the defrosting of the evaporator 123.

[0088] In some embodiments where the heating unit heats the object to be processed via electromagnetic waves, the controller can be configured to, during the heating process, if a preset frequency modulation condition is met, control the frequency source to adjust the frequency of the electromagnetic wave signal it generates, so as to meet the preset matching condition and improve heating efficiency.

[0089] The preset frequency modulation condition can be that the reflection parameter of the electromagnetic wave generating system is greater than the preset frequency modulation reflection threshold, so as to ensure heating efficiency.

[0090] The preset matching condition can be that the reflection parameters of the electromagnetic wave generating system reach a concave inflection point and the reflection parameters are less than a preset matching reflection threshold. The controller can be configured to control the frequency source to generate an electromagnetic wave signal at the frequency corresponding to this inflection point, thereby further improving heating efficiency. The matching reflection threshold can be less than the frequency modulation reflection threshold.

[0091] The reflection parameter can be the return loss S11. Alternatively, the reflection parameter can be the reflected power of the electromagnetic wave signal returned to the electromagnetic wave generating system.

[0092] The controller can be configured to reduce the power of the electromagnetic wave signal generated by the power amplifier 132 when the cumulative frequency difference Δf of the frequency that meets the matching conditions for a preset number of times is greater than the first frequency difference threshold D1 during the heating process, so as to effectively prevent the hot spot from continuing to heat up rapidly and improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed.

[0093] In some further embodiments, the controller may also be configured to determine the flow rate of the defrosting heat pipe based on the cumulative frequency difference Δf, so that the heat dissipation capacity of the defrosting heat pipe matches the heat generated by the heat-generating device, thereby avoiding unwanted energy waste.

[0094] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to calculate the single frequency difference before and after frequency adjustment while controlling the frequency source to adjust the frequency of the electromagnetic wave signal it generates, and store the single frequency difference of the most recent preset number of times in the storage unit so as to quickly determine the cumulative frequency difference Δf of the frequency adjustment.

[0095] The single frequency difference is the absolute value of the difference between the frequency before and after frequency adjustment. The cumulative frequency difference Δf is the sum of the single frequency differences for the corresponding number of adjustments.

[0096] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine the remaining heating time of the object to be processed, and if the cumulative frequency difference Δf is greater than a first frequency difference threshold D1, control the power amplifier 132 to reduce the power of the electromagnetic wave signal it generates while extending the remaining heating time to avoid incomplete heating. The reduction ratio of the electromagnetic wave signal power may be less than the extension ratio of the remaining heating time, so as to improve temperature uniformity while stopping the heating of the object to be processed at the user-desired state.

[0097] For example, the power of the electromagnetic wave signal can be reduced by 20% to 40%, such as 20%, 30%, or 40%. The remaining heating time can be extended by 35% to 55%, such as 35%, 40%, 45%, or 55%.

[0098] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the frequency source to generate an electromagnetic wave signal with a frequency of the minimum value of a preset candidate frequency range and stop calculating the cumulative frequency difference when the preset matching conditions are not met at each frequency, so as to ensure the heating effect.

[0099] The alternative frequency range can be 350MHz to 500MHz. Further, the alternative frequency range can be 400MHz to 460MHz to further improve the temperature uniformity of the material being processed.

[0100] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to immediately stop working or stop working after a preset time when the cumulative frequency difference Δf is less than a second frequency difference threshold D2. This is to promptly stop heating when the object to be processed has been thawed or the heating unit malfunctions, thus preventing overheating of the object and improving the safety of the heating unit. The second frequency difference threshold D2 may be less than a first frequency difference threshold D1.

[0101] In some further embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine the initial frequency of the object to be heated based on the reflection parameters of the electromagnetic wave generating system at the start of heating, and to determine a first frequency difference threshold D1, a second frequency difference threshold D2, and the remaining heating time based on the initial frequency. The first frequency difference threshold D1 and the second frequency difference threshold D2 are positively correlated with the initial frequency to accommodate objects of different types and size parameters.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention (in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the text, "Y" indicates "yes"; "N" indicates "no". See also... Figure 5 The control method for a refrigerator 100 of the present invention may include the following steps:

[0103] Step S502: When the heating unit starts working, determine whether the evaporator 123 meets the preset auxiliary defrosting conditions. If yes, proceed to step S504; if no, proceed to step S506.

[0104] Step S504: Turn on the defrosting heat dissipation pipe to dissipate heat from the heat-generating device and defrost the evaporator 123;

[0105] Step S506: Activate the heat dissipation device 150 to dissipate heat from the heat-generating components.

[0106] The control method of the present invention defrosts the evaporator 123 while dissipating heat from the heating device, thereby improving the heating efficiency and service life of the heating unit, reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator 100, shortening the defrosting cycle of the evaporator 123 using the defrosting device 160 alone, and improving the temperature stability of the storage compartment.

[0107] In some embodiments, the auxiliary defrosting conditions include at least one of the following: the cumulative working time of the compressor 121 is greater than or equal to a preset working time threshold since the last defrosting of the evaporator 123, and the cumulative door opening time of all doors is greater than or equal to a preset door opening time threshold, so as to accurately determine the degree of frost on the evaporator 123.

[0108] The control method of the present invention can also determine whether the evaporator 123 meets the preset normal defrosting conditions when the heating unit stops working. If the normal defrosting conditions are met, the defrosting device 160 is started to defrost the evaporator 123.

[0109] The working time threshold or door opening time threshold under normal defrosting conditions can be greater than that under auxiliary defrosting conditions, so as to extend the start-up cycle of the defrosting device 160.

[0110] In some embodiments, after step S504, the method may further include: when the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to a preset first temperature threshold and the heating unit is still in operation, blocking the defrosting heat dissipation pipeline and activating the heat dissipation device 150 to continue dissipating heat for the heat-generating device, so as to ensure the heat dissipation efficiency of the power amplifier 132.

[0111] In some embodiments, after step S504, the method may further include: when the heating unit stops working and the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is lower than a preset second temperature threshold, blocking the defrosting heat dissipation pipe and starting the defrosting device 160 to continue defrosting the evaporator 123, so as to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 100 while ensuring defrosting efficiency. The first temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature threshold.

[0112] After step S504, the method may further include: when the heating unit stops working, if the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and less than the preset first temperature threshold, continuing to conduct the defrosting heat dissipation pipe, and blocking the defrosting heat dissipation pipe when the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, so as to use the residual heat of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe to complete the defrosting of the evaporator 123.

[0113] In some embodiments, after step S502 or in step S504, the method may further include: when a preset frequency modulation condition is met, controlling the heating unit to adjust the frequency of the electromagnetic waves it generates to meet a preset matching condition; determining the heating power of the heating unit and the flow rate of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe based on the cumulative frequency difference of the frequencies that meet the matching condition a preset number of times, so as to improve the temperature uniformity of the object to be processed while matching the heat dissipation capacity of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe with the heat generated by the heating device, thereby avoiding unwanted energy waste.

[0114] The preset frequency modulation condition can be that the reflection parameter of the electromagnetic wave generating system is greater than the preset frequency modulation reflection threshold, so as to ensure heating efficiency.

[0115] The preset matching condition can be that the reflection parameters of the electromagnetic wave generating system reach a concave inflection point and the reflection parameters are less than a preset matching reflection threshold. Generating an electromagnetic wave signal at the frequency corresponding to this inflection point from the frequency source can further improve heating efficiency. The matching reflection threshold can be less than the frequency modulation reflection threshold.

[0116] The reflection parameter can be the return loss S11. Alternatively, the reflection parameter can be the reflected power of the electromagnetic wave signal returned to the electromagnetic wave generating system.

[0117] Figure 6 This is a schematic detailed flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 6 The control method for refrigerator 100 of the present invention may include the following detailed steps:

[0118] Step S602: Determine whether a heating command has been received. If yes, execute steps S604 and S610; if no, repeat step S602.

[0119] Step S604: Control the electromagnetic wave generating system to start working and heat the object to be processed.

[0120] Step S606: When the preset frequency modulation conditions are met, control the heating unit to adjust the frequency of the electromagnetic waves it generates in order to meet the preset matching conditions.

[0121] Step S608: Determine the heating power of the heating unit based on the cumulative frequency difference of the frequencies that meet the matching conditions for a preset number of times.

[0122] Step S610: Determine whether the evaporator 123 meets the preset auxiliary defrosting conditions. If yes, proceed to step S612; if no, proceed to step S630.

[0123] Step S612: Turn on the defrost cooling pipe and determine the flow rate of the defrost cooling pipe based on the cumulative frequency difference of the frequencies that meet the matching conditions for a preset number of times.

[0124] Step S614: Determine whether the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to a preset first temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to steps S622 and S624; if no, proceed to step S616.

[0125] Step S616: Determine whether the heating of the object to be processed is complete. If yes, proceed to steps S618 and S626; otherwise, return to step S614.

[0126] Step S618: Determine whether the surface temperature of the evaporator 123 is greater than or equal to a preset second temperature threshold. If yes, return to step S614; if no, execute steps S620 and S622.

[0127] Step S620: Start the defrosting device 160 to continue defrosting the evaporator 123.

[0128] Step S622: Block the defrosting heat dissipation pipes.

[0129] Step S624: Determine whether the heating of the object to be processed is complete. If yes, proceed to step S626; if no, proceed to step S630.

[0130] Step S626: Control the electromagnetic wave generating system to stop working.

[0131] Step S628: Shut down the heat dissipation device 150.

[0132] Step S630: Activate the heat dissipation device 150. Return to step S624.

[0133] 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 cabinet, a refrigeration system, a heating unit, a defrosting and heat dissipation pipe, and a heat dissipation device, the cabinet defining at least one storage compartment; the refrigeration system including at least one evaporator to provide cooling capacity to the at least one storage compartment; the heating unit including a heating cavity disposed in one of the storage compartments for heating an object to be processed; the defrosting and heat dissipation pipe configured to transfer heat generated by all or part of the heating elements of the heating unit to one of the evaporators; The heat dissipation device is used to dissipate heat from the heat-generating device; wherein... The control method includes: Step A: When the heating unit starts working, determine whether the evaporator meets the preset auxiliary defrosting conditions; Step B: If so, activate the defrosting heat dissipation pipe to dissipate heat from the heat-generating device and defrost the evaporator; Step C: If not, activate the heat dissipation device to dissipate heat from the heat-generating device; and after step B, the following is also included: Step F: When the surface temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to a preset first temperature threshold and the heating unit is still in operation, the defrosting heat dissipation pipe is blocked and the heat dissipation device is activated to continue dissipating heat for the heat-generating device.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit heats the object to be processed via electromagnetic waves, wherein, The control method further includes: Step D: When the preset frequency modulation conditions are met, control the heating unit to adjust the frequency of the electromagnetic waves it generates in order to meet the preset matching conditions; Step E: Determine the heating power of the heating unit and the flow rate of the defrosting heat dissipation pipe based on the cumulative frequency difference of the frequencies that meet the matching conditions for a preset number of times.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator further includes a defrosting device for defrosting the evaporator, wherein, Following step B, the following is also included: Step G: When the heating unit stops working, if the surface temperature of the evaporator is less than the preset second temperature threshold, block the defrosting heat dissipation pipe and start the defrosting device to continue defrosting the evaporator.

4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, Following step B, the following is also included: Step H: When the heating unit stops working, if the surface temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and less than the preset first temperature threshold, the defrosting heat dissipation pipe remains open, and the defrosting heat dissipation pipe is blocked when the surface temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold; wherein The first temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature threshold.

5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary defrosting conditions include at least one of the following: the cumulative working time of the compressor is greater than or equal to a preset working time threshold since the last defrosting of the evaporator, and the cumulative opening time of all doors is greater than or equal to a preset opening time threshold.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The defrosting heat dissipation piping includes: Refrigerant pipes are configured to be thermally connected to the heating element and the evaporator; and A valve is used to open or close the refrigerant pipe or to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant within the refrigerant pipe.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein, The evaporator includes: Multiple heat exchange fins, configured to extend in parallel; and A cooling pipe is configured to pass through and be thermally connected to the plurality of heat exchange fins; wherein... The projections of the refrigeration pipes onto an imaginary plane are arranged in multiple columns; and The projection of the refrigerant pipe onto the imaginary plane lies between the two rows of refrigerant pipes.

8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The heating unit also includes: The frequency source is configured to generate electromagnetic wave signals. A power amplifier, configured to amplify the power of the electromagnetic wave signal; and The power supply module is configured to provide electrical energy to the frequency source and the power amplifier; wherein, The power amplifier is configured to be thermally connected to the defrost cooling pipes.

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