Defrosting device, refrigerator and defrosting control method

By using a tray assembly and sensor system in direct-cooling refrigerators, and combining temperature and weight data to precisely control the defrosting process, the problem of inaccurate defrosting timing in direct-cooling refrigerators has been solved, achieving more efficient energy utilization and improved user experience.

CN119042905BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-26CHANGHONG MEILING CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHANGHONG MEILING CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-08-29
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Direct-cooling refrigerators lack effective monitoring of frost accumulation, leading to inaccurate defrosting timing, resulting in energy waste and low energy efficiency.

Method used

Employing a tray assembly and sensor system, including the tray body, lifting frame, heating element, temperature sensor, and weighing sensor, the system combines temperature and weight data to determine the frost thickness, precisely controlling the defrosting process and avoiding unnecessary defrosting operations.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy and energy efficiency of defrosting, reduces energy consumption, and enhances the user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention provides a defrosting device, a refrigerator, and a defrosting control method. The defrosting device includes a tray assembly comprising a tray body, a lifting frame, and a temperature sensor. The lifting frame is used to lift the tray body. When the tray body is raised to a preset position, it contacts the evaporator. The tray body is equipped with a heating element for heating to melt the frost layer on the evaporator surface. The tray body is also equipped with a weighing sensor. The controller is configured to: acquire a first detection value from the temperature sensor and a weight measurement value from the weighing sensor; if the first detection value is less than or equal to a defrosting threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, control the tray body to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat. The defrosting program is initiated based on the data from the temperature sensor and the weighing sensor, avoiding initiating the defrosting program before the frost layer reaches a level requiring defrosting, thus reducing energy consumption.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a defrosting device, a refrigerator, and a defrosting control method. Background Technology

[0002] Direct-cooling refrigerators cool through natural convection. They have one or more evaporators, which cool the interior by circulating air around them. Due to their structure, direct-cooling refrigerators are prone to frost buildup on the evaporator surface, which not only affects cooling efficiency but also increases energy consumption.

[0003] Direct-cooling refrigerators use either manual or automatic defrosting. Manual defrosting requires the user to periodically turn off the refrigerator, wait for the frost to melt, and then restart it. Automatic defrosting systems use built-in heating elements to periodically heat the evaporator surface, melting the frost.

[0004] Due to the lack of effective monitoring of the degree of frost accumulation, the system may activate the defrosting program when defrosting is not required, resulting in energy waste and low energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a defrosting device, a refrigerator, and a defrosting control method to solve the problem of low energy efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a defrosting device, comprising:

[0007] The tray assembly includes a tray body and a lifting frame. The lifting frame is used to drive the tray body to rise and fall. When the tray body is raised to a preset position, the tray body abuts against the evaporator. The tray body is provided with heating elements, which are used to heat and melt the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator.

[0008] A temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on the evaporator;

[0009] The tray body is equipped with a weighing sensor for weighing the evaporator;

[0010] The controller is configured as follows:

[0011] Obtain the first detection value of the temperature sensor and the weight measurement value of the weighing sensor;

[0012] If the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, an instruction is sent to the tray assembly to control the tray body to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat.

[0013] In some feasible embodiments, the pallet body is provided with a drainage hole, and the lifting frame includes a first tension rod and a second tension rod, the second tension rod being disposed on the pallet body near the drainage hole;

[0014] The controller is also configured to:

[0015] The first heating time of the heating element and the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor are obtained.

[0016] If the temperature detection value is greater than the defrost threshold, and the first heating time is greater than the time threshold, a command is sent to the first tension rod to control the first tension rod to retract a preset length, or a command is sent to the second tension rod to control the second tension rod to extend a preset length.

[0017] In some feasible embodiments, a water storage box is also included, the drain hole is connected to the water storage box via a drain assembly, and the water storage box is connected to a drain device;

[0018] The water storage box is equipped with a water level sensor;

[0019] The controller is also configured to:

[0020] Obtain the humidity value of the room where the water storage box is located;

[0021] If the humidity value is greater than or equal to the humidity threshold, obtain the water level value of the water storage box detected by the water level sensor;

[0022] If the water level value is greater than the water level threshold, a command is sent to the drainage device to control the drainage device to drain water.

[0023] In some feasible embodiments, after acquiring the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor, the controller is further configured to:

[0024] If the detected temperature value is greater than the defrost threshold, a command is sent to the lifting frame to control the lifting frame to return to its initial position.

[0025] In some feasible embodiments, after controlling the heating element to heat up, the controller is further configured to:

[0026] Obtain the second heating time of the heating element;

[0027] If the second heating time is less than the time threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at the first power.

[0028] During the third heating time of the heating element, a second detection value detected by the temperature sensor is obtained, wherein the third heating time is the time during which the heating element operates under the first power.

[0029] If the second detection value is less than the defrost threshold and greater than the stop value, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a second power, which is greater than the first power.

[0030] In some feasible embodiments, it also includes: a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the refrigerant;

[0031] If the first detected value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, the controller is further configured to:

[0032] If the pressure value is greater than the pressure threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a first power.

[0033] If the pressure value is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a second power, which is greater than the first power.

[0034] In some feasible embodiments, the tray body is provided with a partition, and when the tray body is raised to a preset position, the tray body abuts against the evaporator through the partition.

[0035] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0036] The container includes a refrigerator compartment;

[0037] A defrosting device is installed on the refrigerator compartment.

[0038] Thirdly, this application provides a defrosting control method, including:

[0039] Acquire the first detection value from the temperature sensor and the weight measurement value from the weighing sensor;

[0040] If the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, an instruction is sent to the tray assembly to control the tray body to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat.

[0041] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application provides a defrosting device, a refrigerator, and a defrosting control method. The defrosting device includes: a tray assembly, which includes a tray body and a lifting frame. The lifting frame is used to drive the tray body to rise and fall. When the tray body rises to a preset position, the tray body abuts against the evaporator. The tray body is provided with a heating element for heating to melt the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator. The tray body is provided with a weighing sensor for weighing the evaporator. It also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed on the evaporator. The controller is configured to: acquire a first detection value of the temperature sensor and a weight measurement value of the weighing sensor; if the first detection value is less than or equal to a defrosting threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, send a command to the tray assembly to control the tray body to abut against the evaporator and the heating element to heat. The defrosting process is initiated based on data from temperature and weight sensors. The defrosting process is only activated when the temperature is below the defrosting threshold and the weight reaches the weight threshold. This avoids starting the defrosting process before the frost layer has reached the required level, thus reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the defrosting control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tray assembly structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tray body structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0047] 100 - Pallet body, 110 - Partition, 200 - First tension rod, 300 - Second tension rod. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described below do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. They are merely examples of systems and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the claims.

[0049] Direct-cooling refrigerators cool the air inside the refrigerator directly through an evaporator. When water vapor in the air encounters the cool evaporator surface, it condenses into water, forming frost at low temperatures. As frost accumulates, the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator surface gradually decreases. The frost layer increases thermal resistance, hindering heat exchange between the evaporator and the air. This makes it difficult to maintain a stable internal temperature and reduces cooling performance. Users need to manually remove the frost regularly, which is not only time-consuming and laborious but may also damage internal components due to improper operation. Furthermore, frequent defrosting disrupts normal refrigerator use and reduces user experience.

[0050] While the timed defrosting function can alleviate frost problems to some extent, it cannot detect changes in the refrigerator's internal environment in real time, such as humidity and temperature fluctuations, resulting in inaccurate defrosting timing and low energy efficiency.

[0051] To address the aforementioned problems, some embodiments of this application provide a defrosting device, including a tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray body 100 and a lifting frame. When the tray body 100 is raised to a preset position, it abuts against the evaporator. The shape of the tray body 100 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the evaporator. The preset position is the position where the tray body 100 abuts against the evaporator. Before performing the defrosting operation, the tray body 100 is in an initial position, which can be a position away from the evaporator, and the lifting frame is in a standby state.

[0052] The lifting frame is a structure used to vertically move the pallet body 100. In some embodiments, the lifting frame may include components such as a motor, gears, chains or screws, and lifts the pallet body 100 to a preset position according to the instructions of the controller.

[0053] The tray body 100 is equipped with heating elements for heating to melt the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator. For example, the heating elements can be PTC heating elements or other types of heating elements, and the appropriate type can be selected according to the actual required heating power and temperature range.

[0054] Since the evaporator is positioned above the tray body 100 and the heating element is positioned below it, the material of the tray body 100 needs to have good thermal conductivity to ensure that the heat generated by the heating element can be effectively transferred to the evaporator, thereby melting the frost layer on the evaporator surface. For example, the tray body 100 can be made of aluminum alloy, copper, stainless steel, etc. Aluminum alloy can evenly transfer the heat generated by the heating element to the upper surface of the tray body 100, and then transfer the heat to the evaporator through thermal radiation or thermal convection.

[0055] A load cell is installed on the tray body 100 for weighing the evaporator. When frost forms on the evaporator, its weight changes. When the tray body 100 rises to a preset position, it comes into contact with the evaporator, and the load cell detects the thickness or weight of the frost layer on the evaporator. The load cell can be a strain gauge load cell, a piezoelectric load cell, or other types, selected according to the required maximum weighing range and accuracy.

[0056] Because refrigerators constantly start and stop, for example, the evaporator temperature in a direct-cooling refrigerator cycles between 3 and -20°C. If the evaporator temperature is found to be below -23°C at any given time, the defrost threshold can be set to -23°C, indicating that defrosting is necessary. The defrosting device also includes a temperature sensor, which is located on the evaporator to detect its temperature. The temperature sensor can be a thermocouple, a thermistor, or another type of temperature sensor.

[0057] When a refrigerator is first powered on, the evaporator temperature may be close to room temperature, requiring a period of time to ensure the refrigerator enters normal operating condition. A timer can be set to ensure that the defrosting logic based on the evaporator surface temperature is activated only after the refrigerator has been operating normally for one day. After one day, the evaporator surface temperature is monitored in real time according to the established temperature-speed curve model and compared with the model to determine whether the defrosting program needs to be initiated. By directly monitoring the evaporator surface temperature, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the evaporator needs defrosting, unaffected by external factors such as the duration and frequency of door opening.

[0058] See Figure 1 The controller is configured as follows:

[0059] Acquire the first detection value from the temperature sensor and the weight measurement value from the weighing sensor.

[0060] If the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, an instruction is sent to the tray assembly to control the tray body 100 to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat.

[0061] The controller receives data from temperature and load cells. If the initial temperature reading is less than or equal to a preset defrost threshold, and the load cell reading is greater than or equal to a preset weight threshold, the controller determines that defrosting is required. Upon receiving the controller's command, the lifting frame begins operation, raising the tray body 100 to a preset position and bringing it into close contact with the evaporator. Simultaneously, the heating elements begin heating, transferring heat to the evaporator surface and gradually melting the frost. As the frost melts, the evaporator temperature gradually rises, and its weight decreases.

[0062] In some embodiments, after acquiring the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor, the controller is further configured to: if the temperature detection value is greater than the defrost threshold, send a command to the lifting frame to control the lifting frame to return to the initial position.

[0063] As the heating elements continue to heat the evaporator, the frost layer on the evaporator surface gradually melts. Once the frost layer has completely melted, the controller sends a command to the lifting frame to lower the tray body 100 back to its initial position, awaiting the next defrosting operation.

[0064] This application considers both temperature and weight dimensions, enabling a more accurate determination of whether sufficient frost has accumulated on the evaporator surface. A single sensor may misjudge due to environmental factors; for example, a temperature sensor might misinterpret a sudden drop in ambient temperature as requiring defrosting, when in reality the evaporator surface has not accumulated enough frost. In such cases, the data from the weight sensor can serve as an effective verification method, preventing unnecessary defrosting operations.

[0065] By combining data from the two sensors, the controller can more intelligently decide when to start the defrosting process and how to adjust the power and operating time of the heating element to achieve the best defrosting effect while minimizing energy consumption.

[0066] The defrosting device provided in this application can accurately determine when defrosting is needed, avoid unnecessary defrosting processes, thereby reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency.

[0067] During the defrosting process, the melted frost water will melt on the tray body 100. In some embodiments, the tray body 100 is provided with a drain hole to facilitate drainage. The drain hole is used to drain the melted frost water and prevent water accumulation from damaging the inside of the refrigerator.

[0068] See Figure 2 To facilitate drainage, the lifting frame includes a first tension rod 200 and a second tension rod 300. The first tension rod 200 and the second tension rod 300 are respectively connected to the tray body 100 and a fixed point, such as the inner wall of a refrigerator, and the position of the tray body 100 is controlled by extension and retraction. The second tension rod 300 is disposed on the tray body 100 near the drain hole. The first tension rod 200 and the second tension rod 300 are used to control the lifting, lowering, and tilting of the tray body 100.

[0069] The controller is also configured as follows:

[0070] The system acquires the first heating time of the heating element and the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor; if the temperature detection value is greater than the defrost threshold and the first heating time is greater than the time threshold, it sends a command to the first tension rod 200 to control the first tension rod 200 to retract a preset length, or sends a command to the second tension rod 300 to control the second tension rod to extend a preset length.

[0071] If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the defrost threshold, indicating that most or all of the frost on the evaporator surface has melted, and the first heating time is greater than the time threshold, this ensures that the heating process is long enough to avoid misjudgment. Controlling the first tension rod 200 to retract by a preset length allows the tray body 100 to tilt relative to the second tension rod 300, which helps to guide the melted frost water to the drain hole and discharge it. Alternatively, controlling the second tension rod 300 to extend by a preset length can similarly change the tilt angle of the tray body 100.

[0072] As the tray body 100 tilts or the frost water drains through the drain hole, it can be used as a humidification source for the refrigerator, improving both environmental friendliness and functionality. In some embodiments, a water storage box is also included to collect water melted during defrosting. The drain hole is connected to the water storage box via a drain assembly to guide the melted water from the tray body 100 to the water storage box. The water storage box is connected to a drain device that can drain the water from the water storage box to the outside of the refrigerator or use it for humidification. A water level sensor is installed on the water storage box to monitor the water level in the box in real time.

[0073] The controller is also configured as follows:

[0074] Obtain the humidity value of the room where the water storage box is located;

[0075] If the humidity value is greater than or equal to the humidity threshold, obtain the water level value of the water storage box detected by the water level sensor;

[0076] If the water level is higher than the water level threshold, a command is sent to the drainage device to control the drainage device to discharge water.

[0077] Taking the compartment containing the water storage box as an example (the freezer compartment), the controller compares the received humidity value with a preset humidity threshold. If the humidity value is lower than the threshold, it indicates that the freezer compartment is too dry and needs humidification. If the water level sensor detects a water level value higher than or equal to the preset threshold, it indicates that the water level in the storage box has accumulated to a level suitable for humidification. When it is determined that the water level is suitable for humidification and humidification is needed, the controller sends a command to the drainage device to start the humidification process. The drainage device draws water from the storage box and releases the water into the freezer compartment through spraying, evaporation, or other methods to increase humidity.

[0078] The defrosting device can accurately determine when humidification is needed, avoiding water waste in the water tank and increasing the humidity inside the refrigerator.

[0079] After the heating element heats up, different power gradients can be used at different stages to more precisely control the defrosting process. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to:

[0080] Obtain the second heating time of the heating element;

[0081] If the second heating time is less than the time threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at the first power.

[0082] During the third heating time of the heating element, the second detection value detected by the temperature sensor is obtained, and the third heating time is the time during which the heating element operates under the first power.

[0083] If the second detection value is less than the defrost threshold and greater than the stop value, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a second power, which is greater than the first power.

[0084] The second heating time is the elapsed time from the start of heating of the heating element to the current moment. This second heating time is calculated based on the start time of the defrosting operation and the current time. A time threshold is used to determine whether the heating element should begin operating at higher power. The time threshold can depend on factors such as the size of the evaporator, the thickness of the frost layer, and the heating efficiency of the heating element.

[0085] The first power level is the power level at which the heating element operates in the initial stage, lower than the maximum power, to avoid damage to the evaporator or unnecessary energy consumption due to sudden high temperatures. If the second heating time is less than the time threshold, indicating that the heating element is in the preheating stage or the frost layer is thin, the controller will send a command to make the heating element operate at the first power. During the first power operation stage, the heating element gradually increases the temperature of the evaporator surface, causing the frost layer to begin to soften, which helps reduce thermal stress caused by sudden high temperatures.

[0086] The third heating time is the elapsed time from when the heating element started operating at the first power to the current moment. During this time, the heating element continuously heats the evaporator surface, and the frost layer gradually melts. The stop value is a temperature below the defrost threshold, used to prevent the heating element from continuing to operate when the evaporator surface temperature is already low enough, thus avoiding energy waste or damage. The second power is the power of the heating element after the preheating stage, which is greater than the first power. When the evaporator surface temperature reaches a certain level but defrosting is not yet complete, increasing the heating element power can accelerate the defrosting process.

[0087] If the second detection value is less than the defrost threshold but greater than the stop value, it indicates that there is still some frost on the evaporator surface that needs to be melted, but the temperature has not yet reached its maximum. At this time, the controller sends a command to make the heating element operate at the second power to accelerate the defrost process.

[0088] By controlling the heating power in stages, unnecessary energy waste is avoided, thus improving the energy efficiency of the defrosting process. It is understandable that the power value can be further adjusted based on real-time temperature sensor readings; this adjustment is not limited to a first or second power level. Dynamically adjusting the heating power ensures that the frost layer is melted quickly and evenly, improving defrosting efficiency.

[0089] In some embodiments, frost on the evaporator surface can also be detected by other means, such as image recognition. Multiple imaging devices can be used to capture images of the evaporator from multiple angles, resulting in multiple images of the evaporator. These images are then processed to extract characteristic data of the frost formation on the evaporator, such as the thickness, color, and shape of the frost layer. As the frost gradually softens, these characteristic data change, allowing image recognition technology to monitor the softening of the frost layer in real time.

[0090] For example, non-contact measurement methods, such as laser interferometry and laser diffraction, can reduce this influence to some extent. These methods can measure changes in frost thickness in real time and accurately, thus indirectly reflecting the softening of the frost layer. However, these methods have higher equipment costs and may be affected by environmental factors.

[0091] To improve the accuracy and efficiency of defrosting, the status of the refrigeration system can also be monitored. In some embodiments, the defrosting device further includes a pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure. The pressure sensor can be a digital pressure sensor, an analog pressure sensor, or other types of sensor, and can be installed at certain locations in the refrigerant circulation loop, such as the compressor outlet or the condenser inlet, to monitor refrigerant pressure changes in real time. The refrigerant pressure changes with operating conditions, such as the compressor's operating status, the condenser's heat dissipation effect, and the degree of frost formation on the evaporator. The pressure sensor can convert these changes into electrical signals for the controller to analyze.

[0092] When the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, the evaporator surface has been frosted and the frost layer has reached a certain level, the defrost procedure needs to be started.

[0093] In some embodiments, the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is obtained. If the pressure value is greater than a pressure threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a first power. If the pressure value is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a second power, which is greater than the first power.

[0094] The refrigerant system is operating efficiently, but frost buildup on the evaporator surface can reduce heat exchange efficiency. In this case, the controller directs the heating element to operate at its primary power to avoid excessive stress on the system or unnecessary energy consumption. If the pressure value is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, there are problems with the refrigerant system, such as insufficient refrigerant or compressor malfunction, resulting in low system pressure. However, in this scenario, it's more likely that the system is under low load or in standby mode, and the evaporator surface is heavily frosted. To accelerate the defrosting process, the controller sends a command to the heating element to operate at its secondary power.

[0095] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, a partition 110 is provided on the tray body 100. When the tray body 100 is raised to a preset position, the tray body 100 abuts against the evaporator through the partition 110. The partition 110 can optimize the conduction path of heat generated by the heating element on the evaporator surface. By rationally designing the shape, size, and position of the partition 110, heat can be distributed more evenly on the evaporator surface, thereby improving defrosting efficiency. The partition 110 can be set according to the shape, size, and defrosting requirements of the evaporator. For example, a rectangular partition can cover most of the evaporator surface, ensuring that heat can be transferred evenly; or, if the evaporator surface has an arc or curved shape, the partition 110 can be arc or curved, which can better fit the evaporator surface, reduce thermal resistance during heat transfer, and thus improve defrosting efficiency.

[0096] Based on the defrosting device provided in the above embodiments, some embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator, including: a cabinet, the cabinet including a refrigerator compartment and a defrosting device, the defrosting device being disposed on the refrigerator compartment.

[0097] The evaporator is located inside the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment and is covered by an insulation layer. The defrosting device is connected to the evaporator.

[0098] The refrigerator also includes a freezer compartment. A water storage box can be installed on the rear wall of the freezer compartment. The defrosting device draws water from the water storage box and releases the water into the freezer compartment through spraying, evaporation, or other means to increase humidity.

[0099] Based on the defrosting device provided in the above embodiments, some embodiments of this application also provide a defrosting control method, including:

[0100] Acquire the first detection value from the temperature sensor and the weight measurement value from the weighing sensor;

[0101] If the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, an instruction is sent to the tray assembly to control the tray body to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat.

[0102] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application provides a defrosting device, a refrigerator, and a defrosting control method. The defrosting device includes: a tray assembly, which includes a tray body and a lifting frame. The lifting frame is used to drive the tray body to rise and fall. When the tray body rises to a preset position, the tray body abuts against the evaporator. The tray body is provided with a heating element for heating to melt the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator. The tray body is provided with a weighing sensor for weighing the evaporator. It also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed on the evaporator. The controller is configured to: acquire a first detection value of the temperature sensor and a weight measurement value of the weighing sensor; if the first detection value is less than or equal to a defrosting threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, send a command to the tray assembly to control the tray body to abut against the evaporator and the heating element to heat. The defrosting process is initiated based on data from temperature and weight sensors. The defrosting process is only activated when the temperature is below the defrosting threshold and the weight reaches the weight threshold. This avoids starting the defrosting process before the frost layer has reached the required level, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0103] Similar parts between the embodiments provided in this application can be referred to mutually. The specific implementation methods provided above are only a few examples under the overall concept of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For those skilled in the art, any other implementation methods extended from the solution of this application without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A defrosting device characterized by comprising: include: The tray assembly includes a tray body and a lifting frame. The lifting frame is used to drive the tray body to rise and fall. When the tray body is raised to a preset position, the tray body abuts against the evaporator. The tray body is provided with heating elements, which are used to heat and melt the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator. A temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on the evaporator; The tray body is equipped with a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the evaporator when the tray body is raised to a preset position and comes into contact with the evaporator; The controller is configured as follows: Obtain the first detection value of the temperature sensor and the weight measurement value of the weighing sensor; If the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, an instruction is sent to the tray assembly to control the tray body to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat.

2. The defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pallet body is provided with a drainage hole, and the lifting frame includes a first tension rod and a second tension rod, the second tension rod being disposed on the pallet body near the drainage hole; The controller is also configured to: The first heating time of the heating element and the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor are obtained. If the temperature detection value is greater than the defrost threshold, and the first heating time is greater than the time threshold, a command is sent to the first tension rod to control the first tension rod to retract a preset length, or a command is sent to the second tension rod to control the second tension rod to extend a preset length.

3. The defrosting device according to claim 2, wherein It also includes a water storage box, the drain hole is connected to the water storage box through a drain assembly, and the water storage box is connected to a drain device; The water storage box is equipped with a water level sensor; The controller is also configured to: Obtain the humidity value of the room where the water storage box is located; If the humidity value is greater than or equal to the humidity threshold, obtain the water level value of the water storage box detected by the water level sensor; If the water level value is greater than the water level threshold, a command is sent to the drainage device to control the drainage device to drain water.

4. The defrosting device according to claim 1, wherein After acquiring the temperature detection value from the temperature sensor, the controller is further configured to: If the detected temperature value is greater than the defrost threshold, a command is sent to the lifting frame to control the lifting frame to return to its initial position.

5. The defrosting device according to claim 1, wherein After controlling the heating element to heat up, the controller is further configured to: Obtain the second heating time of the heating element; If the second heating time is less than the time threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at the first power. During the third heating time of the heating element, a second detection value detected by the temperature sensor is obtained, wherein the third heating time is the time during which the heating element operates under the first power. If the second detection value is less than the defrost threshold and greater than the stop value, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a second power, which is greater than the first power.

6. The defrosting device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: Pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure value of the refrigerant; If the first detected value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, the controller is further configured to: If the pressure value is greater than the pressure threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a first power. If the pressure value is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, a command is sent to the heating element to control the heating element to operate at a second power, which is greater than the first power.

7. The defrosting device according to claim 1, wherein The tray body is provided with a partition. When the tray body is raised to a preset position, the tray body abuts against the evaporator through the partition.

8. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: include: The container includes a refrigerator compartment; The defrosting device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the defrosting device is disposed on the refrigerator compartment.

9. A defrosting control method, characterized in that, The defrosting apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7 comprises: The first detection value of the temperature sensor and the weight measurement value of the weighing sensor are obtained. The weight measurement value is the weight measurement value obtained by the weighing sensor when the tray body is raised to a preset position and abuts against the evaporator. If the first detection value is less than or equal to the defrost threshold, and the weight measurement value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, an instruction is sent to the tray assembly to control the tray body to contact the evaporator and the heating element to heat.