Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

A refrigerator (100) and a control method thereof wherein the refrigerator (100) comprises a box body (10), a weighing device (30), a power supply device (40) and a first controller (600). And a compartment is arranged in the box body (10). The weighing device (30) is configured to weigh the food materials. The weighing device (30) includes a receiving circuit (300) to receive electrical energy. The power supply device (40) is configured to charge the weighing device (30). The power supply device (40) includes a transmitting circuit (400) to transmit electrical energy. The first controller (600) is configured to control the transmitting circuit (400) and the receiving circuit (300) to work if it is determined that the electric quantity of a battery (305) of the weighing device (30) is smaller than or equal to a preset threshold value; after the receiving circuit (300) receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting circuit (400), the receiving circuit (300) is controlled to charge a battery (305) of the weighing device (30).

Description

Refrigerator and control method thereof

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202211232256.6 filed on October 10, 2022, and priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310433539.5 filed on April 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of technology and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have become an indispensable household appliance. Some refrigerators are equipped with one or more movable weighing devices to regularly obtain information about the weight of the food stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator can use this weight information to determine the remaining food, so as to promptly remind the user to purchase and replenish insufficient ingredients.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a housing, a door, a refrigeration system, a weighing device, a power supply, and a first controller. A compartment is provided within the housing. The door is configured to open or close the compartment. The refrigeration system is disposed within the housing and includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan. The compressor is configured to provide power for refrigerant circulation. The condenser is configured to release heat within the compartment to the outside of the housing. The evaporator is configured to absorb heat from the air within the compartment. The fan is configured to direct air within the compartment into the evaporator, exchange heat with the evaporator, and deliver the heat-exchanged air into the compartment. The weighing device is disposed within the compartment and is configured to weigh food. The weighing device includes a receiving circuit configured to receive electrical energy. The power supply is disposed within the housing and is configured to charge the weighing device. The power supply includes a transmitting circuit configured to transmit electrical energy. The first controller is configured to: if it is determined that the battery power of the weighing device is less than or equal to a preset threshold, control the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to operate; after the receiving circuit receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting circuit, control the receiving circuit to charge the battery of the weighing device.

[0006] In another aspect, a refrigerator control method is provided. The refrigerator includes a housing, a door, a refrigeration system, a weighing device, and a power supply. A compartment is provided within the housing. The door is configured to open or close the compartment. The refrigeration system is disposed within the housing and includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan. The compressor is configured to provide power for refrigerant circulation. The condenser is configured to release heat within the compartment to the exterior of the housing. The evaporator is configured to absorb heat from the air within the compartment. The fan is configured to direct air within the compartment into the evaporator, exchange heat with the evaporator, and deliver the heat-exchanged air into the compartment. The weighing device is disposed within the compartment and is configured to weigh food. The weighing device includes a receiving circuit configured to receive electrical energy. The power supply is disposed within the housing and is configured to charge the weighing device. The power supply includes a transmitting circuit configured to transmit electrical energy. The method includes: if it is determined that the battery power of the weighing device is less than or equal to a preset threshold, controlling the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to operate; after the receiving circuit receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting circuit, controlling the receiving circuit to charge the battery of the weighing device.

[0007] In another aspect, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a housing, a door, at least one Bluetooth component, and a control component. The housing has a compartment disposed therein. The door is configured to open or close the compartment. The Bluetooth component includes a second Bluetooth component. The control component is configured to either supply power to the Bluetooth component or transmit data with the Bluetooth component. The control component comprises a first Bluetooth component, a switching circuit, a power supply component, and a second controller. The first Bluetooth component is configured to perform Bluetooth pairing and establish a Bluetooth connection with the second Bluetooth component. The switching circuit is configured to connect or disconnect a power supply branch. The power supply component is configured to supply power to the Bluetooth component. The second controller is coupled to the switching circuit, the first Bluetooth component, and the power supply component. The control component further comprises a first interface, and the Bluetooth component further comprises a second interface. The first interface and the second interface are connected via a power cord. The power supply component, the switching circuit, and the second Bluetooth component form a power supply branch via the power cord. The second controller and the second Bluetooth component form a data communication branch via the power cord. Among them, the second controller is configured to: in response to a Bluetooth pairing instruction, control the switch circuit to disconnect so that the power supply branch is disconnected; obtain the device information of the first Bluetooth component and generate a Bluetooth pairing request; send the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component to the second Bluetooth component through the data communication branch, so that the second Bluetooth component completes the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component.

[0008] In another aspect, a refrigerator control method is provided, wherein the refrigerator includes a housing, a door, at least one Bluetooth component, and a control component. The housing has a compartment disposed therein. The door is configured to open or close the compartment. The Bluetooth component includes a second Bluetooth component. The control component is configured to either supply power to the Bluetooth component or transmit data with the Bluetooth component. The control component includes a first Bluetooth component, a switching circuit, a power supply component, and a second controller. The first Bluetooth component is configured to perform Bluetooth pairing and establish a Bluetooth connection with the second Bluetooth component. The switching circuit is configured to connect or disconnect a power supply branch. The power supply component is configured to supply power to the Bluetooth component. The second controller is coupled to the switching circuit, the first Bluetooth component, and the power supply component. The control component further includes a first interface, and the Bluetooth component further includes a second interface. The first interface and the second interface are connected via a power line. The power supply component, the switching circuit, and the second Bluetooth component form a power supply branch via the power line. The control component and the second Bluetooth component form a data communication branch via the power line. The method includes: in response to a Bluetooth pairing instruction, controlling the switch circuit to disconnect so as to disconnect the power supply branch; obtaining device information of a first Bluetooth component and generating a Bluetooth pairing request; sending the Bluetooth pairing request, the device information of the first Bluetooth component, and the device information of a second Bluetooth component with which the first Bluetooth component has been paired to the second Bluetooth component via the data communication branch, so that when the second Bluetooth component determines that it is an unpaired device, it waits for a corresponding preset delay time before sending its own device information to the control component via the data communication branch to complete the Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component and the second Bluetooth component. Different second Bluetooth components have different corresponding preset delay times. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0010] FIG2 is a structural diagram of a refrigerator body according to some embodiments;

[0011] FIG3 is a structural diagram of a single refrigeration system of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG4A is a block diagram of a dual refrigeration system of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0013] FIG4B is a structural diagram of a dual refrigeration system of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0014] FIG5 is another structural diagram of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0015] FIG6 is a position diagram of a power supply device of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0016] FIG7 is another position diagram of a power supply device of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0017] FIG8A is a block diagram of a transmitting circuit of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0018] FIG8B is a structural diagram of a transmitting circuit of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0019] FIG9A is a block diagram of a weighing device and a receiving circuit of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0020] FIG9B is a structural diagram of a weighing device and a receiving circuit of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0021] FIG10 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0022] FIG11 is a structural diagram of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0023] FIG12 is a structural diagram of a control component of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0024] FIG13 is a structural diagram of a Bluetooth component of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG14 is a diagram illustrating a connection structure between a control component and a Bluetooth component of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG15 is a flow chart of another method for controlling a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0027] FIG16 is a structural diagram of a switch circuit of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0028] FIG17 is a diagram illustrating a connection structure between another control component and another Bluetooth component of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0029] FIG18 is a structural diagram of a single-phase conduction circuit of another refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0030] FIG19 is another flow chart of another method for controlling a refrigerator according to some embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 20 is yet another flow chart of another method for controlling a refrigerator according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0033] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", are to be interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0034] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0035] When describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. The term "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The term "coupled" indicates that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the contents of this document.

[0036] “At least one of A, B and C” has the same meaning as “at least one of A, B or C” and both include the following combinations of A, B and C: A only, B only, C only, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B and C.

[0037] The use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0038] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0039] Currently, some refrigerators are equipped with weighing devices (such as electronic scales) to weigh the food in the refrigerator. The refrigerator can manage the food by obtaining the weight data of the food and promptly remind the user to purchase and replenish the food that is insufficient.

[0040] Typically, weighing devices are powered by dry cells or rechargeable batteries, but these batteries have limited power supply life. If the dry cells or rechargeable batteries run low, they must be replaced promptly, or the rechargeable batteries must be recharged through the weighing device's charging port. Furthermore, since portable weighing devices must be charged outside the refrigerator, the refrigerator may not be able to obtain food weight data while the portable weighing device is charging.

[0041] Understandably, due to the refrigerated, low-temperature, and humid environment of a refrigerator, moisture can easily enter the weighing device through the charging port, affecting its service life. In this case, if a weighing device is required, it may involve excessive packaging processes, which is not conducive to the modularization and integration of the refrigerator. Therefore, the charging port can be eliminated and wireless charging technology can be used to charge the weighing device to prevent moisture from entering the weighing device.

[0042] In addition, the inventors have found through research that the wireless charging modules in related technologies are usually used in normal temperature environments and are not suitable for the refrigerated, low-temperature, and humid environments of refrigerators.

[0043] To solve the above problems, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator 100 and a control method thereof. By integrating a wireless power supply device inside the refrigerator 100 and sealing and waterproofing the wireless power supply device, the refrigerator 100 can still be used while being charged, which is also beneficial to improving the modularity and integration of the refrigerator 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, a receiving circuit is provided within the weighing device, and a transmitting circuit is provided within the power supply device. Upon determining that the battery level of the weighing device is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the refrigerator 100 controls the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to operate. Upon receiving the power transmitted by the transmitting coil in the transmitting circuit, the receiving coil in the receiving circuit charges the battery of the weighing device through the receiving circuit.

[0045] 1 and 2 , a refrigerator 100 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 serves as the supporting structure of the refrigerator 100. The housing 10 defines an installation cavity and at least one storage compartment (i.e., a compartment). The installation cavity is configured to house components such as a compressor in the refrigerator 100. The storage compartment is configured to store food that needs to be kept fresh or frozen. Depending on their use, the storage compartment can be divided into a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a temperature-changing room (also known as a fresh-keeping room), etc.

[0046] 2 , the refrigerator 100 further includes a door 200. The door 200 is configured to open or close the storage compartment. Each storage compartment has one or more door 200 at its opening. For example, the storage compartment at the top of the refrigerator 100 is a refrigeration compartment, which has double doors.

[0047] The door 200 includes a door outer shell 210, a door inner shell 220, an upper end cover 230, and a lower end cover 240. The door outer shell 210 is located outside the box 10, and the door inner shell 220 is located inside the box 10. The door 200 also includes an insulation layer located between the door outer shell 210, the door inner shell 220, the upper end cover 230, and the lower end cover 240. For example, the insulation layer is formed of a foam filler.

[0048] The door body 200 can be arranged at the opening of the box body 10 and rotated to open with the side connected to the box body 10 as the pivot axis. The door body 100 can also be connected to a drawer box in the storage room to achieve pull-out opening and closing.

[0049] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a refrigeration system 20, which is disposed in the housing 10. The refrigeration system 20 is configured to refrigerate the storage compartment so as to keep the temperature of the storage compartment below a preset temperature.

[0050] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 20 of the refrigerator 100 is a single refrigeration system. Referring to Figure 3, the single refrigeration system includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, and an evaporator 6. The outlet of the compressor 1 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 2, and the inlet of the compressor 1 is connected to the outlet of the evaporator 6. The compressor 1 is configured to compress the refrigerant and provide power for the refrigerant circulation. The condenser 2 is configured to release the heat in the storage chamber to the outside of the cabinet 10. The evaporator 6 is configured to absorb heat from the air in the storage chamber.

[0051] In some embodiments, the single refrigeration system further includes a filter 4, a pressure reducer 5, and a gas-liquid separator 7. The inlet of the filter 4 is connected to the outlet of the condenser 2, and the outlet of the filter 4 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 6. The filter 4 is configured to filter impurities in the refrigerant, such as metal shavings, dust, etc., to prevent the impurities from clogging the pressure reducer 5 or damaging the compressor 1. The filter 4 can be a drying filter. The pressure reducer 5 is provided on the pipeline between the outlet of the filter 4 and the inlet of the evaporator 6. The gas-liquid separator 7 is provided on the pipeline between the air inlet of the compressor 1 and the outlet of the evaporator 6.

[0052] In some embodiments, the single-refrigeration system further includes an anti-condensation pipe 3, which is located at the opening of the storage compartment and communicates with the condenser 2 on both sides of the cabinet 10. The anti-condensation pipe 3 is configured to increase the temperature at the opening to prevent water vapor outside the cabinet 10 from condensing into water droplets when it encounters cold at the opening. A liquid reservoir is also provided between the evaporator 6 and the compressor 1 to store liquid refrigerant.

[0053] In some embodiments, the operating process of a single refrigeration system includes compression, condensation, throttling, and evaporation. First, connect the power cord to refrigerator 100 to power it on. If the storage compartment temperature within refrigerator 100 is outside a preset temperature range, the thermostat contacts connect, and compressor 1 begins operating.

[0054] The compression process is as follows: low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 1 , and is compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 1 , and then discharged into the condenser 2 .

[0055] The condensation process involves high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipating heat through condenser 2, cooling it to a saturated vapor at room temperature and high pressure. It then cools further to a saturated liquid, where it stops cooling. This temperature is called the condensation temperature. The refrigerant pressure remains virtually unchanged throughout the condensation process.

[0056] The throttling process is as follows: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid is filtered out of water and impurities by the filter 4, and then flows into the pressure reducer 5, and is throttled and depressurized by the pressure reducer 5 to become wet steam at room temperature and low pressure.

[0057] The evaporation process is as follows: the wet steam at room temperature and low pressure begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator 6, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator 6 and the gas around the evaporator 6, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas.

[0058] The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 6 passes through the gas-liquid separator 7 and then returns to the compressor 1. By repeating the above process, the heat in the box body 10 can be transferred to the air outside the box body 10, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling.

[0059] In some embodiments, the single refrigeration system further includes a fan 8 . Fan 8 is located within housing 10 and is configured to direct air from the storage compartment into evaporator 6 , exchange heat with the evaporator 6 , and deliver the heat-exchanged air into the storage compartment. Thus, fan 8 causes the air from the storage compartment to continuously pass through the fins of evaporator 6 , exchanging heat with the evaporator 6 , and delivers the cooled air from the heat exchange into the storage compartment through an air duct. This allows the air within housing 10 to continuously circulate, lowering the temperature within the storage compartment.

[0060] In other embodiments, the refrigeration system 20 of the refrigerator 100 is a dual refrigeration system. Referring to FIG4A , the dual refrigeration system includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, a first sub-pressure reducer 14A, a second sub-pressure reducer 14B, a first sub-evaporator 15A, and a second sub-evaporator 15B. The compressor 1 is configured to compress the refrigerant. The first sub-pressure reducer 14A and the second sub-pressure reducer 14B are configured to reduce the refrigerant pressure. The first sub-evaporator 15A and the second sub-evaporator 15B serve as heat exchange mechanisms.

[0061] In some embodiments, the dual refrigeration system further includes a first sub-gas-liquid separator 16A and a second sub-gas-liquid separator 16B, a one-way valve, and a dryer. The three-way valve 17 is configured to control the flow of the refrigerant. The one-way valve is configured to prevent backflow of the refrigerant. The dryer is configured to remove moisture from the refrigerant cycle. For example, the one-way valve is located at the outlet of the compressor 1, and the dryer is located at the inlet of the first sub-gas-liquid separator 16A and the second sub-gas-liquid separator 16B.

[0062] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4B , the dual refrigeration system further includes a first sub-blower 12A and a second sub-blower 12B. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment 101 and a freezer compartment 102. The first sub-blower 12A is configured to increase the air flow rate in the refrigerator compartment 101, while the second sub-blower 12B is configured to increase the air flow rate in the freezer compartment 102. This accelerates the heat exchange rate between the first sub-evaporator 15A and the second sub-evaporator 15B, thereby improving the cooling rate of the storage compartment.

[0063] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4A , the dual refrigeration system further includes a three-way valve 17 and a refrigerant junction 13. The three-way valve 17 has a first outlet 17A and a second outlet 17B. The refrigerant junction 13 connects the refrigerant flow paths, connecting the refrigerant flow paths via piping to circulate the refrigerant, forming a refrigerant circulation path.

[0064] When first outflow port 17A of three-way valve 17 is open, the refrigerant flows sequentially through first sub-pressure reducer 14A, first sub-evaporator 15A, first sub-gas-liquid separator 16A, and refrigerant junction 13 before returning to compressor 1. After passing through first sub-pressure reducer 14A, the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant flows into first sub-evaporator 15A, exchanging heat with the air in first sub-evaporator 15A and refrigeration compartment 101, thereby cooling refrigeration compartment 101.

[0065] Similarly, when second outflow port 17B of three-way valve 17 is open, the refrigerant flows sequentially through second sub-pressure reducer 14B, second sub-evaporator 15B, second sub-gas-liquid separator 16B, and refrigerant junction 13 before returning to compressor 1. After passing through second sub-pressure reducer 14B, the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant flows into second sub-evaporator 15B, exchanging heat with the air in freezer compartment 102 and second sub-evaporator 15B, thereby cooling freezer compartment 102.

[0066] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 5 , the refrigerator 100 further includes a weighing device 30. The weighing device 30 is disposed within the storage compartment and is configured to weigh the food within the storage compartment. For example, the weighing device 30 is movable, allowing the user to freely move the weighing device 30 as needed. Referring to Figure 9A , the weighing device 30 includes a receiving circuit 300 disposed within the weighing device 30.

[0067] 9B , the weighing device 30 further includes a battery 305 . For example, the battery 305 is a rechargeable (lithium) battery. It is understood that the receiving circuit 300 mainly provides power to the rechargeable (lithium) battery of the weighing device 30 .

[0068] In some embodiments, the weighing device 30 further includes a display assembly 303, a main control assembly 304, and a weight sensor 306. The display assembly 303 is configured to display the weight of the food. The weight sensor 306 is configured to measure the weight of the food. The main control assembly 304 is configured to control the operation of components such as the display assembly 303 and the weight sensor 306. A battery 305 is coupled to the display assembly 303, the weight sensor 306, and the main control assembly 304 to power these components.

[0069] In some embodiments, the weighing device 30 includes a second communication component, and the refrigerator 100 includes a first communication component 60. For example, the second communication component is a Bluetooth component, and the first communication component 60 includes a Wi-Fi component and a Bluetooth component. In this way, the weighing device 30 can be coupled to the refrigerator 100 via a wireless Bluetooth connection to transmit food weight data to the refrigerator 100.

[0070] 1 and 5 , the refrigerator 100 further includes a power supply 40 disposed inside the housing 10 and configured to charge the weighing device 30. Referring to FIG8A , the power supply 40 includes a transmitting circuit 400 disposed inside the power supply 40.

[0071] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1 , the refrigerator 100 further includes a first controller 600. The first controller 600 may be a chip or a processor. For example, the processor may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the first controller 600 may be a programmable device, including a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The chip may be an integrated circuit (IC).

[0072] In some embodiments, the first controller 600 is coupled to the power supply 40. The first controller 600 is configured to, upon determining that the charge level of the battery 305 of the weighing device 30 is less than or equal to a preset threshold, control the operation of the transmitting circuit 400 and the receiving circuit 300. After the receiving coil 301 in the receiving circuit 300 receives the power transmitted by the transmitting coil 401 in the transmitting circuit 400, the receiving circuit 300 charges the battery 305 of the weighing device 30.

[0073] In this way, by providing a receiving circuit 300 inside the weighing device 30 and a transmitting circuit 400 inside the power supply device 40, the refrigerator 100 can wirelessly charge the weighing device 30. In the event of insufficient power, the power supply device 40 of the refrigerator 100 can promptly charge the weighing device 30, and the weighing device 30 does not need to replace the battery 305 or be moved outside the housing 10 for charging. This avoids the situation where the movable weighing device 30 cannot be used due to insufficient power, and facilitates the user to use the weighing device 30 for a long time inside the housing 10.

[0074] 6 , the power supply device 40 is disposed on a door shelf in the refrigerator body 10 . If the weighing device 30 is disposed on the door shelf, the refrigerator 100 can charge the weighing device 30 through the power supply device 40 .

[0075] For example, when the weighing device 30 is set on the door shelf, the first controller 600 controls the operation of the transmitting circuit 400 in the power supply device 40, and after the receiving coil 301 in the receiving circuit 300 receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting coil 401 in the transmitting circuit 400, the battery 305 of the weighing device 30 is charged through the receiving circuit 300.

[0076] It should be noted that the power supply device 40 in this embodiment can be a wireless charging coil pre-installed on the door shelf, or a wireless charging base with an internal transmitting circuit 400. In this embodiment, the weighing device 30 is placed on the door shelf and charged by the wireless charging coil or the wireless charging base. This achieves wireless charging of the weighing device 30 while avoiding affecting the weighing of food by the weighing device 30.

[0077] It is understood that the weighing device 30 can be installed on a partition within the box 10 or on a door shelf. If both the power supply device 40 and the weighing device 30 are installed on the door shelf within the box 10, this avoids occupying the food storage space within the box 10. Furthermore, the power supply device 40 can continue to supply power to the weighing device 30 if it runs low on power, without requiring the weighing device 30 to be moved. This also facilitates wiring and subsequent maintenance.

[0078] In other embodiments, referring to FIG7 , the power supply device 40 is disposed on the inner wall of the refrigerator body 10. If the distance between the weighing device 30 and the inner wall of the refrigerator body 10 is within a preset distance range, the refrigerator 100 can charge the weighing device 30 via the power supply device 40. The preset distance range may be less than or equal to 10 cm.

[0079] For example, when the distance between the weighing device 30 and the inner wall of the box body 10 is within a preset distance range, the first controller 600 controls the transmitting circuit 400 in the scale power supply device 40 to operate, and after the receiving coil 301 in the receiving circuit 300 receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting coil 401 in the transmitting circuit 400, the battery 305 of the weighing device 30 is charged through the receiving circuit 300.

[0080] It should be noted that the power supply device 40 in this embodiment can be a wireless charging coil pre-installed on the inner wall of the box 10. When the distance between the weighing device 30 and the inner wall of the box 10 is within a preset distance range, this embodiment charges the weighing device 30 via the wireless charging coil, which can meet the need to power the weighing device 30 while avoiding affecting the weighing of the food by the weighing device 30.

[0081] It can be understood that setting the power supply device 40 on the inner wall of the box body 10 and setting the weighing device 30 on the partition inside the box body 10 can avoid the door shelf from limiting the volume of the weighing device 30, thereby increasing the area of ​​the weighing area of ​​the weighing device 30 to weigh more food.

[0082] During wireless charging, the battery 305 of the weighing device 30 generates heat, which may affect surrounding food and affect the refrigerator's preservation performance. Therefore, in some embodiments, a separate charging area can be provided within the cabinet 10 (e.g., on a door shelf) to minimize the impact of battery heating on the refrigerator's preservation performance.

[0083] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8A , the transmitting circuit 400 includes a power supply circuit 402, an oscillator circuit 403, and a transmitting coil 401. The power supply circuit 402 is connected to the main control board of the refrigerator 100. The oscillator circuit 403 is configured to convert DC power into AC power. The transmitting circuit 400 converts power provided by the main control board of the refrigerator 100 into energy for the transmitting coil 401, which is then transmitted to the receiving coil 301.

[0084] It should be noted that, referring to FIG8B , in this embodiment, the power supply circuit 402 may be a full-bridge rectifier circuit capable of converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Of course, the power supply circuit 402 may also be replaced by the DC power provided by the main control board of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the oscillator circuit 403 may include a resistor R and a capacitor C, and is configured to convert DC power into AC power.

[0085] In some embodiments, referring to FIG9A , the receiving circuit 300 includes a receiving coil 301 and a rectifier circuit 302. The rectifier circuit 302 is configured to convert AC power into DC power. After the receiving coil 301 receives power transmitted by the transmitting coil 401, the rectifier circuit 302 converts the AC power into DC power to charge the battery 305 of the weighing device 30.

[0086] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 9B , the rectifier circuit 302 includes a conversion chip 309 . The rectifier circuit 302 converts AC power into DC power through the conversion chip 309 and supplies the DC power to the battery 305 .

[0087] In this way, by connecting the transmitting circuit 400 to the power supply of the main control board of the refrigerator 100, the power supplied by the main control board of the refrigerator 100 can be converted into energy for the transmitting coil 401, which is then transmitted to the receiving coil 301. The receiving coil 301 can receive the energy of the transmitting coil 401 in the transmitting circuit 400 and charge the battery 305.

[0088] Because the voltage provided by the power supply device 40 may vary during power supply, for example, between 2V and 5V, the power received by the receiving circuit 300 may also vary in strength. Referring to FIG9B , the weighing device 30 also includes a voltage stabilizer 307. The voltage stabilizer 307 is configured to maintain a stable voltage within the weighing device 30, thereby ensuring stable operation of the display component 303, weight sensor 306, main control component 304, and the like.

[0089] In some embodiments, the power supply device 40 and the weighing device 30 further include sealing devices, respectively, to further prevent moisture from entering the power supply device 40 and the weighing device 30 , thereby increasing the service life of the power supply device 40 and the weighing device 30 .

[0090] Referring to FIG10 , some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a method for controlling a refrigerator 100, which is used to charge a weighing device 30. The method is applied to a refrigerator 100 comprising a housing 10, a refrigeration system 20, a weighing device 30, and a power supply 40. The housing 10 is provided with a plurality of compartments. The refrigeration system 20 comprises a compressor 1, a condenser 2, an evaporator 6, and a fan 8. A receiving circuit 300 is provided within the weighing device 30, and a transmitting circuit 400 is provided within the power supply 40. The method comprises:

[0091] S1, if it is determined that the battery power of the weighing device 30 is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the transmitting circuit 400 and the receiving circuit 300 are controlled to operate.

[0092] S2, after the receiving coil 301 receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting coil 401, the battery of the weighing device 30 is charged through the receiving circuit 300.

[0093] In this way, the weighing device 30 does not need to replace the battery, and the refrigerator 100 can charge the weighing device 30 in time, effectively avoiding the situation where the movable weighing device 30 cannot be used during charging.

[0094] Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a Bluetooth connection method for a refrigerator 100 and a component having Bluetooth communication capabilities. Referring to FIG11 , the refrigerator 100 further includes a control component 110 and at least one Bluetooth component 120. The control component 110 is configured to control the refrigerator 100 to establish a Bluetooth connection with the Bluetooth component 120 and to provide power to the Bluetooth component 120. The Bluetooth component 120 is configured to exchange data with the refrigerator 100 via the Bluetooth connection.

[0095] For example, the Bluetooth component 120 is a weighing device 40, a camera device, a printing device (for example, configured to print the storage date, shelf life, etc. of food ingredients) or an odor sensing device.

[0096] It should be noted that, when the refrigerator 100 includes a plurality of Bluetooth components 120 , the plurality of Bluetooth components 120 may have different functions.

[0097] 12 and 13 , the control component 110 includes a first Bluetooth component 111. The Bluetooth component 120 includes a second Bluetooth component 121. The first Bluetooth component 111 and the second Bluetooth component 121 are configured to perform Bluetooth pairing with adjacent Bluetooth devices and, after successful Bluetooth pairing, exchange data with the adjacent Bluetooth devices via a Bluetooth connection. The refrigerator 100 and the Bluetooth component 120 can perform Bluetooth pairing and establish a Bluetooth connection via the first Bluetooth component 111 and the second Bluetooth component 121.

[0098] 12 , the control component 110 further includes a second controller 112, a switch circuit 113, and a power supply component 114. The second controller 112 is configured to implement operations such as data collection and calculation, and control instruction generation and issuance.

[0099] The second controller 112 may be a chip or a processor. For example, the processor may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the second controller 112 may be a programmable device, such as a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The chip may be an integrated circuit (IC).

[0100] The power supply component 114 is coupled to the first Bluetooth component 111, the second Bluetooth component 121, the second controller 112, etc. via a power line and is configured to provide power to the first Bluetooth component 111, the second Bluetooth component 121, the second controller 112, etc. in the refrigerator 100. For example, the power supply component 114 provides a DC voltage of 5V or 12V.

[0101] The switch circuit 113 is disposed between the power supply component 114 and the second Bluetooth component 121 and is configured to control the on / off of the power supply loop (ie, the power supply circuit) between the power supply component 114 and the second Bluetooth component 121 .

[0102] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a WiFi component. The WiFi component is configured to implement data exchange with a cloud server via WiFi communication. The WiFi component and the first Bluetooth component 111 can be integrated into a WiFi+Bluetooth communication component.

[0103] Referring to Figure 14, in some embodiments, the control component 110 has a first interface K1, and the Bluetooth component 120 has a second interface K2. The first interface K1 and the second interface K2 can be connected via a power line (including a live wire and a ground wire). The power supply component 114, the switch circuit 113, and the second Bluetooth component 121 are connected via the power line to form a power supply branch. The second controller 112 and the second Bluetooth component 121 are connected via the power line to form a data communication branch.

[0104] In some embodiments, the switch circuit 113 has an input terminal S in And the output terminal S out , the input terminal S of the switch circuit 113 in The output terminal S of the switch circuit 113 is coupled to the power supply component 114. out The second Bluetooth component 121 has a power supply terminal B V , the power supply terminal B of the second Bluetooth component 121 V It is coupled to the second interface K2 of the Bluetooth component 120 so that the power supply component 114, the switch circuit 113 and the second Bluetooth component 121 are connected to form the power supply branch.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second Bluetooth component 121 further has a data transceiver terminal B RX The second controller 112 is coupled to the output terminal of the switch circuit 113 via a data communication line, and the data transceiver terminal B of the second Bluetooth component 121 is connected to the output terminal of the switch circuit 113 via a data communication line. RX The second controller 112 and the second Bluetooth component 121 are coupled to the second interface K2 of the Bluetooth component 120 via a data communication line, so that the second controller 112 and the second Bluetooth component 121 form the data communication branch.

[0106] It is understandable that the second controller 112 may also be connected to the output end of the switch circuit 113 and the power line of the first interface K1 through a data communication line to form a data communication branch.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first Bluetooth component 111 has a power supply terminal B V 'And data transceiver B RX '. The power supply terminal B of the first Bluetooth component 111 V ' is coupled to the power supply component 114. The switch circuit 113 also has a control terminal S con The second controller 112 is also connected to the control terminal S of the switch circuit 113 through the data communication line. con and the data transceiver terminal B of the first Bluetooth component 111 RX 'Coupling.

[0108] In one aspect, the refrigerator 100 of some embodiments of the present disclosure can power the Bluetooth component 120. For example, when the power supply branch is conducting, the power supply component 114 sequentially powers the Bluetooth component 120 through the switch circuit 113, the power line between the first interface K1 and the second interface K2, and thus powers the second Bluetooth component 121.

[0109] In this way, the refrigerator 100 supplies power to the Bluetooth component 120, thereby resolving the pollution and short life issues that may be caused by battery-powered Bluetooth component 120. Furthermore, since batteries are no longer used for power supply, the problem of battery performance degradation of the Bluetooth component 120 in the low temperature environment of the storage room is resolved.

[0110] On the other hand, the refrigerator 100 can also perform data transmission with the Bluetooth component 120. When there is a need for data transmission and reception, the second controller 112 exchanges data with the second Bluetooth component 121 through the power line between the first interface K1 and the second interface K2, that is, the power line between the control component 110 and the Bluetooth component 120 is reused as a data communication line to form the data communication branch.

[0111] In this way, it is avoided that an additional line connection is used between the refrigerator 100 and the Bluetooth component 120, which leads to problems such as multiple connection lines, complex lines, inconvenient installation and fixation of the lines, and difficulty in passing through the hinge hole of the door.

[0112] Compared to Bluetooth pairing methods that require a mobile phone and manual operation, the refrigerator 100 provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure does not require manual confirmation of paired device information. For certain application scenarios, such as when the Bluetooth component 120 is fixed inside the refrigerator 100 and the user cannot directly view the paired device information, this can avoid the difficulty of pairing the refrigerator 100 with the Bluetooth component 120, greatly improving Bluetooth pairing efficiency and facilitating user use.

[0113] For example, the weighing device 30 is integrated into a partition within the refrigerator compartment 101. In this case, since the weighing device 30 is not easily movable, it can be charged via a power cord. Furthermore, when the refrigerator 100 is powered on for the first time or receives a Bluetooth pairing command, the power cord can be used as a data communication line to perform Bluetooth pairing with the weighing device 30.

[0114] It should be noted that the movable Bluetooth component 120 can also be applied to the charging method and Bluetooth pairing method of some of the above embodiments.

[0115] In some embodiments, after the refrigerator 100 is powered on and receives a Bluetooth pairing instruction, the second controller 112 is configured to:

[0116] The switch circuit 113 is controlled to be disconnected, so that the power supply branch is disconnected.

[0117] The device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 is obtained, and a Bluetooth pairing request is generated.

[0118] The Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 are sent to the second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch, so that the second Bluetooth component 121 completes the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second Bluetooth component 121 is configured to receive the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 , and complete the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111 .

[0120] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switch circuit 113 is in an on state by default, that is, the power supply branch is on, and the power supply component 114 supplies power to each Bluetooth component 120. When the second controller 112 of the refrigerator 100 receives a Bluetooth pairing instruction, in response to the Bluetooth pairing instruction, the second controller 112 controls the switch circuit 113 to be off, thereby disconnecting the power supply branch and no longer providing voltage output during the pairing process.

[0121] The second controller 112 generates a Bluetooth pairing request and obtains the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 through the data communication line between the first Bluetooth component 111, such as the device Media Access Control Address (MAC address), device serial code, and other information that can identify the device identity. The power line between the first interface K1 and the second interface K2 is multiplexed as part of the communication line in the data communication branch. The second controller 112 sends the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to the second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch.

[0122] After receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111, the second Bluetooth component 121 performs a Bluetooth pairing operation. After the Bluetooth pairing operation is completed between the first Bluetooth component 111 and the second Bluetooth component 121, the first Bluetooth component 111 opens Bluetooth communication permissions, allowing the Bluetooth components 120 that have passed the Bluetooth pairing operation to transmit data with itself.

[0123] It should be noted that the Bluetooth pairing command can be automatically initiated when the refrigerator 100 is first powered on, or it can be initiated manually by the user. For example, the Bluetooth pairing command can be input through the control panel of the refrigerator 100. This corresponds to two application scenarios: the first is when the refrigerator 100 is first powered on, and the refrigerator 100 detects the Bluetooth component 120 installed in the cabinet 10. The second scenario is when the Bluetooth component 120 is manually replaced or added, and the refrigerator 100 receives a control command to pair and add the Bluetooth component 120.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second controller 112 is further configured to send a disconnection control instruction to the switch circuit 113 through the control end of the switch circuit 113, so that the switch circuit 113 is in a disconnected state after receiving the disconnection control instruction to disconnect the power supply branch.

[0125] In some embodiments, referring to FIG16 , the switch circuit 113 includes a transistor Q, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, and a third resistor R3. in Connected to the power supply component 114, the output terminal S of the transistor Q out1 Connected to the first interface K1 of the control component 110 .

[0126] A first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to an output end S of the transistor Q out1 The second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the second controller 112. The first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the body of the transistor Q, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the second controller 112. The first end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the input terminal S of the transistor Q. inThe second end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the body of the transistor Q.

[0127] That is, the input terminal S of the transistor Q in As the input terminal S of the switch circuit 113 in , the output terminal S of transistor Q out1 The output terminal S of the switching circuit 113 connected to the first interface K1 of the control component 110 out1 The second end of the first resistor R1 serves as the output end S of the switch circuit 113 connected to the second controller 112. out2 The second end of the second resistor R2 serves as the control end S of the switch circuit 113. con .

[0128] In some embodiments, referring to FIG17 , the Bluetooth component 120 further includes a single-phase conduction circuit 122 and a power storage component 123. The power supply terminal B of the second Bluetooth component 121 V The battery is connected to the second interface K2 of the Bluetooth component 120 via the battery pack 123 and the single-phase conduction circuit 122. The battery pack 123 is configured to supply power to the Bluetooth component 120 when the power supply branch is disconnected.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the power supply branch is on, the power supply component 114 charges the power storage component 123 through the single-phase conduction circuit 122 and supplies power to the second Bluetooth component 121. During the Bluetooth pairing process, the power supply branch is disconnected, and the power supply component 114 no longer provides voltage output during the pairing process. The Bluetooth component 120 uses the energy stored in the power storage component 123 to operate.

[0130] 18, the single-phase conduction circuit 122 is a diode D, the input end V of the diode D in The output terminal V of the diode D is connected to the second interface K2 of the Bluetooth component 120. out Connected to the power storage module 123 .

[0131] That is, the input terminal V of diode D in As the input end of the single-phase conduction circuit 122, and the output end V out As the output end of the single-phase conduction circuit 122.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second controller 112 is further configured to: send the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to each second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch, so that when each second Bluetooth component 121 receives the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information, it waits for a preset delay time corresponding to itself, and then sends its own device information to the control component 110 through the data communication branch.

[0133] It should be noted that the preset delay time corresponding to each second Bluetooth component 121 is different.

[0134] Afterwards, the second Bluetooth component 121 sends its own device information to the first Bluetooth component 111 , and the second controller 112 receives the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 to complete the Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component 111 and the second Bluetooth component 121 .

[0135] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second controller 112 of the refrigerator 100 initiates a Bluetooth pairing request and sends the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to each Bluetooth component 120 connected via the power cord. After the Bluetooth pairing request is sent, the data transceiver terminal B of the first Bluetooth component 111 of the refrigerator 100 is connected to the power cord. RX 'Switch to the data receiving state, after receiving the Bluetooth pairing request, the second Bluetooth component 121 starts to process the Bluetooth pairing request and makes a pairing response.

[0136] It should be noted that since all Bluetooth components 120 are connected in parallel to the power line, each Bluetooth component 120 may receive a pairing request initiated by the refrigerator 100. If two or more Bluetooth components 120 respond, it will cause data conflicts on the power line. To avoid this situation, all Bluetooth components 120 are required to perform a certain time delay before performing corresponding pairing. The delay time is determined by the Bluetooth component 120 itself, and the delay time corresponding to different Bluetooth components 120 (that is, the second Bluetooth component 121) is different and cannot exceed the predetermined time length. The predetermined time length can be predetermined in the Bluetooth communication protocol, or it can be sent and provided by the refrigerator 100.

[0137] For example, the delay time corresponding to the second Bluetooth component 121A is set to 1s, and the delay time corresponding to the second Bluetooth component 121B is set to 3s. Then, when the second Bluetooth component 121A and the second Bluetooth component 121B both receive the Bluetooth pairing request and device information sent by the control component 110, the second Bluetooth component 121A waits for 1s before sending its own device information. At this time, only the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121A is transmitted on the power line, completing the Bluetooth pairing of the second Bluetooth component 121A and the first Bluetooth component 111. The second Bluetooth component 121B will wait for 3s before sending its own device information. At this time, only the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121B is transmitted on the power line, completing the Bluetooth pairing of the second Bluetooth component 121B and the first Bluetooth component 111, thereby avoiding data conflicts on the power line.

[0138] Furthermore, after waiting for the corresponding delay time, each second Bluetooth component 121 sends its own device information to the second controller 112 through the data communication branch, and the second controller 112 forwards it to the first Bluetooth component 111, thereby completing the Bluetooth pairing operation of the second Bluetooth component 121 and the first Bluetooth component 111.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second controller 112 is further configured to: send the Bluetooth pairing request, the device information of the first Bluetooth component and the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 with which the first Bluetooth component 111 is paired to each second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch, so that each second Bluetooth component 121 determines whether it is an unpaired device when receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information, and when determining that it is an unpaired device, waits for a preset delay time corresponding to itself, and then sends its own device information to the control component 110 through the data communication branch.

[0140] It is understandable that the preset delay time corresponding to each second Bluetooth component 121 is different.

[0141] Afterwards, the second Bluetooth component 121 sends its own device information to the first Bluetooth component 111 , and the control component 110 receives the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 to complete the Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component 111 and the second Bluetooth component 121 .

[0142] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second controller 112 of the refrigerator 100 initiates a Bluetooth pairing request and sends the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to each Bluetooth component 120 connected via a power cord. In order to shorten the overall Bluetooth pairing process and avoid repeated pairing, the second controller 112 may also obtain the pre-recorded device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 that has been configured with the first Bluetooth component 111, and send the device information of the paired second Bluetooth component 121.

[0143] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the data interaction process of the Bluetooth pairing process is as follows.

[0144] First, the refrigerator 100 controls the data transceiver terminal B of the first Bluetooth component 111 RX ' is in the sending state to initiate a Bluetooth pairing request. And, the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 and the device information of the paired second Bluetooth component 121 are sent to the Bluetooth component 120 via the power line. After the Bluetooth pairing request is sent, the data transceiver terminal B of the first Bluetooth component 111 RX 'Enter data receiving state.

[0145] After receiving the Bluetooth pairing request, the Bluetooth component 120 starts to process the Bluetooth pairing request and responds to the Bluetooth pairing request after waiting for a corresponding preset delay time.

[0146] If a Bluetooth component 120 determines that the pairing data sent by the refrigerator 100 does not include the device information of its own second Bluetooth component 121, then after waiting for the corresponding preset delay time and determining that there is no Bluetooth device 120 sending data on the current power line, it starts to connect the data transceiver terminal B of the second Bluetooth component 121 to the power supply. RX The receiving state is changed to the sending state, and the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 thereof is sent out.

[0147] It should be noted that, in addition to the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121, the information sent may also include the device information of the refrigerator 100 (for example, the identification code of the refrigerator 100) and the device information of the received first Bluetooth component 111, etc., so as to avoid mistaken connection to the refrigerator 100 or Bluetooth device adjacent to the refrigerator 100 to be bound, thereby improving pairing efficiency. After the Bluetooth component 120 completes the pairing instruction response, the data transceiver terminal B of the second Bluetooth component 121 RX Enter the receiving state.

[0148] If a certain Bluetooth component 120 determines that the pairing data sent by the refrigerator 100 includes the device information of its own second Bluetooth component 121, it will no longer respond to the pairing and continue to maintain the data receiving state.

[0149] It is understood that during the pairing process, the control component 110 maintains the switch circuit 113 in the off state. At this time, the Bluetooth component 120 operates with the power provided by the energy storage component 123. After the pairing process exceeds the preset pairing time, the control component 110 of the refrigerator 100 controls the switch circuit 113 to return to the on state.

[0150] Afterwards, the control component 110 determines whether there may be Bluetooth devices 120 that have not completed the pairing operation based on the received data. If it is estimated that there are still devices that have not completed the pairing, the power output switch circuit 113 is placed in the disconnected state again and the pairing operation is reinitiated according to the pairing process in the above steps.

[0151] In some embodiments, the Bluetooth component 120 may also record the Bluetooth device information of the adjacent Bluetooth component 120 received during the pairing process. Each second Bluetooth component 121 can record the device information of the adjacent second Bluetooth component 121 other than itself during the Bluetooth pairing process and complete the Bluetooth pairing operation with the adjacent second Bluetooth component 121.

[0152] In this way, data can be transmitted between the Bluetooth components 120 via Bluetooth communication without being forwarded through the control component 110. When a Bluetooth component 120 cannot communicate with the control component 110 via Bluetooth after successful pairing, the data can also be forwarded to the control component 110 of the refrigerator 100 through the adjacent Bluetooth component 120.

[0153] The Bluetooth pairing method provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure solves the problem in related technologies that Bluetooth pairing requires manual assistance through mobile devices such as mobile phones, resulting in difficulty for users to accurately obtain device information when the Bluetooth component 120 is embedded in the refrigerator 100, causing pairing difficulties. It can realize the transmission of pairing information between the refrigerator 100 and the Bluetooth component 120, without the need for manual pairing and authentication, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of Bluetooth pairing.

[0154] Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a method for controlling a refrigerator 100, the method being used for Bluetooth pairing of the refrigerator 100 with the Bluetooth component 120. Referring to Figure 15, in some embodiments, for the control component 110, the method includes steps S101 to S105.

[0155] S101, the refrigerator 100 is powered on.

[0156] S102: Receive a Bluetooth pairing instruction.

[0157] S103, controlling the switch circuit 113 to be turned off, so as to disconnect the power supply branch.

[0158] S104: Obtain device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 and generate a Bluetooth pairing request.

[0159] S105: Send the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to the second Bluetooth component 121 via the data communication branch, so that the second Bluetooth component 121 completes the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111.

[0160] Afterwards, the second Bluetooth component 121 is configured to execute step S200.

[0161] S200 , receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 , and completing the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111 .

[0162] 19 , in some embodiments, in step S103 , the control of the switch circuit 113 to disconnect the power supply branch includes:

[0163] Step S1031 : sending a disconnection control instruction to the switch circuit 113 through the control terminal of the switch circuit 113 , so that the switch circuit 113 is in a disconnected state after receiving the disconnection control instruction, thereby disconnecting the power supply branch.

[0164] 19 , in some embodiments, for the control component 110, sending the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to the second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch so that the second Bluetooth component 121 completes the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111 (step S105) includes:

[0165] In step S106, the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 are sent to each second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch, so that when each second Bluetooth component 121 receives the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information, it waits for a preset delay time corresponding to itself, and then sends its own device information to the second controller 112 through the data communication branch.

[0166] 19 , in some embodiments, for the Bluetooth component 120 , step S200 includes steps S201 to S204 .

[0167] S201 , receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 .

[0168] S202, obtaining the corresponding preset delay time.

[0169] S203, determine whether the delay time has passed. If yes, execute step S204; if no, execute step S203.

[0170] S204 , sending its own device information to the control component 110 via the data communication branch to complete the pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111 .

[0171] It should be noted that different second Bluetooth components 121 correspond to different preset delay times.

[0172] 19 , after step S204 , for the control component 110 , the method further includes step S300 .

[0173] S300 , receiving device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 to complete a Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component 111 and the second Bluetooth component 121 .

[0174] 20 , in some embodiments, for the control component 110, sending the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 to the second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch so that the second Bluetooth component 121 completes the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component 111 (step S105) includes:

[0175] S107, the Bluetooth pairing request, the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 and the device information of the second Bluetooth component 121 with which the first Bluetooth component 111 is paired are sent to each second Bluetooth component 121 through the data communication branch, so that each second Bluetooth component 121 can determine whether it is an unpaired device when receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information, and if it is determined that it is an unpaired device, wait for the preset delay time corresponding to itself, and then send its own device information to the second controller 112 through the data communication branch.

[0176] It is understandable that the preset delay time corresponding to each second Bluetooth component 121 is different.

[0177] 20 , in some embodiments, for the Bluetooth component 120 , the step S200 includes steps S401 to S204 .

[0178] S401 , receiving the Bluetooth pairing request, the device information of the first Bluetooth component 111 , and the device information of the paired second Bluetooth component 121 .

[0179] S402: Determine whether the device is an unpaired device. If yes, execute steps S202 to S300. If no, execute step S403.

[0180] S403, maintain data receiving status.

[0181] In some embodiments, each second Bluetooth component 121 can record device information of an adjacent second Bluetooth component during a Bluetooth pairing operation and complete the Bluetooth pairing operation with the adjacent second Bluetooth component 121 .

[0182] In the Bluetooth pairing method provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure, the Bluetooth component 120 and the refrigerator 100 are connected only by a power cord, and the Bluetooth component 120 is powered by the refrigerator 100, thereby solving the pollution problems and the short lifespan problems that may be caused by the Bluetooth component 120 being powered by a battery, and especially solving the problem that the Bluetooth component 120 cannot be used continuously in a low-temperature environment.

[0183] When data transmission and reception is required, the power line between the control component 110 and the Bluetooth component 120 is reused as a data communication line, avoiding the need for additional wiring between the refrigerator 100 and the Bluetooth component 120, which would result in multiple connection lines, complex wiring, inconvenient installation and fixation, and difficulty passing through the door hinge hole. Furthermore, the Bluetooth pairing method of some embodiments of the present disclosure can realize the exchange of pairing information between the refrigerator 100 and the Bluetooth component 120, eliminating the need for manual pairing and connection, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of Bluetooth pairing.

[0184] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and that certain elements of the embodiments may be modified and replaced without departing from the spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: A box body, wherein a compartment is provided inside the box body; a door configured to open or close the compartment; A refrigeration system is provided in the box, and the refrigeration system includes: a compressor configured to provide power to a refrigerant cycle; a condenser configured to release heat in the compartment to outside the box; an evaporator configured to absorb heat from the air in the compartment; and a fan configured to allow the air in the compartment to enter the evaporator, exchange heat with the evaporator, and deliver the heat-exchanged air into the compartment; a weighing device, disposed in the compartment and configured to weigh food, the weighing device comprising a receiving circuit configured to receive electrical energy; A power supply device is provided in the box and is configured to charge the weighing device. The power supply device includes a transmitting circuit, and the transmitting circuit is configured to transmit electrical energy; the transmitting circuit includes: A power circuit connected to a power supply of a main control board of the refrigerator; an oscillating circuit configured to convert DC power into AC power; and a transmitting coil configured to transmit electrical energy to the weighing device; The transmitting circuit converts the electrical energy provided by the main control board of the refrigerator into the energy of the transmitting coil. and transmits it to the receiving circuit; and A first controller is configured to: If it is determined that the battery power of the weighing device is less than or equal to a preset threshold, controlling the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to operate; After the receiving circuit receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting circuit, the receiving circuit is controlled to charge the battery of the weighing device.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The power supply device is arranged on the door shelf in the box body. If the weighing device is placed on the door shelf, the refrigerator charges the weighing device through the power supply device.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The power supply device is arranged on the inner wall of the box. If the distance between the weighing device and the inner wall of the box is within a preset distance range, the refrigerator charges the weighing device through the power supply device.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The receiving circuit includes: a receiving coil configured to receive the electrical energy transmitted by the transmitting coil; and a rectifier circuit configured to convert AC power into DC power; After receiving the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting coil, the receiving coil converts the AC electric energy into DC electric energy through the rectifier circuit to charge the battery of the weighing device.

5. A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein: The refrigerator comprises: A box body, wherein a compartment is provided inside the box body; a door configured to open or close the compartment; A refrigeration system is provided in the box, and the refrigeration system includes: a compressor configured to power a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator; a condenser configured to release heat in the compartment to outside the box; an evaporator configured to absorb heat from the air in the compartment; and a fan configured to allow air in the compartment to enter the evaporator, exchange heat with the evaporator, and deliver the heat-exchanged air into the compartment; a weighing device, disposed in the compartment and configured to weigh food; the weighing device comprising a receiving circuit, the receiving circuit being configured to receive electrical energy; and A power supply device is provided in the box and is configured to charge the weighing device; the power supply device includes a transmitting circuit, and the transmitting circuit is configured to transmit electrical energy; The method comprises: If it is determined that the battery power of the weighing device is less than or equal to a preset threshold, controlling the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to operate; After the receiving circuit receives the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting circuit, the receiving circuit is controlled to charge the battery of the weighing device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The power supply device is arranged on the door shelf in the box body. If the weighing device is arranged on the door shelf, the refrigerator charges the weighing device through the power supply device.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The power supply device is arranged on the inner wall of the box. If the distance between the weighing device and the inner wall of the box is within a preset distance range, the refrigerator charges the weighing device through the power supply device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The transmitting circuit further includes: A power circuit connected to a power supply of a main control board of the refrigerator; an oscillating circuit configured to convert DC power into AC power; and a transmitting coil configured to transmit electrical energy to the weighing device; The transmitting circuit converts the electrical energy provided by the main control board of the refrigerator into energy of the transmitting coil and transmits the energy to the receiving circuit.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The receiving circuit includes: a receiving coil configured to receive the electrical energy transmitted by the transmitting coil; and a rectifier circuit configured to convert AC power into DC power; After receiving the electric energy transmitted by the transmitting coil, the receiving coil converts the AC electric energy into DC electric energy through the rectifier circuit to charge the battery of the weighing device.

10. A refrigerator comprising: A box body, wherein a compartment is provided inside the box body; a door configured to open or close the compartment; at least one Bluetooth component, the Bluetooth component including a second Bluetooth assembly; as well as a control component configured to provide power to the Bluetooth component and transmit data with the Bluetooth component; the control component comprising: A first Bluetooth component is configured to perform Bluetooth pairing and establish a Bluetooth connection with the second Bluetooth component; a switch circuit configured to connect or disconnect a power supply branch; a power supply component configured to supply power to the Bluetooth component; and a second controller coupled to the switch circuit, the first Bluetooth component, and the power supply component; The control component further has a first interface, and the Bluetooth component further has a second interface; the first interface and the second interface are connected via a power line; the power supply component, the switch circuit, and the second Bluetooth component form a power supply branch via the power line; and the second controller and the second Bluetooth component form a data communication branch via the power line. Wherein, the second controller is configured as: In response to a Bluetooth pairing instruction, controlling the switch circuit to be disconnected so as to disconnect the power supply branch; Obtain device information of the first Bluetooth component and generate a Bluetooth pairing request; The Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component are sent to the second Bluetooth component through the data communication branch, so that the second Bluetooth component completes the Bluetooth pairing operation with the first Bluetooth component.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein The switch circuit has an input terminal and an output terminal; the second Bluetooth component has a power supply terminal and a data transceiver terminal; The power supply component is connected to the input end of the switch circuit, and the output end of the switch circuit is connected to the first interface; the power supply end of the second Bluetooth component is connected to the second interface, so that the power supply component, the switch circuit and the second Bluetooth component form the power supply branch; The second controller is connected to the output end of the switch circuit via a data communication line, and the data transceiver end of the second Bluetooth component is connected to the second interface via the data communication line, so that the second controller and the second Bluetooth component form the data communication branch; The second controller is also connected to the control end of the switch circuit and the first Bluetooth component through data communication lines.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein The switching circuit comprises: a triode, wherein an input end of the triode is connected to the power supply component, and an output end of the triode is connected to the first interface; a first resistor, wherein a first end of the first resistor is connected to the output end of the transistor, and a second end of the first resistor is connected to the second controller; a second resistor, wherein a first end of the second resistor is connected to the body of the transistor, and a second end of the second resistor is connected to the second controller; and A third resistor, wherein a first end of the third resistor is connected to the input end of the transistor, and a second end of the third resistor is connected to the body of the transistor.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The Bluetooth component also includes: Single-phase conducting circuit; and a power storage component, wherein the power storage component is configured to supply power to the Bluetooth component when the power supply branch is disconnected; The power supply end of the second Bluetooth component is connected to the second interface through the power storage component and the single-phase conduction circuit in sequence.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein The single-phase conduction circuit is a diode, an input end of the diode is connected to the second interface, and an output end of the diode is connected to the power storage component.

15. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein The second controller is further configured to: In response to the Bluetooth pairing instruction, a disconnection control instruction is sent to the switch circuit through the control end of the switch circuit, so that the switch circuit disconnects the power supply branch after receiving the disconnection control instruction.

16. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein The second controller is further configured to: Control the second controller to send the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information of the first Bluetooth component to each second Bluetooth component through the data communication branch, so that each second Bluetooth component waits for the corresponding preset delay time after receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information, and then sends its own device information to the second controller through the data communication branch to complete the Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component and the second Bluetooth component; wherein different second Bluetooth components have different corresponding preset delay times.

17. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein: The second controller is further configured to: Control the second controller to send the Bluetooth pairing request, the device information of the first Bluetooth component, and the device information of the second Bluetooth component with which the first Bluetooth component has been paired to each second Bluetooth component through the data communication branch, so that each second Bluetooth component determines whether it is an unpaired device when receiving the Bluetooth pairing request and the device information, and when determining that it is an unpaired device, waits for the corresponding preset delay time before sending its own device information to the second controller through the data communication branch to complete the Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component and the second Bluetooth component; wherein the preset delay times corresponding to different second Bluetooth components are Different.

18. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein Each of the second Bluetooth components is configured to record device information of the second Bluetooth components other than itself during the Bluetooth pairing operation to complete the Bluetooth pairing operation with the other second Bluetooth components.

19. A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein: The refrigerator comprises: A box body, wherein a compartment is provided inside the box body; a door configured to open or close the compartment; at least one Bluetooth component, the Bluetooth component including a second Bluetooth assembly; and a control component configured to provide power to the Bluetooth component and transmit data with the Bluetooth component; the control component comprising: A first Bluetooth component is configured to perform Bluetooth pairing and establish a Bluetooth connection with the second Bluetooth component; a switch circuit configured to connect or disconnect a power supply branch; a power supply component configured to supply power to the Bluetooth component; and a second controller coupled to the switch circuit, the first Bluetooth component, and the power supply component; The control component further has a first interface, and the Bluetooth component further has a second interface; the first interface and the second interface are connected via a power line; the power supply component, the switch circuit, and the second Bluetooth component form a power supply branch via the power line; and the second controller and the second Bluetooth component form a data communication branch via the power line. The method comprises: In response to a Bluetooth pairing instruction, controlling the switch circuit to be disconnected so as to disconnect the power supply branch; Obtain device information of the first Bluetooth component and generate a Bluetooth pairing request; sending the Bluetooth pairing request, the device information of the first Bluetooth component, and the device information of the second Bluetooth component with which the first Bluetooth component is paired to the second Bluetooth component through the data communication branch, so that when the second Bluetooth component determines that it is an unpaired device, it waits for a corresponding preset delay time and then sends its own device information to the second controller through the data communication branch, thereby completing the Bluetooth pairing operation between the first Bluetooth component and the second Bluetooth component; Among them, different second Bluetooth components correspond to different preset delay times.

Images