Refrigerant leakage detection method, refrigerant leakage detection device and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerant leakage detection method, a refrigerant leakage detection device and a refrigerator, and the method comprises the steps that under the condition that a compressor of refrigeration equipment continuously operates for a preset period, whether the starting point temperature of a first chamber is higher than the environment temperature or not is judged; if yes, when the temperature of the first chamber is larger than or equal to the starting point temperature in the preset period, it is judged that a refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment leaks; and if not, the stop point temperature is obtained based on the environment temperature, and when the temperature of the first chamber is larger than the stop point temperature in the preset period, it is judged that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment leaks. By adopting the method, the problems of poor feasibility and applicability of refrigerant leakage detection can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigerant detection, and in particular to a refrigerant leakage detection method, a refrigerant leakage detection device and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerant is a key substance in the refrigeration cycle. If the refrigerant leaks or evaporates, the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration system will be significantly reduced. In order to detect whether the refrigerant has leaked, temperature sensors are added to the return air pipe of the refrigerator compressor, the evaporator of the freezer and other components in the related art. The temperature of the additional temperature sensor is tested when the refrigeration system is operating normally under the standard test environment temperature conditions. Based on the test results of the standard test environment temperature conditions, the refrigerant leakage during the actual operation is judged. However, this solution requires a large number of tests to obtain the operating temperatures of various components of the refrigerator under standard working conditions at different temperatures, which requires a large amount of laboratory resources of the enterprise, and the solution is complex and has low feasibility. In addition, this type of solution that determines whether the refrigerant has leaked by measuring the temperature measured by the temperature sensor added to the return air pipe and the defrosting temperature on the evaporator can only be applied to air-cooled refrigerators and similar refrigeration products, and cannot be applied to direct-cooled refrigerators and similar refrigeration products. In addition, once the temperature sensor or the temperature AD (Analog to Digital) sampling circuit of the electronic control board is damaged, refrigerant leakage detection cannot be achieved. Another solution is to install relevant gas sensors in the product, and use the gas sensors to detect the increase in gas concentration caused by the volatilization of refrigerant after the refrigerant leaks, so as to determine the refrigerant leak based on the gas concentration. However, the location of the refrigerant leak is not fixed, and it is impossible to use gas sensors at all possible leak points. In addition, products with different types of refrigerants need to be equipped with different gas sensors, which is also not feasible.

[0003] With regard to the problems of poor feasibility and applicability of refrigerant leakage detection in related technologies, no effective solution has been proposed so far. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a refrigerant leakage detection method, a refrigerant leakage detection device and a refrigeration equipment to address the above technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, a refrigerant leakage detection method is provided in this embodiment, wherein the refrigeration equipment comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber, and the method comprises:

[0006] When the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than a preset temperature, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is higher than the ambient temperature;

[0007] If yes, when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the start-up point temperature within a preset time, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak;

[0008] If not, a shutdown point temperature is obtained based on the ambient temperature, and when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than the shutdown point temperature within the preset time, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak.

[0009] In some embodiments, an operation cycle of the compressor includes a first period during which the compressor continues to operate, and a second period during which the compressor is stopped.

[0010] In some embodiments, after determining that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, the method further includes:

[0011] Controlling the compressor to continuously operate for a first period of time, and if the first chamber and / or the second chamber do not meet the preset refrigeration conditions, controlling the compressor to stop operating, and after the compressor stops operating for the second period of time, repeatedly executing the step of controlling the compressor to continuously operate for the first period of time;

[0012] The number of repeated executions is obtained, and when the number of repeated executions reaches a preset number, it is determined that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running continuously for the preset time, and the temperature of the first chamber at the preset time is obtained.

[0013] In some embodiments, after obtaining the number of repeated executions, the method further includes:

[0014] When the first chamber is in the defrosting stage, or when the first chamber is in the defrosting stage before the compressor continuously operates for a first period of time, the number of repeated executions is reduced by one.

[0015] In some embodiments, controlling the compressor to continuously operate for a first period of time includes:

[0016] timing an operation time of the compressor in response to the operation of the compressor;

[0017] Stop timing after determining that the door of the refrigeration equipment is opened;

[0018] After stopping the timing of the third period of time, the timing of the running time of the compressor is resumed.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first chamber includes a plurality of temperature sensors, and when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than a preset temperature, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is higher than the ambient temperature includes:

[0020] When the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period, obtaining the temperature collected by each temperature sensor of the first chamber;

[0021] When the temperature collected by any temperature sensor in the first compartment is greater than or equal to the preset temperature within a preset time, it is determined that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking;

[0022] When the temperatures collected by the temperature sensors of the first chamber are all lower than the preset temperature within the preset time, it is determined whether the start-up point temperature of the set gear of the first chamber is higher than the ambient temperature.

[0023] In some embodiments, obtaining the shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature includes:

[0024] The shutdown point temperature is obtained by subtracting a specified temperature value from the ambient temperature.

[0025] In some embodiments, after determining that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking, the method further includes:

[0026] The compressor is controlled to stop working and fault information is generated.

[0027] In a second aspect, a refrigerant leakage detection device is provided in this embodiment, and the device includes:

[0028] an acquisition module, configured to determine whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is greater than the ambient temperature when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, wherein the refrigeration equipment includes a first chamber and a second chamber, and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber;

[0029] A first detection module, configured to determine that the refrigeration equipment is leaking refrigerant when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the power-on point temperature within a preset time, when the power-on point temperature is greater than the ambient temperature;

[0030] The second detection module is used to obtain a shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature when the startup point temperature is less than or equal to the ambient temperature, and determine that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the shutdown point temperature within the preset time.

[0031] In a third aspect, a refrigerator is provided in this embodiment, comprising: a refrigeration system and a refrigerant leakage detection device, wherein the refrigerant leakage detection device is used to execute the refrigerant leakage detection method described in the first aspect above.

[0032] The above-mentioned refrigerant leakage detection method, refrigerant leakage detection device and refrigerator, when the temperature of the first chamber is lower than the preset temperature, further judge the refrigerant leakage situation by the temperature of the second chamber, establish the logical relationship between the temperature change of the second chamber and the refrigerant leakage, so that the damage of the temperature sensor of the first chamber does not affect the judgment of the refrigerant leakage situation, and the method is simple and low in cost, and is applicable to various refrigeration products, so as to achieve the effect of improving the feasibility and applicability of refrigerant leakage detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 The hardware structure block diagram of a terminal of a refrigerant leakage detection method in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a refrigerant leakage detection method in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a process of refrigerant detection based on a freezing compartment temperature sensor in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a process of refrigerant detection based on a freezing and defrosting temperature sensor in one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a process of refrigerant detection based on a refrigerated compartment temperature sensor in one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 6 is a structural block diagram of a refrigerant leakage detection device in one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 7 is a structural block diagram of a refrigerator in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a computer device in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0042] The method embodiment provided in this embodiment can be executed in a terminal, a computer or a similar computing device. For example, running on a terminal, Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a terminal of a refrigerant leakage detection method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the terminal may include one or more ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the figure) processor 102 and memory 104 for storing data, wherein processor 102 may include but is not limited to a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA. The above terminal may also include a transmission device 106 and an input and output device 108 for communication functions. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 1 The structure shown is only for illustration and does not limit the structure of the above terminal. Figure 1 More or fewer components as shown, or with Figure 1 Different configurations shown.

[0043] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, for example, software programs and modules of application software, such as the computer program corresponding to the refrigerant leakage detection method in this embodiment. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, that is, to implement the above method. The memory 104 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some examples, the memory 104 may further include a memory remotely arranged relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories may be connected to the terminal via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and a combination thereof.

[0044] The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. The above network includes a wireless network provided by the communication provider of the terminal. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a network adapter (Network Interface Controller, referred to as NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station so as to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 106 can be a radio frequency (Radio Frequency, referred to as RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0045] In this embodiment, a refrigerant leakage detection method is provided, wherein a refrigeration device containing refrigerant includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber, and the refrigerant leakage detection method is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, including:

[0046] Step S202: when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than the preset temperature, it is determined whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is higher than the ambient temperature.

[0047] Among them, the refrigerant starts to circulate from the compressor of the refrigeration equipment, absorbs heat during the circulation process, and cools the first chamber and the second chamber. Since the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber, the temperature and pressure changes of the refrigerant in the first chamber are relatively obvious. The temperature of the first chamber and the preset temperature can be compared to determine whether the refrigeration is operating normally. The preset temperature refers to the highest temperature of the first chamber when the refrigeration equipment is operating normally without refrigerant leakage. Optionally, the first chamber is a freezer and the second chamber is a refrigerator. The preset temperature is set to 0°, and when the temperature of the first chamber is lower than 0°, it is determined that the current temperature of the first chamber belongs to the temperature when the refrigeration equipment is operating normally. It is understandable that the preset temperature can be set and modified according to actual application requirements. Considering that the temperature sensor and the electric control board may be damaged in the first chamber, when the temperature of the first chamber is lower than the preset temperature, the refrigerant leakage detection is realized in combination with the second chamber. Among them, when the second chamber reaches the start-up point temperature, the compressor needs to start running to cool the second chamber.

[0048] Step S204: If yes, when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the start-up point temperature within a preset time, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak.

[0049] The start-up point temperature can be obtained according to the gear position corresponding to the current refrigeration device or the pre-selected setting value. When the start-up point temperature is greater than the ambient temperature, if the refrigeration device is normal and there is no refrigerant leakage, a refrigeration request will be generated based on the second chamber to control the compressor to start running and cool down the second chamber. The preset time can be set according to application requirements. For example, the preset time can be x compressor operation cycles, x is greater than 0, and the preset time can also be a specified time length. After the compressor runs for a preset time, if the refrigerant has not leaked, the second chamber should be cooled to below the start-up point temperature and reach the shutdown point temperature.

[0050] Optionally, after the compressor continues to run for a preset period, the temperature of the second chamber is obtained by one or more temperature sensors. If the temperature of the second chamber is always greater than the start-up point temperature within a preset time, or the duration of the temperature of the second chamber being greater than the start-up point temperature within the preset time of the compressor is greater than a specified proportion, it can be determined that the cooling of the second chamber is abnormal and the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking.

[0051] Step S206: if not, the shutdown point temperature is obtained based on the ambient temperature, and when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than the shutdown point temperature within a preset time, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak.

[0052] Optionally, a preset mapping relationship between the ambient temperature and the shutdown point temperature is obtained, and the corresponding shutdown point temperature is obtained based on the current ambient temperature and the preset mapping relationship. Alternatively, the shutdown point temperature is obtained by subtracting a specified value from the ambient temperature. The shutdown point temperature is less than the ambient temperature. If the refrigeration equipment operates normally, the temperature of the second chamber should reach the shutdown point temperature during the operation of the compressor; if the refrigerant leaks, the compressor will continue to operate because the temperature of the second chamber cannot reach the shutdown point temperature. Optionally, after a preset period of continuous operation of the compressor, the temperature of the second chamber collected by one or more temperature sensors is obtained. If the temperature of the second chamber is always greater than the shutdown point temperature within a preset time, it is determined that the refrigerant is leaking.

[0053] In the above refrigerant leakage detection method, when the temperature of the first chamber is lower than the preset temperature, considering the inaccurate acquisition of the temperature of the first chamber, a logical relationship between the temperature change of the second chamber and the refrigerant leakage is established, and the refrigerant leakage is judged by the temperature of the second chamber. The judgment method is simple and low-cost, which improves the feasibility of the method and is applicable to various forms of refrigeration products such as air cooling, direct cooling, and variable frequency, which improves the applicability and solves the problem of poor feasibility and applicability of refrigerant leakage detection.

[0054] In one embodiment, an operation cycle of the compressor includes a first period of time in which the compressor continues to operate, and a second period of time in which the compressor stops. After the compressor continues to operate for the first period of time, the compressor may overheat. In order to ensure the safe operation of the compressor, the compressor is controlled to stop and continue for the second period of time.

[0055] Among them, by setting the first time period, it can be ensured that the continuous operation of the compressor does not exceed the first time period, and the compressor will not cause component damage due to excessive compressor temperature. By setting the second time period, the compressor stops running and dissipates heat after running for a long time, further improving the safety of compressor operation. The first time period and the second time period are preset time lengths, and the values ​​of the first time period and the second time period can be adjusted according to application requirements. In this embodiment, in each operating cycle, the compressor is controlled to stop running for the second time period, which reduces the possibility of damage to the compressor due to long-term continuous operation and improves the safety of compressor operation.

[0056] Further, in one embodiment, after determining that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running continuously for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, the method further includes: controlling the compressor to run continuously for a first period of time, and if the first chamber and / or the second chamber do not meet the preset refrigeration condition, controlling the compressor to stop running, and after the compressor stops running for the second period of time, repeatedly executing the step of controlling the compressor to run continuously for the first period of time; obtaining the number of repeated executions, and when the number of repeated executions reaches the preset number of times, determining that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running continuously for a preset time, and obtaining the temperature of the first chamber at the preset time.

[0057] Among them, the preset number of times can be set by experimentation, or it can be modified according to the needs of the application. The preset refrigeration condition is used to indicate that when the refrigeration system is normal and the refrigerant is not leaked, the first chamber and the second chamber should reach the corresponding temperature after the compressor runs for a preset time. Optionally, within the preset time of the compressor running, if the temperature in the first chamber is always higher than the highest temperature of the first chamber when the refrigerant is not leaked, and / or the temperature in the second chamber is always higher than the highest temperature of the second chamber when the refrigerant is not leaked, it is judged that the first chamber and / or the second chamber do not meet the preset refrigeration condition, and the compressor needs to continue to run to cool the first chamber and / or the second chamber. In this embodiment, the preset time is set to a preset number of compressor operation cycles, so that when the refrigerant is not leaked, the first chamber and / or the second chamber can meet the preset refrigeration condition, thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent judgment of refrigerant detection.

[0058] Optionally, after obtaining the number of repeated executions, the method further includes: when the first chamber is in the defrosting stage, or when the first chamber is in the defrosting stage before the compressor continuously runs for the first period of time, the number of repeated executions is reduced by one. In order to distinguish the situation where the temperature of the first chamber is increased due to the defrosting stage, and the situation where the temperature of the first chamber is increased due to refrigerant leakage, the compressor operation cycle corresponding to the first chamber being in the defrosting stage and the first compressor operation cycle after the defrosting stage are not counted in the number of repeated executions, thereby improving the accuracy of the compressor operation cycle detection, thereby achieving the effect of improving the accuracy of the refrigerant leakage detection.

[0059] Optionally, controlling the compressor to run continuously for a first period of time includes: timing the running time of the compressor in response to the operation of the compressor; stopping the timing after determining that the door of the refrigeration equipment is opened; and resuming the timing of the running time of the compressor after stopping the timing for a third period of time.

[0060] The third period is a preset time length, and the value of the third period can be adjusted according to application requirements. After the third period, the compartment temperature can be restored to the temperature before the refrigerator door is opened, reducing the impact of the refrigerator door opening on the compartment temperature, thereby distinguishing the situation where the first compartment temperature increases due to the refrigerator door opening and the situation where the first compartment temperature increases due to refrigerant leakage, improving the accuracy of the compressor operation cycle detection, and thus achieving the effect of improving the accuracy of the refrigerant leakage detection.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first chamber includes a plurality of temperature sensors. When the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than the preset temperature, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is greater than the ambient temperature comprises: when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period, obtaining the temperature collected by each temperature sensor of the first chamber; when the temperature collected by any temperature sensor of the first chamber is greater than or equal to the preset temperature within a preset time, determining that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking; when the temperature collected by each temperature sensor of the first chamber is less than the preset temperature within a preset time, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the set gear of the first chamber is greater than the ambient temperature.

[0062] Optionally, there are one or more temperature sensors arranged in the first chamber, and such temperature sensors are used to obtain the temperature of the first chamber. There are also one or more temperature sensors arranged near the evaporator of the first chamber in the first chamber, and such temperature sensors are used to obtain the defrosting temperature of the first chamber. By setting multiple temperature sensors, the needs of different types of refrigeration equipment can be met. Taking the refrigeration equipment as a refrigerator as an example, setting a temperature sensor near the evaporator of the first chamber can meet the application requirements of air-cooled refrigerators; setting a temperature sensor in the temperature sensor of the first chamber can meet the application requirements of direct cooling, air cooling, and mixed cooling refrigerators. Among them, if the temperature collected by any one or more temperature sensors is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the refrigeration equipment may have a refrigerant leakage. In this embodiment, by setting multiple temperature sensors in the first chamber, it is avoided that some temperature sensors or circuits corresponding to the temperature sensors are damaged, resulting in the inability to accurately obtain the temperature of the first chamber and inaccurate refrigerant leakage judgment.

[0063] In one embodiment, obtaining the shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature includes: subtracting the specified temperature value from the ambient temperature to obtain the shutdown point temperature. Optionally, the specified temperature value has a value range of 1-2°C. It is understandable that the specified temperature value may also use other values, which are not limited here. By subtracting the specified temperature value, the shutdown point temperature is lower than the ambient temperature, so that when the refrigeration equipment is cooling normally and the temperature of the second chamber drops, the compressor can meet the shutdown condition, and when the start-up point temperature is less than or equal to the ambient temperature, the refrigerant leakage detection result is accurate.

[0064] Furthermore, the power-on point temperature can be set based on the ambient temperature so that the power-on point temperature is greater than the ambient temperature. Optionally, a mapping relationship between the ambient temperature and the power-on point temperature can be obtained, and the corresponding power-on point temperature can be obtained based on the current ambient temperature and the mapping relationship. Alternatively, another specified temperature value is added to the ambient temperature. For example, the range of another specified temperature value can be within 1-2°C, or other values ​​can be selected, which are not limited here.

[0065] In one embodiment, after determining that there is a refrigerant leak in the refrigeration equipment, the method further includes: controlling the compressor to stop working and generating fault information.

[0066] Optionally, the fault information is used to indicate a refrigerant leak, and the fault information may also include information such as the temperature of the first chamber and / or the second chamber within a preset period, the operating status of the compressor, etc. Further, the fault information may be transmitted to the user through any one or more of sound, light, and electricity. For example, after the fault information is generated, the fault information may be reported to a display panel of the refrigeration equipment, a user terminal, or a refrigeration equipment management platform.

[0067] In one embodiment, a method for detecting a refrigerator refrigerant leak is provided. The refrigerator includes at least a first compartment and a second compartment. Optionally, the first compartment is a freezer compartment and the second compartment is a refrigerator compartment. After the refrigerator refrigerant leaks for a period of time, the refrigerator refrigeration effect deteriorates until it stops refrigerating. In order to better meet the needs of scenarios such as using the refrigerator in a high temperature environment and storing a large amount of food at one time, the refrigeration control logic of the refrigerator product is provided with the following rules: when there is a refrigeration request in any compartment of the refrigerator, the compressor runs for N hours, if it does not reach the stop point after N hours, it is forced to stop for M minutes and then continues to run, and then it runs for N hours or until the stop point, and then repeats this logic. Among them, N hours is the first period in the above embodiment, and M minutes is the second period in the above embodiment. When the refrigerator refrigerant leaks and the refrigerator refrigeration effect deteriorates, the refrigerator compressor will be forced to run for N hours over and over again. Therefore, the preset cycle is set to n, and when the refrigerator compressor runs continuously to the n+1th cycle, the refrigerant leakage judgment logic is started.

[0068] After a period of time when the refrigerator leaks refrigerant, the refrigerator's refrigeration effect deteriorates until it stops cooling, and the temperature of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor gradually rises to above the start-up point of the current setting gear or even to room temperature. Based on this, the actual temperature of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor can be compared with the set threshold to determine that the refrigerator has leaked refrigerant and perform corresponding fault reporting and processing. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a refrigerant detection process based on a freezer compartment temperature sensor is provided, such as Figure 3As shown, after the compressor has been running continuously for n hours, the compressor has been running continuously for a preset cycle. If the temperature of the freezer temperature sensor is always higher than 0°C in the subsequent x consecutive running cycles, the refrigerator refrigerant is judged to be leaking, and the following fault processing is performed and the fault is reported to remind the user: the refrigerator electronic control board cuts off the power of the compressor and controls the compressor to stop working; the fault is reported to the refrigerator display board; the display board displays the corresponding fault to remind the user, or synchronizes the fault to the mobile phone APP to remind the user to repair it as soon as possible. Optionally, when obtaining the temperature of the freezer temperature sensor in x consecutive running cycles, the defrosting period and the first refrigeration cycle after defrosting and the 30 minutes after the user opens the door are not counted in the x consecutive running cycles. Figure 3 The logic judgment shown compares the temperature of the freezer compartment temperature sensor within the set x compressor continuous operation cycles with the preset temperature 0°C, and judges whether the refrigerant has leaked based on the comparison result. The method is applicable to direct cooling refrigerators, air cooling refrigerators, and mixed cooling refrigerators. Even if the temperature sensors of other compartments are damaged or the corresponding temperature sensor acquisition circuits are damaged, the judgment can still be made.

[0069] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the process of refrigerant detection based on a freezing and defrosting temperature sensor is provided. Figure 4 As shown, after the compressor has run for n consecutive N-hour cycles, if the temperature of the freezer defrost temperature sensor is always higher than 0°C in the subsequent x consecutive N-hour cycles, the refrigerator refrigerant is determined to be leaking, and the following fault processing is performed and the fault is reported to remind the user: the refrigerator electronic control board cuts off the power of the compressor and controls the compressor to stop working; the fault is reported to the refrigerator display board; the display board displays the corresponding fault to remind the user, or synchronizes the fault to the mobile phone APP to remind the user to repair it as soon as possible. Optionally, when obtaining the temperature of the freezer temperature sensor in x consecutive operation cycles, the defrosting period and the first refrigeration cycle after defrosting and the 30 minutes after the user opens the door are not counted in the x consecutive operation cycles. Figure 5 The logic judgment shown compares the temperature of the freezing and defrosting temperature sensor within the set x compressor continuous operation cycles with the preset temperature 0°C, and judges whether the refrigerant has leaked based on the comparison result. The method is applicable to air-cooled refrigerators, and even if other compartment temperature sensors are damaged or the corresponding temperature sensor acquisition circuit is damaged, the judgment can still be made.

[0070] Figure 5 A schematic flow diagram of refrigerant detection based on a refrigerated compartment temperature sensor is provided. Figure 5As shown, when the start-up point temperature Trk of the current setting gear of the refrigerating compartment is greater than or equal to the current ambient temperature T, the judgment is made according to the following logic: after the compressor has been running for n consecutive N-hour cycles, if the temperature Tr of the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor is higher than the start-up point Trk of the current temperature setting gear within the subsequent x consecutive N-hour cycles, it is determined that the refrigerator refrigerant is leaking.

[0071] If the start-up point temperature Trk of the current setting gear of the refrigerator compartment is lower than the current ambient temperature T, the following logic is used for judgment: the start-up point temperature Trk of the temperature gear set for the refrigerator compartment is set to T+△T, the stop point Troff is set to T-△T, and the electronic control board starts timing. If after the timing starts, there is a refrigeration demand for the refrigerator and it runs continuously for x N hours, it means that the temperature of the refrigerator compartment has not been able to reach the stop point temperature Troff, and it is determined that the refrigerator refrigerant is leaking.

[0072] After determining that the refrigerator refrigerant is leaking, the following fault processing is performed and the fault is reported to remind the user: the refrigerator electronic control board cuts off the power to the compressor and controls the compressor to stop working; the fault is reported to the refrigerator display board; the display board displays the corresponding fault to remind the user, or synchronizes the fault to the mobile phone APP to remind the user to repair it as soon as possible. Optionally, when obtaining the temperature of the freezer temperature sensor in x consecutive operating cycles, the defrosting period and the first refrigeration cycle after defrosting and the 30 minutes after the user opens the door are not counted in the x consecutive operating cycles.

[0073] based on Figure 5 The logical judgment shown can ensure that when the refrigerator refrigerant leaks and the temperature sensor in the freezer compartment or the corresponding temperature sensor detection circuit fails, it is still possible to judge whether the refrigerator refrigerant is leaking based on the collected temperature of the temperature sensors in other compartments, and perform corresponding fault reporting and processing.

[0074] Furthermore, if the refrigerator has a variable temperature chamber, the variable temperature chamber setting gear can be set to different gears according to the temperature. For example, it can be divided into refrigeration and freezing gears. When the refrigeration temperature corresponding to a certain setting gear of the variable temperature chamber is below 0°C, the variable temperature chamber can be selected according to the setting gear. Figure 3 or Figure 4 The judgment logic in the above is executed. If the cooling temperature corresponding to a certain setting gear of the variable temperature room is above 0℃, the variable temperature room can refer to Figure 5 The judgment logic in is executed.

[0075] It should be understood that after the refrigerant leakage determination logic is activated, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The logical judgments shown may be executed at the same time or at different times, or only one or more logical judgments may be executed in real time, which is not limited here.

[0076] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a refrigerant leakage detection device for implementing the refrigerant leakage detection method involved above. The implementation scheme for solving the problem provided by the device is similar to the implementation scheme recorded in the above method, so the specific limitations in one or more refrigerant leakage detection device embodiments provided below can refer to the limitations of the refrigerant leakage detection method above, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] In one embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, a refrigerant leakage detection device is provided, comprising: an acquisition module, a first detection module and a second detection module, wherein:

[0078] an acquisition module, configured to determine whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is greater than the ambient temperature when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continuously runs for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, wherein the refrigeration equipment includes the first chamber and the second chamber, and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber;

[0079] The first detection module is used to determine that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the power-on point temperature within a preset period when the power-on point temperature is greater than the ambient temperature;

[0080] The second detection module is used to obtain the shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature when the startup point temperature is less than or equal to the ambient temperature, and determine that the refrigeration equipment has refrigerant leakage when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than the shutdown point temperature within a preset period.

[0081] In one embodiment, an operation cycle of the compressor includes a first period of time during which the compressor is continuously operated, and a second period during which the compressor is stopped. Optionally, after the acquisition module determines that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been continuously operated for a preset period, and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, the method further includes: after determining that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been continuously operated for a preset period, and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, the method further includes: controlling the compressor to continuously operate for the first period, if the first chamber and / or the second chamber does not meet the preset refrigeration condition, controlling the compressor to stop operating, and after the compressor stops operating for the second period, repeatedly executing the step of controlling the compressor to continuously operate for the first period; acquiring the number of repeated executions, and when the number of repeated executions reaches the preset number, determining that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been continuously operated for a preset time, and acquiring the temperature of the first chamber at the preset time.

[0082] Furthermore, after the acquisition module acquires the number of repeated executions, the method further includes: when the first chamber is in the defrosting stage, or when the first chamber is in the defrosting stage before the compressor continuously runs for the first period of time, reducing the number of repeated executions by one. Optionally, the acquisition module controls the compressor to run continuously for the first period of time, including: timing the running time of the compressor in response to the operation of the compressor; stopping the timing after determining that the door of the refrigeration device is opened; and resuming the timing of the running time of the compressor after stopping the timing for the third period of time.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first chamber includes a plurality of temperature sensors, and the acquisition module determines whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is greater than the ambient temperature when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than the preset temperature. The acquisition module includes: when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period, acquiring the temperature collected by each temperature sensor of the first chamber; when the temperature collected by any temperature sensor of the first chamber is greater than or equal to the preset temperature within a preset time, determining that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking; when the temperatures collected by each temperature sensor of the first chamber are all less than the preset temperature within the preset time, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the set gear of the first chamber is greater than the ambient temperature.

[0084] In one embodiment, the second detection module obtains the shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature, including: subtracting a specified temperature value from the ambient temperature to obtain the shutdown point temperature.

[0085] In one embodiment, after the first detection module and / or the second detection module determines that there is a refrigerant leak in the refrigeration equipment, the method further includes: controlling the compressor to stop working and generating fault information.

[0086] Each module in the above refrigerant leakage detection device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each module can be embedded in or independent of a processor in a computer device in the form of hardware, or can be stored in a memory in a computer device in the form of software, so that the processor can call and execute operations corresponding to each module.

[0087] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a refrigerator for implementing the above-mentioned refrigerant leakage detection method, such as Figure 7 As shown, the refrigerator includes: a refrigeration system and a refrigerant leakage detection device, wherein the refrigerant leakage detection device is used to perform the steps in the above-mentioned refrigerant leakage detection method embodiment. The specific definition of the refrigerant leakage detection device performing the refrigerant leakage detection method can be referred to the definition of the refrigerant leakage detection method embodiment above, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided. The computer device may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 8 As shown. The computer device includes a processor, a memory, an input / output interface (Input / Output, referred to as I / O) and a communication interface. The processor, the memory and the input / output interface are connected through a system bus, and the communication interface is connected to the system bus through the input / output interface. The processor of the computer device is used to provide computing and control capabilities. The memory of the computer device includes a non-volatile storage medium and an internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system, a computer program and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and the computer program in the non-volatile storage medium. The database of the computer device is used to store data such as the compressor operation cycle, the temperature of the first chamber, and the temperature of the second chamber. The input / output interface of the computer device is used to exchange information between the processor and an external device. The communication interface of the computer device is used to communicate with an external terminal through a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, a refrigerant leakage detection method is implemented.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The structure shown in the figure is only a block diagram of a part of the structure related to the solution of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the solution of the present application is applied. The specific computer device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have a different arrangement of components.

[0090] In one embodiment, a computer device is further provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor implements the steps in the above method embodiments when executing the computer program.

[0091] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments are implemented.

[0092] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, which implements the steps in the above method embodiments when executed by a processor.

[0093] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to the memory, database or other medium used in the embodiments provided in the present application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. As an illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The database involved in each embodiment provided in this application may include at least one of a relational database and a non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include distributed databases based on blockchains, etc., but are not limited to this. The processor involved in each embodiment provided in this application may be a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device, a data processing logic device based on quantum computing, etc., but are not limited to this.

[0094] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0095] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerant leakage detection method, characterized in that: The refrigeration device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber, and the method comprises: When the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than a preset temperature, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is higher than the ambient temperature; If yes, when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the start-up point temperature within a preset time, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak; If not, a shutdown point temperature is obtained based on the ambient temperature, and when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than the shutdown point temperature within the preset time, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that An operation cycle of the compressor includes a first period during which the compressor is continuously operated, and a second period during which the compressor is stopped.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After determining that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than a preset temperature, the method further includes: Controlling the compressor to continuously operate for a first period of time, and if the first chamber and / or the second chamber do not meet the preset refrigeration conditions, controlling the compressor to stop operating, and after the compressor stops operating for the second period of time, repeatedly executing the step of controlling the compressor to continuously operate for the first period of time; The number of repeated executions is obtained, and when the number of repeated executions reaches a preset number, it is determined that the compressor of the refrigeration equipment has been running continuously for the preset time, and the temperature of the first chamber at the preset time is obtained.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: After obtaining the number of repeated executions, the method further includes: When the first chamber is in the defrosting stage, or when the first chamber is in the defrosting stage before the compressor continuously operates for a first period of time, the number of repeated executions is reduced by one.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The controlling the compressor to continuously operate for a first period of time comprises: timing an operation time of the compressor in response to the operation of the compressor; Stop timing after determining that the door of the refrigeration equipment is opened; After stopping the timing of the third period of time, the timing of the running time of the compressor is resumed.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first chamber includes a plurality of temperature sensors, and when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than a preset temperature, determining whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is higher than the ambient temperature includes: When the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continues to run for a preset period, obtaining the temperature collected by each temperature sensor of the first chamber; When the temperature collected by any temperature sensor of the first compartment is greater than or equal to the preset temperature within the preset time, it is determined that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking; When the temperatures collected by the temperature sensors of the first chamber are all lower than the preset temperature within the preset time, it is determined whether the start-up point temperature of the set gear of the first chamber is higher than the ambient temperature.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature includes: The shutdown point temperature is obtained by subtracting a specified temperature value from the ambient temperature.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: After determining that the refrigerant of the refrigeration equipment is leaking, the method further includes: The compressor is controlled to stop working and fault information is generated.

9. A refrigerant leakage detection device, characterized in that: The device comprises: an acquisition module, configured to determine whether the start-up point temperature of the second chamber is greater than the ambient temperature when the compressor of the refrigeration equipment continuously runs for a preset period and the temperature of the first chamber is less than a preset temperature, wherein the refrigeration equipment includes the first chamber and the second chamber, and the temperature of the first chamber is lower than that of the second chamber; A first detection module, configured to determine that the refrigeration equipment is leaking refrigerant when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than or equal to the power-on point temperature within a preset time, when the power-on point temperature is greater than the ambient temperature; The second detection module is used to obtain a shutdown point temperature based on the ambient temperature when the startup point temperature is less than or equal to the ambient temperature, and determine that the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant leak when the temperature of the second chamber is greater than the shutdown point temperature within the preset time.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: a refrigeration system and a refrigerant leakage detection device, wherein the refrigerant leakage detection device is used to execute the refrigerant leakage detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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