Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator and a control method thereof, the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a refrigerating system, an ice maker and a controller, and an expansion valve in the refrigerating system is used for adjusting the flow of a refrigerant; the ice maker comprises a water injection pipe, an ice making box and a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is used for detecting the water temperature in the ice making box; the controller is configured to detect the water temperature in the ice-making box in real time through the temperature sensor and calculate the cooling rate of the water temperature when the ice-making machine makes ice; the opening degree of an expansion valve is adjusted according to the cooling rate of the water temperature and the ice making time set by a user; and when the ice maker continuously makes ice, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the ice making frequency and the initial defrosting interval. According to the ice making time set by the user and the cooling rate of the water temperature, the flow is controlled in a segmented mode, so that the requirements of the user for the ice making time and the ice making quality are met, meanwhile, the defrosting interval during continuous ice making is optimized, and it is avoided that during continuous ice making, frosting is increased, and defrosting is difficult.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of science and technology and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, more and more refrigerators with ice makers are entering users' homes. The ice-making performance and energy consumption of ice makers are a major factor affecting the performance of refrigerators. During the ice-making and ice-defrosting process, whether water is injected into the box or outside the box, the process of water at a certain temperature crystallizing into ice and then dropping to the temperature of the freezing chamber is a constantly changing process. However, there is currently a lack of process control and it cannot meet users' clear needs for continuous ice-making time. In addition, refrigerator defrosting is generally timed defrosting, by defining the longest and shortest defrosting intervals. However, this fixed defrosting interval will cause water vapor to continuously enter the freezer during continuous ice making, causing more frost in the refrigerator, making defrosting more difficult. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which controls the flow rate in sections according to the ice-making time set by the user and the cooling rate of the water temperature, so as to meet the user's requirements for the ice-making time and ice-making quality, and at the same time optimize the defrosting interval during continuous ice-making to avoid increased frost during continuous ice-making, which leads to difficulty in defrosting.

[0004] A refrigerator provided in a first embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] The box body, which serves as the supporting structure of the refrigerator, has several compartments inside;

[0006] A refrigeration system, which is arranged in the box, includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and an expansion valve, wherein the compressor is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator, the fan is used to allow air to enter the evaporator of the refrigerator for heat exchange and send the heat-released air to the refrigerator compartment, and the expansion valve is used to adjust the flow of the refrigerant;

[0007] An ice maker, which is arranged in the compartment, comprises a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor, wherein the water inlet of the water injection pipe is connected to a water source, the water outlet of the water injection pipe injects water into the ice box, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box;

[0008] The controller is configured to, when the ice maker makes ice, detect the water temperature in the ice box in real time through the temperature sensor and calculate the cooling rate of the water temperature; adjust the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user to meet the ice making requirements of the user; when the ice maker makes ice continuously, adjust the defrost interval of the refrigerator according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

[0009] In the refrigerator provided by the second embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user specifically includes:

[0010] Comparing the cooling rate with a preset threshold value of each ice-making stage of the ice-making machine to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located;

[0011] If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a first opening;

[0012] If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to the maximum opening;

[0013] If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

[0014] In the refrigerator provided by the third embodiment of the present invention, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage specifically includes:

[0015] Calculating a target cooling rate in the third ice-making stage according to the ice-making time in the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time in the second ice-making stage;

[0016] adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a second opening according to the target cooling rate, and determining whether the ice-making time satisfies the ice-making time set by the user;

[0017] If yes, the current opening of the expansion valve is maintained until ice making is finished;

[0018] If not, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the rotation speeds of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

[0019] In the refrigerator provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval, specifically including:

[0020] According to the number of ice making, initial frost interval and formula Calculate the defrost interval of the refrigerator; where W represents the defrost interval, t0 represents the initial frost interval, t1 represents the minimum frost interval of the refrigerator, and n represents the number of ice making times;

[0021] When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrosting interval.

[0022] In the refrigerator provided by the fifth embodiment of the present invention, after the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, the defrost interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initial frost interval.

[0023] A refrigerator control method is provided in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The method is applied to a refrigerator including a cabinet, a refrigeration system and an ice maker. The cabinet is provided with a plurality of compartments. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and an expansion valve. The compressor is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator. The fan is used to allow air to enter the evaporator of the refrigerator for heat exchange and send the heat-released air into the refrigerator compartment. The expansion valve is used to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant. The ice maker includes a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box. The refrigerator control method includes:

[0024] When the ice maker is making ice, the temperature sensor detects the water temperature in the ice box in real time and calculates the cooling rate of the water temperature;

[0025] The opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the cooling rate and the ice-making time set by the user to meet the ice-making requirements of the user;

[0026] When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

[0027] In the refrigerator control method provided in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user specifically includes:

[0028] Comparing the cooling rate with a preset threshold value of each ice-making stage of the ice-making machine to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located;

[0029] If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a first opening;

[0030] If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to the maximum opening;

[0031] If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

[0032] In the refrigerator control method provided in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage, specifically including:

[0033] Calculating a target cooling rate in the third ice-making stage according to the ice-making time in the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time in the second ice-making stage;

[0034] adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a second opening according to the target cooling rate, and determining whether the ice-making time satisfies the ice-making time set by the user;

[0035] If yes, the current opening of the expansion valve is maintained until ice making is finished;

[0036] If not, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the rotation speeds of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

[0037] In the refrigerator control method provided in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval, specifically including:

[0038] According to the number of ice making, initial frost interval and formula Calculate the defrost interval of the refrigerator; where W represents the defrost interval, t0 represents the initial frost interval, t1 represents the minimum frost interval of the refrigerator, and n represents the number of ice making times;

[0039] When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrosting interval.

[0040] In the refrigerator control method provided by the tenth embodiment of the present invention, when the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, the defrost interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initialization frost interval.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of a refrigerator and a control method thereof provided by an embodiment of the present invention are: the cooling capacity is changed by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve during the water injection and ice making process of the ice maker; during the process from freezing to freezing of water in the ice box, the flow rate is controlled in sections according to the ice making time set by the user and the cooling rate of the water temperature, so as to meet the user's requirements for ice making time and ice making quality; at the same time, the defrosting interval of the ice maker during continuous ice making is optimized, thereby effectively avoiding increased frost during continuous ice making, which leads to difficulty in defrosting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator body provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a single refrigeration system of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a dual refrigeration system of a refrigerator provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of water temperature change of an ice maker of a refrigerator provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 is a first working flow diagram of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 7 is a second working flow diagram of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 is a third working flow diagram of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Fig. 9 is a fourth working flow diagram of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Fig.10 It is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0054] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0056] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 : is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0057] The box body 10, which serves as the supporting structure of the refrigerator, is provided with a plurality of compartments inside;

[0058] A refrigeration system 20 is provided in the box, and includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and an expansion valve. The compressor is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator. The fan is used to allow air to enter the evaporator of the refrigerator for heat exchange and send the heat-released air to the refrigerator compartment. The expansion valve is used to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant.

[0059] An ice maker 30 is arranged in the compartment, comprising a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor, wherein the water inlet of the water injection pipe is connected to a water source, the water outlet of the water injection pipe injects water into the ice box, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box;

[0060] The controller 40 is configured to, when the ice maker 30 is making ice, detect the water temperature in the ice box in real time through the temperature sensor and calculate the cooling rate of the water temperature; adjust the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user to meet the ice making requirements of the user; when the ice maker 30 is making ice continuously, adjust the defrost interval of the refrigerator according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

[0061] Specifically, a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10, a refrigeration system 20, an ice maker 30 and a controller 40. Figure 2 , Figure 2It is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator body provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator in this embodiment has an approximately rectangular shape, and the refrigerator includes a body 10 that defines a storage space. The body 10 serves as a supporting structure of the refrigerator, and is provided with a chamber inside, wherein the chamber includes a component storage cavity for placing components in the refrigerator, such as a compressor, etc., and also includes a storage space for storing food, etc. The storage space can be divided into a plurality of storage rooms (i.e., compartments), and the storage rooms can be configured as a refrigeration room, a freezing room, and a temperature-changing room (also called a fresh-keeping room) according to different uses. One or more door bodies 200 are provided at the opening of each storage room, for example, Figure 2 The upper storage room is a cold storage room, which is provided with a double-opening door body. The door body 200 includes a door body outer shell 210 located outside the box body 10, a door body inner liner 220 located inside the box body 10, an upper end cover 230, a lower end cover 240, and an insulation layer located between the door body outer shell 210, the door body inner liner 220, the upper end cover 230, and the lower end cover 240; usually, the insulation layer is filled with foam material. The door body can be pivotally arranged at the opening of the box body, and can also be opened in a drawer-like manner to achieve drawer-like storage.

[0062] The refrigerator performs refrigeration operation through the refrigeration system, providing cold energy to the compartment so as to maintain the compartment at a constant low temperature. Specifically, the refrigeration system of the refrigerator in this embodiment can be a single refrigeration system or a dual refrigeration system. Figure 3 , Figure 3 The single refrigeration system of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of the present invention is a schematic diagram of the structure. The single refrigeration system of the refrigerator described in the embodiment of the present invention comprises a compressor 1, a condenser 2, an anti-condensation tube 3, a drying filter 4, a capillary tube 5, an evaporator 6 and a gas-liquid separator 7, and the working structure of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process and an evaporation process.

[0063] The compression process is as follows: plug in the power cord of the refrigerator, and when the refrigerator needs to be cooled, the compressor 1 starts to work, and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, compressed into high-temperature and high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 1, and then discharged to the condenser 2;

[0064] The condensation process is as follows: the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser 2, the temperature continues to drop, and is gradually cooled to a saturated vapor at room temperature and high pressure, and further cooled to a saturated liquid, the temperature no longer drops. The temperature at this time is called the condensation temperature, and the pressure of the refrigerant remains almost unchanged during the entire condensation process;

[0065] The throttling process is as follows: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid is filtered through the drying filter 4 to remove moisture and impurities and then flows into the capillary 5, through which the throttling and pressure reduction are carried out, and the refrigerant becomes wet steam at room temperature and low pressure;

[0066] The evaporation process is as follows: the refrigerant begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator 6, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 6 passes through the gas-liquid separator 7 and returns to the compressor 1 again. The above process is repeated to transfer the heat in the refrigerator to the air outside the box, thereby achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0067] The fan allows air to continuously enter the fins of the evaporator 6 for heat exchange, and at the same time sends the air that becomes cold after the evaporator 6 releases heat to the refrigerator room through the air duct, so that the air in the room continuously circulates and flows, achieving the purpose of lowering the temperature.

[0068] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 : is a structural schematic diagram of a dual refrigeration system of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The dual refrigeration system of the refrigerator described in the embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor 21 for compressing the refrigerant, a first capillary tube 14a and a second capillary tube 14b for decompressing the refrigerant, a refrigeration evaporator 15a and a freezing evaporator 15b as heat absorption mechanisms, a three-way valve 17 for controlling the refrigerant flow path, a one-way valve 18 for preventing the refrigerant from flowing back, a dryer 19 for removing moisture in the refrigeration cycle, and a refrigerant junction 13 for connecting the refrigerant flow path, which are connected by a pipe 20 to circulate the refrigerant to form a refrigeration cycle. In this process, the fans 12a and 12b respectively provided for each storage room are used to speed up the air flow rate, thereby speeding up the speed at which the refrigeration evaporator and the freezing evaporator absorb heat and improving the refrigeration speed of the storage room. Among them, the three-way valve 17 has a first outflow port 17a and a second outflow port 17b. When the three-way valve 17 is controlled to open the first outflow port 17a, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the first capillary tube 14a, the refrigeration evaporator 15a, the gas-liquid separator 16a, and the refrigerant junction 13, and then returns to the compressor 21. After passing through the first capillary tube 14a, the low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant flows through the refrigeration evaporator 15a, performs heat exchange with the refrigeration evaporator 15a and the air in the refrigeration chamber 110, and refrigerates the refrigeration chamber 110. Similarly, when the three-way valve 17 is controlled to open the second outflow port 17b, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the second capillary tube 14b, the freezing evaporator 15b, the gas-liquid separator 16b, and the refrigerant junction 13, and then returns to the compressor 21. After passing through the second capillary tube 14b, the low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant flows through the freezing evaporator 15b, performs heat exchange with the freezing evaporator 15b and the air in the freezing chamber 120, and refrigerates the freezing chamber 120.

[0069] The ice maker 30 is arranged in the compartment of the refrigerator, and the ice maker 30 includes a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor. Among them, the water inlet of the water injection pipe is connected to the water source, the water outlet of the water injection pipe injects water into the ice box, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the water injection pipe can be made of a material with good thermal conductivity so that it can be heated to a higher temperature, and can also be quickly cooled by water flow in a short time of water injection. It should be noted that the water outlet of the water injection pipe can be connected to the ice box to inject water into the ice box, and the water outlet of the water injection pipe can also be placed above the ice box to inject water into the ice box, and this embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0070] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water temperature change of an ice maker of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling process of water in the ice maker during water injection and ice making is divided into three stages. The first stage is from ambient temperature water or low temperature water to 0 degrees. At this time, the cooling rate is recorded as V1 (taking BCD-628W air-cooled refrigerator as an example, the judgment range is 15~25℃ / h), and the cooling speed is the fastest at this time. In the second stage, the water temperature drops to 0℃. At this time, the water freezes into ice and releases a large amount of latent heat, but the temperature hardly changes. There is almost no cooling in this stage to avoid statistical errors before and after. The cooling rate is recorded as V2 (0~5℃ / h). In the third stage, the water temperature drops from about 0℃ to the final temperature. At this time, part of the heat released is due to the cooling of the ice, and the other part is due to the continued freezing of a small amount of residual water. The cooling in this stage is relatively fast, and the cooling rate is recorded as V3 (taking BCD-628W air-cooled refrigerator as an example, the judgment range is 5~12℃ / h). Because water generally does not flip immediately when it freezes to 0 degrees, but waits until the temperature drops to a certain temperature or the temperature of the compartment to flip the ice to prevent it from freezing. If V < 0 during this period, it means that the refrigerator is in the defrosting process, and no control is required at this time. Until △V > 0 is detected, the corresponding strategy changes are made. In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured as follows: when the refrigerator is running stably and the ice maker starts to make ice, the ice box starts to fill with water. At this time, the opening of the expansion valve is the first opening, and the water temperature in the ice box is detected in real time by the temperature sensor, and the cooling rate of the water temperature is calculated; the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user to meet the user's ice making requirements; when the ice maker makes ice continuously, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

[0071] The embodiment of the present invention changes the cooling capacity by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve during the water injection and ice making process of the ice maker. During the process from freezing to freezing of water in the ice box, the flow rate is controlled in sections according to the ice making time set by the user and the cooling rate of the water temperature, so as to meet the user's requirements for ice making time and ice making quality. At the same time, the defrosting interval of the ice maker during continuous ice making is optimized, thereby effectively avoiding increased frost during continuous ice making, which leads to difficulty in defrosting.

[0072] As one of the optional embodiments, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user specifically includes:

[0073] Comparing the cooling rate with a preset threshold value of each ice-making stage of the ice-making machine to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located;

[0074] If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a first opening;

[0075] If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to the maximum opening;

[0076] If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

[0077] For details, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a first working flow chart of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator is running stably and the ice maker is turned on to make ice, the ice box starts to fill with water. At this time, the opening of the expansion valve is the first opening K1. The water temperature in the ice box is detected in real time by the temperature sensor, and the cooling rate of the water temperature is calculated. The cooling rate is compared with the preset threshold of the cooling rate of each ice-making stage of the ice maker to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located. If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice maker, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the first opening K1. If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice maker, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening Kmax to facilitate the absorption of the heat released when the water freezes. If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice maker, the opening of the expansion valve needs to be adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

[0078] As one of the optional embodiments, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage specifically includes:

[0079] Calculating a target cooling rate in the third ice-making stage according to the ice-making time in the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time in the second ice-making stage;

[0080] adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a second opening according to the target cooling rate, and determining whether the ice-making time satisfies the ice-making time set by the user;

[0081] If yes, the current opening of the expansion valve is maintained until ice making is finished;

[0082] If not, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the rotation speeds of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

[0083] For details, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a second working flowchart of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the target cooling rate of the third ice-making stage is calculated according to the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage. The expansion valve is adjusted according to the target cooling rate, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the second opening K2, and it is determined whether the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user. If the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user at this time, the current opening of the expansion valve, that is, the second opening K2, is maintained until the ice-making is completed. If the ice-making time does not meet the ice-making time set by the user at this time, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening Kmax, and the speed of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user. It should be noted that in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the adjustment of the opening of the expansion valve and the adjustment of the speed of the compressor and the fan are gradual, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a third working flow diagram of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. When the ice-making time does not meet the ice-making time set by the user, it is necessary to continue to increase the opening of the expansion valve from the second opening K2, and during this period, it is always detected whether the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user. After the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening Kmax, if it still does not meet the ice-making time set by the user, it is necessary to increase the speed of the compressor. After the speed of the compressor is adjusted to the maximum speed, if it still does not meet the ice-making time set by the user, it is necessary to increase the speed of the fan until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

[0084] As one of the optional embodiments, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval, specifically including:

[0085] According to the number of ice making, initial frost interval and formula Calculate the defrost interval of the refrigerator; where W represents the defrost interval, t0 represents the initial frost interval, t1 represents the minimum frost interval of the refrigerator, and n represents the number of ice making times;

[0086] When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrosting interval.

[0087] Specifically, if a fixed defrosting interval is used when the ice maker continuously makes ice, water vapor will continuously enter the freezer, resulting in increased frost in the refrigerator. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention adjusts the defrosting interval of the refrigerator according to the number of ice making times and the initial defrosting interval. Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 This is the fourth working flow diagram of a controller in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The initial defrost interval of the refrigerator is t0 (referring to the continuous operation time of the compressor). After one ice making is completed, it is determined whether the next ice making is to follow. If so, it enters the continuous ice making and defrosting mode. It is defined that the ice making box is full after the continuous ice making times n, and the defrosting interval is adjusted to t1 at this time. Then the defrosting interval after any ice making times N in the middle is When the ice maker is continuously making ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrost interval. If the ice maker is not continuously making ice, there is no need to adjust the defrost interval.

[0088] It should be noted that in order to ensure the quality of ice making during continuous ice making, the defrost interval is no longer adjusted. For example, assuming that the defrost interval is 8 hours for one continuous ice making, and it takes 10 times for the ice box to be full of ice, then the defrost interval after 10 times is shortened to 5 hours, and the time is evenly divided in between, so the defrost intervals from the 2nd to the 10th time are all t2 = 8-(8-5) / 10 = 7.7.

[0089] As one of the optional embodiments, after the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, the defrost interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initialization frost interval.

[0090] Specifically, when the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, if it does not make ice continuously, the defrost interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initial frost interval, thereby avoiding the problem of a higher temperature rise due to a shortened defrost interval.

[0091] See also Fig.10 , Fig.10 It is a flow chart of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a refrigerator including a cabinet, a refrigeration system and an ice maker; wherein the cabinet serves as a supporting structure of the refrigerator, and is provided with a plurality of compartments inside; the refrigeration system is arranged in the cabinet, and includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and an expansion valve, wherein the compressor is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator, the fan is used to allow air to enter the evaporator of the refrigerator for heat exchange and send the heat-released air to the refrigerator compartment, and the expansion valve is used to adjust the flow of the refrigerant; the ice maker is arranged in the compartment, and includes a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor, wherein the water inlet of the water injection pipe is connected to a water source, and the water outlet of the water injection pipe injects water into the ice box, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box, and the refrigerator control method includes:

[0092] S1, when the ice maker is making ice, the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box in real time, and the cooling rate of the water temperature is calculated;

[0093] S2, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice-making time set by the user to meet the ice-making requirements of the user;

[0094] S3, when the ice maker continuously makes ice, adjusting the defrosting interval of the refrigerator according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

[0095] The cooling process of water in the ice making process is divided into three stages. The first stage is from ambient temperature water or low temperature water to 0 degrees. The cooling rate is recorded as V1 (taking BCD-628W air-cooled refrigerator as an example, the judgment range is 15-25℃ / h). The cooling speed is the fastest at this time. In the second stage, the water temperature drops to 0℃. At this time, the water freezes into ice and releases a large amount of latent heat, but the temperature hardly changes. There is almost no cooling in this stage to avoid statistical errors before and after. The cooling rate is recorded as V2 (0-5℃ / h). In the third stage, the water temperature drops from about 0℃ to the final temperature. At this time, part of the heat released is due to the cooling of the ice, and the other part is due to the continued freezing of a small amount of residual water. The cooling in this stage is relatively fast, and the cooling rate is recorded as V3 (taking BCD-628W air-cooled refrigerator as an example, the judgment range is 5-12℃ / h). Because the water will not be turned over immediately when it freezes to 0 degrees, but it will wait until the temperature drops to a certain temperature or the temperature of the room where it is located before turning over the ice to prevent it from freezing. If V < 0 during this period, it means that the refrigerator is in the defrosting process, and no control is required at this time. Until △V > 0 is detected, the corresponding strategy changes are made. In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured as follows: when the refrigerator is running stably and the ice maker starts to make ice, the ice box starts to fill with water. At this time, the opening of the expansion valve is the first opening. The water temperature in the ice box is detected in real time by the temperature sensor, and the cooling rate of the water temperature is calculated; the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user to meet the user's ice making requirements; when the ice maker makes ice continuously, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

[0096] The embodiment of the present invention changes the cooling capacity by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve during the water injection and ice making process of the ice maker. During the process from freezing to freezing of water in the ice box, the flow rate is controlled in sections according to the ice making time set by the user and the cooling rate of the water temperature, so as to meet the user's requirements for ice making time and ice making quality. At the same time, the defrosting interval of the ice maker during continuous ice making is optimized, thereby effectively avoiding increased frost during continuous ice making, which leads to difficulty in defrosting.

[0097] As one of the optional embodiments, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user specifically includes:

[0098] Comparing the cooling rate with a preset threshold value of each ice-making stage of the ice-making machine to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located;

[0099] If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a first opening;

[0100] If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to the maximum opening;

[0101] If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

[0102] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the refrigerator is running stably and the ice maker is turned on to make ice, the ice box starts to fill with water. At this time, the opening of the expansion valve is the first opening K1, and the water temperature in the ice box is detected in real time by the temperature sensor, and the cooling rate of the water temperature is calculated. The cooling rate is compared with the preset threshold of the cooling rate of each ice making stage of the ice maker to determine the ice making stage in which the cooling rate is located. If the cooling rate is in the first ice making stage of the ice maker, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the first opening K1. If the cooling rate is in the second ice making stage of the ice maker, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening Kmax to facilitate the absorption of the heat released when the water freezes. If the cooling rate is in the third ice making stage of the ice maker, the opening of the expansion valve needs to be adjusted according to the ice making time set by the user, the ice making time of the first ice making stage, and the ice making time of the second ice making stage.

[0103] As one of the optional embodiments, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage specifically includes:

[0104] Calculating a target cooling rate in the third ice-making stage according to the ice-making time in the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time in the second ice-making stage;

[0105] adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a second opening according to the target cooling rate, and determining whether the ice-making time satisfies the ice-making time set by the user;

[0106] If yes, the current opening of the expansion valve is maintained until ice making is finished;

[0107] If not, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the rotation speeds of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

[0108] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the target cooling rate of the third ice-making stage is calculated according to the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage. The expansion valve is adjusted according to the target cooling rate, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the second opening K2, and it is judged whether the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user. If the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user at this time, the current opening of the expansion valve, that is, the second opening K2, is maintained until the ice-making is completed. If the ice-making time does not meet the ice-making time set by the user at this time, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening Kmax, and the speed of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user. It should be noted that in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the adjustment of the opening of the expansion valve and the adjustment of the speed of the compressor and the fan are gradual. When the ice-making time does not meet the ice-making time set by the user, it is necessary to continue to increase the opening of the expansion valve from the second opening K2, and during this period, it is always detected whether the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user. After the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening Kmax, if it still does not meet the ice-making time set by the user, it is necessary to increase the speed of the compressor. After the speed of the compressor is adjusted to the maximum speed, if it still does not meet the ice-making time set by the user, it is necessary to increase the speed of the fan until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

[0109] As one of the optional embodiments, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval, specifically including:

[0110] According to the number of ice making, initial frost interval and formula Calculate the defrost interval of the refrigerator; where W represents the defrost interval, t0 represents the initial frost interval, t1 represents the minimum frost interval of the refrigerator, and n represents the number of ice making times;

[0111] When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrosting interval.

[0112] Specifically, if a fixed defrost interval is used when the ice maker is making ice continuously, water vapor will continuously enter the freezer, resulting in increased frost in the refrigerator. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention adjusts the defrost interval of the refrigerator according to the number of ice making times and the initial defrost interval. The initial defrost interval of the refrigerator is t0 (referring to the continuous operation time of the compressor). After one ice making is completed, it is determined whether the next ice making will follow. If so, it enters the continuous ice making and defrosting mode. It is defined that the ice box is full after continuous ice making times n. At this time, the defrost interval is adjusted to t1. Then the defrost interval after any ice making times N in the middle is When the ice maker is continuously making ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrost interval. If the ice maker is not continuously making ice, there is no need to adjust the defrost interval.

[0113] It should be noted that in order to ensure the quality of ice making during continuous ice making, the defrost interval is no longer adjusted. For example, assuming that the defrost interval is 8 hours for one continuous ice making, and it takes 10 times for the ice box to be full of ice, then the defrost interval after 10 times is shortened to 5 hours, and the time is evenly divided in between, so the defrost intervals from the 2nd to the 10th time are all t2 = 8-(8-5) / 10 = 7.7.

[0114] As one of the optional embodiments, after the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, the defrost interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initialization frost interval.

[0115] Specifically, when the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, if it does not make ice continuously, the defrost interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initial frost interval, thereby avoiding the problem of a higher temperature rise due to a shortened defrost interval.

[0116] The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which changes the cooling capacity by adjusting the opening of an expansion valve during the process of water injection and ice making of an ice maker, and controls the flow rate in sections according to the cooling rate of the water temperature in the process from freezing to freezing of water in the ice box according to the ice making time set by the user, so as to meet the user's requirements on the ice making time and ice making quality; at the same time, optimizes the defrosting interval of the ice maker during continuous ice making, thereby effectively avoiding increased frosting during continuous ice making, which leads to difficulty in defrosting.

[0117] It should be noted that the system embodiment described above is merely illustrative, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment. In addition, in the drawings of the system embodiment provided by the present invention, the connection relationship between the modules indicates that there is a communication connection between them, which may be specifically implemented as one or more communication buses or signal lines. A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand and implement it without paying any creative effort.

[0118] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that a person skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: The box body, which serves as the supporting structure of the refrigerator, has several compartments inside; A refrigeration system, which is arranged in the box, includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and an expansion valve, wherein the compressor is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator, the fan is used to allow air to enter the evaporator of the refrigerator for heat exchange and send the heat-released air to the refrigerator compartment, and the expansion valve is used to adjust the flow of the refrigerant; An ice maker, which is arranged in the compartment, comprises a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor, wherein the water inlet of the water injection pipe is connected to a water source, the water outlet of the water injection pipe injects water into the ice box, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box; The controller is configured to, when the ice maker makes ice, detect the water temperature in the ice box in real time through the temperature sensor and calculate the cooling rate of the water temperature; adjust the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user to meet the ice making requirements of the user; when the ice maker makes ice continuously, adjust the defrost interval of the refrigerator according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user specifically includes: Comparing the cooling rate with a preset threshold value of each ice-making stage of the ice-making machine to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located; If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a first opening; If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to the maximum opening; If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage specifically includes: Calculating a target cooling rate in the third ice-making stage according to the ice-making time in the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time in the second ice-making stage; adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a second opening according to the target cooling rate, and determining whether the ice-making time satisfies the ice-making time set by the user; If yes, the current opening of the expansion valve is maintained until ice making is finished; If not, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the rotation speeds of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adjusting of the defrosting interval of the refrigerator according to the ice making times and the initial frost interval specifically includes: According to the number of ice making, initial frost interval and formula Calculate the defrost interval of the refrigerator; where W represents the defrost interval, t0 represents the initial frost interval, t1 represents the minimum frost interval of the refrigerator, and n represents the number of ice making times; When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrosting interval.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initial frost interval.

6. A refrigerator control method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a refrigerator including a box, a refrigeration system and an ice maker; wherein the box is provided with a plurality of compartments; the refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and an expansion valve, the compressor is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator, the fan is used to allow air to enter the evaporator of the refrigerator for heat exchange and send the heat-released air into the refrigerator compartment, the expansion valve is used to adjust the flow of the refrigerant; the ice maker includes a water injection pipe, an ice box and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the ice box, and the refrigerator control method includes: When the ice maker is making ice, the temperature sensor detects the water temperature in the ice box in real time and calculates the cooling rate of the water temperature; The opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the cooling rate and the ice-making time set by the user to meet the ice-making requirements of the user; When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is adjusted according to the number of ice making times and the initial frost interval.

7. The refrigerator control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the cooling rate and the ice making time set by the user specifically includes: Comparing the cooling rate with a preset threshold value of each ice-making stage of the ice-making machine to determine the ice-making stage in which the cooling rate is located; If the cooling rate is in the first ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a first opening; If the cooling rate is in the second ice-making stage of the ice-maker, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to the maximum opening; If the cooling rate is in the third ice-making stage of the ice-making machine, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage.

8. The refrigerator control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of adjusting the opening of the expansion valve according to the ice-making time set by the user, the ice-making time of the first ice-making stage, and the ice-making time of the second ice-making stage specifically includes: Calculating a target cooling rate in the third ice-making stage according to the ice-making time in the first ice-making stage and the ice-making time in the second ice-making stage; adjusting the opening of the expansion valve to a second opening according to the target cooling rate, and determining whether the ice-making time satisfies the ice-making time set by the user; If yes, the current opening of the expansion valve is maintained until ice making is finished; If not, the opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the rotation speeds of the compressor and the fan are adjusted until the ice-making time meets the ice-making time set by the user.

9. The refrigerator control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The adjusting of the defrosting interval of the refrigerator according to the ice making times and the initial frost interval specifically includes: According to the number of ice making, initial frost interval and formula Calculate the defrost interval of the refrigerator; where W represents the defrost interval, t0 represents the initial frost interval, t1 represents the minimum frost interval of the refrigerator, and n represents the number of ice making times; When the ice maker continuously makes ice, the refrigerator is controlled to defrost at the defrosting interval.

10. The refrigerator control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the ice maker finishes a continuous ice making cycle, the defrosting interval of the refrigerator is restored to the initial frost interval.

Images