Refrigerator and control method of refrigerator

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a door body, an ice maker, an ice making mechanism, a water supply tank, a water supply pipe, a water supply pump, a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to detect characteristic parameters of liquid in the water supply tank. The controller is coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to obtain characteristic parameters of liquid in the water supply tank when a water supply starting instruction is received; and identifying the type of the liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameters. The refrigerator control method comprises the steps that when a water supply starting instruction is received, characteristic parameters of liquid in the water supply tank are obtained; according to the characteristic parameters, the type of liquid in the water supply tank is recognized; when the liquid is water, the water supply pump is controlled to be in a running state; and when the liquid is not water, the water supply pump is controlled to be in a running stopping state.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number: 202310604594.6 filed on May 25, 2023; claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number: 202320170407.3 filed on January 31, 2023; claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number: 202321672350.3 filed on June 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] As technology advances, refrigerators have become more versatile, and demand for refrigerators with ice-making capabilities is increasing. Refrigerators are equipped with an ice-making system that directs water from a water supply tank through a water supply pipe into an ice-making tray. The water is then cooled by the refrigeration system and ice is formed. These refrigerators have a water supply tank in the refrigerator compartment and an ice-maker in the freezer compartment below. When ice is needed, a water supply pipe transports water from the water supply tank to the ice-making machine for ice making.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] On the one hand, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a housing, a door, and an ice maker. The door is pivotally connected to the housing. The ice maker is disposed in the housing. The ice maker comprises an ice-making mechanism, a water supply tank, a water supply pipe, a water supply pump, a sensor, and a controller. The ice-making mechanism is configured to make ice and has a first opening. The water supply tank is configured to store liquid and has a second opening. One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the second opening, and the other end is connected to the first opening. The water supply pump is disposed in the water supply pipe, and when in operation, the water supply pump is configured to lead the liquid in the water supply tank to the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pipe. The sensor is disposed in the housing and connected to the second opening of the water supply tank, and the sensor is configured to detect characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank. The controller is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to: when receiving a water supply start instruction, obtain characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; identify the type of liquid in the water supply tank based on the characteristic parameters; when the liquid is water, control the water supply pump to be in the running state; when the liquid is not water, control the water supply pump to be in the shutdown state.

[0006] On the other hand, a control method for a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, and an ice maker. The door is pivotally connected to the cabinet. The ice maker is disposed in the cabinet. The ice maker includes an ice-making mechanism, a water supply tank, a water supply pipe, a water supply pump, and a sensor. The water supply pump is configured to guide the liquid in the water supply tank to the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pipe when in operation. The sensor is provided in the ice-making machine body and connected to the water supply tank. The sensor is configured to detect characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; wherein the method includes: when receiving a water supply start instruction, obtaining characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank based on the characteristic parameters; when the liquid is water, controlling the water supply pump to be in operation; and when the liquid is not water, controlling the water supply pump to be in a shutdown state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG2 is a front view of another refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG3 is a partial structural diagram of a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG4 is a structural diagram of an ice making machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG5 is a flow chart of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG6 is another flow chart of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG7 is another flow chart of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG8 is a line graph showing odor representation values ​​of different types of liquids according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an odor sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG10 is a front view of a refrigerator with the door removed according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of an ice maker in a water supply state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG12 is a structural diagram of a water purification device in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber membrane in FIG12;

[0020] FIG14 is a structural diagram of a water purification device in a second state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber membrane in FIG14;

[0022] FIG16 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the cover body, the connecting cover, and the connecting pipe according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of another water purification device in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of another water purification device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in which the fiber membrane is omitted;

[0025] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of another water purification device in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of another water purification device in a second state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a water supply tank according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of another sterilization device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG24 is a top view of a water supply tank according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] 25 is an exploded view of a water supply tank according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

[0037] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0038] The use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0039] As used herein, "about," "substantially," or "approximately" includes the stated value and an average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0040] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0041] Refrigerators are a commonly used refrigeration equipment. As people's living standards improve, their demands for refrigerator functions are diversified. Refrigerators with automatic ice making functions are becoming more and more popular among consumers.

[0042] Some consumers attempt to make ice by adding liquids other than water to the water tank, such as milk, coffee, juice, or tea. This behavior often leads to problems with the ice maker's water supply pipes or pumps. For example, residual liquids other than water in the water supply pipes can lead to microbial growth, while liquids with high solids content can clog the water supply pump, leading to user complaints and product returns to the manufacturer, resulting in losses for the manufacturer. Ice maker malfunctions in refrigerators are caused by the addition of liquids other than water to the water tank.

[0043] To solve the above problems, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator that can first determine the type of liquid stored in the water supply tank during the ice-making water supply stage, and then stop supplying water when the liquid type is not water, thereby preventing liquids other than water from entering the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pump and the water supply pipe, causing microorganisms to grow in the water supply pipe due to residual liquids other than water, or causing liquids with a large solid content to clog the water supply pump, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker and thus helping to extend the service life of the ice maker.

[0044] 1 to 3 , in some embodiments, a refrigerator 10 includes a cabinet 11 and a door 9 .

[0045] At least one storage chamber is provided in the box body 11. For example, the at least one storage chamber includes at least one of a refrigeration chamber and a freezer chamber. The at least one storage chamber is configured to store items that require freshness or freezing.

[0046] The door body 9 is pivotally connected to the box body 11 to open or close the refrigeration chamber or the freezer chamber.

[0047] The refrigerator 10 further includes a refrigeration system configured to perform a refrigeration operation of the refrigerator 10 .

[0048] It should be noted that the refrigerator 10 performs a refrigeration operation through the refrigeration system, and the cold energy is transferred to the storage chamber to maintain the storage chamber at a constant low temperature state.

[0049] For example, the refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a drying filter, a pressure reducer, and an evaporator. The working structure of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process, and an evaporation process.

[0050] The compression process includes: plugging in the power cord of the refrigerator 10, and when there is a cooling demand in the cabinet 11, the compressor starts working, and the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder, and then discharged into the condenser.

[0051] The condensation process involves the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipating heat through the condenser, gradually cooling to a saturated vapor at room temperature and high pressure. It then cools further to a saturated liquid, where the temperature stops falling. This temperature is called the condensation temperature. The refrigerant pressure remains virtually unchanged throughout the condensation process.

[0052] The throttling process includes: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid is filtered out of moisture and impurities by a drying filter and then flows into the pressure reducer, where it is throttled and depressurized to turn the refrigerant into wet steam at room temperature and low pressure.

[0053] The evaporation process includes: then starting to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas.

[0054] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator returns to the compressor again, repeating the above process to transfer the heat in the refrigerator 10 to the air outside the refrigerator 10, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling.

[0055] The refrigerator 10 further includes an ice maker 12 . Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the ice maker 12 is disposed in the housing 11 . The ice maker 12 includes a water supply mechanism, an ice making mechanism, and a refrigeration system.

[0056] The water supply mechanism includes a water supply tank 30, a water supply pipe 1212, and a water supply pump 1213. The water supply tank 30 is configured to store water. One end of the water supply pipe 1212 is connected to the second opening of the water supply tank 30, and the other end of the water supply pipe 1212 is connected to the first opening of the ice tray 1221 of the ice-making mechanism. The water supply pump 1213 is provided on the water supply pipe 1212 and is configured to direct liquid from the water supply tank 30 to the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pipe 1212 when in operation.

[0057] The ice making mechanism is configured to make ice. The ice making mechanism includes an ice tray 1221, a second sensor 1222, an ice detection rod 1223, a motor 1224 and an ice storage box 1225. The second sensor 1222 is configured to detect the temperature in the ice storage box 1225 to determine whether ice cubes are made.

[0058] Motor 1224 is connected to ice tray 1221 and is configured to rotate ice tray 1221 to cause ice cubes in ice tray 1221 to fall out. Ice storage bin 1225 is located below ice tray 1221 and is configured to store the fallen ice cubes. Ice detection rod 1223 is configured to detect the storage status of ice cubes in ice storage bin 1225 to determine whether ice storage bin 1225 is full of ice.

[0059] The refrigeration system is configured to cool and provide cold energy to the ice tray 1221 in the ice-making mechanism, so that the water in the ice tray 1221 forms ice cubes.

[0060] It should be noted that the refrigeration system of the ice-making system includes components such as a compressor, a filter drier, a condenser, a pressure reducer, an evaporator, a one-way valve, and a solenoid valve. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigeration system of the ice-making system may be shared with the refrigeration system of the refrigerator 10, or a separate refrigeration system may be provided, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0061] The compressor is configured to provide power to the refrigeration system. The filter drier filters moisture and impurities from the refrigeration system to ensure stable operation of the ice maker. Condensers are available in air-cooled and water-cooled versions. The fan primarily removes excess heat, cooling the high-temperature vapor refrigerant to liquid form, thereby providing the necessary temperature for evaporation in the refrigeration system. The pressure reducer is configured to throttle the liquid refrigerant to form a vapor refrigerant, providing conditions for evaporation in the refrigeration system and regulating the refrigerant flow in the refrigeration system. The main function of the evaporator is to absorb the heat from the water and quickly freeze it into ice. The check valve is configured to prevent refrigerant backflow. The solenoid valve is configured to control the flow of refrigerant or stop it.

[0062] The refrigerator 10 further includes a first sensor 13 (i.e., a sensor). The first sensor 13 is disposed within the housing 11 and connected to the second opening of the water supply tank 30. The first sensor 13 is configured to detect characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank 30. The characteristic parameters refer to characteristic parameters that can characterize or distinguish the type of liquid, such as odor, molecular structure, evaporation rate, color, etc.

[0063] The refrigerator 10 also includes a controller 14, which is connected to the first sensor 13 and is configured to obtain characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank detected by the first sensor 13. The controller 14 is also connected to the water supply pump 1213 and is configured to control the working state of the water supply pump 1213.

[0064] The controller 14 includes a processor. The processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MCU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and may be configured to perform the corresponding operations described in the controller 14 when the processor executes a program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to the controller 14.

[0065] 5 , when the refrigerator is powered on ( S10 ), the controller 14 is configured to perform steps S11 to S16 .

[0066] S11. Determine whether a water supply start instruction is received; if so, execute S12; if not, return to execute S11.

[0067] S12: If it is determined that the water supply start instruction is received, characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank are obtained.

[0068] S13. Identify the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameters.

[0069] S14. Determine whether the liquid in the water supply tank is water; if so, execute S15; if not, execute S16.

[0070] S15: If it is determined that the liquid is water, the water supply pump is controlled to be in operation. At this time, the liquid in the water supply tank is led to the ice making mechanism through the water supply pipe.

[0071] S16: If it is determined that the liquid is not water, the water supply pump is controlled to be in a shutdown state.

[0072] The ice-making process of the ice maker 12 includes a water supply phase, an ice-making phase, and an ice-removing phase. When a user requests ice-making, an ice-making instruction is input to the refrigerator 10 through a preset human-machine interface, causing the refrigerator 10 to enter the ice-making process immediately or at a scheduled time. During the water supply phase, the controller 14 starts or stops the water supply by controlling the operating state of the water supply pump 1213. When the controller 14 controls the water supply pump 1213 to be in operation, liquid in the water supply tank 30 can be drawn through the water supply pipe 1212 to the ice tray 1221 of the ice-making mechanism. When the controller 14 controls the water supply pump 1213 to be in operation, liquid in the water supply tank 30 can be drawn to the ice tray 1221 of the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pipe 1212. When the controller 14 controls the water supply pump 1213 to be in operation, liquid in the water supply tank 30 cannot be drawn to the ice tray 1221.

[0073] In the refrigerator 10 of some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a water supply start instruction is received, the water supply stage is entered, and the controller 14 first obtains the characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 collected by the first sensor 13, and then identifies the type of liquid currently stored in the water supply tank 30 based on the characteristic parameters of the liquid, and determines whether the stored liquid is water.

[0074] When the liquid is water, it indicates that the liquid stored in the water supply tank meets the ice making requirements, and the water supply pump 1213 is controlled to be in operation so that the water in the water supply tank 30 can be led to the ice making tray of the ice making mechanism through the water supply pipe 1212 to enter the subsequent ice making stage.

[0075] When the liquid is not water, it indicates that the liquid stored in the water supply tank does not meet the ice making requirements and may be added with other liquids by the user, and the water supply pump 1213 is controlled or maintained in a stopped state and no water supply operation is performed.

[0076] In this way, during the ice making water supply stage, the type of liquid stored in the water supply tank is first determined, and the water supply is stopped when the liquid type is not water, thereby preventing liquids other than water from entering the ice making mechanism through the water supply pump 1213 and the water supply pipe, causing microorganisms to grow in the water supply pipe due to residual liquids other than water, or causing liquids with high solid content to block the water supply pump 1213, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker and helping to extend the service life of the ice maker.

[0077] 2 , the refrigerator 10 further includes a reminder device 15. The reminder device 15 is configured to execute a preset reminder operation, thereby pushing corresponding reminder information to the user.

[0078] The reminder device 15 includes at least two of a display screen, a voice device, a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp group, or a buzzer.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5 , in step S14, it is determined whether the liquid in the water supply tank is water; if not, step S16 is executed. After controlling the water supply pump 1213 to be in a shutdown state, the controller 14 is further configured to execute step S17. S17: Control the reminder device to start operating to perform a preset first reminder operation.

[0080] The first reminder operation is used to remind the user that the liquid in the water supply tank is not water. In this way, by setting corresponding reminder information, the control reminder device 15 starts and pushes the reminder content, thereby performing the first reminder operation.

[0081] For example, the reminder device 15 is a display screen, which is provided on the refrigerator body 11, and the reminder message is "there is an abnormality in the liquid in the water supply tank", and the display screen is controlled to continuously display the reminder message.

[0082] For another example, the reminder device 15 is a voice device, which is set on the refrigerator body 11, and the reminder message is "there is an abnormality in the liquid in the water supply tank", and the voice device is controlled to continuously broadcast the reminder message.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the refrigerator disclosed herein, during the ice-making and water-supply stage, the refrigerator can first determine the type of liquid stored in the water supply tank 30, stop supplying water when the liquid is not water, and push a corresponding reminder message to remind the user to replace the liquid in the water supply tank 30, thereby preventing liquids other than water from entering the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pump 1213 and the water supply pipe 1212, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the refrigerator.

[0084] 3 , the first sensor 13 includes an odor sensor 20. The odor sensor 20 is disposed within the housing 11 and connected to the water supply tank 30. The odor sensor 20 is configured to detect the odor component of the liquid in the water supply tank 30. The characteristic parameter is the odor component. Different types of liquids have different corresponding odor components, and the odor component detected by the first sensor 13 for the same type of liquid is almost constant.

[0085] 6 , the step of identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameters (ie, step S13 ) includes steps S131 to S134 .

[0086] S131. Compare the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank with preset standard odor components; wherein the standard odor components refer to the odor components of water.

[0087] S132: Are the odor components consistent? If so, execute S133; if not, execute S134.

[0088] S133. When the odor components of the liquid are consistent with the standard odor components, the liquid is determined to be water.

[0089] S134. When the odor components of the liquid are inconsistent with the standard odor components, it is determined that the liquid is not water.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the odor components of water are pre-detected by the odor sensor 20 and stored as standard odor components. For example, the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 are detected by the odor sensor 20, and the controller 14 obtains the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 and compares them with the standard odor components. If the two are consistent or similar, the controller 14 determines that the liquid stored in the water supply tank 30 is water. If the two are inconsistent, the controller determines that the liquid stored in the water supply tank 30 is not water.

[0091] It should be noted that the different temperatures of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 have little effect on the odor components of the liquid. The difference in odor components of the same liquid at different temperatures is within a predetermined error range. Therefore, it can be considered that the liquids corresponding to the odor components within the predetermined error range belong to the same liquid.

[0092] In some embodiments, the odor sensor 20 is configured to detect the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 and convert them into odor representation values; then the characteristic parameter is the odor representation value.

[0093] 7 , the step of identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameters (ie, step S13 ) includes steps S135 to S138 .

[0094] S135. Calculate the difference between the odor characterization value of the liquid in the water supply tank and a preset standard odor characterization value as the odor difference value; wherein the standard odor characterization value refers to the odor characterization value of water;

[0095] S136. Determine whether the odor difference Q is less than the difference threshold Q0; if so, execute S137; if not, execute S138.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the odor difference value Q is obtained by detecting the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 via the odor sensor 20 and converting them into an odor representation value; the controller 14 obtains the odor representation value of the liquid in the water supply tank 30, compares it with the standard odor representation value, and calculates the difference between the two as the odor difference value Q. The difference threshold Q0 is preset and can be 0 or close to 0.

[0097] S137: When the odor difference is less than a preset difference threshold, determine that the liquid is water.

[0098] S138. When the odor difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference threshold, determine that the liquid is not water.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the odor components of water are detected in advance by the odor sensor 20, converted into odor characterization values, and stored as standard odor characterization values. A difference threshold Q0 is also pre-set to indicate the magnitude of the odor difference, that is, the degree of difference between the liquid in the water supply tank 30 and the water. When Q < Q0, the liquid stored in the water supply tank is determined to be water. When Q ≥ Q0, the liquid stored in the water supply tank 30 is determined not to be water.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the odor sensor 20 includes an odor sensing element configured to detect odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 and convert the detected odor components into an odor representation value.

[0101] Calculating the difference between the odor characterization value of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 and the preset standard odor characterization value as the odor difference value Q (step S135) includes:

[0102] Determining a preset standard odor representation value corresponding to the odor sensor element;

[0103] Calculating the difference between the odor representation value detected by the odor sensor and the corresponding preset standard odor representation value to obtain a sub-odor difference value;

[0104] The odor difference value is calculated based on all the sub-odor difference values.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to improve the accuracy of identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank 30 through the odor sensor 20, the odor sensor 20 includes multiple odor sensing elements, which can detect the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30 and convert them into odor representation values.

[0106] Furthermore, the odor components of the water are detected in advance by the plurality of odor sensors, converted into odor characterization values, and stored as standard odor characterization values ​​corresponding to the odor sensors. A water odor pattern is formed based on the odor characterization values ​​of the water output by all the odor sensors.

[0107] In some embodiments, an odor pattern of the liquid is formed based on the odor representation values ​​output by all odor sensing elements, and the odor pattern of the liquid is compared with the odor pattern of water to determine the type of the liquid.

[0108] In some embodiments, the controller 14 calculates the difference between the odor representation value detected by the odor sensor element and the corresponding preset standard odor representation value to obtain a sub-odor difference value qn. For example, if an odor sensor 20 includes six odor sensors, there are corresponding six standard odor representation values, and six sub-odor difference values ​​qn are calculated: q1, q2, q3, q4, q5, and q6. Based on all the sub-odor differences, an odor difference value Q is calculated. The odor difference value Q is the average of q1, q2, q3, q4, q5, and q6. The odor difference value is then compared with a preset difference threshold Q0 to determine whether the liquid in the water supply tank 30 is water.

[0109] In some embodiments, based on the principle that different types of liquids have different odor components, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with an odor sensor 20 to detect the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30. This odor component is then compared with a standard odor component of water to identify whether the liquid in the water supply tank 30 is water. This effectively improves the accuracy of detecting whether the liquid in the water supply tank 30 is water, thereby improving the accuracy of operating control of the water supply pump 1213. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, after calculating the odor difference, identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank 30 based on the characteristic parameters further includes: determining the liquid type corresponding to the currently calculated odor difference value based on a preset correspondence between the odor difference value and the liquid type, thereby obtaining the type of liquid currently in the water supply tank 30.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inventors have established a correspondence between odor differences and liquid types through research, so that the type of liquid in the water supply tank can be determined based on the calculated odor differences.

[0111] Referring to FIG8 , some embodiments of the present disclosure use three different types of liquids, water, milk, and orange juice, as examples. An odor sensor is provided with six odor sensing elements. The horizontal axis in the figure represents the odor sensing element numbers (Film 1 to Film 6), and the vertical axis represents the odor representation value output by each odor sensing element. The measurement results of the odor representation values ​​of the various liquids are shown in Table 1:

[0112] Table 1

[0113] As can be seen from Table 1, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, taking the sum of the differences of the sub-odor differences as the final odor difference value as an example, the odor difference between milk and water is 0.92, and the odor difference between orange juice and water is 1.39. The odor patterns of orange juice and milk are different from the odor pattern of water. Based on this difference, it can be determined whether the liquid injected into the water tank is water, and whether the liquid type is orange juice or milk, thereby distinguishing water, orange juice, and milk.

[0114] It should be noted that the difference in the odor of water may be measured multiple times, and the difference at that time may be confirmed to determine the difference threshold.

[0115] After determining the type of liquid in the water supply tank, corresponding reminder content can be generated according to the type of liquid, and the reminder device can be controlled to start running to perform a preset second reminder operation according to the reminder content, thereby reminding the user what type of liquid has been added to the water supply tank and reminding the user to pay attention or replace it.

[0116] In some embodiments, the odor sensor 20 is provided with an oscillator, which vibrates at a preset vibration frequency, and the surface of the oscillator is coated with a sensing film to adsorb odor components. The actual vibration frequency of the oscillator changes with the change of the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank 30; then the odor characterization value is the actual oscillation frequency of the oscillator.

[0117] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the odor sensor 20 is equipped with an oscillator. If the oscillator is vibrated at a predetermined frequency, when odor molecules of different odor components are adsorbed onto the oscillator, the oscillation frequency of the oscillator changes, causing the actual vibration frequency to differ from the predetermined frequency. This type of sensor element outputs this vibration frequency change as a signal, which serves as a numerical value representing the odor.

[0118] Furthermore, the oscillator is coated with a sensitive film to absorb odor components from different liquids, improving detection accuracy. This sensitive film is a polymer film with different adsorption properties for each odor component. If the odor sensor includes multiple odor sensing elements, each odor sensing element outputs different signals for each odor component, resulting in multiple signals. These multiple signals form a corresponding odor pattern for each odor component.

[0119] Referring to Figure 9 , the odor sensor 20 includes a sensor body 21, a suction pump 22, and a suction tube 23. The sensor body 21 is mounted on the housing 11. One end of the suction tube 23 is connected to the sensor body 21, and the other end of the suction tube 23 is detachably connected to the second opening of the water supply tank. The suction pump 22 is mounted on the suction tube 23 and is configured to draw odor components from the liquid.

[0120] In this way, the sensor body 21 and the water supply tank 30 are connected through the suction tube 23, so that the water supply tank 30 can be disassembled, which is convenient for users to add water or clean.

[0121] Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a refrigerator control method, wherein the refrigerator 10 includes an ice-making machine body. The ice-making machine body includes an ice-making mechanism, a water supply tank, a water supply pipe, and a water supply pump. The water supply pump 1213 is configured to, when in operation, guide liquid in the water supply tank through the water supply pipe to the ice-making mechanism.

[0122] The sensor is provided on the ice maker body and connected to the water supply tank, and is configured to detect characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank.

[0123] The method includes: when receiving a water supply start instruction, obtaining characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank based on the characteristic parameters; when the liquid is water, controlling the water supply pump 1213 to be in a running state; when the liquid is not water, controlling the water supply pump 1213 to be in a stopped state.

[0124] It should be noted that the control method of a refrigerator provided in the present disclosure is similar to the steps executed by the controller in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0125] 10 and 11 , in some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 further includes a water supply channel 1200 and a water purification device 5 .

[0126] The refrigerator 10 comprises a rectangular box 11, which comprises an outer shell 101 and an inner liner 102. The inner liner 102 is disposed within the outer shell 101, defining a storage compartment. A foam layer may be provided between the outer shell 101 and the inner liner 102 to provide thermal insulation for the box 11.

[0127] In some embodiments, the box body 11 includes a plurality of inner containers 102. Each inner container 102 includes one or more storage compartments.

[0128] It should be noted that the expressions of the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back in this article are all based on the direction when the user is facing the refrigerator when the refrigerator is in use. Among them, the side of the refrigerator facing the user when in use is defined as the front, the opposite side is defined as the back, the vertical direction is the up and down direction, and the horizontal direction is the left and right direction.

[0129] The box body 11 further includes one or more partition plates 103 , which can divide the storage room into a plurality of chambers. Each chamber can be divided left to right or up to down.

[0130] In some embodiments, the housing 11 includes a partition 103 to separate the storage compartment into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. For example, the upper chamber can be used as the refrigerator compartment 1, and the lower chamber can be used as the freezer compartment 2. Of course, the upper storage compartment can also be used as the freezer compartment 2, and the lower chamber can be used as the refrigerator compartment 1.

[0131] In some embodiments, in order to meet the storage needs of various food ingredients, the refrigerator 10 can also be provided with a vacuum chamber, a variable temperature chamber, etc. to meet different refrigeration needs such as freezing, refrigeration, fruit and vegetable preservation, and temperature change.

[0132] It is understood that the refrigerator 10 includes one or more doors 9, and the doors 9 are arranged corresponding to the chambers. It is also possible that multiple doors 9 open or close a chamber at the same time.

[0133] In some embodiments, the door body is pivotally connected to the box body via a hinge. Alternatively, the door body 9 is configured as a pull-out structure to open or close at least a portion of the box body.

[0134] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , a water supply tank 30 is located within the refrigerator compartment 1 and is used to store water. A water supply channel 1200 connects one end to the water supply tank 30, while the other end connects to the ice maker 12. A water supply pump 1213 pumps water from the water supply tank 30 to the ice tray 1221 of the ice maker 12, where ice is made.

[0135] The water supply tank 30 includes a box body 31 and a cover 32. The cover 32 is detachably mounted on the top of the box body 31, so that the user can add raw water 35 to the water supply tank 30 at any time, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of water inside the refrigerator 10.

[0136] The water supply tank 30 stores raw water 35 , wherein the raw water 35 may be tap water.

[0137] The water purifier 5 is disposed within the water supply tank 30 and communicates with the water supply path 1200. Raw water 35 within the water supply tank 30 is filtered by the water purifier 5 and purified before entering the water supply path 1200, preventing microorganisms or suspended matter in the raw water 35 from entering the water supply path of the ice maker 12 or the ice tray 1221.

[0138] 11 and 12 , the water purification device 5 includes a first housing 51, a fiber membrane 53, and a sealing structure 512. The first housing 51 has a first cavity therein, and includes a first through-port 521 and a second through-port 522. The first through-port 521 and the second through-port 522 are connected to the first cavity to form a filtration channel 511. The fiber membrane 53 is disposed in the filtration channel 511. The fiber membrane 53 can filter the raw water 35 entering the filtration channel 511. The sealing structure 512 is disposed in the first housing 51 and is connected to the end of the fiber membrane 53 by an adhesive.

[0139] It should be noted that the fiber membrane 53 can be a hollow fiber membrane (HFM), a self-supporting membrane with a fibrous appearance. Under the influence of a static pressure differential, raw water passes through a microporous membrane made of cellulose or a polymer material. The uniform pore size of the membrane traps particles, bacteria, and other particles in the water, preventing them from passing through and being removed. Serving as a filter element, the fiber membrane 53 improves filtration and purification efficiency.

[0140] In some embodiments, the water inlet of the water supply channel 1200 is connected to one of the first through-port 521 and the second through-port 522, so that the water purifier 5 has a first state and a second state. The first state is a forward water supply state, and the second state is a reverse water washing state. The one of the first through-port 521 and the second through-port 522 that is connected to the water inlet 411 of the water supply channel 1200 is an outlet, and the other is an inlet.

[0141] 12 and 13 , in some embodiments, in the first state, the first through-hole 521 serves as an outlet, and the second through-hole 522 serves as an inlet. Raw water 35 within the water supply tank 30 enters the filter channel 511 through the second through-hole 522 . The raw water 35 is filtered through the fiber membrane 53 to form purified water. The purified water then enters the water inlet 411 of the water supply circuit 1200 through the first through-hole 521 (i.e., the outlet).

[0142] The purified water is delivered to the ice tray 1221 of the ice maker 12 by the water supply channel 1200 for making ice, thereby realizing the ice making function.

[0143] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 14 and 15 , in the second state, the first through-hole 521 serves as an inlet, and the second through-hole 522 serves as an outlet. Raw water 35 within the water supply tank 30 enters the filter channel 511 through the first through-hole 521 (i.e., the inlet). The raw water 35 rinses the fiber membranes 53 and mixes with impurities 19 that have fallen from the fiber membranes 53 to form cleaning water.

[0144] The cleaning water enters the water inlet 411 of the water supply channel 1200 through the second through-hole 522. The cleaning water flows through the water supply channel 1200 and into the ice tray 1221 of the ice maker 12, thus fulfilling the function of the cleaning water purification device 5. In Figure 15 , arrow C represents the flow direction of the raw water, and arrow D represents the flow direction of the cleaning water.

[0145] The water purifier 5 is installed in the water supply tank 30. In the first state, the water supply channel 1200 can provide purified water to the ice tray 1221 to facilitate ice making. In the second state, the connection direction between the water purifier 5 and the water inlet 411 is opposite to the connection direction in the first state.

[0146] That is, the filtering direction of the fiber membrane 53 is reversed. In the second state, the raw water 35 can enter the filtering channel 511 and flush the fiber membrane 53 to remove the sediment blocking the surface of the fiber membrane 53 .

[0147] In some embodiments, the water purification device 5 has different states, and can provide purified water to the ice maker 12 to achieve the ice making function; and the fiber membrane 53 has a cleaning function.

[0148] In the first state, the water inlet 411 is connected to the first through-hole 521 , and the raw water 35 is filtered by the fiber membrane 53 to be purified water. The purified water is then transported to the ice tray 1221 via the water supply channel 1200 to achieve ice making.

[0149] If the fiber membrane 53 becomes clogged and needs to be cleaned, the water purifier 5 is installed in reverse, that is, the water inlet 411 is connected to the second through-hole 522, reversing the filtration direction of the fiber membrane 53. At this time, the raw water 35 enters the filtration channel 511 through the first through-hole 521, flushing the fiber membrane 53 and removing the sediment on the surface of the fiber membrane 53.

[0150] The sediment can form cleaning water with the filtered water passing through the fiber membrane 53 , and the cleaning water is collected in the ice making tray 1221 . The user can drain the cleaning water in the ice making tray 1221 .

[0151] The arrangement of the water purification device 5 can effectively clean the fiber membrane 53, extend the service life of the fiber membrane 53, ensure the filtration and purification efficiency and effect of the fiber membrane 53, have a simple structure and easy operation, and facilitate the collection and discharge of cleaning water.

[0152] In some embodiments, the nominal pore size of the fiber membrane 53 can be less than or equal to 1 μm. The present disclosure does not impose any restrictions on the pore size and thickness of the fiber membrane 53. For example, the average outer diameter of the membrane can be less than or equal to 2 mm, the average inner diameter can be less than or equal to 1 mm, and the average thickness can be less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0153] It should be noted that the number of the fiber membranes 53 can be determined according to the size of the first shell 51 and the filtering capacity required by the water purification device 5 .

[0154] 11 and 12 , the water purification device 5 further includes a connecting cover 56 disposed between the water inlet end 411 and the outlet. The connecting cover 56 is detachably connected to the first housing 51 and includes a first connecting portion 561. The first connecting portion 561 is in communication with the water inlet end 411. The provision of the connecting cover 56 facilitates communication between the first through-port 521 and the water inlet end 411, and facilitates communication between the water inlet end 411 and both the first through-port 521 and the second through-port 522. Furthermore, the connecting cover 56 can be removed to complete communication between the water inlet end 411 and both the first through-port 521 and the second through-port 522.

[0155] For example, the connection between the connection cover 56 and the first housing 51 is by plugging or threading, and a sealing ring can be provided between the connection cover 56 and the first housing 51 to improve airtightness.

[0156] 11 and 16 , the top of the water supply tank 30 is provided with a second connection portion 33 that communicates with the water inlet end 411. The first connection portion 561 and the second connection portion 33 are connected via a connecting pipe 6. For example, the second connection portion 33 is provided on the cover 32, with one end of the connecting pipe 6 communicating with the second connection portion 33, and the other end of the connecting pipe 6 communicating with the first connection portion 561. The provision of the connecting pipe 6 allows for communication between the first connection portion 561 within the water supply tank 30 and the water inlet end 411 outside the water supply tank 30, and the connection method is simple and convenient.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 561 and the water inlet end 411 can be connected in other ways. For example, a connection port can be provided through the top of the water supply tank 30, and the water inlet end 411 and the first connection portion 561 are inserted into the connection port to achieve communication between the water inlet end 411 and the first connection portion 561. Here, the connection port can be provided through the cover 32.

[0158] 11 and 12 , in some embodiments, the first through-hole 521 is provided at the top of the first housing 51, and the second through-hole 522 is provided at the bottom of the first housing 51. The bottom of the first housing 51 is parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom wall of the water supply tank 30. That is, there is a certain gap between the inlet and the bottom wall of the water supply tank 30. This allows the inlet at the bottom of the water purification device 5 to be immersed in the raw water 35 in the water supply tank 30, facilitating the raw water 35 in the water supply tank 30 to pass through the second through-hole 522 at the bottom, i.e., the inlet, into the filter channel 511. Furthermore, since the inlet is provided at the bottom of the first housing 51, the ice maker 12 can still make ice even when there is a small amount of raw water 35 in the water supply tank 30, reducing the frequency of adding raw water 35 to the water supply tank 30.

[0159] In order to further improve the purification and filtering capabilities of the water purifier 5, the water purifier 5 further includes activated carbon, which is disposed in the filter channel 511 and is combined with the fiber membrane 53 to form a filter.

[0160] It should be noted that the present disclosure does not restrict the order in which the activated carbon and fiber membrane 53 are filtered. That is, in the first state, after the raw water 35 in the water supply tank 30 enters the filtration channel 511 through the second through-port 522, it can be filtered sequentially through the activated carbon and the fiber membrane 53 to form purified water, or it can be filtered sequentially through the fiber membrane 53 and the activated carbon to form purified water. For example, the activated carbon can be granular activated carbon 54 (GAC) or block activated carbon 55.

[0161] Granular activated carbon is divided into shaped and unshaped granules. It's primarily made from coconut shells, fruit shells, and coal, and refined through a series of production processes. Block activated carbon features a high-density, high-porosity carbon block structure, resulting in a high surface-to-volume ratio. Block activated carbon can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes, primarily cylindrical, elliptical, and cubic. Their interiors are composed of square, circular, hexagonal, and triangular carbon channels.

[0162] Referring to Figure 17, when the activated carbon is granular activated carbon 54, the purification device also includes two limiting nets 7, which are arranged at intervals on the inner wall of the filter channel 511. The two limiting nets 7 and the filter channel 511 jointly define a accommodating space to accommodate the granular activated carbon 54 to prevent the granular activated carbon 54 from falling off.

[0163] It can be understood that the mesh size of the limiting net 7 is smaller than the particle size of the granular activated carbon 54, so that the granular activated carbon 54 can be prevented from falling off.

[0164] Referring to Figure 18 , in some embodiments, when the activated carbon is a block activated carbon 55, a water collection channel 551 is provided through the middle of the block activated carbon 55. The water purification device also includes a protective cover 552. The protective cover 552 is provided at the end of the block activated carbon 55 away from the water inlet end 411 to seal the water collection channel 551. This prevents the raw water 35 in the filtration channel 511 from directly entering the water collection channel 551.

[0165] For example, both ends of the water collecting channel 551 are respectively located at the top and bottom of the block activated carbon 55 , so that the raw water 35 filtered by the block activated carbon 55 can be collected.

[0166] 11 , 13 and 19 , in the first state, the raw water 35 enters the filter channel 511 , is filtered through the block activated carbon 55 , and then enters the water collection channel 551 , and is then filtered through the fiber membrane 53 to remove impurities 19 in the raw water 35 to form purified water.

[0167] 4 and 20 , in the second state, the raw water 35 enters the filter channel 511 through the inlet under the action of the water supply pump 1213. The raw water 35 rinses the fiber membrane 53 and forms cleaning water with the impurities 19 that fall from the fiber membrane 53. The cleaning water enters the water collection channel 551 through the block activated carbon 55 and flows into the ice tray 1221 of the ice maker 12 through the water supply channel 1200.

[0168] 18 , in some embodiments, the water purification device 5 further includes a non-woven fabric 8. The block activated carbon 55 is wrapped with the non-woven fabric 8 to limit the shedding of fine powder of the block activated carbon 55 through the non-woven fabric 8. The non-woven fabric 8 with good water permeability and low filtration resistance is used to wrap around the block activated carbon 55 and the inner wall surface of the water collection channel 551, which can limit the shedding of fine powder of the block activated carbon 55. In addition, it can also avoid affecting the water permeability and filtration capacity of the block activated carbon 55. In FIG18 , arrow E represents the flow direction of raw water; arrow F represents the flow direction of purified water after filtration by the filter.

[0169] Referring to Figure 11 , water supply circuit 1200 includes an inlet pipe 1214, an outlet pipe 1215, and a water supply pump 1213. Water supply pump 1213 is connected between the inlet pipe 1214 and the outlet pipe 1215 for pumping water. The inlet end 411 of the inlet pipe 1214 is connected to the water purifier 5, while the outlet end of the outlet pipe 1215 is connected to the ice tray 1221. This allows the raw water 35 in the water supply tank 30 to be filtered and purified by the water purifier 5 under the action of the water supply pump 1213 before being delivered to the ice tray 1221 for ice making.

[0170] 17 , the working state of the water purifier 5 of the refrigerator 10 will be described by taking the water purifier 5 using a filter formed of a fiber membrane 53 and granular activated carbon 54 as an example.

[0171] 12 , when the connection cover 56 is connected to the first through-hole 521 , the water purifier 5 is in the first state. At this time, the first through-hole 521 is an outlet, and the second through-hole 522 is an inlet.

[0172] When ice making is needed, water supply pump 1213 pumps water into ice tray 1221. Driven by water supply pump 1213, raw water 35 in water tank 30 passes through the inlet and into filter channel 511. It is then filtered through granular activated carbon 54 and fiber membrane 53, removing harmful substances such as bacteria, suspended matter, residual chlorine, and dissolved organic matter from the raw water 35, resulting in purified water. This purified water is then delivered to ice tray 1221 through the outlet and water supply channel 1200, achieving ice making.

[0173] Long-term filtration will cause a large amount of impurities 19 such as filtered microorganisms and suspended matter to be deposited on the surface of the fiber membrane 53, which may easily cause the fiber membrane 53 to be blocked, and increase the resistance to water flowing into the fiber membrane 53, ultimately affecting the efficiency of the fiber membrane 53 in subsequent filtration of purified water, thereby reducing the amount of water provided to the ice tray 1221. Therefore, the fiber membrane 53 needs to be cleaned.

[0174] When the fiber membrane 53 is blocked, refer to Figures 14 and 20, and install the water purification device 5 in reverse, that is, connect the connecting cover 56 to the second through-hole 522. At this time, the first through-hole 521 is the inlet, the second through-hole 522 is the outlet, and the water purification device 5 is in the second state. The filtering direction of the fiber membrane 53 is opposite to the filtering direction in the first state, and the raw water 35 entering the filter channel 511 will clean the fiber membrane 53.

[0175] In the second state, raw water 35 in the water supply tank 30 flows through the inlet into the filter channel 511 under the action of the water supply pump 1213, and is filtered through the fiber membrane 53 and the granular activated carbon 54. The raw water 35 rinses the fiber membrane 53 and, combined with impurities 19 that have fallen from the fiber membrane 53, forms wash water. The wash water then flows through the outlet and the water supply channel 1200, and is collected in the ice tray 1221 of the ice maker 12.

[0176] The impurities 19 deposited on the surface of the fiber membrane 53 are removed, and the user can simply drain the cleaning water containing the deposits discharged to the ice tray 1221. By repeating this operation several times, the cleaning of the fiber membrane 53 can be completed.

[0177] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, refrigerators 10 are equipped with a water purifier 5 to filter and purify the raw water 35 entering the ice tray 1221, thereby removing microorganisms, harmful substances, and suspended matter that causes turbidity from the raw water 35 used by the ice maker 12. Furthermore, by providing two through-ports in the first housing 51 of the water purifier 5, which are connected to the water inlet 411, the water purifier 5 has a first water supply state and a second cleaning state. This allows for both water supply for ice making and cleaning of the fiber membrane 53 that may become clogged in the forward water supply state.

[0178] During cleaning, it is only necessary to install the water purification device 5 in reverse so that the filtering direction of the fiber membrane 53 is opposite to the filtering direction in the forward water supply state, so that the raw water 35 can effectively clean the fiber membrane 53, and then the sediment blocking the surface of the fiber membrane 53 is peeled off, so that the fiber membrane 53 can restore its filtering and purification performance, thereby extending the service life of the fiber membrane 53.

[0179] In some embodiments, the water supply tank 30 is provided at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber 1, and the ice making system is provided at the top of the freezing chamber 2. The water supply pipe 1212 of the water supply system can be provided in the foam layer of the box body 11. In some embodiments, the ice making system can also be provided at the top of the refrigerating chamber 1.

[0180] 21 , the ice maker further includes a sterilizing device 170. The sterilizing device 170 is disposed inside the water supply tank 30 and is configured to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in the water to ensure the quality of the water used for ice making.

[0181] It should be noted that, by placing the sterilization device 170 in the water supply box 30 and opening the water supply box 30 , the sterilization device 170 can be maintained, which has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0182] 22 , the sterilization device 170 includes a sterilization container 150 and a sterilization assembly 160. The sterilization container 150 is configured to supply water and to hold the sterilization assembly 160. For example, the sterilization container 150 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or the like.

[0183] In some embodiments, the sterilization container 150 includes a second shell 157 and an inner cylinder 158 ; the sterilization component 160 is disposed in the inner cylinder 158 , and the second shell 157 is covered outside the inner cylinder 158 to form the appearance of the sterilization device 170 .

[0184] In some embodiments, the sterilization container 150 further includes an inflow portion 151 for water to flow in and an outflow portion 152 for water to flow out, and the outflow portion 152 is connected to the water supply pipe 1212 .

[0185] In this way, under the power of the water supply pump 1213, the water in the water supply tank enters the sterilization container 150 from the inlet part 151. After being sterilized by the sterilization component 160, the water flows to the water supply pipe 1212 through the outflow part 152, and finally the water is supplied to the ice tray 1221.

[0186] The sterilization component 160 sterilizes water using ultraviolet (UVC) light. UVC light is deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 260nm and 280nm, which has a good sterilization effect.

[0187] It should be noted that due to its short wavelength and high energy, UVC light can destroy the molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the cells of microorganisms, causing growth cell death and regenerative cell death, achieving the effect of sterilization and disinfection.

[0188] The sterilization assembly 160 includes a light emitting body 161 and a carrier 162. The light emitting body 161 is mounted on the carrier 162. The carrier 162 is connected to the sterilization container 150. The light emitting body 161 can emit ultraviolet light.

[0189] In some embodiments, the light source 161 can be an ultraviolet lamp or an LED element. When the light source 161 is an LED element, the size of the sterilization assembly 160 can be reduced. When the light source 161 is powered, the light source 161 can emit ultraviolet light.

[0190] The inflow section 151 is located within the irradiation range of the sterilization assembly 160. Water from the water supply tank must pass through the inflow section 151 before being supplied to the ice tray 1221. Therefore, the water in the water supply tank 30 is sterilized by ultraviolet radiation as it passes through the inflow section 151. This helps ensure the quality of the water supplied for ice making.

[0191] In some embodiments, the water in the water supply tank 30 passes through the sterilization device 170 and the sterilization component 160 to irradiate the water with ultraviolet light, thereby killing bacteria and other microorganisms in the water.

[0192] In some embodiments, the irradiation range of the sterilization assembly 160 only needs to cover the inlet 151. The range that the sterilization assembly 160 needs to irradiate can be set according to the size of the inlet 151. In this way, the volume of the sterilization assembly 160 can be reduced while ensuring that the water is sterilized.

[0193] 22 , the inflow portion 151 is disposed at the bottom of the sterilization container 150, and the outflow portion 152 is disposed at the top of the sterilization container 150. The illuminator 161 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the inflow portion 151, and ensures that the irradiation range of the illuminator 161 can cover the inflow portion 151.

[0194] 22 , the sterilization container 150 further includes a second cavity 156 . The second cavity 156 communicates with the inflow portion 151 and the outflow portion 152 . The sterilization assembly 160 does not block the second cavity 156 , so water in the inflow portion 151 can flow along the cavity 156 to the outflow portion 152 .

[0195] When water flows, it will pass through the sterilization component 160, and the sterilization component 160 needs to have a predetermined level of waterproofness. In addition, when water passes through the sterilization component 160, it will impact the sterilization component 160. Therefore, the sterilization component 160 also needs to have good structural stability to resist impact.

[0196] 23 , in some embodiments, the sterilization container 150 includes a water flow channel 153. The water flow channel 153 is located outside the sterilization assembly. Thus, the water flow channel 153 can reduce the amount of water flowing through the sterilization assembly 160, thereby reducing the impact of water on the sterilization assembly 160.

[0197] For example, sterilization assembly 160 is positioned in the middle of cavity 156, dividing second cavity 156 into upper and lower portions. Within second cavity 156, the upper portion of sterilization assembly 160 is divided into an outflow channel 155, and the lower portion is divided into an inflow channel 154. A water flow channel 153 is provided on the sidewall of sterilization container 150, connecting inflow channel 154 to outflow channel 155 via water flow channel 153. For example, the inlet end (e.g., the lower end) of water flow channel 153 is connected to inflow channel 154, and the outlet end (e.g., the upper end) of water flow channel 153 is connected to the outflow channel.

[0198] Water in the water supply tank 30 enters the sterilization container 150 through the inlet 151, flows sequentially through the inlet waterway 154, the water flow channel 153, and the outflow waterway 155, and flows to the outflow portion 152. The provision of the water flow channel 153 can reduce the waterproof level of the sterilization component 160, which helps to extend the service life of the sterilization component 160.

[0199] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between the inflow portion 151 of the sterilization container 150 and the inner wall of the water supply tank 30 to prevent the inflow portion 151 from being closed and to ensure that water can flow smoothly into the inflow portion 151 .

[0200] 21 and 22 , the cover 32 includes a third connection portion 113 , one end of which is connected to the outflow portion 152 of the sterilization container 150 ; the other end of the third connection portion 113 is connected to the water supply pipe 1212 . Thus, the third connection portion 113 facilitates communication between the sterilization container 150 and the ice tray 1221 .

[0201] For example, the outflow portion 152 of the sterilization container 150 can be snap-connected to the third connecting portion 113 for easy assembly.

[0202] In some embodiments, to achieve assembly of the sterilization component 160 and the sterilization container 150, for example, a mounting groove (such as an annular groove, etc.) can be provided in the middle position of the second cavity 156, and the supporting portion 162 can be connected to the second cavity 156 through the mounting groove.

[0203] In some embodiments, the power cord of the sterilization component 160 in the sterilization device 170 is connected to the cable inside the water supply tank 30.

[0204] It should be noted that the lid 32 of the water supply tank 30 is equipped with a conductive pad that connects to the refrigerator's power system. The top of the sterilization container 150 is also equipped with a conductive pad. The power cord of the sterilization assembly 160 is connected to the conductive pad on the top of the sterilization container 150. After the sterilization device 170 is connected to the lid 32, the conductive pad on the sterilization device 170 connects to the conductive pad on the lid 32. This allows the refrigerator's power system to supply power to the sterilization assembly 160.

[0205] In some embodiments, the areas of the sterilization device 170 and the water supply tank 30 that are irradiated by UVC light are made of UVC resistant material.

[0206] It should be noted that UVC-resistant materials can resist UVC light exposure, preventing the material of the sterilization device 170 from aging over time due to UVC light exposure. This helps extend the service life of the sterilization device 170 and ensure the quality of the ice-making water supply. For example, the UVC-resistant material is metal or fluororesin.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second shell 157 is made of resin, and the inner cylinder 158 is made of UVC-resistant material. This can reduce material costs and simplify the structure of the second shell 157 and the inner cylinder 158, making it easier to manufacture and assemble. Referring to Figures 21 and 24, the inlet 151 is usually made in the form of a hole (such as a round hole or a square hole). When the sterilization component 160 is irradiated, UVC light will leak out of the sterilization container 150 from the hole in the inlet 151. The leaked UVC light will irradiate the inner bottom wall of the water supply tank.

[0208] It should be noted that, for the convenience of description, the portion of the inner bottom wall of the water supply tank 30 that is illuminated by the leaked light is referred to as a light leakage area 114 .

[0209] In some embodiments, the light-leaking area 114 of the water supply tank is made of a UVC-resistant material, while the rest of the water supply tank is made of polystyrene or other materials. The inner tube 158 of the sterilization container 150 is also made of a UVC-resistant material. This reduces the cost of the sterilization container 150 and the water supply tank while slowing down material degradation, thereby extending the service life of the sterilization device 170.

[0210] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 25 , the water supply tank 30 further includes a UVC-resistant sheet 115 , which is made of a UVC-resistant material. The UVC-resistant sheet 115 is attached to the light leakage area 114 . The coverage area of ​​the UVC-resistant sheet 115 is greater than or equal to the light leakage area 114 . In this way, UVC light leaking from the inflow portion 151 can be irradiated onto the UVC-resistant sheet 115 . In some embodiments, to improve the reliability of anti-aging, the area of ​​the UVC-resistant sheet 115 can be greater than the area of ​​the light leakage area 114 . The light leakage area 114 can be determined as follows:

[0211] The first method is to use a test paper that glows under UVC light and place it on the inner bottom wall of the water supply tank. When the sterilization device 170 is turned on, the glowing area of ​​the test paper corresponds to the light leakage area 114 of the water supply tank.

[0212] The second method is to calculate based on the size of the hole of the inflow portion 151. Usually, the area of ​​the light leakage region 114 is four times or more the area of ​​the hole, which can cover the leakage range of UVC light.

[0213] In some embodiments, a predetermined distance is spaced between the resistant sheet 115 and the sterilization device 170 to facilitate water flow. For example, referring to FIG21 , the distance between the resistant sheet 115 and the sterilization device 170 is H, and H≥1 cm is satisfied.

[0214] In some embodiments, the thickness of the resistant sheet 115 is greater than or equal to 1 mm, and the thickness of the resistant sheet 115 may be between 1 mm and 5 mm. For example, the thickness of the resistant sheet 115 may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm.

[0215] 25 , the water supply tank 30 further includes a recessed portion 116 . The recessed portion 116 is provided on the inner bottom wall of the water supply tank 30 .

[0216] For example, on the inner bottom wall of the water supply tank 30, the orthographic projection of the recessed portion 116 coincides with the orthographic projection of the light leakage area 114. Alternatively, the orthographic projection of the recessed portion 116 exceeds the orthographic projection of the light leakage area 114. In this case, the light leakage area 114 is located within the recessed portion 116.

[0217] The resistant sheet 115 is installed in the recessed portion 116. The resistant sheet 115 matches the recessed portion 116. The resistant sheet 115 can be made of metal and has an interference fit with the recessed portion 116. The resistant sheet 115 and the water supply tank can be bonded together.

[0218] In some embodiments, the resistant sheet 115 is embedded in the recessed portion 116. For example, in the manufacturing process, the resistant sheet 115 can be placed in the recessed portion 116 first, and then the water supply tank 30 is injection molded.

[0219] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0220] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art can conceive within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

[0221] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and that certain elements of the embodiments may be modified and replaced without departing from the spirit of the present application. The scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: Box; A door body, the door body being pivotally connected to the box body; An ice maker, the ice maker being arranged in the box; The ice making machine comprises: an ice-making mechanism configured to make ice and having a first opening; a water supply tank configured to store liquid and having a second opening; a water supply pipe, one end of which is connected to the first opening, and the other end of which is connected to the second opening; a water supply pump, the water supply pump being arranged on the water supply pipe, and the water supply pump being configured to guide the liquid in the water supply tank to the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pipe when in operation; A sensor, the sensor is disposed in the box body and connected to the second opening of the water supply tank, the sensor being configured to detect characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; A controller is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to: When receiving a water supply start instruction, obtaining characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; Identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameter; When the liquid is water, controlling the water supply pump to be in the operating state; When the liquid is not water, the water supply pump is controlled to be in a shutdown state.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a reminder device; After controlling the water supply pump to be in a shutdown state when the liquid is not water, the controller is further configured to: The reminding device is controlled to start running to execute a preset first reminding operation.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor is an odor sensor, and the characteristic parameter is an odor component; Then, identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameter includes: Comparing the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank with a preset standard odor component; wherein the standard odor component refers to the odor component of water; When the odor component of the liquid is consistent with the standard odor component, the liquid is determined to be water; When the odor component of the liquid is inconsistent with the standard odor component, it is determined that the liquid is not water.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor is an odor sensor, and the odor sensor is configured to detect the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank and convert them into odor representation values; The characteristic parameter is a value representing the odor; Then, identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameter includes: Calculating the difference between the odor characterization value of the liquid in the water supply tank and a preset standard odor characterization value as the odor difference; wherein the standard odor characterization value refers to the odor characterization value of water; When the odor difference is less than a preset difference threshold, determining that the liquid is water; When the odor difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference threshold, it is determined that the liquid is not water.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The odor sensor includes an odor sensing element, which is configured to detect the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank and convert them into odor representation values; The calculating the difference between the odor characterization value of the liquid in the water supply tank and a preset standard odor characterization value as the odor difference value includes: Determine a preset standard odor characterization value corresponding to the odor sensor element; Calculating the difference between the odor representation value detected by the odor sensor element and the corresponding preset standard odor representation value to obtain a sub-odor difference; The odor difference value is calculated based on all the sub-odor differences.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: After calculating the odor difference, the characteristic parameter identifies the type of liquid in the water supply tank, and further includes: According to the preset correspondence between the odor difference and the liquid type, the liquid type corresponding to the currently calculated odor difference is determined to obtain the type of liquid currently in the water supply tank.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising an oscillator, wherein the oscillator is arranged on the odor sensor, the oscillator vibrates at a preset vibration frequency, and the surface of the oscillator is coated with a sensing film to absorb odor components, and the current vibration frequency of the oscillator changes with the change of the odor components of the liquid in the water supply tank; then the odor characterization value is the current oscillation frequency of the oscillator.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The odor sensor comprises: A sensor body, wherein the sensor body is arranged in the box; A suction tube, one end of which is connected to the sensor body, and the other end of which is detachably connected to the opening of the water supply tank; A suction pump is provided on the suction tube and is configured to suck the odor component of the liquid.

9. A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein: The refrigerator comprises: Box; A door body, the door body being pivotally connected to the box body; An ice maker, the ice maker is arranged in the box; the ice maker comprises: an ice-making mechanism, a water supply tank, a water supply pipe and a water supply pump, wherein the water supply pump is configured to guide the liquid in the water supply tank to the ice-making mechanism through the water supply pipe when in operation; a sensor, disposed on the ice maker body and connected to the water supply tank, wherein the sensor is configured to detect characteristic parameters of liquid in the water supply tank; The method comprises: When receiving a water supply start instruction, obtaining characteristic parameters of the liquid in the water supply tank; Identifying the type of liquid in the water supply tank according to the characteristic parameter; When the liquid is water, controlling the water supply pump to be in a running state; When the liquid is not water, the water supply pump is controlled to be in a stopped state.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: A water purification device is arranged in the water supply tank and is connected to the water supply pipe, and the water purification device includes: A first shell having a first cavity and a filtering channel, wherein the first shell includes a first through-hole and a second through-hole, wherein the first through-hole and the second through-hole are connected to the first cavity to form a filtering channel; A fiber membrane is disposed in the filter channel to filter impurities in raw water entering the filter channel; The water inlet end of the water supply pipe is connected to one of the first through hole and the second through hole, so that the water purification device has a first state and a second state, wherein the one of the first through hole and the second through hole to which the water inlet end is connected is an outlet, and the other is an inlet; In the first state, the raw water enters the filter channel through the inlet to be filtered to form purified water, and the purified water is transported to the ice tray of the ice maker through the outlet and the water supply pipe for ice making; In the second state, the raw water enters the filter channel through the inlet to flush the fiber membrane, and forms cleaning water with impurities dropped from the fiber membrane. The cleaning water is collected in the ice tray of the ice maker through the outlet and the water supply pipe.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: The water purification device also includes a connecting cover, which is arranged between the water inlet end and the outlet of the water supply waterway, and the connecting cover is detachably connected to the first shell, and the connecting cover includes a first connecting part, and the first connecting part is connected to the water inlet end.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein: The water supply box includes a box body and a cover body, wherein the cover body is covered on the box body, and the cover body includes a second connecting part, wherein the second connecting part is connected to the first connecting part through a connecting pipe, and ends of the first connecting part and the second connecting part are arranged in the connecting pipe.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein: The water supply box comprises a box body and a cover body, wherein the cover body is disposed on the box body and has a connecting port, and the water inlet end and the first connecting part are disposed in the connecting port.

14. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The first through opening and the second through opening are arranged opposite to each other and are respectively arranged at the top and bottom of the first shell. The bottom end of the first shell is parallel to the bottom wall of the water supply tank and is arranged at intervals.

15. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The water purification device further comprises activated carbon, which is arranged in the filter channel and arranged in sequence with the fiber membrane.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein: The activated carbon is granular activated carbon, and the water purification device also includes two limiting nets, which are arranged at intervals on the inner wall of the filter channel. The two limiting nets are connected to the filter channel to define a containing part to contain the granular activated carbon.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein: The activated carbon is block activated carbon, and the water purification device also includes a protective cover, which is arranged at one end of the block activated carbon. A water collection channel is arranged in the middle of the block activated carbon. In the first state, one end of the water collection channel close to the outlet is connected to the outlet, and the other end of the water collection channel away from the outlet is closed by the protective cover.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein: The water purification device further includes a non-woven fabric, which is configured to wrap the block activated carbon to limit the shedding of fine powder of the block activated carbon.

19. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a sterilization container, arranged in the water supply box, the sterilization container comprising an inflow portion for water to flow in and an outflow portion for water to flow out, the outflow portion being in communication with the ice tray; A sterilization component is disposed in the sterilization container, and the sterilization component sterilizes water by irradiating ultraviolet rays; Wherein, the inflow portion is located within the ultraviolet irradiation range of the sterilization component; When the ice maker is in operation, the water in the water supply tank is irradiated by the sterilization component when flowing through the inflow portion, and then flows out through the outflow portion; Part of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sterilization component leaks out of the sterilization container through the inflow portion, and the part of the water supply tank irradiated by the leaked ultraviolet rays is made of ultraviolet (UVC) resistant material.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein The area on the water supply tank that is irradiated by the sterilization component is called a light leakage area; The water supply tank also includes: A resistant sheet is made of UVC resistant material and is attached to the light leakage area and completely covers the light leakage area.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein The area on the water supply tank that is irradiated by the sterilization component is called a light leakage area; A recessed portion is provided on the inner wall of the water supply tank; The water supply tank also includes: A resistant sheet is made of UVC resistant material, and is disposed in the recessed portion and completely covers the light leakage area.

22. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The portion of the inner wall of the sterilization container irradiated by the sterilization component is made of UVC resistant material.

23. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: The sterilization container comprises: a second shell and an inner cylinder, wherein the second shell is wrapped outside the inner cylinder; and the material of the inner cylinder is UVC resistant material.

24. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein: The outflow portion is located outside the ultraviolet irradiation range of the sterilization component.

25. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein: The water supply box comprises a box body and a cover body, wherein the cover body is disposed on the box body, and the cover body comprises a third connecting portion; The sterilization container is located in the box body, and the outflow portion is communicated with the third connecting portion.

26. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein: The sterilization container comprises: a cavity portion, which accommodates the sterilization component, wherein the cavity portion is divided into an inflow waterway and an outflow waterway by the sterilization component, wherein the inflow waterway is connected to the inflow portion, and the outflow waterway is connected to the outflow portion; A water flow channel is arranged on the wall of the sterilization container, the inlet end of the water flow channel is communicated with the inflow waterway, and the outlet end of the water flow channel is communicated with the outflow waterway.

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