Refrigeration appliance, control method and control device

By introducing heating and control devices into the wine cabinet and adjusting the working status of the heating and cooling components, the problem of excessive humidity in the wine cabinet under low ambient temperature or high set temperature is solved, achieving effective humidity control and protecting the quality of the wine.

CN119687633BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-16HEFEI HUALING CO LTD +2
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510073887.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-16
Publication Date
2025-12-16
Estimated Expiration
2045-01-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wine cabinets, when operating at low ambient temperatures or high set temperatures, have short evaporator cooling times, which cannot effectively reduce humidity to a suitable range, causing wine bottle labels to rot or corks to mold.

Method used

A heating device is introduced into the wine cabinet to work with the evaporator. The working status of the heating device and the refrigeration components is adjusted by a control device to extend the refrigeration time and reduce humidity.

Benefits of technology

It extends the cooling time, effectively reduces humidity, prevents excessive humidity inside the wine cabinet, and protects the quality of the wine.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119687633B_ABST
    Figure CN119687633B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigeration equipment, a control method, a control device and a computer readable storage medium, relates to the technical field of humidity control, and the refrigeration equipment comprises a cabinet body, a refrigeration assembly, a fan, a heating device and a control device, the cabinet body is provided with a storage chamber, a heat exchange cavity and an air duct cavity, an air outlet is communicated with the air duct cavity, an air return is communicated with the heat exchange cavity, and the storage chamber, the heat exchange cavity and the air duct cavity form a refrigeration path; an evaporator is located in the heat exchange cavity; the heating device is arranged in the refrigeration path; when the refrigeration equipment is in a dehumidification mode, the control device controls the refrigeration assembly and the heating device to start. The refrigeration assembly condenses water vapor in the storage chamber into water, so that the relative humidity in the storage chamber is reduced. The heating device makes the temperature of air flow passing through the refrigeration assembly and not entering the storage chamber rise, slows down the time for the temperature of the storage chamber to reach the lower limit value of the set range, and thus prolongs the refrigeration time and improves the humidity reduction effect.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of humidity control technology, and in particular to refrigeration equipment, control methods, control devices, and computer-readable storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Red wine storage generally requires a suitable humidity range for optimal results. Excessive humidity in a wine cabinet can damage bottle labels or cause mold on the cork. Tests have shown that at lower ambient temperatures or when the wine cabinet's set temperature is higher, the humidity exceeds the optimal range for red wine storage. Most wine cabinets currently use an evaporator to condense water vapor, reducing the relative humidity. However, in the aforementioned environments, the evaporator's cooling time is too short to reach the set temperature and effectively lower the humidity to a suitable level. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a refrigeration device that can extend the refrigeration time and ensure that the temperature of the refrigeration device is within a set range.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a control method, control device, and computer-readable storage medium for use in the aforementioned refrigeration equipment.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration device includes a cabinet, a refrigeration assembly, a fan, a heating device, and a control device. The cabinet has a storage compartment, a heat exchange chamber, and an air duct chamber. The heat exchange chamber is connected to the air duct chamber. The storage compartment has an air outlet and an air return outlet. The air outlet is connected to the air duct chamber, and the air return outlet is connected to the heat exchange chamber. The storage compartment, the heat exchange chamber, and the air duct chamber form a refrigeration path. The refrigeration assembly provides a refrigeration environment for the storage compartment and includes an evaporator located within the heat exchange chamber. The fan is located in the refrigeration path and is used to circulate air along the refrigeration path. The heating device is located in the refrigeration path. When the refrigeration device is in dehumidification mode, the control device controls the refrigeration assembly and the heating device to start.

[0006] The refrigeration device according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: By adding a heating device, when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the storage room is too high, the refrigeration component and the heating device start working. The refrigeration component condenses water vapor in the storage room into water, thereby reducing the relative humidity in the storage room. The heating device raises the temperature of the airflow passing through the refrigeration component but not entering the storage room, slowing down the time it takes for the temperature in the storage room to reach the lower limit of the set range, thereby extending the refrigeration time and improving the humidity reduction effect.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device is located in the air duct cavity or the heat exchange cavity.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device is located between the evaporator and the air outlet, and the fan is located between the evaporator and the heating device.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the return air vent is located on the rear wall of the storage compartment, the heat exchange chamber is located on the rear side of the storage compartment, the air outlet is located on the top wall of the storage compartment, and the heating device is located in the air duct cavity and on the upper side of the storage compartment.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control device is configured to control the heating power of the heating device to be 25 watts to 35 watts when the refrigeration equipment is in dehumidification mode.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for a refrigeration device includes a cabinet, a refrigeration assembly, a fan, and a heating device. The cabinet has a storage compartment, a heat exchange chamber, and an air duct chamber. The heat exchange chamber is connected to the air duct chamber. The storage compartment has an air outlet and a return air outlet. The air outlet is connected to the air duct chamber, and the return air outlet is connected to the heat exchange chamber. The storage compartment, the heat exchange chamber, and the air duct chamber form a refrigeration path. The refrigeration assembly provides a refrigeration environment for the storage compartment and includes an evaporator located within the heat exchange chamber. The fan is located in the refrigeration path and is used to circulate air within the refrigeration path. The heating device is located in the refrigeration path. The control method includes:

[0012] Detect the current humidity of the storage room;

[0013] Detect the current temperature of the storage compartment;

[0014] The refrigeration component and the heating device are controlled to open and close based on the current humidity and the current temperature.

[0015] The step of controlling the opening and closing of the refrigeration component and the heating device based on the current humidity and the current temperature includes controlling the refrigeration component and the heating device to start when the current humidity is greater than a preset humidity value and the current temperature is greater than a preset temperature value.

[0016] The control method according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the storage room is too high, the cooling component and the heating device start working. The cooling component condenses water vapor in the storage room into water, thereby reducing the relative humidity in the storage room. The heating device raises the temperature of the airflow passing through the cooling component but not entering the storage room, slowing down the time it takes for the temperature in the storage room to reach the lower limit of the set range, thereby extending the cooling time and improving the humidity reduction effect.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling the opening and closing of the cooling component and the heating device based on the current humidity and the current temperature further includes:

[0018] If the current temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the cooling component is controlled to shut down.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the start-up of the refrigeration component and the heating device includes:

[0020] After the heating device is started and runs for a preset time, the cooling component is started.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a control method for a refrigeration device includes a cabinet, a refrigeration assembly, a fan, and a heating device. The cabinet has a storage compartment, a heat exchange chamber, and an air duct chamber. The heat exchange chamber is connected to the air duct chamber. The storage compartment has an air outlet and a return air outlet. The air outlet is connected to the air duct chamber, and the return air outlet is connected to the heat exchange chamber. The storage compartment, the heat exchange chamber, and the air duct chamber form a refrigeration path. The refrigeration assembly provides a refrigeration environment for the storage compartment and includes an evaporator located within the heat exchange chamber. The fan is disposed in the refrigeration path and is used to circulate air within the refrigeration path. The heating device is disposed in the refrigeration path. The control method includes:

[0022] Detect the current humidity of the storage room;

[0023] If the current humidity is greater than the preset humidity value and the refrigeration component is in the on state, control the heating device to start.

[0024] The control method according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the storage room is too high, the refrigeration equipment is in the refrigeration stage, that is, the refrigeration component works, and the refrigeration component condenses the water vapor in the storage room into water, thereby reducing the relative humidity in the storage room. The heating device causes the airflow temperature to rise after passing through the refrigeration component but before entering the storage room, slowing down the time it takes for the temperature in the storage room to reach the lower limit of the set range, thereby extending the refrigeration time and improving the humidity reduction effect.

[0025] A control device for a refrigeration apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the control method for the refrigeration apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0026] The control device for the refrigeration equipment according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the storage room is too high, the refrigeration component and the heating device start working. The refrigeration component condenses water vapor in the storage room into water, thereby reducing the relative humidity in the storage room. The heating device raises the temperature of the airflow passing through the refrigeration component but not entering the storage room, slowing down the time it takes for the temperature in the storage room to reach the lower limit of the set range, thereby extending the refrigeration time and improving the humidity reduction effect.

[0027] A refrigeration apparatus according to a fifth aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a control device for a refrigeration apparatus according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The refrigeration device according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the storage room is too high, the refrigeration component and the heating device start working. The refrigeration component condenses water vapor in the storage room into water, thereby reducing the relative humidity in the storage room. The heating device raises the temperature of the airflow passing through the refrigeration component but not entering the storage room, slowing down the time it takes for the temperature in the storage room to reach the lower limit of the set range, thereby extending the refrigeration time and improving the humidity reduction effect.

[0029] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform a control method for a refrigeration device according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of the refrigeration equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top-view cross-sectional view of the refrigeration equipment;

[0034] Figure 3 A flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration device is provided as another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigeration device provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] 101. Cabinet; 102. Fan; 103. Storage compartment; 104. Heat exchange chamber; 105. Air duct chamber; 106. Evaporator; 107. Air outlet; 108. Air return outlet; 109. Heating device; 110. Humidification component; 111. Top wall; 112. Rear wall. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0044] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0045] In related technologies, refrigeration equipment includes refrigeration components, which are the core of the refrigeration system. These components are responsible for transferring heat from low-temperature regions to high-temperature regions, thereby achieving a cooling effect. Refrigeration components typically include components such as compressors, condensers, throttling devices, and evaporators. The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system, responsible for compressing low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature, high-pressure gas. During this process, both the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increase significantly. In the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas cools down through heat dissipation, transforming into a high-pressure liquid. This process is usually accompanied by the release of heat into the external environment. The throttling device reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, allowing it to absorb more heat when entering the evaporator. Common throttling devices include capillary tubes and electronic expansion valves. In the evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid absorbs heat from the surrounding environment and evaporates into gas, thus achieving a cooling effect.

[0046] When storing wine in refrigeration equipment, it's generally necessary to maintain the temperature within a set range. Temperatures that are too high or too low will accelerate the aging process, affecting the wine's quality and taste. For example, wine typically needs to be stored in a constant temperature, humidity, dark, and quiet environment between 15°C and 20°C. If the storage temperature is too high, the wine may age faster, losing some of its fruitiness or other aromas. When the temperature reaches 28°C, the cork may break, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle through gaps in the neck, affecting the wine's quality. At low temperatures (below 5°C), tartaric acid will slowly precipitate in the wine, and tannin particles will also settle more quickly, affecting the wine's taste and color. If the storage temperature is too low, the wine may freeze, increasing its volume and increasing the risk of the cork being dislodged or the bottle breaking.

[0047] During the refrigeration process, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, causing a decrease in humidity. Therefore, the duration of refrigeration directly affects humidity changes. Higher refrigeration power results in faster cooling, but also leads to more condensation and a faster drop in humidity. Choosing the appropriate refrigeration power to effectively lower the temperature while preventing excessively low humidity is crucial for ensuring the quality of stored red wine.

[0048] In high-temperature environments, the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the refrigeration equipment is significant, requiring the refrigeration components to operate more frequently to maintain the set low temperature. This process results in a longer cooling time, causing more moisture to condense into water droplets, leading to a decrease in humidity.

[0049] However, when the ambient temperature of the refrigeration equipment is low, the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the refrigeration equipment is small. In order to prevent the temperature inside the refrigeration equipment from exceeding the set range, the working time of the refrigeration components needs to be shortened. This results in less water condensation into water droplets, which is insufficient to reduce the humidity to a suitable level.

[0050] Furthermore, when the set temperature of the refrigeration equipment is high, the refrigeration components only need to be turned on for a shorter time to reach the set temperature range, which will also result in less water condensation and higher humidity inside the refrigeration equipment, exceeding the optimal humidity for wine storage.

[0051] The following reference Figures 1 to 7 This explains how the refrigeration equipment and control method of the present invention solve the dehumidification problem in the two environments mentioned above.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration equipment in this embodiment of the invention includes a cabinet 101, a refrigeration component, and a fan 102. The cabinet 101 has a storage compartment 103, a heat exchange chamber 104, and an air duct chamber 105. The storage compartment 103 is used to store items. The refrigeration component provides a cooling environment for the storage compartment 103. The refrigeration component includes an evaporator 106 and a compressor. The evaporator 106 is disposed in the heat exchange chamber 104. The fan 102 and the refrigeration component cooperate to generate a cooling airflow and cause the cooling airflow to be sent to the storage compartment 103 through the air duct chamber 105. The heat exchange chamber 104 is connected to the ventilation duct chamber 105. The storage room 103 is provided with an air outlet 107 and a return air outlet 108. The air outlet 107 is connected to the ventilation duct chamber 105, and the return air outlet 108 is connected to the heat exchange chamber 104. The storage room 103, the heat exchange chamber 104, and the ventilation duct chamber 105 form a cooling path. The fan 102 is located in the cooling path and is used to promote airflow along the cooling path for air circulation.

[0053] During the refrigeration process, the evaporator 106 generates cooling energy, and the fan 102 rotates to produce airflow. The direction of airflow can be referenced. Figure 1As indicated by the dotted arrow, the airflow carries the cooling capacity of the evaporator 106 into the storage chamber 103 through the air duct cavity 105. The airflow in the storage chamber 103 then circulates back into the heat exchange chamber 104, exchanging heat with the evaporator 106. After exchanging heat with the evaporator 106, the airflow's temperature decreases, and it is then sent back into the storage chamber 103 by the fan 102. This cycle repeats, achieving the effect of air-cooled refrigeration. Specifically, a refrigeration path is formed along the direction of airflow between the storage chamber 103, the heat exchange chamber 104, and the air duct cavity 105. The fan 102 is located in this refrigeration path and is generally installed in the heat exchange chamber 104 or the air duct cavity 105.

[0054] Understandably, during the operation of the refrigeration components, the high-humidity air in the storage chamber 103 enters the heat exchange chamber 104 through the return air vent 108 under the action of the circulating airflow. When passing through the evaporator 106, some of the moisture will condense into water, that is, the humidity in the circulating airflow will decrease. Then the airflow with reduced humidity enters the storage chamber 103 again, and so on, to achieve the purpose of reducing the relative humidity in the storage chamber 103.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that the refrigeration equipment in this embodiment of the invention also includes a heating device 109. The heating device 109 is disposed in the refrigeration path, so that during the refrigeration process, the airflow generated by the fan 102 can pass through the heating device 109, thereby mixing the heat generated by the operation of the heating device 109 with the cold energy generated by the operation of the refrigeration component, and thus exchanging heat. This slows down the rate at which the temperature in the storage room 103 decreases, thereby making the operation of the refrigeration component have a smaller impact on the temperature of the storage room 103, and thus making the rate at which the temperature of the storage room 103 decreases slower. Ultimately, this can extend the working time of the refrigeration component and improve the effect of reducing humidity.

[0056] It is understood that the refrigeration equipment in this embodiment of the invention also includes a control device. The control device is communicatively connected to the refrigeration component and the heating device 109. Exemplarily, the control device can be connected to the compressor via wired or wireless means, and the control device can be connected to the heating device 109 via wired or wireless means. Wired communication can be via a wire connection, while wireless communication can be via Bluetooth, a local area network (LAN), or the internet. When the humidity in the storage compartment 103 is high, the refrigeration equipment enters dehumidification mode. The control device controls the refrigeration component and the heating device 109 to start. The refrigeration component and the heating device 109 work together to reduce the temperature impact of the cooling airflow on the items in the storage compartment 103, extend the working time of the refrigeration component, and thus extend the dehumidification time and improve the dehumidification effect. In particular, this allows the refrigeration equipment to maintain a longer cooling process even in high-temperature environments or when the set temperature of the storage compartment 103 is high, effectively reducing the humidity in the storage compartment 103.

[0057] It is understood that the refrigeration equipment in the embodiments of the present invention may specifically be a refrigerator, wine cabinet, or other products.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the heating device 109 is located in the air duct cavity 105, causing the high-humidity air entering the heat exchange cavity 104 from the storage chamber 103 to first pass through the evaporator 106, where it condenses into low-temperature, low-humidity air. Then, it passes through the heating device 109 again, becoming medium-temperature, medium-humidity air, before finally entering the storage chamber 103. Specifically, the high-humidity air contains a large amount of water vapor. When the high-humidity air flows through the evaporator 106, the water vapor in the air exchanges heat with the surface of the evaporator 106. Because the surface temperature of the evaporator 106 is low, the water vapor releases latent heat and condenses into liquid water. This liquid water flows along the drainage system and is eventually discharged into the drip tray. With the condensation of water vapor, the humidity in the air is significantly reduced, thus achieving a dehumidification effect. Because the evaporation process requires the absorption of heat, the surface temperature of the evaporator 106 decreases, which in turn lowers the temperature of the air flowing through the evaporator 106. The air then passes through the heating device 109, where it exchanges heat with the device, raising its temperature. Finally, the air temperature is essentially the same as the air temperature inside the storage chamber 103. In other words, after the air flows through the evaporator 106 and the heating device 109 into the storage chamber 103, the inlet and outlet temperatures can be controlled to be relatively consistent, with only a noticeable change in humidity. The temperature fluctuation inside the storage chamber 103 is small, minimizing its impact on the quality of the goods.

[0059] It should be noted that the heating device 109 can also be located in the heat exchange chamber 104. Whether the heating device 109 is located in the heat exchange chamber 104 or in the air duct chamber 105, it is located on the side away from the storage chamber 103, which avoids the heat generated by the heating device 109 being directly transferred to the items in the storage chamber 103, thereby reducing temperature fluctuations of the items and minimizing the impact on the quality of the items.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that the heating device 109 is located between the evaporator 106 and the air outlet 107, and the fan 102 is located between the evaporator 106 and the heating device 109. The heating device 109 is positioned far from the evaporator 106 to reduce the impact of its heat on the condensation process, allowing for dehumidification and cooling before heating, thus ensuring smooth dehumidification. The fan 102 is located on the side of the evaporator 106 away from the return air outlet 108, drawing air through the evaporator 106 to ensure more even airflow and uniform heat exchange, thereby improving humidity reduction.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that the heat exchange chamber 104 is located on the rear side of the storage room 103, and the return air vent 108 is located on the rear wall 112 of the storage room 103. The heat exchange chamber 104 is relatively close to the return air vent 108, thereby shortening the return air distance. The air outlet 107 is located on the top wall 111 of the storage room 103, and the air outlet 107 is connected to the ventilation duct cavity 105, that is, at least part of the ventilation duct cavity 105 is located on the upper side of the storage room 103. The distance between the air outlet 107 and the return air vent 108 is relatively far. Furthermore, the evaporator 106 is located in the heat exchange chamber 104, and the heating device 109 is located in the air duct chamber 105. The heating device 109 is located on the upper side of the storage chamber 103. The evaporator 106 and the heating device 109 are respectively located in different areas of the storage chamber 103. The inner walls of the air duct chamber 105 and the heat exchange chamber 104 can block the heat radiation of the heating device 109. Moreover, the distance between the two is relatively far, which helps the high humidity gas to undergo a sufficient condensation and cooling process before being heated to a temperature close to that of the storage chamber 103, thus avoiding interference caused by the close proximity of the evaporator 106 and the heating device 109.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it can be understood that there are multiple air outlets 107, and the multiple air outlets 107 are arranged at intervals along the depth direction of the refrigeration equipment. It can also be understood that the air outlets 107 are divided into multiple groups, and each group of air outlets 107 is arranged at intervals along the front and rear direction of the refrigeration equipment, which can help improve the uniformity of airflow.

[0063] In related technologies, the back-venting method is prone to uneven temperature. When a large amount of food is stored, the food near the vent may be over-frozen, while the food further away from the vent and closer to the front of the compartment may be too hot, which may result in poor preservation.

[0064] In this embodiment, multiple air outlets 107 are located above the storage room 103, which can form an airflow from top to bottom into the storage room 103. This helps to reduce the difference in the cold air flow distance of each air outlet 107, thereby making the cooling amplitude of each location approximately the same.

[0065] Understandably, in related technologies, the cooling temperature of wine cabinets is not very low. The optimal storage temperature for red wine is generally between 12℃ and 18℃, while the suitable storage temperature for white wine is typically 8℃ to 10℃. Sparkling wines, such as champagne, are generally stored at a temperature between 6℃ and 10℃. Therefore, the frost buildup on the evaporator 106 of the wine cabinet is not severe, and natural defrosting is generally used. This method utilizes changes in ambient temperature and the natural temperature inside the wine cabinet to remove the frost layer. The advantage of natural defrosting is that it requires no additional energy consumption and has lower maintenance costs, but the disadvantage is that the defrosting process can be lengthy.

[0066] It is understood that when the refrigeration equipment in this embodiment of the invention is in dehumidification mode, the heating power of the heating device 109 is 25 watts to 35 watts. The heating power of the heating device 109 is relatively small, which avoids the heating device 109 from having a significant impact on the temperature of the storage room 103. Furthermore, the heating device 109 is turned on in dehumidification mode, that is, the heating device 109 and the refrigeration components work together to reduce the impact on the temperature of the storage room 103.

[0067] In related technologies, refrigerators and other products are equipped with defrosting heating wires to accelerate the defrosting process. These wires are typically installed on or near the evaporator 106. When frost accumulates to a certain level, the defrosting heating wire activates and heats up, rapidly melting the frost. Once defrosting conditions are met, the intelligent control system stops the refrigerator's cooling function by shutting off the refrigeration cycle, preventing further cooling of the evaporator 106. The heat generated by the defrosting heating wire is transferred to the surface of the evaporator 106, gradually melting the frost. During the defrosting process, the temperature of the defrosting heating wire is usually controlled within a suitable range to ensure effective defrosting without damaging the evaporator 106; for example, a typical defrosting heating wire has a power rating of 110 watts. Understandably, if a wine cabinet uses a defrosting heating wire, it may cause localized temperature increases within the cabinet, affecting the taste and quality of the wine.

[0068] As can be seen, the starting time and working power of the heating device 109 in this embodiment of the invention are different from the heating wire of existing refrigeration equipment, so as to reduce humidity without causing significant temperature fluctuations in the storage room 103.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that the refrigeration equipment in this embodiment of the invention also includes a humidification component 110, which is disposed within the storage chamber 103. The humidification component 110 includes a water storage container, which can store liquid. The humidification component 110 can increase the humidity of the storage chamber 103 by the natural evaporation of the liquid. The humidification component 110 also includes a humidifying fan, the air outlet 107 of which faces the water storage container. When the humidifying fan is activated, it generates a conveying airflow, which passes through the water storage container to remove the moisture in the container, thereby forming high-humidity air. This high-humidity air then enters the target space and mixes with the air in the storage chamber 103, increasing the humidity of the storage chamber 103.

[0070] This invention provides a control method for a refrigeration device, applied to a control device installed within the refrigeration device as described in the above embodiments. The functions and connections of the control device have been detailed in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the control method of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, steps S301, S302, and S303.

[0071] Step S301: Detect the current humidity of the storage room.

[0072] In one embodiment, a humidity sensor is installed on the cabinet to detect the humidity of the storage room; that is, the current humidity of the storage room is detected by the humidity sensor.

[0073] In another embodiment, the humidity sensor may also be located on the humidification assembly.

[0074] Step S302: Detect the current temperature of the storage room.

[0075] In one embodiment, a temperature sensor is installed on the cabinet to detect the temperature of the storage room, that is, the current temperature of the storage room is obtained by the temperature sensor.

[0076] Step S303: Control the opening and closing of the cooling component and heating device according to the current humidity and current temperature. If the current humidity is greater than the preset humidity value and the current temperature is greater than the preset temperature value, control the cooling component and heating device to start.

[0077] In one embodiment, the preset humidity value and preset temperature value are input by the user.

[0078] In another embodiment, the preset humidity and preset temperature values ​​are retrieved from a program stored in the refrigeration equipment, and the dehumidification mode needs to be activated to dehumidify the storage room and reduce humidity.

[0079] If the current humidity is higher than the preset humidity value, it indicates that the humidity in the storage room is too high and exceeds the optimal humidity maintenance range. If the current temperature is higher than the preset temperature value, it indicates that the temperature in the storage room has room to decrease, and even after the cooling components are turned on for a short time, it will not fall below the normal storage temperature required for the items.

[0080] It should be noted that the preset temperature value can be the upper limit of the required storage temperature range for the item, or it can be greater than or slightly less than the upper limit of the required storage temperature range for the item. For example, if the required storage temperature range for the item is 10°C to 14°C, the preset temperature value can be 14°C, 14.5°C, or 13.8°C.

[0081] The control of the refrigeration component and the heating device can be implemented in several ways: the refrigeration component and the heating device can be started simultaneously, the heating device can be started first and allowed to work for a period of time before the refrigeration component is turned on, or the refrigeration component can be turned on first and then the heating device can be started.

[0082] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a control method for a refrigeration device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the detailed process of step S303 is shown. The control method of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, step S401.

[0083] Step S401: If the current temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, control the cooling component to shut down.

[0084] Understandably, the cooling components need to remain on during dehumidification. However, if the temperature sensor detects that the temperature in front of the storage compartment is lower than the preset temperature, continuing to turn on the cooling components would cause the temperature in the storage compartment to drop further, affecting temperature control. Therefore, the cooling components are turned off here, prioritizing temperature control when there is a conflict between humidity control and temperature control.

[0085] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a control method for a refrigeration device, such as... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the detailed process of step S303 in the present invention. The control method of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, step S501.

[0086] Step S501: After the heating device is started and runs for a preset time, the cooling component is started.

[0087] Understandably, after the heating device starts and runs for a preset time, the temperature inside the storage space can rise slightly. Once the cooling components activate, this won't cause a significant drop in temperature, especially important for wine. If the storage temperature is too low, the wine may freeze, increasing its volume and potentially causing the cork to pop out or the bottle to break. Furthermore, the slightly elevated temperature inside the storage space helps the water vapor in the air entering the heat exchange chamber condense more effectively. Temperature difference is the driving force behind the condensation of water vapor in the air. When there is a temperature difference between hot and cold air, the water vapor in the hot air may reach saturation upon encountering the cold air or a cold object, thus condensing into condensate. The greater the temperature difference, the easier it is for the water vapor in the hot air to reach saturation and condense upon encountering the cold air.

[0088] This invention provides another control method for a refrigeration device, referring to... Figure 6 As shown, the control method of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, steps S601 and S602.

[0089] Step S601: Detect the current humidity of the storage room.

[0090] In one embodiment, a humidity sensor is installed on the cabinet to detect the humidity of the storage room; that is, the current humidity of the storage room is detected by the humidity sensor.

[0091] In another embodiment, the humidity sensor may also be located on the humidification assembly.

[0092] Step S602: If the current humidity is greater than the preset humidity value and the refrigeration component is in the on state, control the heating device to start.

[0093] If the current humidity is higher than the preset humidity value, it indicates that the humidity in the storage room is too high, exceeding the optimal humidity maintenance range, and needs to be reduced. The cooling components are on, indicating that the cooling equipment is operating in cooling mode. The cooling components will remain on, and the heating device will also be activated. The evaporator cools the air, causing water vapor in the air to condense into water droplets, thus achieving a dual effect of cooling and dehumidification. During this process, the temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the storage room in real time. When the stop point (the minimum value of the set temperature range) is reached, the cooling components will be shut off to prioritize temperature control.

[0094] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a control method for a refrigeration device, such as... Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a complete embodiment of the control method for refrigeration equipment, in which the default heating device and refrigeration components are initially in a closed state. The following is a description of the specific steps.

[0095] The system detects the current humidity (X) in the storage room and compares it with a preset humidity value (Y) to determine the humidity level and range. It then controls the operating mode of the cooling equipment accordingly. If the current humidity (X) is greater than or equal to the preset humidity value (Y), it indicates that the humidity in the storage space is too high, and the cooling equipment is switched to dehumidification mode.

[0096] The system detects the current temperature T of the storage compartment and compares it with the preset temperature value W to determine the temperature situation and confirm the current temperature range. It then controls the operating mode of the refrigeration equipment accordingly. If the current temperature T ≥ the preset temperature value W, it indicates that the compressor has not reached its shutdown point, and the evaporator can continue cooling. The system then activates the heating device and runs it for a preset time, causing the temperature in the storage compartment to rise slightly. Finally, the system activates the refrigeration components to perform cooling and dehumidification.

[0097] During dehumidification, temperature and humidity changes are monitored in real time. If the current humidity X is less than the preset humidity value Y, it indicates that the humidity is within the target range or is in a low humidity range, at which point the heating device can be turned off. If the current temperature T is less than the preset temperature value W, it indicates that the compressor has reached the shutdown point, and the refrigeration components are shut down to prevent the temperature drop from adversely affecting the items in the storage room.

[0098] This invention also provides a control device for a refrigeration device. The control device is built into the refrigeration device and includes one or more control processors and a memory, taking one control processor and one memory as an example.

[0099] The control processor and memory can be connected via a bus or other means, taking a bus connection as an example.

[0100] Memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the control processor, and these remote memories can be connected to the controller via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that the control device structure illustrated above does not constitute a limitation on the control device, and may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0102] The non-transient software program and instructions required to implement the control method applied to the control device in the above embodiments are stored in memory. When executed by the controlled processor, the control method applied to the control device in the above embodiments is executed, for example, the method described above is executed. Figure 3 Method steps S301 to S303, Figure 4 Method steps S401 Figure 5 Method steps S501 Figure 6 The method steps S601 to S602.

[0103] A refrigeration device provided in one embodiment of the present invention includes the control device described in the above embodiment.

[0104] Since the refrigeration device in this embodiment has the control device as in any of the above embodiments, the refrigeration device in this embodiment has the hardware structure of the control device in the above embodiments, and the control processor in the control device can call the control program of the refrigeration device stored in the memory to realize the control of the control device. The specific implementation of the refrigeration device in this embodiment can refer to the above embodiments. To avoid redundancy, it will not be described again here.

[0105] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0106] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that are executed by one or more control processors. For example, execution by one control processor causes the one or more control processors to perform the control method described in the above method embodiment, for example, to perform the above-described control method. Figure 3 Method steps S301 to S303, Figure 4 Method steps S401 Figure 5 Method steps S501 Figure 6 The method steps S601 to S602.

[0107] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for refrigeration equipment, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a cabinet, a refrigeration component, a fan, and a heating device. The cabinet has a storage compartment, a heat exchange chamber, and an air duct chamber. The heat exchange chamber is connected to the air duct chamber. The storage compartment has an air outlet and a return air outlet. The air outlet is connected to the air duct chamber, and the return air outlet is connected to the heat exchange chamber. The storage compartment, the heat exchange chamber, and the air duct chamber form a refrigeration path. The refrigeration component provides a refrigeration environment for the storage compartment and includes an evaporator located within the heat exchange chamber. The fan is located within the refrigeration path and circulates air within it. The heating device is located within the refrigeration path. The control method includes: Detect the current humidity of the storage room; Detect the current temperature of the storage compartment; The refrigeration component and the heating device are controlled to open and close based on the current humidity and the current temperature. The step of controlling the opening and closing of the cooling component and the heating device based on the current humidity and the current temperature includes: if the current humidity is greater than a preset humidity value and the current temperature is greater than a preset temperature value, controlling the cooling component and the heating device to start; the step of controlling the cooling component and the heating device to start includes: controlling the heating device to start and run for a preset time, and then controlling the cooling component to start.

2. The control method for the refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of controlling the opening and closing of the refrigeration component and the heating device based on the current humidity and the current temperature further includes: If the current temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the cooling component is controlled to shut down.

3. A control device for refrigeration equipment, including: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the control method as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, Includes the control device as described in claim 3.

5. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating device is located in the air duct cavity or the heat exchange cavity.

6. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating device is located between the evaporator and the air outlet, and the fan is located between the evaporator and the heating device.

7. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The return air vent is located on the rear wall of the storage compartment, the heat exchange chamber is located on the rear side of the storage compartment, the air outlet is located on the top wall of the storage compartment, and the heating device is located in the air duct cavity and on the upper side of the storage compartment.

8. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control device is configured to control the heating power of the heating device to be 25 watts to 35 watts when the refrigeration equipment is in dehumidification mode.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the control method as described in claim 1 or 2.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Refrigerator dry storage control method and device and refrigerator

    CN115111874A

  • Condensation dehumidification device special for control cabinet

    CN215989695U