Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

According to the refrigerator and the control method thereof, the temperature of the bottom of a refrigerating chamber is obtained in real time through a supercooling temperature sensor arranged at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, and when the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerating chamber is larger than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold value, a circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operation speed; and when the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold value, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operation speed, and the low operation speed is lower than the high operation speed. According to the refrigerator and the control method thereof, the circulating fan and the supercooling temperature sensor are arranged in the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, the rotating speed of the circulating fan is adjusted according to the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, and low energy consumption and food material preservation of the refrigerator are both considered.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As people's living standards improve, refrigerators have become household appliances that can be seen everywhere in daily life. In existing refrigerators, the coldness of the freezer compartment will penetrate into the refrigerator compartment through the poorly sealed refrigeration air duct or through the middle beam foam layer, which can easily cause the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment to be too low, thereby causing the food at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment to be frozen. In order to prevent the food from being frozen, the existing technology usually sets a fan in the refrigerator compartment, and controls the fan to run at a fixed speed for a long time when the refrigerator is not refrigerating, so as to avoid the accumulation of cold at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. However, if the fixed speed is too high, the refrigerator will consume too much energy, and if the fixed speed is too low, the food will be easily frozen. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which can adjust the speed of the circulating fan according to the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment by arranging a circulating fan and a supercooling temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment, thereby taking into account both low energy consumption of the refrigerator and preservation of food.

[0004] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] A cold room for storing items;

[0006] A circulating air duct assembly is arranged in the refrigerated room, comprising a circulating air duct and a circulating fan, and is used to circulate the gas in the refrigerated room;

[0007] A supercooling temperature sensor is provided at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber and is used to monitor the bottom temperature;

[0008] Controller for:

[0009] When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed so that the cold energy at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber circulates in the refrigerating chamber through the circulation air duct;

[0010] When the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

[0011] As an improvement of the above solution, when the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset low operating speed includes:

[0012] When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled not to operate;

[0013] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

[0014] As an improvement of the above solution, when the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed includes:

[0015] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed;

[0016] When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

[0017] As an improvement of the above solution, the refrigerator further includes a compartment temperature sensor, a refrigeration air duct and a refrigeration air door;

[0018] The compartment temperature sensor is disposed in the refrigerated compartment and above the supercooling temperature sensor, and is used to monitor the compartment temperature;

[0019] The refrigeration air duct is provided with an air duct inlet and an air duct outlet, the air duct inlet is used to deliver the cold energy generated by the evaporator of the refrigerator into the refrigeration air duct, and the air duct outlet is used to deliver the cold energy into the refrigeration chamber through the corresponding refrigeration chamber air inlet;

[0020] The circulating air duct is provided with a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet; the circulating air inlet is close to the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, and the circulating air outlet is arranged near the air inlet of the air duct and communicates with the refrigerating air duct;

[0021] The controller is also used for:

[0022] When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the openings of the circulation air outlet and the air duct inlet are adjusted according to the difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature of the refrigeration compartment; wherein the difference is negatively correlated with the opening of the circulation air outlet, and the difference is positively correlated with the opening of the air duct outlet.

[0023] As an improvement of the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0024] When the compartment temperature is greater than the preset refrigeration start-up temperature, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the refrigeration mode, and when the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the air duct inlet is controlled to be fully opened and the circulation air outlet is controlled to be closed; wherein, the refrigeration start-up temperature is greater than the refrigeration set temperature.

[0025] As an improvement of the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0026] When the compartment temperature is lower than a preset refrigeration stop temperature, the air duct air inlet is controlled to be closed so that the refrigerator exits the refrigeration mode; wherein the refrigeration stop temperature is lower than the refrigeration setting temperature.

[0027] As an improvement of the above scheme, the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration air door; the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet have a common axis, the refrigeration air door is pivotally connected to the common axis, and the refrigeration air door is used to control the opening of the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet.

[0028] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a refrigerator control method, comprising:

[0029] When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed, so that the coldness at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the circulating air duct; wherein the supercooling temperature sensor is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, and the circulating fan and the circulating air duct are arranged in the refrigerator compartment;

[0030] When the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

[0031] As an improvement of the above solution, when the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset low operating speed includes:

[0032] When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled not to operate;

[0033] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

[0034] As an improvement of the above solution, when the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed further includes:

[0035] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed;

[0036] When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator and control method thereof described in the embodiment of the present invention obtain the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment in real time by using the supercooling temperature sensor arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is greater than or equal to the preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed, so that the cold at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the circulating air duct. When the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed, wherein the low operating speed is less than the high operating speed. The refrigerator and control method thereof disclosed in the present invention can adjust the speed of the circulating fan according to the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment by arranging the circulating fan and the supercooling temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment, thereby taking into account the low energy consumption of the refrigerator and the preservation of food. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator door provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the flow direction of the refrigerant during refrigeration provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of air flow during cooling provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerating chamber provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of cooling flow provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8is a schematic diagram of cooling flow provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig. 9 is a first working flow diagram of a controller provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Fig.10 is a second working flow diagram of the controller provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Fig.11 is a third working flow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.12 The present invention provides a flowchart of a refrigerator control method.

[0050] Among them, 100, box body, 200, door body, 210, door body shell, 220, door body liner, 230, upper end cover, 240, lower end cover; 1, compressor, 2, condenser, 3, anti-condensation tube, 4, drying filter, 5, pressure reducer, 6, evaporator, 7, gas-liquid separator, 11, cold storage room, 12, freezer, 13, air duct, 20, fan, 31, circulating air duct, 32, circulating fan, 33, supercooling temperature sensor, 34, compartment temperature sensor, 35, refrigeration air duct, 36, air duct air inlet, 37, air duct air outlet, 38, circulating air inlet, 39, circulating air outlet, 40, refrigeration damper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0052] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0054] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator of this embodiment is approximately in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The refrigerator includes a box body 100 defining a storage space and a plurality of door bodies 200 disposed at the opening of the box body 100. Figure 2 As shown, the door body 200 includes a door body outer shell 210 located on the outside of the box body 100, a door body liner 220 located on the inside of the box body 100, an upper end cover 230, a lower end cover 240, and an insulation layer located between the door body outer shell 210, the door body liner 220, the upper end cover 230, and the lower end cover 240; usually, the insulation layer is filled with foam. The box body 100 is provided with a chamber, wherein the chamber includes a component storage chamber for placing components in the refrigerator, such as a compressor, etc., and also includes a storage space for storing food, medicine, etc. Among them, the refrigerator in the embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigeration system, see Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the refrigeration system structure shown in the figure, the refrigeration system is arranged in the component storage cavity, and is used to provide power for the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator, including a compressor, an evaporator, a pressure reducer and a condenser; the storage space can be divided into multiple storage rooms, and the storage rooms can be configured as refrigerators, freezers, and temperature-changing rooms (also called fresh-keeping rooms) according to different uses. The storage rooms of the embodiment of the present invention include at least one refrigerator, and a supercooling temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator, and the supercooling temperature sensor is used to monitor the bottom temperature of the refrigerator. Each storage room corresponds to one or more door bodies, for example, Figure 1 The storage room at the upper part is provided with a double-opening door body. The door body can be pivotally arranged at the opening of the box body, and can also be opened in a drawer-like manner to realize drawer-like storage.

[0055] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration system in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the refrigeration system comprises a compressor 1, a condenser 2, an anti-condensation tube 3, a drying filter 4, a pressure reducer 5, an evaporator 6 and a gas-liquid separator 7. The working process of the refrigeration system comprises a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process and an evaporation process.

[0056] Among them, combined Figure 3The compression process is as follows: plug in the refrigerator power cord, and when the contacts of the thermostat are connected, compressor 1 starts working, and the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into compressor 1, compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of compressor 1, and then discharged into condenser 2; the condensation process is as follows: the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through condenser 2, the temperature continues to drop, and is gradually cooled to a saturated vapor at room temperature and high pressure, and further cooled to a saturated liquid, and the temperature no longer drops. The temperature at this time is called the condensation temperature, and the pressure of the refrigerant remains almost unchanged during the entire condensation process; the throttling process is as follows: the system after condensation The saturated liquid refrigerant is filtered through the drying filter 4 to remove moisture and impurities and then flows into the pressure reducer 5 (such as a capillary tube), through which the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized, and becomes wet steam at room temperature and low pressure; the evaporation process is as follows: the wet steam at room temperature and low pressure begins to absorb heat and vaporizes in the evaporator 6, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 6 passes through the gas-liquid separator 7 and then returns to the compressor 1 again, repeating the above process to transfer the heat in the refrigerator to the air outside the box, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration. The flow direction of the refrigerant can also be seen in Figure 4 shown.

[0057] See also Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerator further includes a fan 20, which allows air to continuously enter the fins of the evaporator 6 for heat exchange, and at the same time sends the air that has become cold after absorbing heat from the evaporator 6 to the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 through the air duct 13, so that the air in the storage chamber continuously circulates to achieve the purpose of lowering the temperature. It can be understood that the air duct 13 includes a refrigerating air duct and a freezing air duct.

[0058] See also Figure 6 , the existing refrigerator is generally also equipped with a compartment temperature sensor 34, a refrigeration air duct 35 and a refrigeration air door 40. The compartment temperature sensor 34 is used to monitor the compartment temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the compartment temperature sensor 34 is arranged in the refrigeration chamber and is located above the supercooling temperature sensor 33. The refrigeration air duct 35 is provided with an air duct inlet 36 and an air duct outlet 37. The air duct inlet 36 is used to send the cold energy generated by the evaporator 6 of the refrigerator into the refrigeration air duct 35, and the air duct outlet 37 is used to send the cold energy into the refrigeration chamber 11 through the corresponding air inlet of the refrigeration chamber 11. In a preferred embodiment, the air duct inlet 36 and the circulation air outlet 39 have a common shaft, and the refrigeration air door 40 is pivotally connected to the common shaft. The refrigeration air door 40 is used to control the opening of the air duct inlet 36 and the circulation air outlet 39.

[0059] Specifically, during the actual use of the refrigerator, the cold energy of the freezer compartment easily penetrates into the refrigerator compartment, causing the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment to be too low. Therefore, when the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is too low, it is necessary to circulate the cold energy at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment to prevent it from accumulating at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. For this purpose, a circulating air duct assembly is installed in the refrigerator compartment 11, see Figure 6 The circulating air duct assembly includes a circulating air duct 31 and a circulating fan 32. The circulating air duct 31 is provided with a circulating air inlet 38 and a circulating air outlet 39. The circulating air inlet 38 is close to the bottom of the refrigerating chamber 11, and the circulating air outlet 39 is arranged near the air duct inlet 36 and is connected to the refrigerating air duct 35.

[0060] Specifically, the refrigerator also includes a controller (not shown in the figure). In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller is used to: when the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, control the circulation fan to operate at a preset low operating speed so that the cold air at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber circulates in the refrigerating chamber through the circulating air duct; when the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, control the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

[0061] For example, see Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 is a first working flow chart of a controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S11 to S14:

[0062] S11, obtaining the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor, and then proceeding to step S12.

[0063] S12, determining whether the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, if so, proceeding to step S13, otherwise, proceeding to step S14.

[0064] S13, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset low speed so that the cold air at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber circulates in the refrigerating chamber through the circulation air duct.

[0065] S14. Control the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

[0066] It is understandable that since the cold energy generally penetrates into the cold storage room through the refrigeration air duct or the center beam bubble layer, and the air with low temperature sinks more easily than the air with high temperature, the cold energy in the cold storage room is accumulated at the bottom, so the overcooling temperature sensor is set at the bottom of the cold storage room.

[0067] Specifically, when the supercooling temperature sensor detects that the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is greater than or equal to the preset supercooling temperature threshold, it means that the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is not very low and the accumulated cold is not much. At this time, the circulating fan is controlled to run at a preset low speed, which can reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator; when the supercooling temperature sensor detects that the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is less than the preset supercooling temperature threshold, it means that the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is too low and the accumulated cold is too much. At this time, the circulating fan is controlled to run at a preset high speed, which can make the accumulated cold at the bottom flow quickly and circulate throughout the refrigerator compartment, thereby preventing the refrigerator room from being too low. Furthermore, controlling the circulating fan to run at different speeds at different bottom temperatures can also ensure uniform refrigeration temperature in the refrigerator compartment.

[0068] It is worth noting that the preset supercooling temperature threshold is set by the user according to actual needs, and is generally set to be lower than the refrigeration setting temperature. For example, when the refrigeration setting temperature is 5°C, the supercooling temperature threshold can be set to 2°C.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, a circulating fan and a supercooling temperature sensor are arranged in the refrigerator refrigerating chamber, and the speed of the circulating fan is adjusted according to the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, thereby achieving both low energy consumption of the refrigerator and preservation of food.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, when the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset low operating speed includes:

[0071] When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled not to operate;

[0072] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

[0073] For example, see Fig.10 , Fig.10 is a second working flow chart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S131 to S133:

[0074] S131, determine whether the refrigerator is in refrigeration mode, if so, proceed to step S132, otherwise, proceed to step S133.

[0075] S132: If the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, control the circulation fan to not operate.

[0076] S133. If the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, control the circulation fan to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

[0077] It is understandable that when the bottom temperature of the refrigerating chamber is greater than the supercooling temperature threshold, it means that there is no or only a small amount of cold accumulated at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber.

[0078] It is worth noting that in the prior art, when the compartment temperature of the refrigerator (referring to the measured value of the compartment temperature sensor, the same below) is monitored to be too high, the refrigerator will be controlled to enter the refrigeration mode to reduce the compartment temperature to a normal range, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerator. Therefore, when the bottom temperature of the refrigerating chamber is greater than the supercooling temperature threshold and the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, it means that the room temperature is high at this time, and there is no excess cold at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, so step S132 is executed to control the circulation motor not to run, which can reduce unnecessary energy consumption; when the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, it means that a small amount of cold is accumulated at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber at this time, so step S133 is executed to control the circulation fan to run at a first preset speed, and the first preset speed is greater than zero, so that the cold at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber can be circulated to avoid cold accumulation at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present invention, before controlling the circulation fan to run at a preset low operating speed, it is also included to determine whether the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode. When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, it means that the room temperature is high at this time, so the circulation fan is controlled not to run. When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, it means that the room temperature is low at this time, so the circulation fan is controlled to run at a first preset speed greater than zero. The embodiment of the present invention can more effectively reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator by adjusting the rotation speed of the circulation fan in combination with the working mode of the refrigerator.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, when the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed includes:

[0081] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed;

[0082] When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

[0083] For example, see Fig.11 , Fig.11is a third working flow chart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S141 to S143:

[0084] S141. Determine whether the refrigerator is in refrigeration mode. If not, proceed to step S142; otherwise, proceed to step S143.

[0085] S142. If the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, control the circulation fan to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed.

[0086] S143. If the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, control the circulation fan to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

[0087] It can be understood that, since the bottom temperature of the refrigerator compartment is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold at this time, it means that there is cold accumulation at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and the temperature of the refrigerator compartment is too low. Therefore, regardless of whether the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, the operating speed of the circulation motor (the second preset speed or the third preset speed) is greater than the first preset speed.

[0088] Specifically, when the refrigerator compartment is not in the refrigeration mode, it means that the compartment temperature is low at this time, and the temperature difference between the bottom temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the compartment temperature is small, so step S142 is executed to control the circulation fan to operate at the second preset speed, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator compared with the third preset speed; when the refrigerator compartment is in the refrigeration mode, it means that the compartment temperature is high at this time, and the temperature difference between the bottom temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the compartment temperature is large, so step S143 is executed to control the circulation fan to operate at the third preset speed, and the third preset speed is greater than the second preset speed, so that by controlling the circulation fan to run at a higher speed, the cold at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is accelerated to be delivered to other positions of the compartment, the cooling of the entire compartment is accelerated, and the normal preservation function of the refrigerator is maintained.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present invention, before controlling the circulation fan to run at a preset high operating speed, it is also included to determine whether the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode. When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, it means that the temperature difference between the bottom temperature and the compartment temperature is small at this time, and the circulation fan is controlled to run at a second preset speed. When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, it means that the temperature difference between the bottom temperature and the compartment temperature is large at this time, and the circulation fan is controlled to run at a third preset speed, wherein the third preset speed is greater than the second preset speed. The embodiment of the present invention determines the temperature difference between the bottom temperature and the compartment temperature according to the working mode of the refrigerator, thereby adjusting the rotation speed of the circulation fan, which can more effectively take into account both low energy consumption of the refrigerator and preservation of food.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator further comprises a compartment temperature sensor, a refrigeration air duct and a refrigeration air door;

[0091] The compartment temperature sensor is disposed in the refrigerated compartment and above the supercooling temperature sensor, and is used to monitor the compartment temperature;

[0092] The refrigeration air duct is provided with an air duct inlet and an air duct outlet, the air duct inlet is used to deliver the cold energy generated by the evaporator of the refrigerator into the refrigeration air duct, and the air duct outlet is used to deliver the cold energy into the refrigeration chamber through the corresponding refrigeration chamber air inlet;

[0093] The circulating air duct is provided with a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet; the circulating air inlet is close to the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, and the circulating air outlet is arranged near the air inlet of the air duct and communicates with the refrigerating air duct;

[0094] The controller is also used for:

[0095] When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the openings of the circulation air outlet and the air duct inlet are adjusted according to the difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature of the refrigeration compartment; wherein the difference is negatively correlated with the opening of the circulation air outlet, and the difference is positively correlated with the opening of the air duct outlet.

[0096] It is understandable that, in the prior art, the refrigeration setting temperature is set by the user according to actual needs, which can be understood as the temperature that the customer expects the refrigerator to maintain. For example, the refrigeration setting temperature can be set to 5°C.

[0097] See also Figure 7 It can be understood that when the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, the air inlet of the air duct needs to be opened to allow the cold energy generated by the evaporator to enter the cold storage room through the refrigeration air duct; if the bottom temperature of the cold storage room is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold at this time, it means that there is cold energy accumulated at the bottom of the cold storage room at this time, then the circulation air outlet should also be opened to allow the cold energy at the bottom of the cold storage room to circulate in the cold storage room through the circulation air duct, which not only speeds up the refrigeration process, but also prevents the temperature at the bottom of the cold storage room from being too low, and makes full use of the cold energy accumulated at the bottom of the cold storage room.

[0098] Furthermore, the greater the temperature difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration set temperature, the higher the compartment temperature at this time, and more cooling capacity needs to be input to reduce the compartment temperature. Since the cooling capacity of the air duct inlet comes from the evaporator, the cooling capacity is more sufficient. Therefore, in order to speed up the refrigeration process, the opening of the air duct inlet should be larger, and the opening of the circulation outlet should be smaller. Vice versa.

[0099] Exemplarily, the opening degrees of the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet can be expressed as a percentage, 0% represents fully closed, and 100% represents fully open.

[0100] Exemplarily, the positive correlation may be a positive proportional relationship.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present invention, the openings of the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet are adjusted according to the difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration set temperature. By setting the difference to be negatively correlated with the opening of the circulating air outlet, and the difference to be positively correlated with the air duct inlet, when the difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration set temperature becomes larger, the opening of the air duct inlet is increased, and the opening of the circulating air outlet is reduced, so that the cold generated by the evaporator can enter the refrigeration compartment faster, speeding up the refrigeration process, and further improving the performance of the refrigerator.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, when the compartment temperature is greater than a preset refrigeration start-up temperature, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the refrigeration mode, and when the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the air duct inlet is controlled to be fully opened and the circulation air outlet is controlled to be closed; wherein the refrigeration start-up temperature is greater than the refrigeration set temperature.

[0103] It is understandable that the compartment temperature of the refrigerator changes dynamically due to the actual use of the refrigerator (such as the user opening and closing the refrigerator door) and the working conditions of various components. Therefore, setting the refrigeration start-up temperature greater than the refrigeration set temperature can avoid turning on the refrigeration mode immediately when the compartment temperature just exceeds the refrigeration set temperature, thereby preventing the refrigerator from frequently entering the refrigeration mode and causing increased energy consumption. At the same time, it can also prevent the refrigerator from repeatedly jumping between entering and exiting the refrigeration mode and causing abnormal working status.

[0104] Exemplarily, when the refrigeration setting temperature is 5°C, the refrigeration start temperature can be set to 7°C.

[0105] See also Figure 6 It can be understood that when the refrigerator enters the refrigeration mode and the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, since there is no excess cold at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, the air inlet of the air duct is controlled to be fully opened and the circulating air outlet is controlled to be closed, thereby preventing the cold entering from the air inlet of the air duct from leaking into the circulating air duct, causing waste of cold and making the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment too low. At the same time, it can also increase the pressure when the cold enters the refrigeration air duct, so that the cold can quickly reach the top of the refrigerator compartment.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration start-up temperature is set greater than the cold storage set temperature and the refrigeration start-up temperature is reasonably set, thereby avoiding the refrigerator from frequently entering the cold storage mode and reducing the power consumption caused by entering the cold storage mode; when the refrigerator enters the cold storage mode and the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the air inlet of the air duct is controlled to be fully opened and the circulating air outlet is controlled to be closed, so that the cold energy generated by the evaporator can enter the cold storage room faster, thereby accelerating the cold storage process.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, see Figure 8 When the compartment temperature is lower than a preset refrigeration stop temperature, the air duct air inlet is controlled to be closed so that the refrigerator exits the refrigeration mode; wherein the refrigeration stop temperature is lower than the refrigeration setting temperature.

[0108] Exemplarily, when the refrigeration setting temperature is 5°C, the refrigeration stop temperature can be set to 3°C.

[0109] It can be understood that setting the refrigeration stop temperature lower than the cold storage set temperature can make the compartment temperature lower after the cold storage is completed, so that there is a certain difference between the compartment temperature at this time and the cold storage set temperature, thereby increasing the time interval between entering the cold storage mode twice, avoiding the compartment temperature exceeding the cold storage set temperature just after the cold storage is completed, and preventing the refrigerator from frequently entering the cold storage mode, thereby increasing energy consumption.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration stop temperature is set lower than the cold storage set temperature and the refrigeration stop temperature is reasonably set, thereby avoiding the refrigerator from frequently entering the cold storage refrigeration mode and reducing the power consumption caused by entering the cold storage refrigeration mode.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration air door; the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet have a common axis, the refrigeration air door is pivotally connected to the common axis, and the refrigeration air door is used to control the opening of the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet.

[0112] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention obtains the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment in real time by using a supercooling temperature sensor arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed, so that the cold at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the circulating air duct. When the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed, wherein the low operating speed is less than the high operating speed. The refrigerator disclosed in the present invention can adjust the speed of the circulating fan according to the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment by arranging a circulating fan and a supercooling temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment, thereby taking into account both low energy consumption of the refrigerator and preservation of food.

[0113] See also Fig.12 , is a flow chart of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention, including steps S1 to S2:

[0114] S1. When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed so that the cold air at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the circulation air duct, and the circulation fan and the circulation air duct are arranged in the refrigerator compartment;

[0115] S2. When the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed so that the cold air at the bottom of the refrigerator's refrigerating chamber circulates in the refrigerating chamber through the circulating air duct; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, when the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulating fan to operate at a preset low operating speed includes:

[0117] When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled not to operate;

[0118] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, when the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed further includes:

[0120] When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed;

[0121] When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator further comprises a compartment temperature sensor, a refrigeration air duct and a refrigeration air door;

[0123] The compartment temperature sensor is disposed in the refrigerated compartment and above the supercooling temperature sensor, and is used to monitor the compartment temperature;

[0124] The refrigeration air duct is provided with an air duct inlet and an air duct outlet, the air duct inlet is used to deliver the cold energy generated by the evaporator of the refrigerator into the refrigeration air duct, and the air duct outlet is used to deliver the cold energy into the refrigeration chamber through the corresponding refrigeration chamber air inlet;

[0125] The circulating air duct is provided with a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet; the circulating air inlet is close to the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, and the circulating air outlet is arranged near the air inlet of the air duct and communicates with the refrigerating air duct;

[0126] The method further comprises:

[0127] When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the openings of the circulation air outlet and the air duct inlet are adjusted according to the difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature of the refrigeration compartment; wherein the difference is negatively correlated with the opening of the circulation air outlet, and the difference is positively correlated with the opening of the air duct outlet.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, when the compartment temperature is greater than a preset refrigeration start-up temperature, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the refrigeration mode, and when the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the air duct inlet is controlled to be fully opened and the circulation air outlet is controlled to be closed; wherein the refrigeration start-up temperature is greater than the refrigeration set temperature.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, when the compartment temperature is lower than a preset refrigeration stop temperature, the air duct inlet is controlled to be closed so that the refrigerator exits the refrigeration mode; wherein the refrigeration stop temperature is lower than the refrigeration setting temperature.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator also includes a refrigeration air door; the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet have a common axis, the refrigeration air door is pivotally connected to the common axis, and the refrigeration air door is used to control the opening of the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet.

[0131] It is worth noting that the working process of any refrigerator control method in the embodiments of the present invention can refer to the specific working process of the refrigerator controller described in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0132] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator control method disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention obtains the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment in real time by using a supercooling temperature sensor arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed so that the cold at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the circulating air duct. When the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed, wherein the low operating speed is less than the high operating speed. The refrigerator control method disclosed in the present invention can adjust the speed of the circulating fan according to the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment by arranging a circulating fan and a supercooling temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment, thereby taking into account both low energy consumption of the refrigerator and preservation of food.

[0133] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that a person skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A cold room for storing items; A circulating air duct assembly is arranged in the refrigerated room, comprising a circulating air duct and a circulating fan, and is used to circulate the gas in the refrigerated room; A supercooling temperature sensor is provided at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber and is used to monitor the bottom temperature; Controller for: When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed so that the cold energy at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber circulates in the refrigerating chamber through the circulation air duct; When the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset low operating speed includes: When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled not to operate; When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed includes: When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed; When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigerator also includes a compartment temperature sensor, a refrigeration air duct and a refrigeration air door; The compartment temperature sensor is disposed in the refrigerated compartment and above the supercooling temperature sensor, and is used to monitor the compartment temperature; The refrigeration air duct is provided with an air duct inlet and an air duct outlet, the air duct inlet is used to deliver the cold energy generated by the evaporator of the refrigerator into the refrigeration air duct, and the air duct outlet is used to deliver the cold energy into the refrigeration chamber through the corresponding refrigeration chamber air inlet; The circulating air duct is provided with a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet; the circulating air inlet is close to the bottom of the refrigerating chamber, and the circulating air outlet is arranged near the air inlet of the air duct and communicates with the refrigerating air duct; The controller is also used for: When the refrigerator is in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the openings of the circulation air outlet and the air duct inlet are adjusted according to the difference between the compartment temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature of the refrigeration compartment; wherein the difference is negatively correlated with the opening of the circulation air outlet, and the difference is positively correlated with the opening of the air duct outlet.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller is also used for: When the compartment temperature is greater than the preset refrigeration start-up temperature, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the refrigeration mode, and when the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the air duct inlet is controlled to be fully opened and the circulation air outlet is controlled to be closed; wherein, the refrigeration start-up temperature is greater than the refrigeration set temperature.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller is also used for: When the compartment temperature is lower than a preset refrigeration stop temperature, the air duct air inlet is controlled to be closed so that the refrigerator exits the refrigeration mode; wherein the refrigeration stop temperature is lower than the refrigeration setting temperature.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration air door; the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet have a common axis, the refrigeration air door is pivotally connected to the common axis, and the refrigeration air door is used to control the opening of the air duct inlet and the circulating air outlet.

8. A refrigerator control method, characterized in that: include: When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulating fan is controlled to operate at a preset low operating speed, so that the coldness at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the circulating air duct; wherein the supercooling temperature sensor is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, and the circulating fan and the circulating air duct are arranged in the refrigerator compartment; When the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a preset high operating speed; wherein the low operating speed is lower than the high operating speed.

9. The refrigerator control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset low operating speed includes: When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature monitored by the supercooling temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a preset supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled not to operate; When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed; wherein the first preset speed is greater than zero.

10. The refrigerator control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: When the bottom temperature is less than the supercooling temperature threshold, controlling the circulation fan to operate at a preset high operating speed, further comprising: When the refrigerator is not in the refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a second preset speed; wherein the second preset speed is higher than the first preset speed; When the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, if the bottom temperature is lower than the supercooling temperature threshold, the circulation fan is controlled to operate at a third preset speed; wherein the third preset speed is higher than the second preset speed.

Images