Refrigerator and air duct control method of refrigerator

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator and an air duct control method of the refrigerator, the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a refrigerating system and an air duct, the air duct is arranged in a storage chamber in the refrigerator body, and an air return port and an air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage chamber; the air duct controller is configured in the air duct, and the air duct controller is electrically connected with load devices configured in the air duct and outputs a control signal to each load device; the main controller is connected with the air duct controller; the main controller is configured to generate and output a control signal to the air duct controller according to a received refrigerator state signal when the refrigerator state signal meets a preset working condition, so that the air duct controller generates and issues a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the load device to work. The number of wire harnesses between the main control board and the refrigerator air duct can be reduced, and the fault rate of the wire harnesses and the risk of material leakage of the refrigerator container are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of intelligent technology, people hope that refrigerator products can be equipped with more functions, many of which are closely related to the refrigerator's air duct. As the load on the air duct gradually increases, the number of connecting wires from the main control board to the air duct increases, and the risk of leakage in the pre-installed hidden wires becomes higher and higher. More wiring harnesses not only require larger connectors, but also seriously reduce the air tightness of the air duct. These problems limit the number of loads that the air duct can carry and affect the intelligentization process of the refrigerator air duct. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator air duct control method, which can reduce the number of wiring harnesses between the main control board and the refrigerator air duct, reduce the failure rate of the wiring harness and the risk of box leakage.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] A box body, wherein a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body;

[0006] A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a pipeline loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines;

[0007] An air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air inlet and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room;

[0008] An air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load devices arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device;

[0009] A main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller;

[0010] The main controller is configured to:

[0011] According to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, a control signal is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

[0012] Preferably, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0013] A power supply module, which is used to convert the input AC voltage power supply into DC voltages of different strengths and output corresponding DC voltages to the main controller, the air duct controller and the load devices.

[0014] Furthermore, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0015] A vacuum pump, the vacuum pump is used to evacuate the air duct;

[0016] A vacuum switch, wherein the vacuum switch is used to control the start or stop of the vacuum pump;

[0017] A pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve is used to release the pressure in the air duct;

[0018] The main controller is configured to:

[0019] When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset vacuum working conditions, a vacuum signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a start instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to start running.

[0020] Furthermore, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0021] A pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value in the air duct;

[0022] The main controller is also configured to:

[0023] After generating and sending a vacuuming signal to the air duct controller, obtaining a current pressure value in the air duct;

[0024] When the current pressure value is lower than a preset vacuum threshold, a vacuum stop signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a stop instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to stop running;

[0025] When the current pressure value is lower than a preset safety threshold, a pressure relief signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a pressure relief instruction to the pressure relief valve to control the pressure relief valve to start pressure relief;

[0026] The vacuum threshold is lower than the safety threshold.

[0027] As a preferred solution, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0028] A vacuum indicator light, which is used to indicate the vacuuming status;

[0029] The main controller is also configured to:

[0030] When the refrigerator status signal meets the vacuum working condition, a first indication signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a vacuum operation instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to light up;

[0031] When the refrigerator status signal does not meet the vacuum working condition, a second indication signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a vacuum stop instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to turn off.

[0032] Preferably, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0033] A DC fan, the DC fan is used to control the air flow rate between the return air outlet and the air outlet of the air duct;

[0034] An odor sensor, the odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration of the odorous gas in the air duct;

[0035] A deodorizing module, the deodorizing module is used to deodorize the gas flowing through the air duct;

[0036] The main controller is also configured to:

[0037] detecting the odor concentration in the air duct;

[0038] When the odor concentration is lower than a first preset value, a stop ventilation signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller sends a corresponding stop ventilation instruction to the DC fan;

[0039] When the odor concentration is not lower than the first preset value, a start exhaust signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller sends a corresponding start exhaust instruction to the DC fan to control the DC fan to run at a preset first speed.

[0040] Preferably, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0041] an ion generator, the ion generator being used to generate bactericidal ions;

[0042] The main controller is also configured to:

[0043] When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset sterilization conditions, a sterilization start signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a sterilization start instruction to the ion generator to control the ion generator to generate sterilization ions.

[0044] As a preferred solution, the load device configured in the air duct further includes:

[0045] A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber in the storage chamber;

[0046] A refrigeration damper, installed at the air outlet of the air duct to the refrigeration chamber, and used to control the air volume entering the refrigeration chamber by opening and closing;

[0047] The main controller is also configured to:

[0048] detecting the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber;

[0049] Calculating the temperature difference between the refrigeration temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature set by the user;

[0050] According to the temperature difference, a corresponding control opening is matched in a preset opening control library;

[0051] A refrigeration damper control signal including the controlled opening is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a refrigeration damper control instruction to the refrigeration damper to control the refrigeration damper to operate at the controlled opening.

[0052] Preferably, the main controller and the air duct controller are connected via UART serial communication.

[0053] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for controlling an air duct of a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0054] A box body, wherein a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body;

[0055] A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a pipeline loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines;

[0056] An air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air inlet and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room;

[0057] An air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load devices arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device;

[0058] A main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller;

[0059] The method comprises:

[0060] According to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, a control signal is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

[0061] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator and the air duct control method of the refrigerator disclosed in the present invention include: a box body, a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body; a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system is composed of a pipeline circulation composed of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by a pipeline; an air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air port and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room; an air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load device arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device; a main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller; the main controller is configured to: according to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, generate and output a control signal to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and issues a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the load device to work. It can reduce the number of wiring harnesses between the main control board and the refrigerator air duct, reduce the failure rate of the wiring harness and the risk of box liner leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration system of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the flow of the work performed by the controller in the first implementation mode in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 6 is a system framework diagram of the air duct provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 7 is a hardware structure diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 8is a schematic diagram of the flow of the work performed by the refrigerator in the first implementation mode in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the flow of the work performed by the refrigerator in the second implementation mode in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of the work performed by the refrigerator in the third implementation mode in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of the work performed by the refrigerator in the fourth implementation mode of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] See also Figure 1, is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, including a box body 101, in which a storage chamber 102 is provided, including a refrigerating chamber and / or a freezing chamber 103 for storing items with preservation or freezing requirements, and also includes a refrigeration system 104 for performing the refrigeration operation of the refrigerator.

[0078] It should be noted that the refrigerator performs refrigeration operation through the refrigeration system to provide cold energy to the storage chamber so as to maintain the storage chamber at a constant low temperature. Figure 2 , is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system structure of the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration system is composed of a compressor 201, a condenser 202, a drying filter 203, a capillary 204, and an evaporator 205, and the working structure of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process and an evaporation process.

[0079] The compression process is as follows: plug in the power cord of the refrigerator, and when the box needs to be cooled, the compressor starts to work, and the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder, and then discharged into the condenser; the condensation process is as follows: the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser, 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. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost unchanged during the entire condensation process; the throttling process is as follows: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid flows into the capillary after the moisture and impurities are filtered out by the drying filter, and the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized through it, and the refrigerant becomes a wet vapor at room temperature and low pressure; the evaporation process is as follows: it then begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator returns to the compressor again, repeating the above process, transferring the heat in the refrigerator to the air outside the box, and achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0080] It should be noted that the above embodiment is only a specific structure and working principle of a conventional refrigerator. The refrigerator disclosed in this embodiment may also have the structure of the above-mentioned existing refrigerator to achieve corresponding functions.

[0081] An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising: a box body, a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body;

[0082] A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a pipeline loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines;

[0083] An air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air outlet and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room;

[0084] An air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load devices arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device;

[0085] A main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller;

[0086] The main controller is configured to:

[0087] According to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, a control signal is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

[0088] See also Figure 3 , is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by another embodiment of the present invention; the refrigerator includes a cabinet 101, a refrigeration system 104, an air duct 301, an air duct controller 302 and a main controller 303.

[0089] A storage room is provided in the box body 101, and a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, through which items are taken out of the storage room or put into the storage room. The storage room includes a refrigerator and / or a freezer, which is used to store items that need to be kept fresh or frozen.

[0090] The refrigeration system 104 is composed of a pipe loop composed of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes. The refrigeration system performs a refrigeration operation and provides cold energy to be transmitted to the storage room so that the storage room is maintained at a constant low temperature state.

[0091] The air duct 301 is arranged in the storage room. The return air port and the air outlet of the air duct are arranged in the storage room. The air in the storage room flows through the air outlet and the return air port in the air duct, and deodorization is performed in coordination with various load devices arranged in the air duct.

[0092] The main controller 303 is used to receive the sensor signals detected by various sensors of the refrigerator, receive the user's control of the refrigerator, execute the refrigerator control function, and output the corresponding control execution to control the operation of the refrigerator.

[0093] The air duct controller 302 is disposed in the air duct 301 . The air duct controller 301 is connected to the main controller 303 , and is electrically connected to the load device disposed in the air duct.

[0094] The air duct controller 302 is used to receive control instructions sent by the main controller, output control signals to each load device, and control the operation of each load device.

[0095] It should be noted that the storage compartments in a refrigerator generally include a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, and a variable temperature compartment. Different temperatures are set to preserve different foods. However, the temperature in the freezer compartment is generally set below minus 10 degrees Celsius, and the stored food is generally frozen and does not produce odor. In the refrigerator compartment, due to the higher temperature, the stored food is prone to odor and needs to be deodorized. Therefore, the deodorization function is generally configured in the refrigerator compartment.

[0096] The main controller 303 can respond to the preset control instructions to execute the air duct control operation of the refrigerator. Figure 4 , is a flow chart of the work performed by the controller in the first implementation mode in the embodiment of the present invention, and the main controller performs the following steps:

[0097] Step S401, receiving a refrigerator status signal;

[0098] It should be noted that the refrigerator status signal is specifically the sensing information obtained by the temperature sensor, humidity sensor or other sensors installed in the refrigerator, or the control signal set by the user for the refrigerator.

[0099] Step S402, determining whether the refrigerator status signal meets a preset working condition.

[0100] It should be noted that the preset working conditions include various working conditions for controlling the operation of load devices in the air duct. For example, the working condition for the deodorization module set in the air duct is the odor concentration detected by the odor sensor set in the refrigerator storage room. When the detected odor concentration reaches the preset odor threshold, it is determined that the working condition for deodorization control is met at this time, and the deodorization control is turned on. The working condition for opening the refrigeration damper set in the air duct is the refrigeration temperature detected by the temperature sensor set in the parallel storage room. When the detected refrigeration temperature is higher than the preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the working condition for the refrigeration damper is met at this time.

[0101] If yes, execute step S403;

[0102] If not, return to step S401;

[0103] Step S403, generating and outputting a control signal to the air duct controller;

[0104] Step S404: the air duct controller generates a corresponding control instruction according to the received control signal.

[0105] Step S405: the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

[0106] In a specific implementation, the air duct controller receives control signals from the main controller to control different air duct functions, and matches control instructions of different load devices according to the corresponding control signals.

[0107] It should be noted that when the air duct controller matches the control signal with the control instruction, the control signal for executing one function may correspond to the control instructions of multiple different load devices, and the air duct controller uses the control instructions of different load devices to realize the corresponding function.

[0108] During specific implementation, the air duct and the main controller of the refrigerator only need to realize the communication between the air duct controller and the main control to integrate the control circuit corresponding to the air duct function into the air duct controller, and install the air duct controller in the air duct component. The air duct controller directly controls the operation of each load of the air duct according to the instructions of the main control board, so as to avoid the main controller from having to connect to each load device in the air duct separately when realizing multiple control functions of the air duct. As the number of load devices in the air duct gradually increases, the number of connecting lines from the main controller to the air duct increases, and the risk of leakage from the pre-installed built-in wires increases, which seriously reduces the air tightness of the air duct. During specific implementation of this embodiment, no matter how many air duct control functions are integrated into the refrigerator, the main controller only needs to communicate with the air duct controller, and the air duct controller controls the operation of each load device in the air duct according to the instructions of the main controller, which greatly reduces the number of wiring harnesses from the main controller to the air duct, reduces the failure rate of the wiring harness and the risk of leakage in the box, and saves the wiring harness cost.

[0109] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0110] A power supply module, which is used to convert the input AC voltage power supply into DC voltages of different strengths and output corresponding DC voltages to the main controller, the air duct controller and the load devices.

[0111] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 5 , is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the refrigerator further includes a power supply module 501;

[0112] The power supply module 501 is used to convert the AC power input of the refrigerator to obtain DC voltage outputs of different strengths.

[0113] The DC voltages of different strengths are respectively output to the main controller 303, the air duct controller 302 and the load devices arranged in the air duct, so as to realize the load power supply of the refrigerator.

[0114] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0115] A vacuum pump, the vacuum pump is used to evacuate the air duct;

[0116] A vacuum switch, wherein the vacuum switch is used to control the start or stop of the vacuum pump;

[0117] A pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve is used to release the pressure in the air duct;

[0118] The main controller is configured to:

[0119] When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset vacuum working conditions, a vacuum signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a start instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to start running.

[0120] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 6 , is a system framework diagram of an air duct provided in an embodiment of the present invention, and the load devices configured in the refrigerator air duct include a vacuum pump, a vacuum switch and a pressure relief valve.

[0121] The main controller of the refrigerator is connected with the vacuum pump, the vacuum switch and the pressure relief valve through the air duct controller.

[0122] See also Figure 7 , is a hardware structure diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The load device includes a vacuum pump, a vacuum switch and a pressure relief valve. The vacuum switch is connected to the digital input interface DI of the air duct controller. The vacuum pump and the pressure relief valve are connected to the digital output interface DO of the controller.

[0123] The power supply module converts the external 220V AC input into 5V, 3.3V and 12V DC outputs. The 3.3V DC voltage is used to power the air duct controller. The 5V DC voltage is used to power the vacuum switch and the pressure relief valve. The 12V DC voltage is used to power the vacuum pump.

[0124] The vacuum pump, vacuum switch and pressure relief valve are all duct vacuuming components; the vacuum pump is responsible for vacuuming; the vacuum switch is responsible for controlling the start and stop of the vacuum pump; the pressure relief valve releases the pressure of the vacuuming components to prevent deformation of the vacuuming components due to long-term internal and external pressure differences.

[0125] The main controller 303 can respond to the preset control instructions to execute the vacuum control operation of the refrigerator. Figure 8 , is a flow chart of the work performed by the refrigerator in the first embodiment of the present invention, and the main controller performs the following steps:

[0126] Step S801, receiving a refrigerator status signal;

[0127] It should be noted that the refrigerator status signal is specifically the sensing information obtained by the temperature sensor, humidity sensor or other sensors installed in the refrigerator, or the control signal set by the user for the refrigerator.

[0128] Step S802, determining whether the refrigerator status signal satisfies the vacuum working condition.

[0129] It should be noted that the preset vacuum working conditions include whether a maintenance inspection instruction or a liquid seepage inspection instruction is received, and the maintenance inspection instruction or the liquid seepage inspection instruction can be generated by the main controller receiving a trigger instruction input by the user or by an active trigger setting set by the main controller. When the refrigerator state signal detected by the main controller meets the corresponding vacuum working conditions, the vacuum control instruction is started.

[0130] If yes, execute step S803;

[0131] If not, return to step S801;

[0132] Step S803, generating and outputting a vacuuming signal to the air duct controller;

[0133] Step S804: the air duct controller generates a corresponding control instruction according to the received control signal.

[0134] Step S805, the air duct controller sends a control instruction to the vacuum switch;

[0135] Step S806: The vacuum switch controls the vacuum pump to start.

[0136] The main controller controls the vacuum pump, vacuum switch, and pressure relief valve through the duct controller. When performing vacuum control, it only needs to generate and send the corresponding control signal to the duct controller. The duct controller can then send the corresponding control instructions to the vacuum pump, vacuum switch, and pressure relief valve to achieve vacuum function control, reduce the number of communication harnesses between the main controller and different duct devices, and improve the stability of vacuum function control.

[0137] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0138] A pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value in the air duct;

[0139] The main controller is also configured to:

[0140] After generating and sending a vacuuming signal to the air duct controller, the current pressure value in the air duct is obtained;

[0141] When the current pressure value is lower than a preset vacuum threshold, a vacuum stop signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a stop instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to stop running;

[0142] When the current pressure value is lower than a preset safety threshold, a pressure relief signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a pressure relief instruction to the pressure relief valve to control the pressure relief valve to start pressure relief;

[0143] The vacuum threshold is lower than the safety threshold.

[0144] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 6 The load device configured in the air duct also includes a pressure sensor; the pressure sensor can measure the pressure value of the vacuum pumping component and send the pressure value signal to the air duct controller, thereby controlling the vacuum degree of the air duct vacuum pumping function. Figure 7 The power supply module outputs a 5V DC voltage to power the pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is connected to the analog input interface AI of the air duct controller.

[0145] See also Figure 8 , the main controller is also used to perform the following steps:

[0146] Step S807, obtaining the current pressure value T in the air duct;

[0147] Step S808, judging whether T≥T1 is established, that is, judging whether the current pressure value is not lower than the preset vacuum threshold.

[0148] If so, return to step S807; that is, when the air pressure value in the air duct is greater than the preset vacuum threshold, that is, the air pressure value in the air duct at this time has not reached the preset vacuum pressure value, continue to vacuumize and continue to detect the current air pressure value.

[0149] If not, execute step S809.

[0150] Step S809, generating and sending a vacuum stop signal to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a stop instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to stop running. That is, when the current air pressure in the air duct reaches the vacuum threshold, the vacuum pumping reaches the corresponding air pressure value at this time, and no further vacuum pumping is required, at this time the air duct controller is controlled to send a stop instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to stop running.

[0151] Step S810, obtaining a current pressure value T in the air duct;

[0152] Step S811, judging whether T≥T2 is established, that is, judging whether the current pressure value is not lower than the preset safety threshold.

[0153] If so, return to step S810; that is, when the air pressure value in the air duct is greater than the preset safety threshold, that is, the air pressure value in the air duct meets the safety requirements at this time, there is no need to release the pressure.

[0154] If not, execute step S812.

[0155] Step S812, generating and sending a pressure relief signal to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a pressure relief instruction to the pressure relief valve, and controls the pressure relief valve to start pressure relief. That is, when the air pressure value in the air duct is less than the safety threshold, that is, the air pressure value in the air duct does not meet the safety requirements at this time, pressure relief is required at this time. The main controller generates and sends a pressure relief instruction to the pressure relief valve through the air duct controller, and controls the pressure relief valve to start pressure relief.

[0156] The pressure sensor is used to detect and release the pressure of the vacuum parts, control the vacuum process, and release the pressure when the air pressure does not meet the safety requirements, so as to prevent the vacuum parts from being deformed due to the long-term internal and external pressure difference, and protect the safety of the vacuum devices.

[0157] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0158] A vacuum indicator light, which is used to indicate the vacuuming status;

[0159] The main controller is also configured to:

[0160] When the refrigerator status signal meets the vacuum working condition, a first indication signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a vacuum operation instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to light up;

[0161] When the refrigerator status signal does not meet the vacuum working condition, a second indication signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a vacuum stop instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to turn off.

[0162] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 6 The load device configured in the air duct also includes a vacuum indicator light; the vacuum indicator light is responsible for displaying the status of the vacuum pump. The vacuum indicator light is on when the vacuum pump is started, and the vacuum indicator light is off when the vacuum pump is stopped. Figure 7 The power supply module outputs a 5V DC voltage to power the vacuum indicator light, and the vacuum indicator light is connected to the digital output interface DO of the air duct controller.

[0163] See also Fig. 9 , is a flow chart of the work performed by the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention. When performing vacuum lamp control, the following steps are performed:

[0164] Step S901, receiving a refrigerator status signal;

[0165] It should be noted that the refrigerator status signal is specifically the sensing information obtained by the temperature sensor, humidity sensor or other sensors installed in the refrigerator, or the control signal set by the user for the refrigerator.

[0166] Step S902, determining whether the refrigerator status signal satisfies the vacuum working condition.

[0167] It should be noted that the preset vacuum working conditions include whether a maintenance inspection instruction or a liquid seepage inspection instruction is received, and the maintenance inspection instruction or the liquid seepage inspection instruction can be generated by the main controller receiving a trigger instruction input by the user or by an active trigger setting set by the main controller. When the refrigerator state signal detected by the main controller meets the corresponding vacuum working conditions, the vacuum control instruction is started.

[0168] If yes, execute step S903;

[0169] If not, return to step S906;

[0170] Step S903, generating and outputting a first indication signal to the air duct controller;

[0171] Step S904: the air duct controller generates a corresponding vacuum operation instruction according to the received first indication signal.

[0172] Step S905, the air duct controller sends a vacuum operation instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to light up;

[0173] Step S906, generating and outputting a second indication signal to the air duct controller;

[0174] Step S907: the air duct controller generates a corresponding vacuum stop instruction according to the received second indication signal.

[0175] Step S908: The air duct controller sends a vacuum stop instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to turn off.

[0176] The main controller sends control instructions to the vacuum indicator light through the air duct controller to control the vacuum indicator light to light up or turn off, indicating the current working status of the vacuum pump, reducing the number of communication harnesses between the main controller and different devices in the air duct, and improving the stability of the vacuum indicator light control.

[0177] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0178] A DC fan, the DC fan is used to control the air flow rate between the return air outlet and the air outlet of the air duct;

[0179] An odor sensor, the odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration of the odorous gas in the air duct;

[0180] A deodorizing module, the deodorizing module is used to deodorize the gas flowing through the air duct;

[0181] The main controller is also configured to:

[0182] detecting the odor concentration in the air duct;

[0183] When the odor concentration is lower than a first preset value, a stop ventilation signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller sends a corresponding stop ventilation instruction to the DC fan;

[0184] When the odor concentration is not lower than the first preset value, a start exhaust signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller sends a corresponding start exhaust instruction to the DC fan to control the DC fan to run at a preset first speed.

[0185] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, the load devices configured in the air duct include: a DC fan, an odor sensor, and a deodorization module. The DC fan is used to control the air flow rate between the return air port and the air outlet of the air duct; the odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration of the odorous gas in the air duct and send the odor concentration signal to the air duct controller so that the main controller obtains the corresponding odor concentration. The deodorization module is used to deodorize the gas flowing through the air duct; the deodorization module is an air purification structural component synthesized from adsorption-type inorganic salts.

[0186] See also Figure 7 The DC fan is connected to the digital output interface DO of the air duct controller, and the odor sensor is connected to the analog input interface AI of the air duct controller.

[0187] In the specific implementation, see Fig.10 , is a flow chart of the work performed by the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention. When the vacuum lamp is controlled, the following steps are performed:

[0188] Step S1001, detecting the odor concentration in the air duct;

[0189] Step S1002, determining whether the refrigerator status signal is lower than a first preset value.

[0190] If yes, execute step S1003;

[0191] If not, return to step S1006;

[0192] Step S1003, generating and outputting a stop ventilation signal to the air duct controller;

[0193] Step S1004: the air duct controller generates a corresponding stop ventilation instruction according to the received stop ventilation signal.

[0194] Step S1005: the air duct controller sends a stop air extraction instruction to the DC fan to control the DC fan to stop, and returns to step S1001;

[0195] Step S1006, generating and outputting a start ventilation signal to the air duct controller;

[0196] Step S1007: the air duct controller generates a corresponding start ventilation instruction according to the received start ventilation signal.

[0197] Step S1008: the air duct controller sends a start air extraction instruction to the DC fan to control the DC fan to run at the first speed, and then returns to step S1001;

[0198] The main controller sends exhaust control instructions to the DC fan through the air duct controller to control the operation or stop of the DC fan, reduce the number of communication harnesses between the main controller and different components in the air duct, and improve the stability of the deodorization function control.

[0199] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct includes:

[0200] an ion generator, the ion generator being used to generate bactericidal ions;

[0201] The main controller is also configured to:

[0202] When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset sterilization conditions, a sterilization start signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a sterilization start instruction to the ion generator to control the ion generator to generate sterilization ions.

[0203] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 6 The ion generator is connected to the digital output interface DO of the air duct controller, and the power supply module outputs a 12V DC voltage to power the ion generator. The ion generator can generate bactericidal ions to kill bacteria in the air and improve the refrigerator's ability to keep fresh.

[0204] When the main controller performs sterilization control, it detects the refrigerator status signal;

[0205] When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset sterilization conditions, a sterilization start signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a sterilization start instruction to the ion generator to control the ion generator to generate sterilization ions.

[0206] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the refrigerator is further configured with:

[0207] A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber in the storage chamber;

[0208] A refrigeration damper, installed at the air outlet of the air duct to the refrigeration chamber, and used to control the air volume entering the refrigeration chamber by opening and closing;

[0209] The main controller is also configured to:

[0210] detecting the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber;

[0211] Calculating the temperature difference between the refrigeration temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature set by the user;

[0212] According to the temperature difference, the corresponding control opening is matched in the preset opening control library.

[0213] A refrigeration damper control signal including the controlled opening is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a refrigeration damper control instruction to the refrigeration damper to control the refrigeration damper to operate at the controlled opening.

[0214] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 6 The load devices configured in the air duct also include: a temperature sensor and a refrigeration damper.

[0215] A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber in the storage chamber;

[0216] A refrigeration damper is installed at the air outlet of the air duct to the refrigeration chamber, and is used to control the air volume entering the refrigeration chamber by opening and closing.

[0217] See also Figure 7 The refrigerated air door is connected to the digital output interface DO of the air duct controller, and the temperature sensor is connected to the analog input interface AI of the air duct controller.

[0218] See also Fig.11 , is a flowchart of the work performed by the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. When the refrigeration damper is controlled, the following steps are specifically performed:

[0219] Step S1101, detecting the refrigeration temperature t of the refrigeration chamber;

[0220] Step S1102, calculating the temperature difference ΔT, calculating the temperature difference between the refrigeration temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature set by the user, that is, ΔT = tT 设 .

[0221] Step S1103, matching the corresponding control opening k. That is, matching the corresponding control opening in a preset opening control library according to the temperature difference. The opening control library contains the corresponding relationship between different temperature differences and control openings.

[0222] Step S1104, generating and sending a refrigeration damper control signal including the control opening to the air duct controller;

[0223] Step S1105: the air duct controller generates a corresponding refrigeration damper control instruction according to the received refrigeration damper control signal.

[0224] Step S1106, the air duct controller sends a refrigeration damper control instruction to the refrigeration damper to control the refrigeration damper to operate at the controlled opening, and returns to step S1101.

[0225] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the corresponding connection relationship and control flow of the refrigeration damper are given. In other embodiments provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct also includes a deodorizing damper and a variable temperature damper. The deodorizing damper can control the air volume passing through the deodorizing module by opening and closing. The variable temperature damper can control the air volume entering the variable temperature compartment by opening and closing.

[0226] The refrigeration temperature is detected by the air duct controller, and the operation of the refrigeration damper is controlled by the air duct controller, which reduces the number of communication harnesses between the main controller and the load devices of the air duct, and can maintain the stability of the refrigeration damper control.

[0227] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the main controller and the air duct controller are connected by UART serial communication.

[0228] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 7 The main controller and the air duct controller are connected by UART serial communication, and the control circuit corresponding to the air duct function is integrated into the air duct controller. Therefore, no matter how much load the refrigerator air duct carries, there are only 5 connecting lines between the refrigerator main control board and the air duct, namely 3 weak current signal lines for UART serial communication and 2 strong current connecting lines for powering the entire air duct component. The present invention adopts an STM-32 controller as the air duct controller, and the refrigerator main control board and the air duct controller realize information exchange by UART serial communication.

[0229] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the load device configured in the air duct further includes an air duct decorative lamp, a deodorizing damper and a variable temperature damper. The air duct decorative lamp, the deodorizing damper and the variable temperature damper are all connected to the digital output interface DO of the air duct controller. The power supply module outputs a 12V power supply voltage to power the air duct decorative lamp, the deodorizing damper and the variable temperature damper.

[0230] The present application integrates the control function of the load devices configured in the air duct through the air duct controller, thereby reducing the number of wiring harnesses from the main controller to the air duct, reducing the failure rate of the wiring harness and the risk of box leakage, saving wiring harness costs, reducing the workload of assembly, and improving production efficiency; secondly, the present invention allows the air duct components to carry more and more complex loads, which is beneficial to the intelligence of the refrigerator air duct and improves the user experience of refrigerator products; finally, the present invention realizes the independence of the air duct control function, which is convenient for air duct fault troubleshooting and after-sales maintenance.

[0231] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air duct of a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0232] A box body, wherein a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body;

[0233] A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a pipeline loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines;

[0234] An air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air inlet and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room;

[0235] An air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load devices arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device;

[0236] A main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller;

[0237] The method comprises:

[0238] According to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, a control signal is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

[0239] It should be noted that the air duct control method of a refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present invention is the same as all the process steps executed by the controller of a refrigerator in the above embodiment, see Figure 4 The working principles and beneficial effects of the two correspond one to one. For the specific workflow diagram, see Figure 8 to Figure 11 , so I will not go into details.

[0240] A person skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when the program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. The storage medium can be a disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0241] 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 box body, wherein a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body; A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a pipeline loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines; An air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air outlet and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room; An air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load devices arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device; A main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller; The main controller is configured to: According to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, a control signal is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises: A power supply module, which is used to convert the input AC voltage power supply into DC voltages of different strengths and output corresponding DC voltages to the main controller, the air duct controller and the load devices.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The load devices configured in the air duct include: A vacuum pump, the vacuum pump is used to evacuate the air duct; A vacuum switch, wherein the vacuum switch is used to control the start or stop of the vacuum pump; A pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve is used to release the pressure in the air duct; The main controller is configured to: When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset vacuum working conditions, a vacuum signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a start instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to start running.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The load devices configured in the air duct include: A pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value in the air duct; The main controller is also configured to: After generating and sending a vacuuming signal to the air duct controller, obtaining a current pressure value in the air duct; When the current pressure value is lower than a preset vacuum threshold, a vacuum stop signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a stop instruction to the vacuum switch to control the vacuum pump to stop running; When the current pressure value is lower than a preset safety threshold, a pressure relief signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a pressure relief instruction to the pressure relief valve to control the pressure relief valve to start pressure relief; The vacuum threshold is lower than the safety threshold.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The load devices configured in the air duct include: A vacuum indicator light, which is used to indicate the vacuuming status; The main controller is also configured to: When the refrigerator status signal meets the vacuum working condition, a first indication signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a vacuum operation instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to light up; When the refrigerator status signal does not meet the vacuum working condition, a second indication signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a vacuum stop instruction to the vacuum indicator light to control the vacuum indicator light to turn off.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The load devices configured in the air duct include: A DC fan, the DC fan is used to control the air flow rate between the return air outlet and the air outlet of the air duct; An odor sensor, the odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration of the odorous gas in the air duct; A deodorizing module, the deodorizing module is used to deodorize the gas flowing through the air duct; The main controller is also configured to: detecting the odor concentration in the air duct; When the odor concentration is lower than a first preset value, a stop ventilation signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller sends a corresponding stop ventilation instruction to the DC fan; When the odor concentration is not lower than the first preset value, a start exhaust signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller sends a corresponding start exhaust instruction to the DC fan to control the DC fan to run at a preset first speed.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The load devices configured in the air duct include: an ion generator, the ion generator being used to generate bactericidal ions; The main controller is also configured to: When the refrigerator status signal meets the preset sterilization conditions, a sterilization start signal is generated and sent to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a sterilization start instruction to the ion generator to control the ion generator to generate sterilization ions.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that The load device configured in the air duct also includes: A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber in the storage chamber; A refrigeration damper, installed at the air outlet of the air duct to the refrigeration chamber, and used to control the air volume entering the refrigeration chamber by opening and closing; The main controller is also configured to: detecting the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration chamber; Calculating the temperature difference between the refrigeration temperature and the refrigeration setting temperature set by the user; According to the temperature difference, a corresponding control opening is matched in a preset opening control library; A refrigeration damper control signal including the controlled opening is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a refrigeration damper control instruction to the refrigeration damper to control the refrigeration damper to operate at the controlled opening.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main controller and the air duct controller are connected by UART serial communication.

10. A method for controlling an air duct of a refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: A box body, wherein a door body is provided at the opening of the box body, and at least one storage room for storing articles is provided in the box body; A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a pipeline loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines; An air duct, the air duct is arranged in the storage room, and the return air outlet and the air outlet of the air duct are both arranged in the storage room; An air duct controller, the air duct controller is arranged in the air duct, the air duct controller is electrically connected to the load devices arranged in the air duct, and outputs a control signal to each load device; A main controller, the main controller is connected to the air duct controller; The method comprises: According to the received refrigerator status signal, when the refrigerator status signal meets the preset working conditions, a control signal is generated and output to the air duct controller, so that the air duct controller generates and sends a control instruction to the corresponding load device to control the operation of the load device.

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