Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator and a control method thereof, and the refrigerator comprises a smell sensor which is arranged in a storage chamber of the refrigerator and is used for detecting the smell concentration in the storage chamber; an air inlet and an air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both formed in a machine room of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the smell sensor and used for transferring heat in the machine room to the smell sensor; the first fan is arranged in the hot air pipeline and used for increasing the airflow speed of the hot air pipeline; the temperature sensor is used for detecting the current temperature of the smell sensor; when the smell sensor is not started, the current temperature of the smell sensor is read; when the read current temperature is lower than a preset first temperature threshold value, a first fan is started, the current temperature of the smell sensor continues to be read, and when the read current temperature is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold value, the first fan is closed; normal use of the smell sensor can be guaranteed without additionally arranging a heating module, and energy consumption can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of refrigeration technology, the temperature of refrigerator freezers has increased from -18℃ to -30℃, and then to -40℃. The lower the temperature, the better the preservation effect of food. People have the awareness of storing a large amount of food. Based on the above two points, people will store a large amount of food in the freezer of refrigerators, especially meat, such as fish, shrimp, beef, etc. Under low temperature conditions, although the smell of food is slow, it will also cause odor after long-term storage, so it is necessary to purify the freezer in time; at the same time, due to the long storage period of the freezer, users rarely check the food, and it is not easy to find the food corruption.

[0003] By installing an odor sensor in the freezer, the odor situation in the freezer can be monitored in real time. When the odor concentration is detected to exceed a certain limit, the deodorization device is actively controlled to start. However, the odor sensor that has been maturely used in refrigerator products is a metal oxide semiconductor material sensor. The operating temperature range of this type of odor sensor is generally not lower than -10°C, so if used in the freezer, the sensor needs to be heated to ensure that it can work normally. Since the freezer is at a low temperature for a long time, if the odor sensor is heated by installing a heating module, the heating module needs to be running all the time, which will increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which can ensure the normal use of the odor sensor without adding an additional heating module and reduce energy consumption.

[0005] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] a box body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed;

[0007] A refrigeration system, comprising a pipe loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes, for cooling the storage room;

[0008] an odor sensor, disposed in the storage chamber, for detecting the odor concentration in the storage chamber;

[0009] A hot air pipeline, the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor;

[0010] A first fan, disposed in the hot gas pipeline, for accelerating the air flow velocity of the hot gas pipeline;

[0011] a temperature sensor, installed close to the odor sensor, and used to detect the temperature of the odor sensor;

[0012] The controller is configured as:

[0013] When the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor;

[0014] When the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, the first fan is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continuously read until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, and the first fan is turned off;

[0015] The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold.

[0016] Preferably, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0017] an odor detection device, which is disposed in the storage chamber and is connected to the storage chamber through an air inlet door and an air outlet door, wherein the odor sensor and the temperature sensor are both disposed inside the odor detection device;

[0018] a heating wire, disposed in the odor detection device, for heating the air in the odor detection device;

[0019] The controller is also configured to:

[0020] After starting the first fan, calculating the running time of the first fan and continuing to read the current temperature of the odor sensor;

[0021] When the calculated running time is not less than the preset first time duration and the read current temperature is lower than the second temperature threshold, the heating wire is started and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continued to be read until the read current temperature is not lower than the second temperature threshold, and then the first fan and the heating wire are turned off.

[0022] Furthermore, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0023] a second fan, disposed in the odor detection device, for accelerating the airflow speed of the odor detection device;

[0024] an odor-purifying device, arranged in the storage chamber, for purifying the odor of the storage chamber;

[0025] The controller is also configured to:

[0026] When the odor sensor is activated, the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper are opened, and the second fan is activated;

[0027] After running for a preset second time period, the air inlet and air outlet doors are closed, the heating wire is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is read;

[0028] When the current temperature read is not lower than the second temperature threshold, turning off the heating wire and reading the response value of the odor sensor;

[0029] The net odor control is performed according to the response value read.

[0030] As a preferred solution, the controller is further configured as follows:

[0031] When the read response value is not lower than a preset first threshold, the weight of the items stored in the storage room is obtained, and the deodorization time is matched accordingly;

[0032] The odor purification device is started, and after working for the odor purification time, the odor purification device is closed to complete the odor purification operation.

[0033] As an improvement of the above solution, the controller is further configured as follows:

[0034] After completing this deodorization operation, update the deodorization times;

[0035] Open the air inlet door and the air outlet door, and start the second fan; after running for the second time, close the air inlet door and the air outlet door, start the heating wire, and read the current temperature of the odor sensor; when the read current temperature is not lower than the second temperature threshold, turn off the heating wire and read the response value of the odor sensor;

[0036] When the read response value is lower than the first threshold, the current odor removal control is completed and the odor removal times are reset to zero;

[0037] Among them, the initial number of clean tastes is 0.

[0038] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0039] When the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold value, and the number of odor-clearing times is lower than the preset second threshold value, the odor-clearing time is re-matched, the odor-clearing operation is performed again, the number of odor-clearing times is updated, and the response value of the odor sensor is re-read until the read response value is lower than the first threshold value or the number of odor-clearing times is not lower than the second threshold value;

[0040] When the number of odor purification times is not lower than the second threshold value, and the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold value, the odor purification control is completed, a warning of food cleaning is fed back to the user, and the number of odor purification times is reset to zero.

[0041] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0042] After the door of the storage room is closed, reading the weight of the items stored in the storage room;

[0043] Matching the interval duration of the odor sensor in a preset start-up cycle matching library according to the weight of the object;

[0044] The odor sensor is periodically started with the interval duration as an interval.

[0045] As a preferred solution, the odor sensor is installed close to the inner wall of the storage chamber;

[0046] The hot air pipeline is embedded in the foaming layer of the refrigerator, and part of the hot air pipeline is installed close to the outside of the inner tank wall where the odor sensor is located.

[0047] Preferably, the portion of the hot air pipeline close to the odor sensor is configured as a U-shaped structure.

[0048] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a refrigerator control method, the refrigerator comprising:

[0049] a box body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed;

[0050] A refrigeration system, comprising a pipe loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes, for cooling the storage room;

[0051] The odor detection device is arranged in the storage chamber and is connected with the storage chamber through an air inlet door and an air outlet door.

[0052] an odor sensor, disposed in the odor detection device, for detecting the odor concentration of the gas flowing through the odor detection device;

[0053] A hot air pipeline, the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor;

[0054] A first fan, disposed in the hot gas pipeline, for accelerating the air flow velocity of the hot gas pipeline;

[0055] a temperature sensor, disposed in the odor detection device and installed close to the odor sensor, for detecting the temperature of the odor sensor;

[0056] Controller;

[0057] The method comprises:

[0058] When the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor;

[0059] When the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, the first fan is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continuously read until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, and the first fan is turned off;

[0060] The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold.

[0061] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator and the control method thereof disclosed in the present invention include: a box body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed; a refrigeration system, which is composed of a pipeline circulation composed of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipelines, and is used to cool the storage chamber; an odor sensor, which is arranged in the storage chamber and is used to detect the odor concentration in the storage chamber; a hot air pipeline, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor, and is used to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor. sensor; a first fan, arranged in the hot air pipeline, for accelerating the airflow speed of the hot air pipeline; a temperature sensor, installed close to the odor sensor, for detecting the temperature of the odor sensor; a controller; when the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor; when the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, starting the first fan, continuing to read the current temperature of the odor sensor, until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, then shutting down the first fan; wherein the second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold. The odor sensor can be used normally without adding an additional heating module, which can reduce energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration system in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the installation position of the hot gas pipeline and the odor sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another installation position of a hot gas pipeline and an odor sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of the connection between the controller and other hardware devices provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart of specific execution steps of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an odor detection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Fig. 9 is another structural schematic diagram of the odor detection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Fig.10 is another flowchart of specific execution steps of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Fig.11 is another flowchart of specific execution steps of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Fig.12 It is a flow chart of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a refrigerator 100 provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 of this embodiment is approximately rectangular in shape. The refrigerator includes a box body that defines a storage space and a plurality of door bodies arranged at the opening of the box body, wherein the door body includes a door body shell located outside the box body, a door body liner located inside the box body, an upper end cover, a lower end cover, and an insulation layer located between the door body shell, the door body liner, the upper end cover, and the lower end cover; usually, the insulation layer is filled with foam. The box body is provided with a chamber, wherein the chamber includes a component storage chamber for placing components in the refrigerator, such as a press cabin, etc., and also includes a storage space for storing food, etc.

[0079] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The storage space can be divided into multiple storage rooms. The storage rooms can be configured as refrigerators and freezers according to different uses. They can also include variable temperature rooms, vacuum drawers, moisturizing drawers, etc. Each storage room corresponds to one or more door bodies, for example, Figure 2 The upper storage room 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 started in a drawer-like manner to realize drawer-like storage. The refrigerator door is provided with a display screen, which is used to display prompt information and receive user touch operations.

[0080] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3The schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigeration system in the refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration system includes a compressor 1, an evaporator 2, a drying filter (not shown in the figure), a capillary tube 3, a condenser 4 and a gas-liquid separator (not shown in the figure). The working process of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process and an evaporation process. The compression process is: plug in the power cord of the refrigerator, when the contacts of the thermostat are connected, the compressor 1 starts to work, and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 1, and is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 1 and then discharged into the condenser 4; the condensation process is: the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser 4, the temperature continues to drop, and is gradually cooled to a saturated vapor of normal temperature and high pressure, and is 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 process is as follows: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid is filtered through a drying filter to remove moisture and impurities and then flows into the capillary 3, through which it is throttled and depressurized, and the refrigerant 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 vaporize in the evaporator 2, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator 2 and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 2 passes through the gas-liquid separator and returns to the compressor 1 again, repeating the above process to transfer the heat in the refrigerator to the air outside the box, thereby achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0081] The refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0082] a box body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed;

[0083] A refrigeration system, comprising a pipe loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes, for cooling the storage room;

[0084] an odor sensor, disposed in the storage chamber, for detecting the odor concentration in the storage chamber;

[0085] A hot air pipeline, the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor;

[0086] A first fan, disposed in the hot gas pipeline, for accelerating the air flow velocity of the hot gas pipeline;

[0087] a temperature sensor, installed close to the odor sensor, and used to detect the temperature of the odor sensor;

[0088] Controller;

[0089] The controller is configured as:

[0090] When the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor;

[0091] When the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, the first fan is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continuously read until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, and the first fan is turned off;

[0092] The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold.

[0093] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 4-5 , Figure 4-5 The figure is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the hot air pipeline and the odor sensor provided by the embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator lowers the temperature by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigeration system. The refrigerant is compressed into high-pressure gas in the condenser, and then enters the evaporator through the expansion valve to become low-temperature and low-pressure steam, thereby absorbing the heat inside the refrigerator and lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator. The cold air generated in this circulation process is discharged through the air outlet on the refrigeration air duct provided in the storage room. The refrigerator body is formed with at least one storage room. Figure 5 The middle storage room includes a freezer room and a refrigerator room; therefore, the refrigeration cycle is divided into two paths through the solenoid valve after passing through the compressor and the condenser (not shown in the figure), which are used to cool the freezer room and the refrigerator room respectively, and after passing through the capillary throttling, the cold energy is transported to the refrigerator room and the freezer room through their respective evaporators and corresponding refrigeration fans, and the refrigeration branches of the freezer room and the refrigerator room are merged through the solenoid valve and transported back to the compressor.

[0094] In this embodiment, the odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration in the freezer. The operating temperature range of the metal oxide semiconductor material type odor sensor is generally not less than -10°C, but the temperature of the freezer is generally below -30°C, so the sensor needs to be heated to ensure that it can work normally. Since the freezer is at a low temperature for a long time, if the odor sensor is heated by installing a heating module, the heating module needs to be running all the time to maintain the normal operation of the odor sensor, which will increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator.

[0095] The hot air pipeline provided in this embodiment has an air inlet and an air outlet both of which are arranged in the compressor compartment. Part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor. The hot air pipeline is used to transfer the heat generated by the compressor when it is working from the compressor compartment to the odor sensor, heat the odor sensor through heat exchange, and maintain the temperature of the odor sensor.

[0096] The first fan is arranged in the hot gas pipeline. The first fan accelerates the gas flow speed in the hot gas pipeline and accelerates the rate of heat transfer from the compressor compartment to the odor sensor to increase the temperature of the odor sensor.

[0097] The odor sensor is arranged inside the freezer compartment and is used to detect the odor concentration inside the freezer compartment.

[0098] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the odor sensor is arranged inside the freezer compartment to detect the odor concentration in the freezer compartment and to control the odor of the freezer compartment. In other embodiments, the odor sensor may be arranged in other storage compartments to detect the odor concentration of other storage compartments, such as a cold storage compartment and a variable temperature room. When the odor sensors of the cold storage compartment and the variable temperature room need to be temperature compensated, the solution of the present application may also be used.

[0099] The temperature sensor is installed close to the odor sensor and is used to detect the temperature of the odor sensor.

[0100] The refrigerator also includes a controller, see Figure 6 , is a connection diagram of the controller and other hardware devices provided in an embodiment of the present invention, and the controller is connected to the odor sensor, the temperature sensor and the first fan respectively.

[0101] See also Figure 7 , is a flowchart of specific execution steps of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, and the controller is used to perform the following steps:

[0102] Step S701, determining whether the odor sensor is activated.

[0103] If yes, execute other control processes;

[0104] If not, execute step S702;

[0105] It should be noted that the odor sensor is controlled by a controller, and the controller can read the control signal of the odor sensor to determine whether the odor sensor is activated; or directly read the working state of the odor sensor to determine whether the odor sensor is working. Since the odor sensor is set in the freezer, the temperature of the odor sensor needs to be maintained to maintain its operation, so the odor sensor will not be kept on all the time to reduce energy consumption. The odor sensor is turned on only after the start-up conditions are met, and then the odor concentration is read.

[0106] Step S702, reading the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0107] Step S703, determining whether the current temperature T<T1 holds, that is, determining whether the current temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1.

[0108] If yes, execute step S704;

[0109] If not, return to step S702;

[0110] Step S704, start the first fan. When the temperature of the odor sensor is too low, start the first fan to accelerate the heat transfer rate from the compressor compartment to the odor sensor through the fan.

[0111] Step S705, continue to read the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0112] Step S706, determining whether the current temperature T≥T2 is established, that is, determining whether the current temperature is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold.

[0113] It should be noted that the first temperature threshold T1 is the minimum temperature required to maintain the service life of the sensitive material of the odor sensor. Therefore, the temperature of the odor sensor is maintained above the first temperature threshold through the hot air pipe to avoid damage to the odor sensor.

[0114] The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold T2 can be set to T1+2°C to achieve temperature control and reduce the fan working time.

[0115] If not, return to step S705;

[0116] If so, execute step S706.

[0117] Step S707, turn off the first fan and return to step S702.

[0118] The odor sensor is heated by a hot air pipeline to maintain the temperature of the odor sensor. When the temperature of the odor sensor cannot be maintained by the hot air pipeline, the heat transfer rate is accelerated by the first fan to prevent the odor sensor from being damaged by excessive low temperature.

[0119] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0120] an odor detection device, which is disposed in the storage chamber and is connected to the storage chamber through an air inlet door and an air outlet door, wherein the odor sensor and the temperature sensor are both disposed inside the odor detection device;

[0121] a heating wire, disposed in the odor detection device, for heating the air in the odor detection device;

[0122] The controller is also configured to:

[0123] After starting the first fan, calculating the running time of the first fan and continuing to read the current temperature of the odor sensor;

[0124] When the calculated running time is not less than the preset first time duration and the read current temperature is lower than the second temperature threshold, the heating wire is started and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continued to be read until the read current temperature is not lower than the second temperature threshold, and then the first fan and the heating wire are turned off.

[0125] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 8-Figure 9 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of an odor detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] The refrigerator also includes an odor detection device, which is a closed device and is connected to the storage chamber through an air inlet door and an air outlet door. When the air inlet door and the air outlet door are closed, the odor detection device is a closed space; when the air inlet door and the air outlet door are opened, the odor detection device is connected to the space of the freezer chamber, and the air in the odor detection device can be exchanged with the air in the freezer chamber.

[0127] When the odor sensor and the temperature sensor are installed, they are installed inside the odor detection device set in the freezer. The odor sensor is installed inside the freezer through the odor detection device. The odor detection device is used to detect the concentration of gas in the freezer. The temperature sensor is installed close to the odor sensor to detect the temperature of the odor sensor.

[0128] A heating wire is also arranged inside the odor detection device for heating the air inside the odor detection device.

[0129] See also Figure 6 The controller is also connected to the heating wire to control the start and stop of the heating wire.

[0130] See also Fig.10 , is another flowchart of specific execution steps of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, and the controller is used to perform the following steps:

[0131] Step S1001, determine whether the odor sensor is activated.

[0132] If yes, execute other control processes;

[0133] If not, execute step S1002;

[0134] It should be noted that the odor sensor is controlled by a controller, and the controller can read the control signal of the odor sensor to determine whether the odor sensor is activated; or directly read the working state of the odor sensor to determine whether the odor sensor is working. Since the odor sensor is set in the freezer, the temperature of the odor sensor needs to be maintained to maintain its operation, so the odor sensor will not be kept on all the time to reduce energy consumption. The odor sensor is turned on only after the start-up conditions are met, and then the odor concentration is read.

[0135] Step S1002, reading the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0136] Step S1003, determining whether the current temperature T<T1 holds, that is, determining whether the current temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1.

[0137] If yes, execute step S1004;

[0138] If not, return to step S1002;

[0139] Step S1004, start the first fan. When the temperature of the odor sensor is too low, start the first fan to accelerate the heat transfer rate from the compressor compartment to the odor sensor through the fan.

[0140] Step S1005, calculating the operating time t of the first fan;

[0141] Step S1006, continue to read the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0142] Step S1007, determining whether the operating time t≥t1 holds, that is, determining whether the operating time of the fan reaches a preset first duration.

[0143] If not, return to step S1005;

[0144] If yes, execute step S1008;

[0145] Step S1008, determining whether the current temperature T≥T2 is established, that is, determining whether the current temperature is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold.

[0146] It should be noted that the first temperature threshold T1 is the minimum temperature required to maintain the service life of the sensitive material of the odor sensor. Therefore, the temperature of the odor sensor is maintained above the first temperature threshold through the hot air pipe to avoid damage to the odor sensor.

[0147] The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold T2 can be set to T1+2°C to achieve temperature control and reduce the fan working time.

[0148] If not, execute step S1009;

[0149] If so, execute step S1013.

[0150] Step S1009, starting the heating wire;

[0151] Step S1010, continue to read the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0152] Step S1011, determining whether the current temperature T≥T2 is established, that is, determining whether the current temperature is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold.

[0153] If yes, execute step S1012;

[0154] If not, return to step S1010;

[0155] Step S1012, turning off the first fan and the heating wire, and returning to step S1002.

[0156] Step S1013, turn off the first fan and return to step S1002.

[0157] The odor sensor is heated by the hot air pipeline to maintain the temperature of the odor sensor. When the temperature of the odor sensor cannot be maintained by the hot air pipeline, the heat transfer rate is accelerated by the first fan to prevent the temperature of the odor sensor from being too low. When the temperature of the odor sensor still cannot be maintained after the first fan runs for a preset time, the heating wire is activated as the last insurance measure to prevent the odor sensor from being damaged by being in an overly low temperature state for a long time.

[0158] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0159] a second fan, disposed in the odor detection device, for accelerating the airflow speed of the odor detection device;

[0160] an odor-purifying device, arranged in the storage chamber, for purifying the odor of the storage chamber;

[0161] The controller is also configured to:

[0162] When the odor sensor is activated, the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper are opened, and the second fan is activated;

[0163] After running for a preset second time period, the air inlet and air outlet doors are closed, the heating wire is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is read;

[0164] When the current temperature read is not lower than the second temperature threshold, turning off the heating wire and reading the response value of the odor sensor;

[0165] The net odor control is performed according to the response value read.

[0166] When this embodiment is implemented, see Fig. 9 A second fan is also provided in the odor detection device for accelerating the air flow velocity in the odor detection device.

[0167] The storage compartment of the refrigerator is also provided with a deodorizing device, and the deodorizing state can purify the storage compartment.

[0168] See also Figure 6 The controller is also connected to the second fan and the odor purification device to control the start and stop of the second fan and the odor purification device.

[0169] See also Fig.11 , is another flowchart of specific execution steps of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The controller executes the following steps:

[0170] Step S1101, determine whether the odor sensor is activated.

[0171] If not, execute other control processes;

[0172] If yes, execute step S1102;

[0173] Step S1102, opening the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper;

[0174] Step S1103, after starting the second fan to run for a time period t2, the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper are closed;

[0175] Step S1104, starting the heating wire;

[0176] Step S1105, reading the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0177] Step S1106, determining whether the current temperature T≥T2 is established, that is, determining whether the current temperature is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold.

[0178] It should be noted that the second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold, and the second temperature threshold is the lowest temperature in the optimal operating range of the odor sensor.

[0179] If not, return to step S1105.

[0180] If so, execute step S1107.

[0181] Step S1107, turning off the heating wire and reading the response value P of the odor sensor.

[0182] Step S1108, performing odor control according to the response value P.

[0183] In specific implementation, when the odor sensor is working, the air inlet and outlet doors are opened, and the second fan starts to run. After the second fan runs for t1 time, the air in the freezer and the air in the odor detection device are fully mixed, and the air inlet and outlet doors are closed. At this time, the heating wire in the odor detection device starts to work, heating the air in the device. When the temperature in the odor detection device is not lower than the second temperature threshold, the heating wire stops working, and the controller reads the response value of the odor sensor and controls the start and stop of the freezer odor purification device according to the size of the response value.

[0184] When the odor sensor is working, the fan and the damper work together to mix the air and isolate the air. The air inside the odor detection device is heated by the heating wire to avoid affecting the temperature in the freezer during heating, shorten the working time of the heating wire, and make the temperature in the odor detection device reach the optimal temperature for the odor sensor to work. At this time, the air temperature detection value is read, the odor detection value is accurately obtained, and odor control is performed.

[0185] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0186] When the read response value is not lower than a preset first threshold, the weight of the items stored in the storage room is obtained, and the deodorization time is matched accordingly;

[0187] The odor purification device is started, and after working for the odor purification time, the odor purification device is closed to complete the odor purification operation.

[0188] When this embodiment is implemented, see Fig.11 , when performing odor control, perform the following steps:

[0189] Step S1109, determining whether the response value P ≥ the first threshold value P1 is established.

[0190] If not, execute step S1110;

[0191] If yes, execute step S1111;

[0192] Step S1110, feeding back a prompt indicating that deodorization is not required this time.

[0193] Step S1111, obtaining the weight M of the items stored in the storage room;

[0194] Step S1112, matching the corresponding net taste duration K according to the weight M.

[0195] The freezer has a lower temperature and generally has less odor. However, when there are more ingredients or more fish, the odor will increase. Therefore, the deodorization time can be controlled according to the type or amount of ingredients.

[0196] The freezer is equipped with a food weight recognition sensor or a recording system composed of food labels, which can monitor the average amount of food stored in the freezer. That is, when the system senses the weight M of the food stored in the freezer, it matches the corresponding deodorization time according to Table 1.

[0197] Table 1, net taste duration matching table;

[0198]

[0199] The heavier the food stored, the longer the matching deodorizing time will be, and the better it can remove odors.

[0200] Step S1113, after starting the odor purification device to work for a odor purification time K, the odor purification device is turned off;

[0201] Complete this deodorization operation.

[0202] When the odor concentration value of the odor in the refrigerator is not lower than the first threshold value, it indicates that there is an odor in the freezer. At this time, controlling the deodorization time according to the weight of the food stored in the freezer can better remove the odor.

[0203] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0204] After completing this deodorization operation, update the deodorization times;

[0205] Open the air inlet door and the air outlet door, and start the second fan; after running for the second time, close the air inlet door and the air outlet door, start the heating wire, and read the current temperature of the odor sensor; when the read current temperature is not lower than the second temperature threshold, turn off the heating wire and read the response value of the odor sensor;

[0206] When the read response value is lower than the first threshold, the current odor removal control is completed and the odor removal times are reset to zero;

[0207] Among them, the initial number of clean tastes is 0.

[0208] When this embodiment is implemented, see Fig.11 , the controller is also used to perform the following steps:

[0209] Step S1114, complete the current odor removal operation and update the odor removal times C. That is, after completing the odor removal operations in sequence, the odor removal times C is incremented by 1.

[0210] Step S1115, opening the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper;

[0211] Step S1116, after starting the second fan to run for a time period t2, close the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper;

[0212] Step S1117, starting the heating wire;

[0213] Step S1118, reading the current temperature T of the odor sensor;

[0214] Step S1119, determining whether the current temperature T≥T2 is satisfied, that is, determining whether the current temperature is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold.

[0215] It should be noted that the second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold, and the second temperature threshold is the lowest temperature in the optimal operating range of the odor sensor.

[0216] If not, return to step S1118.

[0217] If so, execute step S1120.

[0218] Step S1120, turning off the heating wire and reading the response value P of the odor sensor.

[0219] Step S1121, determining whether the response value P ≥ the first threshold value P1 is established.

[0220] If not, execute step S1122;

[0221] If yes, perform other control processes;

[0222] Step S1122, complete the current odor purification control, reset the odor purification times to zero, and return to step S1101.

[0223] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, after the odor removal is completed, the air inlet and outlet doors are opened, and the second fan starts to run. After the second fan runs for t1 time, the air in the freezer and the air in the odor detection device are fully mixed, and the air inlet and outlet doors are closed. At this time, the heating wire in the odor detection device starts to work, heating the air in the device. When the temperature in the odor detection device is not lower than the second temperature threshold, the heating wire stops working, and the controller reads the response value of the odor sensor. When the response value drops below the first threshold, it indicates that the odor removal is effective. At this time, there is no odor in the freezer, and the odor removal control is completed.

[0224] After the deodorization is completed, read the response value of the odor sensor again to ensure the effectiveness of the deodorization.

[0225] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0226] When the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold value, and the number of odor-clearing times is lower than the preset second threshold value, the odor-clearing time is re-matched, the odor-clearing operation is performed again, the number of odor-clearing times is updated, and the response value of the odor sensor is re-read until the read response value is lower than the first threshold value or the number of odor-clearing times is not lower than the second threshold value;

[0227] When the number of odor purification times is not lower than the second threshold value, and the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold value, the odor purification control is completed, a warning of food cleaning is fed back to the user, and the number of odor purification times is reset to zero.

[0228] When this embodiment is implemented, see Fig.11 When it is determined in step S1121 that the response value P ≥ the first threshold value P1, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0229] Step S1123, judging whether the number of times of clean odor C≤3 is established. That is, when the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold, it is judged that the number of times of clean odor is lower than the preset second threshold.

[0230] In this embodiment, the second threshold is set to 3, that is, to determine whether the three odor removal operations can effectively remove the odor. In other embodiments, the second threshold can be set or adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0231] If yes, return to step S1111, re-match the odor-clearing time, perform the odor-clearing operation again, update the odor-clearing times, and re-read the response value of the odor sensor until the read response value is lower than the first threshold or the odor-clearing times are not lower than the second threshold;

[0232] If not, execute step S1124;

[0233] Step S1124, complete the current odor removal control, feedback the food cleaning warning to the user, reset the odor removal times, and return to step S1101.

[0234] That is, when the response value of the odor sensor is greater than the first threshold, the deodorization operation is repeated until the response value Y of the odor sensor is less than the first threshold; when the number of consecutive deodorizations is greater than 3 times, it indicates that the food in the freezer emits odor quickly and may be corrupted. At this time, the system will remind the user to check the food in the freezer and take action. Then the cumulative number of consecutive deodorizations is reset to zero and counted again.

[0235] It should be noted that during the odor purification period, the controller does not read the response value of the odor sensor, and the heating wire does not need to work, which reduces the impact of the heating wire on the freezer and reduces energy consumption.

[0236] Through continuous deodorization operation, it is ensured that there is no odor in the freezer. When multiple deodorization operations still cannot remove the odor, a warning to clean the ingredients will be fed back to the user to avoid spoilage of long-term stored ingredients.

[0237] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0238] After the door of the storage room is closed, reading the weight of the items stored in the storage room;

[0239] Matching the interval duration of the odor sensor in a preset start-up cycle matching library according to the weight of the object;

[0240] The odor sensor is periodically started with the interval duration as an interval.

[0241] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, the freezer has a relatively low temperature and generally has a small odor. However, when there are more ingredients or more fish, the odor will increase. Therefore, the controller controls the activation of the odor sensor by specifically controlling the interval length of the weight matching of the items stored in the storage room, specifically:

[0242] After recognizing that the door of the storage room is closed, that is, after the user opens the door to take out or put in items, the weight of the items stored in the refrigerator storage room changes, and the weight of the items stored in the storage room is read at this time.

[0243] The freezer is equipped with a food weight recognition sensor or a recording system composed of food labels, which can monitor the average amount of food stored in the freezer. That is, when the system senses the weight M of the food stored in the freezer at this time, it matches the corresponding interval duration according to Table 2.

[0244] Table 2, interval duration matching table;

[0245]

[0246] The odor sensor is periodically started with the interval duration as an interval.

[0247] The heavier the stored food, the shorter the matching interval and the more frequent the odor removal control, which can avoid reducing the generation of odor in the freezer.

[0248] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the odor sensor is installed close to the inner wall of the storage chamber;

[0249] The hot air pipeline is embedded in the foaming layer of the refrigerator, and part of the hot air pipeline is installed close to the outside of the inner tank wall where the odor sensor is located.

[0250] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, the hot air pipeline that transmits the hot air from the compressor to the position of the odor sensor in the freezer is installed in advance and embedded in the foam layer to reduce heat loss. The odor sensor is installed close to the inner wall of the freezer, and part of the hot air pipeline is installed close to the outside of the inner wall where the odor sensor is located, so that the temperature of this position can be increased. Since the temperature increase position is outside the freezer, the impact on the temperature of the freezer can be reduced.

[0251] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, a portion of the hot air pipeline close to the odor sensor is configured as a U-shaped structure.

[0252] When this embodiment is implemented, see Figure 4 The part of the hot air pipe close to the odor sensor is set as a U-shaped structure to increase the contact area with the inner wall of the bladder where the odor sensor is located, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency.

[0253] An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator control method, the refrigerator comprising:

[0254] a box body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed;

[0255] A refrigeration system, comprising a pipe loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes, for cooling the storage room;

[0256] an odor sensor, disposed in the storage chamber, for detecting the odor concentration in the storage chamber;

[0257] A hot air pipeline, the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor;

[0258] A first fan, disposed in the hot gas pipeline, for accelerating the air flow velocity of the hot gas pipeline;

[0259] a temperature sensor, installed close to the odor sensor, and used to detect the temperature of the odor sensor;

[0260] Controller;

[0261] See also Fig.12 , is a flow chart of a refrigerator control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises:

[0262] Step S1, when the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor;

[0263] Step S2, when the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, the first fan is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continuously read until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, and the first fan is turned off;

[0264] The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold.

[0265] The present application heats the odor sensor through a hot air pipeline to maintain the temperature of the odor sensor. When the temperature of the odor sensor cannot be maintained through the hot air pipeline, the heat transfer rate is accelerated by the first fan to prevent the odor sensor from being damaged by excessive low temperature.

[0266] It should be noted that the refrigerator control method 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 Fig.12 The working principles and beneficial effects of the two correspond one to one. For the specific workflow diagram, see Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , so I will not go into details.

[0267] 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.

[0268] 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, in which at least one storage chamber is formed; A refrigeration system, comprising a pipe loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes, for cooling the storage room; an odor sensor, disposed in the storage chamber, for detecting the odor concentration in the storage chamber; A hot air pipeline, the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor; A first fan, disposed in the hot gas pipeline, for accelerating the air flow velocity of the hot gas pipeline; a temperature sensor, installed close to the odor sensor, and used to detect the temperature of the odor sensor; The controller is configured as: When the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor; When the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, the first fan is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continuously read until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, and the first fan is turned off; The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises: an odor detection device, which is disposed in the storage chamber and is connected to the storage chamber through an air inlet door and an air outlet door, wherein the odor sensor and the temperature sensor are both disposed inside the odor detection device; a heating wire, disposed in the odor detection device, for heating the air in the odor detection device; The controller is also configured to: After starting the first fan, calculating the running time of the first fan and continuing to read the current temperature of the odor sensor; When the calculated running time is not less than the preset first time duration and the read current temperature is lower than the second temperature threshold, the heating wire is started and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continued to be read until the read current temperature is not lower than the second temperature threshold, and then the first fan and the heating wire are turned off.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises: a second fan, disposed in the odor detection device, for accelerating the airflow speed of the odor detection device; an odor-purifying device, arranged in the storage chamber, for purifying the odor of the storage chamber; The controller is also configured to: When the odor sensor is activated, the air inlet damper and the air outlet damper are opened, and the second fan is activated; After running for a preset second time period, the air inlet and air outlet doors are closed, the heating wire is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is read; When the current temperature read is not lower than the second temperature threshold, turning off the heating wire and reading the response value of the odor sensor; The net odor control is performed according to the response value read.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: When the read response value is not lower than a preset first threshold, the weight of the items stored in the storage room is obtained, and the deodorization time is matched accordingly; The odor purification device is started, and after working for the odor purification time, the odor purification device is closed to complete the odor purification operation.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: After completing this deodorization operation, update the deodorization times; Open the air inlet door and the air outlet door, and start the second fan; after running for the second time, close the air inlet door and the air outlet door, start the heating wire, and read the current temperature of the odor sensor; when the read current temperature is not lower than the second temperature threshold, turn off the heating wire and read the response value of the odor sensor; When the read response value is lower than the first threshold, the current odor removal control is completed and the odor removal times are reset to zero; Among them, the initial number of clean tastes is 0.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: When the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold value, and the number of odor-clearing times is lower than the preset second threshold value, the odor-clearing time is re-matched, the odor-clearing operation is performed again, the number of odor-clearing times is updated, and the response value of the odor sensor is re-read until the read response value is lower than the first threshold value or the number of odor-clearing times is not lower than the second threshold value; When the number of odor purification times is not lower than the second threshold value, and the read response value is still not lower than the first threshold value, the odor purification control is completed, a warning of food cleaning is fed back to the user, and the number of odor purification times is reset to zero.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: After the door of the storage room is closed, reading the weight of the items stored in the storage room; Matching the interval duration of the odor sensor in a preset start-up cycle matching library according to the weight of the object; The odor sensor is periodically started with the interval duration as an interval.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that The odor sensor is installed close to the inner wall of the storage chamber; The hot air pipeline is embedded in the foaming layer of the refrigerator, and part of the hot air pipeline is installed close to the outside of the inner tank wall where the odor sensor is located.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portion of the hot air pipeline close to the odor sensor is configured as a U-shaped structure.

10. A refrigerator control method, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: a box body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed; A refrigeration system, comprising a pipe loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator connected by pipes, for cooling the storage room; an odor sensor, disposed in the storage chamber, for detecting the odor concentration in the storage chamber; A hot air pipeline, the air inlet and the air outlet of the hot air pipeline are both arranged in the engine compartment of the compressor, and part of the hot air pipeline is arranged close to the odor sensor to transfer the heat in the engine compartment to the odor sensor; A first fan, disposed in the hot gas pipeline, for accelerating the air flow velocity of the hot gas pipeline; a temperature sensor, installed close to the odor sensor, and used to detect the temperature of the odor sensor; Controller; The method comprises: When the odor sensor is not started, reading the current temperature of the odor sensor; When the current temperature read is lower than a preset first temperature threshold, the first fan is started, and the current temperature of the odor sensor is continuously read until the current temperature read is not lower than a preset second temperature threshold, and the first fan is turned off; The second temperature threshold is higher than the first temperature threshold.

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