Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator which comprises a refrigerant loop, a liquid storage device, a draught fan, a noise collecting device, a temperature sensor and a controller. The refrigerant loop is used for enabling refrigerants to circulate in the compressor, the throttling device, the evaporator and the condenser, the liquid storage device is connected with an air return opening of the compressor, the draught fan is used for adjusting air circulation in the refrigerator, the noise collecting device is used for collecting overall noise of the refrigerator, and the temperature sensor is used for collecting the environment temperature. And the controller is connected with the noise acquisition device and the temperature sensor. According to the refrigerator, when the flowing noise of the liquid in the liquid storage device is large, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased, the running time of a compressor is shortened, and the circulating liquid storage amount of a refrigerant is reduced, so that the flowing noise of the liquid in the liquid storage device is reduced, frequent sound of the flowing noise of the liquid is avoided, and the refrigerating efficiency is improved while the refrigerating effect is guaranteed. The influence of flowing noise of liquid in the liquid storage device on a user in the refrigerating process of the refrigerator is reduced, and user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the prior art, when there is too much liquid in the refrigerator liquid reservoir, due to the gas-liquid two-phase problem in the refrigerator liquid reservoir, it is easy to cause gas bubbling on the liquid surface, causing gurgling sounds, resulting in loud liquid flow noise in the refrigerator liquid reservoir, affecting users, resulting in a high user complaint rate and causing quality accidents. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator, which, when the noise of liquid flow in the liquid reservoir is large, increases the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator, shortens the operation time of the compressor, and reduces the amount of refrigerant circulating liquid storage, thereby reducing the noise of liquid flow in the liquid reservoir and avoiding frequent noise of liquid flow. While ensuring the refrigeration effect, it reduces the impact of the noise of liquid flow in the liquid reservoir on the user during the refrigeration process of the refrigerator, thereby improving the user experience.

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: A refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant circuit is used to circulate the refrigerant in the compressor, the throttling device, the evaporator and the condenser; A liquid reservoir connected to an air return port of the compressor; A fan, the fan is used to adjust the air circulation inside the refrigerator; A noise collecting device, used for collecting the whole machine noise of the refrigerator; Temperature sensor, used to collect ambient temperature; A controller is connected to the noise collection device and the temperature sensor, and is configured to: when the noise of the whole machine meets the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, control the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, wherein the target shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

[0005] In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir is relatively large and the noise of the entire machine meets the judgment condition of the liquid reservoir flow noise, the controller increases the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to the corresponding target shutdown temperature according to the ambient temperature, so that the operation time of the compressor is shortened and the refrigerant circulation liquid storage amount is reduced, thereby reducing the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir and avoiding the frequent occurrence of the liquid flow noise. While ensuring the refrigeration effect, the impact of the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir on the user during the refrigeration process of the refrigerator is reduced, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] In some embodiments, the reservoir flow noise determination condition includes when the compressor is stopped and the fan is not stopped, the whole machine noise is higher than a first reservoir flow noise threshold.

[0007] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: after the compressor stops, the overall noise of the refrigerator is detected, and by comparing the detected overall noise with the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold, it is determined whether the liquid reservoir flow noise is too large at this time, and the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled.

[0008] In some embodiments, the reservoir flow noise determination condition also includes that when the compressor and the fan are both stopped, the whole machine noise is higher than a second reservoir flow noise threshold, wherein the first reservoir flow noise threshold is greater than the second reservoir flow noise threshold.

[0009] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: after the compressor and the fan are stopped, the whole machine noise of the refrigerator is detected. At this time, the whole machine noise of the refrigerator is only caused by the liquid reservoir flow noise. By comparing the detected whole machine noise with the second liquid reservoir flow noise threshold, it is determined whether the liquid reservoir flow noise is too large at this time, and the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, control the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to a first target shutdown temperature, and the first target shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

[0011] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: when the flow noise of the liquid reservoir is too large and the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased, the operating time of the compressor is shortened, and the refrigerant circulation liquid storage volume is reduced, thereby reducing the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir. When the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the liquid storage volume of the liquid reservoir is less, so the shutdown temperature increased by the high ambient temperature is also less.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold, control the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to a second target shutdown temperature, and the second target shutdown temperature is higher than the first target shutdown temperature.

[0013] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: when the flow noise of the liquid reservoir is too large and the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased, the operating time of the compressor is shortened, and the refrigerant circulation liquid storage volume is reduced, thereby reducing the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir; when the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the liquid storage volume of the liquid reservoir is large, so the shutdown temperature increased by the high ambient temperature is also higher, and the second target shutdown temperature is higher than the first target shutdown temperature.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, when the operation cycle of the refrigerator reaches a preset cycle condition, obtain a judgment result of the whole machine noise based on the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, and adjust the control of the refrigerator based on the judgment result.

[0015] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, the noise will not decrease immediately, so the refrigerator operates at a preset cycle, and when the operating cycle of the refrigerator reaches the preset cycle, the liquid storage flow noise is judged to determine whether the liquid storage flow noise is reduced.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise satisfies the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, control the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to be reduced from the target shutdown temperature to the original shutdown temperature; or, when the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise does not satisfy the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, control the refrigerator to maintain the current control operation.

[0017] The above technical scheme has the following advantages or beneficial effects: after the operation cycle of the refrigerator reaches the preset cycle, the liquid reservoir flow noise is judged to determine whether the liquid reservoir flow noise is reduced. After the liquid reservoir flow noise is reduced, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is controlled to maintain the current control operation and continue to reduce the liquid reservoir flow noise. When the liquid reservoir flow noise is not reduced, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is controlled to be reduced from the target shutdown temperature to the original shutdown temperature to ensure the refrigeration effect.

[0018] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: in response to a judgment result of the whole machine noise that the whole machine noise satisfies the reservoir flow noise judgment condition, obtain the whole machine historical noise of the last defrost recovery period and the defrost recovery period historical time; when the whole machine historical noise is lower than the defrost recovery period noise threshold, the refrigerator maintains the current control operation; or, when the whole machine historical noise is higher than or equal to the defrost recovery period noise threshold, adjust the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator.

[0019] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the noise during the defrost recovery period of the refrigerator is relatively large, and the noise of the liquid storage flow is superimposed, so the noise of the whole machine will be even greater. Therefore, when the noise of the whole machine is higher than or equal to the noise threshold of the defrost recovery period, the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator is adjusted to reduce the noise.

[0020] In some embodiments, when adjusting the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator, the controller is configured to: control the defrost recovery period of the refrigerator to be in a non-preset nighttime period.

[0021] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: it avoids defrosting at night, so that the noise of the refrigerator during the defrosting recovery period is superimposed on the flow noise of the liquid storage device, causing the noise of the whole machine to be too loud, affecting the user's rest.

[0022] In some embodiments, when adjusting the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator, the controller is configured as follows: before determining that the refrigerator is about to enter the defrost recovery period based on the historical time of the defrost recovery period, operate according to a shutdown temperature set by the user, and in response to the operating time reaching a preset time, control the refrigerator to enter the defrost and defrost recovery period, wherein the user-set shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

[0023] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: before the refrigerator is about to enter the defrost recovery period, it runs for a preset time according to the shutdown temperature set by the user, and then controls the refrigerator to enter the defrost and defrost recovery period, so as to reduce the liquid in the liquid reservoir before entering the defrost and defrost recovery period, thereby avoiding a large amount of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, which would cause excessive noise from the liquid flow in the liquid reservoir.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flow chart of reducing flow noise according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a flow chart of high ambient temperature control according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a flow chart of low ambient temperature control according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a flowchart of refrigerator noise determination according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a flowchart of refrigerator noise determination according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8is a flow chart of a refrigerator control process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: Refrigerator 100; Evaporator 1; compressor 2; condenser 3; anti-condensation tube 4; liquid storage tank 5; throttling device 6; gas-liquid separator 7; fan 8; noise collection device 101; temperature sensor 102; controller 103. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0028] Refrigerators are relatively common household appliances, which include a box body that defines a storage space and a plurality of door bodies arranged at the opening of the box body. The box body of the refrigerator is the main body of the overall structure, which is usually made of heat-insulating materials to maintain a low-temperature environment inside. Refrigerators are usually equipped with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment and a door. The door is provided with a sealing strip to ensure that the cold air does not leak. The refrigerator compartment door may be provided with shelves, drawers and storage racks, etc., which are used to classify and store food.

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator includes a compressor 2, a condenser 3, an anti-condensation tube 4, a liquid storage tank 5, a throttling device 6, an evaporator 1, a fan 8 and a gas-liquid separator 7.

[0030] The working process of refrigerator refrigeration includes compression process, condensation process, throttling process and evaporation process. The compression process is: plug in the refrigerator power cord, when the contacts of the thermostat are connected, the compressor 2 starts to work, and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 2, and is compressed into high-temperature and high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 2 and then discharged into the condenser 3; the condensation process is: the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser 3, the temperature continues to drop, and is gradually cooled to a saturated vapor at room temperature and high pressure, and further cooled to a saturated liquid, and the temperature no longer drops. The temperature at this time is called the condensation temperature, and the pressure of the refrigerant remains almost unchanged during the entire condensation process; the throttling process is: the condensed refrigerant saturated liquid is filtered out of water and impurities by the liquid storage 5, and then flows into the throttling device 6, through which throttling and pressure reduction are performed to produce The refrigerant becomes wet steam at room temperature and low pressure; the evaporation process is: the wet steam at room temperature and low pressure begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator 1, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator 1 and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 1 passes through the gas-liquid separator 7 and returns to the compressor 2 again, repeating the above process to transfer the heat in the refrigerator to the air outside the box, thereby achieving the purpose of refrigeration. While the refrigerator is achieving refrigeration, the fan 8 forces the air to flow, evenly dissipating the cold air generated by the evaporator 1 to various areas of the refrigerator, avoiding uneven temperature, accelerating the heat exchange process, reducing the operating time of the compressor 2, reducing energy consumption, helping the condenser 3 and the compressor 2 to dissipate heat, and extending the life of the equipment.

[0031] In existing refrigerator products, the liquid accumulator 5 (also called a liquid storage tank or liquid storage dryer) is a key component in the refrigeration system, and its functions mainly include the following aspects: the liquid accumulator 5 serves as a temporary storage container in the refrigeration cycle to store high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser 3, ensuring the stable operation of the system under different loads and avoiding fluctuations in the refrigerant flow. Before the refrigerant enters the throttling device 6, the liquid accumulator 5 separates the gaseous and liquid refrigerants by gravity or structural design to prevent the liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 2 (avoiding liquid shock and protecting the compressor). The liquid accumulator 5 ensures the efficient and stable operation of the refrigeration system by storing, filtering, drying and regulating the refrigerant, while protecting key components such as the compressor 2 and extending the life of the equipment. However, when there is too much liquid in the liquid accumulator 5, due to the gas-liquid two-phase problem in the system, it is easy to cause gas bubbling on the liquid surface and gurgling sound, and excessive gurgling sound will lead to user complaints and quality accidents.

[0032] In order to solve the above problems, a first embodiment of the present invention proposes a refrigerator. When the noise of liquid flow in the liquid reservoir is large, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator can be increased to shorten the operation time of the compressor and reduce the amount of refrigerant circulating liquid storage, thereby reducing the noise of liquid flow in the liquid reservoir and avoiding frequent noise of liquid flow. While ensuring the refrigeration effect, the impact of the noise of liquid flow in the liquid reservoir on the user during the refrigeration process of the refrigerator is reduced, thereby improving the user experience.

[0033] Reference below Figure 1 A refrigerant circuit of the refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0034] The refrigerant circuit is used to circulate the refrigerant in the compressor 2 , the throttling device 6 , the evaporator 1 and the condenser 3 .

[0035] Specifically, the compressor 2 drives the refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerant circuit to maintain the continuous operation of the refrigeration cycle. The compressor 2 compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 1 into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas, creating conditions for the condenser 3 to release heat, and extracts the steam in the evaporator 1 to maintain the low-pressure state of the evaporator 1, and promotes the evaporation of the refrigerant to absorb heat. The throttling device 6 is usually a capillary tube or an expansion valve, which is a very important component in the refrigeration system. The main function of the throttling device 6 is to generate a pressure drop between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 1, so that the refrigerant changes from a high-pressure state to a low-pressure state, thereby achieving a refrigeration effect. The evaporator 1 is responsible for absorbing heat and changing the refrigerant from a liquid state to a gaseous state, thereby achieving a refrigeration effect. The evaporator 1 is usually located inside the refrigerator 100, close to the area that needs to be cooled (such as a cold storage room and a freezer). The condenser 3 is responsible for cooling and liquefying the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas, releasing heat to the external environment. The performance of the condenser 3 directly affects the refrigeration efficiency and energy consumption of the refrigerator 100.

[0036] The refrigerator 100 further includes a liquid accumulator 5, which is connected to the return air port of the compressor 2. The liquid accumulator 5 is usually installed between the outlet of the evaporator 1 and the return air port of the compressor 2, mainly to prevent the liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 2, separate the gas-liquid two-phase flow, ensure that only the gas returns to the compressor 2 (to avoid liquid hammer damage), balance the system refrigerant amount under variable working conditions, and reduce the impact of air flow pulsation on the compressor 2.

[0037] The refrigerator 100 further includes a fan 8, which is used to adjust the air circulation inside the refrigerator 100. The fan 8 is used to promote the circulation of the air inside the refrigerator 100 to ensure uniform temperature distribution and improve refrigeration efficiency.

[0038] Reference below Figure 2 A refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0039] Among them, Figure 2As shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a noise collecting device 101, which is used to collect the noise value of the refrigerator 100. For example, in some embodiments, the noise collecting device 101 may include a microphone or other modules that can collect audio. The noise collecting device 101 can be set on the door of the refrigerator 100 or at a position close to the liquid storage tank 5 or other positions. There is no specific limitation on the setting position of the noise collecting device 101.

[0040] The refrigerator 100 also includes a temperature sensor 102, which is used to collect the external ambient temperature value of the refrigerator 100. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 102 can be set on the door of the refrigerator 100 or at other locations of the refrigerator 100. There is no specific limitation on the setting location of the temperature sensor 102.

[0041] The refrigerator 100 further includes a controller 103, which is connected to the noise collection device 101 and the temperature sensor 102. The controller 103 may be an MCU (Microcontroller Unit) or other modules. The controller 103 may obtain the noise signal collected by the noise collection device 101 and the temperature signal collected by the temperature sensor 102.

[0042] Specifically, the controller 103 is connected with the noise collecting device 101 and the temperature sensor 102. When the refrigerator 100 is working, the noise value of the refrigerator 100 is collected by the noise collecting device 101. When the refrigerator 100 starts to work, the noise collecting device 101 will collect the noise of the whole machine in real time, and transmit the collected sound signal to the controller 103 for processing and analysis, to determine whether the noise of the whole machine meets the judgment condition of the liquid storage flow noise, and control the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator.

[0043] In some embodiments, Figure 3 The controller is also configured to include steps S1-S2.

[0044] Step S1: The whole machine noise meets the accumulator flow noise determination condition.

[0045] Specifically, the refrigerator will generate noise during operation, for example, the operating noise of the compressor and the operating noise of the fan. In addition, when there is too much liquid in the liquid reservoir, the gas bubbles on the liquid surface and gurgling sounds may occur due to the gas-liquid two-phase problem in the system, which will also generate noise. The present invention mainly reduces the flow noise of the liquid reservoir, and judges whether the noise of the whole machine meets the judgment condition of the flow noise of the liquid reservoir based on the noise obtained by the noise collection device.

[0046] For example, when judging whether the noise of the whole machine meets the judgment conditions of the flow noise of the liquid reservoir, the flow noise is identified first. The flow noise identification is divided into flow noise after the compressor is stopped and flow noise after the fan is stopped. The difference is that the fan is still running after the compressor is stopped, and the flow sound will be superimposed on the fan noise, and there is no other noise source after the fan is stopped, only the flow noise of the liquid reservoir, so the judgment thresholds under the two conditions are not the same, and the judgment threshold after the compressor is stopped is greater than the judgment threshold after the fan is stopped.

[0047] Step S2, controlling the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to a target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0048] Among them, the target shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

[0049] Specifically, the target shutdown temperature can be understood as the increased shutdown temperature of the refrigerator; when the noise of the whole machine meets the judgment condition of the liquid reservoir flow noise, that is, when the compressor is shut down and the fan is still running, or the noise of the whole machine detected after the compressor and the fan are shut down is higher than the threshold of the liquid reservoir flow noise, then the shutdown temperature is increased according to the ambient temperature as the target shutdown temperature. Since increasing the shutdown temperature can shorten the running time of the compressor and reduce the refrigerant circulation storage volume, the liquid reservoir flow noise can be improved under certain circumstances. When the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerator requires more refrigerant for refrigeration, so the refrigerant circulation storage volume will be lower than the storage volume when the ambient temperature is lower. Therefore, the increased shutdown temperature in a high temperature environment can be lower than the increased shutdown temperature in a low temperature environment.

[0050] For example, when raising the shutdown temperature, the ambient temperature is first determined. For example, the ambient temperature is determined with 16°C as the critical value. Below 16°C is a low ambient temperature, and above 16°C is a high ambient temperature. The purpose of distinguishing this boundary is to differentiate and control the optimization of the shutdown temperature according to the current environmental conditions. In the case of low ambient temperature, the overall load of the refrigerator product is low, the liquid storage tank stores more refrigerant, and it is more likely to produce a gurgling sound in the liquid storage tank. Therefore, there will be a distinction in control optimization based on the ambient temperature; when the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerator requires more refrigerant for refrigeration, so the refrigerant circulation storage volume will be The storage volume is lower than that when the ambient temperature is lower, so the increased shutdown temperature in a high temperature environment can be lower than that in a low temperature environment. For example, when the ambient temperature is below 16°C, the shutdown temperature is increased by 2°C, which shortens the running time of the compressor and reduces the storage volume of the refrigerant circulation, thereby improving the flow noise of the reservoir under certain circumstances; when the ambient temperature is above 16°C, the refrigerator requires more refrigerant, so the refrigerant circulation storage volume is less, and the shutdown temperature is increased by 1°C, which shortens the running time of the compressor, reduces the storage volume of the refrigerant circulation, and improves the flow noise of the reservoir.

[0051] When the ambient temperature is above 16°C, the shutdown temperature is increased. For example, from -19°C to -18°C, an increase of 1°C.

[0052] When the ambient temperature is below 16°C, the shutdown temperature is increased. For example, from -19°C to -17°C, it is increased by 2°C. The shutdown temperature here is the shutdown temperature controlled by the system, not the shutdown temperature set by the user. For example, if the user sets -16°C, the system may actually run to -19°C before shutting down. Therefore, raising the shutdown temperature to -17°C still meets the user's setting requirements. The system will not start until -15°C, which can shorten the compressor running time and reduce the refrigerant circulation storage volume, thereby improving the flow noise of the accumulator under certain conditions.

[0053] In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir is relatively large and the noise of the entire machine meets the judgment condition of the liquid reservoir flow noise, the controller increases the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to the corresponding target shutdown temperature according to the ambient temperature, so that the operation time of the compressor is shortened and the refrigerant circulation liquid storage amount is reduced, thereby reducing the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir and avoiding the frequent occurrence of the liquid flow noise. While ensuring the refrigeration effect, the impact of the liquid flow noise in the liquid reservoir on the user during the refrigeration process of the refrigerator is reduced, thereby improving the user experience.

[0054] In some embodiments, the reservoir flow noise determination condition includes when the compressor is stopped and the fan is not stopped, the whole machine noise is higher than the first reservoir flow noise threshold.

[0055] Specifically, the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold can be understood as a noise value for judging whether the whole machine noise affects the user after the compressor stops. After the compressor stops, the whole machine noise of the refrigerator is detected, and the detected whole machine noise is compared with the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold to determine whether the liquid reservoir flow noise is too large at this time. When the liquid reservoir flow noise is too large, the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled.

[0056] For example, the value collected after the compressor is shut down is the average noise value within 2 minutes after the compressor is shut down, where the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold judgment includes two thresholds, one is the difference between the average of 10 maximum values ​​and 10 minimum values, called the fluctuation threshold; the other is the measured average noise value. When both thresholds are exceeded, it is judged that the flow noise is large, and the low noise control method is switched on; for example, the fluctuation threshold in the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold can be 3 decibels, and the average noise value can be 43 decibels. When the fluctuation threshold of the whole machine noise of the refrigerator is detected within 2 minutes after the compressor is shut down and is greater than 3 decibels and the average noise value is greater than 43 decibels, it is determined that the liquid reservoir flow noise is too large and the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled.

[0057] In some embodiments, the reservoir flow noise determination condition also includes when both the compressor and the fan are shut down, the overall machine noise is higher than a second reservoir flow noise threshold, wherein the first reservoir flow noise threshold is greater than the second reservoir flow noise threshold.

[0058] Specifically, the second reservoir flow noise threshold can be understood as a noise value for judging whether the noise of the whole machine affects the user after both the compressor and the fan are shut down. Since the fan is still running after the compressor is shut down, the flow sound will be superimposed on the fan noise, and there is no other noise source after the fan is shut down, only the reservoir flow noise. Therefore, the first reservoir flow noise threshold is greater than the second reservoir flow noise threshold. After the compressor and the fan are shut down, the whole machine noise of the refrigerator is detected, and the whole machine noise obtained by the detection is compared with the second reservoir flow noise threshold to determine whether the reservoir flow noise is too large at this time. When the reservoir flow noise is too large, the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled.

[0059] For example, after the compressor and the fan are shut down, the collected value is the average noise value within 5 minutes after the fan is shut down, where the threshold judgment includes two thresholds, one is the difference between the average of the 10 maximum values ​​and the 10 minimum values, called the fluctuation threshold, and the other is the measured average noise value. When both thresholds are exceeded, it is judged that the flow noise is large, and the low noise control method is switched to. When judging, if the compressor shutdown flow sound exceeds the threshold and the fan shutdown flow sound exceeds the threshold, the low noise control method is switched to; for example, the fluctuation threshold of the second liquid reservoir flow noise threshold can be 2 decibels, and the average noise value can be 40 decibels. When the fluctuation threshold of the whole machine noise of the refrigerator is detected within 5 minutes after the fan is shut down, and the average noise value is greater than 40 decibels, it is determined that the liquid reservoir flow noise is too large and the refrigerator needs to be low-noise controlled.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 4 The controller is also configured to include steps S3-S4.

[0061] Step S3, determining whether the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to a preset temperature threshold.

[0062] Specifically, the preset temperature threshold may be understood as a value set to distinguish between high ambient temperature and low ambient temperature. For example, the preset temperature threshold may be 16° C., so as to determine whether the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to the preset temperature threshold.

[0063] Step S4, controlling the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to the first target shutdown temperature.

[0064] Specifically, the first target shutdown temperature can be understood as the shutdown temperature after the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to the preset temperature threshold; when raising the shutdown temperature, the ambient temperature is first judged. When the ambient temperature is higher, the refrigerator requires more refrigerant for refrigeration, so the refrigerant circulation storage volume will be lower than the storage volume when the ambient temperature is lower, and the increased shutdown temperature can be lower.

[0065] For example, if the user sets the refrigerator refrigeration temperature to -16°C, the system may actually run to -19°C before shutting down. When the ambient temperature is above 16°C, the shutdown temperature is increased from -19°C to -18°C, an increase of 1°C. This shortens the compressor running time and reduces the refrigerant circulation storage volume, thereby improving the accumulator flow noise under certain circumstances.

[0066] In some embodiments, Figure 5 The controller is also configured to include steps S5-S6.

[0067] Step S5: determine whether the ambient temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold.

[0068] Specifically, the preset temperature threshold may be understood as a value set to distinguish between high ambient temperature and low ambient temperature. For example, the preset temperature threshold may be 16° C., so as to determine whether the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold.

[0069] Step S6, controlling the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to a second target shutdown temperature.

[0070] Specifically, the second target shutdown temperature can be understood as the shutdown temperature after the ambient temperature is raised below the preset temperature threshold; when raising the shutdown temperature, the ambient temperature is first judged. When the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerator requires less refrigerant for refrigeration, so the refrigerant circulation storage volume will be higher than the storage volume at high ambient temperature, and a higher shutdown temperature needs to be increased. Therefore, the second target shutdown temperature is higher than the first target shutdown temperature.

[0071] For example, when raising the shutdown temperature, the ambient temperature is first determined. For example, the ambient temperature is determined based on 16°C as the critical value. Below 16°C is a low ambient temperature, and above 16°C is a high ambient temperature. If the user sets the refrigerator refrigeration temperature to -16°C, the system may actually run to -19°C before shutting down. When the ambient temperature is below 16°C, the shutdown temperature is increased from -19°C to -17°C, an increase of 2°C. This shortens the compressor operating time and reduces the refrigerant circulation storage volume, thereby improving the accumulator flow noise under certain circumstances.

[0072] In some embodiments, after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, when the operation cycle of the refrigerator reaches the preset cycle condition, the judgment result of the whole machine noise is obtained based on the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, and the control of the refrigerator is adjusted based on the judgment result.

[0073] Specifically, after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, the noise will not decrease immediately. Therefore, the refrigerator operates in a preset cycle. For example, the refrigerator can operate for three cycles, and the compressor starts to stop, which can be regarded as a complete cycle. After the operating cycle of the refrigerator reaches the preset cycle, the noise of the entire refrigerator is obtained again to determine whether the liquid storage flow noise is reduced after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased, and the control of the refrigerator is adjusted based on the judgment result.

[0074] For example, after the refrigerator runs for three cycles, the liquid reservoir flow noise is judged again. At this time, the judgment is based on the initial flow judgment rule, that is, after the noise value is obtained, it is compared with the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold and the second liquid reservoir flow noise threshold. However, the judgment rule at this time is to compare with the situation of the first judgment. If there is improvement, the current control operation can be maintained.

[0075] In some embodiments, Figure 6 The controller is also configured to include steps S7-S8.

[0076] Step S7, determining that the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise meets the judgment condition of the liquid reservoir flow noise.

[0077] Specifically, after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, the noise will not decrease immediately. Therefore, the refrigerator operates at a preset cycle. After the refrigerator operation cycle reaches the preset cycle condition, the liquid reservoir flow noise is judged again. If the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise meets the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, that is, the whole machine noise value is higher than the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold and the second liquid reservoir flow noise threshold, it means that the whole machine noise value of the refrigerator has not decreased.

[0078] Step S8, controlling the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to decrease from the target shutdown temperature to the original shutdown temperature.

[0079] Specifically, after the operation cycle of the refrigerator reaches a preset cycle, the liquid reservoir flow noise is judged to determine whether the liquid reservoir flow noise is reduced. When the liquid reservoir flow noise is not reduced, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is controlled to be reduced from the target shutdown temperature to the original shutdown temperature to ensure the refrigeration effect.

[0080] Or, if Figure 7 The controller is also configured to include steps S9-S10.

[0081] Step S9, when it is determined that the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise does not meet the judgment condition of the liquid storage flow noise.

[0082] Specifically, after the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, the noise will not decrease immediately. Therefore, the refrigerator operates at a preset cycle. After the refrigerator reaches the preset cycle condition in the operating cycle, the liquid reservoir flow noise is judged again. If the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise does not meet the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, that is, the whole machine noise value is lower than the first liquid reservoir flow noise threshold and the second liquid reservoir flow noise threshold, it means that the whole machine noise value of the refrigerator has decreased.

[0083] Step S10, controlling the refrigerator to maintain the current control operation.

[0084] Specifically, after the operation cycle of the refrigerator reaches a preset cycle, the liquid reservoir flow noise is judged to determine whether the liquid reservoir flow noise is reduced. When the liquid reservoir flow noise is reduced, the refrigerator is controlled to maintain the current control operation and continue to reduce the liquid reservoir flow noise.

[0085] In some embodiments, in response to the judgment result of the whole machine noise that the whole machine noise meets the reservoir flow noise judgment condition, the whole machine historical noise of the last defrost recovery period and the defrost recovery period historical time are obtained; when the whole machine historical noise is lower than the defrost recovery period noise threshold, the refrigerator maintains the current control operation; or, when the whole machine historical noise is higher than or equal to the defrost recovery period noise threshold, the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator is adjusted.

[0086] Specifically, if the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise meets the judgment condition of the liquid reservoir flow noise, it means that the whole machine noise has not decreased after the shutdown temperature is increased. At this time, the historical noise of the whole machine and the historical time of the defrost recovery period of the last defrost recovery period are obtained. If the historical noise of the whole machine is lower than the defrost recovery period noise threshold, the refrigerator maintains the current control operation. The defrost recovery period noise threshold can be understood as a noise value for judging whether the defrost recovery period noise affects the user. For example, the defrost recovery period noise threshold can be 45 decibels; if the historical noise of the whole machine is higher than or equal to the defrost recovery period noise threshold, the noise of the refrigerator during the defrost recovery period is relatively large, and the liquid reservoir flow noise is superimposed, the noise of the whole machine will be even larger. Therefore, when the noise of the whole machine is higher than or equal to the defrost recovery period noise threshold, adjust the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator to reduce noise.

[0087] For example, if increasing the refrigerator's shutdown temperature does not have a regulatory effect, then the shutdown temperature is lowered. The refrigerator's shutdown temperature is reduced from the target shutdown temperature to the original shutdown temperature, that is, it is restored to the shutdown temperature under the original control conditions. At the same time, the noise and time of the last defrost recovery period are judged. This is because the compressor runs at a high speed and a large load during the defrost recovery period, and the liquid in the liquid reservoir increases. If it increases to a certain level, the noise during the defrost recovery period will far exceed the allowable noise value. At this time, the defrost recovery period noise must be avoided; the noise measured during the defrost recovery period is mainly compared with the threshold. If the historical noise of the whole machine is higher than the defrost recovery period noise threshold, that is, the historical noise of the whole machine is higher than 45 decibels, then defrost avoidance control is initiated.

[0088] In some embodiments, when adjusting the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator, the controller is configured to: control the defrost recovery period of the refrigerator to be in a non-preset night time period.

[0089] Specifically, when the historical noise of the whole machine is higher than the noise threshold of the defrost recovery period, the noise of the defrost recovery period of the refrigerator is avoided to be superimposed on the noise of the liquid storage flow, resulting in excessive noise of the whole machine and affecting the user's rest. At this time, the defrost recovery period of the refrigerator is controlled to be in a non-preset night time period to avoid defrosting at night. For example, the preset night time period can be from 21:00 to 7:00. Defrosting in the time period of 21:00-7:00 is avoided, and the defrost time point skips the preset night time period, so that the defrost recovery period is in a non-preset night time period, so as to avoid the noise of the defrost recovery period superimposed on the noise of the liquid storage flow to generate a large noise of the whole machine, which will appear during the user's rest stage at night and disturb the user's rest.

[0090] In some embodiments, before the refrigerator is about to enter the defrost recovery period based on the historical time of the defrost recovery period, it is operated according to the shutdown temperature set by the user. In response to the operating time reaching the preset time, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the defrost and defrost recovery period, wherein the user-set shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

[0091] Specifically, before the refrigerator is about to enter the defrost recovery period according to the historical time of the defrost recovery period, it is determined that the refrigerator is running for a preset time according to the shutdown temperature set by the user. For example, the preset time is two cycles, and the compressor starts to stop for one cycle. After the running time reaches the preset time, the refrigerator is controlled to enter the defrost and defrost recovery period, so that the liquid in the liquid reservoir is reduced before entering the defrost and defrost recovery period to avoid a large amount of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, thereby effectively reducing the noise of the whole machine during the defrost recovery period.

[0092] For example, before the system recognizes that it is about to enter the defrost recovery period, the shutdown temperature is increased according to the user-set temperature. For example, the user sets the temperature to -16°C and the actual controlled shutdown temperature is -19°C. Then, when defrosting avoidance is performed, the first two cycles of defrosting are controlled to be shut down at -16°C. After running for two cycles, the defrost and defrost recovery periods are entered. This step is to reduce the liquid in the reservoir before entering the defrost and defrost recovery periods.

[0093] According to the following Figure 8 The refrigerator control process is described, such as Figure 8 The process shown includes steps S11-S27.

[0094] Step S11, the refrigerator low noise control method is not enabled.

[0095] Step S12, the compressor stops.

[0096] Step S13, identifying whether the flow noise exceeds a threshold, if so, executing step S16, otherwise, executing step S14.

[0097] Step S14, the fan is shut down.

[0098] Step S15, identifying whether the flow noise exceeds a threshold, if so, executing step S16.

[0099] Step S16, entering the low noise control method.

[0100] Step S17, determine the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is low, execute step S18; if the ambient temperature is high, execute step S19.

[0101] Step S18, the shutdown temperature is increased by 2°C.

[0102] Step S19, the shutdown temperature is increased by 1°C.

[0103] Step S20: The compressor runs for 3 cycles.

[0104] Step S21, determine whether the whole machine noise meets the reservoir flow noise determination condition, if so, execute step S23, otherwise, execute step S22.

[0105] Step S22, keep the current control running.

[0106] Step S23, lowering the shutdown temperature.

[0107] Step S24, identifying whether the flow noise exceeds the defrost recovery period noise threshold, if so, executing step S26, otherwise, executing step S25.

[0108] Step S25, keep the current control running.

[0109] Step S26, avoiding the 21-7 time period for defrosting.

[0110] Step S27, defrost cycle control.

[0111] The present invention mainly innovates the control method of the refrigerator. When it is identified that the refrigerator has a large flow noise problem, the control of the refrigerator shutdown and defrost recovery period is updated to control the frequency of flow sound. After the noise problem point is identified, the product operation rules are adjusted under different ambient temperature conditions to avoid frequent gurgling sounds and reduce the user's annoyance during use.

[0112] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0113] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant circuit is used to circulate the refrigerant in the compressor, the throttling device, the evaporator and the condenser; A liquid reservoir connected to an air return port of the compressor; A fan, the fan is used to adjust the air circulation inside the refrigerator; A noise collecting device, used for collecting the whole machine noise of the refrigerator; Temperature sensor, used to collect ambient temperature; A controller is connected to the noise collection device and the temperature sensor, and is configured to: when the noise of the whole machine meets the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, control the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to increase from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, wherein the target shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The accumulator flow noise determination condition includes when the compressor is stopped and the fan is not stopped, the whole machine noise is higher than a first accumulator flow noise threshold.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reservoir flow noise determination condition also includes that when the compressor and the fan are both stopped, the whole machine noise is higher than a second reservoir flow noise threshold, wherein the first reservoir flow noise threshold is greater than the second reservoir flow noise threshold.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: When the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is controlled to increase from the original shutdown temperature to a first target shutdown temperature, and the first target shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is controlled to increase from the original shutdown temperature to a second target shutdown temperature, and the second target shutdown temperature is higher than the first target shutdown temperature.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: After the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator is increased from the original shutdown temperature to the target shutdown temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature, when the operation cycle of the refrigerator reaches the preset cycle condition, the judgment result of the whole machine noise is obtained based on the liquid reservoir flow noise judgment condition, and the control of the refrigerator is adjusted based on the judgment result.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: When the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise meets the liquid storage flow noise judgment condition, controlling the shutdown temperature of the refrigerator to be lowered from the target shutdown temperature to the original shutdown temperature; Alternatively, when the judgment result of the whole machine noise is that the whole machine noise does not satisfy the accumulator flow noise judgment condition, the refrigerator is controlled to maintain the current control operation.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: In response to the judgment result of the whole machine noise being that the whole machine noise satisfies the accumulator flow noise judgment condition, obtaining the whole machine historical noise of the last defrost recovery period and the defrost recovery period historical time; When the historical noise of the whole machine is lower than the noise threshold of the defrost recovery period, the refrigerator maintains the current control operation; Alternatively, when the historical noise of the entire machine is higher than or equal to the noise threshold of the defrost recovery period, the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator is adjusted.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: When adjusting the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator, the controller is configured to control the defrost recovery period of the refrigerator to be in a non-preset nighttime period.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: When adjusting the defrost control strategy of the refrigerator, the controller is configured as follows: before determining that the refrigerator is about to enter the defrost recovery period based on the historical time of the defrost recovery period, operating according to a shutdown temperature set by the user, and in response to the operating time reaching a preset time, controlling the refrigerator to enter the defrost and defrost recovery period, wherein the user-set shutdown temperature is higher than the original shutdown temperature.

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