Refrigerator and control method thereof

By setting up an odor sensor, gas detection component and gas adjustment device in the refrigerator, the gas parameters are adjusted to improve detection accuracy, and the problem of inaccurate odor detection in the refrigerator is solved, which significantly improves the odor cleansing effect.

CN120120809APending Publication Date: 2025-06-10HISENSE(SHANDONG)REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311686858.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-08
Publication Date
2025-06-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The accuracy of odor detection in the refrigerator is affected by changes in the refrigerator's usage, resulting in poor odor cleansing effect.

Method used

A refrigerator is designed that includes an odor sensor, a gas detection component and a gas regulation device to improve the detection accuracy of the odor sensor by controlling gas parameters such as temperature, humidity and flow rate.

Benefits of technology

By adjusting the gas parameters, the accuracy of the odor sensor detects odor concentration is improved, thereby improving the odor cleanliness reliability and odor cleanliness of the refrigerator.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the invention belongs to the technology of household appliances, and provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof.The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a door body, a refrigerating system, a smell sensor, a gas detection component, a gas adjusting device and a control device; the control device obtains gas parameters of gas flowing through the surface of the smell sensor through the gas detection component and obtains the opening and closing state of the refrigerating system and the opening and closing state of the door body. When the door body is in the closed state, the operation state of the gas adjusting device is controlled according to the gas parameters and the on-off state of the refrigerating system, so that the parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the smell sensor are adjusted, the accuracy of detecting the peculiar smell concentration by the smell sensor is improved, and the smell purifying reliability and effect of the refrigerator are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to refrigerator technology. More specifically, it relates to a refrigerator and its control method. Background Art

[0002] As a commonly used household appliance product, the refrigerator stores a variety of foods inside. The foods emit various odors, resulting in unpleasant odors inside the refrigerator. Refrigerators with odor purification functions have emerged, and their main principle is: using an odor sensor to continuously monitor the odor situation inside the refrigerator, and when the odor concentration exceeds a set threshold, the odor purification device automatically starts to purify the odor. The activation of the odor purification device depends on the accuracy of the odor sensor.

[0003] However, during the actual use of the refrigerator, the air state inside the refrigerator, such as temperature, humidity, air flow velocity, etc., constantly changes due to the usage of the refrigerator, affecting the accuracy of the odor sensor, and thus affecting the odor purification effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a refrigerator and its control method, which can improve the accuracy of detecting the odor concentration by the odor sensor.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a refrigerator, which includes:

[0006] A cabinet, configured to form a refrigerating chamber;

[0007] A door body, rotatably installed on one side of the cabinet to open or close the refrigerating chamber;

[0008] A refrigeration system, installed inside the cabinet and configured to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerating chamber by controlling the refrigerant;

[0009] An odor sensor, installed inside the refrigerating chamber for detecting the odor concentration inside the refrigerating chamber;

[0010] A gas detection component, installed inside the refrigerating chamber for obtaining gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, where the gas parameters include at least one of gas temperature, gas humidity, or gas flow velocity;

[0011] A gas regulation device, installed inside the refrigerating chamber and configured to regulate the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor;

[0012] A control device, electrically connected to the refrigeration system, the odor sensor, the gas detection component, and the gas regulation device respectively, and the control device is configured to:

[0013] When the door body is in the closed state, control the operating state of the gas regulating device according to the gas parameters and the opening and closing state of the refrigeration system; and obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment through the odor sensor.

[0014] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a box body, a door body, a refrigeration system, an odor sensor, a gas detection component, a gas regulating device, and a control device. The control device obtains the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor through the gas detection component, and obtains the opening and closing state of the refrigeration system and the opening and closing state of the door body; when the door body is in the closed state, control the operating state of the gas regulating device according to the gas parameters and the opening and closing state of the refrigeration system, so as to adjust the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor in detecting the odor concentration, and further improving the reliability and odor removal effect of the refrigerator.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas regulating device includes an adjusting fan, and the adjusting fan is configured to drive the gas to flow through the surface of the odor sensor;

[0016] The control device is electrically connected to the adjusting fan. When the gas parameters include the gas flow rate, the control device is configured to:

[0017] When the refrigeration system is in the starting state, if the gas flow rate is less than the flow rate threshold, control the adjusting fan to operate at the first rotation speed; after the adjusting fan operates at the first rotation speed for the first duration, if the gas flow rate is less than the flow rate threshold, control the adjusting fan to operate at the second rotation speed, where the second rotation speed is greater than the first rotation speed;

[0018] When the refrigeration system is in the closed state, control the adjusting fan to operate at the second rotation speed.

[0019] In the refrigerator of this embodiment, during the operation of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration fan is turned on, and the gas flow rate in the refrigerator compartment is increased. The adjusting fan operates at a lower first rotation speed, which can make the gas flow rate flowing through the surface of the odor sensor within the range of Vx to Vy, and at the same time, the operating noise of the refrigerator can be reduced. When the refrigeration system stops operating, the gas circulation in the refrigerator compartment is slow, and the odor diffusion is uneven. Controlling the adjusting fan to operate at a higher second rotation speed can accelerate the gas circulation in the refrigerator compartment, make the odor distribution more uniform, and is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor detection; when the refrigeration system stops operating, the refrigeration fan is turned off, and even if the adjusting fan operates at a higher second rotation speed, the operating noise of the refrigerator can be kept at a lower level.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas regulating device further includes an outer casing, an air inlet and an air outlet are formed on the outer casing, the air outlet faces the odor sensor, the air inlet direction of the air inlet is different from the air outlet direction of the air outlet, and the air inlet and the air outlet have a preset interval; the regulating fan is installed at the air inlet of the outer casing; a diversion air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0021] In the refrigerator of this embodiment, an air inlet and an air outlet are formed on the outer casing of the refrigerator, and the air outlet faces the odor sensor. In this way, the adjusted gas can directly pass through the odor sensor and be sensed, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the detection by the odor sensor; the air inlet direction of the air inlet is different from the air outlet direction of the air outlet, and the air inlet and the air outlet have a preset interval. Such a setting avoids interference between the incoming gas and the outgoing gas, which is beneficial to further improving the accuracy of the detection by the odor sensor. A diversion air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet to restrict and guide the flow direction of the gas in the outer casing.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas regulating device further includes a heater, and the heater is configured to adjust the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor;

[0023] The control device is electrically connected to the heater. When the gas parameter further includes the gas temperature, the control device is further configured to: when the regulating fan is started, obtain the gas temperature on the surface of the odor sensor;

[0024] According to the gas temperature and the preset mapping relationship between the gas temperature and the heater power, determine the first heating power of the heater;

[0025] Control the heater to operate at the first heating power;

[0026] When the regulating fan is turned off, control the heater to turn off.

[0027] In the refrigerator of this embodiment, when the regulating fan is operating, the gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor is obtained through a temperature sensor, and according to different ranges of the gas temperature, the heater is controlled to operate at different powers, which not only ensures that the gas temperature flowing through the surface of the odor sensor is within the set range and ensures the accuracy of the detection by the odor sensor, but also can reduce the influence of the heater heating on the refrigeration temperature.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, the heating element of the heater is arranged on the duct wall of the diversion air duct, and the heating element of the heater is located at the outlet end of the duct wall.

[0029] In this embodiment, by arranging the heating element of the heater at the outlet end of the air duct wall, the heated gas can reach the odor sensor as soon as possible, avoiding heat loss during the gas flow process and facilitating maintaining the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas regulating device further includes a moisture absorber configured to absorb the moisture of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor; the moisture absorber is installed between the outlet end of the diversion air duct and the air outlet;

[0031] The gas parameters further include the gas humidity; the control device is further configured to: when the gas humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber through the odor sensor.

[0032] In this embodiment, by arranging a moisture absorber to absorb the moisture of the gas flowing through the odor sensor, under the action of the moisture absorber, the gas humidity S detected by the humidity sensor of the gas flowing through the odor sensor is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold S, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor in detecting the odor concentration.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, the control device is further configured to: when the gas humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, control the regulating fan to operate at a third speed and control the heater to operate at a second heating power until the gas humidity is less than or equal to the second humidity threshold; wherein, the third speed is greater than the second speed, the second heating power is greater than the first heating power, and the second humidity threshold is less than the first humidity threshold.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the gas humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, by controlling the regulating fan to operate at a third speed and controlling the heater to operate at a second heating power, the high-temperature gas continuously flows through the moisture absorber, taking away the moisture on the moisture absorber and enabling the moisture absorber to restore its moisture absorption function; and, when the gas humidity is less than or equal to the second humidity threshold, it is determined that the moisture absorber has restored its moisture absorption function, and the second humidity threshold is less than the first humidity threshold, which can prevent fluctuations in the gas humidity at the first humidity threshold and cause the regulating fan to be in an on-off alternating state all the time.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, the gas detection component includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a flow rate sensor. The temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the flow rate sensor are located at the edge of the air outlet, and the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the flow rate sensor are arranged side by side on the inner surface of the outer housing.

[0036] In this embodiment, three sensors are provided to respectively detect the gas temperature, gas humidity, and gas flow rate, facilitating the acquisition of parameters separately. Moreover, the three sensors are arranged side by side between the air outlet and the moisture absorber, which is conducive to simultaneously detecting the gas parameters at the same position, thereby facilitating the improvement of the accuracy of gas parameter detection.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present application, the diversion air duct is in a planar spiral shape, the air inlet is arranged at the center of the diversion air duct, and the air outlet is arranged at the outlet end of the diversion air duct.

[0038] With such an arrangement, it can not only ensure that the air inlet direction of the air inlet and the air outlet direction of the air outlet are different, so that there is a certain interval between the air inlet and the air outlet, but also enable the outer casing to have a smaller volume, reducing the installation space occupied by the gas regulating device in the refrigerator compartment. At the same time, it can ensure a longer gas flow path, facilitating the adjustment of the gas flow rate.

[0039] Second, an embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a refrigerator.

[0040] The refrigerator includes a box body, a door body, a refrigeration system, an odor sensor, a gas detection component, and a gas regulating device. The box body is configured to form a refrigerator compartment; the door body is rotatably installed on one side of the box body to open or close the refrigerator compartment; the refrigeration system is installed in the box body and is configured to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerator compartment by controlling the refrigerant; the odor sensor, the gas detection component, and the gas regulating device are all installed in the refrigerator compartment. The odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment; the gas detection component is used to obtain the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, and the gas parameters include at least one of gas temperature, gas humidity, or gas flow rate; the gas regulating device is configured to adjust the gas parameters on the surface of the odor sensor; the method includes:

[0041] When the door body is in the closed state, according to the gas parameters and the on-off state of the refrigeration system, control the operating state of the gas regulating device; and obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment through the odor sensor.

[0042] The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application includes: a box body, a door body, a refrigeration system, an odor sensor, a gas detection component, and a gas regulating device. The gas detection component is used to obtain the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, and obtain the on-off state of the refrigeration system and the opening and closing state of the door body. When the door body is in the closed state, according to the gas parameters and the on-off state of the refrigeration system, control the operating state of the gas regulating device, thereby adjusting the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor in detecting the odor concentration, and further improving the reliability and odor removal effect of the refrigerator.

[0043] In a third aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in the second aspect is implemented.

[0044] The computer-readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present application can execute the technical solutions in the above method embodiments, and the beneficial effects are similar, so details are not described herein again.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the method described in the second aspect when executed by a processor.

[0046] The computer program product provided in the embodiments of the present application can execute the technical solutions in the above method embodiments, and the beneficial effects are similar, so details are not described herein again. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the implementation manners in related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required to be used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and those of ordinary skill in the art can also obtain other drawings according to these drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the installation positions of an odor sensor and a gas regulation device provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the installation positions of an odor sensor and a gas regulation device provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0051] Figure 4 Schematic installation diagram of a gas regulation device and an odor sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of an odor sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0053] Figure 6 Installation structure of an odor sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 7 Exploded view of a gas regulation device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the gas regulation device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the moisture absorber of the gas regulation device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 10 Flow chart of a control method for a refrigerator door body provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0058] Figure 11 Flow chart of a control method for a refrigerator door body provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0059] Figure 12 Flow chart of a control method for a refrigerator door body provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0060] Figure 13 Flow chart of a control method for a refrigerator door body provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 4 .

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0062] 100: Box body; 101: Refrigerating chamber; 110: Air duct cover plate;

[0063] 200: Door body;

[0064] 300: Odor sensor; 310: Control device; 320: Mounting structure; 321: Clamping part; 322: Ventilation port;

[0065] 400: Gas detection component; 410: Temperature sensor; 420: Humidity sensor; 430: Flow rate sensor;

[0066] 500: Gas regulation device; 510: Regulation fan; 520: Outer housing; 521: Air inlet; 522: Air outlet; 523: Diversion air duct; 5231: Air duct wall; 524: Buckle; 525: Half shell; 526: Cover plate; 530: Heater; 540: Moisture absorber; 541: Housing; 542: Moisture absorption fiber. Detailed implementation manners

[0067] To make the objectives, implementation manners and advantages of the present application clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the exemplary implementation manners of the present application with reference to the drawings in the exemplary embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0068] It should be noted that the brief description of the terms in this application is only for the convenience of understanding the following described embodiments, rather than intending to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meanings.

[0069] In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover but not exclusively include. For example, a product or device comprising a series of components does not necessarily have to be limited to those components clearly listed, but may include other components not clearly listed or inherent to these products or devices.

[0070] As a commonly used household appliance product, the refrigerator stores a variety of foods inside. The foods emit various odors, resulting in unpleasant smells inside the refrigerator. Refrigerators with odor purification functions have emerged as the times require. The odor purification devices in some refrigerators are turned on regularly to purify the internal space of the refrigerator, but the odor purification effect is poor; there are also some refrigerators that use odor sensors to monitor the odor situation inside the refrigerator in real time. When the odor concentration exceeds the set threshold, the odor purification device is automatically turned on for odor purification, realizing the on-demand activation of the refrigerator odor purification. Compared with the regularly turned-on odor purification device, the automatically turned-on odor purification device is beneficial to improving the odor purification effect.

[0071] The activation of the odor purification device depends on the accuracy of the odor sensor. If the accuracy of the odor sensor is low, it will seriously affect the odor purification effect and reduce the user experience.

[0072] During the actual use of the refrigerator, there are various foods stored in the refrigerator and the humidity changes greatly; the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the start and stop of the compressor, etc. will all affect the internal environment of the refrigerator, such as temperature, humidity, air flow velocity, etc.; all of the above will affect the accuracy of the odor sensor, resulting in inaccurate perception of the odor concentration, and further affecting the odor purification effect. Therefore, improving the accuracy of the odor sensor is crucial for the start and stop of the automatic odor purification device.

[0073] Through the research on the characteristics of the odor sensor, the R & D personnel found that the air flow velocity flowing through the surface of the odor sensor will affect its response degree, recovery degree and sensitivity. If the air flow velocity is too low, the recovery degree of the odor sensor decreases, that is, the recovery time becomes longer. Within a certain air flow velocity range, as the air flow velocity increases, both the response time and the recovery time of the odor sensor decrease; when the air flow velocity is too large, the sensitive material of the odor sensor cannot fully react with the odor molecules, resulting in a decrease in the sensitivity of the odor sensor.

[0074] Furthermore, the R & D personnel studied the factors affecting the gas flow rate inside the refrigerator and found that the start and stop of the refrigeration system, the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, and the storage of food inside the refrigerator all affect the air flow conditions in the refrigerating chamber. Among them, when the refrigerator door is opened, the refrigerating chamber is connected to the external environment, and the temperature, humidity, and air flow in the refrigerating chamber fluctuate greatly and are not easy to control. The start and stop of the refrigeration system are periodic. When the refrigeration system starts, both the compressor and the refrigeration fan start, and the air flow rate in the refrigerating chamber is relatively large; when the refrigeration system is closed, both the compressor and the refrigeration fan are closed, and the air flow rate in the refrigerating chamber is relatively small. When the position and quantity of the food stored by the user are different, the air flow rate passing through the surface of the odor sensor is also different. All the above situations make the air flow rate in the refrigerating chamber fluctuate greatly, which easily leads to inaccurate perception of the odor concentration by the odor sensor.

[0075] Therefore, it is necessary to control the gas flow rate passing through the surface of the odor sensor to ensure the accuracy of the odor sensor in perceiving the odor concentration. Through testing, the R & D personnel of this application found that the suitable air flow rate for the operation of the odor sensor for refrigerators is: Vx~Vy.

[0076] In view of this, an adjustment fan is provided inside the refrigerator in the embodiment of this application to adjust the gas flow rate passing through the surface of the odor sensor to improve the accuracy of the odor sensor. And according to the opening and closing state of the refrigerator door and the start and stop state of the refrigeration system, the rotation speed of the adjustment fan is controlled to ensure that the air flow rate on the surface of the odor sensor is within the set range, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the odor sensor.

[0077] The R & D personnel continued to study. The working principle of the metal oxide type odor sensor is that the target gas undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction with the sensitive material under high temperature (generally above 200 °C), causing a change in the resistance of the material, thereby reflecting the concentration of the target gas. Therefore, such odor sensors are equipped with heating resistors to heat the sensitive material to reach the temperature required for the reaction. Under the condition of the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator with an average temperature of 4 °C, such odor sensors can also work normally. However, in terms of sensitivity, it is lower than that in the normal temperature state. At the same time, the R & D personnel also found that in a low-temperature environment, temperature fluctuations are more likely to cause fluctuations in the response of the odor sensor. Therefore, in the environment of the refrigerator refrigerating chamber, it is necessary to reduce the temperature fluctuation of the air flow passing through the surface of the odor sensor to ensure the accuracy of the odor sensor in perceiving the odor concentration.

[0078] The temperature T of the refrigerator refrigerating chamber fluctuates in the range of Tmin≤T≤Tmax under the action of the refrigeration system. When the refrigeration system starts, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber gradually decreases to Tmin; then the refrigeration system is closed. The temperature of the refrigerating chamber gradually rises to Tmax, and the refrigeration system starts again, and so on. During the start and stop of the refrigeration system, the gas temperature in the refrigerating chamber is in a fluctuating state.

[0079] Taking into account that the compressor noise is relatively large when the refrigeration system is started, the startup of the compressor should be reduced as much as possible; and the refrigeration system is for all compartments of the refrigerator. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, in order to control the temperature fluctuation of the airflow flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, it is easier to control its temperature fluctuation range to T1≤T≤Tmax (T1>Tmin).

[0080] In addition, a heater is provided in the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application to adjust the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor to improve the accuracy of the odor sensor. The operating state of the heater is controlled according to the working state of the adjustment fan and the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor to ensure that the temperature of the gas on the surface of the odor sensor is within a set range, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the odor sensor.

[0081] Studies have shown that the sensitivity of odor sensors in humid air is lower than that in dry air. Taking semiconductor-type odor sensors as an example, the operating temperature of their sensitive materials is usually higher than 200°C. In humid air, a variety of light-based ions rather than water molecules are adsorbed on the surface of semiconductor materials, which causes changes in the material resistance and leads to inaccurate odor perception by the odor sensor. Therefore, in order for the odor sensor to perceive the odor concentration more accurately, the humidity of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor should be kept low. However, when users store fresh ingredients in the refrigerator, especially when there are more fruits and vegetables, the humidity in the refrigerator is high. Some refrigerators are equipped with a humidification function to prevent fruits and vegetables from drying out, resulting in higher humidity in the refrigerator compartment. In this case, the accuracy of the odor sensor will inevitably be affected.

[0082] Therefore, it is necessary to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor to ensure the accuracy of the odor sensor in sensing the concentration of odor. The researchers of this application have tested that the suitable surface airflow humidity for the refrigerator odor sensor is S≤S1.

[0083] In view of this, a dehumidifier is provided in the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application to dehumidify the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor to improve the accuracy of the odor sensor. Since the dehumidifier is saturated with humidity, the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application determines whether to perform the restoration operation of the dehumidifier by monitoring the humidity of the gas after dehumidification. During the restoration process of the dehumidifier, the fan and the heater are controlled and adjusted to operate according to the set state so that the dehumidifier continues to dehumidify and restore.

[0084] The R & D personnel further studied the component structure for realizing the above functions, and designed a gas regulating device for regulating the temperature, humidity and gas flow rate of an odor sensor. The air outlet of the gas regulating device is directly opposite to the odor sensor, and there is a certain distance between the air inlet and the air outlet of the gas regulating device to avoid mutual influence; an adjusting fan is arranged at the air inlet, and a diversion air duct is arranged between the adjusting fan and the air outlet to guide the gas to flow along a set path; the heater can be attached to the inner wall of the diversion air duct or installed at one end of the diversion air duct close to the air outlet; the moisture absorber is installed at one end of the diversion air duct close to the air outlet. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, and an air flow sensor for detecting the gas flow rate of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor are arranged side by side between the moisture absorber and the air outlet to improve the detection accuracy.

[0085] The technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments below can be combined with each other or exist independently. For the same or similar concepts or processes, they may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0086] The R & D personnel of the present application found through research that the accuracy of the odor sensor in perceiving the odor concentration is related to the temperature change, humidity change and gas flow rate change in the refrigerator. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a gas regulating device to regulate the gas temperature, gas humidity and gas flow rate of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, so that the gas temperature, gas humidity and gas flow rate of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor are within a set range, so as to improve the accuracy of the odor sensor in perceiving the odor in the refrigerator, and further improve the odor removal effect in the refrigerator. The specific structure and function of the gas regulating device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0087] Combined Figure 1 , the refrigerator provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a box body 100, a door body 200 and a refrigeration system. Among them, the box body 100 is configured to form a refrigerating chamber 101 for storing items such as food. Of course, the box body 100 can also be configured to form a freezing chamber and / or a variable temperature chamber to store items at different temperatures. A placing and taking opening for placing and taking items is formed on the front side of the refrigerating chamber 101, and the door body 200 is rotatably installed on the side of the box body 100 to open or close the placing and taking opening.

[0088] The cabinet 100 may include a cabinet shell and a refrigerating liner disposed inside the cabinet shell. Among them, the refrigerating liner is configured to form a refrigerating chamber 101; a freezing liner may also be disposed inside the cabinet shell, and the freezing liner is used to form a freezing chamber; a variable-temperature liner may also be disposed inside the cabinet shell, and the variable-temperature liner is used to form a variable-temperature chamber. A heat-insulating layer, such as a foaming layer, is formed between the cabinet and the liner to improve the heat-insulating effect of the refrigerator.

[0089] The refrigeration system of the embodiment of the present application is installed inside the cabinet 100 and is configured to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerating chamber 101 by controlling the refrigerant. The refrigeration system may include a compressor, an evaporator, a capillary tube, and a condenser. The outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the condenser, and the outlet of the condenser is communicated with the capillary tube; the inlet of the evaporator is communicated with the capillary tube, and the outlet of the evaporator is connected to the inlet of the compressor. When the refrigeration system is started, the compressor converts the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which undergoes heat exchange through the condenser to become a normal-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then undergoes pressure reduction and temperature reduction through the capillary tube to be converted into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid, and undergoes heat exchange through the evaporator. After receiving the low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant, the evaporator causes it to boil under isobaric conditions, absorb heat and vaporize to reduce the temperature inside the refrigerating chamber. At this time, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber reaches the set refrigerating temperature Tmin, and the refrigeration system is turned off. As time goes on, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber rises to Tmax, and the refrigeration system is started again to repeat the above process to ensure that the temperature of the refrigerating chamber fluctuates within the set refrigerating temperature range.

[0090] Combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 , among which, the evaporator of the refrigeration system may be installed in the evaporation chamber between the cabinet shell and the liner. The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application further includes a refrigerating air duct, and the refrigerating air duct is configured to communicate the evaporation chamber and the refrigerating chamber 101 to provide cold air for the refrigerating chamber 101. Among them, the refrigerating air duct is formed by a refrigerating air cavity and an air duct cover plate 110, and among them, the air duct cover plate 110 forms the rear wall of the refrigerating chamber 101. The refrigerator further includes a refrigerating fan, and the refrigerating fan is electrically connected to the control device 310 and is opened and closed under the control of the control device 310 to drive the cold air flow in the evaporation chamber to enter the refrigerating chamber 101 through the refrigerating air duct.

[0091] The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application further includes an odor sensor 300, a gas regulating device 500, and a control device 310. The odor sensor 300, the gas regulating device 500, and the control device 310 are all installed on the air duct cover plate 110.

[0092] Combined with Figures 2 to 4, the odor sensor 300 is used to detect the peculiar smell in the refrigerating chamber 101, and it can be fixed to the side of the air duct cover plate 110 facing away from the refrigerating chamber 101 through the mounting structure 320. Among them, the mounting structure 320 is a housing structure with an opening on one side. A clamping portion 321 can be arranged in the mounting structure 320 so that the odor sensor 300 is clamped in the mounting structure 320 through the clamping portion 321. An air vent 322 is arranged on the mounting structure 320, and a through hole is arranged on the air duct cover plate 110. When the mounting structure 320 is fixed to the air duct cover plate 110, the through hole is opposite to the air vent 322. In this way, the gas in the refrigerating chamber 101 can pass through the through hole and the air vent 322 through the odor sensor 300 to be sensed by the odor sensor 300.

[0093] The gas regulating device 500 is configured to regulate the gas parameters flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300 to ensure that the gas parameters are within a set range, so as to improve the accuracy of the odor sensor 300 in sensing the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber 101. The gas regulating device 500 is located around the odor sensor 300 to ensure the accuracy of gas parameter regulation. The gas regulating device 500 can be installed on the side of the air duct cover plate 110 facing the refrigerating chamber 101 for convenient regulation of gas parameters.

[0094] Combined Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the control device 310 can be installed on the side of the air duct cover plate 110 facing away from the refrigerating chamber 101, which is convenient for electrically connecting with the odor sensor 300 and the gas regulating device 500, so as to facilitate receiving the odor concentration detected by the odor sensor 300 and controlling the working state of the gas regulating device 500.

[0095] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application further includes a deodorizing device. The deodorizing device is installed in the refrigerating chamber 101 and is electrically connected to the control device 310. When the odor concentration detected by the odor sensor 300 exceeds the set value, the control device 310 controls the deodorizing device to start and perform deodorization treatment on the refrigerating chamber 101. The specific structure and principle of the deodorizing device in the embodiment of the present application are not limited.

[0096] The R & D personnel of the present application found through research on the response of the odor sensor 300 to the peculiar smells of different food materials and the human senses that the peculiar smells are divided into two different odor levels according to the output signal of the odor sensor 300. Exemplarily, when the output signal of the odor sensor 300 is between 1 and X1, it is level A; when it is between X1 and X2, it is level B; where level A means basically no peculiar smell, and level B means there is a peculiar smell and the deodorizing device needs to be turned on for deodorization. Among them, X1 and X2 are the numerical values of the output electrical signals of the odor sensor, such as the current values of the current signals.

[0097] Combined Figures 5 to 7, the gas regulation device 500 according to the embodiments of the present application includes a regulating fan 510, a housing 520, a heater 530, and a moisture absorber 540. Among them, the housing 520 provides an installation space for the regulating fan 510, the heater 530, and the moisture absorber 540.

[0098] The housing 520 is configured to form a chamber for installing the regulating fan 510, the heater 530, the moisture absorber 540, etc. The housing 520 may include two fixedly connected half-shells, or, as Figure 7 shown, the housing 520 includes a half-shell 525 and a cover plate 526. The half-shell 525 forms a cavity with an opening on one side, and the cover plate 526 is covered on the half-shell 525. There are various connection methods between the cover plate 526 and the half-shell 525, such as snap connection, screw connection, etc. A sealing structure, such as sealant, gasket, etc., may be provided between the cover plate 526 and the half-shell 525 to improve the tightness of the chamber formed by the housing 520.

[0099] In some examples, a buckle 524 is provided on the cover plate 526, and the buckle 524 is snap-connected to the engaging portion on the air duct cover plate 110, thereby fixing the gas regulation device 500 to the air duct cover plate 110, and the fixing method is stable and reliable.

[0100] Combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 , an air inlet 521 and an air outlet 522 are formed on the housing 520, and the air outlet 522 is opposite to the odor sensor 300. In this way, the regulated gas can directly pass through the odor sensor 300 and be sensed, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the detection of the odor sensor 300.

[0101] In actual situations, the installation position of the odor sensor 300 is not fixed. For different models of refrigerators, fluid simulation is performed on their air ducts, and a position with appropriate air volume and convenient structure is selected for installation according to the fluid simulation results. Therefore, the position of the gas regulation device 500 changes according to the installation position of the odor sensor 300.

[0102] Among them, the air inlet direction of the air inlet 521 is different from the air outlet direction of the air outlet 522, and there is a preset interval between the air inlet 521 and the air outlet 522. Such a setting avoids interference between the incoming gas and the discharged gas, which is beneficial to further improving the accuracy of the detection of the odor sensor 300. In some examples, the air inlet 521 is provided on the front side of the housing 520, facing the refrigerating chamber 101, which is convenient for the gas to enter; the air outlet 522 is provided on the side of the housing 520, which is convenient to be opposite to the odor sensor 300 provided on the side of the housing 520.

[0103] The air inlet 521 may include a plurality of air inlet holes arranged according to a set rule, such as a rectangular matrix, a circular matrix, etc.; with such a setting, it can not only ensure the air inlet area, but also prevent impurities and the like from entering the interior of the outer casing 520.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, the air outlet 522 is provided with a plurality of vertical bars to form an air outlet grille, which can not only ensure the discharge of gas, but also block its internal structure.

[0105] Combined Figure 7 and Figure 8 and, the regulating fan 510 is electrically connected to the control device 310. The regulating fan 510 is configured to drive gas to flow through the surface of the odor sensor 300. By controlling the rotation speed of the regulating fan 510, the flow rate of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300 can be controlled. In the embodiment of the present application, the regulating fan 510 is installed at the air inlet 521 of the outer casing 520 to drive the gas in the refrigerating chamber 101 into the interior of the outer casing 520.

[0106] Continuing to refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 and, in the embodiment of the present application, a diversion air duct 523 is formed between the air inlet 521 and the air outlet 522 to restrict and guide the flow direction of the gas in the outer casing 520. In some embodiments, the diversion air duct 523 is in a planar spiral shape. The air inlet 521 is arranged at the center of the diversion air duct 523, and the air outlet 522 is arranged at the outlet end of the diversion air duct 523; with such a setting, it can not only ensure that the air inlet direction of the air inlet 521 is different from the air outlet direction of the air outlet 522, so that there is a certain interval between the air inlet 521 and the air outlet 522, but also enable the outer casing 520 to have a smaller volume, reduce the installation occupation space of the gas regulating device 500 in the refrigerating chamber, and at the same time ensure a longer gas flow path, which is convenient for adjusting the gas flow rate.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, a planar spiral air duct wall 5231 is arranged in the half shell 525. The air duct wall 5231 and the outer casing 520 jointly define a planar spiral diversion air duct 523, which can extend the gas flow path in the outer casing 520 in a limited space, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the gas flow rate; moreover, it is convenient to adjust the humidity and temperature of the gas.

[0108] When the half shell 525 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 526, the cover plate 526 abuts against the air duct wall 5231, thereby preventing the gas from flowing in the diversion air duct 523 and affecting the adjustment of the gas flow rate.

[0109] Of course, the shape of the diversion air duct 523 shown in the drawings is not restrictive. The diversion air duct 523 can also be other shapes, such as a zigzag shape, an S shape, etc.

[0110] The adjustable blower 510 in the embodiments of the present application can be a turbine blower. Cooperating with the diversion air duct 523, it enables gas to enter the interior of the outer housing 520 from the air inlet 521 and then be discharged to the outside of the outer housing 520 through the air outlet 522.

[0111] The heater 530 in the embodiments of the present application is electrically connected to the control device 310 to adjust the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300. The heater 530 can include a heating element and a control element. Among them, the heating element generates heat under the control of the control element to adjust the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300. The heating element can be a heating wire, and the heating wire can be attached to the duct wall 5231 of the diversion air duct 523, which is convenient for heating the passing gas, has a simple structure and is convenient for installation; it has a large contact area with the flowing air, which is beneficial to improving the heating efficiency.

[0112] Those skilled in the art can also set the size of the heating wire according to actual needs to meet the heating requirements. In some examples, the heater 530 includes a plurality of heating wires, and the plurality of heating wires are arranged at different positions on the duct wall 5231 at intervals along the gas flow direction to gradually heat the gas in the diversion air duct 523.

[0113] The heating wire can be installed at any position on the duct wall 5231. In some embodiments, the heating wire is located at the outlet end of the duct wall 5231. Such a setting can enable the heated gas to reach the odor sensor 300 as soon as possible, avoid heat dissipation during the gas flow process, and is beneficial to maintaining the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300.

[0114] Combined with Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the moisture absorber 540 in the embodiments of the present application is configured to absorb the moisture of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300. The moisture absorber 540 can be installed in the diversion air duct 523 to dehumidify the flowing gas. In some specific implementation manners, the moisture absorber 540 is installed between the outlet end of the diversion air duct 523 and the air outlet 522. Such a setting can enable the dehumidified gas to reach the odor sensor 300 as soon as possible, avoid absorbing moisture during the fluid flow process, and is beneficial to maintaining the temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300.

[0115] In some examples, both the moisture absorber 540 and the heater 530 are arranged at the outlet end of the duct wall 5231, so that the moisture absorber 540 is close to the heater 530, which is beneficial to the recovery of the moisture absorber 540.

[0116] In some possible embodiments, the moisture absorber 540 includes a housing 541 and a moisture-absorbing fiber 542. The moisture-absorbing fiber 542 is installed in the housing 541, and the housing 541 is fixed to the outlet end of the duct wall 5231. The fixing methods of the housing 541 include but are not limited to screwing, clamping, bonding, etc.

[0117] The moisture-absorbing fiber 542 can be loaded with moisture-absorbing materials such as calcium chloride to improve the moisture-absorbing performance of the moisture-absorbing fiber 542. By providing the moisture-absorbing fiber 542 in the embodiments of the present application, the contact area with the gas can be increased, and the loading amount of the moisture-absorbing material can also be increased. When the gas with a relatively high humidity flows through the moisture-absorbing fiber 542, the moisture-absorbing material on the moisture-absorbing fiber 542 can absorb the moisture in the gas, reducing the humidity of the gas passing through the moisture-absorbing fiber 542.

[0118] The moisture absorber 540 provided in the embodiments of the present application can be a disposable moisture-absorbing device, which can be replaced after being saturated with moisture; alternatively, the moisture absorber 540 in the embodiments of the present application is a recoverable moisture-absorbing device, which uses high-temperature flowing gas for dehumidification to restore the moisture absorber 540 to its initial state. With such a setting, there is no need to replace the moisture absorber 540, which is beneficial to reducing costs. The moisture absorber 540 in the embodiments of the present application adopts a recoverable moisture-absorbing device.

[0119] Of course, the moisture-absorbing fiber 542 in the embodiments of the present application can also be other types of moisture-absorbing materials, and the absorbed moisture can be taken away by high-temperature flowing gas and the moisture-absorbing function can be restored.

[0120] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The refrigerator in the embodiments of the present application further includes a gas detection component 400. The gas detection component 400 is installed in the refrigerating chamber 101 and is used to detect the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the odor sensor 300. The gas parameters include at least one of gas temperature, gas humidity or gas flow rate. Among them, the gas detection component 400 can be independently provided, or the gas detection component 400 can also be installed in the outer housing 520 of the gas regulating device 500, which is convenient for installation and is also beneficial to improving the accuracy of gas parameter detection.

[0121] In some of the embodiments, the gas detection component 400 includes a temperature sensor 410, a humidity sensor 420 and a flow rate sensor 430. The temperature sensor 410, the humidity sensor 420 and the flow rate sensor 430 are located at the edge of the air outlet 522, and the temperature sensor 410, the humidity sensor 420 and the flow rate sensor 430 are arranged side by side on the inner surface of the outer housing 520. With such a setting, it is beneficial to improve the accuracy of gas parameter detection, and thus beneficial to improving the accuracy of odor sensor 300 detection.

[0122] It should be noted that the types of sensors of the gas detection component 400 are not limited to this. For example, the gas detection component 400 can also include a temperature and humidity sensor and a flow rate sensor. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the arrangement order of the various sensors of the gas detection component 400, but it is necessary to ensure that the gas first flows through the heater 530 and the moisture absorber 540 and then passes through the gas detection component 400.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present application, three sensors are arranged side by side between the air outlet 522 and the dehumidifier 540, which is conducive to simultaneously detecting the gas parameters at the same position, and thus conducive to improving the accuracy of gas parameter detection.

[0124] Through the above arrangement, the gas detection component 400 is located inside the air outlet 522, and the air outlet 522 faces the odor sensor 300 and the distance is short, so as to ensure that the temperature, humidity and flow rate of the gas flowing through the odor sensor 300 are close to the gas parameters detected by the gas detection component 400, and thus conducive to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor 300 in sensing the odor concentration.

[0125] For the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application, according to the flow rate sensor 430 sensing the air flow rate flowing through the odor sensor 300, by controlling the start and stop of the blower 510 and cooperating with the start and stop of the refrigeration system, the gas flow rate flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300 is controlled to be within a set range; by adding a heater 530 in the diversion air duct 523 where the air flow passes through, the air flow temperature is controlled; by the dehumidifier 540, the gas humidity flowing through the surface of the odor sensor 300 is controlled, so as to improve the accuracy of the odor sensor 300 in sensing odors.

[0126] The following Figures 10 to 13 describes the control method of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0127] It should be noted that the control device 310 of the embodiment of the present application is electrically connected to the refrigeration system, the odor sensor 300, the gas detection component 400, the gas adjustment device 500 and the odor removal device respectively. The control device 310 controls the working state of the gas adjustment device 500 according to the opening and closing of the refrigeration system, the opening and closing of the door body 200 and the gas parameters detected by the gas detection component 400, so as to adjust the gas state flowing through the odor sensor 300 and improve the accuracy of the odor sensor 300 in detecting odors. Under satisfied conditions, the control device 310 obtains the odor concentration detected by the odor sensor 300 and controls the opening and closing of the odor removal device according to the odor concentration to ensure the cleanliness of the air in the refrigerator's fresh food compartment.

[0128] Based on the above refrigerator, combined with Figure 10 the control method of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application can be executed by the control device 310 of the above refrigerator and includes the following steps:

[0129] S101: Obtain the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor through the gas detection component.

[0130] Among them, the gas parameters include at least one of gas temperature, gas humidity, or gas flow rate. The gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor can be obtained by a temperature sensor, the gas humidity of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor can be obtained by a humidity sensor, and the gas flow rate of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor can be obtained by a flow rate sensor.

[0131] S102: Obtain the on / off state of the refrigeration system and the open / closed state of the door body.

[0132] Among them, the on / off state of the refrigeration system can be obtained according to the working states of the compressor and the refrigeration fan. When the compressor and the refrigeration fan are started, the refrigeration system is in the start state; when the compressor and the refrigeration fan are closed, the refrigeration system is in the closed state.

[0133] The open / closed state of the door body can be judged by setting a proximity switch between the door body and the box body; or, an electronic lock can be set between the door body and the box body, and the open / closed state of the door body can be judged through the electronic lock. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for obtaining the open / closed state of the door body.

[0134] S103: Judge whether the door body is in the open state.

[0135] When the door body is in the open state, that is, when step S103 is "yes", execute step S106; when the door body is in the closed state, that is, when step S103 is "no", execute step S104.

[0136] S104: Control the operating state of the gas regulating device according to the gas parameters and the on / off state of the refrigeration system.

[0137] According to the detected gas temperature, gas humidity, gas flow rate, and the on / off state of the refrigeration system, control the on / off and rotation speed of the regulating fan, and control the on / off and power of the heater.

[0138] S105: Obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber through the odor sensor.

[0139] Through the gas regulating device, the gas temperature is adjusted to be between T1 and Tmax, where T1 > Tmin, and the temperature T of the refrigerating chamber satisfies Tmin ≤ T ≤ Tmax; the gas flow rate is adjusted to be between Vx and Vy; the gas humidity S ≤ S1; at this time, the odor sensor obtains the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber more accurately. Therefore, the control device obtains the odor concentration detected by the odor sensor and can determine the working state of the odor removal device according to this odor concentration. When the odor concentration is greater than or exceeds the set threshold, there is an odor in the refrigerator, and the odor removal device is started; when the odor concentration is lower than the set threshold, there is basically no odor in the refrigerator, and the odor removal device does not need to be started.

[0140] S106: Do not obtain the concentration of abnormal odor detected by the odor sensor.

[0141] When the door of the refrigerator is opened, the refrigerating chamber is in communication with the external environment. The temperature, humidity, and air flow fluctuations in the refrigerating chamber are relatively large and difficult to control. At this time, the odor sensor works normally, but the control device does not obtain the concentration of abnormal odor detected by the odor sensor, so as to avoid large detection errors and affect the opening and closing of the odor removal device.

[0142] For the specific implementation of each of the above steps, reference may be made to the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0143] In this embodiment, the gas detection component is used to obtain the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, and obtain the on / off state of the refrigeration system and the open / closed state of the door body; when the door body is in the closed state, according to the gas parameters and the on / off state of the refrigeration system, the operating state of the gas regulating device is controlled, so as to adjust the gas temperature, gas humidity, and gas flow rate of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor in detecting the concentration of abnormal odor, and further improving the reliability and odor removal effect of the refrigerator odor removal.

[0144] Next, in combination with the specific structures of the gas regulating device, the adjustment methods of the gas temperature, gas humidity, and gas flow rate will be specifically described.

[0145] Combined with Figure 11 , when the gas parameters include the gas flow rate, the control method of the refrigerator in the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0146] S1101: Through the gas detection component, obtain the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor.

[0147] S1102: Obtain the on / off state of the refrigeration system and the open / closed state of the door body.

[0148] S1103: When the door body is in the closed state, judge whether the refrigeration system is in the startup state.

[0149] When the refrigeration system is in the startup state, that is, when step S1103 is "yes", execute step S1104; otherwise, when the refrigeration system is in the closed state, that is, when step S1103 is "no", execute step S1106.

[0150] S1104: If the gas flow rate is less than the flow rate threshold, control the regulating fan to operate at the first rotation speed.

[0151] When the refrigeration system is in the startup state, the compressor and the refrigeration fan start, and the air flow rate in the refrigerating chamber is relatively large; if the gas flow rate is less than the flow rate threshold Vx at this time, the control adjusts the fan to operate at the first speed of R1 rpm / min.

[0152] S1105: After the regulating fan operates at the first speed for the first duration, if the gas flow rate is less than the flow rate threshold, control the regulating fan to operate at the second speed.

[0153] After the regulating fan operates at the first speed of R1 rpm / min for the first duration, for example, the first duration is 5 min, if the gas flow rate is still less than the flow rate threshold Vx at this time, control the regulating fan to operate at the second speed of R2 rpm / min, where the second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0154] S1106: Control the regulating fan to operate at the second speed.

[0155] When the refrigeration system is in the shutdown state, the temperature in the refrigerating chamber drops to Tmin, and control the regulating fan to operate at the second speed of R2 rpm / min. It can also be understood that when the refrigeration system is in the shutdown state, if the regulating fan operates at the first speed of R1 rpm / min, control the regulating fan to switch to the second speed of R2 rpm / min; if the regulating fan operates at the second speed of R2 rpm / min, keep the speed unchanged.

[0156] During the operation of the above-mentioned regulating fan, if the state of the door body changes from the closed state to the open state, control the regulating fan to turn off, which can not only save energy but also reduce noise.

[0157] In the refrigerator of this embodiment, during the operation of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration fan is turned on, the gas flow rate in the refrigerating chamber is accelerated, and the regulating fan operates at a relatively low first speed, so that the gas flow rate flowing through the surface of the odor sensor is within the range of Vx to Vy, and at the same time, the running noise of the refrigerator can be reduced. When the refrigeration system stops running, the gas circulation in the refrigerating chamber is slow and the odor diffusion is uneven. Controlling the regulating fan to operate at a relatively high second speed can accelerate the gas circulation in the refrigerating chamber, make the odor distribution more uniform, and is conducive to improving the detection accuracy of the odor sensor; when the refrigeration system stops running, the refrigeration fan is turned off, and even if the regulating fan operates at a relatively high second speed, the running noise of the refrigerator can still be kept at a relatively low level.

[0158] Combined with Figure 12 , in some implementation manners, when the gas parameters further include the gas temperature, the control method of the refrigerator may further include the following steps:

[0159] Step S1201: When the regulating fan starts, obtain the gas temperature on the surface of the odor sensor.

[0160] When the regulating fan starts, gas with a certain flow rate flows out of the air outlet. At this time, obtaining the gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor is more accurate. It can also be understood that when the regulating fan starts, the working state of the heater is adjusted according to the gas temperature.

[0161] Step S1202: According to the gas temperature and the preset mapping relationship between the gas temperature and the heater power, determine the first heating power of the heater.

[0162] It can be understood that according to different ranges of the monitored gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, the heater is controlled to operate at different powers.

[0163] In some specific examples, the first power of the heater can be determined according to Table 1.

[0164] Table 1

[0165]

[0166]

[0167] Wherein, T1 < Tx < Ty < Tmax, W1 > W2 > W3

[0168] When the gas temperature T < Ty, the gas temperature and the heating power of the heater are negatively correlated. That is, the preset mapping relationship between the gas temperature and the heater power is a negative correlation relationship. When the gas temperature rises, the operating power of the heater decreases; when the gas temperature T satisfies Ty ≤ T ≤ Tmax and the gas temperature T is close to Tmax, controlling the heater to turn off can meet the gas temperature requirement.

[0169] Step S1203: Control the heater to operate according to the first heating power.

[0170] Step S1204: When the regulating fan is turned off, control the heater to turn off.

[0171] When the regulating fan is turned off, very little gas or even zero gas flows through the heater. Controlling the heater to turn off can not only save energy but also avoid local heating of the gas regulating device and affect the refrigeration temperature of the refrigerating chamber.

[0172] In the refrigerator of this embodiment, when adjusting the operation of the blower, the gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor is obtained by the temperature sensor, and the heater is controlled to operate at different powers according to different ranges of the gas temperature, which not only ensures that the gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor is within the set range and guarantees the detection accuracy of the odor sensor, but also can reduce the influence of the heater heating on the refrigeration temperature.

[0173] Combined with Figure 13 , in some embodiments, when the gas parameter further includes gas humidity, the control method of the refrigerator may further include the following steps:

[0174] Step S1301: When the gas humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber through the odor sensor.

[0175] Under the action of the dehumidifier, the gas humidity S of the gas flowing through the odor sensor detected by the humidity sensor is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold S1, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the odor sensor detecting the odor concentration.

[0176] Step S1302: When the gas humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, control the regulating blower to operate at the third rotation speed and control the heater to operate at the second heating power until the gas humidity is less than or equal to the second humidity threshold.

[0177] As the dehumidifier continuously absorbs moisture, the dehumidifier will reach a saturation state, resulting in the gas humidity S passing through the dehumidifier being greater than the first humidity threshold S1. At this time, a recovery operation needs to be performed on the dehumidifier. Specifically, control the regulating blower to operate at the third rotation speed R3 rpm / min and control the heater to operate at the second heating power W0, where the third rotation speed R3 rpm / min is greater than the second rotation speed R2 rpm / min; the second heating power is greater than the first heating power, W0 > W1 > W2 > W3; the second humidity threshold is less than the first humidity threshold.

[0178] When the gas humidity S > S1, the odor sensor still works, but the control device does not obtain the odor concentration detected by the odor sensor; at the same time, it indicates that the dehumidifier reaches the saturation state at this time. Control the regulating blower to operate at the third rotation speed R3 rpm / min and control the heater to operate at the second heating power W0, and operate for the second duration t; use the high-temperature flowing gas to take away the moisture on the dehumidifier to restore its moisture absorption function.

[0179] After running for the second duration t, if the gas humidity S is still S > S1 - S0 (where S0 is the set humidity return difference value, which can prevent the fan from being in an on-off alternating state due to fluctuations at the critical humidity S1; S1 - S0 is the second humidity threshold), then control and adjust the fan to run at the third speed R3 rpm / min, control the heater to run at the second heating power W0, and continue to run for the second duration t; after the duration t, when the humidity sensor senses that the air humidity S ≤ S1 - S0, control the heater and the adjustable fan to resume the operating mode before the humidity S > S1. Otherwise, continue to control and adjust the fan to run at the third speed R3 rpm / min, and control the heater to run at the second heating power W0 until the gas humidity is less than or equal to the second humidity threshold S1 - S0.

[0180] In this embodiment, when the gas humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, the detected odor concentration of the odor sensor is obtained; when the gas humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, by controlling and adjusting the fan to run at the third speed and controlling the heater to run at the second heating power, high-temperature gas continuously flows through the moisture absorber, taking away the moisture on the moisture absorber, so that the moisture absorber resumes its moisture absorption function; and when the gas humidity is less than or equal to the second humidity threshold, it is determined that the moisture absorber has resumed its moisture absorption function. The second humidity threshold is less than the first humidity threshold, which can prevent fluctuations in the gas humidity at the first humidity threshold from causing the adjustable fan to be in an on-off alternating state.

[0181] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which may include: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memories (RAM, Random Access Memory), magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes. Specifically, the computer-readable storage medium stores program instructions for the method in the above embodiments.

[0182] This application also provides a program product, which includes execution instructions. When the computer program stored in the readable storage medium is executed by a computer, the technical solutions shown in the above method embodiments are executed. The specific implementation manners and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0183] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0184] For ease of explanation, the above description has been presented in connection with specific embodiments. However, the foregoing exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments were made to better explain the principles and the practical application, so as to enable those skilled in the art to better utilize the embodiments and various different variations suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, the refrigerator comprises: a box body configured to form a refrigerating chamber; a door body rotatably installed on one side of the box body to open or close the refrigerating chamber; a refrigeration system installed in the box body and configured to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerating chamber by controlling a refrigerant; an odor sensor installed in the refrigerating chamber for detecting the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber; a gas detection component installed in the refrigerating chamber for obtaining gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, where the gas parameters include at least one of gas temperature, gas humidity or gas flow rate; a gas regulating device installed in the refrigerating chamber and configured to regulate the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor; a control device electrically connected to the refrigeration system, the odor sensor, the gas detection component and the gas regulating device respectively, and the control device is configured to: when the door body is in a closed state, control the operating state of the gas regulating device according to the gas parameters and the on / off state of the refrigeration system; and obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber through the odor sensor.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the gas regulating device includes an adjusting fan configured to drive gas to flow through the surface of the odor sensor; the control device is electrically connected to the adjusting fan, and when the gas parameters include the gas flow rate, the control device is configured to: when the refrigeration system is in a starting state, if the gas flow rate is less than a flow rate threshold value, control the adjusting fan to operate at a first rotational speed; after the adjusting fan operates at the first rotational speed for a first duration, if the gas flow rate is less than the flow rate threshold value, control the adjusting fan to operate at a second rotational speed, where the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed; when the refrigeration system is in a closed state, control the adjusting fan to operate at the second rotational speed.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, the gas regulating device further includes an outer housing on which an air inlet and an air outlet are formed, the air outlet is opposite to the odor sensor, the air inlet direction and the air outlet direction are different, and there is a preset interval between the air inlet and the air outlet; the adjusting fan is installed at the air inlet of the outer housing; a diversion air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, the gas regulating device further includes a heater configured to regulate the gas temperature of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor; the control device is electrically connected to the heater, and when the gas parameters further include the gas temperature, the control device is further configured to: when the adjusting fan is started, obtain the gas temperature on the surface of the odor sensor; determine a first heating power of the heater according to the gas temperature and a mapping relationship between the preset gas temperature and the heater power; control the heater to operate according to the first heating power; When the regulating fan is turned off, control the heater to turn off.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, the heating element of the heater is arranged on the duct wall of the diversion duct, and the heating element of the heater is located at the outlet end of the duct wall.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, the gas regulating device further includes a moisture absorber configured to absorb moisture in the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor; the moisture absorber is installed between the outlet end of the diversion duct and the air outlet; the gas parameters further include the gas humidity; the control device is further configured to: when the gas humidity is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold, obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber through the odor sensor.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, the control device is further configured to: when the gas humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, control the regulating fan to operate at a third speed and control the heater to operate at a second heating power until the gas humidity is less than or equal to a second humidity threshold; wherein, the third speed is greater than the second speed, the second heating power is greater than the first heating power, and the second humidity threshold is less than the first humidity threshold.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein, the gas detection component includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor and the flow rate sensor are located at the edge of the air outlet, and the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor and the flow rate sensor are arranged side by side on the inner surface of the outer casing.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein, the diversion duct is in a planar spiral shape, the air inlet is arranged at the center of the diversion duct, and the air outlet is arranged at the outlet end of the diversion duct.

10. A control method for a refrigerator, wherein, the refrigerator includes a box body, a door body, a refrigeration system, an odor sensor, a gas detection component and a gas regulating device, the box body is constructed to form a refrigerating chamber; the door body is rotatably installed on one side of the box body to open or close the refrigerating chamber; the refrigeration system is installed in the box body and is configured to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerating chamber by controlling the refrigerant; the odor sensor, the gas detection component and the gas regulating device are all installed in the refrigerating chamber, the odor sensor is used to detect the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber; the gas detection component is used to obtain the gas parameters of the gas flowing through the surface of the odor sensor, and the gas parameters include at least one of gas temperature, gas humidity or gas flow rate; the gas regulating device is configured to adjust the gas parameters on the surface of the odor sensor; the method includes: when the door body is in a closed state, control the operating state of the gas regulating device according to the gas parameters and the opening and closing state of the refrigeration system; and obtain the odor concentration in the refrigerating chamber through the odor sensor.