Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a first evaporator, a first baffle, a first fan and a refrigeration fan, a first storage chamber and a refrigeration chamber are defined in the refrigerator body, and a first side wall space used for arranging the first evaporator is defined by one of the left side wall and the right side wall of the refrigerator body. The first fan is used for driving air to flow among the first side wall space, the first storage chamber and the refrigeration chamber, the first baffle is used for blocking a loop between the first storage chamber and the first side wall chamber, and the refrigeration fan is used for driving air to flow between the first side wall space and the refrigeration chamber. The control method comprises the steps that when the first evaporator meets the defrosting condition, the refrigeration fan is controlled to operate; the refrigeration temperature of the first storage chamber is obtained; the working states of a first baffle and a first fan are controlled according to the refrigeration temperature; and when the first evaporator reaches the defrosting ending condition, the refrigerator is controlled to stop defrosting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of refrigeration and freezing, and particularly provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in some refrigerators (especially double-door T-door or multi-door refrigerators), the evaporator is arranged at the rear side of the storage compartment. Since the evaporator occupies the space of the refrigerator in the front-rear direction, the depth of the storage compartment is small, affecting the user experience.

[0003] At the same time, when defrosting the evaporator in the existing refrigerator, it is generally heated by a heating device (such as an electric heating wire) to melt the frost on the evaporator. However, this method has high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the problem that the depth of the storage compartment of the existing refrigerator is small due to the evaporator being arranged at the rear side of the storage compartment.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is how to reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator when the evaporator is defrosted.

[0006] To achieve the above object, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a box body, a refrigeration system having a first evaporator, a first baffle, a first fan, and a refrigerating fan. The box body defines a first storage compartment and a refrigerating compartment. One of the left side wall and the right side wall of the box body defines a first side wall space that forms an air flow circuit with the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment respectively. The first evaporator is arranged in the first side wall space. The first fan is used to drive air to flow between the first side wall space and the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment. The first baffle is used to block the circuit between the first storage compartment and the first side wall compartment. The refrigerating fan is used to drive air to flow between the first side wall space and the refrigerating compartment. The control method includes:

[0007] When the first evaporator reaches the defrosting condition, control the refrigerating fan to operate;

[0008] Obtain the refrigerating temperature of the first storage compartment;

[0009] According to the refrigerating temperature, control the working states of the first baffle and the first fan to heat the first evaporator through the heat of the refrigerating compartment and ensure that the temperature of the refrigerating compartment is within a preset refrigerating temperature range;

[0010] When the first evaporator reaches the end defrosting condition, control the refrigerator to stop defrosting.

[0011] Optionally, the step of controlling the working states of the first baffle and the first blower according to the refrigeration temperature includes:

[0012] If the refrigeration temperature is within the freezing temperature range, control the first baffle to close and control the first blower to stop, so as to prevent the temperature of the first storage compartment from rising; and / or,

[0013] If the refrigeration temperature is within the refrigerated temperature range, control the first baffle to open and control the first blower to operate, so as to heat the first evaporator with the heat of the first storage compartment.

[0014] Optionally, the refrigerator further includes a first heating device for heating the first evaporator;

[0015] The control method further includes:

[0016] When the temperature of the first evaporator rises to a first temperature threshold, reduce the rotation speed of the refrigerated blower to n% of the original; where n is a positive number;

[0017] Control the first heating device to operate.

[0018] Optionally, after the step of controlling the first heating device to operate, the control method further includes:

[0019] When the temperature of the first evaporator continues to rise and reaches a second temperature threshold, or when the temperature of the refrigerated compartment reaches the upper limit value of the refrigerated temperature range, control the refrigerated blower to stop.

[0020] Optionally, the first evaporator is a plate evaporator, and the refrigerator further includes at least one vibration motor in rigid contact with the first evaporator;

[0021] After the step of controlling the refrigerated blower to stop, the control method further includes:

[0022] Control the at least one vibration motor to operate, so that the first evaporator generates vibration, thereby promoting the detachment of the frost on the first evaporator.

[0023] Optionally, a plurality of the vibration motors are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction of the first evaporator;

[0024] The step of controlling the at least one vibration motor to operate includes:

[0025] Control a plurality of the vibration motors to operate simultaneously, and make adjacent two of the vibration motors generate different vibrations, so as to prevent the first evaporator from resonating.

[0026] Optionally, the phase difference between every two adjacent ones of the vibration motors along the top-down direction is equal, so that the vibrations of each part of the first evaporator present as sine or cosine at the same moment.

[0027] Optionally, the box body further defines a second storage space; another one of the left side wall and the right side wall of the box body defines a second side wall space that respectively forms an air flow circuit with the second storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment;

[0028] The refrigerator further includes a second blower and a second evaporator arranged in the second side wall space, and the second blower is used to drive air to flow between the second side wall space, the second storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment;

[0029] After controlling the refrigerator to stop defrosting, the control method further includes:

[0030] Controlling the first evaporator and the second evaporator to refrigerate, and controlling the first baffle to close;

[0031] Controlling the first blower and the second blower to operate, so that the air in the first side wall space and the second side wall space is mixed in the refrigerating compartment, and enabling the first side wall space to receive the mixed air to rapidly cool down.

[0032] The present invention provides a refrigerator in a second aspect, including:

[0033] A box body that defines a first storage compartment and a refrigerating compartment, and one of the left side wall and the right side wall of the box body defines a first side wall space, and the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment respectively form an air flow circuit with the first side wall space;

[0034] A refrigeration system, including a first evaporator arranged in the first side wall space, for refrigerating the air in the first side wall space;

[0035] A first blower configured to drive the air in the first side wall space to flow to the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment;

[0036] A first baffle configured to block the circuit between the refrigerating compartment and the first side wall compartment;

[0037] A controller, including a processor and a memory, and a machine-executable program is stored on the memory, and when the processor executes the machine-executable program, it can implement the control method according to any one of the first aspect.

[0038] Optionally, the refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a first control valve, a first throttling member, the first evaporator, and a second control valve that are connected end to end in sequence and thus form a loop. The refrigeration system further includes a second throttling member, a second evaporator, and a third control valve connected in series between the first control valve and the compressor. Wherein, one outlet of the second control valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the second evaporator, and one outlet of the third control valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the first evaporator.

[0039] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can understand that in the foregoing technical solution of the present invention, by defining a first sidewall space in one of the left sidewall and the right sidewall of the cabinet that forms an air flow loop with the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment respectively, and arranging the first evaporator in the first sidewall space, the first evaporator can refrigerate the air in the first sidewall space, so that the cold air in the first sidewall space flows to the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment under the action of the first fan, and refrigerates the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment. Therefore, while ensuring that the refrigerator can refrigerate, by arranging the first evaporator in one of the left sidewall and the right sidewall of the cabinet, the arrangement of the evaporator at the rear of the first storage compartment and / or the refrigerating compartment is avoided, and the depth of the first storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment is increased.

[0040] Further, when the first evaporator reaches the defrosting condition, the refrigerating fan is controlled to operate, so that the air in the refrigerating compartment can enter the first sidewall space to provide the heat required for defrosting for the first evaporator. Therefore, the refrigerator of the present invention can use the heat of the refrigerating compartment to defrost the first evaporator, reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator during the defrosting of the first evaporator.

[0041] Furthermore, by obtaining the refrigerating temperature of the first storage compartment, and then controlling the working states of the first baffle and the first fan according to the refrigerating temperature, the first evaporator is heated by the heat of the refrigerating compartment and the temperature of the refrigerating compartment is ensured to be within a preset refrigerating temperature range. Therefore, while ensuring that the heat of the refrigerating compartment can be used to defrost the first evaporator, the present invention also avoids the temperature of the refrigerating compartment from being too high.

[0042] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings hereinafter, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improvement objectives, features and advantages of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, some embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the components or parts denoted by the same reference numerals in different drawings are the same or similar; the drawings of the present invention are not necessarily drawn to scale with each other.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the refrigerator part in the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the refrigerator (the door body is hidden) in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in along the A-A direction;

[0048] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in along the B-B direction;

[0049] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in along the C-C direction;

[0050] Figure 6 is Figure 4 and Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in along the D-D direction;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the effect of installing the vibration motor on the evaporator in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 9 is a view of the vibration effect of the evaporator in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of the controller of the refrigerator in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 11 is a main step flow chart of the control method of the refrigerator in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 12 is a step flow chart of controlling the first wind deflector and the first air damper in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 13 is a partial step flow chart of the control method of the refrigerator in some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 14 is a partial step flow chart of the control method of the refrigerator in some further embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 15It is a partial step flowchart of the control method of the refrigerator in some other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0060] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments of the present invention. This part of the embodiments is intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts should still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms indicating directions or positional relationships such as "center", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can also be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations. For example, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", and "fixed", without special description, can specifically be any feasible connection forms such as bolt connection, screw connection, welding, plug connection, riveting, fusion welding, snap connection, etc.

[0063] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms "cooling capacity" and "heat quantity" are two descriptions of the same physical state. That is, the higher the "cooling capacity" of a certain target object (such as an evaporator, air, condenser, etc.), the lower the "heat quantity" it has, and the lower the "cooling capacity", the higher the "heat quantity" it has. When a certain target object absorbs "cooling capacity", it will release "heat quantity", and when it releases "cooling capacity", it will absorb "heat quantity". A certain target object stores "cooling capacity" or "heat quantity" to keep the current temperature of the target object. "Refrigeration" and "heat absorption" are two descriptions of the same physical phenomenon, that is, a certain target object (such as an evaporator) will absorb heat while refrigerating.

[0064] Such asFigure 1 As shown, in the present invention, the refrigerator includes a cabinet 100 and a refrigeration system 200, where the refrigeration system 200 is used to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerator.

[0065] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the cabinet 100 defines a first storage compartment 111, a second storage compartment 112, and a refrigerating compartment 113. One of the left and right side walls of the cabinet 100 defines a first side wall space 121, and the other of the left and right side walls of the cabinet 100 defines a second side wall space 122.

[0066] As Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first storage compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 113 respectively form air flow circuits with the first side wall space 121, so that air can circulate between the first side wall space 121 and the first storage compartment 111, and air can circulate between the first side wall space 121 and the refrigerating compartment 113.

[0067] Furthermore, the cabinet 100 may further define a first air supply channel 131 that communicates the first side wall space 121 with the first storage compartment 111. The first air supply channel 131 is located at the rear side of the first storage compartment 111, and a first air return opening 1111 is formed on the front side of the side wall between the first side wall space 121 and the first storage compartment 111. That is, the first air return opening 1111 is provided at a position of the first storage compartment 111 close to its corresponding door body 350. A circuit for air flow is formed between the first storage compartment 111 and the first side wall space 121 through the first air supply channel 131 and the first air return opening 1111.

[0068] Furthermore, the first air return opening 1111 may be provided at the bottom side of the side wall between the first side wall space 121 and the first storage compartment 111.

[0069] Correspondingly, the second storage compartment 112 and the refrigerating compartment 113 respectively form air flow circuits with the second side wall space 122, so that air can circulate between the second side wall space 122 and the second storage compartment 112, and air can circulate between the second side wall space 122 and the refrigerating compartment 113.

[0070] The box body 100 may further define a second air supply channel 132 that communicates the second sidewall space 122 with the second storage chamber 112. The second air supply channel 132 is located at the rear side of the second storage chamber 112. A second air return opening 1122 is formed at the front side of the sidewall between the second sidewall space 122 and the second storage chamber 112. That is, the second air return opening 1122 is provided at a position of the second storage chamber 112 close to its corresponding door body 350. A loop for air flow is formed between the second storage chamber 112 and the second sidewall space 122 through the second air supply channel 132 and the second air return opening 1122.

[0071] Furthermore, the second air return opening 1122 may be provided at the bottom side of the sidewall between the second sidewall space 122 and the second storage chamber 112.

[0072] Of course, those skilled in the art may also, according to needs, form a loop for air flow between the first storage chamber 111 and the first sidewall space 121, and between the second storage chamber 112 and the second sidewall space 122 through any other feasible air duct structure. For example, the first air supply channel 131 is formed on the sidewall between the first sidewall space 121 and the first storage chamber 111, and the second air supply channel 132 is formed on the sidewall between the second sidewall space 122 and the second storage chamber 112.

[0073] As Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the box body 100 may further define a refrigerating air supply channel 141, a first refrigerating air return channel 142 and a second refrigerating air return channel 143. The refrigerating air supply channel 141 communicates with the first air supply channel 131, the second air supply channel 132 and the refrigerating chamber 113 respectively. The first refrigerating air return channel 142 communicates with the first sidewall space 121 and the refrigerating chamber 113 respectively. The second refrigerating air return channel 143 communicates with the second sidewall space 122 and the refrigerating chamber 113 respectively.

[0074] Those skilled in the art can understand that the refrigerating chamber 113 can receive cold air from the first sidewall space 121 through the first air supply channel 131 and the refrigerating air supply channel 141, and can send the air therein to the first sidewall space 121 through the first refrigerating air return channel 142.

[0075] Those skilled in the art can also understand that the refrigerating chamber 113 can receive cold air from the second sidewall space 122 through the second air supply channel 132 and the refrigerating air supply channel 141, and can send the air therein to the second sidewall space 122 through the second refrigerating air return channel 143.

[0076] From Figure 2 andFigure 3 As can be seen, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first sidewall space 121, the first storage compartment 111, the second storage compartment 112, and the second sidewall space 122 are arranged in sequence in the transverse direction of the cabinet 100. And the refrigerating compartment 113 is located above the first storage compartment 111 and the second storage compartment 112. Alternatively, those skilled in the art can also, according to needs, arrange the refrigerating compartment 113 below the first storage compartment 111 and the second storage compartment 112.

[0077] As Figures 3 to 6 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerating air supply channel 141 is located at the rear side of the refrigerating compartment 113. The first refrigerating air return channel 142 and the first sidewall space 121 are formed on the same sidewall of the cabinet 100. The second refrigerating air return channel 143 and the second sidewall space 122 are formed on the same sidewall of the cabinet 100. And the first refrigerating air return channel 142 extends downward from the front side of the sidewall of the refrigerating compartment 113 to the lower side of the first evaporator 211, and the second refrigerating air return channel 143 extends downward from the front side of the sidewall of the refrigerating compartment 113 to the lower side of the second evaporator 212.

[0078] In addition, those skilled in the art can also, according to needs, interchange the positions of the first storage compartment 111 and the second storage compartment 112, and can also interchange the positions of the first sidewall space 121 and the second sidewall space 122.

[0079] Continuing to refer to Figures 3 to 6 , in some embodiments of the present invention, a first evaporator 211 is arranged in the first sidewall space 121 to cool the air in the first sidewall space 121 through the first evaporator 211. The refrigerator may further include a first fan 311 configured to drive the air in the first sidewall space 121 to flow towards the first storage compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 113 to achieve refrigeration of the first storage compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 113. The refrigerator may further include a first air damper 331 configured to block the loop between the refrigerating compartment 113 and the first sidewall space 121.

[0080] As Figure 6 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first air damper 331 may be arranged at the junction of the first air supply channel 131 and the refrigerating air supply channel 141.

[0081] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the first air damper 331 is opened, the cold air in the first sidewall space 121 flows to the first storage compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 113 respectively under the action of the first fan 311, so that the first storage compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 113 are refrigerated simultaneously. When the first air damper 331 is closed, the cold air in the first sidewall space 121 only flows to the first storage compartment 111 under the action of the first fan 311, so that the first storage compartment 111 is refrigerated.

[0082] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the refrigerator may further include a first baffle 341, and the first baffle 341 is configured to block the circuit between the first storage compartment 111 and the first sidewall space 121.

[0083] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the first baffle 341 is opened, air can flow into and out of the first storage compartment 111. When the first baffle 341 is closed, air cannot flow into and out of the first storage compartment 111 to prevent heat from entering the first storage compartment 111 when the first evaporator 211 defrosts.

[0084] It should be noted that in the present invention, the first air damper 331 and the first baffle 341 can both be electrically controlled components, and further can be an electrically controlled sliding structure or an electrically controlled flipping structure.

[0085] As Figures 3 to 6 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first fan 311 can be arranged on the air flow path in the first air supply channel 131. And the first fan 311 can be a centrifugal fan, an axial flow fan, or a cross-flow fan or any other feasible fan.

[0086] Continuing to refer to Figures 3 to 6 , in some embodiments of the present invention, a second evaporator 212 is arranged in the second sidewall space 122 to cool the air in the second sidewall space 122 through the second evaporator 212. The refrigerator may further include a second fan 312, and the second fan 312 is configured to drive the air in the second sidewall space 122 to flow to the second storage compartment 112 and the refrigerating compartment 113 to achieve refrigeration of the second storage compartment 112 and the refrigerating compartment 113. The refrigerator may further include a second air damper 332, and the second air damper 332 is configured to block the circuit between the refrigerating compartment 113 and the second sidewall space 122.

[0087] As Figure 6 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second air damper 332 can be arranged at the junction of the second air supply channel 132 and the refrigerating air supply channel 141.

[0088] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the second air damper 332 is opened, the cold air in the second sidewall space 122 flows to the second storage compartment 112 and the refrigerating compartment 113 respectively under the action of the second fan 312, so that the second storage compartment 112 and the refrigerating compartment 113 are refrigerated simultaneously. When the second air damper 332 is closed, the cold air in the second sidewall space 122 only flows to the second storage compartment 112 under the action of the second fan 312, so that the second storage compartment 112 is refrigerated.

[0089] Those skilled in the art can understand that in some embodiments of the present invention, by arranging the first air damper 331 at the junction of the first air supply channel 131 and the refrigerating air supply channel 141, and the second air damper 332 at the junction of the second air supply channel 132 and the refrigerating air supply channel 141, it is ensured that the refrigerating compartment 113 can separately obtain the cold air from the first sidewall space 121 or the second sidewall space 122.

[0090] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the refrigerator may further include a second baffle 342, and the second baffle 342 is configured to block the circuit between the second storage compartment 112 and the second sidewall space 122.

[0091] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the second baffle 342 is opened, air can flow into and out of the second storage compartment 112. When the second baffle 342 is closed, air cannot flow into and out of the second storage compartment 112 to prevent heat from entering the second storage compartment 112 when the second evaporator 212 defrosts.

[0092] It should be noted that in the present invention, the second air damper 332 and the second baffle 342 can both be electrically controlled components, and further can be an electrically controlled sliding structure or an electrically controlled flipping structure.

[0093] As Figures 3 to 6 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fan 312 can be arranged on the air flow path in the second air supply channel 132. And the second fan 312 can be a centrifugal fan, an axial flow fan, or a cross-flow fan, or any other feasible fan.

[0094] Continuing to refer to Figures 3 to 6 , in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator may further include a refrigerating fan 320.

[0095] As Figure 6 shown, the first fan 311 and the refrigerating fan 320 are respectively located upstream and downstream of the first air damper 331 on the air flow path, so that the refrigerating fan 320 drives the air in the first sidewall space 121 to flow to the refrigerating compartment 113.

[0096] Correspondingly, the second blower 312 and the refrigerating blower 320 are respectively located upstream and downstream of the second air damper 332 on the air flow path, so that the refrigerating blower 320 drives the air in the second sidewall space 122 to flow towards the refrigerating compartment 113.

[0097] Those skilled in the art can understand that in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerating blower 320 can at least ensure that the cold air from the first sidewall space 121 and / or the second sidewall space 122 is delivered to the refrigerating compartment 113, ensuring that the refrigerating compartment 113 can be refrigerated.

[0098] It should be noted that in the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 3 the three compartments shown in

[0099] are respectively named the first storage compartment 111, the second storage compartment 112 and the refrigerating compartment 113, aiming to make the features related to the specification associated in terms, so as to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. Therefore, the refrigerating compartment 113 in the present invention may not be limited to having only a refrigerating function, and it may also have a freezing function, or may also have a variable temperature storage function. Figure 7 As shown in

[0100] in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigeration system 200 of the refrigerator includes a compressor 220, a condenser 230, a first control valve 241, a first throttling member 251, a first evaporator 211 and a second control valve 242 that are connected end to end in sequence and thus form a loop. The refrigeration system 200 further includes a second throttling member 252, a second evaporator 212 and a third control valve 243 connected in series between the first control valve 241 and the compressor 220.

[0101] Wherein, one outlet of the second control valve 242 is fluidly connected to the inlet of the second evaporator 212, and one outlet of the third control valve 243 is fluidly connected to the inlet of the first evaporator 211.

[0102] Furthermore, the first control valve 241, the second control valve 242 and the third control valve 243 may all be electrically controlled valves.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 7, in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator may further include a first heating device 510 for heating the first evaporator 211 and a second heating device 520 for heating the second evaporator 212. When the first evaporator 211 needs to be defrosted, the first evaporator 211 can be heated by the first heating device 510. When the second evaporator 212 needs to be defrosted, the second evaporator 212 can be heated by the second heating device 520.

[0104] Wherein, the first heating device 510 and the second heating device 520 may each be an electric heating wire, and each is disposed below the corresponding evaporator or attached to the corresponding evaporator.

[0105] Refer back to Figure 3 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments of the present invention, a water receiving tray 410 is respectively arranged in the first sidewall space 121 and the second sidewall space 122. The water receiving tray 410 is used to receive the condensed water or defrost water flowing down from the first evaporator 211 and the second evaporator 212. The water receiving tray 410 is connected to a drain pipe 420. The drain pipe 420 leads to the compressor compartment of the refrigerator away from the water receiving tray 410 to guide the water in the water receiving tray 410 to an evaporating dish in the compressor compartment.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 to briefly describe the refrigeration principle of the refrigerator in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0107] In a state where both the first storage compartment 111 and the second storage compartment 112 are freezer compartments or the refrigerating compartment 113, when refrigeration is required for both the first storage compartment 111, the second storage compartment 112, and the refrigerating compartment 113, the first air damper 331, the second air damper 332, the first baffle 341, and the second baffle 342 are all opened, and the three fans work simultaneously. The refrigerant in the refrigeration system 200 circulates along the following two paths.

[0108] Path 1: Compressor 220 → Condenser 230 → First control valve 241 → First throttling member 251 → First evaporator 211 → Second control valve 242 → Compressor 220.

[0109] Path 2: Compressor 220 → Condenser 230 → First control valve 241 → Second throttling member 252 → Second evaporator 212 → Third control valve 243 → Compressor 220.

[0110] When only the first storage compartment 111 and the second storage compartment 112 need to be refrigerated, the first air damper 331 and the second air damper 332 are both closed, the first baffle 341 and the second baffle 342 are both opened, the first fan 311 and the second fan 312 work simultaneously, and the refrigerating fan 320 stops operating. The refrigerant in the refrigeration system 200 circulates along the above-mentioned paths 1 and 2.

[0111] In the state where the first storage compartment 111 is a refrigerating compartment and the second storage compartment 112 is a freezing compartment, when the first storage compartment 111, the second storage compartment 112, and the refrigerating compartment 113 all need to be refrigerated, the first air damper 331 is opened, the second air damper 332 is closed, the first baffle 341 is opened, the second baffle 342 is opened, and the three fans work simultaneously. The refrigerant in the refrigeration system 200 circulates along the following path: compressor 220 → condenser 230 → first control valve 241 → second throttling member 252 → second evaporator 212 → third control valve 243 → first evaporator 211 → second control valve 242 → compressor 220.

[0112] In the state where the first storage compartment 111 is a freezing compartment and the second storage compartment 112 is a refrigerating compartment, when the first storage compartment 111, the second storage compartment 112, and the refrigerating compartment 113 all need to be refrigerated, the first air damper 331 is closed, the second air damper 332 is opened, the first baffle 341 is opened, the second baffle 342 is opened, and the three fans work simultaneously. The refrigerant in the refrigeration system 200 circulates along the following path: compressor 220 → condenser 230 → first control valve 241 → first throttling member 251 → first evaporator 211 → second control valve 242 → second evaporator 212 → third control valve 243 → compressor 220.

[0113] When the first storage compartment 111 is a freezing compartment and the first evaporator 211 needs to be defrosted, the first air damper 331 is opened, the first baffle 341 is closed, and the first fan 311 stops operating. If the second storage compartment 112 is a freezing compartment, then the second air damper 332 and the second baffle 342 are both closed, and the second fan 312 stops operating; if the second storage compartment 112 is a refrigerating compartment, then the second air damper 332 and the second baffle 342 are both opened, and the second fan 312 starts. The refrigerating fan 320 starts to allow the air in the refrigerating compartment 113 to enter the first sidewall space 121 to heat the first evaporator 211. At the same time, the first heating device 510 can also be started.

[0114] When the second storage compartment 112 is a freezing compartment and the second evaporator 212 needs to be defrosted, the second air damper 332 opens, the second baffle 342 closes, and the second blower 312 stops operating. If the first storage compartment 111 is a freezing compartment, both the first air damper 331 and the first baffle 341 close, and the first blower 311 stops operating; if the first storage compartment 111 is a refrigerating compartment, both the first air damper 331 and the first baffle 341 open, and the first blower 311 starts operating. The refrigerating blower 320 starts to allow the air in the refrigerating compartment 113 to enter the second sidewall space 122 to heat the second evaporator 212. Meanwhile, the second heating device 520 can also be started.

[0115] When both the first storage compartment 111 and the second storage compartment 112 are refrigerating compartments, the first air damper 331, the second air damper 332, the first baffle 341, and the second baffle 342 all open, and the three blowers operate simultaneously.

[0116] It should be noted that when the first evaporator 211 and / or the second evaporator 212 need to be defrosted, the compressor 220 stops operating.

[0117] As Figure 8 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of vibration motors 600 are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction on the first evaporator 211. During the defrosting process of the first evaporator 211, the plurality of vibration motors 600 operate simultaneously, and adjacent two vibration motors 600 generate different vibrations to prevent the first evaporator 211 from resonating.

[0118] Furthermore, the phase difference between every two adjacent vibration motors 600 along the top-down direction is equal, so that the vibrations of each part of the first evaporator 211 present as sine or cosine (such as the vibration curve 700 shown Figure 9 ) at the same moment.

[0119] Correspondingly, a plurality of vibration motors 600 can also be arranged on the second evaporator 212. For details, reference can be made to the description of the first evaporator 211 and the vibration motors 600 thereon in the foregoing text.

[0120] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can understand that while ensuring the refrigeration ability of the refrigerator of the present invention, by arranging the first evaporator 211 on one of the left sidewall and the right sidewall of the cabinet 100, arranging the evaporator at the rear of the first storage compartment 111 and / or the refrigerating compartment 113 is avoided, and the depth of the first storage compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 113 is increased.

[0121] As Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator further includes a controller 800, which includes a processor 810 and a memory 820. A machine-executable program 821 is stored on the memory 820. When the processor 810 executes the machine-executable program 821, it can implement the control method described in any of the following embodiments.

[0122] Among them, the memory 820 may include a memory and a non-volatile memory, and provide execution instructions and data to the processor 810. Exemplarily, the memory may be a high-speed random access memory (Random-Access Memory, RAM), and the non-volatile memory may be at least one disk memory.

[0123] Among them, the processor 810 is an integrated circuit chip with the ability to process signals. The processor 810 may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU), a network processor (Network Processor, NP), a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field-Programmable Gate Array, FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, a microprocessor, and any other conventional processor.

[0124] The control method of the refrigerator in the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the refrigerator described above.

[0125] As Figure 11 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the control method of the refrigerator includes:

[0126] Step S110, when the first evaporator 211 reaches the defrosting condition, control the refrigeration fan 320 to operate so that the air in the refrigerating compartment 113 can enter the first sidewall space 121 to provide the heat required for defrosting for the first evaporator 211.

[0127] Among them, the defrosting condition may be that the refrigerator has been running for a preset duration (such as 72 hours, 84 hours, 100 hours, etc.), or the number of consecutive door openings and closings of the refrigerator has reached a preset number (such as 25 times, 30 times, 65 times, 70 times, etc.), or both the preset duration and the preset number have been reached.

[0128] Among them, controlling the operation of the refrigerating blower 320 includes controlling the refrigerating blower 320 to operate at a normal speed.

[0129] Step S120: Obtain the refrigerating temperature of the first storage compartment 111.

[0130] Among them, the refrigerating temperature is the preset temperature for preserving the food materials in the first storage compartment 111. For this reason, the refrigerating temperature can correspond to the refrigerating gear position corresponding to the first storage compartment 111, or can correspond to a temperature range.

[0131] For example, the refrigerating temperature can correspond to 1°C to 4°C, and can also correspond to -18°C to -16°C.

[0132] Those skilled in the art can understand that in step 120, based on the refrigerating temperature of the first storage compartment 111, it can be determined whether the first storage compartment 111 is currently used as a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment.

[0133] Step S130: Control the working states of the first baffle 341 and the first blower 311 according to the refrigerating temperature, so as to heat the first evaporator 211 with the heat of the refrigerating compartment 113 and ensure that the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 113 is within the preset refrigerating temperature range.

[0134] Those skilled in the art can understand that through step S130 of the present invention, while ensuring that the heat of the refrigerating compartment 113 can be used to defrost the first evaporator 211, the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 113 is also prevented from being too high.

[0135] Step S140: When the first evaporator 211 reaches the defrosting end condition, control the refrigerator to stop defrosting.

[0136] Among them, the defrosting condition can be that the first evaporator 211 rises to a certain temperature (such as 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, etc.).

[0137] Such as Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, step S130 may further include:

[0138] Step S131: If the refrigerating temperature is within the freezing temperature range, control the first baffle 341 to close and control the first blower 311 to stop, so as to prevent the temperature rise of the first storage compartment 111.

[0139] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the refrigerating temperature is within the freezing temperature range, it means that the first storage compartment 111 is used as a freezing compartment and the temperature inside is relatively low. For this reason, the freezing temperature range can be -18°C to -16°C, -21°C to -19°C, -20°C to -17°C, etc.

[0140] Step S132, if the refrigeration temperature is within the refrigerated temperature range, control the first baffle 341 to open and control the first blower 311 to operate, so as to heat the first evaporator 211 by using the heat of the first storage compartment 111.

[0141] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the refrigeration temperature is within the refrigerated temperature range, it means that the first storage compartment 111 is used as a refrigerated compartment and the temperature therein is relatively low. For this reason, the refrigerated temperature range can be 0°C to 4°C, 1°C to 3°C, 2°C to 5°C, etc.

[0142] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are only a basic embodiment of the present invention. In other embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can also adjust, optimize and configure the solutions and steps in the above-mentioned embodiments according to needs to achieve further technical effects. The following will describe other embodiments of the present invention different from the above-mentioned embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Of course, those skilled in the art can also appropriately modify the execution order, operating conditions and quantity of the steps in the embodiments to be described later according to actual needs. The modified embodiments will not deviate from the technical concept and / or technical principle of the present invention and should still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0143] As Figure 13 shown, in some other embodiments of the present invention, after step S130, the control method of the refrigerator further includes:

[0144] Step S210, when the temperature of the first evaporator 211 rises to the first temperature threshold, reduce the rotation speed of the refrigerated blower 320 to n% of the original. Wherein, n is a positive number, specifically it can be 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, etc.

[0145] Among them, the first temperature threshold can be -1°C, or those skilled in the art can also set the first temperature threshold to any other feasible value according to needs, such as 0°C, -2°C, 1°C, etc.

[0146] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the temperature of the first evaporator 211 rises to the first temperature threshold, it means that the temperature of the first evaporator 211 is relatively high, which may cause a temperature rise in the refrigerated compartment 113. At this time, by reducing the rotation speed of the refrigerated blower 320, the residence time of the air flowing through the first evaporator 211 can be increased, so that the air absorbs more cold of the first evaporator 211, so as to reduce the temperature rise of the refrigerated compartment 113 as much as possible.

[0147] Step S220, control the first heating device 510 to work, so that the first heating device 510 heats the first evaporator 211, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the first evaporator 211 and enabling the first evaporator 211 to quickly heat up.

[0148] Step S230: When the temperature of the first evaporator 211 continues to rise and reaches the second temperature threshold, or when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 113 reaches the upper limit value of the refrigerating temperature range, control the refrigerating fan 320 to stop operating.

[0149] Wherein, the second temperature threshold may be 2°C. Alternatively, those skilled in the art can also set the second temperature threshold to any other feasible value according to needs, such as 1°C, 2.5°C, 3°C, etc.

[0150] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the temperature of the first evaporator 211 continues to rise and reaches the second temperature threshold, it means that the temperature of the first evaporator 211 is already very high. If the air around it continues to be conveyed to the refrigerating compartment 113, it will cause the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 113 to rise, and even the temperature will exceed the upper limit value of the refrigerating temperature range.

[0151] Wherein, the refrigerating temperature range is the normal operating temperature for the refrigerating compartment to preserve the food materials therein. Being lower than the lower limit value of this range may cause the food materials to freeze or be damaged by freezing, and exceeding the upper limit value of this range may result in a poor fresh-keeping effect on the food materials.

[0152] Step S240: Control at least one vibration motor 600 to operate, so as to make the first evaporator 211 vibrate, thereby promoting the detachment of the frost on the first evaporator 211.

[0153] In some other embodiments of the present invention, step S240 may further include: controlling a plurality of vibration motors 600 to operate simultaneously, and making adjacent two vibration motors 600 generate different vibrations, so as to prevent the first evaporator 211 from resonating.

[0154] And, along the top-down direction, the phase difference between every two adjacent vibration motors 600 is equal, so that the vibrations of each part of the first evaporator 211 present as sine or cosine at the same moment (such as Figure 9 the vibration curve 700 shown).

[0155] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator further includes a second storage compartment 112, a second sidewall space 122, a second evaporator 212, a second fan 312, a second air damper 332, and a second baffle 342.

[0156] So as Figure 14 shown, in still some other embodiments of the present invention, when defrosting the first evaporator 211 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the control method of the refrigerator may further include:

[0157] Step S310: Obtain the refrigeration temperature of the second storage compartment 112 to determine whether the second storage compartment 112 is used as a freezing compartment or a refrigerating compartment.

[0158] Step S320: If the second storage compartment 112 is used as a freezing compartment, close the second air damper 332. Then, based on the current temperature of the second storage compartment 112, determine whether the second storage compartment 112 needs refrigeration, thereby controlling the operating states of the second blower 312 and the second baffle 342.

[0159] Step S320: If the third storage compartment is used as a refrigerating compartment, open the second air damper 332 and the second baffle 342, and control the second blower 312 to operate so that the heat of the second storage compartment 112 also enters the first sidewall space 121 via the second sidewall space 122 and the refrigerating compartment 113 to heat the first evaporator 211.

[0160] As Figure 15 shown, in some other embodiments of the present invention, compared with any of the embodiments described above, after step S140, the control method of the refrigerator further includes:

[0161] Step S410: Control the first evaporator 211 and the second evaporator 212 to refrigerate, and control the first baffle 341 to close to prevent the relatively hot air in the first sidewall space 121 from entering the first storage compartment 111.

[0162] Step S420: Control the first blower 311 and the second blower 312 to operate so that the air in the first sidewall space 121 and the second sidewall space 122 is mixed in the refrigerating compartment 113, and make the first sidewall space 121 receive the mixed air to rapidly cool down.

[0163] Step S430: When the temperature of the first evaporator 211 drops to the third temperature threshold, control the first baffle 341 to close and then open, so that the first evaporator 211 refrigerates the first storage compartment 111.

[0164] Wherein, the third temperature threshold is the normal temperature when the first evaporator 211 refrigerates the first storage compartment 111, and it can specifically be -18°C, -20°C, -21°C, -25°C, etc.

[0165] In addition, if both the second evaporator 212 and the first evaporator 211 need to refrigerate, the control logics of the second air damper 332, the second blower 312, the second baffle 342, and the second heating device 520 are the same as those of the first air damper 331, the first blower 311, the first baffle 341, and the first heating device 510 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0166] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in combination with multiple embodiments of the foregoing. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can split and combine the technical solutions in the above-mentioned various embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the technical concept and / or technical principle of the present invention will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0167] Finally, it should be noted that the refrigerator of the present invention is a refrigerator in a broad sense, which includes not only the commonly said refrigerator in a narrow sense, but also a fresh-keeping device having a refrigeration and / or freezing function, such as a refrigerator cabinet, a freezer, etc.

[0168] In the present invention, the term "communicate" means fluid communication to allow a fluid (such as air, liquid) to flow between two parts that communicate with each other. And this "communication" can be such that the fluid flows between the two parts that communicate with each other without leakage, or can be such that the fluid flows between the two parts that communicate with each other with a little leakage.

Claims

1. A control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet, a refrigeration system having a first evaporator, a first baffle, a first fan, and a fresh food fan, the cabinet defining a first storage compartment and a fresh food compartment; one of the left and right side walls of the cabinet defining a first side wall space that forms an air flow circuit with the first storage compartment and the fresh food compartment respectively; the first evaporator is disposed in the first side wall space, the first fan is configured to drive air to flow between the first side wall space and the first storage compartment and the fresh food compartment, the first baffle is configured to block the circuit between the first storage compartment and the first side wall compartment, and the fresh food fan is configured to drive air to flow between the first side wall space and the fresh food compartment; the control method includes: When the defrosting condition is reached in the first evaporator, control the operation of the refrigerating fan; Obtain the refrigerating temperature of the first storage compartment; Control the working states of the first baffle and the first fan according to the refrigerating temperature, so as to heat the first evaporator with the heat of the refrigerating compartment and ensure that the temperature of the refrigerating compartment is within a preset refrigerating temperature range; When the end defrosting condition is reached in the first evaporator, control the refrigerator to stop defrosting.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of controlling the working states of the first baffle and the first fan according to the refrigerating temperature includes: If the refrigerating temperature is within the freezing temperature range, control the first baffle to close and control the first fan to stop running to prevent the temperature rise of the first storage compartment; and / or, If the refrigerating temperature is within the refrigerating temperature range, control the first baffle to open and control the first fan to run, so as to heat the first evaporator with the heat of the first storage compartment.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerator further includes a first heating device for heating the first evaporator; The control method further includes: When the temperature of the first evaporator rises to a first temperature threshold, reduce the rotation speed of the refrigerating fan to n% of the original; where n is a positive number; Control the first heating device to work.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein, After the step of controlling the first heating device to work, the control method further includes: When the temperature of the first evaporator continues to rise and reaches a second temperature threshold, or when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment reaches the upper limit value of the refrigerating temperature range, control the refrigerating fan to stop running.

5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein, The first evaporator is a plate evaporator, The refrigerator further includes at least one vibration motor in rigid contact with the first evaporator; After the step of controlling the refrigerating fan to stop running, the control method further includes: Control the at least one vibration motor to work, so that the first evaporator generates vibration, thereby promoting the detachment of the frost on the first evaporator.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein, A plurality of the vibration motors are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction of the first evaporator; The step of controlling the at least one vibration motor to work includes: Control a plurality of the vibration motors to work simultaneously, and make adjacent two of the vibration motors generate different vibrations to prevent the first evaporator from resonating.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein, The phase difference between every two adjacent vibration motors along the top-down direction is equal, so that the vibrations of each part of the first evaporator present as sine or cosine at the same moment.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The box body further defines a second storage space; Another one of the left side wall and the right side wall of the box body defines a second side wall space respectively forming an air flow circuit with the second storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment; The refrigerator further includes a second fan and a second evaporator arranged in the second side wall space, and the second fan is used to drive air to flow between the second side wall space, the second storage compartment and the refrigerating compartment; After controlling the refrigerator to stop defrosting, the control method further includes: Control the first evaporator and the second evaporator to refrigerate, and control the first baffle to close; Control the operation of the first fan and the second fan so that the air in the first sidewall space and the second sidewall space is mixed in the refrigerated compartment, and make the first sidewall space receive the mixed air to quickly cool down.

9. A refrigerator, comprising: A box body defines a first storage compartment and a refrigerated compartment. One of the left sidewall and the right sidewall of the box body defines a first sidewall space. The first storage compartment and the refrigerated compartment respectively form an air flow circuit with the first sidewall space. A refrigeration system includes a first evaporator arranged in the first sidewall space for refrigerating the air in the first sidewall space. A first fan is configured to drive the air in the first sidewall space to flow to the first storage compartment and the refrigerated compartment. A first baffle is configured to block the circuit between the refrigerated compartment and the first sidewall compartment. A controller includes a processor and a memory. A machine-executable program is stored on the memory. When the processor executes the machine-executable program, it can implement the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a first control valve, a first throttling member, the first evaporator, and a second control valve that are connected end to end in sequence and thus form a circuit. The refrigeration system further includes a second throttling member, a second evaporator, and a third control valve connected in series between the first control valve and the compressor. Wherein, one outlet of the second control valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the second evaporator, and one outlet of the third control valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the first evaporator.

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