Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator which comprises a refrigerator body, a refrigerating system, a heating device and a controller. The refrigerator body is provided with at least one chamber, a freezing inner container is arranged on the wall of the chamber, the refrigerating system comprises an evaporator, the evaporator is fixed to the freezing inner container and can be frosted under the refrigerating working condition, the heating device is located below the evaporator and used for heating the evaporator under the defrosting working condition, and the controller is connected with the heating device. The controller is configured to respond to a refrigerator defrosting instruction and control the heating device to start working when the current time reaches the defrosting time point. According to the refrigerator, on the basis of interaction between the user and the refrigerator, the shortest time period of refrigerator door opening total time, namely the least time period of refrigerator operation by the user, such as the rest period of the user, is determined as the defrosting time point, the living habit of each user in a group can be better met, defrosting and defrosting recovery during frequent interaction between the user and the refrigerator can be avoided, and the user experience is improved. Noise is prevented from influencing user rest.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the prior art, the refrigerator defrost program is started based on the length of time the refrigerator is in operation, and the defrost time point is not fixed but rather random. Therefore, the defrost recovery period with relatively high defrosting and noise may occur when the user is resting at night, and the noise during its operation will have a greater impact on the user's normal rest state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that, based on user interaction with the refrigerator, determines the time period with the shortest total door open time, i.e., the time period with the least user operation of the refrigerator, such as the user's rest period, as the defrost time point. This can better meet the living habits of each user in the group, avoid defrosting and defrosting recovery during periods of frequent user interaction with the refrigerator, and prevent noise from affecting the user's rest.

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: A box body, wherein the box body is constructed with at least one compartment, and a freezing liner is provided on the wall of the compartment; A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising an evaporator, the evaporator being fixed to the freezing liner and frosting under refrigeration conditions; A heating device, located below the evaporator, for heating the evaporator in a defrosting condition; A controller is connected to the heating device, and the controller is configured to: In response to a defrost instruction for the refrigerator, when the current time reaches a defrost time point, controlling the heating device to start working; The defrost time point is a set time point within a target time period among a plurality of preset time periods, and the target time period is a time period with the shortest total door opening time of the refrigerator among the plurality of preset time periods.

[0005] According to the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, within a preset time period, based on the interaction between the user and the refrigerator, the time period with the shortest total opening time of the refrigerator door, that is, the time period when the user operates the refrigerator the least, is determined. For example, the user's rest period is used as the defrost time point. Defrosting is performed during the time period when the user operates the refrigerator the least within the preset time period. This can better meet the living habits of each user in the group, avoid defrosting and defrosting recovery during periods when the user frequently interacts with the refrigerator, and avoid noise affecting the user's rest.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of preset time periods are determined by dividing the preset daytime period into preset time intervals.

[0007] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the preset time period is divided into preset time intervals during the day so that the defrost time point is during the day, avoiding defrosting and the relatively loud defrost recovery period occurring during the user's rest period at night to disturb the user's rest.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: record the total door opening time of the refrigerator in each preset time period of each day in each cycle; and determine the defrost time point of each day in the cycle based on the total door opening time.

[0009] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: each day is divided into multiple preset time periods, and the total door opening time of each time period is recorded. The time period during which the user interacts least with the refrigerator can be determined, and defrosting is performed during the time period when the user interacts least with the refrigerator, thereby avoiding the noise during defrosting from affecting the user.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods in a day is the same, the set time point of the earliest preset time period is used as the defrost time point.

[0011] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: when the total door opening time of the preset time periods is the same, by setting the earliest set time point of the preset time period as the defrost time point, multiple defrosts can be avoided when the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods is the same.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to obtain a defrost time point in a previous cycle corresponding to the same time as the current cycle, as the defrost time point in the current cycle.

[0013] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: based on the interaction between the user and the refrigerator in the previous cycle, the defrost time point of the current cycle is obtained by learning the usage habits, and the user does not need to set the defrost time, thereby improving the user experience.

[0014] In some embodiments, the defrost time points of each day include a morning defrost time point and an afternoon defrost time point, and the controller is further configured to control the operation of the heating device according to the relationship between the current time and the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point.

[0015] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by setting the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point, the refrigerator can be defrosted twice in the morning and afternoon, making the defrost interval reasonable and improving the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: receive the refrigerator defrost instruction within the morning time period, and the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the morning defrost time point, then control the heating device to start working until the current time reaches the morning defrost time point.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: when the refrigerator receives the defrost instruction set for the initial frost in the morning time period, it is judged that the refrigerator will defrost at the morning defrost time point, avoiding early defrosting and affecting the user, and avoiding multiple defrosting in the morning time period, causing unnecessary energy waste.

[0018] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: determine the time difference between the morning defrost time point and the defrost mode entry time point as a first time difference, and the defrost mode entry time point is a defrost entry time point determined based on the operating time of the refrigerator; when the first time difference is not greater than a first time threshold, control the heating device to start working at the morning defrost time point, wherein the first time threshold is half of the time difference between the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point; or, when the first time difference is greater than the first time threshold, do not respond to the refrigerator defrost instruction.

[0019] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by calculating the first time threshold and comparing the first time difference with the first time threshold, it can be ensured that the defrost time point of the refrigerator is not affected by the initialization frost setting, and the refrigerator can be defrosted at the defrost time point in the morning.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: receive the refrigerator defrost instruction within the afternoon time period, and the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the afternoon defrost time point, then control the heating device to start working until the current time reaches the afternoon defrost time point.

[0021] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: when the refrigerator receives the defrost instruction set for the initial defrost in the afternoon time period, it is judged that the refrigerator will defrost at the afternoon defrost time point, avoiding multiple defrosts in the afternoon time period and causing unnecessary waste.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: determine the time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and the defrost mode entry time point as a second time difference, wherein the defrost mode entry time point is a defrost entry time point determined based on the operating time of the refrigerator; when the second time difference is not greater than a second time threshold, control the heating device to start working at the afternoon defrost time point, wherein the second time threshold is half of the time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and the last time point of the day; or, when the second time difference is greater than the second time threshold, do not respond to the refrigerator defrost instruction.

[0023] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by calculating the second time threshold and comparing the second time difference with the second time threshold, it can be ensured that the defrost time point of the refrigerator is not affected by the initialization frost setting, and the refrigerator can be defrosted at the afternoon defrost time point.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a box according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a noise curve of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A noise comparison table of refrigerators of different models according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a defrost mode entry time comparison table under different conditions according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a refrigerator defrost control flow chart according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a refrigerator defrost control flow chart according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a refrigerator defrost control flow chart according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a judgment logic table of refrigerator defrost instructions within one day according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: Refrigerator 100; Box 110; Refrigeration system 102; heating device 103; controller 104; evaporator 1; freezing tank 2; heating wire 3; defrost water receiving tray 4; drain pipe 5; evaporating dish 6; compressor 7; condenser 8; anti-condensation tube 9; drying filter 10; capillary tube 11; gas-liquid separator 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0028] Refrigerators are relatively common household appliances. They include a box body that defines a storage space and multiple doors located at the opening of the box body. The box body of the refrigerator is the main body of the overall structure and is usually made of insulation material to maintain a low-temperature environment inside. Refrigerators are usually equipped with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment as well as doors. The doors are provided with sealing strips to ensure that cold air does not leak; the inside of the refrigerator compartment door may be provided with shelves, drawers, storage racks, etc. for classifying and storing food.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the refrigerator includes a refrigeration system, through which the storage compartment can be cooled. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration system includes a compressor 7, a condenser 8, an anti-condensation tube 9, a drying filter 10, a capillary tube 11, an evaporator 1 and a gas-liquid separator 12. The working process of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process and an evaporation process. The compression process is: plug in the power cord of the refrigerator, when the contacts of the thermostat are connected, the compressor 7 starts to work, and the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 7, compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 7 and then discharged into the condenser 8; the condensation process is: the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser 8, the temperature continues to drop, and is gradually cooled to a saturated vapor at room temperature and high pressure, and further cooled to a saturated liquid, and the temperature no longer drops. The temperature at this time is called the condensation temperature, and the pressure of the refrigerant remains almost unchanged during the entire condensation process; the throttling process is: After condensation, the saturated refrigerant liquid passes through the drying filter 10 to remove moisture and impurities and then flows into the capillary tube 11, through which it is throttled and reduced in pressure, and the refrigerant becomes wet vapor at room temperature and low pressure. The evaporation process is as follows: the wet vapor at room temperature and low pressure begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator 1, which not only reduces the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator 1 passes through the gas-liquid separator 12 and returns to the compressor 7 again. The above process is repeated to transfer the heat in the refrigerator to the air outside the box, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling.

[0030] During operation, the evaporator of a refrigerator will frost. There are many reasons for this. For example, excessive dust on the condenser can affect the cooling effect and indirectly cause evaporator frost. The refrigerator seal is aging, the refrigerator door is not sealed tightly, and moist air from outside enters the refrigerator, causing evaporator frost. The thermostat is faulty and cannot work properly, causing the condenser to operate for too long, ultimately leading to evaporator frost. The refrigerator is overstocked, resulting in poor air circulation and moisture that causes evaporator frost. Therefore, the refrigerator needs to be defrosted.

[0031] In some embodiments, the refrigerator can be defrosted by an electric defrosting method. An electric heating wire is wrapped around the surface of the evaporator. When the evaporator is frosted, the electric heating wire heats the frost layer to melt it. This is simple and easy.

[0032] However, the defrost heating wire used in the refrigerator is a steel tube heating wire, and the temperature during defrosting can reach over 300°C. During the defrosting process, defrosting water or ice cubes dripping onto the heating wire will quickly vaporize, accompanied by a "hissing" noise. After defrosting, the heat from the heating wire invades the chamber. After the defrost is completed, the temperature in the chamber needs to be lowered as soon as possible to reduce the impact on the freshness preservation performance. Therefore, the compressor and fan will run at the maximum speed during the defrost recovery period. The high speed of the compressor and fan will bring loud noise, which is not easy to be noticed by people during the day, but it is easy to be noticed by users in the dead of night, especially when the refrigerator is very close to the bedroom. If the noise during the defrost period, that is, the defrost recovery period, occurs during a sensitive time period for users, it will cause dissatisfaction among users and cause user complaints.

[0033] In existing refrigerator products, defrost technology performs random defrost control based on strategies such as the refrigerator's overall operating time and the user's door opening time. Therefore, the defrost and defrost recovery period with relatively large noise may occur at night when the user is resting. The noise during operation will have a great impact on the user's normal rest state; or, the user defrosts the refrigerator through a set fixed defrost time, which requires the user to frequently set the defrost time according to their own usage, which is less convenient and provides a poor user experience.

[0034] In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention proposes a refrigerator, which can determine the defrost time point of the refrigerator according to the total time the refrigerator door is opened within a preset time period. When the refrigerator is at the defrost time point, the controller controls the heating device to start defrosting, so that the defrost time of the refrigerator is within the time period with the shortest total time the refrigerator door is opened within the preset time period, thereby avoiding the problem of loud noise in the defrosting and recovery period outside the preset time period and during interaction with the user, which affects the user's rest, and solves the problem of users frequently setting the defrost time, low convenience and poor experience.

[0035] Reference below Figure 2The refrigerator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is described. The refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet 110 , a refrigeration system 102 , a heating device 103 and a controller 104 .

[0036] Among them, Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a box body 110, which is constructed with at least one compartment, and a freezing liner is provided on the compartment wall; the refrigerator 100 also includes a refrigeration system 102, a heating device 103 and a controller 104. The refrigeration system 102 includes an evaporator 1, which is fixed on the freezing liner. The evaporator 1 will frost under the refrigeration condition. The heating device 103 is located below the evaporator 1 and is used to heat the evaporator 1 under the defrosting condition. The controller 104 is connected to the heating device 103.

[0037] according to Figure 3 As shown, the defrosting principle of the refrigerator 100 is explained. When the refrigerator 100 is defrosted, the evaporator 1 is fixed on the freezing liner 2, and the refrigerator is refrigerated to cause frost to form on the evaporator 1. During defrosting, the heating wire 3 in the heating device 103 is heated to melt the frost on the evaporator 1 into defrost water, and the defrost water drips into the defrost water receiving tray 4 at the bottom. This part of the physical state change is all carried out in the box. Under the action of gravity, the defrost water flows into the evaporating dish 6 outside the box through the drain pipe 5, and then passes through the hot pipe in the evaporating dish 6 to accelerate the evaporation of the defrost water.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the instantaneous value of the noise caused by the rapid vaporization of defrost water and the noise caused by thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes during the defrosting process has reached 60dB. This sudden change and burr in the sound are easily perceived by users, leading to an increase in user complaints. In addition, the effective value of the noise during the defrost recovery period is 41.2dB, while the noise during normal operation is 37.95dB. This sound contrast can easily cause annoyance to users. Taking several refrigerators in our company as an example, the noise during the defrost recovery period is 1-6dB louder than the noise during stable operation. Figure 5 shown.

[0039] The existing defrost control strategy is that the start time of the defrost mode during the normal operation of the refrigerator is mainly determined by the ambient temperature level of the refrigerator and the operation time of the whole machine. For example, when the operation time of the whole machine tm ≥ 96h, it directly enters the defrost heating state; when the operation time of the whole machine tm ≥ 12h, based on Figure 6The defrost time is determined based on the ambient temperature level shown. After completing a defrost cycle and the defrost recovery period, the entire refrigerator's operating time, tm, is automatically reset and the operating time is recalculated. The start time of the normal refrigerator defrost program is calculated based on the refrigerator's operating time at different ambient temperatures. For example, when the ambient temperature is 14°C ≤ Te ≤ 35°C, the refrigerator enters defrost mode after 96 hours of operating time. This defrost control method cannot recognize low-noise environments at night or when users interact with the refrigerator. Therefore, noise during the defrost and defrost recovery periods is more noticeable to users, leading to user complaints.

[0040] Specifically, in order to reduce the impact of the defrosting noise of the refrigerator on the user, the controller 104 in the present invention responds to the defrosting instruction of the refrigerator 100, and controls the heating device 103 to start working when the current time reaches the defrosting time point. The defrosting time point is a set time point within a target time period among multiple preset time periods, and the target time period is the time period with the shortest total opening time of the refrigerator door among multiple preset time periods.

[0041] The present invention sets the defrost time in a preset time period, and selects a target time period from multiple preset time periods. The target time period can be understood as the time period for defrosting. The target time period should be selected as the time period with the shortest total door opening time of the refrigerator 100 among the multiple preset time periods. At this time, the user interacts less with the refrigerator 100, and the noise generated by defrosting has less impact on the user; the defrost time point can be understood as the time point when the refrigerator 100 needs to be defrosted. Based on the learning of user usage habits, the time point when the user interacts less with the refrigerator is identified, and then the defrost and recovery period operation time of the refrigerator are adjusted. By setting, at the defrost time point, the controller 104 controls the heating device 103 to heat so that the frost on the surface of the evaporator 1 melts into defrost water, thereby achieving the defrost purpose.

[0042] In some solutions, even if a fixed defrost time point is used, the fixed defrost time point is based on the user's personal preset defrost time point. Due to differences among groups, it cannot fully meet the living habits of every user and needs further optimization.

[0043] Different from the related art, in the solution of the present application, within a preset time period, based on the interaction between the user and the refrigerator, the time period with the shortest total opening time of the refrigerator door, that is, the time period when the user operates the refrigerator the least, is determined. For example, the user's rest period is used as the defrost time point. Defrosting is performed during the time period when the user operates the refrigerator the least within the preset time period. This can be more in line with the living habits of each user in the group, and can avoid defrosting and defrosting recovery during periods when the user frequently interacts with the refrigerator, and avoid noise affecting the user's rest.

[0044] In some embodiments, the plurality of preset time periods are determined by dividing the preset daytime period into preset time intervals.

[0045] Specifically, defrosting is performed during the daytime period to solve the problem of loud noise during defrosting and recovery period at night and during interaction with users, which affects user rest. The preset daytime period is divided into multiple preset time periods at preset time intervals. For example, with a preset time interval of 2 hours, the preset daytime period, that is, between 6:00-18:00, is divided into multiple preset time periods with a preset time interval of 2 hours. The division of the preset time interval should be reasonable. The reasonable setting of the preset time interval of 2 hours avoids the preset time interval being too small, collecting multiple time interval data, collecting too much data, and the preset time interval being too large and inaccurate collection.

[0046] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 The controller is further configured to include steps S1-S2.

[0047] Step S1, recording the total opening time of the refrigerator door in each preset time period of each day in each cycle.

[0048] Specifically, the cycle period can be set to one week. During the daytime period of each day in the week, the daytime period is divided into multiple preset time periods according to the preset time interval of 2 hours. When the refrigerator door is opened during each preset time period, the opening time of the refrigerator door is recorded, and the total opening time of the refrigerator door is accumulated during each preset time period.

[0049] Step S2, determining the defrost time point for each day in the cycle according to the total door opening time.

[0050] Specifically, after obtaining the total door opening time of the refrigerator in each preset time period of the day, the preset time period with the shortest total door opening time is selected as the target time period, and defrosting is performed during the target time period, thereby obtaining the defrost time point for each day of the week. The defrost time point is confirmed based on the user's usage habits, and the defrost and defrost recovery operation modes are realized during the time period during the day when the user interacts less with the refrigerator, thereby avoiding the impact of the defrost operation sound on the user's living conditions and realizing silent control. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods in a day is the same, the set time point of the earliest preset time period is used as the defrost time point.

[0051] Specifically, when obtaining the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods in a day, the preset time period with the shortest total door opening time is selected as the target time period, and defrosting is performed during the target time period. It may be that the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods is the same. When this situation occurs, the set time point of the earliest preset time period is selected as the defrost time point to avoid multiple defrosting when the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods is the same.

[0052] For example, the daily refrigerator door opening time is counted within a week, and different defrost time points are implemented after a week. The default time points for the first time are 10:00 and 16:00, and the defrost time points confirmed every day of the previous week are implemented every week; the daily time period is divided into two time periods: 6:00-12:00 and 12:00-18:00 to count the total time when the user opens the door, and the refrigerator door opening time is counted at intervals of 2 hours, and the two time periods with the shortest door opening are selected as the optimized defrost time points; in the 6:00-12:00 time period, if there are time periods with the same door opening time, the shortest time period is selected. The earliest time point is the optimized defrost time point. For example, if the total door opening time of users in the two time periods of 6:00-8:00 and 8:00-10:00 is 0, 6:00 is selected as the defrost time point. In the 12:00-18:00 time period, if there are time periods with the same door opening time, the latest time point is selected as the optimized defrost time point. For example, if the total door opening time of users in the two time periods of 12:00-14:00 and 14:00-16:00 is 0, 14:00 is selected as the defrost time point to avoid the time interval between the morning and afternoon defrost time points being too small.

[0053] In some embodiments, a defrost time point in a previous cycle corresponding to the same time in the current cycle is obtained as the defrost time point in the current cycle.

[0054] Specifically, the refrigerator of the present invention is defrosted according to the initialization frost control strategy when it is used for the first time. At the same time, the daytime time period of each day is obtained within a week of the first use. When the refrigerator door is opened within each preset time period, the opening time of the refrigerator door is recorded, and the preset time period with the shortest total door opening time is selected as the target time period. In the next cycle, defrost is performed according to the defrost time point of the previous cycle. Defrosting is performed according to the initialization frost control strategy only within one cycle when it is used for the first time. Thereafter, defrosting is performed according to the defrost time point determined in the previous cycle. For example, in the current cycle, that is, among the seven days of a week, defrosting is performed on Monday of the current cycle according to the defrost time point of Monday of the previous cycle, and defrosting is performed on Tuesday of the current cycle according to the defrost time point of Tuesday of the previous cycle.

[0055] In some embodiments, the daily defrost time includes a morning defrost time and an afternoon defrost time, and the controller is further configured to control the operation of the heating device according to the relationship between the current time and the morning defrost time and the afternoon defrost time.

[0056] Specifically, the defrost time points during the day are set as the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point. If only one defrost time point is set, the next defrost will have to wait until the next day, and the defrost delay time is too long, thus affecting the cooling effect. The defrost avoidance strategy based on user usage habit learning starts the defrost and defrost recovery period at a fixed time point (this time point is selected by learning during the daytime when the user has less interaction with the refrigerator). At the same time, the defrost instructions for other time periods are avoided. Considering that the daily single time point defrost prediction will cause the defrost delay to exceed 12 hours in some cases, which has a certain impact on the system's cooling performance, a defrost time point is set in the morning and afternoon respectively. When the defrost time point is reached, the heating device is controlled to work so that the frost on the surface of the evaporator 1 melts into defrost water, thereby achieving the defrost purpose.

[0057] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: receive a refrigerator defrost instruction during the morning time period, and the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the morning defrost time point, then control the heating device to start working until the current time reaches the morning defrost time point.

[0058] Specifically, the total door opening time of the refrigerator in each preset time period of each day in each cycle is recorded, and the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point of each day in the cycle are determined based on the total door opening time point, and defrost is performed at the morning defrost time point in the morning time period; since the refrigerator is set with an initialization frost control strategy, the refrigerator initialization frost control strategy may control the refrigerator to defrost at any time point, so it is necessary to circumvent the initialization frost control strategy and make the refrigerator defrost at the defrost time point in the morning time period; if a refrigerator defrost instruction issued by the initialization frost control strategy set by the refrigerator is received in the morning time period, the refrigerator defrost instruction is judged, and if the morning defrost time point has not been reached at the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction, defrost is not performed, and when the morning defrost time point is reached, the heating device is controlled to start working.

[0059] In some embodiments, as Figure 8 The controller is further configured to include steps S3-S4.

[0060] Step S3, determining the time difference between the morning defrost time point and the defrost mode entry time point as the first time difference, where the defrost mode entry time point is the defrost entry time point determined according to the refrigerator operation time.

[0061] Specifically, since the refrigerator is set with an initialization frost control strategy, the initialization frost control strategy determines the defrost entry time point based on the refrigerator operating time, thereby obtaining the defrost mode entry time point; the morning defrost time point is the defrost time point determined based on the total length of time the refrigerator door is opened in each preset time period every day in the cycle. The morning defrost time point is subtracted from the defrost mode entry time point to obtain a first time difference. The first time difference can be understood as the time interval between the morning defrost time point and the defrost mode entry time point in the morning time period.

[0062] Step S4, when the first time difference is not greater than the first time threshold, controlling the heating device to start working at the morning defrost time point, wherein the first time threshold is half of the time difference between the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point; or, when the first time difference is greater than the first time threshold, not responding to the refrigerator defrost instruction.

[0063] Specifically, the first time threshold is half of the time difference between the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point. For example, the morning defrost time point is t1, the afternoon defrost time point is t2, and the first time threshold = (t2-t1) / 2; after obtaining the first time threshold, the first time difference is compared with the first time threshold. If the first time difference is not greater than the first time threshold, the heating device is controlled to start working at the morning defrost time point. If the first time difference is greater than the first time threshold, it means that the defrost mode is entered in the afternoon. The defrost time is judged in the afternoon. By comparing the first time difference with the first time threshold, defrosting can be performed at the morning defrost time point while avoiding multiple defrosting in the morning time period.

[0064] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: receive a refrigerator defrost instruction during the afternoon time period, and the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the afternoon defrost time point, then control the heating device to start working until the current time reaches the afternoon defrost time point.

[0065] Specifically, the total door opening time of the refrigerator in each preset time period of each day in each cycle is recorded, and the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point of each day in the cycle are determined based on the total door opening time point, and defrost is performed at the afternoon defrost time point in the afternoon time period; since the refrigerator is set with an initialization frost control strategy, the refrigerator initialization frost control strategy may control the refrigerator to defrost at any time point, so it is necessary to circumvent the initialization frost control strategy and make the refrigerator defrost at the defrost time point in the afternoon time period; if a refrigerator defrost instruction issued by the initialization frost control strategy set by the refrigerator is received in the afternoon time period, the refrigerator defrost instruction is judged, and if the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the afternoon defrost time point, no defrost is performed, and when the afternoon defrost time point is reached, the heating device is controlled to start working.

[0066] In some embodiments, as Figure 9 The controller is further configured to include steps S5-S6.

[0067] Step S5, determining the time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and the defrost mode entry time point as the second time difference, where the defrost mode entry time point is the defrost entry time point determined according to the refrigerator operation time.

[0068] Specifically, since the refrigerator is set with an initialization frost control strategy, the initialization frost control strategy determines the defrost entry time point based on the refrigerator operating time, thereby obtaining the defrost mode entry time point; the afternoon defrost time point is the defrost time point determined based on the total length of time the refrigerator door is opened in each preset time period every day in the cycle, and the afternoon defrost time point is subtracted from the defrost mode entry time point to obtain a second time difference. The second time difference can be understood as the time interval between the afternoon defrost time point and the defrost mode entry time point in the afternoon time period.

[0069] Step S6, when the second time difference is not greater than the second time threshold, controlling the heating device to start working at the afternoon defrost time point, wherein the second time threshold is half of the time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and the last time point of the day; or, when the second time difference is greater than the second time threshold, not responding to the refrigerator defrost instruction.

[0070] Specifically, the second time threshold is half of the time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and the last time point of the day. For example, the last time point of the day is 24:00, the afternoon defrost time point is t2, and the second time threshold = (24-t2) / 2; after obtaining the second time threshold, the second time difference is compared with the second time threshold. If the second time difference is not greater than the second time threshold, it means that the defrost mode entry time point may be at night, so it is necessary to control the heating device to start working in advance at the afternoon defrost time point. If the second time difference is greater than the second time threshold, the defrost mode entry time point is the next morning, and the defrost time is determined again on the next morning. By comparing the second time difference with the second time threshold, multiple defrosts in the afternoon time period can be avoided, and at the same time, noise caused by defrosting at night can be avoided, which affects the user's rest.

[0071] For example, compared with the preset defrost rules at fixed time points, it cannot fully meet the living habits of every user. Therefore, the defrost avoidance strategy based on user usage habit learning can more accurately identify the time period when the user interacts less with the refrigerator and use this time period to implement defrost and defrost recovery period avoidance strategies.

[0072] The judgment logic of the defrost command within a day is as follows: Figure 10As shown, the default defrost time points after learning the user's usage habits last week are 10:00 and 16:00. This week's defrost time will be executed according to this logic. The morning defrost time points can also be 6:00 and 8:00, and the afternoon defrost time points can also be 14:00 and 18:00.

[0073] (1) 0:00-10:00 time period: When the refrigerator is running during this time period, if a defrost command is received, the defrost program will be delayed to 10:00 to avoid the defrost noise affecting the user's rest at night; if no defrost command is received, the refrigerator will continue to run the original program.

[0074] (2) 10:00 time point: If the time difference between the defrost command prediction at this time point and the next defrost command is t≤3h, the defrost will start in advance at 10:00; if t>3h, there will be no operation instruction.

[0075] (3) 10:00-13:00 time period: This stage has been predicted at 10:00.

[0076] (4) 13:00-16:00 time period: When the refrigerator is running during this time period, if a defrost command is received, the defrost program will be delayed to 16:00; if no defrost command is received, the refrigerator will continue to run with the original program.

[0077] (5) 16:00 time point: If the time difference between the defrost command prediction at this time point and the next defrost command is t≤8h, the defrost will start in advance at 16:00 to avoid the defrost noise affecting the user's rest at night; if t>8h, there will be no operation instruction.

[0078] The fixed-time defrost avoidance strategy allows the refrigerator's defrost and defrost recovery procedures to be scheduled during daytime hours when background noise is high, reducing the user's perception of such noise and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the fixed defrost time can be adjusted in real time based on user habits, allowing defrost to be performed during periods when users interact less with the refrigerator.

[0079] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0080] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A box body, wherein the box body is constructed with at least one compartment, and a freezing liner is provided on the wall of the compartment; A refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising an evaporator, the evaporator being fixed to the freezing liner and frosting under refrigeration conditions; A heating device, located below the evaporator, for heating the evaporator in a defrosting condition; A controller is connected to the heating device, and the controller is configured to: In response to a defrost instruction for the refrigerator, when the current time reaches a defrost time point, controlling the heating device to start working; The defrost time point is a set time point within a target time period among a plurality of preset time periods, and the target time period is a time period with the shortest total door opening time of the refrigerator among the plurality of preset time periods.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of preset time periods are determined by dividing the preset daytime period into preset time intervals.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: Recording the total door opening time of the refrigerator during each preset time period of each day in each cycle; The defrost time point for each day in the cycle is determined according to the total door opening time.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: When the total door opening time of multiple preset time periods in a day is the same, the set time point of the earliest preset time period is used as the defrost time point.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: Obtain a defrost time point in the previous cycle that corresponds to the same time in the current cycle as the defrost time point in the current cycle.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The defrost time points of each day include a morning defrost time point and an afternoon defrost time point, and the controller is further configured to: The operation of the heating device is controlled according to the relationship between the current time and the morning defrost time and the afternoon defrost time.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: If the refrigerator defrost instruction is received within the morning time period and the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the morning defrost time point, the heating device is controlled to start working until the current time reaches the morning defrost time point.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: Determining a time difference between the morning defrost time point and a defrost mode entry time point as a first time difference, wherein the defrost mode entry time point is a defrost entry time point determined according to the operating time of the refrigerator; When the first time difference is not greater than a first time threshold, the heating device is controlled to start working at the morning defrost time point, wherein the first time threshold is half of the time difference between the morning defrost time point and the afternoon defrost time point; Alternatively, when the first time difference is greater than the first time threshold, the refrigerator defrost instruction is not responded to.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is further configured to: If the refrigerator defrost instruction is received during the afternoon time period and the time point of receiving the refrigerator defrost instruction has not reached the afternoon defrost time point, the heating device is controlled to start working until the current time reaches the afternoon defrost time point.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: determining a time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and a defrost mode entry time point as a second time difference, wherein the defrost mode entry time point is a defrost entry time point determined according to the operating time of the refrigerator; When the second time difference is not greater than a second time threshold, controlling the heating device to start working at the afternoon defrost time point, wherein the second time threshold is half of the time difference between the afternoon defrost time point and the last time point of the day; Alternatively, when the second time difference is greater than the second time threshold, the refrigerator defrost instruction is not responded to.

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