Ice making control method of refrigerator, refrigerator and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an ice making control method of a refrigerator, the refrigerator and a computer readable storage medium. The refrigerator comprises a compressor and an ice mold. The compressor is used for driving refrigeration circulation in the refrigerator. The ice making control method comprises the steps that under the condition that the refrigerator starts to make ice, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in a first ice making mode; obtaining the ice mold temperature of the ice mold; under the condition that the ice mold temperature is smaller than or equal to the first temperature threshold value, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in a second ice making mode; wherein the rotating speed of the compressor in the first ice-making mode is greater than that of the compressor in the second ice-making mode. Therefore, the staged control of the ice making process is realized, and the ice mold is quickly cooled by operating at a relatively high rotating speed of the compressor, so that the overall duration of the ice making process is favorably shortened; and after the temperature of the ice mold is reduced to the first temperature threshold value, the compressor runs at a low rotating speed, and energy consumption is saved while freezing continues. The ice making speed and energy consumption saving are both considered, and the energy efficiency of the ice making process is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular to an ice-making control method for a refrigerator, a refrigerator, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] To meet users' needs for ice cubes, some refrigerators are equipped with a device dedicated to making ice cubes, including a liquid injection component and an ice mold. When ice cubes are needed, the liquid injection component injects an appropriate amount of water or other ice-making liquid into the ice mold. The compressor runs to release the cold energy, freezing the ice-making liquid injected into the ice mold into ice cubes for users to take. In order to shorten the ice-making time, the related art controls the refrigerator's compressor to run at the highest speed until the ice-making process is completed. However, the high energy consumption of the entire ice-making process will lead to excessive energy consumption, resulting in low energy efficiency of the overall ice-making process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides an ice-making control method for a refrigerator, a refrigerator, and a computer-readable storage medium to improve the energy efficiency of an ice-making process.

[0004] The present application provides an ice-making control method for a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a compressor and an ice mold, and the compressor is used to drive a refrigeration cycle inside the refrigerator; the ice-making control method includes: when the refrigerator starts to make ice, controlling the refrigerator to operate in a first ice-making mode; obtaining an ice mold temperature of the ice mold; when the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, controlling the refrigerator to operate in a second ice-making mode; wherein the speed of the compressor in the first ice-making mode is greater than the speed of the compressor in the second ice-making mode.

[0005] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes: an ice-making evaporator and a flow regulating valve, the ice-making evaporator is used to provide cooling for the ice-making process; the flow regulating valve is connected to the ice-making evaporator, and the flow regulating valve is configured to regulate the flow of refrigerant flowing through the ice-making evaporator; controlling the refrigerator to operate in a first ice-making mode includes: controlling the flow regulating valve to open to a first opening degree; controlling the refrigerator to operate in a second ice-making mode includes: controlling the flow regulating valve to open to a second opening degree; wherein the first opening degree is greater than the second opening degree.

[0006] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes an ice-making fan for adjusting the air circulation in the space where the ice mold is located; controlling the refrigerator to operate in a first ice-making mode includes: controlling the ice-making fan to operate at a first speed; controlling the refrigerator to operate in a second ice-making mode includes: controlling the ice-making fan to operate at a second speed; wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0007] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration damper and a freezer damper, wherein the refrigeration damper is used to control the air circulation of the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment, and the freezer damper is used to control the air circulation of the refrigerator's freezer compartment; controlling the refrigerator to operate in a first ice-making mode includes: controlling the opening of the refrigeration damper to reduce a first opening relative to the opening of the refrigeration damper before the refrigerator starts making ice, and / or controlling the opening of the freezer damper to reduce a second opening relative to the opening of the freezer damper before the refrigerator starts making ice.

[0008] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration damper and a freezer damper, wherein the refrigeration damper is used to control the air circulation of the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment, and the freezer damper is used to control the air circulation of the refrigerator's freezer compartment; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: controlling the opening of the refrigeration damper to reduce the opening by a third degree relative to the opening of the refrigeration damper in the first ice-making mode of the refrigerator, and / or controlling the opening of the freezer damper to reduce the opening by a fourth degree relative to the opening of the freezer damper in the first ice-making mode of the refrigerator.

[0009] In some embodiments, obtaining the ice mold temperature includes obtaining the ice mold temperature when a time duration during which the refrigerator operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first time duration threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a first evaporator for providing cold for the refrigeration process and the freezing process of the refrigerator, and a second evaporator for providing cold for the ice-making process. When the time for which the refrigerator operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first time threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained, including: when the time for which the ice-making device operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first time, the ice mold temperature is obtained; wherein the value range of the first time is [15min, 25min]; or the refrigerator includes an evaporator for providing cold for the refrigeration process, the freezing process and the ice-making process of the refrigerator. When the time for which the refrigerator operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first time threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained, including: when the time for which the ice-making device operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a second time, the ice mold temperature is obtained; wherein the value range of the second time is [25min, 40min].

[0011] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator starts making ice, the control method also includes: recording a first duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, a second duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a second temperature threshold, and the running time of the ice-making process; when the first duration is greater than the first duration threshold, the second duration is greater than the second duration threshold, and the running time of the ice-making process is greater than the first running time threshold, controlling the refrigerator to stop making ice.

[0012] In some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes an ice-making fan; when the refrigerator starts making ice, the ice-making control method also includes: recording the running time of the ice-making fan; controlling the refrigerator to stop making ice, including: when the first duration is greater than the third duration threshold, the second duration is greater than the fourth duration threshold, the running time of the ice-making process is greater than the second running time threshold, and the running time of the ice-making fan is greater than the third running time threshold, controlling the refrigerator to stop making ice.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ice mold is detachable. Before the refrigerator starts making ice, the ice-making control method further includes: obtaining the disassembly and assembly status of the ice mold in response to an ice-making request instruction indicating a request to start the ice-making function; and when the disassembly and assembly status is that the ice mold has been installed, controlling the refrigerator to start the ice-making process.

[0014] The present application provides a refrigerator, comprising: an ice mold; a compressor for driving a refrigeration cycle inside the refrigerator; and one or more processors for implementing any of the methods described above, wherein the processors are connected to the compressor.

[0015] The present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon. When the program is executed by a processor, the ice-making control method for a refrigerator as described in any one of the above items is implemented.

[0016] The present application provides a refrigerator ice-making control method, refrigerator, and computer-readable storage medium. After the refrigerator begins making ice, it first controls the refrigerator to operate at a higher compressor speed until the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, and then controls the refrigerator to operate at a lower compressor speed. In this way, staged control of the ice-making process is achieved. The process of operating at a higher compressor speed can achieve rapid cooling of the ice mold, which is beneficial to shortening the overall duration of the ice-making process. After the ice mold temperature drops to the set first temperature threshold, the refrigerator is operated at a lower compressor speed, continuing to freeze while avoiding excessive energy consumption. This achieves a balance between ice-making speed and energy conservation, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the ice-making process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a half-section view at AA;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The refrigeration principle diagram of the refrigerator shown;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a refrigerator with an integrated ice-making device is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of an ice making control method for a refrigerator provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an ice making control method for a refrigerator provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an ice making control method for a refrigerator provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a module schematic diagram of a refrigerator control device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Reference numerals:

[0026] 1. Refrigerator; 10. Cabinet assembly; 11. Cabinet assembly; 12. Door assembly; 12a. First door; 12b. Second door; 13. Freezer; 14. Refrigerator; 15. Air duct; 20. Compressor; 30. Condenser; 40. Evaporator; 50. Expansion valve; 60. Ice-making device; 100. Ice-making component; 110. Ice mold; 120. Drive assembly; 130. Ice storage box; 140. Carrying assembly; 200. Liquid injection component; 210. Liquid storage container; 220. Liquid injection pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with one or more embodiments of this specification. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with certain aspects of one or more embodiments of this specification, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0028] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the steps of the corresponding method are not necessarily performed in the order shown and described in this specification. In some other embodiments, the method may include more or fewer steps than those described in this specification. In addition, a single step described in this specification may be broken down into multiple steps for description in other embodiments, and multiple steps described in this specification may be combined into a single step for description in other embodiments.

[0029] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this specification and claims do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "a" or "an" and similar words do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "plurality" or "several" mean at least two. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "upper" and similar words are for convenience only and are not intended to limit to a single position or spatial orientation. The terms "include" or "comprising" and similar words mean that the elements or objects listed before "include" or "comprising" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprising" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections and can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0030] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the present application provides a refrigerator 1, comprising a cabinet device 10, a compressor 20, a condenser 30, an evaporator 40 and an expansion valve 50. The cabinet device 10 comprises a cabinet assembly 11, a freezer compartment 13, a refrigerator compartment 14 and a door assembly 12. The freezer compartment 13 and the refrigerator compartment 14 are respectively arranged in the cabinet assembly 11. The door assembly 12 comprises a first door 12a and a second door 12b. The first door 12a is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 11 to open or close the freezer compartment 13. The second door 12b is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 11 to open or close the freezer compartment 13. The compressor 20, the condenser 30, the evaporator 40 and the expansion valve 50 are respectively arranged in the cabinet assembly 11, and at least a portion of the evaporator 40 is arranged in the freezer compartment 13.

[0032] Combine Figure 3As shown, when the refrigerator 1 is in operation, the compressor 20 outputs high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 30, where it is condensed into medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant then undergoes expansion and throttling by the expansion valve 50, further reducing its pressure and temperature. It then flows out of the expansion valve 50 as a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant to the evaporator 40. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous refrigerant within the evaporator 40. At least a portion of the evaporator 40 is located within the freezer compartment 13, allowing the refrigerant to absorb a significant amount of heat from the freezer compartment 13 during evaporation, thereby lowering the temperature within the freezer compartment 13 and facilitating the use of the freezer compartment 13 to cool items, thereby achieving refrigeration in the refrigerator 1. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 40 is then fed back into the compressor 20, forming a refrigerant circuit. In this manner, the refrigerant continuously circulates within the refrigerant circuit to maintain a refrigerated environment (e.g., below -1°C) within the freezer compartment 13.

[0033] See you later Figure 2 As shown, an air duct 15 is provided between the refrigerating compartment 14 and the freezing compartment 13 to facilitate the delivery of part of the cold air from the freezing compartment 13 to the refrigerating compartment 14 through the air duct 15 to reduce or maintain the low temperature environment of the refrigerating compartment 14 (eg, 2°C to 8°C).

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the freezer compartment 13 is disposed below the refrigerator compartment 14 along the height direction of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 also includes a first fan (not labeled) disposed in the cabinet assembly 11. The air inlet or air outlet of the first fan is connected to the air duct, and is used to transport part of the cold air from the freezer compartment 13 to the refrigerator compartment 14.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the height direction of the refrigerator 1 is the Z-axis direction.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the freezing chamber 13 is covered with an insulation layer (not shown) to separate the evaporator 40 from the compressor 20 and the condenser 30 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the freezing chamber 13 is covered with an insulation layer (not shown).

[0038] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1 further includes an air-cooling heat dissipation assembly (not shown) disposed in the cabinet assembly 11 , and the air-cooling heat dissipation assembly can at least dissipate heat for the condenser 30 .

[0039] In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly 11 further includes a fresh-keeping compartment disposed in the cabinet assembly 11 . Along the height direction of the refrigerator 1 , the fresh-keeping compartment is disposed between the refrigerating compartment 14 and the freezing compartment 13 .

[0040] In order to meet the needs of users for using ice cubes, Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigerator 1 further includes an ice-making compartment and an ice-making device 60 for making ice cubes. The ice-making device 60 includes an ice-making component 100 and a liquid injection component 200. The ice-making component 100 includes an ice mold 110 disposed in the ice-making compartment. The liquid injection component 200 is used to inject the liquid required for making ice cubes into the ice mold 110.

[0041] The ice making chamber is provided in the freezer compartment 13. The ice making device 60 and the freezer compartment 13 share the evaporator 40, utilizing the cold energy in the freezer compartment 13 to make ice. Alternatively, a separate evaporator (not shown) dedicated to ice making can be provided to provide the ice making device 60 with the cold energy required for ice making.

[0042] It should be noted that Figure 4 The first door 12a of the refrigerator is shown to be open and not illustrated, and the second door 12b is in a closed state.

[0043] Optionally, in some embodiments, the liquid injection component 200 includes a liquid connection assembly for communicating with the external liquid injection tube 220 .

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, in one example, the liquid injection component 200 includes a liquid storage container 210 and a liquid injection tube 220. The liquid storage container 210 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 14, and one end of the liquid injection tube 220 is connected to the liquid storage container 210. The other end of the liquid injection tube 220 is disposed above the ice mold 110 along the height direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0045] Optionally, the liquid injection component 200 further includes a liquid injection valve (not shown) disposed on at least one of the liquid storage container 210 and the liquid injection tube 220 to control the start or stop of the liquid injection process. Specifically, when the liquid injection valve is open, the liquid injection component 200 injects the liquid required for ice making into the ice mold 110; when the liquid injection valve is closed, the liquid injection component 200 stops injecting liquid into the ice mold 110.

[0046] The ice making unit 100 further includes an ice storage box 130 and an ice turning mechanism. The ice turning mechanism is used to allow ice cubes in the ice mold 110 to escape. Along the height direction of the refrigerator 1, the ice storage box 130 is arranged below the ice mold 110. In this way, the ice storage box 130 can receive ice cubes that fall from the ice mold 110 for users to take out. Specifically, Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 110 is rotatably arranged in the freezing chamber 13 and has a liquid contact state and an ice pouring state. The ice turning mechanism includes a drive assembly 120 for driving the ice mold 110 to switch between the liquid contact state and the ice pouring state. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the ice mold 110 is not rotatable. The ice turning mechanism includes a drive assembly 120 and an ice rake. The drive assembly 120 is used to drive the ice rake to flip so as to push the ice cubes in the ice mold 110 out of the ice mold 110. In some embodiments, the ice rake is configured to rotate 360°. During the flipping process, the ice cubes are pushed out of the ice mold 110 and the ice rake returns to its initial position. In some embodiments, in order to further ensure that all the ice cubes in the ice mold 110 are pushed out of the ice mold 110, the ice rake is configured to rotate 720°.

[0047] The driving assembly 120 includes an ice-making motor, which is electrically connected to the ice rake and is controlled to operate to provide power for the turning of the ice rake.

[0048] It should be noted that the ice mold 110 and the driving assembly 120 can be directly or indirectly disposed in the freezing chamber 13 .

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making component 100 further includes a carrier assembly 140, which is fixed to the freezer compartment 13. The ice mold 110 is mounted on the carrier assembly 140. The drive assembly 120 is mounted on the carrier assembly 140. Thus, by integrating the ice mold 110 and the drive assembly 120 through the carrier assembly 140, the ice-making component 100 can be modularly assembled within the freezer compartment 13, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0050] In some embodiments, the liquid storage container 210 is disposed on the second door 12b. Thus, the liquid storage container 210 can be stored in the cold storage compartment 14 through the second door 12b, making it convenient for users to take and place the liquid storage container 210. In some embodiments, ice water can also be provided to users.

[0051] In some embodiments, ice mold 110 is detachable. Specifically, ice mold 110 is detachably attached to carrier assembly 140. More specifically, ice mold 110 and carrier assembly 140 are connected using a snap-fit, plug-in, or magnetic connection. This allows users to remove ice mold 110 for cleaning as needed.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the ice mold 110 is detachable, the ice-making component 100 further includes an ice mold position detection component for determining whether the current position of the ice mold 110 is installed or not installed. In some embodiments, the position detection component includes a position detection component and a position sensing component. Specifically, the ice mold 110 includes a position detection component, and the supporting component 140 is provided with a position sensing component. When the ice mold 110 is not installed, the position sensing component cannot sense the position detection component; when the ice mold 110 is installed, the position sensing component can sense the position detection component. More specifically, the position detection component is a magnet, and the position sensing component is a Hall sensor. In some embodiments, the ice mold position detection component can also be a sensing device such as an image sensor or an infrared sensor, which determines whether the ice mold is installed by analyzing images or infrared data.

[0053] In some embodiments, the ice-making device in the refrigerator further includes a heating assembly. The heating assembly is configured to controllably heat the ice mold 110. Specifically, the heating assembly is disposed at the bottom of the ice mold 110 to heat the bottom of the ice mold 110, and to heat other areas of the ice cube through heat conduction from the ice mold 110. In some embodiments, the ice mold 110 is made of aluminum. When the ice mold 110 is made of aluminum, the ice mold 110 conducts heat to heat other areas of the ice cube inside the ice mold 110. In actual application, the heating assembly can be any one or more combinations of heating wires, heating tubes, and heating plates.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ice-making device 60 of the refrigerator 1 further includes an ice detection assembly for detecting the ice storage status in the ice storage bin 130. The ice storage status includes at least determining whether the ice storage bin 130 is full of ice. Specifically, in some embodiments, the ice detection assembly includes an ice detection rod and a Hall effect switch. The ice detection rod is provided with a magnet. The Hall effect switch is located at the bottom of the ice storage bin 130. The ice detection rod moves up and down, driving the magnet up and down, changing the distance between the magnet and the Hall effect switch, and consequently, the magnetic field sensed by the Hall effect switch. The ice detection rod is electrically connected to the aforementioned ice-making motor, which provides power for the operation of the ice detection assembly. When the ice storage bin 130 is not full of ice, the distance between the magnet and the Hall effect switch is short, the magnetic field strength is high, and a high-level signal is output. When the ice storage bin 130 is full of ice, the distance between the magnet and the Hall effect switch is long, the magnetic field strength is low, and a low-level signal is output. In this manner, whether the ice storage bin 130 is full of ice can be determined based on the high-level and low-level signals. In other embodiments, the storage status of ice cubes in the ice bank 130 can be determined using a sensing device such as an optical sensor or an image sensor. For example, if an optical sensor is used, light is emitted into the interior of the ice bank 130. The reflected light varies depending on the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 130, and the storage status of ice cubes in the ice bank 130 can be determined based on the reflected light. If an image sensor is used, an image of the interior of the ice bank 130 is captured by the image sensor, and the storage status of ice cubes in the ice bank 130 can be determined by analyzing the image.

[0055] In some embodiments, refrigerator 1 further includes an ice-making blower to regulate air circulation within the space where ice molds 110 are located. This is the aforementioned air circulation within the ice-making compartment. Specifically, if refrigerator 1 is equipped with a separate evaporator dedicated to ice making, a blower corresponding to this separate evaporator is provided. This blower is the aforementioned ice-making blower. If refrigerator 1 is not equipped with a separate evaporator dedicated to ice making, a blower is provided within the ice-making compartment where ice molds 110 are located to control air flow within the ice-making compartment. This blower is the aforementioned ice-making blower.

[0056] Combine Figure 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an ice-making control method for a refrigerator, comprising steps S501 to S503.

[0057] Step S501: When the refrigerator starts making ice, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in a first ice-making mode.

[0058] When a refrigerator begins making ice, it completes the process of injecting ice-making liquid into the ice molds, and the ice-making process begins. This process involves increasing the compressor speed to increase cooling capacity, thereby meeting the increased cooling demand and freezing the liquid in the ice molds into ice cubes. This process also involves starting the ice-making fan.

[0059] Here, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes controlling the refrigerator's compressor to operate at a first speed. Optionally, the first speed is set to a rated speed or a speed close to the rated speed. More specifically, the first speed is 95% to 100% of the rated speed. This facilitates rapid cooling during the initial ice-making phase, thereby shortening the ice-making time.

[0060] Step S502: obtaining the ice mold temperature of the ice mold.

[0061] The temperature of the ice mold can be detected by a temperature sensor to ensure the real-time and accuracy of the data.

[0062] Step S503: When the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the second ice-making mode, wherein the speed of the compressor in the first ice-making mode is greater than the speed of the compressor in the second ice-making mode.

[0063] The first temperature threshold is less than 0° C. More specifically, the first temperature threshold may be between -12° C. and -5° C.

[0064] Here, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes controlling the compressor of the refrigerator to operate at a second speed lower than the first speed, which is beneficial to saving energy consumption.

[0065] Optionally, the second speed is 40% to 60% of the first speed. During the cooling process, increasing the compressor speed can output more cooling capacity, lower the ambient temperature, and thus speed up the freezing process of the liquid in the ice mold. However, when the temperature drops to a certain level, the liquid in the ice mold has already frozen, and the high speed operation of the compressor has reduced the impact on the freezing speed. At this time, if it is still operated at a high enough speed, the energy consumption and the freezing effect will not match, resulting in unnecessary waste of resources. However, if it is operated at too low a speed, the cooling capacity may not be able to meet the ice-making needs, and the ice-making time will be excessively extended. Therefore, setting the second speed to 40% to 60% of the first speed can achieve a balance between energy saving and improving the ice-making rate, and optimize the energy efficiency of the ice-making process.

[0066] Using the ice-making control method for a refrigerator provided in this application, after the refrigerator begins making ice, the refrigerator is first controlled to operate at a higher compressor speed until the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, and then the refrigerator is controlled to operate at a lower compressor speed. This achieves staged control of the ice-making process. The process of operating at a higher compressor speed allows for rapid cooling of the ice mold, which helps shorten the overall duration of the ice-making process. After the ice mold temperature drops to the set first temperature threshold, the refrigerator is then operated at a lower compressor speed, continuing to freeze while avoiding excessive energy consumption. This achieves a balance between ice-making speed and energy conservation, which helps improve the energy efficiency of the ice-making process.

[0067] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes: an ice-making evaporator for providing cooling capacity for the ice-making process; a flow regulating valve connected to the ice-making evaporator, and the flow regulating valve is configured to regulate the flow of refrigerant flowing through the ice-making evaporator. Controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes: controlling the flow regulating valve to open to a first opening; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: controlling the flow regulating valve to open to a second opening; wherein the first opening is greater than the second opening. In this way, the two stages of the ice-making process can be further controlled by setting the flow regulating valve. In the first stage, the flow regulating valve is opened to a larger first opening, thereby increasing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the ice-making evaporator, accelerating heat exchange and thus accelerating cooling, shortening the ice-making time; in the second stage, the flow regulating valve is opened to a smaller second opening, thereby appropriately reducing the flow of refrigerant flowing through the ice-making evaporator, which is conducive to saving energy consumption.

[0068] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes an ice-making fan. Controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes: controlling the ice-making fan to operate at a first speed; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: controlling the ice-making fan to operate at a second speed; wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed. Optionally, the first speed is the maximum speed, or is close to the maximum speed. It can be set to 95% to 100% of the maximum speed. In this way, the two stages of the ice-making process can be further controlled by the setting of the ice-making fan. In the first stage, the ice-making fan operates at a larger first speed, which promotes cooling to a greater extent and shortens the cooling time; in the second stage, the ice-making fan operates at a smaller second speed, which promotes cooling to a lesser extent, and at the same time reduces energy consumption, which is conducive to saving energy.

[0069] The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration damper and a freezer damper. The refrigeration damper is used to control the air flow into the refrigerator compartment, specifically, the amount of cold air entering the refrigerator compartment, thereby adjusting the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. The freezer damper is used to control the air flow into the freezer compartment, specifically, the amount of cold air entering the freezer compartment, thereby adjusting the temperature inside the freezer compartment.

[0070] In some embodiments. Controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes: controlling the opening of the refrigeration damper to reduce the first opening relative to the opening of the refrigeration damper before the refrigerator starts making ice. Exemplarily, the first opening can be set to 300 steps. During the ice-making process, the compressor speed is higher than that of the conventional refrigeration and freezing process before ice-making, and the output cooling capacity is also greater. If the refrigeration damper maintains the original opening, the cooling capacity entering the refrigeration damper actually increases. Therefore, reducing the opening of the refrigeration damper is conducive to maintaining the stability of the temperature in the refrigerated compartment, and avoiding the situation where the difference between the refrigerated compartment temperature and the set refrigerated compartment temperature is too large and cannot meet the refrigeration demand.

[0071] In some embodiments, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes controlling the freezer damper opening to be reduced by a second degree relative to the freezer damper opening before the refrigerator begins ice-making. For example, the second degree can be set to 300 steps. This prevents excessive cooling capacity from entering the freezer compartment, which could cause the freezer compartment temperature to drop excessively, thereby stabilizing the freezer compartment temperature within an acceptable range.

[0072] In some embodiments, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes controlling the opening of the refrigeration damper to be reduced by a third degree relative to the opening of the refrigeration damper in the first ice-making mode. For example, the third degree can be set to 100 steps. As the ice-making process progresses, the cooling capacity continues to increase. Lowering the opening of the refrigeration damper to a value lower than the opening of the refrigeration damper in the first ice-making mode prevents excessive cooling capacity from entering the refrigerated compartment, thereby stabilizing the temperature within the refrigerated compartment.

[0073] In some embodiments, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: controlling the opening of the freezing damper to reduce the opening by a fourth degree relative to the opening of the freezing damper in the first ice-making mode. As an example, the value of the fourth opening can be set to 100 steps. As the ice-making process proceeds, the cooling capacity continues to increase. At this time, reducing the opening of the freezing damper to be lower than the opening of the freezing damper in the first ice-making mode can prevent excessive cooling capacity from entering the freezer compartment, which is beneficial for stabilizing the temperature in the freezer compartment and avoiding the situation where the temperature is too low. In the case where the ice mold is detachable, optionally, before the refrigerator starts making ice, the ice-making control method of the refrigerator further includes: obtaining the disassembly and assembly status of the ice mold in response to an ice-making request instruction indicating a request to start the ice-making function. In the case where the disassembly and assembly status is that the ice mold is installed, the refrigerator is controlled to start the ice-making process. Specifically, when the ice mold is installed, controlling the refrigerator to start the ice-making process includes: if the ice mold is installed, if liquid filling is complete, controlling the refrigerator to start the ice-making process; if liquid filling is not complete, first controlling the liquid filling component to fill the ice mold with liquid, and then controlling the refrigerator to start the ice-making process after liquid filling is complete. In this way, the installation state of the ice mold is controlled when the ice mold is detachable, which can avoid the situation where the user removes the ice mold midway, resulting in the waste of resources when the ice-making process is started without the ice mold.

[0074] Combine Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an ice-making control method for a refrigerator, including steps S601 to S603.

[0075] Step S601: When the refrigerator starts making ice, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in a first ice-making mode.

[0076] Step S602: When the duration of the operation of the refrigerator in the first ice-making mode reaches a first duration threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained.

[0077] Step S603: When the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the second ice-making mode, wherein the speed of the compressor in the first ice-making mode is greater than the speed of the compressor in the second ice-making mode.

[0078] In the ice-making control method for a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application, the ice mold temperature is obtained when the refrigerator has been operating in the first ice-making mode for a period of time that reaches a first duration threshold. The ice mold temperature gradually decreases as the ice-making process progresses, and it takes a period of time for the temperature to drop to the first duration threshold. Therefore, obtaining the ice mold temperature after the first duration threshold to determine whether the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold can avoid unnecessary temperature detection, data storage, and judgment processes, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the control system.

[0079] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a first evaporator for providing cold for the refrigeration process and the freezing process of the refrigerator, and a second evaporator for providing cold for the ice-making process. When the time for which the refrigerator operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first time threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained, including: when the time for which the ice-making device operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first time threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained; wherein the value range of the first time is [15min, 25min].

[0080] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes an evaporator for providing cold air for the refrigerator's refrigeration process, freezing process, and ice-making process. When the duration for which the refrigerator operates in a first ice-making mode reaches a first duration threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained, including: when the duration for which the ice-making device operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a second duration, the ice mold temperature is obtained; wherein the value range of the second duration is [25min, 40min].

[0081] Here, different first duration thresholds are provided for different refrigerator configurations. If a refrigerator is equipped with a second evaporator dedicated to providing cooling for the ice-making process, it releases relatively more cooling energy and the temperature drops more quickly. Therefore, setting a shorter first duration as the first duration threshold can avoid situations where the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold and cannot be fully and timely detected. If the ice-making process in a refrigerator shares the same evaporator with the refrigerator's refrigeration and freezing functions, the cooling energy provided for the ice-making process is relatively small, and the temperature drops more slowly. Therefore, using a longer second duration as the first temperature threshold can avoid unnecessary temperature detection, data storage, and judgment processes over an extended period of time.

[0082] Combine Figure 7 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an ice-making control method for a refrigerator, including steps S701 to S705.

[0083] Step S701: When the refrigerator starts making ice, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in a first ice-making mode.

[0084] Step S702: obtaining the ice mold temperature of the ice mold.

[0085] Step S703: When the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the second ice-making mode, wherein the speed of the compressor in the first ice-making mode is greater than the speed of the compressor in the second ice-making mode.

[0086] Step S704 , recording a first duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, a second duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, and the duration of the ice making process.

[0087] Step S705 , when the first duration is greater than the first duration threshold, the second duration is greater than the second duration threshold, and the running time of the ice-making process is greater than the first running time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to stop making ice.

[0088] By adopting the ice-making control method for a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application, during the ice-making process, a first duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, a second duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a second temperature threshold, and the running time of the ice-making process are recorded, and ice-making is exited when the first duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the second duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, and the running time of the ice-making process all meet the set conditions. This can ensure that the interior of the produced ice cubes is completely frozen, and avoid the situation where the outside of the ice cubes is frozen but the inside is not completely frozen due to relying solely on the ice mold temperature to control the stopping of ice-making.

[0089] The second temperature threshold is smaller than the first temperature threshold. More specifically, in some embodiments, the second temperature threshold is 5° C. smaller than the first temperature threshold.

[0090] As an example, the first duration threshold value ranges from [25 min, 35 min], and the second duration threshold value ranges from [40 min, 60 min]. In some embodiments, the first running time threshold value ranges from [60 min, 200 min].

[0091] In the case where the refrigerator includes an ice-making fan, optionally, when the refrigerator starts making ice, the ice-making control method of the refrigerator further includes: recording the running time of the ice-making fan. Controlling the refrigerator to stop making ice includes: controlling the refrigerator to stop making ice when the first duration is greater than the third duration threshold, the second duration is greater than the fourth duration threshold, the running time of the ice-making process is greater than the second running time threshold, and the running time of the ice-making fan is greater than the third running time threshold. It should be noted here that during actual operation, the operation of the ice-making fan may be discontinuous and may be restarted after pausing during operation. Therefore, the above-mentioned running time of the ice-making fan is the cumulative running time of the ice-making fan after the start of ice making. In this way, further considering the impact of the running time of the ice-making fan on the ice-making process is conducive to further ensuring the accuracy of the judgment and ensuring that the inside of the ice cubes are completely frozen when the operation stops.

[0092] As an example, the value ranges of the third duration threshold, the fourth duration threshold, the second operation duration threshold, and the third operation duration threshold are provided here. The value range of the third duration threshold is [25min, 35min]; the value range of the fourth duration threshold is [40min, 60min]; the value range of the second operation duration threshold is [60min, 140min]; and the value range of the third operation duration threshold is [60min, 140min].

[0093] In some embodiments, when the ice-making fan operating time is added as a judgment basis, the second operating time threshold is set to be less than the first operating time threshold. Compared with using the first duration of the ice mold temperature being less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the second duration of the ice mold temperature being less than or equal to the second temperature threshold, and the operating time of the ice-making process as judgment basis, adding the ice-making fan operating time as a judgment basis is conducive to improving the accuracy of the judgment. Compared with the case where the ice-making fan operating time is not used, a shorter operating time threshold can ensure the accuracy of the judgment and avoid waste of resources caused by excessive ice-making time, which is conducive to saving energy consumption.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the refrigerator includes one or more processors 801 for implementing the ice-making control method for the refrigerator as described above.

[0095] In some embodiments, the refrigerator may include a computer-readable storage medium 809, which may store programs that can be called by the processor 801 and may include non-volatile storage media. In some embodiments, the refrigerator may include a memory 808 and an interface 807. In some embodiments, the refrigerator may also include other hardware depending on the actual application.

[0096] The computer-readable storage medium 809 of the embodiment of the present application stores a program thereon, which, when executed by the processor 801, is used to implement the ice-making control method for the refrigerator as described above.

[0097] The present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-readable storage media 809 (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing program code. Computer-readable storage media 809 include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, and information storage can be implemented by any method or technology. The information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer-readable storage media 809 include but are not limited to: phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, read-only compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device.

[0098] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "middle", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0099] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0100] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0101] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to," "disposed on," "fixed on," or "installed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. Furthermore, when an element is considered to be "fixedly connected" to another element, the two may be fixed in a detachable connection manner or in a non-detachable connection manner, such as socketing, snap-fitting, integral molding, welding, etc., which can be achieved in traditional technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0102] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included in the scope of protection of this specification.

[0103] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, the phrase "comprises a ..." defining an element does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

Claims

1. A method for controlling ice making in a refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a compressor and an ice mold, wherein the compressor is used to drive a refrigeration cycle inside the refrigerator; The ice making control method comprises: When the refrigerator starts making ice, controlling the refrigerator to operate in a first ice-making mode; obtaining an ice mold temperature of the ice mold; When the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, controlling the refrigerator to operate in a second ice-making mode; Wherein, the rotation speed of the compressor in the first ice-making mode is greater than the rotation speed of the compressor in the second ice-making mode.

2. The ice making control method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerator includes: an ice-making evaporator and a flow regulating valve, wherein the ice-making evaporator is used to provide cooling capacity for the ice-making process; the flow regulating valve is connected to the ice-making evaporator and is configured to regulate the flow of refrigerant flowing through the ice-making evaporator; The controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes: Controlling the flow regulating valve to open to a first opening; The controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: Controlling the flow regulating valve to open to a second opening degree; Wherein, the first opening is greater than the second opening.

3. The ice making control method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerator includes an ice-making blower for regulating air circulation in the space where the ice mold is located; The controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes: controlling the ice-making fan to operate at a first speed; The controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: controlling the ice-making fan to operate at a second speed; Wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed.

4. The ice making control method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerator includes a refrigeration damper and a freezing damper, wherein the refrigeration damper is used to control the air flow rate of the refrigerator compartment, and the freezing damper is used to control the air flow rate of the freezer compartment; and controlling the refrigerator to operate in the first ice-making mode includes: The opening of the refrigeration damper is controlled to be reduced by a first opening relative to the opening of the refrigeration damper before the refrigerator starts making ice, and / or the opening of the freezing damper is controlled to be reduced by a second opening relative to the opening of the freezing damper before the refrigerator starts making ice.

5. The ice making control method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerator includes a refrigeration damper and a freezing damper, wherein the refrigeration damper is used to control the air flow rate of the refrigerator compartment, and the freezing damper is used to control the air flow rate of the freezer compartment; and controlling the refrigerator to operate in the second ice-making mode includes: The opening of the refrigeration damper is controlled to be reduced by a third opening relative to the opening of the refrigeration damper in the first ice-making mode of the refrigerator, and / or the opening of the freezing damper is controlled to be reduced by a fourth opening relative to the opening of the freezing damper in the first ice-making mode of the refrigerator.

6. The ice making control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Desirably obtaining the ice mold temperature comprises: When the duration for which the refrigerator operates in the first ice-making mode reaches a first duration threshold, the ice mold temperature is obtained.

7. The ice making control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a first evaporator for providing cold energy for a refrigeration process and a freezing process of the refrigerator, and a second evaporator for providing cold energy for an ice-making process. When the duration for which the refrigerator operates in a first ice-making mode reaches a first duration threshold, obtaining an ice mold temperature includes: When the ice-making device operates in the first ice-making mode for a first time period, obtaining the ice mold temperature; wherein the first time period has a value range of [15 min, 25 min]; or The refrigerator includes an evaporator for providing cold energy for a refrigeration process, a freezing process, and an ice-making process of the refrigerator. When the duration for which the refrigerator operates in a first ice-making mode reaches a first duration threshold, obtaining an ice mold temperature includes: When the duration of the operation of the ice-making device in the first ice-making mode reaches a second duration, the ice mold temperature is obtained; wherein the value range of the second duration is [25 min, 40 min].

8. The ice making control method according to claim 1, wherein: When the refrigerator starts making ice, the control method further includes: Recording a first duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, a second duration during which the ice mold temperature is less than or equal to a second temperature threshold, and a running time of an ice-making process; When the first duration is greater than a first duration threshold, the second duration is greater than a second duration threshold, and the running time of the ice-making process is greater than a first running time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to stop making ice.

9. The ice making control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The refrigerator further includes an ice-making fan; when the refrigerator starts making ice, the ice-making control method further includes: Recording the operating time of the ice-making fan; The controlling the refrigerator to stop making ice comprises: When the first duration is greater than the third duration threshold, the second duration is greater than the fourth duration threshold, the running time of the ice-making process is greater than the second running time threshold, and the running time of the ice-making fan is greater than the third running time threshold, the refrigerator is controlled to stop making ice.

10. The ice making control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The ice mold is detachable. Before the refrigerator starts making ice, the ice making control method further includes: In response to an ice making request instruction indicating a request to start an ice making function, obtaining a disassembly state of the ice mold; When the disassembly and assembly state is that the ice mold has been installed, the refrigerator is controlled to start an ice-making process.

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: ice molds; A compressor, used to drive a refrigeration cycle inside the refrigerator; and, One or more processors are used to implement the ice-making control method for the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the processors are connected to the compressor.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that A program is stored thereon, and when the program is executed by a processor, the ice-making control method for the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is implemented.

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