Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof.The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator container and a first cavity, a compressor is arranged in the first cavity, the refrigerator further comprises an auxiliary cooling device, the auxiliary cooling device comprises a heat absorption part and a first heat dissipation part, and the heat absorption part communicates with the first heat dissipation part through a circulating pipeline; a water pump is arranged on the circulating pipeline, and the circulating pipeline is filled with a refrigerant; the heat absorption part is arranged in the first cavity, heat exchange can be achieved between the first heat dissipation part and external air of the refrigerator, and therefore the technical problem that in the prior art, the temperature of a compressor of the refrigerator is likely to be too high when the compressor works can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of refrigerator technology, specifically relating to a refrigerator and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of refrigerator technology, built-in refrigerators are gradually becoming the preferred choice for consumers. However, built-in refrigerators pose a serious challenge to the heat dissipation of the refrigerator compressor compartment. Currently, the traditional heat dissipation method is fan cooling, which often fails to effectively dissipate heat under extreme operating conditions. This can cause the compressor compartment temperature to exceed the normal operating temperature of the compressor, reducing the compressor's operating efficiency and affecting the normal use of the refrigerator.

[0003] How to prevent the refrigerator compressor from overheating is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a refrigerator and its control method, which can solve the technical problem that the compressor of a refrigerator may get too hot during operation in the prior art.

[0005] The present invention provides a refrigerator, including a liner and a first chamber, wherein a compressor is disposed in the first chamber. The refrigerator also includes an auxiliary cooling device, which includes a heat-absorbing part and a first heat-dissipating part. The heat-absorbing part and the first heat-dissipating part are connected by a circulation pipe, and a water pump is disposed on the circulation pipe. The circulation pipe is filled with refrigerant. The heat-absorbing part is disposed in the first chamber, and the first heat-dissipating part can exchange heat with the outside air of the refrigerator.

[0006] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a second chamber, an insulation layer is provided between the second chamber and the first chamber, the circulation pipe passes through the insulation layer, the second chamber is adjacent to the inner liner, and an evaporator is provided inside the inner liner; the side wall of the inner liner closest to the evaporator is a heat exchange side wall, a second heat dissipation part is connected in series on the circulation pipe, the second heat dissipation part is disposed in the second chamber and abuts against the heat exchange side wall, and the second heat dissipation part is located downstream of the first heat dissipation part.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inner box includes a freezing chamber and a refrigeration chamber, with a heat insulation portion provided between the freezing chamber and the refrigeration chamber, and the first heat dissipation portion surrounding the heat insulation portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second heat dissipation part is a liquid storage box.

[0009] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a condenser and a fan disposed in the first chamber, and the first heat dissipation section is disposed between the condenser and the fan.

[0010] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a condenser and a fan disposed in the first chamber, and the first heat dissipation section is disposed on the side of the compressor away from the fan.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first heat dissipation part is a coil.

[0012] In some embodiments, the refrigerant is a potassium nitrate solution.

[0013] The present invention also provides a control method for a refrigerator, for controlling the refrigerator; the refrigerator includes a temperature sensor disposed in the first chamber, and the control method includes a temperature control method for the compressor, the temperature control method including: acquiring the temperature T1 in the first chamber; when T1 > T0, controlling the water pump to work; when the temperature in the first chamber decreases from T1 to T2, controlling the water pump to stop working; T0 and T2 are both preset temperatures, T0 > T2.

[0014] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a refrigerator liner, and the control method further includes a defrosting method for defrosting the refrigerator liner, wherein the defrosting method includes: when it is necessary to defrost the evaporator, controlling the refrigerator to activate the defrosting function, and simultaneously controlling the water pump to operate.

[0015] This invention provides an auxiliary cooling device that absorbs heat from the first chamber where the compressor is located. Under the action of the refrigerant in the circulation pipe, the heat is released into the outside air, thereby cooling the first chamber and the compressor. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator back panel and bottom panel assembly after disassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate, compressor, evaporator, fan, and condenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the removal of the auxiliary cooling device;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator after the back panel has been removed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerator's operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0024] 101. First chamber; 102. Second chamber; 2. Water pump; 3. Circulation pipe; 301. First heat dissipation section; 302. Second heat dissipation section; 303. Heat absorption section; 401. Compressor; 402. Fan; 403. Evaporator; 404. Condenser; 405. Insulation layer; 406. Insulation section; 407. Cabinet liner; 408. Freezing chamber; 409. Refrigeration chamber; 410. Heat exchange side wall; 411. Liquid storage box; 412. Base plate; 413. Evaporation plate; 414. Back plate. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0027] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] See also Figure 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet liner 407 and a first chamber 101. A compressor 401 is disposed in the first chamber 101. The refrigerator also includes an auxiliary cooling device, which includes a heat-absorbing part 303 and a first heat-dissipating part 301. The heat-absorbing part 303 and the first heat-dissipating part 301 are connected by a circulation pipe 3. A water pump 2 is disposed on the circulation pipe 3, and the circulation pipe 3 is filled with refrigerant. The heat-absorbing part 303 is disposed in the first chamber 101, and the first heat-dissipating part 301 can exchange heat with the outside air of the refrigerator.

[0030] When the temperature of compressor 401 is too high, the temperature inside the first chamber 101 is also relatively high. At this time, the water pump 2 is activated, and the refrigerant circulates in the circulation pipe 3. The refrigerant absorbs heat in the heat absorption section 303 to cool the air inside the first chamber 101. The cooled air then cools the compressor 401, thus preventing the compressor 401 from overheating. After absorbing heat in the heat absorption section 303, the refrigerant flows to the first heat dissipation section 301 under the operation of water pump 2. In the first heat dissipation section 301, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air outside the refrigerator, thus lowering its temperature. The cooled refrigerant then flows back to the heat absorption section 303 to cool the air inside the first chamber 101, and this cycle continues. By cooling the air inside the first chamber 101 and the compressor 401 in the above manner, the overheating of the compressor 401 is effectively prevented, ensuring the stable operation of the compressor 401.

[0031] The refrigerator also includes a base plate 412, a compressor 401 is mounted on the base plate 412, an evaporator plate 413 is mounted on the base plate 412, and the evaporator plate 413 is mounted below the condenser 404; the refrigerator also includes a back panel 414.

[0032] Preferred, such as Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerator also includes a second chamber 102. A heat insulation layer 405 is provided between the second chamber 102 and the first chamber 101. The circulation pipe 3 passes through the heat insulation layer 405. The second chamber 102 is adjacent to the inner cabinet 407. An evaporator 403 is provided inside the inner cabinet 407. The side wall of the inner cabinet 407 closest to the evaporator 403 is a heat exchange side wall 410. A second heat dissipation part 302 is connected in series on the circulation pipe 3. The second heat dissipation part 302 is disposed in the second chamber 102 and is in contact with the heat exchange side wall 410. The second heat dissipation part 302 is located downstream of the first heat dissipation part 301.

[0033] After absorbing heat in the heat absorption section 303, the refrigerant first flows to the first heat dissipation section 301 to release heat to the outside air (exchanging heat with the air). After initial cooling, the refrigerant flows to the second heat dissipation section 302. In the second heat dissipation section 302, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the evaporator 403 via the heat exchange sidewall 410, further cooling the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant then flows into the first cavity to cool the air inside, which in turn cools the compressor 401. Through this method, the auxiliary cooling device can better cool the compressor 401, improving the stability of its operation.

[0034] Preferred, such as Figure 5 As shown, the inner box 407 includes a freezing chamber 408 and a refrigeration chamber 409. A heat insulation part 406 is provided between the freezing chamber 408 and the refrigeration chamber 409, and the first heat dissipation part 301 is arranged around the heat insulation part 406.

[0035] When the refrigerator is working, the temperature inside the freezer compartment 408 is lower than that inside the refrigerator compartment 409. The refrigerator compartment 409 is used to preserve food, while the freezer compartment 408 freezes the food for long-term storage. To ensure that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 409 is within a suitable range, the insulation effect of the insulation part 406 determines the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 409. If the insulation effect of the insulation part 406 is poor, heat from the freezer compartment 408 will enter the refrigerator compartment 409 through the insulation part 406, causing the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 409 to be too low, resulting in the food not being as fresh as expected. The first heat dissipation section 301 is a ring-shaped pipe surrounding the insulation section 406. The first heat dissipation section 301 not only dissipates heat to the outside air but also exchanges heat with the insulation section 406. During the transfer of cold air from the freezer cavity 408 to the refrigerator cavity 409, the refrigerant inside the first heat dissipation section 301 absorbs the cold air (the first heat dissipation section 301 prevents the refrigerant from transferring from the freezer cavity 408 to the refrigerator cavity 409, and the refrigerant inside the first heat dissipation section 301 lowers its temperature after absorbing the cold air, which is beneficial for cooling the air in the first chamber 101 and the compressor 401), thus ensuring that the temperature inside the refrigerator cavity 409 remains within a preset range. Furthermore, when the refrigerator is opened, the cold air flowing out of the liner 407, especially the freezer cavity 408, will condense at the insulation section 406 (also the location of the center beam). Due to the design of the first heat dissipation section 301, the cold air flowing out of the liner 407 will not condense upon encountering the first heat dissipation section 301, improving user experience.

[0036] Furthermore, the evaporator 403 is disposed within the freezing chamber 408 and is separated from the second chamber by the heat exchange sidewall 410.

[0037] The freezing chamber 408 and the refrigeration chamber 409 are arranged vertically, and the heat insulation part 406 is also equipped with a central beam to bear the load.

[0038] Preferred, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the second heat dissipation part 302 is a liquid storage box 411.

[0039] By configuring the second heat dissipation section 302 as a liquid storage box 411, on the one hand, the liquid storage box 411 can store refrigerant, which facilitates refrigerant circulation and prevents refrigerant leakage from reducing the amount of refrigerant in the circulation pipe 3 and thus reducing the cooling effect on the first chamber 101 and the compressor 401. On the other hand, since the liquid storage box 411 is in contact with the heat exchange side wall 410 as a whole, the contact area is large, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange efficiency with the evaporator 403.

[0040] Furthermore, the power of the water pump 2 is adjustable, and the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant in the liquid storage box 411 and the evaporator 403 can be adjusted by adjusting the power of the water pump 2.

[0041] Preferred, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerator includes a condenser 404 and a fan 402 disposed in the first chamber 101, and the first heat dissipation part 301 is disposed between the condenser 404 and the fan 402.

[0042] When fan 402 operates, air first flows through condenser 404. The air temperature rises after passing through condenser 404, and then steadily decreases as it flows through first heat dissipation section 301. A portion of this cooled air circulates within first chamber 101 under the action of fan 402, further cooling compressor 401. Since condenser 404 is located within first chamber 101, this portion of air can further cool condenser 404 (resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature within condenser 404). A portion of the cooled air exits the refrigerator. Through this process, the air within first chamber 101 is cooled, thereby cooling compressor 401 and condenser 404. This not only ensures stable operation of compressor 401 but also improves compressor efficiency due to the lower refrigerant temperature within condenser 404, thus enhancing refrigeration efficiency.

[0043] Preferably, the refrigerator includes a condenser 404 and a fan 402 disposed in the first chamber 101, and the first heat dissipation part 301 is disposed on the side of the compressor 401 away from the fan 402.

[0044] By positioning the first heat dissipation section 301 on the side of the compressor 401 away from the fan 402, when the fan 402 is operating, air first flows through the first heat dissipation section 301, then through the compressor 401, and finally through the condenser 404. This allows for faster cooling of the compressor 401. Since the condenser 404 itself has a higher temperature, the air temperature after heat exchange with the compressor 401 is not higher than the condenser 404 temperature; this portion of air can still cool the condenser 404. Thus, this not only accelerates the cooling of the compressor 401 but also lowers the temperature of the refrigerant inside the condenser 404, improving the compressor 401's refrigerant compression efficiency.

[0045] Preferred, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first heat dissipation part 301 is a coil.

[0046] By configuring the first heat dissipation part 301 as a coil, air can flow through the first heat dissipation part 301 better, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the first heat dissipation part 301.

[0047] Preferably, the refrigerant is a potassium nitrate solution.

[0048] Potassium nitrate solution is a saturated solution at room temperature (25℃). The higher the temperature, the higher the saturated concentration of potassium nitrate solution. Potassium nitrate solution has the characteristic that crystals precipitate and release a large amount of heat when cooled, and that the precipitated crystals absorb a large amount of heat when they dissolve.

[0049] Initially, the circulation pipe 3 is filled with a saturated potassium nitrate solution. When the refrigerator starts working, the potassium nitrate solution exchanges heat with the evaporator 403 in the first heat dissipation section 301, cools down, and precipitates potassium nitrate crystals. The saturated potassium nitrate solution containing the potassium nitrate crystals flows to the heat absorption section 303, where the potassium nitrate crystals dissolve and absorb more heat. The potassium nitrate solution after the potassium nitrate crystals dissolve flows back to the first heat dissipation section 301 and exchanges heat with the evaporator 403 again, precipitating crystals. This cycle continues. By using potassium nitrate solution as the refrigerant, not only can the heat absorption and release efficiency of the refrigerant be improved, but since potassium nitrate solution is liquid, it can achieve heat absorption and release without high-pressure compression to change its state, resulting in lower cost and greater safety.

[0050] The present invention also provides a control method for a refrigerator, used to control the refrigerator; the refrigerator includes a temperature sensor disposed in the first chamber 101, and the control method includes a temperature control method for the compressor 401, the temperature control method including: acquiring the temperature T1 in the first chamber 101; when T1 > T0, controlling the water pump 2 to work; when the temperature in the first chamber 101 decreases from T1 to T2, controlling the water pump 2 to stop working; T0 and T2 are both preset temperatures, T0 > T2.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, when the air conditioner starts working, it continuously acquires the temperature T1 inside the first chamber 101. When T1 > T0, it indicates that the temperature inside the first chamber 101 is too high. At this time, the compressor 401 has a low working efficiency and needs to be cooled down. At this time, the water pump 2 is controlled to work, and the refrigerant in the circulation pipe 3 circulates. After absorbing heat from the first chamber 101, the refrigerant has a high temperature. When the refrigerant flows to the first heat dissipation section 301, the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the outside air is large, which can quickly exchange heat with the outside air to achieve cooling. When the refrigerant flows from the first heat dissipation section 301 to the second heat dissipation section 302, it exchanges heat again with the evaporator 403 through the heat exchange side wall 410 to cool down. The cooled refrigerant flows back to the first chamber 101 to cool down the compressor 401 and the condenser 404 at the same time, thereby avoiding the compressor 401 from getting too hot and also reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor 401, thus improving the compression efficiency of the compressor 401. By cooling the compressor 401 in the above manner, the compressor 401 can operate stably even in harsh working environments and under poor operating conditions. When the temperature in the first chamber 101 gradually decreases to T2, it indicates that the temperature in the first chamber 101 has been reduced to a reasonable range, and the water pump 2 is controlled to stop working; T0 and T2 are both preset temperatures, T0 > T2.

[0052] Both T0 and T2 can be manually set as needed, for example, T0 can be set to 70℃ and T2 to 50℃.

[0053] When the air conditioner starts working, the temperature in the first chamber 101 gradually rises. When the temperature rises to between 50°C and 70°C, the water pump 2 is not started.

[0054] Preferably, the refrigerator includes a refrigerator liner 407, and the control method further includes a defrosting method for defrosting the refrigerator liner 407. The defrosting method includes: when it is necessary to defrost the evaporator 403, controlling the refrigerator to start the defrosting function, and simultaneously controlling the water pump 2 to work.

[0055] When the refrigerator starts its defrosting function, the compressor 401 operates. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing from the compressor 401 first flows to the evaporator 403 inside the cabinet 407 to defrost the evaporator 403. When the compressor 401 starts working, its temperature rises. The water pump 2 and the compressor 401 start simultaneously. The refrigerant in the circulation pipe 3 absorbs heat in the first chamber 101 and its temperature rises. When the refrigerant with the increased temperature flows to the second heat dissipation section 302, it can defrost the evaporator 403 through the heat exchange side wall 410, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the evaporator 403.

[0056] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising a liner (407) and a first chamber (101), wherein a compressor (401) is disposed within the first chamber (101), characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes an auxiliary cooling device, which includes a heat-absorbing part (303) and a first heat-dissipating part (301). The heat-absorbing part (303) and the first heat-dissipating part (301) are connected through a circulation pipe (3). A water pump (2) is installed on the circulation pipe (3), and the circulation pipe (3) is filled with refrigerant. The heat-absorbing part (303) is installed in the first chamber (101), and the first heat-dissipating part (301) can exchange heat with the outside air of the refrigerator.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a second chamber (102), and a heat insulation layer (405) is provided between the second chamber (102) and the first chamber (101). The circulation pipe (3) passes through the heat insulation layer (405). The second chamber (102) is adjacent to the cabinet liner (407). An evaporator (403) is provided in the cabinet liner (407). The side wall of the cabinet liner (407) closest to the evaporator (403) is a heat exchange side wall (410). A second heat dissipation part (302) is connected in series on the circulation pipe (3). The second heat dissipation part (302) is located in the second chamber (102) and is close to the heat exchange side wall (410). The second heat dissipation part (302) is located downstream of the first heat dissipation part (301).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner box (407) includes a freezing chamber (408) and a refrigeration chamber (409). A heat insulation part (406) is provided between the freezing chamber (408) and the refrigeration chamber (409), and the first heat dissipation part (301) is arranged around the heat insulation part (406).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second heat dissipation part (302) is a liquid storage box (411).

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a condenser (404) and a fan (402) disposed in the first chamber (101), and the first heat dissipation part (301) is disposed between the condenser (404) and the fan (402).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a condenser (404) and a fan (402) disposed in the first chamber (101), and the first heat dissipation part (301) is disposed on the side of the compressor (401) away from the fan (402).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat dissipation part (301) is a coil.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The refrigerant is a potassium nitrate solution.

9. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator is used to control the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-8; the refrigerator includes a temperature sensor disposed in the first chamber (101), and the control method includes a temperature control method for the compressor (401), the temperature control method including: acquiring the temperature T1 in the first chamber (101), controlling the water pump (2) to work when T1 > T0; controlling the water pump (2) to stop working when the temperature in the first chamber (101) drops from T1 to T2; T0 and T2 are both preset temperatures, T0 > T2.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a refrigerator liner (407), and the control method further includes a defrosting method for defrosting the refrigerator liner (407). The defrosting method includes: when it is necessary to defrost the evaporator (403), controlling the refrigerator to turn on the defrosting function and controlling the water pump (2) to work at the same time.

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