Control method of refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a control method of refrigeration equipment. The refrigeration equipment comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, a first fan and a second fan, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged in an inner container, the first fan is used for forming a circulating air path in the first chamber, and the second fan is used for forming a circulating air path in the second chamber. The control method comprises the following steps that S1, the rotating speed of the second draught fan is determined according to the state of the first draught fan; s2, the pressure difference value delta P between the pressure value P2 of the second chamber and the pressure value P1 of the first chamber is kept within the preset pressure difference range Ps, delta P = P2-P1, and Ps is larger than 0 Pa; s3, a defrosting instruction is obtained, and the second draught fan is turned off; the rotating speed of the second fan is correspondingly adjusted according to the state of the first fan, so that one-way pressure is kept between the second chamber and the first chamber, airflow in the second chamber flows into the first chamber in a one-way mode, the situations of odor tainting and bacterial contamination in the second chamber are avoided, and the use experience of the refrigeration equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more particularly to a control method for refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] To meet market demands, integrated inner liner systems are often divided into different functional compartments using insulated partitions. For example, the freezer inner liner can be divided into a freezer compartment and an ice-making compartment. However, due to varying cooling conditions within each compartment, pressure differences can easily form between them. These pressure differences can be unstable, exhibiting both positive and negative values. This leads to cross-contamination between the compartments, causing odors and bacterial contamination in both, thus negatively impacting the user experience of the refrigeration equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for refrigeration equipment that avoids cross-contamination of odors and bacteria in a second room.

[0004] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a refrigeration device, the refrigeration device including a first compartment and a second compartment disposed in an inner liner, a first fan for forming a circulating air path in the first compartment, and a second fan for forming a circulating air path in the second compartment;

[0005] The control method includes the following steps:

[0006] S1. Determine the rotational speed of the second fan based on the state of the first fan;

[0007] S2. Maintain the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure value P2 of the second chamber and the pressure value P1 of the first chamber within a preset pressure difference range Ps, where ΔP = P2 - P1, Ps > 0 Pa;

[0008] S3. Obtain the defrosting command and shut down the second fan.

[0009] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, if the first fan is in the on state, the second fan is controlled to run at a preset speed V1; if the first fan is in the off state, the second fan is controlled to run at a preset speed V2, wherein V1 > V2.

[0010] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, when the first fan is in the on state, the speed of the second fan is adjusted according to the speed of the first fan.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the preset pressure difference range Ps < the ultimate pressure difference Pmax, wherein the ultimate pressure difference Pmax is between 3 Pa and 20 Pa.

[0012] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the control method further includes step S4: after defrosting, the second fan is turned on, and the first fan is turned on after a preset time Ts.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, when the first fan is in the off state and the refrigeration equipment is not in the defrosting state, the second fan is controlled to run at a preset speed V2.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration device further includes a sealing structure forming an evaporation chamber, the sealing structure having an air outlet connecting the evaporation chamber and the second chamber and an air return port connecting the evaporation chamber and the second chamber, wherein the communication area between the air outlet and the evaporation chamber is not less than the communication area between the air return port and the evaporation chamber.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration device further includes a sealing structure forming an evaporation chamber, the sealing structure having a drain outlet communicating with the evaporation chamber, and the second fan being disposed inside the evaporation chamber and adjacent to the drain outlet.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration device further includes a partition assembly separating the first compartment and the second compartment, a sealing strip connecting the partition assembly and abutting against the inner liner, and a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the second compartment, the second pressure sensor being disposed in the second compartment and adjacent to the sealing strip.

[0017] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment is configured as a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment, and the second compartment is configured as an ice-making compartment.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiments of the present invention, the rotation speed of the second fan is adjusted according to the state of the first fan, so that the second chamber and the first chamber maintain unidirectional pressure, thereby allowing the airflow in the second chamber to flow into the first chamber in one direction, avoiding cross-contamination of odors and bacterial contamination in the second chamber, and improving the user experience of the refrigeration equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the refrigeration equipment in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the packet structure;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Control flowchart of the preferred embodiment of the refrigeration equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0024] It should be understood that terms such as "upper," "lower," "outer," and "inner," used herein to indicate spatial relative position, are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms "spatial relative position" may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0025] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigeration device that can be configured as a refrigerator, upright freezer, wine cabinet, freezer, icebox, etc., and is especially suitable for refrigerators.

[0026] The refrigeration equipment includes a housing and a door movably connected to the housing. The housing defines a refrigeration compartment and a door for opening or closing the refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration compartment can be configured as a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, an ice-making compartment, or a variable-temperature compartment, etc. The ice-making compartment can be located inside the freezer compartment or the refrigerator compartment, or it can be located separately on the door. An ice maker is installed inside the ice-making compartment. The refrigeration equipment also includes a refrigeration system that supplies cooling capacity to the refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube, an evaporator, etc., and these components are connected by pipes to form a refrigeration circuit.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 As shown, specifically, the refrigeration device includes a first compartment 101 and a second compartment 102 disposed in the inner liner 10. In this embodiment, the housing includes an inner liner 10 forming the refrigeration compartment, and the refrigeration compartment includes a first compartment 101 and a second compartment 102 that are separated from each other, that is, the first compartment 101 and the second compartment 102 share the inner liner 10.

[0028] Reference Figure 2As shown, specifically, the refrigeration equipment includes a first fan 20 for forming a circulating air path in the first compartment 101 and a second fan 30 for forming a circulating air path in the second compartment 102. In this embodiment, the refrigeration equipment also includes a first evaporator for providing cooling capacity to the first compartment 101 and a second evaporator 70 for providing cooling capacity to the second compartment. The first compartment 101 and the second compartment 102 are cooled by separate evaporators to meet their different cooling needs. The cooling capacity generated by the first evaporator is transferred to all parts of the first compartment 101 through the first fan 20, and the cooling capacity generated by the second evaporator 70 is transferred to all parts of the second compartment 102 through the second fan.

[0029] Specifically, the refrigeration equipment further includes a sealing structure forming the evaporation chamber 401. In this embodiment, the sealing structure is disposed in the second chamber 102, and the sealing structure includes a first shell 405 and a second shell 406 connected to each other. The evaporation chamber 401 is formed by the first shell 405 and the second shell 406 enclosing each other.

[0030] Specifically, the encapsulation structure has an air outlet 402 connecting the evaporation chamber 401 and the second chamber 102, and a return air outlet 403 connecting the evaporation chamber 401 and the second chamber 102. In this embodiment, the second evaporator 70 is disposed in the evaporation chamber 401. The cold air generated by the second evaporator 70 in the evaporation chamber 401 flows into the second chamber 102 through the air outlet 402. After heat exchange in the second chamber 102, the cold air flows back into the evaporation chamber 401 through the return air outlet 403.

[0031] Specifically, the communication area between the air outlet 402 and the evaporation chamber 401 is not less than the communication area between the return air outlet 403 and the evaporation chamber 401. In this embodiment, under the same conditions, the gas flow rate of the air outlet 402 connecting the evaporation chamber 401 and the second chamber 102 is greater than or equal to the gas flow rate of the return air outlet 403 connecting the evaporation chamber 401 and the second chamber 102. For example, when the encapsulation structure has only one air outlet 402 and one return air outlet 403, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet 402 is not less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the return air outlet 403. As another example, when the encapsulation structure has multiple air outlets 402 and multiple return air outlets 403, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all air outlets 402 is not less than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all return air outlets 403.

[0032] Preferably, the communication area between the air outlet 402 and the evaporation chamber 401 is greater than the communication area between the return air outlet 403 and the evaporation chamber 401. Therefore, when the second fan 30 operates continuously, the gas outflow from the evaporation chamber 401 is greater than the gas output, causing an increase in the pressure value within the second chamber 102 connected to it (i.e., the evaporation chamber 401). Consequently, the second chamber 102 continuously maintains a unidirectional pressure relative to the first chamber 101, that is, the second chamber 102 continuously maintains a positive pressure relative to the first chamber 101.

[0033] Preferably, the communication area between the air outlet 402 and the evaporation chamber 401 is M1, and the communication area between the return air outlet 403 and the evaporation chamber 401 is M2, wherein the value of M1:M2 is greater than or equal to 1.1:1.

[0034] Specifically, the sealing structure has a drain port 404 communicating with the evaporation chamber 401. In this embodiment, the sealing structure includes a water receiving tray, at least a portion of which is located at the bottom of the second evaporator 70. The water receiving tray is used to receive water flowing down from the second evaporator 70 and the second fan 30, such as defrosting water generated during defrosting of the second evaporator 70. The water receiving tray includes a bottom wall and side walls surrounding the bottom wall. An air outlet 402 and an air return vent 403 are formed on the side walls of the water receiving tray. The refrigeration equipment also includes a drain pipe that connects to the drain port 404. The drain pipe communicates with the outside of the refrigeration equipment, such as an evaporation dish located at the condenser. Therefore, the evaporation chamber 401 can communicate with the external environment of the refrigeration equipment through the drain port 404 and the drain pipe. Thus, water accumulated in the water receiving tray flows into the drain pipe through the drain port 404 and flows out through the drain pipe, for example, into the evaporation dish.

[0035] Furthermore, the second fan 30 is disposed within the evaporation chamber 401 and adjacent to the drain outlet 404. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 The second fan 30 and the drain outlet 404 are located on the same side of the evaporation chamber 401, while the second evaporator 70 is located on the opposite side of the evaporation chamber 401. Because the second fan 30 and the drain outlet 404 are arranged adjacent to each other, when the second fan 30 discharges gas from the evaporation chamber 401, it can replenish sufficient external air through the drain outlet 404. This ensures that the second chamber 102 maintains a continuous unidirectional pressure relative to the first chamber 101, i.e., the second chamber 102 continuously maintains a positive pressure relative to the first chamber 101.

[0036] Specifically, to avoid the influence of external air on the temperature inside the evaporation chamber 401, the outlet of the second fan 30 is aligned with the outlet 402, and the inlet of the second fan 30 is aligned with the second evaporator 70. The inlet of the second fan 30 and the second evaporator 70 are spaced apart. After external air flows into the evaporation chamber 401 through the drain port 404, it flows through the gap between the second fan 30 and the second evaporator 70 to the inlet of the second fan 30.

[0037] Specifically, the refrigeration device further includes a partition assembly 50 separating the first compartment 101 and the second compartment 102, a sealing strip 60 connecting the partition assembly 50 and abutting against the inner liner 10, and a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the second compartment 102. In this embodiment, the refrigeration device also includes a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the first compartment 101. The first pressure sensor is disposed in the first compartment 101, and both the first and second pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure (unit Pa) within the compartment.

[0038] Furthermore, the second pressure sensor is disposed within the second chamber 102 and adjacent to the sealing strip 60. In this embodiment, gas flow may exist between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 at the sealing strip 60, and the second pressure sensor is adjacent to the sealing strip 60, specifically located as shown below. Figure 1 At point A, the accuracy of the pressure value detection in the second compartment 102 can be ensured. The partition assembly 50 includes a first partition 501 connected to the inner liner 10, a second partition 502 connected to the first partition, a sealing strip 60 connected to the second partition 502 and abutting against the inner liner 10, and the sealing strip 60 is embedded in at least a portion of the periphery of the second partition 502.

[0039] Specifically, the first compartment 101 is configured as a freezer or refrigerator, and the second compartment 102 is configured as an ice-making compartment. In this embodiment, the second compartment 102 is preferably configured as an ice-making compartment, while the first compartment 101 can be configured as a freezer, refrigerator, or variable temperature compartment. Because the second compartment 102 maintains a unidirectional pressure relative to the first compartment 101, the gas in the second compartment 102 flows unidirectionally to the first compartment 101, preventing the gas in the first compartment 101 from flowing to the second compartment 102, thereby preventing the ice in the second compartment 102 from being affected by odors or contamination from the first compartment 101.

[0040] In an embodiment not shown, the second compartment 102 may be configured as an ice-making compartment within the door, while the first compartment 101 may be configured as a refrigerator compartment. Alternatively, the second compartment 102 may be configured as a freezer compartment, while the first compartment 101 may be configured as a refrigerator compartment or a variable temperature compartment.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, a specific embodiment of the present invention also relates to a control method for a refrigeration device, the structure and function of which are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the refrigeration equipment provided in the above embodiments relates to a control method for refrigeration equipment, the control method comprising the following steps:

[0043] Step S1: Determine the rotational speed of the second fan 30 based on the state of the first fan 20;

[0044] Step S2: Maintain the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure value P2 of the second compartment 102 and the pressure value P1 of the first compartment 101 within a preset pressure difference range Ps, where ΔP = P2 - P1, Ps > 0 Pa;

[0045] Step S3: Obtain the defrosting command and turn off the second fan 30.

[0046] In this embodiment, in step S1, the state of the first fan 20 includes an on state and a off state. After determining the rotational speed of the second fan 30 based on the state of the first fan 20, the second fan 30 is controlled to operate at a constant rotational speed.

[0047] In step S2, it is determined whether the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure value P2 of the second compartment 102 and the pressure value P1 of the first compartment 101 is within the preset pressure difference range Ps. If the pressure difference ΔP is not within the pressure difference range Ps, the process returns to step S1 (i.e., the second fan 30 is controlled to run at a constant speed). If the pressure difference ΔP is within the pressure difference range Ps, the next step can be performed (e.g., defrosting is performed in step S3).

[0048] In step S3, the defrosting command can be a defrosting signal sensed by a defrosting sensor, such as the evaporator operating time, the number of times the door is opened and closed, etc. If the first fan 20 in step S1 is in the off state, after obtaining the defrosting command in step S3, only the second fan 30 needs to be turned off; if the first fan 20 in step S1 is in the on state, after obtaining the defrosting command, both the first fan 20 and the second fan 30 need to be turned off, thus facilitating defrosting.

[0049] The speed of the second fan 30 is adjusted according to the status of the first fan 20, so that the second chamber 101 and the first chamber 102 maintain unidirectional pressure, thereby allowing the airflow in the second chamber 102 to flow unidirectionally into the first chamber 101, avoiding cross-contamination of odors and bacterial contamination in the second chamber 102, and improving the user experience of the refrigeration equipment.

[0050] Specifically, in step S1, if the first fan 20 is in the on state, the second fan 30 is controlled to run at a preset speed V1; if the first fan 20 is in the off state, the second fan 30 is controlled to run at a preset speed V2, where V1 > V2.

[0051] In this embodiment, in step S1, when the first fan 20 is running, it increases the pressure value inside the first chamber 101. At this time, the second fan 30 is controlled to run at a relatively high speed V1 at a constant speed, ensuring that the unidirectional pressure between the second chamber 102 and the first chamber 101 can be continuously maintained in step S2. In step S1, when the first fan 20 is off, the pressure value inside the first chamber 101 is relatively low. At this time, the second fan 30 is controlled to run at a relatively low speed V2, ensuring that the unidirectional pressure between the second chamber 102 and the first chamber 101 can be continuously maintained in step S2 while saving energy.

[0052] Furthermore, in step S2, when the first fan 20 is in the on state, the speed of the second fan 30 is adjusted according to the speed of the first fan 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the first fan 20 can be constant or adjustable during operation to meet the different cooling needs of the first compartment 101. In step S2, if the rotational speed of the first fan 20 changes during operation, the rotational speed of the second fan 30 is adjusted accordingly. This ensures that the unidirectional pressure between the second compartment 102 and the first compartment 101 is maintained continuously in step S2, while also saving energy. The rotational speeds of the first fan 20 and the second fan 30 are always kept in the same proportion, that is, the rotational speed of the second fan 30 is adjusted proportionally to the rotational speed of the first fan 20, thereby simplifying the control procedure.

[0054] Similarly, in step S1, when the first fan 20 is in the on state, the speed of the second fan 30 can be adjusted according to the speed of the first fan 20, and is not limited to the speed V1.

[0055] Furthermore, the preset pressure difference range Ps < the ultimate pressure difference Pmax, where the ultimate pressure difference Pmax is between 3 Pa and 20 Pa. In this embodiment, the pressure difference range Ps is between 0 and Pmax, that is, the pressure difference value ΔP is less than the ultimate pressure difference Pmax, thereby avoiding an excessively large pressure difference value ΔP that would lead to a deterioration in the sealing effect between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102, thus affecting the sealing effect of the sealing strip 60. Based on the sealing requirements of the sealing strip 60 for the two chambers, the ultimate pressure difference Pmax is preferably between 10 Pa and 20 Pa, and more preferably Pmax is 15 Pa.

[0056] Furthermore, the control method also includes step S4: after defrosting, the second fan 30 is turned on, and the first fan 20 is turned on after a preset time Ts. In this embodiment, in step S4, after defrosting, the second fan 30 and the first fan 20 are turned on sequentially, so that the pressure value in the second chamber 102 increases before that in the first chamber 101, which facilitates the second chamber 102 to quickly reach the unidirectional pressure relative to the first chamber 101, and avoids the situation of unstable air pressure difference when the first fan 20 and the second fan 30 are turned on simultaneously.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S4, after defrosting, the starting speed of the second fan 30 is not limited to the preset rotational speed V2. For example, it can be a preset rotational speed V3, where the preset rotational speed V3 can be greater than the preset rotational speed V2, thereby accelerating the formation of unidirectional pressure in the second compartment 102 relative to the first compartment 101, or accelerating ice making. The value of V3 can also be determined based on the starting speed of the first fan 20, that is, ensuring that the rotational speed of the first fan 20 and the rotational speed of the second fan 30 always maintain the same ratio.

[0058] Furthermore, in step S1, when the first fan 20 is in the off state and the refrigeration equipment is not in the defrosting state, the second fan 30 is controlled to run at a preset speed V2.

[0059] In this embodiment, in step S1, when the first fan 20 is in the off state and the refrigeration equipment is in the defrosting state, the second fan 30 is turned off.

[0060] There are many situations in which the first fan 20 is in the off state, such as during defrosting. In step S1, if the first fan 20 is not turned off due to defrosting, that is, when the refrigeration equipment is not in the defrosting state, then the second fan 30 can run at the preset speed V2. At this time, since the first fan 20 is in the off state in step S1, step S3 only needs to turn off the second fan 30.

[0061] In step S1, when the first fan 20 is shut down for defrosting (i.e., the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode), the second fan 30 needs to be shut down to allow defrosting to proceed. After defrosting is complete, the second fan 30 is turned on again, and the initial steps of step S1 are repeated, i.e., the speed of the second fan 30 is determined based on the status of the first fan 20. At this point, step S2 can only proceed after the second fan 30 is turned on.

[0062] Alternatively, if the second fan 30 is turned off in step S1, the turning-on process after defrosting can be done in the same way as in step S4, that is, the second fan 30 and the first fan 20 are turned on in sequence.

[0063] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0064] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a refrigeration device, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a first compartment and a second compartment disposed in the inner liner, and a first fan for forming a circulating air path in the first compartment and a second fan for forming a circulating air path in the second compartment. The control method includes the following steps: S1. Determine the rotational speed of the second fan based on the state of the first fan; S2. Maintain the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure value P2 of the second chamber and the pressure value P1 of the first chamber within a preset pressure difference range Ps, where ΔP = P2 - P1, Ps > 0 Pa; S3. Obtain the defrosting command and shut down the second fan.

2. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, if the first fan is found to be in the on state, the second fan is controlled to run at a preset speed V1; if the first fan is found to be in the off state, the second fan is controlled to run at a preset speed V2, where V1 > V2.

3. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, when the first fan is in the on state, the speed of the second fan is adjusted according to the speed of the first fan.

4. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The preset pressure difference range Ps < ultimate pressure difference Pmax, where the ultimate pressure difference Pmax is between 3 Pa and 20 Pa.

5. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes step S4: after defrosting is completed, the second fan is turned on, and the first fan is turned on after a preset time Ts.

6. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In step S1, when the first fan is in the off state and the refrigeration equipment is not in the defrosting state, the second fan is controlled to run at a preset speed V2.

7. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment further includes a sealing structure forming an evaporation chamber. The sealing structure has an air outlet connecting the evaporation chamber and the second chamber, and an air return outlet connecting the evaporation chamber and the second chamber. The communication area between the air outlet and the evaporation chamber is not less than the communication area between the air return outlet and the evaporation chamber.

8. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment further includes a sealing structure forming an evaporation chamber, the sealing structure having a drain outlet communicating with the evaporation chamber, and the second fan being disposed inside the evaporation chamber and adjacent to the drain outlet.

9. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment further includes a partition assembly separating the first compartment and the second compartment, a sealing strip connecting the partition assembly and abutting against the inner liner, and a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the second compartment, the second pressure sensor being disposed inside the second compartment and adjacent to the sealing strip.

10. The control method for the refrigeration equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first compartment is configured as a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment, and the second compartment is configured as an ice-making compartment.

Images